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Hello Friends..im so happy i was approved today. i had my last visit on the 17th of last month. I have been on the pre-op diet for about two weeks awaiting approval. I meet with my surgeon on Fri @ 1pm and I am having my surgery Wed Aug 12!!!!! Im so excited and happy. I can't wait to start my journey to sexiness.:ohmy::thumbup::thumbup::thumbup::w00t::thumbup:

I am almost three weeks post surgery and been given the clear to eat anything that I can chew to the consistency of cottage cheese (that is ACTUALLY what the document said). So my question is this - how is it that I can eat 4 spoonfuls of cottage cheese and feel painfully full, but eat like ten bites of noodles (bad idea, I know) and I don't feel full at all? That doesn't make sense to me. Is it because noodles are less dense? I am worried that I have stretched my stomach out already - HELP!! I mistakenly ate 4-5 too many bites of Soup the other day and was in soo much pain - I am really stressing that I am damaging my stomach because of this learning curve. Jen

I food prep for the week but since surgery i am Finding that I make too much for my family and often have to throw food out. Part of the problem is we are not always eating the same thing so I still cook as though I am feeding 5 people in stead of 4. Anyone else find this an issue? And if so were you able to eventually stop over preparing as tome went on? How many you vets still food prep???

I was sleeved 3/11 I'm now 61. Had a sliding esophageal hernia. (in abdomen and chest-) That was the worst part. . Doing well right now. Going on 6 weeks. I feel for you and your band. I had a hard time with deciding to go with a band or do the sleeve. I did have 2 drains for 10 days. I am still glad I chose the sleeve! Message me--I will be happy to share experience.

I have asked this ? Before on here and several proper have said they use them. I think one lady said she was 4 weeks when she started.

I am 4-weeks post op, I lost a lot of weight pre-op (about 70 pounds) and have lost 45 pounds since starting pre-op two weeks prior to surgery. I am currently 430ish (just got back in town after being gone a few days so will weight in the morning) and I am 5'11" tall. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

I eat olives or a pickle when craving salt. Also there's a recipe for roasted chick peas that sounds good. I can't eat just a few pretzels or crackers so I'm trying to stay away completely. This week I've been having sugar free popsicles at night.

I was sleeved on 9/19 and lost 32lbs so far but have been at a stall for a few days

Hi! I will be three weeks out Tuesday and am in the "soft foods" stage. Is anyone at this stage eating salads? I'm getting hungry for one; funny I never enjoyed salads that much before I was banded. I am about "softed" out..........Thanks.

hi, after 5 months of various dr. appts. seminars, and an awful sleep apnea test, I was just approved. the insurance company only took 2 weeks. I thought for sure I would be rejected because I have a lower bmi. 35. I am 5'8 and weigh 240 but I have a huge family history of obeisity related issues. the only real health issue I had to keep me in the running for insurance approval was sleep apnea. (yeah) now I get to wait some more because my dr. is booked up until the middle of may.:scared2: now that I have my approval, I go back and forth between wanting to diet and get a head start on my weight loss, and wanting to eat until I cant eat anymore because I wont be able to do so after the surgery!!!! so far the diet is winning. (but its only been a week) just like every diet I've ever been on, I.m sure i'll give it up if I dont see immidiate results. cant wait to get this whole thing over with so I can wear cute clothes instead of coverup fat clothes.

