iegal

If I would only scroll down... I am going to try to make it since this is worth the drive. Would love an opprotunity to talk live. Hope to see you! ocgal

Mind games. When you used to say to yourself "I am hungry", now you say "I am going for a walk." Hard rule for me now since I still open refrigerator because I am bored, tired, lonely, or upset I take a quick walk. I keep a pair of slip on shoes right by the door for a quick stroll, sometimes out for only 5 minutes. If weather does not allow, I have searched youtubed for a couple of home excercises to tone my arms and legs, etc. I do at least two clips. Amazing how i am retraining myself. Yes we battle old patterns, but ask yourself what can you replace food with that is positive either mentally or physically? Recognition is good - now take action to change. ocgal

I use the Bariatric Adv chewables. First thing in the morning...and I mean first, is chewing on one of those. Then I start my day by doing all the little chores we must doing like shower, make bed, make Breakfast, feed dog, pick up after others, and get newpaper. That usually gives me the time frame for absorption. Second chewable is a little more difficult to plan but I have used it as a "sweet treat" during the day. Lemon one tastes a little bit dirty. I have no favorite and have tried all three flavors without one sticking out as horrid. Good luck and let us know how you have tackled this topic. I follow closely as you have answered many questions I never even considered. Thanks. ocgal

What will be hardest? Not planting my face in the mashed potatoes while mumbling to all "pour the gravy quickly." Potatoes are my complete weakness in any form. Sliced, diced, fried, baked, boiled, shredded or mashed. I too am the only one in my family with a weight issue. Again, I must be adopted. But really, this is the scariest holiday of all for us right? We all sit down and eat until our pants need to be unbuttoned. Weird, I want to gorge and experience this feeling still. My family is not aware of my surgery, minus my daughter & fiancé so everyone will know something is up when they see my plate. I plan to fill it up anyway with normal size portions unlike my man sized portions before. This year I don't need to compete for seconds. Hopefully I will eat Protein first and eat slowly. Stay the course for success. It is a slippery slope ahead. Thanks for reminding me I need a plan. ocgal

Good for you wanting details. I demanded them from my NUT and his staff. Not in exact order - but bloodwork (a lot of blood - 4 or 5 vials) tests, meetings with physcologist & nutritionist, support group attendance mandated prior to surgery, breath test to see if I had an ulcer, EKG, physical examination by internal MD (who is doing my post exams) and upper body sonogram prior to surg(is this is correct term?) to do two things...look to see if I had gallstones yet (I did) and for surgeon to see my internal organ placements to see if anything was unusual such as a hernia. Next month I take another blood test at 3 months out to make sure I am supplimenting correctly. I was an outpatient, had a tough time for two days after surgery due to bad reaction to anesthic. I did not have a drain, nor a pain pump I see so many writing about, no morphine IV drip & I only took pain liquid twice and that was to sleep at night 3 & 4. As you already know, aftercare is everything. No regrets on decision to have VSG but I will I had better prepared myself for how my new life is today. I have cried over not being able to gorge. I needed to learn to eat more slowing prior to surgery. Today, out of habit I still open the fridge looking for some so called quick happiness. My body functions are different (BM), my taste of food is different as some foods I used to consider a treat now do nothing for me and now taste strange. The amount I eat right now is shockingly low - 1/4 cup or so per meal, which is normal. But to a girl who used to eat like a man...or two, eating a few bites and then feeling full is downright scary. Best of luck to you! - oc gal

LMAO. Maybe he was thinking (not really) of the old you? Smile and tell him if he wants to support this new honey (you) that you are not going to eat that junk food. Today is the new you with new habits to achieve heath. Hopefully his face will turn red with shame and not anger. I agree with some of the other post(s) – men are a little dense. My fiancé brings out chips constantly and leaves the bag open on the counter. ANY type of chips has always been my downfall. I feel like a tiger wanting to grad the whole bag, run into my room, close the door and dine...yes I said dine on chips. PS - open bags left out where I can see them now go immediately in the trash after I ruthlessly crushed all beyond any hope of anyone eating. I think he is learning. PS - you look great and love your picture ocgal

Hello - and a BIG (no pun intended) congratulations on your loss. Fitting into smaller sizes is better than how many #'s one has lost. I find a lot more selection of clothes, don't you? Cheers to you and future shopping adventures full of excitement. ocgal

Considering VSG? Procedure is has been offered for a while, but surprisingly not many are aware of this option. Here is an opportunity to see. Dr. Brian Quebbeman will be on the daytime TV show - The Doctor's this Friday talking about using "the spider." VSG sugery done through the bellybutton. MUST SEE http://www.thedoctorstv.com/main/show_page/D3039

Love the tag line, but love your attitude even more. You are bound to be a complete success with all of those good vibes behind you. Enjoy your dancingl! Lookingforward to more great stories of you "vanishing"

Great news - so happy for you. I know this has been a journey, so celebrate. Thank you for sharing your success.

