Kimmes

I have been pretty active on this forum and also OH. I have made many new sleeve friends while on this journey and I really value the experience of those who have gone before me and the thoughts and questions of those who are just starting this journey like me. One friend on OH has really inspired me to focus first about getting to goal and once there figure out how to stay there. Her exact words were: Just get your ass to goal and then figure out how to stay there. I like that that. I know it is a challenge - I am a pretty straight forward, task oriented person. I will step up to the challenge. YES there will be pain and gas after surgery...to me that is an expectation. If by chance I am lucky and have smooth sailing all the better. But I personally have decided to expect it - not whine about it to my hubby, family, friends. I am knowingly putting my self in this position and its for the long run. I don't want to lose site of my goal. So if my pain is a day, week or month I will look at it as part of the journey. That pain and uncomfort are going to lead me to a much better place. I do not want to lose focus, I will work through it. I have endured childbirth, a hysterectomy I am confident that I can do this. I know I will be nervous as I pack my bags and head out the door leaving my hubby at home. But I have to do this for me - I want to do this for me and I am going to do this for me.

You will NOT fail - you have lots of support right here! COngrats on your loss to date, you are doing great! Kim

That is amazing congrats!

Are we getting excited or what??!!! We will get through the holidays and then let the new year begin! Imagine what we will experience in 2011! How exciting! Hopefully this time next year we will all be at or near goal and be experienced sleevers! I am pretty anxious to get through the surgery part and on to recovery. Heres to a healthy 2011 and beyond! Kim

You are doing excellent! Wowsa! Congrats on your weightloss to date! Be proud - that is quite an accomplishment!

I am scheduled for Jan 6th.... Happy New Year to us! I have been reducing my carbs, diet soda and increasing my Protein and H2O to prepare... will start my pre-op liquids on Jan 1st. Will try to significantly increase my Proteins over Christmas holidays - which will be a challenge with all of the holiday goodies that usually hit our office and parties at that time. But I know I have to change my entire life not just the size of my stomach. I am going to Mexico... how about you? Dr Ramos-Kelly is my surgeon. I am counting the days... let's see I board the plane 7 weeks from tomorrow - and in 50 days I will be sleeved! I am ready for a change in my life. Kim

Congrats on your date! NOvember 27th will be here before you know it! Wow - I have to wait until Jan 6th... best wishes to you on your journey!

OMG - My stomach just did a flip flop reading your story - how horrible! I am slightly lactose intolerant now (pre-surgery) and am really afraid of what will happen after surgery! I actually like Protein shakes now - but with skim milk or half water/half skim. I pray I don't go completely lactose intolerant after surgery! How do you do with other dairy products - cheese, cottage cheese etc? I will wait a while after surgery to give milk a try, I never want to go through what you described. I am sure glad you are feeling better and on the right track again! Kim

Congrats - what a wonderful Christmas gift to you!

Wow what at change! Congrats on your accomplishments so far! Excellent work!

Thanks for sharing! That is one of my favorite Casting Crowns songs! Sounds like you are recovering well from your surgery! Blessings and best wishes! Kim

Greetings! I have learned so much from so many people on this site - I want to say thank you! My surgery is scheduled for Jan 6th and it seems like a lifetime away! Tiffykins had some great advise for me as I prepare my body both physically and mentally for the change that is going to take place. She told me to start now eating Proteins first at each meal. Not drinking with my meals and just generally start eating like I will after surgery. Great advise! As I read I see some people track/log every bit of food that passes their lips (at least until they make goal and some even after). I would like to get opinions on exactly what is most important to track. I assume it is Protein, carbs and calories. So many of you have been so successful, I want to learn from those who are successfully working towards goal or have met goal. What do you track and where do you track it? I have hear some people use sparkpeople, fatsecret, fitday and myplate. What do you use and why. Sorry for so many questions. I want to make my goal and I think I can get some really good advise from those who have gone before me. Thanks in advance for your help. This site has been a great source of information, I appreciate all opinions! Kim,

