Welp, the monthly support forum has not been updated for 2016. I know there's a thread somewhere for December & January sleevers, but thought I'd include you January peeps in honor of the upcoming year. Share your dates, doctor/nut/psych visits, tests, hopes, and whatever else you want to share pertaining to your surgery. Feel free to offer encouragement and cheerleading as warranted. Maybe everyone can link up with some sleeve buddies!

I'll start. I have 100 to 130 pounds to lose (no goal set yet). My sleeve was supposed to be in January. Instead, my husband needs to go out of the country on business in the middle of the month and can't guarantee he'll be back, so I'll probably be sleeved in February. It's frustrating to me because my insurance requires 6 months supervised diet. I finished that the week before Thanksgiving (U.S.) I'm scheduled to attend the final "class" they require all patients to take on Dec. 17. My endoscopy is Jan. 13. I could easily have made it in December, but hubby didn't want me restricted over the Holidays. (I had thyroid surgery with complications last year just before Christmas, so I understand how he feels.) Still, you can imagine my frustration now that my surgery needs to be pushed back again!

Who's next?

*Mods please move this to the appropriate forum when you update the support groups.

@@Licia2210 On the pre-op liquid diet, and taking a chewable multivitamin with Iron I got blocked up. Started taking Miralax, cause I didn't want to have that going into surgery. After surgery I didn't start the multivitamins yet because I hadn't gone since the day before surgery. Finally day 3 I had a small one, yesterday a small one. So if I keep going this way I will introduce the multivitamin back in. I realize on a liquid diet, like before surgery, I won't have the normal BM's I had before until my diet is regulated and body out of sugery shock.

My surgery was Wednesday. Woke this morning feeling a ton better. If I could get rid of the gas pain in my shoulder for good I think I'd feel like a new person. Had one BM during preop liquid diet and one on surgery morning at hospital (think that one was nerves) none since and I am on liquids until the 10th. I am SO just wanting some real food even though I am not hungry. I am super struggling with these liquids. And also everything sugar free tastes so artificial and nasty

I am going thru the same thing with food. Even tho I know I can't eat it even if I was allowed because I am always feeling full, I am yearning badly for meat! I so want to open that fridge and eat a small chunk of the meatloaf sitting in there that keeps whispering my name! LOL Or a dang cheeseburger without the bun! And during my recovery I began to notice how many stinking commercials on TV for fast food! WOW! And even more are starting now because of superbowl! Mainly I stay away from TV right now and read or play Mahjong on my computer!

My date is Feb 16th starting my pre-op diet tomorrow kinda nervous, excited, and confused all at the same time.

For those of you already sleeved, how are you making it through these liquids???? Ugh. I'm not hungry per say but o need real food!

Depends on how far out you are. My surgeon gave me the ok at 2 wks to have a scrambled egg if made very moist. I add milk before cooking. I have also blended Noodles and Company's hot pot entree. It tastes better that way. Check with your doctor. I also found Genepro powder supplement that I add to everything! It doesn't taste like anything but you get your protein without having to constantly drink the shakes. 1 tablespoon equals 30gm protein.

My surgery was 10 days ago and I can honestly say I feel pretty close to normal again!!! I had sushi with no rice yesterday and today and not having any trouble with it. I'm ready to start exercising now... :-) I live in the New Orleans area so it's Mardi Gras time. I was able to enjoy parades this past Friday, Saturday and Sunday. I packed my bag everyday with the foods and liquids I can have. It makes it so much easier when you prepare. I'm ready to start cooking again. I found great recipes on Pinterest for bariatric patients. Today is my first day back at work.

@@Leslie11 I did the exact same thing! The day of my surgery I was so calm, not nervous at all. Even after my surgery was delayed for almost 5 hrs. Now a week out my Taste is back (still

Not hungry but really enjoyed the flavor of cream tomato soup) before you know it, you'll be here. Easy peasy!

I really enjoy the cream of tomato soup as well :-). I had sushi yesterday and today w/o rice. Really enjoying that. I am now going to start trying different bariatric recipes I found on Pinterest. So happy to be past the clear liquid stage!!

I don't post a lot but I read a lot! Anyways, my coordinator called me today, I seen the # and I knew they were submitting to insurance this week, so I was a little excited, when she then informed me that my insurance group had changed and it was rejected! What happened was my pcp stopped accepting the ins group that was accepted at the surgery center, and long story short I had to switch back to the original group and change my pcp, which she said is ok because I don't need anymore referrals for the surgery.... I will have to change back later but as far as the surgery goes she is submitting again today!... I told my bf I don't know if I'm happy or want to throw-up!

