MINI-Me

Anna - it sounds clich?, but it just takes time. I had some of the very same feelings when I was about the same time period out. Just take a deep breath and try to relax. You can have a little of anything you want. You do not need to be compulsive. If you ever need/want to talk, send me a PM and I will give you my cell phone number. I don't have all the answers, but I can share my journey so far. You are doing great!!!

Maybe a little of both. Does sucking on a SF Popsicle help?

Don't put so much pressure on yourself for the first week or two. You are swollen and recovering. The next few days are going to get easier and easier. Very few sleevers get the protein in the first week. You are fine (easier said than believed, I know)!!!

Kathy - you WILL be wearing those shorts and tanks. And, you will be movng more and loving it!!!

That is awesome!!!!!! I wouldn't stress about the weekend. Our bodies are odd creatures. It probably has more to do with Water weight than anything. You know you cannot possibly gain wait from eating a few extra calories (even a few hundred) over the weekend.

That is terrific. Isn't it a wonderful feeling???

You are welcome. I can't claim it as my own idea though ... A friend that had WLS about 3 years ago suggested it to me. When I am having a down day, I go back and look at my weight and measurement changes or days that I thought were "bad" when they really were just blips. I also keep monthly pictures in there. It really helps. :thumbup:

You should be safe with just a little bit.

Thanks for sharing about your mom. That's what did it for me too. I lost my Dad early in 2009 from obesity complications (type II diabetes and heart issues). Shopping is definitely more fun. I'm having a ball at thrift stores. I love putting things back that are too big! Just focus on your health. When you want to reach for something "bad", think about your mom. Then, if you decide you really want a treat, just have a small bite or two & be done with it. Congratulations on your journey! If we can help, just let us know. This is a great place for lots of information and ideas.

It's called the "Last Supper" ... and, many of us had many, many, many LAST "Last Suppers". It's easy to do and you are human. Just try to tamper back a bit ... don't give up everything (you won't have to anyway with the sleeve - just less of it at a sitting). If you have a Coke/Diet Coke addiction, try pulling back from that a bit so you can be caffeine/carbonation free before the surgery. You don't want to be in withdrawal while you are recovering from surgery. Here's to Monday!

That is precious! Are you keeping a journal of your weightloss journey? If so, you should print that out & put it in there. If not, what are you waiting for??? LOL

I guess I'll put a question back to you ... why are you considering WLS? It doesn't sound like it's for size or self-esteem concerns. Are you doing it for your health? If so, focus on that. Focus on reducing risk factors for disease and such. Hopefully that helps.

WOW! I have found 3 ways to measure my success - the scale, measurements, and the way my clothes look. I too weigh everyday since I track it to see patterns. But, I try not to lose heart and little ups and downs since I have other things to measure against. Last night, I tried on a new pair of shorts I bought. I could not believe the thin woman looking back at me in the mirror. It was like seeing me in high school again (well, minus the gray hairs and the facial wrinkles LOL). WOW! What a great feeling. I'm sure you were the same seeing your t-shirt being lose. Isn't it AWESOME?!?!?!?

It's nice to know that I am helping others. This site was a life-line to me when I was researching and getting ready for my surgery. Just keep reading and asking questions. We are all here for you.:thumbup:

I tried to post this yesterday with my "Smart" Phone, but was having issues ... Normal??? That doesn't usually apply to me for many reasons (LOL :cursing:), but it finally does for BMI. As of Saturday's weigh-in, my BMI is 24.9. I'm less than 20 pounds from my goal of a 21.8 BMI. I can hardly believe it. In less than 17 weeks, I have gone from OBESE to NORMAL. How is that possible?!?!?!?!? That NEVER, NEVER, NEVER would have happened without this surgery. Yahoo!!! Thanks to everyone for your kind words, thoughts and encouragement. The weightloss has been getting slower, but I'm going to keep plugging away. Those 20 pounds may take another 17 weeks, but they will come off. Thanks for being part of my journey!!!! :thumbup:

LOL - Go early. That Pawn Shop gets really busy & they usually have to rope off an area for spectators to wait in line so they don't break fire code. You are going to do great. Can't wait to hear how things go for you.

I assume you are staying at the Wyndam across the street. If so, the hotel was definitely ok. In fact, we could not have asked for better treatment. They will even take you to and from Dr. U's office on their complimentary shuttle van. In addition, your mom can have a nice Breakfast every morning (included in the price) as well as bring you up warm tea and such. I had quite a bit more pain than others, but it was nice to be in a quiet hotel bed. Definitely pack a heating pad - it really helps with the gas pain and such. Dr. U will give you his personal cellphone number. If you have any problems, he is just a phone call away & you can be at the hospital within minutes.

Sorry - I didn't have a revision so I don't know the guidelines for a revision. I was also self-pay since my insurance policy does not cover any WLS. Hopefully my response will bump this & someone with insurance experience can chime in.

Anna - That means so much coming from you. You are an amazing person & I so appreciate your sweet spirit. This has been an amazing journey. These last pounds are definitely coming off slower, but they are coming off. I'm headed to the East Coast to see my mom and family next week. I've told them that I've lost weight (finally broke down and told mom about the surgery) ... cannot wait to show off the new me. I now weigh less than I did when I got married. Yahoo!

I was told to wait until at least 3 months.

Sounds like you are well on your way to a healthy recovery. And yes, WWIII happened in most of our new tummies.

I opted for surgery at Seven Hills Surgery Center. I had the option of either & just liked the idea of not staying in a hospital overnight. Definitely a personal choice and I know that many don't agree with it. But, for me it was the right choice.

For Dr. Umbach, you can go to Lap Band Las Vegas - Gastric Bypass Nevada - Weight Loss Surgery to get additional information. I met Dr. Umbach through Medical Tourism and was quoted $10,900 for the procedure which included pretty much everything except flight costs, pre-op testing and pysch eval (insurance covered these) and my nutritional counseling. Worth every penny to me! Sorry - I don't know more on other doctors in Vegas, but other may chime in.

I could have written this myself. Someone I knew with a band actually had the fill taken out so she could "gorge" on a cruise. I wanted something permanent that would not allow me to fall back into old habits and continue the yo-yo of weight loss/weight gain. None of my Band friends have made goal. AND - none have maintained to the level where they stopped losing. All have gained back. And, they have all had complications such as pb'ing, swollen esphogus, stretching of the upper pouch, etc. While I am only 5 months into this, I can definitely say it's been a life changer for me. I love the restriction and the ability to eat anything I want - just much smaller proportions. Good luck with your research. We are here to help if you have specific questions.