Ellie4me

My therapist talks a lot about having to learn new coping skills since food has always been it for me. I joked that I don't know anyone with good coping skills Seems like it always...alcohol, drugs, food, shopping, gambling, workaholic, sex addition etc. I asked if "real" people have good coping skills, lol. She insist they do. I'm planning on getting sleeved next month, and was wondering without food, what new habits have others learned for coping? Right now if I have a terrible day, I stop for fast food or ice cream....with an almost "I owe it to myself" mindset, for comfort. I desperately want to be successful after WLS and never want to be this large ever again.

I know this is a little off topic but I need to vent this. I'm just back from clothes shopping. I've been undecided about the VSG and this is about to push me over. I have nothing that fits so off to shop in the fat girl section, yuck. Only to find nothing that fits there. I don't understand the buyers and why they think that fat people only want to animal prints! I mean seriously I look like an elephant with zebra skin, lovely. My arms are so big that even a 3x doesn't work anymore. I can't tell you the self hatred I felt looking in the mirror. My gorgeous teenage daughter pick out the cutest little top with cap sleeves. I wanted to stand there and cry, right there in the store. I feel completely trapped in this body and shopping only makes it worse. I look forward to the day I can enjoy shopping again.

Here I am in MX and got my sleeve yesterday. Can't believe I did but I did! Im so excited to be on the path to healthier happier and slimmer me! There are other ladies here's and everyone is very supportive. I just keep thinking what we will all look like in a year trimmed now there say a prayer for us all that

Thanks feeling pretty good except for some gas pains. Not interested in eating but think my little tummy feels empty, lots of gurgling. Been walking lots. Still trying to figure out how to get all the protein but not stressing it. Thanks again for the encouragement!

Thanks all to your reply and support. I'm on the loser bench now. I got the sleeve last Friday and back home yesterday. I know it sounded like I was completely focus on just what I looked like and of course that is part of it but its ONLY part of it. I feel so blessed for all the things in my life, especially my family and I am glad that I have chosen this tool to help me, too. thanks again all!

Thanks guys for the well wishes. Got back home last night. Sometimes I still can't believe I did it and alone. Today was filled with ups and down. Felt fine at time, then painful but could be gas just haven't learned to recognize the cause of the pains. Not sure if it gas, bloating, too much to drink, not enough to drink, etc. Really struggled with getting in the Protein today. Only did about 44gms, but will try again tomorrow. I think I have gas pains cause my tummy feels better if I put a little pressure on it with my arm. Did anyone else have that? Does the protein supplements cause gas? I had unjury today and wondering if the protein added more gas. Thanks again, Ellie

I just returned from Dr. A on Monday. What an adventure. I understand about leaving your kids, I did the same and every time I thought of them I would get choked up. By now you are probably resting comfortably in your room. Remember each day gets better and walk. Everyone says that but seriously it helps. I walked with others there when they were out but sometimes I just walked around my room with my head phones on or at night I walked around the parking lot. You'll be great! Everyone there is unbelievable nice and the minute you need something they are there with it. Try to relax (easier said then done I know). Ellie

Hate to admit but I'm addicted to caffeine and wonder after VGS how do people get their caffeine fix or is that another thing you just have to give up forever?

It's Tuesday night and in just a few days I'll be flying to MX alone. My emotions are all over the place. Like most I am a freaked out and excited and overwhelmed. It's so hard to focus on work or anything else. My kids are young and I didn't see the need to worry them and tell them before I go. So on top of everything else, I feel terrible about telling lies about where I'm going. I'm the worse at it. My boyfriend had been pretty supportive until the last few days when it became real for him and I think he's freaked out too. He keeps saying I don't know what I would do without you. Which is sweet and nerve tracking at the same time. I'm excited to start this new journey and pray all will go well. I keep thinking or daydreaming of a day that my weight issue doesn't control my life anymore. I've been overweight my entire life...yes entire life. I was a 10 lb baby and on my first doctors supervised diet in the 2nd grade! I've battle with weight issues ever since. Everyone on here is so inspiring! Please pray I will have the same experience. Anyone going to at Dr. Aceves around that time, would love to hear from you. Wish me luck!

Hi "A New Day" I'll be heading home from Dr. Aceves the day of your surgery. Maybe I'll see you while your doing your testing on the 9th. I'm sure by then I'll be really ready to go home and hopefully walking the walls. See you there!

Im going alone too. I have mixed emotions about it, kind of like everything else about this whole things lol. Luckily I met someone here is going the same time. She's already been great support for me and completely understands like no one in my family or friends could. If anyone else is going to Dr Aceves this weekend.... I'll see u there!!! Wish me luck!

This probably won't help you much because I haven't been sleeved yet. Mine is this coming Friday. i was really freaked when I scheduled the flight and started reading all the instructions. Then I decided to just focus on pre-op and phase I. I can read up on phase II in a week and focus on that then. It help me not get so overwhelmed. I'm a little worried about getting in enough Water. I don't hate water or anything, I just forget to drink it unless while eating and we can't do that anymore. I was thinking about getting a little timer, just to remind me until it becomes a habit. Like I said I know this might not help much but take comfort that all these great people on this forum have had the surgery and managed to "get by" and succeed. Do you best don't worry about being perfect. Best of luck on Monday!! Your almost there!

Hi S2B, Do you mind sharing who was your doctor. I'm going to MX in 6 days for my sleeve and your doing so great, I was wondering who did yr surgery? Thanks, Ellie

I know I've seen it before but can't find the post now. Did anyone go to MX without their passport, and used the application and their Drivers license? My passport won't be back in time for the trip but coordinator said it is ok to use the passport application with receipt of payment and my driver's license. Did anyone else do that? and have any trouble?

would love to hear from anyone going to Dr. Aceves around the Oct 7th. Can private message me if you'd rather. Thanks!

bugwitch - OMG lol, your the first person I've heard say the surgery hurts like a "sonofabytch", LOL. Everyone is usually so "cheery" about it, saying I didn't have any pain at all, lol. I guess I have the some outlook as you, this is going to suck...not eating my favorite food, finding a new best friend or "divorcing food" my friend calls it, .....but being healthier, feeling better, more attactive and attractive, living a real life! alll those things sound so so good and worth it. I hope so, got my date....Oct 7th! ....ten days away....oh my.

I've decided on Dr. Aceves and currently narrowing down the date and suddenly have become very nervous about the first few weeks after surgery. Would be great to fear from any and all Aceves patients what were your first few weeks like? I'd like to hear the good, the bad and the ugly Just trying to prepare myself. THANKS!

Thanks for all the advise. I sure need it. I'm less then 2 wks away and a little freaked out....ok a lot!! lol. I've been 'dieting' for the last few weeks but guess I should give up the caffeine. How about the 5 hr energy shots, will that work for the caffeine fix? I'll miss my diet sodas. lol.

Thanks! Of the tons and tons of post I've read, your is the first that I had heard anything about that before. Any advise for a soon to sleever? Thanks,

What "thingy-ma-bobber" are you talking about? Is this something you have to do after surgery? I haven't heard anything about breathing exercises, can you explain?

I've been reading lots of post and it seems that several Dr. Aceves patients are at or below their goal weight. I was told by his coordinator Nina that his patients loose 96% of their excess weight, which is really good. Can all Dr. Aceves patient chime in regarding their weight loss?