LonnieThatGirl

Glad I am not the only one... Noticed fuzzy tongue and freaked out; thought maybe it would start growing hair or something. LOL I haven't had body odor all over, but my sense of smell is crazy - just like when I was pregnant. I can smell people's breath before they even approach me. Gross...

I am only 5 days out and have already experienced taste issues. I actually started experiencing it on my pre-op liquid diet, but more so after surgery. I am on liquids (start puree tomorrow) and even the protein shakes I liked beforehand taste odd. I heard it is normal, but is an odd thing to experience.

I cannot believe it is this close. I still cannot believe I have made it 12 days on a liquid diet. I have so much I want to get done before surgery though - cleaning, organizing, shopping, etc... stuff I won't be able to do for a little while after surgery. As of this morning, I was down 11 pounds from the start of my liquid diet 12 days ago. I am almost down 20 pounds since the beginning of June. The vivid dreams have slowed some, and I've had much more energy on this diet than I would have thought. I am soooooo glad my dr has his patients do the liquid diet beforehand. I think it will really help me going forward. I already feel like it has helped me break some of my addiction to food. It hasn't always been easy during the process, but God has really helped me do things I didn't think possible. I helped at a children's lock-in at our church this weekend and put in 14 hour day on Saturday helping out... serving breakfast, lunch and dinner on top of other things! Whew... If I can make it through that on a liquid diet then I can do this VSG thing! LOL Anywho. I think I worked too much this Friday and Saturday and wore myself down and ended up feeling sick on Sunday. I stayed home and slept it off and I feel much better now. I got all my prescriptions filled ahead of time for my after-surgery meds. I need to go shopping for food for after surgery, yet. One WONDERFUL thing is that, I was scheduled to start my monthly cycle on the day of surgery. I am usually on time like clockwork. This month however, I started early. I started yesterday, and I am really praying it is over by Friday! Such a relief. Even if it isn't over by Friday, at least I will be at the tail-end of it... Much better than showing up on day1 or day2 of cycle with cramps and heavy bleeding! Oh, well, better get off of here and actually work on my to-do list!

These were the phase one diet instructions given to me from my doctor office: 1. Cut meal portions in half 2. No starches or simple sugars: no breads, pasta, rice, candy, or other sweets. This includes cereal, bagels, oatmeal, granola bars and anything made of grains. 3. Eat lean proteins: chicken, fish, beef, pork, eggs 4. Have a fresh fruit or vegetable with every meal. 5. Consume 2-3 serving of dairy per day: low fat milk or low fat yogurt only 6. Exercise at least five (5) days per week. Increase the intensity and time every week. You may start with a brisk walk or swimming and increase by 10 minutes each week. Well, I certainly have not been perfect during this time. I've run into a little issue with eating absolutely no carbs. Although when I do have a carb, I have chosen healthy ones (eg a wheat wrap or fiber bar) - it's more of the fact that I forget and then remember afterwards I cannot eat it. KWIM? But, still I need to completely cut them. I can say, however, that as the last week and a half has progressed, I find that I am getting better and thinking more about my choices and feel like I've improved. I have already dropped 9 pounds as of this morning. I need to lose 6 more pounds before surgery, but I am sure this will not be a problem. Especially since I still have my phase 2 diet starting on July 15 (2 weeks liquid diet before surgery). So although I have had a couple cheats with the carbs, I have made good carb choices at least. And, the longer I am on phase one of the diet, the more I have been sticking to it - which gives me hope that I can stick to the strick guidelines after surgery. I am ready for this... with the exception of a few lingering fears that I hope to ease through researching this site and ease when I talk to the doctor at preop appt on July 14. Goal for today... Remember not to eat any carbs!

Mine is Friday, too. And I had the same silly thought going through my head about my face. LOL I am always told how young I look, and I am pretty sure it's because of my fuller face. I am going to be 37 in Oct and most people still think I am in my 20's. I had a friend lose weight and her skinnier face made her look older. So, you are not alone in that thought. I have had many silly thoughts floating around in my head lately. LOL

