TaiDyed

@Ramona1019 - I am an 8/6 band to sleeve revision. Glad you found the preop wasn't hard. By day 7 I found myself starting to think the 2nd week would never ever end. But now here we just 2 days away. Wishing you the best of luck w/ your journey and hope we can share our successes along the way!! @loleata I understand the concerns. It's perfectly natural for our nerves and 2nd guesses to get the best of us. I don't know much about the self mutilation issue, but as far as what sort of example you are setting...well, I think there is a lot to be said for being able to admit that this is something you need help with. I've spent the last few weeks addressing the shame feelings. I look around at my life and think things are pretty damn good. But the one area that I have been unable to master long term is my weight. I'm great at losing weight, but keeping it off is another story. I can't say if this is the right decision for you, only you know what is best. I hope that your nerves settle down and that you feel good about whichever route you take.

For me, at the time, the band just seemed the most logical choice. There was something about having my insides rerouted that terrified me. And still does. Why it is that the idea of having a huge percentage of my stomach removed doesn't unnerve me the same is beyond me. But for whatever reason, the sleeve just seems the better choice. I was fortunate that my insurance covered the band but I understand what you mean about feeling that it was money wasted. It was a procedure that I certainly would have preferred avoiding. I am struggling with the fear that the sleeve will also end up being something that I wish I hadn't done...but after Monday, there will be no turning back.

The way my approval letter was written was super odd. It basically stated that the band removal was not considered "necessary" and therefore not approved. However, in typical insurance double talk, it stated that the weight loss procedure I was approved for (sleeve) would require the removal of the band as part of the procedure. BUT that it would be a matter of coding to ensure that the band removal gets covered which won't be determined until after my surgery. Fortunately, my doctors office has done these revisions before and will submit whatever it is that needs to be submitted to ensure that I'm covered. I guess I will find out after all is said and done in TWO more days!!!

Wow! Congratulations on a smooth surgery. Sounds like you have a great frame of mind. Just curious, did you know going in that you wouldn't be getting the sleeve? Was your procedure scheduled strictly for band removal? I am going in this Monday for a band to sleeve revision and I am not sure how I would feel if I came out of surgery to find out that they were not able to sleeve me. But I definitely understand that it could happen. I hope you continue to feel better and I am so looking forward to having the band out of me and moving forward with life.

When I met with my surgeon for the final discussion of having the band to sleeve revision done, as we were walking out, he told me "Tai, you're going to be one skinny b***h." This and more are why I adore him. I go in on Monday for my procedure. I'm beyond excited!! I'm 5'3" (5'4" on a good day). The heaviest I've ever been was 289 back in 2000. I managed to lose 120 lbs on Weight Watchers over the course of 2 years, but sadly did not maintain my loss. At that time, my goal weight was 150. I was 11 lbs away from that goal and never got there. So, I guess 150 for the time being is my goal weight. I have not a clue what size that will bring. I'm a pear shape and 2 sizes larger on the bottom than I am on top. Only time will tell!! The other gauge of reaching a personal goal is to fit into my size 13 (and we're talking size 13 from the late 80s) Levi 501 jeans...if there comes a day when I can actually fit into those, then I know I will have "arrived". Believe it or not I have a pair in storage from my senior year in high school that were barely worn and look brand new. This time next week I hope to be telling everyone that I am feeling well and on my way to a healthier and smaller me!!

Can't believe I've overlooked this thread for the past few weeks. I am on day #11 of my 2 week pre op diet. Scheduled for surgery bright and early Monday morning, 8/6 with Dr. Braverman from the NEW Program. Hospital is about 15 mins from home which makes things much easier. I'm excited. Nervous. Hungry. and Ready!!!

This is excellent information to have...I'm getting sleeved this Monday and aside from the protein shakes, was at a bit of a loss for what other types of protein to add to my list for further down the road.

Just got the call from the hospital. My check in time is at 6am this Monday!! I knew my day would be 8/6, but wasn't sure if they would take me in the morning or afternoon. Can I tell you how relieved I am that it will be in the AM!!! It will make the day before a little less painful with having to be on only Clear liquids. I will for sure savor every last drop of my last Protein shake Saturday night. I only stay the one night in the hospital. Will hopefully be home and recuperating in my own bed by Tuesday afternoon. In other news, I hopped on the scale and it looks like of the 20 lbs I gained over the past 3 months, I lost 15 of them, which makes me appreciate the pre op diet that much more. So excited!!

