I've read mostly positive posts about Dr. Ortiz and OCC on this and other forums. A few people don't seem to like his "celebrity" status and I did find some older complaints about their bands. Anyone out there with bad experiences or complications with their sleeves from him?

Thanks for the encouragement too! Today has been much better! I had a wonderful omlet for breakfast and chicken and veggies for lunch. Dinner can be my protein shake. I went to the store and feel prepped for this week and bought a ton of different protein shakes and such to try. I too don't want my surgery rescheduled and would like to lose some weight before going.

 

I think I'm struggling more with the lack of sugar than the lack of carbs.

Yes, sugar addiction is crazier than you think. My mom sent me an article that explained what sugar does to our brains and bodies...it's more addicting than cocaine! I really thought I was "over it" since I really haven't had much sugar in over a year. No cravings, no nothing. Something even slightly sweet (like my daily protein shake) is more than satisfying. Then I went home for Christmas and loaded up on my mom's homemade cookies and bars. The taste of childhood, for sure! It was all really yummy, but by the end of the week I was jonesin for sweets big time. I spent the first 3 days back eating nothing but protein and veggies and another two weeks eating super healthy...really minimized carbs. Once I detoxed, getting back on track was easy and I easily lost the 4 pounds I gained during that week.

 

When it comes to sugar, the best thing you can do is go cold turkey to break the "sugar high" cycle. It sucks for just a short time and then it's like, whew....What was I thinking?! Like I said, this is all mostly a head game. It's not necessarily a fun game to play but definitely one worth winning.

Edited January 12, 201511 yr by Kindle

Absolutely! It is crazy. And trying this after my fill during Christmas is a bit rough. Alas, I will persist and it'll get better.

Recieved my deep breathing excersier today everything is getting real.. Surgery feb 6th.. Still trying to get the hang of this damn pre-op diet.. I struggle on weekends.. Any suggestions on packing im taking a carry on only like the small Rollin suitcase..

On my way to San Diego!! Here we go! ????????????✈️✈️

On my way to San Diego!! Here we go! ????????????✈️✈️

Yeah! Good luck! Let us know how you are doing. You are in good hands! Surgeon and his team are great.

Take comfortable clothes - maxi dress, yoga pants, those sorts of things. Stuff that's easy to put on and take off. You won't want a lot of constriction around your waist because of incisions and swelling. Pockets are handy if you have a drain.

Recieved my deep breathing excersier today everything is getting real.. Surgery feb 6th.. Still trying to get the hang of this damn pre-op diet.. I struggle on weekends.. Any suggestions on packing im taking a carry on only like the small Rollin suitcase..

Well, it's been slow going for me, but I finally, officially reached Onederland today! I am 19 weeks post-op. My starting weight was 260. My surgery weight was 236. And as of today, I am 198! Others might be disappointed by the slow loss, but I am very content with it. For one thing, I'm not having to replace clothes as often. For another, since my weight loss hasn't been drastic, I haven't had people asking me questions about what I'm doing to lose weight. And finally, I hurt my hip in November and haven't gotten back to exercising since then. I plan to start back at that today, so I suspect the weight will come off a little more quickly once exercise is back in the mix.

Anyway, I just wanted to share my happy news! I really feel like it's all down hill from here. I only have 18 pounds to go to 180, which is a weight I was really happy at a few years ago. And I only have 33 pounds to go until the goal weight OCC set for me. I have 43 pounds to go for a "healthy BMI", but I honestly don't feel any urgency at all to get that low.

I finally set a date after taking me a week to read all post. Me and my sister will be getting sleeved march 31st and we couldn't be more excited, but nervous at the same time.

Tomorrow is the day!!!!! Sooooo many thoughts running through my head!! Ugh!! Sooooo nervous and scared! I have never had surgery before!

Tomorrow is the day!!!!! Sooooo many thoughts running through my head!! Ugh!! Sooooo nervous and scared! I have never had surgery before!

I had never had any type of surgery either. And I said those same words to Dr. Ortiz on December 19th about being scared and nervous. He totally put me at ease with his bedside manner. You are in very capable hands. Dr. Ortiz and his staff will take very good care of you.

I have posted that my hubby wouldn't be able to come with me to Mexico.. Today his boss gave him the time off!! So i booked tickets before he changed his mind lol.. Needless to say still scared to death,. I think purchasing the airline tickets made it surreal!! I have to do the 3 week preop diet started it today starved to death needless to say.

I have posted that my hubby wouldn't be able to come with me to Mexico.. Today his boss gave him the time off!! So i booked tickets before he changed his mind lol.. Needless to say still scared to death,. I think purchasing the airline tickets made it surreal!! I have to do the 3 week preop diet started it today starved to death needless to say.

Pre op is the hardest part! Your gonna be hungry and will have to work hard, to stay focused on your goal, of getting to surgery! You can do this! I am 5 days post op and doing great. I followed my pre op to a T and I think it helped me a lot. I've had minimal pain and zero nausea or vomiting. Dr Ortiz WILL put any fears you have to rest during your pre op visit ( right before surgery.) He and his team are amazing! You won't feel alone. Best of luck and know that your on your way to better health!

Hello there so I'm on my this pre-op diet and the weight is coming off very slowly and I'm down 12 lbs however I have 20lbs to go and I'm scared that I won't lose it all and what happens if I don't lose it all? Will I still be able to have surgery? I'm scared that once I get there I'll be denied surgery then I just wasted a lot of money.. Has that ever happened? Hopefully you can ease some fears of mine..

@@mkw10 - are you drinking 60oz of water a day? The weight will come off! I'm a slow loser too but lost 20lbs by the end of my 21day pre op. My weight would stay put for several days and then drop again. What did Lucia give you for a minimum loss? Just focus on that number!