traceyinflorida

That was a great video! You look amazing! Congratulations!

I am a control freak too. The idea of being put to sleep and letting go of control was very scary to me. I had never had surgery of any kind before, so I did not know what it was like, thus adding to my fears. I was afraid of all the things you were, but most of all, afraid of the falling asleep, like I might fight it or something. It turns out I was afraid for NOTHING! One minute I was being rolled in to the OR, amazingly unafraid due to the relaxing coctail they had already put in my IV. The next second I was waking up in the recovery room. It was all good! I had to keep reminding myself before surgery that these people are all professionals. They do it everyday without incident. It is their job to keep me healthy and alive and that is what they would be doing the entire time. In the meantime, try to keep really busy with other things so you don't think about it. I know that is much easier said than done!

Mine were so itchy it drove me crazy! It goes away after a couple of days. Cortizone helped a little. I heard or read somewhere (after they no longer itched of course!) to slap them LIGHTLY. Let me know if it works. Hope the itchies go away for you soon!

I am only two months out and I have a completely different outlook on life. I have so much more energy. I no longer dread going out in my clothes that are too tight, or worrying that I am so big and unhealthy compared to my friends and aquaintences. I used to hate to go shopping, but now it is becoming an adventure. I just got out of the Plus departments and into regular sizes. Granted I have to wear size 18 pants and XL tops, but the selection is SO MUCH BETTER!! I am trying not to buy much now because I will continue to lose and get smaller, but it is fun just trying things on and having them fit! I no longer look ahead to social events with dread. I am starting to look forward to them! The best part of all is my relationship with food is changing. I was so afraid that I would have to "give up" all my favorite foods. I am discovering that I can still eat delicious things and stay within healthy guidelines. My tastes have changed, (for the better) my cravings are diminished. It is A LOT easier to resist your head hunger when you really do not feel hungry. It is a lot easier to make good choices when you don't feel that sensation of being so hungry you can't think straight. I feel like food is no longer a monkey on my back. Don't get me wrong, there are still things that tempt me. I may occassionally eat a little bit of a tempting treat, BUT I can stop at a little bit and eating it no longer triggers my going on a week long bender of eating junk and sweets. That is so liberating!

Wow! You look amazing! Love the dress too! Congratulations on your success!

I would do this again in a heart beat! The idea of surgery really scared me, but the whole procedure and recovery was really very easy. The hardest part for me was adjusting to eating/drinking the first month. Every day and each week was a little easier. I am only two months out, and the transformation has been dramatic! I have lost 38 lbs since surgery, plus 15 lbs during the pre-op diet. I have NEVER been able to lose that much on my own, let alone keep it off! I still have a ways to go, but I know that I will finally be able to reach my goal weight over time. I have a ton of energy and I am not hungry! It has been wonderful. It took me two years to make up my mind to finally do this. My only regret is that I did not do it two years ago! I wish you luck in your research and your decision. This forum is a great place to come if you are looking for information, inspiration and support!

9 weeks out and was attempting a bit of a sandwich (1 slice of bread cut in half with turkey and cheese) as I am reading this. It tasted great, but after only three small bites, I am full and uncomfortable. For some reason, eating turkey or chicken cold cuts rolled up with a slice of cheese and no bread is really nauseating and unenjoyable to me. But for now, bread is definitely still NOT going to work. I always try to make a little extra grilled chicken or fish at dinner and have some of that for lunch.

Congratulations on your surgery! Welcome to the losers bench! For the gas, the more you walk, the more you break it up and move it out of your body. Feel better soon!

It might be the bread at this stage. I can eat turkey or chicken, but cannot eat it on bread (even toasted) without it being really uncomfortable.

Wow, what a difference! You are doing awesome and look great! Keep up the good work!

It sounds like you need a big hug right now. The first couple of weeks are the hardest. I felt exactly like you did. The mourning period over food would be a lot easier if you could actually EAT something (even something good for you), but as you know, you can't because your stomach is healing. It would also be a lot easier if hormones weren't getting all thrown off balance, which is also normal. It really does get A LOT better. I wished I could have fast forwarded to a time when I would be feeling better and not missing my favorite foods so much. Before you know it, that time will be here. Nick's mom is right, a good night sleep will do you wonders. I hope you feel better soon. We are all here for you when you need a pep talk!!