On Day #11...and there are brownies in the break room. AND I'm starving!! The hardest part over the past 2 weeks has been trying to maintain my workout routine while consuming less than 1000 calories a day. It's crazy. I have found that my mental state has become WAY more taxed. But I just need to make it through the weekend. Monday is surgery day and I'm ready for it to be here!!

Hi Krystal24...I work in Fountain Valley!! I'm guessing you will be over at OC Memorial. How exciting. My date is coming up super quick...this Monday the 6th. Oddly, the surgeons I go to in Newport Beach choose to work out of Tri City in Hawaiian Gardens. Go figure. But I can't complain because that is much closer to home for me (I live in Signal Hill). 2 more days left of the Protein diet, then Sunday is all "clear" liquid day, then Monday is the day! Whoo hooo!!!

Wow, 30 days!! I am on a 2 week protein diet (3 shakes, 2 bars, certain veggies)...am on day 10 today and it's really hit me how tired I am. I think the pre op diet is key in that it helps us mentally and physically prepare for limited food intake. By the time we have our surgery and are "forced" to limit our food, we'll be pros!! In other news...August 6th is right around the corner!! My anxiety level gets a little higher every day. Today someone brought in a box of donuts and I have to admit, it was REALLY difficult not to dive head first and inhale. Yeah for us August sleevers!! We are gonna be HAWT come next summer!!

@shan1201 - no idea what time yet. I guess they will call me on Friday or Sunday to let me know what time I have to be there. I'm really hoping it will be early morning so we can just get this show on the road!! We are so close!! August is totally going to be our month!! Good luck and keep me posted on your progress!! @MsDallasSleever Whoo hoo!!! - hope you are doing well!! Thinking of you!! @JGo - It is so natural to be scared. It's a huge undertaking and with no really knowing exactly how it is going to effect us specifically, we are going in kind of blind. I would suggest taking some quiet time for yourself and reflecting on what it is you really want in your life. I'm not sure what sort of struggles you've had w/ being overweight, but I know for me, I've mastered losing weight yet have never been able to keep it off. I want to live the next part of my life w/out all the aches and pains that go along with carrying around so much extra baggage. I'm 5'3 and at my heaviest was 289 pounds. I lost 120 lbs on Weight Watchers years ago and over time, put back on half of that. I had the band in 2008 and lost about 45 lbs, of which I have put back on about half. I cannot do this up and down routine anymore. It's tiring and mentally draining. So having this surgery, removing the band and having the sleeve is just something I am willing to do for myself. Hang in there. If you believe you are committed to this decision, you will find a way to get past the fear. And having this board is an excellent place to come to for support.

I'm right there with you!! I'm scheduled for 8/6 as well...completely dreading the day before surgery when it's all "clear" liquids only. That will be a long long day...but we are oh so close!! Looking forward to sharing our journey!! Best of luck to you!!

August 6th here!! 11 days before my 44th birthday. Happy Birthday to me, right?!?! I'm a band to sleeve revision and just really ready to be on the other side of this. Let the journey being. BTW, I am in Southern CA and will be getting sleeved by Dr. Braverman of the NEW Program. I adore him and am really glad that I found him. He's got a great bed side manner which helps take a bit of the edge off from the nerves.

6 weeks AFTER surgery? I am having surgery on Monday and was told I'd be on protein/liquids for 2 weeks, then onto mushy (yogurt, cottage cheese, etc) in week 3 and week 4. Week 5 introduces soft meats to the mix (tuna fish, chicken salad)... What have you been eating for the past 6 weeks? And how are you feeling?

Good Morning...first day in over a week on this Protein plan where I am feeling EXTREMELY lethargic and grumpy. Just needed a place to come and vent for a second. I so want toast with Peanut Butter and jam. It just sounds so comforting and delicious. The three hours between shakes and bars feels like forever. Just a few more days.

