Hi Everyone,

I've been reading these boards for a while but first time posting. I decided to post today since I officially scheduled sleeve surgery! My journey has been interesting thus far but not nearly as long/hard as some posts I've read. I originally started thinking about wls over 2 years ago. I had always been thin growing up and it wasn't until I had my first child that I began to gain weight. Actually after I had my first child I lost all the baby weight and fit into my pre-pregnancy jeans 2 weeks later (size 5). But it did not last long as I found my appetite had increased and the weight would not come off like it used to. That was over 16 years ago. Since then I've tried numerous diet & exercise programs. Bootcamp, weight watchers, slim fast, intensive bootcamp, jenny craig, well you get the idea. Each time the same thing would happen, I would lose a bunch of weight and then slowly regain the weight lost and some. I grew tired of the see-saw but never really thought about wls as my immediate friends & family view it as taking the easy way out. Also at 5'4 and 220lbs (my heaviest to date), I was looked at as not having the large amount of weight which would deem wls appropriate. In other words, you don't have that much to lose so you should just work out and eat right. That stuck with me for a long time. I think during the exercise and diets the lowest I came down to was about 180lbs.

Anyway about 2 years ago I began intensely researching wls. But before making the decision, I decided to give myself one year to do it on my own without surgery. Well a year later and although I initially lost 20lbs, I gained it all back and am at my heaviest weight to date. That was it for me. So I began the process of getting approved for surgery. Since I have BCBS, the only requirements were BMI over 40 or BMI over 35 with co-morbidities. Every doctor I checked out online was in-network so I made a couple of consultation appointments to feel them out. Next I just had to have 2 dr. visits (the consultation satisfied 1 visit) and one psych consultation. At both consultations I received a script for blood work. The one I ended up going with was more thorough with their bloodwork requirements, while the other one set me up with a surgery date on my first visit. I didn’t go with the second one because I felt like they were treating me in a rushed manner because of my “easy” approval requirements and it felt kind of like they were a salesperson.

The first place, (nj bariatric center) I felt they were more professional and I felt more comfortable with the doctors but the office staff leaves much to be desired. I almost went to look for another place because of my dissatisfaction.

I decided to go to a different psychiatrist rather than the one associated with my doctor’s office just due to logistics of when they would be in the office (I missed my first appt. and so had to reschedule for one a month later). I found one that had Saturday hours and met with her and she was able to write my report and send it off that same day.

My bloodwork came back with some issues requiring follow-up: had low iron so was put on iron pills, EKG came back with something troubling on my heart so had to see a cardiologist to get cleared (the cardiologist required 3 visits before clearing me).

So I finally got all of my “extra” clearances and met with the doctor for the second time to go over the results of my tests. I was then told that now that I was cleared I would be called to schedule my surgery. The next day I was called and was offered surgery dates as early as June 5 but I decided instead on July 12 because my daughter will be out of school by then and able to help me around the house.

So here I am. I still have to get some pre-surgery bloodwork done at least 2 weeks before surgery. I also have to meet with the doctor again to sign some consent forms and I have to view a video on the surgery. So from my first appt on 2/10 to my scheduled surgery date of 7/12 it will have taking me approximately 5 months and some of the delay has been self-inflicted. I am excited and nervous.

So found out today dad has the most aggressive form of brain cancer. I'm kind of numb right now.

So far today. Protein shake for breakfast and small tuna fish can for lunch. Also about 20oz of water down so far.

Sorry to hear that.

Very sorry about your dad. Prayers for him and your family.

So I ended the day with about 30 oz of water. Dinner I had some ground turkey in spaghetti sauce, a meatball, and a small piece of sausage. It was good. Got full fast so wrapped the rest up. I also had the tiniest piece of garlic bread and instantly regretted it. That did not go down well at all. So yeah won't be trying that again.

Ok so far so good today. Protein shake and 30 oz water so far. Finally feel on track. About to have some tuna fish for lunch.

I am so very sorry to hear about your father's cancer.

Thanks everyone for the notes about Dad.

Today so far I've had one protein shake and about 10oz of water. Not so good on the water so far. Also for lunch I got chicken salad, took like 3 forkfuls and was done. It messed up my stomach and I feel nauseous which is surprising because tuna salad I'm able to eat no problem and I've had ground chicken as well without any problem.

So it's official no more premier protein for me. I literally feel like I have to vomit. Nope not doing this anymore. This is literally the worse I've felt so far. Strange too because before and even immediately after surgery premier protein was my drink! I could drink all the flavors. Ugh

Now I'll stick to the powder protein and almond milk. I also have this advantedge protein shake in the fridge so I'll try that out and see if it gives me the same reaction.

Last night I had a glass of wine for the first time. Probably the easiest thing I've drank so far including water! Also didn't get any type of buzz. Was expecting that since so many on here say they've experienced less tolerance after surgery. But nope. Just regular. Felt nice to be able to sip on something and not have any issues for once. Sigh

Day after day you aren't making your fluid goals. Can you drink milk? Take a day off of solids and just drink all day. Milk, tea (black or herbal), broth, etc.

You are probably getting sick on the protein shakes because you are dehydrated. Shakes take extra water to digest.

Aim for more than 64oz to help catch up.

So the advantAge protein shake was fine. No issues drinking it. So I'll probably stick to that brand for now along with the protein powder.

Found these little protein snacks in cheese section of grocery store. Wasn't bad. Also got some Greek yogurt. So gonna do some of that tomorrow.

Still need to get more water in. Got about 20oz in today. Was running around all day. That's the worse. Ugh.

So i weighed myself today and I was 202lbs.

Well I have 4 days until my surgery. These last two weeks I have been on a roller coaster of emotions, both related and unrelated to the surgery. I fluctuate between calling it off and going through it on a daily basis but I guess that's to be expected. I even went through a period of great exercise and diet (working out every day and eating right) and I started to think maybe I didn't need the surgery. I'm also scared. My co-worker told me how her friend went to Miami over the fourth of july weekend to get breast enhancements and died (she doesn't know I'm having surgery). So of course that got me to thinking about elective surgery and whether I should do this. Also since my surgery will remove a part of my stomach it's permanent so there's no going back and saying I changed my mind afterwards. Ugh. Then I remember all the reasons why I want to get the surgery (some vain like looking better but also to get control of this weight, be more active and be around for my kids) and also all the research I've done and the year I gave myself to get it together and I become more determined than ever to do it.
So yeah this is where I'm at now. I am a very private person so other than the people that read this no one knows I'm having the surgery, not even my family. I looked at the pros and cons of telling someone and decided I need to be true to who I am as a person and decided that for me it's best to keep things private. So when I feel unsure or want some support I come on here. I don't post a lot but I read a lot. I hope to share more to help someone else.

I keep reminding myself why I'm having the surgery. My main reason is because of my health and trying to prolong my life. I've always been good at dieting, but it's keeping it off over along period of time is the problem. I finally got my surgery date Aug 25.

So after a weekend of craziness (coworker wedding, friends birthday brunch) I decided on Monday to get back on track only to become violently ill. I had one protein shake and 2 cups of tea all day. I was miserable. Today I feel much better and I'm sipping on some chicken soup as well as tea.

Oh I also took zicam and theraflu