MINI-Me

I was told no straw by my nut but given a straw in recovery. The nurse said "no straw" was ridiculous and it wouldn't add any air. I tried it both ways & found I too could get more liquids in with a straw. I did not have any issues and use a straw to this day.

I probably had my first piece around 2 months out. I ordered thin pepperoni from Papa Johns and could get down everything except the crust in about a 1/2 hour. BOY! Was it good!!! I know many people will disagree with my approach, but I do not exclude anything from my diet. I try to make good, nutritional choices, but pizza, chocolate, wine, popcorn, etc aren't "evil" foods. They are part of my social schema and I like being "normal" about eating. Now that I am over a year out, I can probably have 1.5 pieces of thin or 1 piece of pan. Any more than that, I am STUFFED. Isn't this little sleeve amazing????

If I can every help, just give me a shout out. I'm glad to listen, let you vent, etc. The first month is the worst due to recovery & "learning" to eat the right way ... but every day gets easier. You have a great group with your surgery center & the support meetings are vrey helpful. As far as the car, have you driven a MINI? Most people don't look back once they do. (<-- Sorry, had to give it a plug!)

Losing weight does not make life all roses and feeling the need to burst out into song. What does it do? Makes me feel comfortable ... I can do things & not be completely out of breath ... I can run up and down the stairs without thinking about how much it hurts my joints ... I can go shopping all day long without my feet hurting (and now that small sizes fit, I do this A LOT!!!!) I have much more confidence these days. I feel like people really listen to what I am saying and not just staring at the "fat girl". It's very freeing. (But, like Tiff said, I over-scrutinize what I do have ... I look great in clothes, but naked - not so much! I have so much skin on my tummy and upper thighs. I also have definite parenthesis around my mouth from extra facial skin. I try to look past these "flaws" and focus on my energy, my health, and those cute size 4 clothes. Most days, it's all good! )

How far have you taken this with your insurance company? Have you done an appeal? If GB not an option due to medical issues? If so, you may have lots of room for an appeal. If they cover GB, do they cover 2-stage DS? If so, maybe you can go that route & just choose not to have part 2 of the surgery at a later day. (Or, you have that option if you don't make it to goal???) If you haven't appealed, your case is not finished. I'm sure several people who have won appeals can jump in and provide advice.

Very exciting!

That is so AWESOME. High Five for you! You are rockin' that sleeve!

I certainly have. He is very well-known around here. He and Dr. Billings have a very good reputation. It looks like you are having surgery at the Edmonds Center. Who is your nutritionist? I would highly recommend the support groups. I believe there is one at the hospital there (sleeves only) & there is another one that meets the first Thursday of every month in Marysville (all WLS). I attended for the first year - it really was a good support system. (The name is well, because I am a miniature version of myself from before and the fact that I collect MINIs. I have owned 5 over the course of a few years - down to only 2 right now. My "baby" is the one in my avatar, I call her Cream Puff. She is a right hand drive and absolutely love her.)

Congratulations! Tomorrow is a BIG day & you will be a LOSER! I have a friend having the sleeve on Wednesday. I am so excited for her too! Best of luck. Let us know how you are doing.

You are completely normal. I was an emotional wreck the first month or so. It does get better ... I PROMISE!

They were listed on my plan.

Totally agree - I HATE almost every Protein shake - mix, ready-made, etc. unjury chicken Soup is a good alternative. You can't get it really hot or it will clump, but definitely tasted like chicken broth to me. Do you have a Kroger or Fred Meyer near you? If so, as soon as you are cleared for yogurts, try out the CarbMaster Yogurts. 12g of protein for a serving. I added Any whey (from Amazon) Protein Powder to it & thought it was good. If you don't have any, even sips of chicken or beef broth have a little protein. What about milk? Can you drink that yet? The fat and protein will help with your energy levels. Also - at less than a week out, don't stress yourself too much. Get in your liquids - hydration is the key in the first 2 weeks. Get in what protein you can, but stressing is only going to make it worse. (Take it from a "vetran" that knows!) These weeks will soon be a distant memory and you will be off living your new life. Good luck!

You will definitely be able to eat more at a year out. I imagine your meds are to blame for some of your cravings and hunger. I doubt your stomach has stretched. However, what you are putting into it can make it appear like you have more capacity. As for the meds - if you must take them, you must. But, you might want to check with your doctor to see if there are any alternatives. Do you have acid reflux? A PPI is known to help people with "false" hunger. As for your diet, what does a typical eating day look like for you. If you give us a true picture, I bet we can help find some "tricks" to help you out. Good luck & thanks for checking in and asking for help. I love that about this board!

Are you allowed chicken or beef broth at this point? If so, sometimes a hot liquid will help. If you can have yogurt, that seemed to go down well also. I bought Carb-Master Yogurt (Kroger or Fred Meyer) and that helped with my energy level (protein of 12g in a container).

I live a little north of Seattle. Glad ot help out with any quesitons you may have. Who is your doctor? Best of luck!

SIMPLY AWESOME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Funny ... I had the same problem finding clothes in XL and XXL. Now, I can never find them small enough. It's like all they have are the big sizes. Oh well, it's the burden we must bare.

Maybe you should consider a MINI Cooper! ;0)

So happy for you and your family!

Not silly at all ... I totally know what you mean. That is AWESOME!

How did the rest of the day go? Feeling better?

What a great NSV. Remember that story and tell it at your Golden Anniversary Party!

Chilo1 - I can do the toast with peanut butter as well. But, a bagel is so dense & a lot more bread. It really freaked me out. Unfortunately, it didn't "stick with me" so I was hungry at lunch time.

Lie down and relax a bit. Try to put your feet up. It should pass. You are probably overdoing things and your body is reacting. If you can't get the dizziness to go away in 30 minutes or so, you should probably call your surgeon and/or have someone take you to get checked out. Feel better soon.