Gene1970

I think the majority of people here had fears just before surgery... I know I did. I doubted myself, I though.. . "I can do this on my own can't I?", I worried about everything that I wouldn't be eating after surgery... and then I stopped and remembered why I was doing this in the first place. I realized that I couldn't do it on my own, I had tried so many times before and failed. I remembered that eating anyting and as much of it as I wanted is what got me here in the first place. I realized that if I wanted to live a long healthy life that things had to change... and change NOW. I was sleeved on June 13. I lost 25 pre-op and 34 so far post op.... I would have never been able to do that on my own... especially in that timeframe. Don't get cold feet... It's a big change... but it's a GOOD change. When I first joined this site someone told me that "nothing tastes as good as skinny feels" and let me tell you, after losing 60lbs of me I agree completely. Good luck and all the best with your surgery this week.

You don't have to weed them out but you also can't let them stop what you know you want and need. It's not fair to you and I think not giving them this opportunity to learn to fend for themselves is not fair to them. Mom isn't going to do everything for them for the rest of their life... it's time they learn a bit more responsibility. It's time that they learned that it's good to take care of others... especially those you love.

You should absolutely NOT put off having the surgery. It sounds like they will NEVER be ready for you to have it and will never understand. This is not a case of being selfish... it's a case of wanting something better for yourself... namely your health. If they can't understand that, if they are not ready for that, if they think that you are being selfish... then that is their problem, NOT yours. It sounds like they have been pampered way too long and this is one time that they are going to have to figure out that you are not their personal assistant just waiting for them to ask something of you. I hope you keep your surgery date... you won't regret it. I also hope that while you are recovering you don't give in to what they think they "can't do" and just take care of yourself. Let the dishes pile up to the ceiling, the garbage can overflow and let them wear dirty clothes if they have too... maybe then they will appreciate everything you do for them. NOW is the time to be selfish!!!!

He needs to step up and do his part... Speaking as a father who helps with everything including diaper, baths, meals, overnight shifts(when he was very young), and everything else that comes with being a responsible parent I wouldn't want it any other way. Interacting with your child and taking care of your child is something that should be shared by both parents. I think it really helps your child bond with you and vice versa if you are involved with everything. It also help you appreciate your spouse. Good luck, I hope he comes around.

Congrats!!! I thought it was really nice that all of the places we like to go made their booths bigger for me after my surgery... My wife tells me they didn't, but let me tell you... I have some serious room in a booth now.

Allowed or not my suggestion is to give them up now. It's a tough addiction to kick and as you said, you're not going to be able to have them post op... so you might as well stop now. I stopped about 7 weeks pre-op and I am glad I did. There are enough struggles post op without adding the cravings for a soda.

7 weeks out tomorrow and no regrets

Hang in there, the first few days are the worst. By the end of the first week you'll be feeling MUCH MUCH better!!!

I was told 8 weeks but tried it at 6 and it was fine... just chew well like everyone is saying. Enjoy... for me it tasted great...

for me the pain was mostly gone by the end of week 2 post op. I sneezed one day and didn't get to hold my stomach fast enough and it felt like a ripping sensation going through my largest incision... That one took the longest time to heal, but still better by then end of week 2. Hang in there!!!

I have the same thing and it's already starting to get less noticible. I think the more you lose the less you will see it.

I could have done it no problem at 3 weeks out. Tracey is right... make sure you have plenty of water and a snack.

Pre-surgery it was Coke all the way, now It's mostly water. I haven't started drinking Iced tea post op but can't wait. I think I'm allowed to start having caffiene again at 2 months.... Just 2.5 weeks to go!!!!

I was extremely addicted to Coke myself... I stopped drinking it about 6 weeks pre-op and now I'm over 5 weeks post op. I feel your pain, it's a tough addiction to break. I think what helped me is that I switched to drinking unsweetened iced tea which of course has the caffiene to replace what the code had. I really didn't notice the headaches as bad and now I'm not drinking tea and didn't have a problem when I stopped the tea. I only stopped the tea for my recovery and I'm sure I will start drinking tea again when I can. I still get the urge to have a coke from time to time but would never try one again because I know I wouldn't be able to stop. If you like iced tea I would highly suggest swapping to that for a while until you fully get past your Coke addiction. Good Luck!!!! You will get there.

First, congrats on taking the step to come back to the forums to get some much needed support!!! That's one reason I love this site... the supportive people. Second... YOU sound like you can be an EXTREMELY driven person.. You have done it before with your weight loss post surgery, you did it in your own career and you WILL do it again. What happened at your old company is horrible, you were not treated fair and were forced out wrongly... HOWEVER, letting self pity and depression take over is not the answer.. you obviously know that. Take all of that pity and depression and turn it into positive enery... prove that you are the person that lead sales in your old company... take that energy and use it in your new job and use it in your life to show everyone that you are a winner and that nothing, especially a bunch of stupid men will stop you from excelling. People suck sometimes (ok, sometimes more than sometimes)... but don't let them get you down. Prove that you are better than the slime that put you out of a job. That's my little pep talk... LOL... Others are right as well, think about seeing a counselor. If you cannot get yourself out of this funk then seek the help you need. There is no shame in asking for help once in a while Good luck!!!!!!

I thought I would want them post surgery but never needed them.

one week

I'm 5 weeks post op and have not had a protien shake in quite a while. I seem to get enough protien without them. One think that helps me in the morning though is that I make a smoothie with one container of greek yogurt, a little fruit and skim milk. It starts my day with around 20 grams of protien.

20 pounds in 5 weeks is awesome... I don't thin anyone should feel bad about losing 4 pounds every week. CONGRATS!!!! In time you will be able to eat anything that you used to, just not every day and not in the same amounts. I try not to focus on how much I am eating and enjoy every bite that I do get. Personally I have found that everything that I enjoyed (that I have tried so far) pre-surgery tastes just as good post surgery I just can't eat as much. Keep up the good work!!! Don't let food get you down, focus on the success you've had so far and know that one of these days you will eat your favorites again... Just in healthy portions.

I think a lot of us had the pre-surgery jitters and questioned ourselves many times. Just keep reminding yourself why you are doing it. For me I had to remind myself of the multiple unsuccessful attempts to do it on my own. I also kept close to the forums and gained a lot of support from those who had already had the surgery and had great success. You will find a lot of support here. Good luck on your surgery next week!!! The days will fly by and before you know it you will be several weeks post op. I've 5 weeks post op today and feeling awesome!!!!!

You will survive!!! Just get back on it today and stick to it. We are all imperfect and it's not an easy change to make. Try to stay away from temptations like eating out for the rest of the diet and it will be a LOT easier. Good Luck!!!!

Talk to your Dr, a lot of Dr's have an alternative pre-op diet is basically a high protien, low carb diet. Mine allowed me to have lean meat, cheese, low fat yogurt, non carb veggies, light salad dressing, etc... It was much easier to follow and after surgery he said my liver looked great which is the main goal. I lost 15lbs on the pre-op diet, at good, and still shrunk my liver. If your Dr allows this than do it... if not then stick to his diet but one mistake does not make you a failure. Good luck!!!!

12,000 cash pay in Kansas City

I'm a month out and have not experienced any hair loss. I'm also 50lbs down and I think My skin looks fine so far. Sleeve of Steel is right on, if you get your protien and vitamins you will look healthier and be healthier. No regrets here for getting the sleeve.