MINI-Me

Congratulations. I know what you mean about telling the family. My MIL is a Surgical Nurse & I was nervous to tell her. But, she's seen me struggle for years and was very receptive. In fact, she insisted on going with me & watching over my recovery. (Yes - I know I am a lucky girl!!!) My mother lives across the country & I didn't tell her until I was almost 6 months out & getting ready to visit her. I don't care that I'm in my 40's - I was scared of Momma - LOL! I agree with going to them with all the information & prepared to answer their questions. Just remember that any "negativity" is mostly their concern for their little girl. Best of luck! It's just around the corner for you. yahoo!!!!

Since so many doctors give various pre-op diets, can you tell us what you are doing? That may help us give you better advice.

Another option is Carbmaster Yogurt. It has 12g of protein and 80 calories. I mixed in 1/2 scoop of [ame=http://www.amazon.com/Optimum-Nutrition-Instantized-Protein-2-7-Pound/dp/B000GIUQOG]Amazon.com: 100% Any Whey Protein: Health & Personal Care[/ame] (or you could use any other flavorless protein power) to add another 8.5 grams.

I absolutely hated almost all of the Protein powders and pre-mixed items I tried. I did find [ame=http://www.amazon.com/Optimum-Nutrition-Instantized-Protein-2-7-Pound/dp/B000GIUQOG]Amazon.com: 100% Any whey Protein: Health & Personal Care[/ame] through Amazon. I mix it into yogurt, pudding, hot cocoa (just not too hot or it clumps), etc. I also liked unjury chicken "Soup", but never tried the unflavored version that they have.

If anyone knows what you are going through, it's those of us who have been there. I hit stalls, freakout moments, OMG What have I done?, etc ... everyone told me to hold steady, keep up the work, and it would come off. Well, I'm 4.4 pounds from my goal, so I can say "They were right". Here are my stats for average lost per month: Month 1 - 18 Month 2 - 11 Month 3 - 10 Month 4 - 8.6 Month 5 - 7 Month 6 - 5 Month 7 - 4 = Total - 63.6 pounds down in (just shy of) 7 months It is definitely slowing down ... I expect the last 4.4 to take 2 months. But, the point is that it IS COMING OFF. Yours will too! I must be honest and confess that I have not been working out like I should. I planned to start back with the treadmill this week, but I tore the cartiledge on my left rib cage so most activity is too painful right now. I know the exercise will help me get things back "into shape" so I hope I can heal quickly.

I'm sure the "no weightloss" is related to the surgeries, transfusion, and the IV's that you were on. Glad to know they found and repaired the leak. Recovery was much more painful than I had planned for (even with no complications). Take it one day at a time ... you'll be amazed how much difference a few days will make. Keep in touch!

Congratulations! Super excited for you. You may want to wear some sunglasses to protect your eyes from all that glitter and put on some chapstick since that smile may get stuck. Again, very happy for you!

Sounds like you have a lucky sister ... lucky you didn't offer to give her the name of your surgeon & give her a stiff kick to the head!

139.4 ... 4.4 pounds from goal!!!!!

It really depends. The only way I could comfortably sleep was on my side. My friend who had the surgery 1 hour after me could only lie flat on her back. Won't hurt to try it.

Where can you find it?

Well, tell that alien that it's time to go. :001_unsure: A heating pad can also help.

OK ... I'm not doing a very good job of being accountable. I need someone to get on my case. Friday - Went to a friend's house to a bbq. Grazed, had wine, and even ate Cookies. I think I was around 1800 calories. :thumbup1: Saturday - Ate around 1200 calories Sunday - Doing ok with the food today. But, after eating more calories and carbs than I should, the scale was down today. What gives? While I am happy about the weightloss, I really don't get it. Why would I lose 1.6 pounds by pigging out? :001_unsure:

Seems like the gas is lasting a little longer for you. Sorry to hear that. Just do the best you can - continue the Gas-X strips and walk, walk, walk. If you are anything like me, you will be amazed at how much better you are going to feel in just a day or two - I PROMISE!

While I'm sorry to hear about your marriage, I am very excited to hear that you have booked a date. This surgery is AWESOME! As of this morning, I am 4.4 pounds from my stated goal of 135. Still not sure that is exactly where I want to end up, but it feels soooooo good to be in sight of a number I really couldn't imagine 7 months ago. The next month and a 1/2 is going to fly by for you. Keep in touch!

Thanks for the encouragement. Now, here's the hard part of the accountability. I was at 1350 calories last night. Guess who didn't pass up the Cookies??? I guess I'm discouraged. I feel like I am dieting again watching calories and such. Up to this point, I haven't felt that way - making good choices 85% of the time & a treat or two didn't impact my weightloss or body shrinkage. I really want to get to goal, but I don't like my new mentality of dieting. Know what I mean? :thumbup: Any suggestions from those trying to get to or beyond goal?

For some reason, I just can't stick to 1000. I was at 1080 yesterday. Not going to beat myself up since the 80 was for string cheese last night - it was either that or a couple of cookies.

Congratulations! I've stalled a bit too - but trying to remind myself that I am VERY close to goal and that it won't fall off like it did right after surgery.

My nut was very similiar. She kept saying, "this is a permanent change". And, I kept telling her that I understood that. I think they want to scare you a bit to make you think. But, I also think many nuts do not truly understand the sleeve. There isn't anything I've found that I cannot eat. I may choose not to eat it, but I can if I wanted too. Band patients have trouble with lots of foods and RYN have special nutritional needs due to malabsorption. Sleevers get kinda mixed up in all that & somehow get lost a bit. I too did my research and felt this was the right avenue for me. So far, no regrets at all. And, I really don't expect to have any in the future.

Sounds like I better check that out.

Sounds like our household! :001_tt2:

That put a big smile on my face today. Thank you! :sad0:

What is your out of pocket maximum for your policy? Normally even high plans are $5-10K. Definitely do not pay a dime of the costs until you have itemized bills and verify they match with the EOB's received from Aetna. Something does not sound right.

You are having totally normal feelings. Just have confidence in your decision and your surgeon. Can't wait to hear how it goes & to watch your progress.