December Chats & Wisdom

Happy New Year Everyone!

2013 2014

Thanks Hink. I look forward to it arriving in the mail!

GOUTTT - I have a fitbit "one" and I love it.... I wear mine everyday and it syncs with my sparkpeople, so I log food hear on spark and I let the exercise from fitbit update here on spark....

one thing to keep in mind is that fitbit tracks all of your steps, so when it syncs exercise here with spark.... the calories burned are your total calories for the day, not just calories burned from exercise.

Overall - I LOVE the fitbit and I think it is a great tool!!

Hi all. I just purchased a fit bit flex. Any thoughts?

I really like the Total Lean (GNC) shakes but my doctor said that he prefers that we use Bariatric Advantage since it has very little sugar, it has 25 grams of high quality protein (PDCAA of 1) and contains fiber.

I hope your intake goes well and that you get your surgery date soon. When I started my 6 months of classes surgery seemed so far away but time has passed relatively quickly and it is almost here! Your time will come sooner than you think.Thanks for the info on the bodybugg.

Woohoo! I'm so happy for you Becky! That's great it's so close. I'm jealous too. My telephone intake is January 2, and i can hardly wait to get rolling, and hope that means I can get a surgery date soon. At 52, I'm having the same realization as you, and have determined this is my most likely chance for success.

A bodybugg is like a fitbit, but tracks in more detail I think. Mine does sleep and separates between types of exercise too, and you wear it 23 hours a day in theory. Unfortunately it's also bigger and worn on the upper arm, so harder to hide really. I do like though how i can see the real time results on my phone and it'll track net calories if i enter food intake in Myfitnesspal or the like.

Yes - it's definatly 'real' when your date is so close! Congratulations! Did you find shakes you liked, or have you tried many of them? I hear a lot of good things about Unjury. I like muscle milk light pretty well, and the costco ones called pure protein. GOod luck on the endoscopy. Not so much fun -- wonder why they do it so close to surgery?

Kate - what's a bodybugg? Is it like a fitbit? I have a fitbit and wear it all the time. I also added you as a friend - read your sparkpage and I am with you on getting the sleeve because I am 58 and realized that the likelihood of me taking off over 100 pounds is very slim without help.

Update on where I am - Day 7 of pre-op diet and doing well. Very little hunger or desire to eat (just my stomach is growling more than usual) and my energy level is pretty good.And I'm down 5 lbs. this past week. Just beginning to be tired of the same taste of the shakes all the time. Surgery is still on for Jan 7 and I have an EGD (endoscopy) scheduled for Jan 3 - this Friday. All of a sudden it is feeling a little more real..

Edited by: BECKYBRN at: 12/30/2013 (15:40)

Thanks Becky! I really appreciate that. I did get out and walk to work today; its only six blocks, but hey, it all counts! I forgot to charge my bodybugg though - tonight i'll do it and get it back on. I'm curious to see how the sleep shows up on it now that i have an IPAP machine, and no longer wake up with a headache every day. Wow - what a difference! Hope you have something fun but sane planned for New Years.

Kate!

Hink! Don't be discouraged - at least you are in a holding pattern and not gaining.

Hang in there everyone. Get ready for a new year!

Hey everyone - finally checking in after a bit of an absence. I have been holding steady for the past 2 months, which has gotten me frustrated on some days and happy on other days.... its been a tough month.

Hope everyone has enjoyed their holidays!

You guys give me such hope and leave me feeling more encouraged, as I am learning and approaching all this. I am finally scheduled for an intake consultation on January 2, and it took over a month just to get that appointment! I have about 135 to lose, and also have sleep apnea - I'm plenty far above the minimum BMI requirements! I very much want to have the vertical sleeve, but group health has many hoops to jump through, and it is making me nuts. Self-pay is just not an option for me unfortunately. I've already read about six books on the topic and stories of people who have had it, and you all found more knowledgeable and saying and encouraging than most of the other side Fred, so thank you very much! Hope you all have a good New Year's celebration!

Kate

Good for you, Becky! Time will pass quickly and you'll be "on the other side" before you know it.

Blessings,
Linda

Day 5 of my pre-op diet and I am doing well - I thought it was going to be harder than what it has been so far. I've had a couple of moments where I smelled food or saw food on the TV and the thought crossed my mind that I wish I could eat something, but then it settled down. I am getting tired of the lack of variety with the shakes a little.

Hope everyone had a great Christmas and that you are eating healthfully!

Great job, Trish! It's the "veterans" like you that continue to motivate me.

Merry Christmas everyone! I hope everyone enjoyed their day and time with family and friends. I stuffed my belly a bit but overall am very proud of myself.
Today is officially 6 months since my surgery day. I am down 66 lbs and continuing to work at it! Thanks for the all the support along the way.
I am wishing everyone a great start to 2014!
Trish

MERRY CHRISTMAS

Merry Christmas to everyone! Have a joyous and skinnier new year!

