~*~ Melissa ~*~

Good question! I have been wondering the same so I'm replying to the topic so I can see other replies pop up in my feed. Thanks! When is the big day? PLEASE keep me informed on your experience. I see Dr. Almanza on the 19th and am going alone so I'm a bit scared but ready for the change

My best friend knows about the surgery and that's it. He had the surgery done himself with the same doctor and has been my biggest support system. He's even my emergency contact. If I didn't have him, then I would have proceeded with telling my mom. My fear now, if I did decide to tell her, is that I would never hear the end of my poor decision as it is so close to the move date and the new job. Additionally, I am putting my life at risk by getting it done. My family doesn't know because they were not supportive with my decision when I said I wanted to apply through insurance, told me it was an easy way out, degraded me by calling me fat, lazy, etc., and told me that if my sister could lose the weight, that I could. Maybe if they had treated me better, things would be different. I would hate for them to put me down now for doing the surgery and then 6 months later, turn around and say it was the best decision. Accept me for who I am and the decisions I make now... not later. Thanks for the advice. My parents will be helping with the move so I do have help. I'll make sure to grab the easier stuff with wheels, so it looks like I'm actually doing something.

As I said before, the big day is July 19th and my emotions have been crazy-- one day I'm extremely excited and others are a bit more stressful. Finding verticalsleevetalk.com has been like striking gold because it allows me to ask questions and even seek support from others going through this new journey. I can't thank you all enough for your time and knowledge over the past couple weeks. As someone going through with the procedure alone, you are making the approach easy and comfortable. Again, big thanks to all To help ease myself into the 14-day liquid diet (due to my higher BMI), I have been watching what I eat and snack on, consuming much less versus the norm of eating until feeling full. I have lost 15 pounds thus far and will begin the pre-op diet in exactly one week. Yay!! I have been debating one thing and would love your opinion. I love, Love, LOVE coca-cola slurpees! I haven't had pop for a couple weeks now and am very proud of myself but have been craving a slurpee. Should I allow myself to have one before the pre-op diet, especially since it isn't an approved liquid and because I am unable to have carbonation for 6 weeks post-op? Part of me thinks I deserve it but the other part of me sees how good I've been doing and that purchasing will only set me back. Ugh! How can something so minute be so difficult to decide!? Thoughts??? Side note: I took roughly 5-7 full body pictures last night to look back on when I feel down about slow/stalled weight loss and fought back so many tears. I truly can’t believe I did this to myself and my body. Here’s to a new, happier and healthier life full of better food choices, exercise, and most importantly, confidence.

I do fear complications happening with the surgery and having to deal with those for the remainder of my life; however, every surgery and every medication someone can take comes with the chance of complications. It's a risk that I am taking to better myself. If I don't go forth with the surgery and don't lose weight, I'm only digging myself an early grave. I have tried losing weight myself and have failed every attempt. Because of my weight, doctors have a hard time balancing my thyroid and I am embarrassed that I'm out of breath after walking up a set of stairs. That's right, A SET OF STAIRS... 12 STEPS! That is not healthy or right for someone my age. I shouldn't be living life like this. I am not worried about excess skin because I would rather have 20 pounds of excess skin than 100+ pounds of fat. I can wear spandex and easily hide excess skin under my clothes-- I can't do that with fat. My weight is holding me back from living life. A fourth of my time on earth is gone and I refuse to allow my weight to take away any more. I don't live life now- I hide inside because I fear people judging me-- when I catch someone looking my way, I can't help but shut down and wonder what they were looking at or thinking. I want to be successful, healthy, get married, have a family and run around with my children in a park. Most importantly, my weight holds back my confidence. I don't believe in myself because I feel I'm inferior to those who are average... it's how I've always felt. After much research, I am getting the sleeve and will pamper the tool as it helps me become who I picture myself to be. When I look in the mirror or am out in public, I feel as though I'm 10 sizes smaller than I actually am. I feel I am trapped in this body that I put myself in... the problem is that I know I don't belong. I don't care if I never eat chinesse food again. Of course I'll miss it but I only get one life to live and I need to turn it around.

Message me- I told you to chat with me whenev

Hey! From what I posted in blogs and read on here, A LOT of people have the same feelings as you. I know of too many people who went on the "food funeral", eating everything they wanted because they felt they could never eat it agan. I do not want to put on the extra 20-30 pounds prior to surgery; therefore, I have done the opposite, cutting portions and watching what I eat. I have a couple days to go before I start my pre-op diet and am down 25 pounds! Much better feeling knowing that I'm that much closer to my goal. I have been wanting to get one last thing of chinese food but know it's not worth it. My mini diet has taught me much self-control and I believe will make for a much easier transition as I move to liquids only. Good Luck!!