Ughh, I am frustrated just reading your ordeal, and I did not go through it. I feel for you girl! I hope tomorrow is better and things get cleared quickly for you. I think when we finally get to the point of making this monumental and life changing decision, we just want to get it done. Unfortunately, no one else (office staff, PCP writing letter of medical necessity, insurance company etc) seems to share the same sense of urgency. For me, cardiology and pulmonology clearance were routine, despite not having any past issues. You might want to ask if you need the pulmonology consult, so they don't spring that on you next week. Good luck to you! You will get there!!

Congratulations on your awesome success! I was sleeved on June 4th too! The first few weeks were a little rough, eating and drinking wise, but I felt great. I definitely have no regrets!

Good luck with your surgery, August 15th! When the pounds start to fall off, you will not miss the old life AT ALL! You will be free from the monster of food. I passed up birthday cake on my own birthday and didn't care! That was HUGE and definitely not something I would have EVER in my pre-surgery life. It's scary to think about before you are there, but so worth it after. You will do great!!

Awesome!! Keep up the great work! Before you know it you will be there!

Being jittery and afraid is totally normal, no matter how badly you have wanted this. For me, I felt like I jumped through a million hoops for my insuranace company to give approval. I did it willingly because I wanted this so bad. However, the day my approval came and the ball got rolling with all the pre-op appointments, I was suddenly terrified. It was so strange to want something so badly, but to be so scared at the same time. But all went well and now that I have done it, I have never looked back. It was the best decision of my life. Just keep remembering WHY you fought so hard for this for the past ten years and use that to power through your fears. You will do great!

I am so sorry you are feeling bad. I can honestly say that it gets WAY better. I found it really difficult to get used to my new stomach in the beginning too. I was so full so fast that it was hard to stay hydrated. Each week will get progressively easier as you heal. In the meantime, hang in there, and keep sipping.

Welcome! I have found this site to be a great source of information, inspiration and support! I hope you do too!

Mine took a little over three weeks. I got approval, had to wait until the following week for my appointment with surgeon and was scheduled for two weeks after.

I miss oatmeal too! I feel like I need to start my day out with Protein. I tried adding unflavored Protein powder to my oatmeal, but found the result to be disgusting. I am not a big fan of eggs, so I just have a Protein shake. I would love to go back to having oatmeal for Breakfast though. Maybe someday. Of all the carbs you could eat, however, those are great ones! I am sure they are NUT approved!

Yes, the clean out is essential (and therapeutic!) Find things to keep you busy when you are at home. Identify the triggers at home that make you want to eat (mine were sitting at the computer and watching television, wandering through the kitchen, well just about any excuse, but I digress) and start practicing making changes now. I bring a glass of water or a protein shake to the computer. I would save my one sugar free jello allowed for each day for nighttime tv watching. Also, keep reminding yourself that this is just one week. That was my mantra for the liquid phase. "I can do this, it's only a week...." Good luck! You'll do great. Surgery day will be here before you know it!

Awesome, Amy! This needs to be copied and pasted on every "stall" post out there to let everyone know that they will not be stuck forever!! Keep up the awesome work! The sleeve ROCKS!

You are so right about that. I actually can't wait to try the Zumba class. I think I will really like it. I need to find things to trick me into thinking I am having fun and not just exercising. When I lose some more weight, I want to try skulling on the river a few miles from my house. The rowing club gives free lessons. I am not ready to try to squeeze my butt into one of those little seats quite yet, but I am thinking in a few more months I should be more comfortable and won't sink the boat.

Don't praise me for that, I do not want to be scolded on the forum! LOL

1. I don't miss standing in a closet full of clothes with nothing that fits! 2. I do not miss walking into a room and scanning it to see if I am the fattest person there. 3. I do not miss the over priced plus sized stores 4. I do not miss only wearing dark colors and long shirts to camoflage my fat legs and butt