MERRY CHRISTMAS, Y'ALL!!!!!

Good morning,

I am feeling good. I advanced my diet a bit yesterday from shakes only to mushy which was scheduled to begin tomorrow. I was careful and did fine with greek yogurt, applesauce and pudding.

Knicole~ I run the soup in the blender with water until it is thinner than a shake.

Lori~ Glad you are feeling better! Sounds like you are doing great!

Becky~ Yeah on getting things straightened out!

Today is last minute wrapping, cooking, church this evening.

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to Everyone! Joan

Lori - I am so glad you are doing better - how exciting that your size has changed so drastically in such a short period of time. I hope you will be more active on the site because as my time gets closer, I want to know what to expect. Give it time and you will be able to get the protein in.


Update on my status: I talked to the girl who handles everything at my surgeon's office (scheduling and insurance) and she said that she could change it to the correct procedure and everything is still on schedule. So, I start my 2 week pre-op diet tomorrow - oh how fun it will be!! I am just glad that everything is back on track - thank you all for your positive thoughts and prayers - they worked!!

I am 11 days post-op today and doing so much better!! I'm still having a hard time getting all the protein in but my doc says everyone is different and it will happen over time before I know it. I have one small incision that is still fairly sore and I still feel a little tired but the more I do the better I am starting to feel. I haven't attempted to weigh myself yet but the day I had surgery, I was wearing size 22W jeans and today I am wearing size 16A jeans!! I haven't seen that number is years!!

As for eating, I am on full liquids so I'm adding protein powder to my cream soups, puddings, etc... I'm still drinking the shakes to help with the protein but now I can only drink the chocolate. I loved the vanilla before surgery and now it just makes me gag. I still have to check my blood sugars, more so than ever and be very careful about the amount and type of carbs I'm taking in. I've only had one high number since the surgery so I am so very thankful to God for that!

I won't have a post-op appt until Jan 2nd because my surgeon is already on Christmas vacation with his family. His bariatric nurse and my nutritionist have only been a phone call away and have been extremely helpful with questions and concerns.

I know I haven't been very interactive since I had surgery on the 12th but I am going to start spending a bit more time here just like I was before the surgery because I know this is the honeymoon phase and I have a long way to go!! I will need my friends here for support and I want to be supportive also!!

Wishing everyone here a very Merry Christmas!!

Hugs,
Lori

I can have pudding as well and actually have some chocolate protein mix... I will try adding some into chocolate pudding and see if I can get that down.

Healthiermetobo- I'm not so sure if I can have bean and bacon soup yet (or I would have to strain it), I will ask my NUT when I go today, but that sounds very yummy!

Thanks for the suggestions!

Edited by: KNICOLE214 at: 12/23/2013 (12:03)

Knicole~ I mixed a half can of bean and bacon soup with water in my blender. Super nnutritious and easier to ingest than shakes.

I am one week post op today. Other than having a cold I am feeling great!

Everybody's NUT and DR are different. My nut said that full liquids included pudding and cream of wheat. I used sugar free pudding and added protein powder to it. Chocolate flavor for both. I used skim milk and two servings of protein and the pudding sets up. 6 months out and I still use it as a snack. I added banana protein to cream of wheat. Took me days to eat one serving but it had protein in it!

Kinksycat- I am 2 weeks post-Op and still on a full liquid diet and I too am having trouble getting my protein in. I am barely making 30 grams using a protein shake. I dislike everything about having to mix protein into my other liquids (even though it says its unflavored, I still taste it).

Does anyone have any suggestions?

Hi Everyone!
Hope you are all doing well and getting ready for the holidays. This will be my first holiday with a sleeve. I did pretty well through Thanksgiving. Christmas seems to be a bit more challenging. I was given all kinds of goodies from my students. Many I tossed or donated. A few I bagged and put in the freezer...homemade baklava! Yum!
I was sleeved in June and am down 65 lbs. Have at least 35 more I want to lose. Since starting back to work in September (teacher) I have NOT been working out as much as I should. Need to get back on track with that. I seem to do very well getting 60 to 80 grams of protein in. I love chicken more that I thought I could. I still have a protein shake mixed into caffeine free coffee everyday. It is like a mocha capp. I do still struggle with enough water on a daily basis.
The important thing is to KEEP AT IT!
Congrats to all of you out there who are recently sleeved or about to be sleeved for the new year.

Linda...your story really touches my heart and I am so glad that your son and grandkids have you for support. Good luck! My brother was in a similar situation but not drugs related and he has full custody of his son. My parents and I have helped throughout the years. My nephew still sees his mom for visitation but it breaks my heart when he does. I know the full break seems hard but in some cases I think it can be better.