Greetings! I have learned so much from so many people on this site - I want to say thank you! My surgery is scheduled for Jan 6th and it seems like a lifetime away! Tiffykins had some great advise for me as I prepare my body both physically and mentally for the change that is going to take place. She told me to start now eating proteins first at each meal. Not drinking with my meals and just generally start eating like I will after surgery. Great advise! As I read I see some people track/log every bit of food that passes their lips (at least until they make goal and some even after). I would like to get opinions on exactly what is most important to track. I assume it is Protein, carbs and calories. So many of you have been so successful, I want to learn from those who are successfully working towards goal or have met goal. What do you track and where do you track it? I have hear some people use sparkpeople, fatsecret, fitday and myplate. What do you use and why. Sorry for so many questions. I want to make my goal and I think I can get some really good advise from those who have gone before me. Thanks in advance for your help. This site has been a great source of information, I appreciate all opinions! Kim,

There are so many things that I am looking forward to! 1 -Weighing less than my husband! 2 -Feeling good about myself in a pair of shorts 3 - Buying jeans in a size 10.... I am aiming for that one to happen by summer! My journey begins January 6th!

Thanks Tiff you are always so positive and give great "straight on" and honest advise. I love reading your posts and replys! You have given me some great advise and I will begin preparing for my future today. I just made a Protein shake before I made this reply! Thanks for your honesty and support - it is greatly appreciated! Kim

My surgery is not until Jan 6th and I feel like I have to eat everything I want "now"- because I won't have lots of those things again for a long time. I have 62 days before surgery and surely don't want to gain any more weight - that will just put me further back from my goal. Did anyone else experience this? I don't start my pre-op diet until after Christmas but fell like I should really begin now. I did not qualify for insurance because my BMI was to low and not enough co-morbidities, so I am headed to Mexico. At this rate of eating I would hit the magic 40 BMI - yesterday I was at 39.4!! I think I have gained 10 pounds in the last month. I am going in the wrong direction, I feel like I have given up on losing until I have my new sleeve tool. I know that is the WRONG attitude. Did anyone else have their surgery scheduled so far in advance? Did you diet up to the big day or just start with the required pre-op? WIth the holidays coming I know it will be hard enough to just maintain my weight let alone lose weight.... help. Kim

Thanks for sharing! I am going to record this. I know the surgeon that I am using for my VSG in January does this and I was going to discuss it with him on a call soon.

Then looks like you were both in very good hands! Sounds like this Dr has a great follow up program as well.

Nate Newton former Dallas Cowboy and Minnesota Viking has lost an amazing about of weight since having VSG... I found this video and thought I would share - I am sure Cowboy fans (like Viking fans) could use some inspiration!

Please save a space (a small one at that) for me - Pick me up in January!

I am sending you and everyone having surgery today best wishes and prayers. Stay focused, walk - sip-walk! Congrats to you as you start your new journey!

I just have to say WOW! You two are looking mighty fine. Keep up the great work - it is so nice you are doing this together!

I wish you the very best tomorrow! How exciting! You should be feeling much better (and ligher) by the time Christmas rolls around. Just think about where you will be next Halloween! I will keep you in my prayers today and tomorrow. Stay hydrated, focused and turn to your friends here for any needed support! Kim

Here it is Halloween 2010. In 66 more days I will be having my WLS surgery! Hard to believe but getting more real each day. Next year at this time I hope to have lost 60 pounds by this date. That would put me at 177 - my final goal for now is 160, but who knows. This is a journey and I don't want to get to far ahead of myself. One week at at time or one month at a time is a good way to go. I have read all about post op diet, stalls, living, gas, acid.. and I think that mentally I am ready. I am currently wearing a size 16 jeans and all tops are 1x or XL. I would love to be in a 12 or better yet a 10 at this time next year. I cannot remember the last time I bought a medium top - that would be SO exciting. My hubby is super supportive now pre-surgery and hopefully that will continue post op. I have found several websites with lots of post op recipes and food tips that I have bookmarked and will turn back to when the time is appropriate. I am excited, nervous and anxious! I am worth this trip, cost, $$, time, effort and pain. I can do this ...I will do this.

Come on time...fly!