LindaS

The psych eval wasn't that bad for me. I talked to the lady for a while. She asked me questions about my family, my history with weight problems as well as my family's weight. I had to explain the type of surgery I wanted and why. I also had to discuss some of my other weight loss attempts. A lot of it was normal medical history stuff. I then took a personality test. It was true/false and made up of statements that I either agreed with or disagreed with -- they were all "I" type statements. The sleep study was harder. I was wired up quite a bit. I didn't know there could be that many lines attached to a human body. The place was very nice, and the guy hooking everything up did a great job of talking me through everything and making it comfortable. The worst thing was they put one of those heartbeat monitors on my finger that glows red. Every time I moved my hand in front of my face, it woke me up. I move a lot anyway at night, and it was not exception during the sleep study. I didn't have sleep apnea, but the cost of the study surprised me. It was over $2,000. I snored pretty regularly before the surgery, but I haven't snored at all since my surgery.

For those times when I am on the run and really need to eat, I happily discovered that most gas stations sell Muscle Milk protein drinks.

I heard 0 is pretty cute, but 2 and 4 may be more faithful.

Me, I hope this is what has caused you so many problems since your surgery. I know you've struggled. I hope everything works out and for the best possible of outcomes Friday. ((Hugs))

The pre-op diet was the hardest since I had to use my will power not to eat. I was sleeved in August, but it meant I was on a liquid diet for my birthday, and for Labor Day, I was eating mushies. I did miss most of the season's fresh corn on the cob, which is one of my favorite summer time treats. I survived. I was able to eat in front of my family, so I would sit next to them at meal times and eat my pudding or whatever. I had Jello for my birthday while my family ate cheesecake. I was fine with that, but my family members did feel guilty eating in front of me at first. I know some VSG patients struggle with being around food they can't eat especially when they are pre-op. The holidays (Thanksgiving/Christmas) really revolve around food. It may put unnecessary emotional burdens on you, but I don't think there is any "good" time of year to do this. You are going to miss out on something, but it is temporary. I know that after cooking for days in advance, my mom would proudly display a table full of food and every year snap a picture. There are some foods that I had to eat because so and so brought it and would be upset if I didn't. So food at the holidays is a big deal. You need to have a strategy to deal with it. When I made this decision, I wanted the surgery as soon as possible. I didn't want to wait, and I would be willing to give up eating birthday cake on my birthday to get it. I didn't want my kids to miss out, however, so I bought my own cake this year even though I didn't eat any. My daughter made a big deal out of making me Jello just for my birthday. My advice -- realize that there will be family events and plan what you will eat in advance. Bring a sugar-free popsicle for your dessert or Jello. Stash Protein shakes in places where you might stay later. I keep a couple at my in-laws house since my family sometimes ends up there unexpectedly at dinner time. I found that I can enjoy the smells of the food without actually eating it. But I don't think I was "attached" to food before my surgery either. Yes, I ate, but I didn't care what I ate. I didn't enjoy cooking or eating. I just did it although sometimes I'd forget to eat and skip meals. I hated making and/or planning meals. My sister is looking into getting WLS, and I worry about her since her life revolves around food. She enjoys the planning and cooking and serving and eating. It is an integral part of her social life and her personality. She tries new recipes and spends a lot of money on good quality foods. Now obviously, I have my own issues with food since I am obese, but I didn't get pleasure out of it. My tastes are fairly simple. I'm not adventurous with my taste buds. If you are more like my sister, not being able to participate in holiday meals may be harder on you than it has to be. But when would be a good time? There is always someone's birthday or anniversary or something. Best of luck to you in whatever you decide.

Welcome! I'm Linda, 40 and had VSG Aug. 9. I've lost about 44 pounds so far. You are doing amazing. Plus you are so close to Onderland! This has been a great support to me. I try to log in every day, and I love reading the motivating stories everyone posts.

I have lots of room on the bench right next to me. Welcome! I hope we can both be overachievers on the losers' bench.

Contact your doctor and tell them your concerns about the deductible. They may be able to work with you. You should also ask if you can be put on a waiting list in case anyone cancels.

Congrats! Do you have a pre-op diet? When do you start it?

I recommend starting with finding easy ways to fit things in. Instead of searching for a parking spot close to a building, park far away and walk further. It takes about the same time. Think of things you do that will let you do something else at the same time. For instance, if you are sitting for a period of time, you can do some arm exercises while sitting. My personal trainer suggested that I sit forward on the edge of my chair and hold my stomach in and then release it. Do this once or twice a day for 10 to 15 times, and you are working your core/gut area. People won't even realize you are doing it. You can do the same thing when waiting in line. These are just a few things, but there can be others. I usually get some work out time in during my family's transition times. This is early in the morning or when everyone arrives home after school/work. Other things you can do -- take the stairs instead of the elevator. Walk instead of drive. If you are standing, you can go up on your tippy toes and back down over and over to work the back of your calves, etc.