Good luck to the both of you

Hello! Congrats on the date! You are two days before me so I'm excited to hear about your progress and do the journey with you. I started an online journal last week since I am at the computer much more than I would like-- plus I type faster and don't have to worry about sloppy handwriting (OCD- Ha!). Additionally, I took before pictures to look at when I am down about a stall or even slow weight loss to show just how far I have come at that point in time. As far as the liquid diet, I put myself on a huge restriction last week, watching what I eat and drink. Some people pig out before the surgery since they believe it will be the last time they get to eat their favorite foods again-- you will, just in moderation. I have found that reducing portions has made the transition much easier. I have adjusted to when I am hungry, drinking Water or even having a Protein shake between meals to help. I even go to bed early to avoid sneaking off to the kitchen and finding something to make. My suggestion, especially with the 4th coming up, do not pig out! Start cutting out caffeine and watch portions Good luck! I'll be looking forward to hearing about all your future success!!

Some insurance companies require patients to complete a 6 month diet program with a specified company/hospital, others don't require that at all. Some insurance companies even require patients to attend a certain number of sessions with a psychologist to determine if you are doing the surgery for the right reasons and/or are ready for the surgery since it is a big change. You have to change your eating habits, incorporate exercise, etc. I will say that I never went through insurance because I am on my parent's insurance. They do not approve of the surgery and do not support it after watching my sister lose over 150 pounds on her own. They expect me to do the same but I have more issues being a smaller frame-- for example, my knees, under-active thyroid, etc. I have opted to do my surgery in Mexico because insurance is not required and it is something I can afford. One of my friends was approved for the procedure and still has to pay roughly $10,000 in the US. Do your research-- not every case is the same.

Everyone's provider is different. You have to present your individual case to insurance and they will determine if you are approved and for how much.

Cassy- I am in the same boat with you-- starting at the same weight, at the same age, and with similar health problems. Yes, excess skin is never fun but losing the weight will help get rid of your back problems, breathing problems, and may even help your diabetes. Excess skin may not be appealing to look at but the weight that is on your frame will only continue to keep you from living life AND even take years off your life. Weigh out the options-- the surgery is a tool that will help you if you are mentally prepared for the new journey. Don't do the surgery if you think it's going to do all the work. My surgery is in 17 days. Message me if you want to talk

Hey everyone! I bought a couple protein drink packages at Target this evening to trial before going into my strict liquid diet. They aren't clear so I won't be able to have them for a couple weeks post-op, but I just thought I would trial some now that I have time and am feeling 100%. I still plan on giving Isopure a try as well-- the pre-mixed drinks to be exact. Below are the drink brands and nutrition info. Do you think they are okay?? Atkins Day Break (Morning Snack/Light Breakfast)- Strawberry Banana Shake (11 fl oz) Calories: 140 Total Fat: 9g Saturated Fat 2.5g Trans Fat: 0g Sodium: 58 mg Total Carbohydrate: 10g Protein: 10g EAS Advantedge Carb Control (Ready-To-Drink): Chocolate Fudge (11 fl oz) Calories: 110 Total Fat: 3g Saturated Fat: 0.5g Trans Fat: 0g Sodium: 340 mg Total Carbohydrate: 4g Protein: 17g Obviously the second product looks better. Not sure how they taste just yet- will update either tomorrow or Sunday. Are both products fine to drink post-op for protein purposes once out of the clear liquid stage? Are there too many carbs in the Strawberry Banana shake?? Also, I'm still confused on how much fat, carbs and sugar I should stick to per day. I plan to keep sugar and fat as low as possible, eating and drinking low fat/fat free and low sugar items. I know my doctor will probably discuss this with me when the date comes closer; however, I would like to know now, allowing me to stock up on items. Also, for those of you who are post-op, how much protein do/did you take in per day with shakes? Thanks for your time and consideration!

Thanks for all the advice, everyone! I greatly appreciate the help

Hey everyone! Thanks for taking time to read my mini blog this evening. I am 27 days away from my procedure and absolutely can't wait to begin this new journey! One of the things I am looking forward to most is completing a Zumba class-- doing all the lunges, jumping jacks, etc. that I was unable to do before because of two factors: 1. My knees; 2. Embarrassment of watching my fat jiggle and jump up and down around stick thin people. For those who have gone through the surgery, do you have any advice on things you wish you knew/did/didn't do before your procedure? I keep hearing stories of people who ate everything and anything they could think of prior to the liquid diet, setting them roughly 20 pounds back. Ouch! Also, has anyone had any issues with hair falling out? What are you doing to prevent this?? Many Thanks! -Melissa

It's official- July is finally here!!! Has anyone started their pre-op diet yet? I'll be thinking of you all as time passes on. Please keep the group informed on your pre-op diet, procedure, as well as the post-op after care if you have time. If you have any questions, please feel free to start a discussion. We all will be going through with the same procedure over the next 30 days so it would be nice to hear new info or even refresh our memory of the old If I don't hear from any of you in the next couple days, have a wonderful holiday!