Wow! Sounds like you have had a lot of life changing experiences. I'm so happy to read about your awesome progress. And yes, slow and steady definitely wins the race. We didn't get overweight overnight so it's no surprise that it won't come off overnight. You definitely have a really good attitude and that is so key. I had the band in 2008 and know what you mean about that first "last" bite. The discomfort is something that is no fun at all. Give yourself time and keep listening to your body. Eventually we figure out what works and what doesn't. I am going in for my sleeve a week from today. I'm very excited and can't wait to be sharing my story too!!

Day #7 of Protein shakes and bars...I figured out that I am on about 800-1000 calories a day. What a huge change and it's oddly not been unbearable. 5 more days of this program, then 1 day (day before surgery) only Clear liquids (broth, Jello, sugar free gatorade and the like) and then BAM, surgery. Every day that goes by, I am getting more and more excited. And nervous. I've decided to make an appointment for a massage and a facial the day before surgery. I'm hoping it will take my mind off of not being able to even have Protein Shakes, which have been helping keep the hunger under control. A little pampering will hopefully go a long way. August 6 cannot get here soon enough.

Hey Slenderella...sounds like things are moving right along for you. Minus feeling like a bear- but we all have those days!! Head hunger will do that to a person! It's the morning of Day #5 and it has really hit me how tired I am. I couldn't sleep much last night. My stomach was making the craziest and loudest of noises. I'm going to attempt to get through my morning kettlebell class but to be honest, I have zero energy. As I've been entering information into My Fitness Pal, it looks like I'm taking in about 800 calories...so it's no wonder I am so lethargic. Really looking forward to getting past all this. Onward and upward!!

Finishing up day #4...9 more to go and then 1 day of just clear liquids (broth, jello, water) and then surgery. It's not been terrible, but it hasn't been a walk in the park either. The most uncomfortable part has been the gas..I feel terribly bloated and full of air. It's been a long time since I've done a high protein diet of any sort, I forgot that this is a part of it.

My best friend has known me since we were 15...we are now 43. She's seen ALL my ups and downs with weight. She knows how hard I work out 5-7 days a week. She has seen first hand my triumphs and frustrations. She is super thin and a fitness trainer. She has told me time and time again that she loves me no matter what my size, however completely understands and supports my decision. I hope your best friend is able to realize that you are doing this for you and regardless of what her opinion is about having WLS, she will support you all the same. I wish I had had this option when I was 21. Best of luck to you!!

Morning of Day 3...don't feel quite as bad as I thought I would, but the day is still getting off to a start. I do kettlebell classes, and I was concerned that with the change in calories and diet, I would lose momentum, but so far, so good. We'll see how long that lasts. I've been told by one of my doctors that after surgery I have to take at least a month off from core work, so no kettlebell for awhile. The upside is that I will able to do general cardio, so I can make keep on some sort of routine. Loving my countdown app!! I'll be even happier when it hits the single digit numbers!!

Oh boy, tomorrow is day 3 for me. So much to look forward to - not! I think it must be in my head, but I am super tired. I can't imagine that after only 2 days of doing this diet that it would effect me so quickly. But maybe that is the case. I so want to eat something crunchy and salty. Probably easier to just go to bed and forget about it. For me, only 11 more days to go. Whoo hooo!!!

I feel for you @nalasmom!! Graveyard shift sounds horrendous. I am on day #2 w/ my shakes. I'm allowed some veggies, so I have been crunching on a LOT of carrots. Maybe this pre oop diet will help w/ my eyesight. I hate wishing time away, but I'm SO ready for it to be August already!!

So today was day 1 of my pre op diet...and the night isn't over yet. I've managed to stay on track, but this is the hardest part of the day/night for me. Home, sitting in front of the TV relaxing. I want something salty and crunchy. I got my activity in already, so I'm ready to chill. Drinking my "dinner" and wondering how the heck I am going to get through the next 12 days. I know I will, but right now it feels like time is ticking by super slow. I am not thrilled with the Protein powder shakes, but overall, they are not the worst things I've ever tasted. The program I am on requires me to buy all their products - but the upside is that it will be enough Protein Shakes and bars to last for the 2 week pre op and then an additional 4+ weeks after surgery. Plus all my chewable Vitamins and supplements On to day #2 tomorrow!!