Let's get to know each other before our surgery...I'll go first.

My name is Amy (37 years old). I live in central FL with my husband and two kids, 3 yo DS and 4.5 yo DD. I work in IT doing technical writing and operational readiness. I love photography and have a small side business, and when I'm thinner, I really enjoy running and spinning.

I was banded in Nov 2009 at 374 lbs. From my banding until Dec 2011 (2 years), I lost 198 lbs. I was thrilled! Despite the occasional vomit and inability to eat certain foods, I was still 99.9% happy with my band. Right after Christmas this year, however, I got a terrible upper respiratory infection. I coughed and coughed and coughed. I coughed until I puked, which caused a slip.

I got a complete unfill in early January. Once the slip was fixed, I started getting fills. But then my band developed a leak and slipped once again. Since the surgeon I was seeing was less than helpful, I found a new surgeon, Dr. Domkowski, who finally treated me without acting like I was crazy, as my last surgeon did. Based on his recommendations and test results, we decided to do the removal and sleeve in two separate surgeries.

Dr. D removed my band on August 3, 2012. Because of the extent of damage done by the band, including scarring and pulling the fundus through the diaphragm, I am waiting around four months to be sleeved. I'd love to be banded on November 25, which would have been the three year anniversary of my band.

I've gained about 70 lbs since December. Sigh. The good news is my surgeon is not at all concerned about my weight gain. He is 100% convinced that I'll lose it all once I'm sleeved, since I was so successful with the band. I'm a bit of a goody two-shoes, and I followed the rules to a "T", and I intend to do the same with the sleeve.

I hope the next four months fly by!

Lets keep it in here. The November 2012 Sleevers folder. We can start a post-op thread on nov 1. And also kick off our New Years contest.

My nutritionist told me that she considers any protein shake made with water (as opposed to milk) to be a clear liquid. I am so happy to hear this because I can drink some of the Syntrax Nectar flavors that are meant to be mixed with water during my pre-op and post-op clear liquid days. I have ordered several samples but so far have only tried the Roadside Lemonade. It was pretty darn good.

Does anyone else have this same rule?

The egg whites sound very interesting...keep us posted, and thanks for the info.

So I was thinking... what do you guys think of starting a November sleevers post op thread?? That way we can still motivate and support each other....

Great idea! However, I think we should wait until November.

Hi all....my name is Cara and I am 35 yrs old single no kids from Southern NJ my surgery date is 11/19 at RJW hospital. I have battled my weight since puberty. I know weight has been a factor in my relationship status. I have dated some not so nice guys or guys who couldn't get pass my weight. I am not doing this for them though...I am doing this for me. I want to be healthier (high blood pressure and diabetes run in my family). I want to boost my confidence. Anyway I am glad I found this group

Hello cara and welcome! You have come to the right place for support.... the people here are so friendly and helpful, they have been a God send for me. Good luck on your journey

So I was thinking... what do you guys think of starting a November sleevers post op thread?? That way we can still motivate and support each other....

Definitely. I was surprised people didn't do that.

Hi all....my name is Cara and I am 35 yrs old single no kids from Southern NJ my surgery date is 11/19 at RJW hospital. I have battled my weight since puberty. I know weight has been a factor in my relationship status. I have dated some not so nice guys or guys who couldn't get pass my weight. I am not doing this for them though...I am doing this for me. I want to be healthier (high blood pressure and diabetes run in my family). I want to boost my confidence. Anyway I am glad I found this group

Welcome Cara I have been in your shoes a time or two as well and trust me GOD was just making way so the right man to come in to your life. Im glad you found this group to you will not be disappointed when looking for answers and the replies are almost instant. Welcome once again and good luck!

Hey, hey now! I'm CJ, employed, wife, mother, grand mother, dog owner, boo boo kisser, missing in action happy hour goer, advice provider, gift giver, recovering shopaholic & neighborhood watcher...SuperMom to the rescue! Yes, I generally take care of EVERYONE ELSE.

I'm APerfect10Again @ myfitnesspal.com

I have my GOALS set! I'm ready...

I'll be sleeved November 12, 2012-the MOST selfish thing I've ever done for myself & I'm happy with my decision.

TAKE CARE, GOOD LUCK & BE BLESSED!

Heading to the losers bench,

CJ

Hey, hey now! I'm CJ, employed, wife, mother, grand mother, dog owner, boo boo kisser, missing in action happy hour goer, advice provider, gift giver, recovering shopaholic & neighborhood watcher...SuperMom to the rescue! Yes, I generally take care of EVERYONE ELSE.

I'm APerfect10Again @ myfitnesspal.com

I have my GOALS set! I'm ready...

I'll be sleeved November 12, 2012-the MOST selfish thing I've ever done for myself & I'm happy with my decision.

TAKE CARE, GOOD LUCK & BE BLESSED!

Heading to the losers bench,

CJ

Alright then Ms. CJ you got me excited!!! Although I do not have all of those accolades under my belt you are exactly the person I would love to be when I am your age ( BETTER GET STARTED) lol... You will surely enjoy the group here as I may say so myself. They are the best group of pre-sleevers and are knowledgeable. If you have a day when your not so up and need to talk there are a bunch of eshoulders to lean on to include mines!!! WELCOME!

I dont know if calories are a concern when dealing with protein and how much protein to get in. I was thinking about 80 grams of protein like with the band, I dont know if thats right? However the protein I use has 250 calories but 40 grams of protein and I dont know if thats going to be bad either being as though we are going to be on pretty much of a liquid diet the first two weeks anyway. How many calories did they say we should consume post-op?? I am a self pay so I wont get any of that information until after the surgery. I kind of wish I went through my insurance to do it but I wouldnt be able to make all the obligations required so thats why im doing a self pay in MX. Any help you guys got would be appreciated thanks!

I'm going to Mx as well.... Dr. Alvarez sent me a paper with how much protein, calories, carbs..... 70-75% of all calories should be protein based, carbs should be 10-20% of the calories, diet should consist of 700-800 calories and 70 grams of protein first 6-8 months. Hope this helps

I'm going to Mx as well.... Dr. Alvarez sent me a paper with how much protein, calories, carbs..... 70-75% of all calories should be protein based, carbs should be 10-20% of the calories, diet should consist of 700-800 calories and 70 grams of protein first 6-8 months. Hope this helps

Yep exactly what I needed Thank you buckeye!!

Anytime.... glad I could help

Gee thanks a lot...it's tough being me! I'm sure I'll been leaning on a many shoulders.

Oh and what brand of protein are you using adorable? 40g protein wow!