I completely understand where you are coming from. I am 18 days away from my procedure and have good moments and some not so good moments. At one point, I was getting ready to call and cancel or move my date; however, I need this tool to help me achieve my goal of becoming a happier and healthier person. If I pass this opportunity up, who knows how many more years of my life will be taken away. Knowing the surgery is coming up, I have cut back on portions in prepartion for the liquid diet and am down over 20 pounds. The surgery has changed my outlook on life-- what I can eat and can't eat, what is good for me and what is even better, etc. Yes, there is always the chance of complications and death for ANY procedure done on the human body; however, if I don't get this done, my life will continue to be shortened. If you ever need to talk, send me a message. I'm in the same boat

Thanks for taking the time to respond to my blog and offer your opinions and expertise. You are all correct- it's about smart thinking now. Drinking as many slurpees as I have in the past is part of the problem and why I am where I am today. Therefore, I decided NOT to have a slurpee and treated myself to a Minute Maid Light Lemondae instead. Who knew 5 calories could taste SO good Thanks for the compliments regarding the weight loss. My thoughts towards both my eating and drinking habits have changed drastically and I couldn't be any happier. And the weight loss before the pre-op diet was unplanned but very rewarding. I decided to cut back, fearing that I would go on a "food funeral" and then struggle for 14 days without food. I feel cutting back as early as I did has and will continue to help with the transition. Now it's time to add a bit more protein via shakes. Here's to hoping that I find one I like! P.S. I love the term "food funeral". Reading all of your replies tonight is the first I have ever heard of it.

Hey everyone! Seeing the success of my last blog, I thought I would post another to help get answers I'm failing to find online. The company I'm having my procedure with had a liasion leave and it's been hard to get emails answered and phone calls returned, which is a bit scary since I'm doing this alone. I would appreciate your help and expertise on the following questions. Thanks in advance!! 1. Since my BMI is over 50, I plan to complete a 14-day liquid diet before my procedure on the 19th of July. I have a basic understanding of what I'm allowed to have based on the packet received; however, there is one thing I am confused about-- where do protein drinks come in??? Am I supposed to drink these pre-op, post-op, or both?? Suggestions on brands and flavors would be greatly appreciated as well 2. I know I have to follow a post-op diet starting with clear liquids, then moving to puree and eventually regular food... but I have yet to hear of any "new" limits, specifically carbs. I am particularly interested now since I have free time and want to get all the facts before going in. I think my biggest fear is not knowing a limit with carbs and stretching out my sleeve. Is there a limit on how many carbs sleeved patients are allowed per day post-op?? 3. Last but not least, do you recommend any books or online websites in addition to verticalsleevetalk.com that will help answer questions someone like myself may have both before and after the procedure? Has anyone read "The Success Habits of Weight Loss Surgery Patients" by Colleen Cook?? A forum and group mentioned the book and it seemed legit. Will probably order tonight. Have a wonderful week! ~*~ Melissa ~*~

StrangelyNormal- what's skin brushing???

Welcome, Johnathan!! Congrats on setting the date! I LOVE your goals and feel the same way on many levels-- from loving to shop and wanting to buy a wardrobe to not letting myself date or even enjoy life (due to personal insecurities). I rarely go out and every picture taken of me in the last 4 years or so was deleted when my friends of families' backs were turned. I absolutely would love to keep in touch from this day forward. It's always nice to share support and watch the progress of others. My procedure is on the 19th, so just a couple days shy of you.

Danielle- I'll be here to support you from now until eternity! I am in the same position- my family does not support the surgery and also see it is the easy way out. My oldest sister was roughly 330 pounds at her heaviest and lost all the weight herself through diet and exercise. I tried myself and had successful attempts, but nothing long term. I have a very under-active thyroid which makes losing weight extremely difficult. In fact, my family has no idea that I'm traveling to Mexico to have the procedure done. One of my close friends had the procedure done at this specifc clinic and was very successful. He is now 1.5 years out and down over 100 pounds. He is my emergency contact and with much bravery, stated that he would contact my sister if something serious were to happen. BLESS HIS HEART! I COMPLETELY understand what you are going through and will be here for you if you ever need anything. Much love! ~*~ Melissa ~*~