It's getting easier actually... I am down 7 pounds from the day before I started, and I have had more energy as my body gets use to this diet. Monday, I did ALL our laundry (and put it away - which is a chore in itself taking it up stairs!), cooked breakfast/lunch/dinner, did the dishes and did some general cleaning and even played with my son some. I was exhausted by the end of the day, but it felt good and I thank GOD I was able to get that much done and feel some energy finally! One thing I have noticed on this liquid diet is that vivid dreams have picked up in frequency... like every night! And, my sense of smell is off the charts. Sometimes that's not a good thing... lol I have noticed that if I feel hungry, drinking a cup or two of water really helps! The first couple nights I had acid issues and felt nauseated. I took one of my husband's acid reflux pills and was fine. In order to meet the 5g fiber 3x's a day, I've been using Benefiber single packs so I can carry it in my purse. The first batch I bought (Strawberry Kiwi) is fine in small does or diluted with a bottle of water, but to get 5 grams, I had to use almost 2 packs in each cup. Too sweet and made me gag... but I used up the whole box (didn't want to waste it lol). Like I said, diluted more it would have been ok - still not my fav, but I can see why people like it better than just plain water if you are not a plain water type of person. I am a plain water person, so I got the single packs of regular Benefiber, and it really has no taste to it. I can add my 1.5 packs to one cup with no problem. The first two times I had to get over the "idea of it" though. It really tastes like plain water, but my mind kept saying, "There's SOMETHING in there!!!!" and it took all I had not to gag. Now I am getting past that. 8 more days and then my surgery in 9 days! Woohooo! I have been really good sticking to the diet. I did chew food twice and then spit it in the garbage disposal... never swallowed it. Felt guilty enough just putting it in my mouth, but it's hard when you are in charge of still making breakfast, lunch and dinner in the household. My hubby offers to help, but he's been putting in long hours at work, and I just couldn't bring myself to have him help. So, overall... SUCCESS!

PS I posted my diet guidelines in post before this one

Pre-op day was very long. We had a to be there at 9:30 am and left after 6pm! I am so glad that is over with. One step at a time! I cannot believe that 2 weeks from today I will be sleeved! Still scared about it, but I am trying to do my best to leave it in God's hands. I have to admit I am still a little anxious about it all. Normal, I suppose! First Day Phase II Liquid Diet... It is hard today... Feeling weak. I am sure as the days progress I will be ok. But the first day has not been very pleasant, and I've been in the bathroom all day if you kwim? ugh. I don't have much else to add... rather, I don't have much energy to add much else. lol

Hope your pre-op is going well!!

2 weeks (July 15-July29) Instructions from my dr. office: Please follow the liquid diet guidelines exactly as they are written. The diet is going to be critical in preparing your liver for surgery and decreasing your risk of having to do the surgery open instead of laparoscopically. Please continue to follow the Phase 1 Diet that ********* discussed with you until you start the Phase 2 Diet. Failure to follow both diets will result in your surgery being rescheduled due to non-compliance. AM Protein Drink Supplement 1 cup skim milk or container light yogurt Mid Morning Fiber Supplement (5 grams of fiber)Noon Protein Drink Supplement Fiber Supplement (5 grams of fiber) 1 cup skim milk or container light yogurt Afternoon 1- cup raw vegetables(this can be a small salad mixed with a fat free vinaigrette dressing)Dinner Protein Drink Supplement Fiber Supplement (5 grams of fiber) Evening Protein Drink Supplement 1- cup skim milk or container light yogurt *Fiber Supplement = 2-3 teaspoons of Benefiber is what we recommend mixed with 8 oz of clear liquid.* Please note: · You are only allowed three servings of dairy per day. For example: if you mix one of your protein supplements with milk, then you have used one serving of dairy and are only allowed two more. If you mix three supplements with milk, then you are not allowed to have any more dairy that day. When you have used all your dairy servings, you may mix your protein powder with water. · Be sure to include a complete multivitamin twice a day, as well as 100 ounces of free liquid (water, crystal light, hot tea, diet iced tea, broth, decaf coffee, propel water, sugar free jell-o, sugar free popsicles) Please note: your fiber supplements and your protein supplements count toward your 100 ounces of fluid. You may consumer over 100 ounces of the free liquids listed above if you desire. The fiber supplement three times a day equals 24 ounces and the protein supplement four times a day equals 32 ounces, so you will need to consume an additional 44 ounces of free liquid per day, but again, you may consume more. · You can purchase your protein supplement at GNC or the Vitamin Shoppe. It can be any brand as long as it contains pure whey protein isolate, at least 20 to 30 grams of protein per serving, is low fat, and has less than 5 grams of carbohydrates. Please note: If your protein supplement contains 40 grams or more of protein, you will need to cut the serving in half (i.e.: 20 grams each serving) · If you are currently taking medication for diabetes, you MUST consult your doctor during this diet because your medications may need to be adjusted or stopped. When you speak with your doctor, tell them you are on a very low carbohydrate liquid diet. You must continue to check your blood sugars throughout the day while you are on the liquid diet.

many hugs :-(

SO TRUE!!!