I had my 1 week followup today. The Dr was very pleased to see I looked and felt really well. The pain from the surgery pretty much stopped on Thursday night. However Friday I developed terrible lower back shoulder pain. I think it is from the PT having used the belt around my back and underarms to get me off the toilet on Wednesday. The Dr didn't seem to address it so I am going to my PCP tomorrow and see if there is a shot or something he can give me as that pain is worse than the surgery pain I had. The surgeon said the incisions were healing well. He was glad to hear I am having no problems with keeping down the liquids, protein soups and shakes, jello and popsicles. He told me Tuesday I can start to eat an egg a day along with what I am doing now. I was very happy to hear I had lost 13 pounds since Jan 26th. I am sure I will be in twoterville by Saturday. So looking forward to seeing a 2?? in my weight.

I had my 1 week followup today. The Dr was very pleased to see I looked and felt really well. The pain from the surgery pretty much stopped on Thursday night. However Friday I developed terrible lower back shoulder pain. I think it is from the PT having used the belt around my back and underarms to get me off the toilet on Wednesday. The Dr didn't seem to address it so I am going to my PCP tomorrow and see if there is a shot or something he can give me as that pain is worse than the surgery pain I had. The surgeon said the incisions were healing well. He was glad to hear I am having no problems with keeping down the liquids, protein soups and shakes, jello and popsicles. He told me Tuesday I can start to eat an egg a day along with what I am doing now. I was very happy to hear I had lost 13 pounds since Jan 26th. I am sure I will be in twoterville by Saturday. So looking forward to seeing a 2?? in my weight.

Awesome news! I too start soft food Tuesday and I'm counting the minutes it seems!

Have you tried a heating pad on the shoulder/back pain? Hopefully that helps!

I had my 1 week followup today. The Dr was very pleased to see I looked and felt really well. The pain from the surgery pretty much stopped on Thursday night. However Friday I developed terrible lower back shoulder pain. I think it is from the PT having used the belt around my back and underarms to get me off the toilet on Wednesday. The Dr didn't seem to address it so I am going to my PCP tomorrow and see if there is a shot or something he can give me as that pain is worse than the surgery pain I had. The surgeon said the incisions were healing well. He was glad to hear I am having no problems with keeping down the liquids, protein soups and shakes, jello and popsicles. He told me Tuesday I can start to eat an egg a day along with what I am doing now. I was very happy to hear I had lost 13 pounds since Jan 26th. I am sure I will be in twoterville by Saturday. So looking forward to seeing a 2?? in my weight.

Awesome news! I too start soft food Tuesday and I'm counting the minutes it seems!

Have you tried a heating pad on the shoulder/back pain? Hopefully that helps!

Thanks a bunch. I only get to eat an egg on Tuesday. Do you get to eat more than an egg? Yes I have tried the heating pad, the ice packs, and various pain lotions like Bengay, Stop the pain and Cool and heat. I am also taking the pain pills I got for the surgery. Have also use the massager and nothing is helping. I will be going to my PCP tomorrow and hopefully he can help. This pain is worse than the surgery pain. It feels like some is stabbing me and twisting the knife.

I had my 1 week followup today. The Dr was very pleased to see I looked and felt really well. The pain from the surgery pretty much stopped on Thursday night. However Friday I developed terrible lower back shoulder pain. I think it is from the PT having used the belt around my back and underarms to get me off the toilet on Wednesday. The Dr didn't seem to address it so I am going to my PCP tomorrow and see if there is a shot or something he can give me as that pain is worse than the surgery pain I had. The surgeon said the incisions were healing well. He was glad to hear I am having no problems with keeping down the liquids, protein soups and shakes, jello and popsicles. He told me Tuesday I can start to eat an egg a day along with what I am doing now. I was very happy to hear I had lost 13 pounds since Jan 26th. I am sure I will be in twoterville by Saturday. So looking forward to seeing a 2?? in my weight.

Awesome news! I too start soft food Tuesday and I'm counting the minutes it seems!

Have you tried a heating pad on the shoulder/back pain? Hopefully that helps!

Thanks a bunch. I only get to eat an egg on Tuesday. Do you get to eat more than an egg? Yes I have tried the heating pad, the ice packs, and various pain lotions like Bengay, Stop the pain and Cool and heat. I am also taking the pain pills I got for the surgery. Have also use the massager and nothing is helping. I will be going to my PCP tomorrow and hopefully he can help. This pain is worse than the surgery pain. It feels like some is stabbing me and twisting the knife.