Trish

Hello,

Becky~ I hope and believe that you will be able to have your surgery on the 7th. It sounds like a minor mix up, try not to worry which I know is easier said than done.

Kinkyscat~ Glad to hear you are doing well!

Lori~ I have found that sipping, all day long gets all my water and protein in. I sip at night when I wake up, too.

Linda~ I am glad that your family will continue in counseling and hope that things will smooth out soon.


I think I'll venture out today. I came home on Wednesday and was content to just stay home. I putter around the house, dishes, laundry, cooking... but mostly I have rested. It has been very healing and restorative,





Edited by: HEALTHIERMETOBE at: 12/21/2013 (12:10)

For those who are just post-op: getting in the protein has been a big issue for me also. One thing my surgeon said to me was to make steps in the right direction. My first two weeks the goal was 35-45 gms, the second two weeks was 40-50gms. Next it is up to 45-60 gms. It seemed much more manageable to step up the requirements. I haven't managed more than 50 gm yet, but working on it.

And by the way, at 3 1/2 weeks out, I feel terrific! The fatigue is gone and i'm back to sleeping a reasonable 8-9 hours a night. Just got cleared to start excersing also...

Prayers coming your way, Becky!

Thanks for all the kind thoughts and prayers for out family situation. We had a two-hour session with the girls' therapist yesterday and they are now aware they can't see their mother again until they are 18. The younger one (age 7) says she isn't sad and seems to be going about her business. She has seemed more traumatized by her mom all along. The older one (age 9) is heartbroken and is already starting to think her mother doesn't love her because, if she did, she wouldn't have done drugs and lost visitation rights. She ultimately told her daddy that she trusts him more than 100% so at least she knows she has a rock to cling to through all this. Don't know which one to worry about the most...complete denial or openly heartbroken. We'll all keep a close eye on both girls and keep them in therapy!

As for me...I would like to kick my "old stupid self!" My surgery was 4 1/2 years ago and I found myself on a rampage last night...wanting to stick everything in the kitchen right in my mouth! You'd think after all this time, binging would be a part of my past, but NOOOOO....nothing soothes like a good old bag of salty potato chips! And darn it, I can cram a lot of those things in my little tummy! It is odd, though, before surgery my "drug of choice" was ice cream and other smooth creamy treats; now it's crunchy-salty stuff. Well, thank God my little Sleevie Wonder is there to control my actions to some degree and I think I've gotten control of my head hunger, at least for now. Whew!

Blessings,
Linda

Lori, I am so glad you are OK and sorry you had a rough time with nausea - it's one of the things I am worried about. I was concerned about you since you hadn't posted for awhile.But it sounds like you are getting better. I hope things continue to improve.


I am a little worried about my surgery date now - it was scheduled for Jan 7 but, I got my letter in the mail telling me when my surgery was but it said I was having a gastric bypass - which of course is not my plan. So, when I called to try to straighten it out, they told me the person I needed to talk to was out until Tuesday - so here I am hanging wondering if it is still going to happen (like maybe my surgeon only does gastric bypasses on a particular day because he uses the robot for gastric bypass but not for sleeves). I really need to have my surgery by the 7th so I have time to recover before the next semester starts. So please say a little prayer that things work out...



Edited by: BECKYBRN at: 12/20/2013 (21:14)

Hi All...
Well, I'm 8 days post op & things are going fairly well. I had a rough time with nausea right after surgery so ended up staying in the hospital for 2 nights. Nausea is still a small issue but is getting better. I'm definitely not getting all my protein in yet but my doc is more concerned about keeping me properly hydrated. I feel great, outside of still having bouts of complete tiredness!! I guess once I can consume more protein, the energy will increase. I'll check in again soon....

Hugs,
Lori

Joan - I am glad to hear that everything went well and that your pain is manageable. I was thinking about you and hoping everything would be OK. I am getting more nervous as my time gets closer.

I wonder what peoples' percent of 'extra body weight' they have lost. My Bariatric Nurse told me it's like between 65% - 85% of extra body weight lost for the VGS
.

I've done my figures with Extra Body Weight, percentages, goal weight, and how much i would have to lose. If I need to lose 122 pounds (to reach the high end of healthy, according to the BMI system).

65% of extra body weight would be 79.3 lbs., and 85% would be 103 pounds. Anything between a loss of 79.3 & 103 would be ideal. I noticed that many people lose so much more than that in just 8-12 months time. I would only need to lose an additional 19 to 42.7 lbs to reach my goal (after successfully reaching the "Hospital's/Doctor's" highest goal weight expectation). It is very interesting how all this works. I have been reading alot of personal messages here and on FaceBook.com. I find it all fascinating and it is very reassuring to look at the facts/statistics concerning the science of it and the real time results, with "REAL TIME PEOPLE" I witness online.