VerticalSleeveTalk Newsletter Hey Sleevers!Welcome to summer! We hope you’re looking forward to some well-deserved rest and relaxation, to an exciting vacation or to some extra time with friends and family. VerticalSleeveTalk.com is the happening place to be this summer, and we’re always delighted with the kindness, insights and chatter that our members bring to create this welcoming community! Here are the contents of this month’s newsletter: Sleever Poll: Where Are You in Your Weight Loss Journey? Member Spotlight: Meet M2G! Summer Weight Loss: Tips to Help You Stay Focused! Weight Loss Surgery Safety: Hydration in Summer Things are heating up at VerticalSleeveTalk.com, so don’t miss a moment! Enjoy the newsletter, then head on over to the boards to talk about it – and whatever else is on your mind! Thousands of members are online, so come join the fun. Sincerely, Alex Brecher Founder VerticalSleeveTalk.com Sleever Poll: Where Are You in Your Weight Loss Journey? One of the great things about our community is that our members are all in different stages of their weight loss journeys. So, we’re curious – where are you in your journey? I’m still exploring my options for weight loss. I don’t know if weight loss surgery is right for me. I’m definitely going for bariatric surgery, but am not yet sure which type. I’m going for the sleeve and have set my surgery date (or am trying to get one set). I got my surgery already and am busy losing weight. I am within 15 pounds of goal weight or am already maintaining it! I am not a weight loss surgery patient, but am on VerticalSleeveTalk.com to support someone who is. Other. Choose your answer and tell us more on the discussion boards using this link! Member Spotlight: Meet M2G! This month, our Member Spotlight is on M2G from Colorado. This busy print graphic artist and student struggled with her weight for 15 years with yo-yo dieting. She didn’t have high cholesterol or blood pressure, but got the sleeve because she was “sick and tired of being fat.” Still hesistant to share her starting weight, this 5’6” woman says she was closer to 300 pounds than 250. Her surgery was in July 2010 and she is at a comfortable, non-obese weight! She’s also proud of her husband who’s approaching his two-year sleeve anniversary! M2G says that the biggest difference in her life has been how she feels about herself. She also appreciates the freedom that she has from not being “weighed down.” Now, she’s able to “do normal things” like climbing stairs and tying her shoes without thinking about them. Her great moments come from “not worrying about weight limits!!” She can go do whatever she wants now, such as sledding, going to Water and amusement parks and playing with her kids on the trampoline in the back yard. She also loves knowing that the clothes in her closet fit and look good, and that she doesn’t have to shop in the plus size section of the store. M2G is proud of her husband for getting off of his blood pressure medications after his surgery. The daily grind has been one of M2G’s greatest challenges. She says that hearing people say that “this surgery isn’t a magic bullet” is one thing, while actually living the challenge is something else. She had to learn to make the best decisions for her weight and health instead of trying to justify a cookie or some cheesecake. M2G says that from the beginning, she was grateful for the information she could get from VerticalSleeveTalk.com. Her surgeon was great but relatively new – M2G was only his 15th sleeve patient! As she says, “the forum was a lifesaver. Virtually “meeting” others who had been sleeved, and not only lived to tell about it but who also shared their experiences was so comforting.” She used it for reassurance that her symptoms were normal and also to get recipes and product ideas. Now, she takes comfort in knowing that the forums are always here if she needs them. Her advice for others is that “the sleeve is a tool; use it wisely.” She suggests underfilling the sleeve rather than risking overfilling it. Nearly three years post-surgery, M2G still eats only 1,100 to 1,200 calories per day. She also reminds other sleevers that the journey “has no destination.” You always need to mindful of your diet, and the sleeve will help. M2G, thanks for making time in your busy schedule to be in our Member Spotlight! Congratulations on looking great and on leading a healthier life with your husband! Do you like learning more about our members? Help us keep the Member Spotlight feature going strong by