MsDebi

We are gonna rock it, girls!!!

I am about 1 week post op and having a hard time getting in all my protein and water. All suggestions and comments welcome!!!!

I have found one product that I really really like. It's by ProDiet and it is not a powder but more like a syrup to add to water. I've only tried the Tropical Punch, (I add a packet of Splenda), and it tates like Tropical Punch Koolaid. It's a bit pricey (as most of these products are) but I feel like it is worth it since it tastes good. Seven packets come in a box, and the box runs from 6.99 to 8.99. There are 15 grams of protein in each packet and you add it to 5-10 oz of water. I add 2 packs to 10 oz of water with 2 packs of Splenda. Thirty easy to drink grams of protein! I got mine from Amazon.com. Hope it helps!

Thanks All! I was getting a bit nervous cuz I'm worrying too much about the protein and when I should stop drinking to get ready to eat and blah blah... I would just so much rather drink water or crystal lite than try to get down any protein.... But, It's all worth it

I was just sleeved on March 5, 2012. Tho I am sore, I am so happy about this decision. Poo on naysayers! Worry about you....how u feel, what makes u happy. You are the only one that really worries about how you feel...and what makes you happy. My insurance did not cover, so I am a self pay. I don't even care. Just so happy to be on my way to a happier, healthier me!

I sure hope that I am not reposting this...I think I forgot to hit "post" when I typed this originally.... Anyway.... I am so excited that my surgery date of March 5 is finally approaching! I was wondering if anyone else is having surgery on that date and would like to have a "sleeve buddy". I would just like to have someone to talk with, share stories with, fears with, accomplishments with...someone who REALLY understands because she is going thru the same thing. Anyone interested??? Also...I know I saw a checklist of things needed to take to the hospital, and for the 2 weeks after. I just can't find it. Any suggestions? I have my GasX strips and my liquid diet supplies for the first 2 weeks. I will be doing some last minute shopping on Friday. Any help is appreciated! Thanks so much!!! Debi

Thanks for the replies, All! I'm so excited!! We are about to leave to head to Baton Rouge. We will spend the night there and get up to head to the hospital! Surgery is scheduled for 8:30! I'll keep you all updated!!!

My surgery date is Monday, 3/5 and I understand all the mixed feelings. I think of it like this...The level of nervousness does not even compare to the level of excitement and happiness I feel about finally getting my weight and health under control...I'm so gonna rock my sleeve...and so are you!!!!!

So it is 9:30 pm here and I am about to try to get some sleep. The last steps before my surgery (3/5/2012) are tomorrow. We leave at 5:30 in the morning and I have blood tests, urinalysis, x-rays and upper GI starting at 7:30. Then, at 9:30 I meet with the nutritionist. After a break, I see my surgeon at 1:30 for my pre op appointment. I'm sitting here wondering exactly how I am feeling...but it is so complicated. I'm so very excited that the date is finally so close. I'm hopeful that this will be the tool that I need to finally accomplish the goal of a healthier me. Admittingly, a little bit blue that food won't be so important to me anymore (strange, I know, but I honestly do feel a bit sad for that). I'm really happy and proud that I am doing this for me. But for the most part, I am scared to death that I will fail. I'm committed, for sure...100% committed....but still so fearful of the "unatainable goal". I really need some words of encouragement from people who understand.

So my surgery date is set for March 5 and I ordered the post op diet recommended by my surgeon. It came in yesterday and I decided to try it out. I tried the Unjury unflavored in my low cal gatorade. It was TERRIBLE! The texture...the taste...ugh. Now I'm worried that I will have trouble getting in all my protein. Any suggestions? What protein drinks do y'all like? Please help!

Thanks! I just tried it again with a small strawberry yogurt, skim milk and ice in the blender. Much better!

