Alright December Sleevers, I'm hoping that this title brings more people in so we can follow and encourage each other through our journeys.

I am 40. I'm 5'4" and about 308 right now. I'd like to get to a healthy BMI which would be around 145. I'm hoping for a December 4th or 5th date with Dr. William Johnson.

Everyone introduce yourselves!


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No date yet:

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• Besleeve It

Atlanta Red:

" So are the protein shakes basically the only protein you can get in during the liquid and purée part of post-op? I can handle premier protein. Hated muscle milk. Love Dannon light n fit Greek blueberry strawberry and vanilla so that's something else. Does that chicken broth have protein??? I'm so worried abt getting in enough protein to lose the weight and bc of hair loss "

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Protein shakes are a staple in my post-op menu from the NUT, or I can switch off with the protein shots or Isopure bottles. My clear liquid post-op is only 2 days thankfully. During those 2 days, it's protein shakes, shots, chicken broth, sugar free popsicles and jello, decaf tea/coffee/non-carbonated beverate.

Day 3-9, it's Full Liquid: again protein shakes, shot, drinks, non-fat 1% milk, dannon light and fit, sugar free jello/pops, fat free half and half, low fat strained cream soups.Then it goes to Pureed Day 10-20, Soft Food day 21-36, Finally : regular food trial..Day 37 & Forever. Protein shakes can be in there forever it looks like..lol

I also have a very hard time with sugar substitutes. I called my NUT and asked if I use agave instead and got a big fat no she said I could use stevia which I tolerate a lot better than the artificial stuff. In order to that I would have had to go buy a bunch more protein powder and then not eat the $80 I spent on the Sucralose sweetened ones. Yeah our family budget does not allow for me to just toss 80 bucks in the trash. So I powered through had a few of wicked migraines, luckily it has subsided now. I leave on Monday to make the 4 hour drive to El Paso for my post-op then surgery the following day.

I am making lists like crazy we have 2 different people watching my 4 kids because everyone feels all of them together is "overwhelming" we are coordinating school pickups drop offs for multiple children with different care givers. Ahhhh I just hope this goes well and want to get back to my babies as soon as possible! This by far is the worst part. To top it off I thought I was over the crazy tear inducing craving after being on liquids for 2 weeks and tonight I just wanted to sit down to eat dinner with my fam, and eat what they were eating! I am currently hiding from dinner by soaking in the tub.

Oh and one more! My mother who I asked not to tell anyone about my surgery (because I don't want to scrutiny and have to argue why I am doing it) told every family member and friend she has!!!! Ahhhhh she is watching 2 of my children so I had to tell her. Her response when I called her out was, "well you should have told them first" >. This was after she spent and hour berating me about my choice and telling me I am going to die in surgery and she needs a plan on how to raise my children.... Uhhhh hello I am in my 30s and I think my husband will have the raising of my children covered in the event of my death!

Wow that kind of turned into a rant...sorry I was initially trying to respond the the sweetener discussion.

I also have a very hard time with sugar substitutes. I called my NUT and asked if I use agave instead and got a big fat no she said I could use stevia which I tolerate a lot better than the artificial stuff. In order to that I would have had to go buy a bunch more protein powder and then not eat the $80 I spent on the Sucralose sweetened ones. Yeah our family budget does not allow for me to just toss 80 bucks in the trash. So I powered through had a few of wicked migraines, luckily it has subsided now. I leave on Monday to make the 4 hour drive to El Paso for my post-op then surgery the following day.

I am making lists like crazy we have 2 different people watching my 4 kids because everyone feels all of them together is "overwhelming" we are coordinating school pickups drop offs for multiple children with different care givers. Ahhhh I just hope this goes well and want to get back to my babies as soon as possible! This by far is the worst part. To top it off I thought I was over the crazy tear inducing craving after being on liquids for 2 weeks and tonight I just wanted to sit down to eat dinner with my fam, and eat what they were eating! I am currently hiding from dinner by soaking in the tub.

