suzcomptime

I think in parts of Mexico it is true but I would research where you are going and learn more. We were considering a vacation in Mexico and got the same reaction from people. We didn't end up doing it, but not for that reason. Where we were considering going was far from the drug wars and dangerous area and was supposed to be very safe.

I bought some 2.5 oz jars of the baby food meat. I haven't tried as surgery isn't until 5/21. The small jar has 8-10 protein.

Good luck everyone. May is here tomorrow! I have three more weeks to wait but it's starting to feel much closer and real.

I bought some from Walmart, it was in the coffee isle with other flavored ones that were not sugar free. The sugar free ones are harder to find.

I bought some Unjury chicken soup protein but I haven't tried it yet. A lot of people recommended it and I figured it would be good for a change from the protein drinks. Something like that with some spices added might work and it is good for protein too.

Mine was a long wait too. My Dr. office will not send to insurance until x # of nutritionist visits and psych evaluation. The nutritionist appointments had to be at least 4 weeks apart. I sped things up a little by asking to be on a wait list for cancellations and managed to get earlier appointments than originally scheduled. Once insurance approval was received, I had to do 2 visits with the trainer before I could meet with the surgeon (2nd time) and schedule the surgery in that meeting. At that point he was 2 months out for surgery openings which gave me plenty of time to schedule the endoscopy. The chest xray, blood work and a bunch of other tests are walk in at my hospital no appointment necessary so no long wait needed for those. My preop was scheduled a week before surgery and who knows what other tests will be part of that. It was a long process and I didn't have the 6 month diet requirement so I can imagine how long it feels for you.

May 21.....can't be here soon enough. Feels like my life is on hold.

A friend of mine who recently had sleeve surgery called it her food bucket list. I hadn't really thought of that and didn't think I wanted to go that route because eating has not been a friend to me....but I did find a week or so ago that I bought a couple things to eat that I would never have allowed myself before. I guess it's part of the process.

I would suggest asking to be referred to a nutritionist or dietician. See that person for a few or several visits and I would try and specifically find one that specializes in bariatrics. My surgeon is part of a bariatric center that has a nutritionist on staff. I would try and get to see that person and they will be able to help you the best and like has been said, "correct and move on, don't worry about the past" and log your food every day. I know that helps me. My bariatric center also has a personal trainer that I have seen a couple times and have another visit paid for after surgery. Health insurance did not cover the trainer but it did the nutritionist except for a copay.

Sounds like a blast!!

Even though they should have been more thoughtful about the way they said it. Part of the issue is group dynamics....you said it was your only meeting so likely the others perhaps knew each other from other meetings together and perhaps they wanted to be positive for the sake of the person going into surgery. I am certainly not saying they were right to make you feel bad or that you were wrong to be honest about your experience.......but I do think the psychology of group dynamics could have played a part. The other thing is so what if everyone else had a different experience....we are all different and the group leader should have sensed that you being in the minority that night might have made you feel bad and that person should have countered to make you feel comfortable just like the others were trying to make the person next to get a sleeve feel comfortable. The leader should make sure the meeting works for everyone. I wouldn't write off meetings yet, you may find after a meeting or two, you won't feel like such an outsider and even though it isn't always good news, I want to hear the real stories. It doesn't mean you are an oddball, but you may not be the majority if there is such a thing. That's OK, they may have struggled with other things and had other issues that may come out later if they are honest.

I haven't done my pre-op tests yet. What is the pft? I am clueless about medical terms

Sounds scary...lung cancer That must have been frightening. Thanks for answering all of our questions so that we know what to look for if something is wrong after our surgery.

How did it happen to get discovered?

Good luck to you. I for one am doing this for my future health not my vanity. I am 56 years old and don't have much vanity left I do however, see my Mom who is only 18 years older and who has had similar weight issues to me. We both were not overweight as children or young adults but in our 30's we starting packing it on. She now deals with heart issues, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, & Type II diabetes. I am hoping to avoid these. My insurance covered my gastric sleeve which is scheduled for 5/21. My BMI was just over 40 which qualified me with no co-morbidities. I asked my doctor to refer me to the bariatric center and she said "sure, one of the nurses here had it a few months ago and she has done wonderfully." It is scarey but I have read many results on here of people that had it and it is rare that someone is sorry. Most of the ones that are sorry are a few weeks out and having some issues adjusting but later once they have things figured out they have no regrets. Maybe you could check with another Dr. for a second opinion?

I've been considering doing 3 weeks of protein shakes and liquids instead of two. I don't know how much harder that would be but it would be nice to get a head start. I know the first few days are hell from what others have said but most say once you get beyond the 3rd day you adjust and it's not so bad. If anyone has done 3 weeks of liquid was the 3rd week a lot harder than the 2nd?.

Thanks for the inspiration. You look awesome and I bet you feel awesome about it too!

Very helpful, thank you.

I am usually warm if anything which is sometimes harder to compensate than being too cold. At least I will be able to add layers if I'm cold.

Yes, forever from what I understand.

4ALongerLife, What were the symptoms of the leak/abscess? I am curious how people know what is normal after surgery pains and illness and when it is something requiring medical attention like a leak or an abscess.

Like someone else said they may require a more stringent pre-op diet. I have to do two weeks of liquid only, no food and some have to do 3 weeks of liquid. Maybe they will have you do the diet they gave you for a longer period and then some liquids for a couple weeks. I am sure they have run into this before and know what to do next for your best health. How disappointing that must have been, if must feel like you're starting over.

As long as all goes well the Dr. will release me at my post op appt which is 2 weeks and a couple of days.

I have read about stalls on here and it appears if you continue following the plan the weight will eventually come off. When I first read your post I thought you had only lost .2 since surgery but it appears from your ticker that you have actually lost almost 13 lbs in 2-1/2 weeks....that doesn't seem too bad. Just stay positive and on track and it sounds like the stall will pass. People who have been through it will probably post and tell you from their own experience. Hang in there and maybe weigh yourself less often.

Do we have to worry about blood clots caused by the sleeve forever or only until we are healed?