nominating a member on our Member Spotlight forum. You can also nominate yourself! If you’re shy and don’t want to post on the forum, just send Alex Brecher a private message that you want to be in the spotlight. Thanks! Summer Weight Loss: Tips to Help You Stay Focused! You can get off track with your weight loss if you lose focus during the long, hot days of summer. This year’s New Year’s resolutions feel like ancient history; the city streets are emptier because children are out of school and people are out of town on vacation; and in June, the summer ahead seems limitless. Don’t let the long, hot days of summer interfere with your weight loss. Here are a few tips to keep you on track. Set your goals. Make them specific and realistic, and work towards achieving them every day. Pick one or more events to “get in shape for,” and think about them as you’re sticking to your diet. An upcoming wedding, family reunion, vacation or summer party can keep you motivated. Stay positive. We can all feel a little bit down when it’s just too hot, but keep your eyes on the prize. Remind yourself to just take it a day at a time, and think how proud you’ll be at the end of summer when you’ve stuck to your diet. Reward yourself. An ice cream social isn’t the thing after weight loss surgery….but a trip to the beach can keep you cool. Pack a healthy lunch and hang out all day. Walking on the sand is a great workout! Go shopping. The air-conditioned mall lets you walk and window shop. It’s a great time to pick out your dream outfits so you can stay motivated to lose enough weight to fit into them! Don’t fight the heat – beat it! If it’s too hot, don’t exercise outside at high noon. Instead, keep to the cool hours of the early morning or late evening and drink plenty of water. You can also avoid the intense heat by going to the air-conditioned gym, working out at home or walking laps at the mall. Go swimming. Many public pools open in summer, so use the opportunity to try a new activity if you’re not a regular swimmer the rest of the year. Walk or jog in the pool, swim laps or take a water aerobics class. Freeze diet iced tea, lemonade made with a sugar substitute (such as Splenda) or a low-calorie diet juice drink (such as diet Snapple) in ice cube trays. When you get a craving for something cold and sweet, don’t go for the ice cream. Instead, grab an ice cube and save hundreds of calories. Prepare your Protein ahead of time. It’s too hot to cook or bake frequently. Instead, make enough grilled chicken breast, hard-boiled eggs, and lean ground turkey for several servings. Refrigerate or freeze your protein so it’s available whenever you need it without needing to turn on the oven or stove. If you follow these tips and stick to your bariatric surgery diet, you’ll see results by the end of summer. Let 2013 be a summer to proudly remember because you did everything you could to lose weight and get healthy! Weight Loss Surgery Safety: Hydration in Summer Everyone’s at risk for dehydration in the summer, but weight loss surgery can present an extra threat. Drinking can make you feel nauseous or too full. After surgery, you can’t have sugary treats like sweet tea or iced mochas, or carbonated soft drinks. Some patients even find that water doesn’t taste good anymore after surgery. So how can you stay hydrated? Try ice water. Jazz up your water with lemon, lime, or mint leaves. Try chilled diet iced tea. Try shaved ice with sugar-free syrup. Make low-calorie cold coffee drinks with sugar substitute instead of sugar. Drink sugar-free Kool-Aid, Crystal Light or another low-calorie fruit drink. Keep a water bottle with you all the time so you automatically sip on it between meals. Drink extra before and after workouts, and sip regularly as you’re sweating. Let your weight loss surgery motivate you to stay healthily hydrated this summer! When you get enough to drink, you have more energy and are less hungry. That’s what we have for this month’s newsletter! We hope it was motivating and helpful. Don’t forget that we’re always happy to hear member feedback, so feel free to contact us! If you ever want to look through the old newsletters, you can check them out, too. Thanks as always for your support! Take care of yourself and each other. Sincerely, Alex ============================================================== If you no longer wish to receive this newsletter, you may unsubscribe by going to your Control Panel and clicking on the Newsletters tab, or clicking on the following link: {unsubscribe}

