Katie713

I searched on the internet for the information you are seeking. If you have quit already you should be fine when you do your blood tests. Excerp from ehow.com: Although most of the nicotine you consume (about 90 percent) is quickly metabolized by your body's liver and then excreted from your kidneys, the remaining amount of nicotine remains in your bloodstream for about six to eight hours after smoking. Therefore, the amount of time nicotine stays in your body depends on how much nicotine is in your system. Based on the amount of cigarettes you smoke each day, there may be a small or large amount of nicotine present in your body. I was a social smoker for years and finally stopped as well. Before stopping completely I used the e-cigarette without nicotine when I felt like being in a social situation where I was drinking and felt like smoking. Here's the thing that helped me...I want the surgery and to be healthy more than I want to drink and smoke - which isn't that good for me anyway. I will not go back to smoking of any kind, not the e-cig or anything else. I'm over it. I try not to drink these days as well as it seems to stall my weight loss. I went to a conference and did have a few margaritas with my colleagues but as soon as I came home, I was glad to be back in a more controlled environment while I am accountable for my weight loss. Eventually I guess I'll have to enjoy a skinny margarita..

You go girl. You deserve to look as good as you feel !!!

What I have heard is the surgeon will discuss this with you. In our pre-op education classes they stated that 4 weeks off is about right, but some people feel well enough to go back after 3 weeks off. You just have to take it easy, no heavy lifting whatsoever in the first two weeks after surgery while you are healing.

I agree with most everyone who has posted here to support your decision. I am planning on having the sleeve surgery so that I CAN LIVE. I have discussed my decision with my children and my close family members and my best friends. They all support my decision and I think they understand my decision is not just based on looking better...I want to be healthier! Don't listen to the negative talkers or let them influence your decision. You have a right to make your own decisions.

Thanks...I hadn't heard of the website. I am just a newbie still in the pre-op program with Kaiser - Southern California. I saved it as a favorite and the Soups mentioned sound awesome. I probably won't have my surgery until early next year, but I definately want to be prepared!! Katie

Good luck - you have a great attitude!

It it my understanding that we often try to avoid our feelings and then turn to food as a distraction, and obviously for the feeling that food gives as it hits those receptors in our brain and the "feel good" chemicals flood our bodies. Working through the pain is paramount. The tears are your body's release and so by letting your emotions fully develop, you did not have to turn to food for you to feel better, naturally. We all have to face the stuff of life, some more than others, but it sounds like you really made a breakthrough....so bravo!

I had to go to a conference for work. I knew the territory would be fraught with obstacles for my 1500 calorie diet and I did exceed the calories for 2 of the 5 days, but all in all, I am not going to beat myself up about it. I gained 2 pounds...but I returned home and I am right back on track. I know that life is going to present these obstacles from time to time.....I think the difference is not letting that completely derail me as I have done in the past. The comraderie of the conference meant having a few cocktails with co-workers and a few desserts (only half) that were served with the provided conference meals. It was a challenge because it was a served lunch, not a buffet that offered salads and lean protein/veggies. Everything was stacked....rice or potatoes on the bottom, a veggie and protein on top with sauce. I separated where I could and left behind most of the starch. I know the holidays are coming. I'm going to use some new low-calorie recipes to make the most delicious Thanksgiving menu. I am not giving out candy this year for Halloween. Last year we got like one child trick or treating....so no chocolate and candies around to tempt! I actually have an Options class that night (a make up class from missing due to the conference) and it's a good thing. Do many of you struggle with events? How do you handle the holidays?

I wanted to add to this blog one other mighty powerful reason to stay on my weight loss journey....the thought of not having to use a seatbelt extender on the airplane, or that feeling of squeezing into that seat. I had a thought....by this time next year, I will probably be able to use the regular seat belt and sit in any booth at restaurants. I could visualize myself as this thinner person....and I looked happy and so much healthier!

Years ago when I used to go the Jack La Lanne gym the trainers there would make everyone to facial excercises in the group excercise classes at then end. Typically this would include saying the vowels, "A E I O U" greatly accentuated, stretching the neck and pursing the lips with the U.....they would also have you put your head up as far as possible and purse the lips. They were saying that the facial muscles are the most underworked muscles on the face and should be added to keep firmness, that facial skin is attached to muscle and that firming the muscles naturally brings the skin tighter. I am just getting back into this routine as I am losing weight.

What is the pre-op liquid diet if you don't mind me asking? I have 10 weeks left of pre-op education before even seeing the surgeon.

This is YOUR journey, don't let anyone steal your thunder. It's such a personal endeavor after all. And of course, every one loses differently, the body is so complex, and so many things affect weight loss as LVbigmom has stated. Stay focused on YOU. Good Luck!!!