Edited by: DANAWEBB at: 12/19/2013 (21:51)

Hello,

I had my sleeve surgery on the 16th and came home yesterday. Everything is going fine. The pain has been tolerable. I am being very aware to get my water, shakes and steps in each day.


Linda~ So sorry about the custody stress in your family. It is great that you and your husband live with the grandchildren which I am sure will help their adjustment. Hang in there!

May the LORD Jesus Comfort and console you all. - Amen

Linda, I'm glad that everything is working out for you and your family. Hugs and prayers for things to continue to work to the best of the kids.

Oh Linda :-( Sending great big hugs your way!!!! That is a lot to deal with and very stressful.... I will keep you and your family in my prayers!!

Linda,
I am so sorry that you have had to go through this major stressor and that the kids will be affected, but in the long run it sounds like it will be better for them. I hope you were able to take care of yourself some during that time - and if not, that you will take care of yourself in the coming days.

Hi Folks, sorry I've been MIA for a while, but we've been pretty busy around our house and not just because of Christmas. That's obviously been a big part of our busy-ness, what with shopping, baking, church activities, etc., but we've really had a lot more stress than that.

Many of you know our youngest son has had custody of his two little girls for a little over two years now and they all live with us. A single dad can't really make things work with the kids' school, his school and his work so he has needed DH and me to help keep things going. The custody over the children has been a very nasty mess and their mom has serious mental issues plus a drug problem. After 4 1/2 years, 27 court hearings and unspeakable pain, the judge finally ordered a trial. We went through that last Thursday and Friday, the 12th & 13th. Oh yes, mom went out and got herself arrested for possession of crystal meth exactly one week before the trial! The outcome is that our son has 100% custody of the girls plus their mother has lost her parental rights. It was a huge legal victory, but at best it is bittersweet. Their mom absolutely needed to get out of their lives so they can grow up safe and healthy, but this is going to break their little hearts. Kids love their mom no matter how much she hurts them or makes them afraid.

We have a two hour session scheduled with their therapist on Friday afternoon and we'll give them the news then. Their dad is quite unhappy about having to do this right before Christmas, but it has to be done.

I'm still trying to play catch-up from everything that fell along the side while we were preparing for court and now who knows how much attention the girls will require as they try to adjust to this, so I may not see daylight until sometime after the first of the year!

I'm still around and will pop in when I can.

Blessings,
Linda

Hey there - hope everyone had a great weekend!!

To all of you pre-op and newly post op.... hang in there!! It seems like a lot to think about and get used to at first..... but eventually it will just be like second nature!

Hi, Jens.
When I first started down this path, I went through all the medical managed weight loss, psych evals, nutrition evals, and everything else necessary. Then my insurance company denied my surgery because I wasn't at one of their "approved" hospitals. This dispite the fact that my group is certified by the Bariatric Surgery group. After fighting for over a year, I decided to self pay. My surgeon really drilled me on my commitment because I had gained back some weight I had previously lost. I had to convince him I was serious. Part of that was sticking to my pre-op diet and losing 10 pounds prior to surgery. I did it because I knew this was what I wanted.
But it is hard. Nothing about this lifestyle change is easy.

My surgeon allowed a small amount of "real food" protein during the pre-op diet, but only 1-2 ounces of chicken or fish at supper time. The rest was protein shakes. It is so essential to follow their directions so you have a good outcome. Keep the faith and do your best.

I qualified for surgery in October but there wasn't enough surgeries available for me to get one. Where I'm at Calgary, Alberta the sickest patients get the surgery spots. Me not having diabetes will make it harder to get a spot. The fact that I lost 30 lbs has put my BMI lower too.

I've been struggling badly the last 5 days. Sometimes I'm thinking that gaining weight might help my chance for surgery and I will get Diabetes eventually. It's just a matter of time. I think not having a surgery date is taking my willpower away. I was told there are more surgeries in the spring so I'm trying to be optimistic.

Your stories and pre/post op posts have helped me to get my head back where it needs to be. I think. I will know more tomorrow. LOL. First step is not eating in the next 5 hours and then eating my proper breakfast.

?? - some if you were saying it's okay to eat some food during liquid diet phase. Did that end up effecting your surgery? We were told any cheating could stop our surgery. Because the liquid diet is designed to shrink your liver. It needs to be small enough to be retracted. I know they said there have been instances where the surgery wasn't possible and they had to close people back up.

Reading about all of the excitement of immediate pre and post op refuels me. Thanks to all for keeping me on the right path.