Oh and one more! My mother who I asked not to tell anyone about my surgery (because I don't want to scrutiny and have to argue why I am doing it) told every family member and friend she has!!!! Ahhhhh she is watching 2 of my children so I had to tell her. Her response when I called her out was, "well you should have told them first" >. This was after she spent and hour berating me about my choice and telling me I am going to die in surgery and she needs a plan on how to raise my children.... Uhhhh hello I am in my 30s and I think my husband will have the raising of my children covered in the event of my death!

Wow that kind of turned into a rant...sorry I was initially trying to respond the the sweetener discussion.

So are you from Albuquerque? I start my preop on Monday I think.

Hi Everyone,

I'm getting ready to be sleeved on December 5th....it is getting so close! Very excited and scared at the same time...

Yes. I am in Albuquerque. Are you doing yours in El Paso also?

Yes. I am in Albuquerque. Are you doing yours in El Paso also?

No here in Albuquerque at Lovelace Westside. Why El Paso? Just asking. Some of My family wanted me to go down there.

I'm getting sleeved on 12/18 and am very excited! I am also excited that I found this website and that I have learned so much from you guys already! Thanks!

No here in Albuquerque at Lovelace Westside. Why El Paso? Just asking. Some of My family wanted me to go down there.

I have Presbyterian insurance and they don't have a local bariatric center so they do all of the bariatric surgery through Las Palmas in El Paso. Its crazy, that there is a center locally and I can't use it! It would be so much easier on my family if I didn't have to travel.

I'm from El Paso! I grew up there! I could tell you some great places to eat! Lol.

I was last there in 2011 for my high school reunion.

I'm getting sleeved on 12/18 and am very excited! I am also excited that I found this website and that I have learned so much from you guys already! Thanks!

Me Too !!! Good Luck , have you started your pre op diet?

I have Presbyterian insurance and they don't have a local bariatric center so they do all of the bariatric surgery through Las Palmas in El Paso. Its crazy, that there is a center locally and I can't use it! It would be so much easier on my family if I didn't have to travel.

Yeah that is crazy. I with that insurance worked the same for all of us and all hospitals. I have 5 children to think about also. It would be hard for us since we are a blinded family.

WELL its almost here ... 1 hour and 27 minutes until i have to start my pre op diet..,. and i want some FRIED CHICKEN!!! I think i am going to run some where and get some chicken (thinks to myself what time does KFC close??)

*********LORD TAKE THE WHEEL***************

Hi Everyone,

I'm getting ready to be sleeved on December 5th....it is getting so close! Very excited and scared at the same time...

Im scheduled for December 3rd. I go in at 6am. Tomorrow I will be doing my grocery shopping and making different broths to enjoy post op. Monday I will clean and make myself a "recovery nest" as well as pack for the hospital. Today is the 1st day I've been anxious. I ate more than I wanted during Thanksgiving and I'm afraid if it will impact my surgery. I also drank a bit of wine. Although I'm only required a full clear liquid diet the day prior I am doing 2 days to help ease my fears. I am just ready to be on the other side already. I hope my husband is going to bring his A game. I need him.

</blockquote>Thanks so much!! What kind of unflavored protein powder is good? I know everyone has diff tastes but what are some of them?

No experience yet but I've read that the Unjury unflavored is good.

Hey December Sleevers!

I just received my approval last week and my surgery date is December 16th!!!! My process went faster than expected. It took about two months to get all my requirements done: Family doctor approval, Nutritionist appointment, and one psych eval. Have BCBS of IL. Im 27yrs old, 5'8 @274lbs. Ive always had a problem with my weight so im super excited for my day to come. Have you guys been apprehensive about telling people? I've had to stop since I keep getting all negative feedback.

Hello! I haven't been on the site for a bit and see that you have the same date as me! My approval process was much shorter than I thought it would be but I really took my time on the process of getting everything together. I spent that time making absolutely sure that this is what I wanted to do. I am very thankful that of all my friends and family I told, I only got one negative reaction. But, even with that, I realized that I was looking for other people's approval and validation for the decision. Eventually I realized that good reception or bad I had to make this decision absolutely for and by myself. It was relieving for me in a way and sort of solidified my decision. In any case, I hope for the very best during this pre-op time and even better for your surgery and post-op experience. I'm so excited and nervous! What an adventure!