Tuesday I will finally move to soft foods. I'll be allowed eggs, cheese, mashed potatoes, cream of wheat, grits, soft veggies, crackers, unsweetened dry cereals etc.

I had my 1 week followup today. The Dr was very pleased to see I looked and felt really well. The pain from the surgery pretty much stopped on Thursday night. However Friday I developed terrible lower back shoulder pain. I think it is from the PT having used the belt around my back and underarms to get me off the toilet on Wednesday. The Dr didn't seem to address it so I am going to my PCP tomorrow and see if there is a shot or something he can give me as that pain is worse than the surgery pain I had. The surgeon said the incisions were healing well. He was glad to hear I am having no problems with keeping down the liquids, protein soups and shakes, jello and popsicles. He told me Tuesday I can start to eat an egg a day along with what I am doing now. I was very happy to hear I had lost 13 pounds since Jan 26th. I am sure I will be in twoterville by Saturday. So looking forward to seeing a 2?? in my weight.

So happy you are feeling better with the exception of your shoulder pain. I had my one week today with nurse practioner. I do need to get more water down, and protein, but other than that everything is good. I don't see the NUT until Monday and hopefully she will tell me I can have an egg too! Dying for solid food! I did have cream of wheat that I let get too stiff and it was no picnic getting that down! LOL Congrat's on the weight loss! You are on your way!

Thanks everyone! Surgery went well. He also fixed a hiatal hernia I didn't know I had. He said it wasn't bad tho just needed tightened. Very little pain, never used pain killers at all. They did have me on liquid Tylenol every 8 hours. Was up doing my first walk 4 hours after I got to my room. Never had gas pain in the shoulder, my surgeon doesn't leave the air in. I was peeing like a champ. No nausea. It was so not what I thought it could be! My hard part is getting down 60 ozs of liquids each day. Belly starts feeling bloated. Hope you that are to have your surgery yet, I pray it goes as well as mine! Hugs to everyone for being my support!

Hi There! My name is Tracy and my date is the 19th Feb! So excited! It's wonderful to hear a great story like yours! We all need to go into surgery with positive thoughts in mind! Very happy for you! I've had a band before so I know what abdominal surgery is like! Keep us posted on your progress!!!

Hello. My date of my VSG is February 22nd. I am starting to freak out. I had my endoscopy last week and have my pre-op testing Monday. I don't know why I am suddenly so scared. Almost thinking of cancelling. I won't but I don't know what has come over me lately. What if I hate my new lifestyle? Any idea what the recovery pain is like? I am also sad to leave my toddler at home for a few days while I am in the hospital. I just want to relax a little lol. Wishing I Could calm down. Send me some positive thoughts.

Hi Licia! I understand how you are feeling 100%. I have been researching this surgery for 5 years. I am a previous lap bander (I HATED the band) which I had removed in June of 2012. My date for the sleeve is Feb 19th. I've been so excited for this for 5 years! Now that I have my date, I'm a WRECK! I'm not worried about the surgery, (I've had tons, and I'm a nurse) I think it's the thought of it not working, or not being able to make the lifestyle changes needed. But then I watch youtube videos and see the huge life transformations, and I get that excited feelings again. Keep your thoughts on the reasons we're doing this. I have a horrible family history of relatives dying early from heart disease. I'm having this surgery because I want to live a long and healthy life! WE can do this. It's a commitment. It's a tool to help us. The outcomes out weight any negatives by far! I give myself this pep talk every day. I also read some place to write down 10 goals you want to achieve with the surgery. Think of the positives! WE can do this! stay in touch!!

I work for a hospital and got nervous before my surgery as well. Talked to the counselor at the hospital the day before and she reminded me that I didn't have to have the surgery, it is my choice. We see people that come into the hospital and are rushed into the OR. She reminded me I WAS IN CONTROL. Yes I was. That calmed me. I have lost 28 lbs since 1/2/16 before the preop diet and 18lbs since surgery on 1/14/16. You will have rough days but it is so worth it. I had the sleeve and my hiatal hernia repaired. I wish I would have been a little more prepared for what to expect for the hernia repair. Live and learn. Breathe and enjoy the ride. It will be worth it!

Hi there, Firstly, Congrats on your surgery!! So pleased for you!! How do you feel emotionally now? It's good to talk about the emotions. They are so important.

I am scheduled for the sleeve on the 19th Feb! I also am having a hiatal hernia repaired. Can you tell me what you meant for the the hernia repair? I hadn't heard that it caused too much of an issue... I'm a nurse, so give it to me straight! ha ha!! Look forward to hearing from you! Tracy