Kinksycat - I hope I will be as lucky as you with the post-op recovery. I am afraid of the nausea and pain. But I know it is something that will pass, especially if I get up and walk as much as I can. And 3 weeks isn't a lot of time to be back to your usual self - so be patient - time will improve your stamina as you continue to heal.

I hope everyone else is doing OK.

Becky ~ I have been very fortunate in that my surgery and recover so far have been a breeze. Immediately post-op I had horrific nausea, but once that passed (about 8-10 hours) I've been fine. The pain was much less than I expected. I did make a point of getting out of bed as soon as they would let me and walked as much as I could tolerate. Now my biggest thing is I get tired out quicker than before hand. I just have to keep telling myself "it's only been 3 weeks"...

And those little 2 & 4 ounce containers are a lifesaver. Yes. You will be full after eating that much. Amazing.

Edited by: KINKSYCAT at: 12/13/2013 (22:57)

Just want to say good luck and best of everything to those in pre-op, waiting pre-op or just had surgery. You will figure things out trust me - your new stomach lets you know when to quit and what not to eat - or at least mine does. Pasta, breads tough stringy all out. Replaced with boiled broiled tender, chicken fish and turkey. They are my friend.
I still do protein bar or shake to start the day right - OH and sweets - a little (very little) goes a long way - stomach doesn't tolerate much - so it makes it easy to stay away.

You Can Do This - We Can Do This

Have a Great Weekend.

Joan - it is getting close for you. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers that all goes well.


Dana - I admire you for getting a schedule together - I should do something like that. What I did was order little containers (2 oz and 4 oz) with lids so I can measure out my food. I also bought these tiny forks and spoons for tasting - I figure that will help me slow down, too.


Happy Friday Everyone - hope you all made it through the week OK and that you have a great restful weekend but also taking time to exercise and take care of yourself.

Becky you are Jan 7th, I am Jan 8th. Wanna race? LOL just kidding, we know it isn't a race to lose weight.

I start my pre-op diet on Jan. 1st. He gave me only a week. The way we will be eating, so differently, is going to be the hard part.... to master. The preparing of 2 tablespoons of food, storing food (how), taking 20 minutes to eat, no more, putting the fork down, chew chew chew, no drinking while eating. OH the habits we must break! I pray I can be disciplined and use thoughtfulness in my actions. I made a daily routine list/table just to keep me on track with food, vitamins, and water. it tells me what to do every 30 minutes from 9am- 8pm.

God Bless all who read this.
In Jesus name we pray.
- Amen

Dolphinlady~ How are you doing? I am thinking of you. Give us an update when you can!


I am 72 hours away from my sleeve! I am excited and scared. I have been a bit shaky on my pre op diet.

I hope everyone is doing well! Joan

Kinksycat -
Did you have any problems post-op? As I am getting closer to my date for surgery I am beginning to worry.

15 days post-op and down 16 pounds. Wow! That is beyond any expections I had beforehand. Better yet, I feel better than I have in years...

Dolphilady, hope all went well for you - thinking about you and sending positive thoughts your way.

The day has finally arrived... surgery day!! Gettin' ready to leave to the hospital and wanted all my friends here on SP to know that I am so thankful for the support and words of encouragement I've been receiving. I will let y'all know how I'm doing as soon as I possibly can. Please keep me in your prayers today and pray for my surgeon too!!

Happy Thankful Thursday!!

Day 14 pre-op... Well... I'm on my last day before surgery. I'm still very excited but so nervous I could vomit, lol!! I know this is exactly the best option for me and for my health and I need to quit second guessing and relax. My brain (not my stomach) wants to gobble down one of those amazing pizzas I used to eat when we lived in Italy. I have not really had a big desire to eat nor have I craved anything in particular since I started the pre-op diet but now, here on the last day, I want to eat that delicious pizza!! Too bad there isn't a broth that would at least smell like one, hehehehe!!

I will let everyone know how things are going as soon as I possibly can. I'm still at the possibility that this could be an open surgery so please pray that my surgeon will be able to do this laprascopically... that's what is making me nervous... the thought of open surgery!!

Hugs and love going out to everyone that has been supporting me here on the boards.

Lori

Dana, congrats to you too!!!

And yup, you got it about right... The sip, sip, sip is the hardest for me so far.

Congrats, Becky! The time will go quickly.

I just got my date yesterday and it is Jan 7 2014. I elected to do 2 weeks of preop diet to make my liver be the best it can be.

Becky, That will be great!! When is your date? How long is your pre op liquid diet?