I wouldn't suggest doing the band over VSG... in my opinion. I first was going to do the band and changed my mind after seeing how many people decided to do a second surgery to revise from LAP band to VSG. I did tons of research before making my decision, and although I have gone back and forth about whether to go through with it (I am def. going to do it at this point... only 1.5 weeks away!!! so excited), I NEVER veered from what procedure after I decided on VSG.. Remember, it's just my opinion based on my research. I know someone personally who had LAP band with not so good results, but I also see that many have had success with it if they didn't have much to lose. I think it is totally up to the person's preference. One reason I chose VSG is that I wanted really good results (I have a lot to lose), but I didn't want a foreign object in my body (LAP band - my fears = band slipping, body rejecting, band growing into body tissue, going through a procedure and not seeing big results) and I didn't want my body functions altered/re-routed (Bypass - my fears = basically I wanted something a little less invasive and VSG was a good compromise)... The middle road was VSG. VSG, although only recognized as a procedure in and of itself in last several years, was part of the DS since the 80's. Many patients would get the VSG part done as a precursor to the DS, but it was realized that the VSG on it's own was successful for losing weight and became a stand-alone procedure. So, it has been around for awhile. There is not vitamin malabsorption issues. Your body parts still function as normal - no rerouting. No foreign objects placed. Can tolerate NSAIDS better than some other surgeries (although it is recommended you don't take them at all if you don't have to). Etc... Many things influenced my decisions, and those are some of the reasons. I wish you the best in whatever decision you decide on. Remember, this is your decision - not your sisters' or kids'. Whatever makes you and your hubby feel comfortable doing, do that. If it is LAP, then do that. If not, then don't choose what someone else wants for you. I hope I was able to help some... Best wishes on your decision! I know each procedure has it's pros and cons, and you just have to decide which is right for you. :-)

I am on day 5 of my liquid diet (9 more to go!). I usually have an occasional dream that I remember when I wake up, but since I've been on this liquid diet, I have all-night, very vivid and realistic dreams. My sense of smell has also increased. Anyone else ever have one or both of these happen during pre-op liquid diet phase?

Lifting prayers up for you... Sounds like the doors are opening; if it is God's will I pray he keeps opening the doors and that he gives you a peace about it - that everything will fall into place!

My surgery is July 29th, but I was told that I will be starting LIQUID vitamins day after surgery. I will continue on liquid for a month I believe until ready to take the pills.

I am a Christian and glad to find a forum for fellow believers. I am due to get my VSG on July 29 and have struggled whether this is the right step spiritually. But I feel like I have a peace about it right now and that things have progressed very smoothly... Things really seem to be just falling into place pretty much effortlessly. For that, I give God the glory. Anyway, I am a wife and a mother of 1 (so far - 12+ years of infertility to have our first son). Looking forward to getting to know more of you as this journey progresses!

I will be sleeved in 2.5 weeks, and I am facing a lot of anxiety about it. At first I had questions whether I was doing the right thing or not. But after reading post of post-op success stories and how it changes someone's life (I cannot tell you how many people said it's been the best decision they've ever made), I feel a little more at ease. My questions: How many of you had a bad experience post op (maybe with being sick or other issues) and now LOOKING BACK can say it is the best thing they did? I know there are some that had smooth-sailing surgeries and are happy with their success (AND I hope to be one of them), but in preparing myself for another reality, I would like to hear from those who had a difficult time at first but have passed through it and still think it's the best thing they did. I see some early post-surgery posts of people having a rough time, and I am feeling anxiety about it... just want some reassurance that it is worth the pain!

Thanks and good luck to you, too!

Thanks so much for your info! Sounds like from others the first few weeks are the worse with it progressively getting better... that's good news :-) Thanks for the blog link, too!

I have the same feelings, Gayle! Good luck with your surgery!!!

My surgery isn't until July 29, but I can tell you what my dr said about sipping.... Wait 10 minutes before eating after drinking and then after eating do not drink for an hour... The reasoning (in addition to hurting): When you have liquids in your stomach, it triggers the muscle at the bottom to open and start letting the liquid out of the stomach and proceed in it's normal pattern. When this happens, food may escape also which allows you to eat more and not feel as full as fast or for as long as if you would if you didn't have liquid with meal. They even suggest that when you have soup to drink of liquid, wait 10 minutes and then finish contents of soup. This concept is not just for those having surgery but is suggested for those not even having surgery... helps them lose weight by keeping the food in their stomach longer and therefore not eating more or eating more often. HTH

I was about your size (height and weight) when we flew to Boston. Getting 3 seats together and then spilling over (if you have to; it was only slight for me but it helped that my arms and legs weren't cramped together whole flight) will work - that's what I did with my son and hubby :-) You can ask for the extender, but again at the same height and weight as you, I didn't need one. It was a little hard to buckle, but I did it. On the flight back I just draped belt around me when the belt sign was on so when they walked by it looked like it was on. Safest thing? I dunno - I figured that it would take something really major to get 275 pounds to move out of the seat I was wedged in, and if it was that major, the seat belt was the least of my concerns. lol You should be fine. Enjoy vacation.... and like Smoky said, "... travel with your head high and enjoy..."