NikiS

Congratulations on losing 17 LBS! I know what you mean about feeling nervous and excited. My surgery is on Tuesday and unlike you, the liquid diet was a very big challenge for me. Although I've weight it wasn't nearly as much as I expected - LOL (but I'll take it). I wish you all the best! When you're feeling up to it please let us know how you feel. Be well, Niki

That is wonderful. You are truly working your program. Keep up the good work and definitely keep us posted. Continued success, Niki

I know I just did a blog entry but as I previously stated - I have a lot on my mind. Anywhoo, I have a friend and he is very supportive of me having surgery. He's fine with me the way (size) that I am and initially when I shared with him that I wanted to have surgery and later told him that I was definitely having surgery he was and has been nothing been supportive, cooperative and understanding. HOWEVER, just about every conversation we have he mentions the surgery but not necessarily in a bad way. True examples: We were talking about how quickly the weather had changed and just as quickly for no rhyme or reason he says, "when you have your surgery and you're all thin I'll still love you." We were talking about 2 Fast 2 Furious and out of the blue he says, "will you still love me when you're thinner after your surgery?" He asked if I enjoyed vacation with my family and before I could answer he said, "guys try to hit on you now, but after your surgery will you continue to ignore them? You're not gonna leave me right?!" While talking on the phone he kinda worked my nerves and I was hang up and he said, "and the transformation begins. Before your surgery you had more patience now you don't." Then you caught himself because I haven't had surgery yet. There's always some reason to mention it, how he knows I'll be after I have it, the "transformation", etc. He's a wonderful guy and I love him.. I do, but today I questioned for the first time why on earth did I tell him. Of course I had to because he is who I bounce things off of, he's a special friend and he cares about me, and I wanted to share it with hm, but...UGH!!!

I think you may be right. For as outgoing as my "friend" is and for all of the confidence that he has he may be a teeny tiny bit insecure. He and I have talked several times about the "advantages" and he seems okay but then in later conversations he mentions something about the surgery. I am trying to go healthywood (by the way I like that term) with a splash of hollywood. I think I dress alright now but I'll be able to add more of a variety later. I guess I need to prepare myself for those inevitable comments too - LOL. God bless you! Nik

Hahaha! I just posted something very similar. I guess we just have so much on our minds the only things that we can do at this point is clean, get things in order and get ready for this next very serious leg of our journey. All the best to you, Niki

I almost feel like I did when I was pregnant and I had the urge to handle everything. When I was 7 months I was so tired of waiting for my husband to paint the nursey when he came home from work I had it done and had the furniture arranged. That's how I feel now. I have the urge to clean, throw things away, make sure bills are handled, things at work are beyond organized, etc. I know this is because I have so much on my mind, surgery is on Tuesday and I want to be prepared. Yesterday I went to get my protein powders and vitamins so I was able to scratch that off of my To Do List. I still need to stock my fridge/freezer with the things that I will need after surgery. My mind is on so many different things every so often I have to say, "Nicole, take a deep breath and relax". Calgon take me away...

My physician said the multivitamin should be taken separate from the calcium citrate. Take the multiviatmin with breakfast; take your first dose of calcium at lunch; second dose at dinner; and your thrid dose at bed time.

I've read where most, not all people lose their hair after surgery and I was wondering if Biotin really helps. I had PAT (pre-admissions testing) yesterday and one of the doctors had the Lap-Band done about 2 yrs ago. She said her only regret besides her bat wings (the flabby skin that droops from her upper arms), was the hair loss. Her hair was very thin and whispy. I asked if she tried Biotin and she said she took it but it didn't work nor did her hair return to the stage it was prior to surgery. What did you hear about Biotin or what has been your experience?