Well, I am definately one of the new kids on the block. I've been checking out the boards & topics and the blogs. I'm starting to feel like this is a place that will be a great way to connect with others that are considering or have gone through VSG surgery. I'm in week two of a 12 week pre-op program with Kaiser - Southern California for VSG. I go to classes every week, one week with the behavioral therapist and the next with the nutritionist - back and forth. There are about 25 people in my group. I was put on a 1500 calorie diet and so far, so good. I've been doing Weight Watchers since summer, so it's not so different. I've lost about 14 pounds since mid August. The Options program at Kaiser asks that you lose 10% before surgery - so we are all working it! I have already felt so much encouragement just by reading your stories and the various educational threads. I'm 56 and I work full time for a large public University. I have 3 young adult children and 1 grandson. My kids have mixed feelings about me entering this program, both from a standpoint of concern for surgery, and I also think that they have only really known me as their overweight mom, but beautiful in their eyes. I feel good about myself - from the inside, and I know I have a great smile and a heart of gold, but my weight keeps me from feeling that I look my best, and I would love to have more energy and more longevity. I look forward to this journey of mine.... Katie

Hello Kris & Robyn.... Thanks for your messages. I do not know who my surgeon will be yet, but I've heard there are several medical centers from which to choose. I will probably have my surgery in San Diego at Scripps. My brother lives down there and I can stay there for a few days before returning to Los Angeles. I've had a good weekend and I have a weigh in tomorrow. My weight loss is steady....but of course tonight is my granddaughter's birthday and my daughter and her partner are making chicken enchiladas and there will be cake and ice cream. Since the prep and dinner will be at my house after my grandson's soccer practice, I plan on stepping in to make my own enchiladas, and not pre-fry the tortillas before coating with sauce and limit my cheese just to the top but just leave the shredded chicken as the filling to cut down on calories. I am also limiting what I am eating during the day so I can have a small piece of cake. Mostly I am having fruit today and a salad for lunch. It will not be a binge that's for sure. My understanding is we have to finish the twelve week program and lose 5% and then we will be scheduled to meet with our surgeon to discuss surgery. They said the surgeon will ask for another 5% of weight loss before surgery - and perhaps that might be on a specialized diet to lose fat in the liver. I'm just going to do whatever they tell me and work through the system. I guess the major difference this time around in my weight loss journey....is that I am ready and I can already visualize my success! Katie

What a wonderful experience! I bet you feel proud of yourself!!

Your entry really spoke to me Kris. I am just beginning my journey - but our personality types are VERY similar. I think what you said really struck a cord as to why I am an emotional eater. I bought Geneen Roth's book too but haven't read it. It's somewhere in a stack! I am going to read it. I'm in week two of a 12 week pre-op program with Kaiser in southern California. I am going through the classes with a group of 25 wonderful people who all intend to embark on WLS. I intend to do the sleeve gastrectomy, but it probably won't be until sometime early next year as I won't be done with the classes until mid-December. Your take on your innocent afternoon snacking was a powerful reminder that I can easily trend toward this kind of behavior. Kaiser put me on a 1500 calorie diet and I am expenct to lose 10% (26 lbs) before surgery. I have a food journal that I have to turn in and we are also expected to burn 2,000 calories a week. Since I have been mostly sedintary - this is a challenge for me. I have been walking at work twice a day on my breaks briskly walking for 20 minutes or so. I bought a work out tape to do at home and some stretch bands at Walmart this week to amp up my home routines. Thanks so much for your enlightening blog!! Katie

Mimi, Was wondering what happened with you, did you get your surgery date yet? I'm a newbie too...So Cal Kaiser patient living in Los Angeles. I just finished week 2 of the Options program. I got into the program almost right after my PCP referred me. I've seen the bariatric doctor and he has approved me to move forward for VSG. I first wanted lap band (like you) but you know, the more I read about it, the worse it sounded. My niece has it and she has had a lot of problems eating. My best friends wife also has it, but she stalled out on her weight loss after 40 lbs. and also had irritation issues near the port. It is my understanding that right after surgery we will be having a clear Fluid diet, then move toward regular fluids - Soups and such, then pureed food, then soft diet until completely healed, and then move toward more natural eating, but of course at much smaller portions. Because of the portion size, we will have to be sure to get the most out of our food nutrition wise - and lots of Protein. I'm excited to be in the program and look forward to a healthier future! Katie

Thanks for all the good advice. It hit the spot today! Week two of the options program at Kaiser. 10 weeks to go before completion and then meeting with a surgeon to discuss WLS. This website is amazing!

Sitting comfortable in a concert hall seat. Shopping at regular stores, wearing regular jeans, not stretch jeans. Wearing a dress and feeling great in it! Not worrying if I will be able to fit in the rides at theme parks

Thanks for the welcome everyone! Week 2 of the Options program. I meet the head of the bariatric department for my first one on one consultation tomorrow followed by the first class with the dietician. Staying in my point range with Weight Watchers....I can see how easy it is to stray off program, but I held in there. Hit the market last night to make sure my cupboards and fridge have the RIGHT foods for success! There are some interesting and wonderful people in my Options group I am looking forward to getting to know over the next few months. I will finish this program in mid-December. After that I suppose I will be waiting to hear when my surgery will be scheduled. Hopefully I don't have to wait too long. I'll have to get my ticker installed....so I can track my weight loss. Talk to you soon. Katie