Upon deciding to get sleeved - I told only a select few, my BF & best friends who have seen me struggle for years...but not my family. Now my 21 year old daughter found my sleeve surgery info in my bedroom and is upset. Should I come clean? She, as most of my family have never dealt with any weight issues - lucky them (maybe I was adopted). Family has no concept of weight stuggle, depression, self hatred, cycles of success and failures through the years. Daugther & I are having dinner on Monday - suggestions?

Me too! Disgusting. A friend who is a dental hygienist recommended either baking soda or hydrogen peroxide (be careful not to swallow any). Toothpaste is just not enough. Signed - Halitosis 24/7

UPDATE Thank you for all the words of wisdom and sharing your stories. Truly helped me decide. Told my daughter and I was pleasantly surprised by her positive reaction. She even said I look amazing...this from a tall & thin 21 year old. She did express concern of me losing to much weight though. Reminded daughter that I had surgery to be healthy, not to hit a number on the scale. Fiting into smaller clothing is a bonus. Again - thank you my sleeve brothers & sisters. You are all an amazing group. No regrets.

Congratulations! This procedure has been available for a while - instrument used is called a "spider." Cost on surgery tends to be higher, but a great option.

Hon; When I want to whine about my minor complaints, I think of how much you have endured. Your path is different but our goal remains the same. Consider yourself hugged. Prayers for your speedy recovery and that you face little troubles here on out.

Thank you for posting about food tasting different and undesirable. Just 4+ weeks out. Eating is a chore and I am finding food tastes not as I remembered. Hear hope is around the corner from those with experience. Read another post a little while ago from Tiff and she mentioned to be sure to seasoning food well. Tried and yes, it really helps. Still no desire to eat but when I eat I am not choking food down. Hate scrambled egg so I tried quiche/sunny side up. My fridge full of uneaten food which has been rejected after one bite. Each day is an adventure. Good luck!

Consider me a wimp. Adverse to all types of pain. But...what is a pain ball? I had neither a pain ball or a drain. Took liquid tylenol with codine for about 3 days and not really for pain but more to sleep longer periods of time. Focus on getting in liquids. Hot/cold bothered me, all was room tempature for about 5 days. Now I only like hot or cold, nothing in between. Every day gets better. You will read this from others often. It is true. Amazed at how the body rebounds. Good luck!

Hi Candygirl; I travel for work - a lot! Sleeved on 17th - flew to Chicago for work, 4 hour flight 9 days later for work. Pillow around tummy helped, grab a bottle of water/G2 gatorade that you can sip on during ride, loose clothes around waist. Check all bags except your purse because the airline I flew, the flight attendents were less than helpful to put things in the overhead. Good luck!

Help - I am frightened to try to eat anything after being sleeved 17 days ago. After walking through the previous beloved aisles of my favorite grocery store ended up bringing home the requested eggs, cottage cheese, yogurt to be pureed. BUT, I can not bear the thought of putting my enemy "food" back into my stomach. What if I am unable stop eating (since I neither feel hunger nor fullness) and blow this beautiful VSG opportunity to gain back control? Help me.

So today is 1 week out from VSG. No regrets yet those first couple of days were horrid. Not painful but trying to choke down enough liquid was a full time task. Read on this site from other posts that hydration was #1 priority which I took seriously first 4 days. Then day 5 I really tried to reach goal of 64 oz, which I am still not getting but I am really close. Used to be able to drink a Big Gulp in a short amount of time ... he he Every day brings a big change, stronger, more capable, moving more easily. Driving now too for short distances. Saw surgeon today, he recommended a shot glass of any liquid every 15 minutes for 8 hours to reach goal for hydration. Still unable to hit protien goal while gagging down Protein shots...how do the rest of you do it?

Thank you for post. I am a side sleeper also and am having difficulty sleeping any way but on my back. Less than 1 week out. I have found sleeping in a recliner helps...yet still, on my back. Anyone else have thoughts? Will I be able to sleep on my side again soon?

Congrats on what seems to be a great recovery. Will be watching your progress with anticipation.