Good morning. I just posted a very similar question before even seeing your post. I've been thinking about hair loss lately and I have to say I am extremely nervous as my hair is already sooooo thin. I've heard of several people taking Biotin but I wonder if it really works. I was just sitting her thinking should I prepare myself to be a wig wearer - which I don't have the face for; a weave wearer - but what can the weave be adhered to if I don't have any hair; or should I make an appointment to see the first available doctor at the hair club for women. I know everybody is different and I may not lose any hair at all but I really do want to be prepared in the event that I do. If I hear of any proven remedies I will let you know. Until then, be encouraged! All the best, Niki

That's awesome! You have done a fantastic job and I'm sure it shows! Here's to the new you! Enjoy!!

CONGRATULATIONS and happy birthday! Have funa nd enjoy...you deserve it!

When I clicked onto your post I certainly wasn't expecting to read that you had cancer. Thank you so much for sharing. Please know that I will be praying for you and I'm not just saying that. Whenever you need to talk, please contact me... I'm serious. I'm adding you as a friend. May God continue to bless and keep you always. I'll be praying, Niki

My thoughts will be with you tomorrow. I'm sure you will do fine. I'll be looking for updates from you as things progress. All the best, Niki

So...today is Day 2 of my liquid diet. Initially, I was so psyched about this portion of my journey it didn't matter if my physician told me I could only have one can of Slim Fast to sip on for the entire day. Keep in mind I said initially. Today, however, I am singing a new tune. Although I love the flavor of the Slim Fast I AM STARVING !!! At this point I don't know what I want more...sleep or food. Yesterday I was not this tired. Today, I feel like I haven't gotten any rest. I'm assuming it's from the lack of food. I'm still encouraged and am looking forward to the next leg of my journey which is surgery on September 20, but right now... right now I'm exhausted and could go for some extra spicy buffalo wings with chucky bleu cheese dressing on the side. But since that's not gonna happen, I guess I'll just have to take a deep breath and hang in there! *Huge sigh*

Did the liquid diet make you sleepy? Today is my second day and I am having a hard time fighting the exhaustion. Could it be because I am consuming less? I am BEAT!!!

Good morning and happy Thursday! This has been the longest work week in the history of work weeks – LOL. And for the record I AM STARVING!!! I’m not angry hungry and I’m not hungry enough to mess up but don’t get it twisted… a sista is famished!!! Two things, I’ve lost 5 pounds. I know… that’s sounds impossible for only 2 days of a liquid diet but that’s what the scales is reading. I stopped in my Firm's gym in our basement on the way up to my desk. But these pounds have not come without pain…and I do mean pain. Tuesday night and last night I had the mother-load of Charlie Horses. Charlie stepped into the ring and won the fight – LOL. The 1st one was in the top my foot. It started subtly then got aggressive. The 2nd one didn’t wait for the one in my foot to end before it assaulted me right under my left hiney cheek…yes, upper thigh in the back of my leg. When I reached around to grab the back of my leg, Charlie pulled a double whammy… my arm and my neck. I was punching myself and flipping around in the dark like a fish out of water. Punch my arm, then my neck, then my leg, then my foot and on it went for what felt like forever but was probably only 10 minutes. This morning the Charlie Horse are gone but I really feel like I went 20 rounds with Iron Mike Tyson. I am soooo sore. BUT… I’m 5 pounds lighter and still hungry!!

Thank you so much for sharing this iwth us/me. I have read so many helpful posts and everyone is super transparent which is wonderful but your step by step experience is just the thing I was looking for when I logged in today. My surgery is on 9/20 and my sister and I have been talking about the day to day and right after that conversation I log on and see your post. Thank you, thank you, thank you!!! It has truly helped! Be well and please contiue to keep us posted. Niki

@SeattleSue, when I told my mom and my sister about my crampy night they both were hysterical! The next morning while riding the train to work, I started out chuckling and before I knew it I was cracking up. People probably though I was crazy sitting by myself laughing uncontrollably but if only they knew. You said you were laughing laughing with me but I was laughing at myself. That's why I said it's funny now but it wasn't last night - LOL. I think it was a lack of potassium. Even though I'm on the liquid diet I ate a banana and that seemed to do the trick. I ate one the next night too just for good measure. Keep smiling, Niki

Alrighty now...you are working your program. Congratulations on the weight loss!! That's wonderful!!