Leslie - My thought is that we shouldn't focus so much on a "specific" number on the scale.... because even though a BMI chart may say that a specific number is your "ideal" ... that may not really be all that ideal in the long run..... anyway.... I am struggling with that too, because in my head I definitely wanted to lose 100 lbs total at a minimum, but I can also see that maybe those last 20 lbs really aren't as important as I thought. I am healthy, I am getting into great shape, I am active and these things are really why I did this in the first place. So I would say that you should focus on the things other than A NUMBER, that are important to you and not spend so much time focusing on the number on the scale.

Hey Dana - it looks like we will be going through the same things at about the same time. It would be fun to compare notes on how things are going and to give each other support through the process. It sounds like you are doing a good job learning the lifestyle changes.

I got my surgery date. Jan. 8th, 2014! Pre-op diet starts January 1st! So excited and nervous. I been reading so much on it! Message boards full of all kinds of experiences with food, weight, health, difficulties and successes! I sure hope I can train myself to eat the way I am supposed to. Let me get this straight!

No sugar
Low Fat/non fat
High Protein/Protein first (size of a palm/deck of cards- eventually)
No carbonated beverages/popcorn/gum/citrus
64 oz of liquid... sip... sip.... sip
60-80 grams of Protein a day (woman)
No fast food
nothing fried
no bread/pasta (wheat crackers ok)
PRAY PRAY PRAY

Walk walk walk

Dolphinlady - glad you are feeling better - you are really getting close. I hope all goes well with your surgery.


I got my surgery date today: January 7, 2014 at 8 am. Excited but apprehensive at the same time (feel like it is too late to back out in case I change my mind - I guess I can still change my mind until they put me under). But I am pretty determined to go through with it since I really need to get healthy. I'll be starting my pre-op diet on Christmas Eve. I might just start it 2 days earlier and then eat small amounts for Christmas Eve dinner and Christmas dinner then get right back on it. I don't feel too bad doing that since my surgeon told me I had lost enough weight that I really only needed to do one week of pre-op diet. However, I opted for the 2 weeks just to make sure things are as good as they could be.

Day 13 pre-op... Thanks for all of the advice!! I am feeling much better today. I did call my endocrinologist yesterday and spoke to her about the terribly low blood sugars. She told me exactly what to do right now and after the surgery so that has me feeling so much better. I had my pre-op lab work this morning and everything looks great for Thursday. Surgery is scheduled for 8am... OMGoodness it's almost time!!

Had a great night with my family out in College Station last night at Santa's Wonderland. It truly is a Texas Christmas experience, lol!! I hadn't been there in years but it was so much fun to take my kids there, take the hayride on the lights trail, and just freeze togther, hehehehe!! It was 34 with icy wind blowing at 20mph... so glad I had everyone in our camping Under Armor thermals and that I remembered the quilts!! If you're ever in Texas around Christmas, you definitely have to do this place at least once!!

Hope everyone is having an amazing Tuesday!!

Leslie~ Sizes vary a lot. What is your current BMI? I think that will help you know if you need to lose more weight or not.


I have an appointment for post op today and support group, last meeting before surgery!

Good Morning everyone,

I was reading through the post and saw that I am not the only victim of the Thanksgiving holiday. I had cravings for sweets and was just lax in what I was eating. Yesterday morning the scale moved down and last night I went back to the gym, so I am heading in the right direction again. I think I got a little freaked out when I bought a pair of size 4 skinny jeans. I need your opinions ladies. I was telling my husband that I feel that I'm too old (46) to be in such a small size. I still have another 40 lbs to lose and if I'm already wearing a size 4 that means I may be in a 0 and I think that is just ridiculous. My husband thinks I'm crazy. What do you all think?

Have a great day!!!

crazy me - decided to go out at 9:00 tonight and try to shovel my driveway.... but hey trying to break up that packed down ice on my driveway, was some good extra exercise for me to add to my run that I did earlier.... hope I don't hurt too much tomorrow because I am really looking forward to my yoga class tomorrow night!

Stay Warm EVERYONE!

Good advice all around! Just so you know, I was second-guessing my decision right up until they knocked me out for surgery!

Blessings,
Linda

Dolphinlady - I am with Joan on this one - you probably feel bad due to hypoglycemia (at least lower than what your body is used to) - but it is always a good idea to check with your surgeon.
I can't believe your big day is almost here - it seems like day one of your preop diet was just yesterday. I am so excited for you and I hope you feel better.


Joan - your time is also coming quickly and I think being apprehensive is part of the whole process. I feel a little apprehensive and don't even have a surgery date yet.


Hi Everyone - hope you have a great week!

Dolphinlady~ Sorry you're feeling so badly! I think you need to cheat, just a little, and eat something mpore substantial than you have been on your pre op diet. Call your surgeon but you probably just need something to eat! Hang in there! I am feeling apprehensive but I think that is totally normal. Forward we go!!!
Joan

Joan: Your almost there... one week from today!! I'm excited for you and am keeping you in my prayers.