Scales are fickle. Make sure you are taking other types of measurements as well. I took before surgery pics and then take updated pics at every month. I also measure every two weeks. I measure my upper arms, upper and lower legs, hips, hip and butt (the widest area), neck, waist and breasts. I often find a drop in inches even when the scale hasn't moved.

Good luck with your upcoming surgery! I am 9 weeks out, and I have noticed some loose skin under my upper arms. I started doing strength training that targets that area (and others) about 7 weeks out. I couldn't do any weight lifting or crunches until after 6 weeks because my stomach was still healing. I did a lot of walking during that 6 weeks though. I was 255 at my heaviest, and I am 5' 7.5 inches tall. My upper arms were about 14 inches when I started, and they have lost about 1.5 to 2 inches. I haven't noticed loose skin anywhere else yet. I have noticed, however, that I have wrinkles around my eyes when I smile now. I didn't have that before. I'm 40.

I know what you mean about how it is hard to wait. I am so bad at that. It does go by quickly though. I am already 9 weeks post-op, which sounds so weird. It doesn't seem like it could be that long already. It was this time last year that I was unable to fit onto a rollercoaster at Cedar Point after waiting to ride it for four hours. If I went this weekend, I'd be able to ride everything thanks to lots of inches lost in my hip/butt area. I hope your waiting goes quickly.

I would absolutely do this again. I haven't had any problems, and I am seeing steady (if slow sometimes) weight loss. I have so much more energy, and I feel so much better about myself. Best of all, I no longer have problems with my ankle (I have severe degenerative arthritis in my ankle). Before, it was swelling up and quite painful after even a little bit of walking. I haven't had to take my medication for it and it doesn't swell up anymore. I could not lose the weight on my own. I love that it gives me the tools I need to be successful with weight loss but still lets me eat "normally" if smaller portions. Yesterday, I bought a couple of candy bars for a fundraiser. I opened one and took one piece of it. My mother-in-law instantly questioned whether I was allowed to eat that. I said I could. I ate the piece and wrapped the rest of the candy bar back up. I haven't had any more of the candy, but I like that I can if I want.

I loved your story, and I second everyone's comments about your gift for storytelling. Excellent, motivating story. Thanks so much for sharing. Now where's the pics? (We're never satisfied, are we?)

It helps I think to realize that this will be your heaviest. Next year, you will be much lighter. It makes it easier even if you are the only one that knows that.

You look fantastic! I am so impressed, and you are such an inspiration! Your cat is adorable too! Way to go! Thanks for sharing.

I'm 9 weeks out, and I had stopped gurgling for a while. I recently started eating an unrestricted diet and gurgling returned. I notice it most when trying to go to sleep. I sometimes hear it and don't realize it is me.

You look great! Good job rocking your sleeve!

I originally thought I was going to get a band. I knew a bypass wasn't for me. I didn't know anything about the sleeve. When I started reading more about the band, I didn't like the constant maintenance -- having to get filled and emptied to try to reach the "sweet spot" and the impact the fills had on diet, etc. It seemed like a lot of doctor appointments and frustration. I was sleeved in August, and I haven't had any problems. I've never been nauseous or vomited, but I have felt "too full" sometimes. It isn't to the point of being painful, and I've been able to help the feeling pass by walking around a bit. I am very happy with my sleeve. I was surprised to learn that you can feel and sometimes see the "port" of a band. One thing -- I didn't want to have my intestines rerouted or a foreign object. After surgery, my husband mentioned I had a permanent staple line. I had somehow completely forgotten that the staples were a foreign object that would be left in my body. Still, it isn't something that will stick out visibly and shouldn't cause any problems.

I just got "caught" by the net carbs thing last week. I didn't realize it until after I ate the Atkins protein bar. The best lessons come from mistakes, right? I am counting all carbs and not net carbs.

It can really vary in terms of how long it takes. I had my surgery less than six weeks after attending my first info meeting, which is before I had really made a decision to have the surgery. My insurance didn't require preapproval as long as I met the guidelines, but I did have to do some pre-surgery stuff like meet with a nutritionist and a psychologist. Other insurances require documented weight loss (with a doctor) for six months to a year before approving surgery. The good news is that it happens and time seems to fly as the weight comes off after surgery. I was sleeved 9 weeks ago yesterday, and I've lost about 44 pounds. Linda

Hugs! I hope you were able to enjoy them enough to relieve the stress of any associated guilt. You've lost 88 pounds, and a bit of chocolate and alcohol isn't going to put those 88 pounds back on. We'll worry if it becomes a habit. Sometimes life is hard and relief is necessary. How was the margarita? Any special kind? Easy buzz?

As part of my surgery cost, I get a consult with a personal trainer. I have the meeting Monday, and I wanted to get advice about what I should ask. Any suggestions?