I THOUGHT I was going to be insurance...but my policy did not cover it. So, now I am self pay, scheduled for March 5! My total is almost $14,000...that includes hospital, doctor, 2 week diet plan post op, and vitamins for first 3 months. My doctor is Drake Bellanger, MD in Baton Rouge, LA. So far, I really like him and his staff...along with the staff at Women's Hospital. I know it is a lot of money...but Mexico is not for me either and I have wanted this for so long. I'm gonna work hard and it is going to be SOOOOOOO worth it!! Good Luck!

Girl, those words could be coming out of my mouth! I am a very friendly person. Outgoing and love to laugh and visit with friends and family. But with the extra weight, I don't wanna "be seen". Your younger sister is right!! That is exactly how I am getting back to being upbeat now. I keep thinking....It's all better from here. Next year this time I will be thin! I'm gonna rock! and so are you!!!!

I haven't posted anything in several days...probably a week...but I have bronchitis and have felt like poo. Starting to feel better now, thank goodness and looking forward to the holidays. My daughter is coming in today and I'm so excited! The only thing that could make it better would be if her brother could come too. He has a wedding this weekend and a rehearsal supper tomorrow, so that is not possible. Wow, it is not fun when they grow up and have their own lives. LOL So anyway, I found out last week that the only 2 surgical dates left, during this calendar year, for my surgeon is Nov 28 and Dec 12. I also found out that I can't see my neurologist for clearance until Dec 5. Since that is only one week before the Dec 12 date, I doubt if insurance will approve me that fast. So it looks like it will be January. Ah well. I did find out that my insurance provider is NOT changing, so that takes the worry out of the equation as far as rushing to get it done this year. I'm not too upset about it. I'm really proud of myself. Delayed gratification is NOT something I am good about, LOL, but I think because I know this is going to be a lifelong change for me....It is calming. I'm more relaxed about it. Like...it's going to happen...so I don't need to stress. And the fact that it will be lifetime...just....I dunno...corny, maybe but it really puts me at peace. I'm so excited and so thrilled! I am going to enjoy this holiday season with my family...and NOT shy away from the camera. Cuz...I know it only gets better from here!! Movin right along!!!!

So today I find out that I can't get in to see my neurologist until Dec 5. That means I probably won't make the surgery date of Dec 12. O well. January is coming, and with that, a NEW ME!! So I am still excited! I'm sick with bronchitis right now and not really like feeling like blogging so that is all for tonight. Take care and God Bless.

I'm looking for anyone who has had or may be having the sleeve done in Louisiana. I'm having it done in Baton Rouge and really wanting someone close by to relate to. THANKS!!

So today I found out something exciting. I thought that my insurance carrier was changing at the first of the year so I was trying to rush to get this done. I'm so happy that today I found out that my carrier is not actually changing... Long story, but the short of it is..... I don't have to be in a rush!!! I am so horrible about delayed gratification, but with this...I'm so proud of me. I'm doing really well! I don't care how long it takes. I know now that I WILL have the surgery, that I WILL possess this wonderful tool, and that I WILL lose the weight and KEEP IT OFF!!! I am committed and I'm not even worried about it taking a while. I don't care. Cuz I know it will be ok. The excitement continues!!!!

Today I posted my first video blog on YouTube! It is actually quite exciting for me. I decided to put together a little video diary of my journey and post it after seeing so many great ones out there. I so enjoy watching and learning and sharing from all the "ones who go before me". LOL So anyway, check out my video blog. Just search for MsDebisTime and there it is! Kinda corny...not professional, but hey, it's my first one! LOL

My week is winding down and so far it feels as if I've made progress towards my goal to be sleeved. It feels really nice and relaxing tonight...knowing that I am on my way to a healthier life. A week ago, tomorrow, I had my appointment with my surgeon for orientation and information. This past Tuesday I saw my internist and was cleared by him for surgery. Wednesday I had my psych eval and that went well. Today my cardiologist cleared me for surgery. All this accomplished in one week! I sure hope the waiting on insurance approval goes as well! If it does, I could be sleeved by Dec. Here's hoping!!