Well, it didnt take long for BCBS of NC, to approve my surgery, however, my wait now is with the clinic. I have been calling everyday now, to get them to schedule me for my pre op appointment. I have been telling them that I am on a time limit, reason being right now with my insurance I am covered 100 percent, and if I wait until after June, the first of July, I will have to pay 3500.00 out of pocket. Big difference, especially for someone with financial problems to begin with. So, its not the insurance, or anything like that, everything went smoothly, now its the clinic, thats taking their sweet time. UGGH. They said that I will more than likely have the procedure done the first week of June, but I still have my 2 week pre op to do, and I think I will miss that deadline. Anyone else have any problems with their doctors taking their sweet time. I know that there are other people ahead of me they tell me Im second on the list. SO HOW LONG SHOULD IT REALLY TAKE!!!!>???? Anyway, I will keep you guys posted and give you a more defined date..

I'm 34 weighing in at 252 lbs. I've struggled with my weight my entire life. I've finally had enough, the day I could no longer strap into my favorite roller coaster was the day I started looking into weight loss surgery. I've decided on the gastric sleeve and am currently waiting to schedule my sleep study and attend the mandatory seminar for qualifications for my insurance. This is an amazing place to read information and I'm grateful to you all!!! Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G925A using the BariatricPal App

I think it’s what works best for you. First couple of weeks I had a legal pad and just noted all water, protein, etc. I now use Cronometer, it has app and website. I think most people use fitness pal.

HI, i had a hernia repair. I never knew i had one but i did have a problem with reflux. The doctor even showed me a opic he took of it. Mine went through the diaphragm and was "big". I had no clue...but i am so happy he fixed it. (the pic was kind of neat!)...anyways, i did have a lot of burping and gas in the first week...but i can't say that was fron the hernia repair..people have those symptoms from the band as well. I think overall, it can only be a good thing to get it fixed at the same time. Good Luck!

So was this an extra large person... or just an extra fatty liver? When I had my consult with my surgeon he told me that he wanted me to lose 35 lbs because at the weight I was the day of the consult (354 lbs) I might be pushing the limits of the tools. Now, I know I'm super obese... but I found it hard to believe that I would need to worry about being opened up, and I have lost about 10 lbs with 2 weeks left before surgery. Does fasting or liquid diet within the few days before the surgery really help reduce the size of the liver?

I did speak to the nurse in my PCP office and asked that they start the referral process... been a week and haven't heard anything yet. Not 100% sure on the surgery yet, but I definitely want the nutritionist and such... Sent from my SM-G920V using the BariatricPal App

I only go to the bathroom 3 times a week....is that normal because we eat so little?

I spent the first two-three days after surgery vomiting. After that, I'd get an isolated dry heave 3-4 times a week for the first month or so. All I can tell you is to hang in there, and it will go away.

Hi, I am booked in for a sleeve on 11th December 2017. Getting a bit jittery. I plan to stock up on a variety of post op fluids and will buy the protein water from Asda but what do they mean by clear soups? Do they mean weak Bovril or stock cubes? I just want to get it right and have a bit of variety. What worked for others in the first 5/6 weeks? Thanks for reading.

Hi I am 6 weeks post op and still can't eat anything solid... any help for a poor gal? I haven't weighed myself but shows in my face and clothes...

I have been eating too much of course! I went to see him and he has now put me on the waiting list and says I have been granted funding. They aim to do the surgery within 18 weeks he said but he also thinks it will be a lot sooner. I went to see the dietician again and she showed me the pre op diet. I think I might be able to do it but it will take a lot of will power! How did you do on the preop?

I am 4 weeks out and totally not in sync with the guidelines. Get a small 30cc cup and drink from that for awhile.

You've lost .57 lbs a day average which is great! Stalls happen (for me a lot) and they suck but your skin & stuff is adjusting during that and as long as you are drinking water and eating mostly protein you will lose. I started at 310 the first week of May, 285 on surgery day 5/25, and this morning was 188.6. 8 full months, 121.4 down.

Everyone's post-op plan is a little different, so you should check that. For me I was still on mushies at 5 weeks. And most people can't drink in the first few months post-op. Does that mean you can't go? I'd say it depends on how important it is to you. You could buy a thermos and/or container that keeps food/drink cold or hot and bring your own food for the day. Or just eat before and hope for the best that there will be a little bit of food you can eat. If it was me I'd only go to a wedding at that stage if it was someone really important to me. If that was the case I'd make it work, but it would require some planning I think.