KINKSYCAT: Sounds like things are going really well. Make sure you get in all that protein. It's my understanding that getting the proper amounts is so very important. I'm looking forward to hearing more about your journey!!

Well, here I am on Day 12 of my pre-op diet. Things are going well in terms of the diet but I feel horrible. My energy has dropped tremendously in the past couple of days. I even had to stop taking my pre-meal insulin because I was dipping into hypoglycemia. I'm so tired and nauseated. I think I need to call my surgeon's office. Did anyone experience any of this? Advice!?! No matter what, I'm excited about getting on with the next phase of this journey. I'm excited but here I am just a couple more days away from the surgery and I feel like I'm starting to second guess my decision... cold feet before the wedding!?! Did anyone else feel like this?

Wishing everyone a great start to the week!! Happy Maaaaaarvy Monday...

Hello,

I can't believe my sleeve surgery is a week from tomorrow! Wow! I am doing pretty well on my pre op diet, a little off over the weekend but not too bad.

I hope everyone is doing well and staying warm!

Lucky for me, I'm not having sugar cravings yet ~ spent the weekend at my sister's baking about a bazillion cookies for a fundraiser. I managed to leave them alone so am pretty happy about that.

I've managed to eat enough protein to hit my current goal (35gm) all except one day this past week. Goal goes up to 45gm this week, so I'm guessing I will have to go back to the shakes. Muscle Milk chocolate has ended up being my go-to. Didn't care much for it before surgery, but like it now... go figure!

5 inches of snow and it is still coming down, but no ice or wind so not too bad. Hope everyone has a safe, warm weekend.

Hi all. I've been AWOL again. Busy busy busy getting ready for the holidays. We just returned from Illinois for Christmas with my parents and brothers/wives. The final 75 miles home were pretty slick. Hope all of you who have gotten snow this past couple of days are safe and sound!

WUBBIWUWU it is SO important that you get enough protein. If you don't your body will burn muscle, not fat. You don't want that for sure. lol There are many ways to disguise the protein taste. You might Google to find a protein powder that doesn't contain all of those ingredients. It sure might be hard. Linda is right that your NUT might know just what you need. You might be doomed to do pureed meat, just so you can eat more of it for the protein. Yuk! Good luck and let us know what you find out.

Trying to control my sugar cravings, and it's pretty hard! I need to up my exercise regimen if I don't get this under control! We are busy now attending basketball games of 2 of the grands, so that helps keep me out of the kitchen. I need some more distractions to get through this season!

Need to reset myself...I am finding myself grazing and craving sweets and snacks. This is the first time since surgery 8 months ago that I've fallen to unplanned eating. I think this is going to be a challenging holiday season. Even the promise of one-derland hasn't been enough to get me to buckle down. Ggrrr

KINKSYCAT... so glad to hear things are going well!!

HINK... Sorry about the scale. I wish I had advice but I'm still on the other side waiting my turn but just think of the wonderful NSV... buying skinny jeans!! I don't know how that feels... yet ... but that is so cool!! You got this last 20 pounds and I just know you're going to knock it out of the park before your surgiversary.

Day 9 pre-op diet is going really well this morning. I just keep telling myself that I really do love sugar free jello, I love the taste of low sodium, low fat broth, and that I am completely worth gong through all this PRE stuff!! At least I can still have a couple of protein shakes each day along with the clear liquids and I actually do like those. By this time next week, I'll be one day post-op!!

Wishing everyone a Phenomenal Friday... keep warm everybody!!

Well its a snow day -- I am home with my kiddos! And trying to get back on track!! I am now hitting the frustrated point with my scale.... it's moving the wrong way!! UGH.... I know I have been more lax on my eating, but I haven't been that lax!! And I have been working out religiously. I am NOT done losing weight.... I want to drop at least 20 more lbs and I can't seem to get the scale to move..... Alright.... all done venting!!!

on the plus side.... I went to the store yesterday looking for a pair of jeans with a straight (skinny leg) so I could wear my new tall boots over my jeans.... I bought a pair of super skinny style in a size 8 :-) THAT FEELS AWESOME!! I really don't think that I ever believed for one minute that I would be able to wear a pair of "skinny" jeans!

Hoping I can get the scale to start moving back in the right direction this month.... I would REALLY, REALLY like to reach my goal of 100 lbs lost by the time my surgiversary comes around in March!

The all liquid portion does go fast! And it is worth it. The end is in sight!!!

Becky... thanks for the support!!

Day 8 pre-op is going pretty well. I'm a little hungrier than I thought I would be but I guess it's because outside of the protein shakes, everything else is now clear liquids. This too shall pass and all of this will have been worth it!!

Hope everyone is having a great day!

Keep up the good work Dolphinlady!

Day 7 Pre-Op... I am having a hard time drinking all of my protein shakes. I'm starting to gag but it's not because I don't like them. They're actually really great and Lord knows they should be for what I paid for them!! Anyway, it's because even though I'm taking my time, I am getting full before I'm halfway through. I guess that's good in a way because I no longer feel too much hunger. Oi... On another note, I have lost 4 pounds and my blood sugar is staying in normal limits (considering I'm not really taking in much in the way of carbs!!)

Tomorrow starts my 100% all liquid diet so wish me luck fellow spark sleevers!!

Look for Designer Whey Protein (I buy it on Amazon in the individual packs).... I just add it to vitamin water or you can add it to pretty much anything and gives me 10 g of protein. The protein is corn free.... I found that after my surgery, I really liked the berry flavored protein in vitamin water..... was a lot "lighter" way to get my protein in than drinking the typical store bought shake.

I googled "Corn Free Protein Shake" and got some results that way. You might try that, or like everyone suggested, talk to your NUT.

Good Luck!

Hey Everyone,

Thanks for starting the December chat. I never gave it a thought, so thanks again.

I still drink protein drinks. I love them, and find it's the only way to get enough protein. I don't have the issues mentioned and agree you should mention this to the NUT, and dr for advice.

I use Gladiator Protein Powder from Smoothie King. I have also used Lean 1 protein powder from there. I prefer chocolate to any other flavor, but the vanilla can be used to make any type if smoothie. Also, the Atkins drinks are good. There some coffee flavored that I enjoy as well as the chocolate. I'm a chocoholic, and the smoothies and other drinks help me a lot. I hope this helps.

Hopefully you will find something that you can tolerate.

Y'all all have a good evening.

Cassie

Wow, that sounds like a real challenge. Have you talked to your surgeon's NUT (nutritionist)? Perhaps they could give you some guidance.

As far as how long you have to be on the protein shakes, it differs for everyone. Some of us never stop using them because it's such a challenge to get in all the protein after surgery. Others are able to stop after they can get enough protein from "real" food. I'm 4 1/2 years post op and I still use them occasionally just to try and get some protein. I don't use them very often though because they kind of make me sick and I've never found one that I really like and I don't have the challenges you face!

If I were you I'd try to get some input from the NUT and then sample a few before surgery, if possible. Don't invest in a whole lot of any product though because most of us find our tastes change after surgery so things we really liked before sometimes don't agree with us post-op or sometimes we don't even like the taste after surgery! It's odd, but it happens to lots of folks.

Maybe someone else will post here with more specific advice/info.

Blessings,
Linda

I'm just starting down this path and in the middle of my first of 3months of doctor supervised dieting required by my insurance company. I have so many questions. The first is about protein. How long do you have to be on protein shakes? Is it only until you are on solids or is it for a longer time than that? Has anyone been able to avoid the shakes altogether? I ask because I can't digest corn in any form. So I have to avoid a lot of the shakes because they have corn syrup, corn starch, fructose or high fructose corn syrup. Because my choices are limited, I worry that I won't find any that are appealing after surgery.

Can anyone recommend a shake that doesn't have any of these ingredients?

Hello,

I have been working a lot of extra hours and have been MIA. I start my 2 week pre op diet tomorrow! My surgery is scheduled for 12-16-13. I am thankful and nervous all rolled into one, lol.

I posted in the walking challenge thread that I'd love to have an active challenge going. Is anyone else interested? I can post a new thread for it. I did one with a biggest loser team that was fun and motivating, 100 miles in 10 weeks, which averages 1.4 miles per day. Let me know if you'd like to join this challenge and I'll get the tracking sheet up.

Kinkyscat~ Congrats on your successful surgery!


Joan

Good Luck! Make sure to take some before pictures and take your measurements! This next week will go by so quickly and then you'll be happily recovering! Yeah!

Day 6 pre-op diet... it's actually going much better today. I've only been very slightly hungry so I just drink my fluids and continue to keep busy. I was so surprised when I woke up this morning and didn't feel like I was going to starve!! I can't believe next Thursday morning is my big day. I feel like I just started this journey with my doctor and insurance company yesterday but things moved alot more quickly than I imagined.

Hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving and so happy that we've got the December Chat board going!!

Thanks for getting the December Chat started! It never crossed my mind...what was I thinking?!

Sorry, I don't use Instagram.

Blessings,
Linda

Happy December everyone! Thought I'd get the ball rollin'. Hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving and "en-joyed" rather than "in-duldged" I heard that last night at my support meeting my surgeon's office has. I thought that was important to remember during this holiday season.

Does anyone use Instagram, and if so, are you doing the #sparktheseason challenge?