Maddie

I have known a few ppl that have had this problem. It can be threatening to the "friend" when they hear you're going to have surgery. Some of it is jealousy and some of it is fear of being left behind. This seems to be more the case when the friend is one that you have spent years dieting with. If it is a true friend, things will work out. Because any real friend would want to see you healthier and happier.

My nutritionist said no straw. Yet, in the hospital I was given straws with everything. I tried both ways and especially in the beginning, using a straw helped me to drink slower. I was real bad at gulping down liquids and even a year out, if I drink too fast it bothers my stomach.

I wondered the same thing after surgery. But, I was too afraid to mess things up, so I didn't take any chances. As hard as it seems at the moment, this is temporary. Hang in there it's worth it.

I wasn't diagnosed with sleep apnea until going through the testing process. My surgeon required me to bring my cpap to the hospital, as the anesthesiologist didn't want to put me under without it. Of course, the sleep apnea went away after surgery.

You look great! Keep up the good work.

I am at goal and still catch myself looking for "the widest spot" on the park bench. Some of those old habits die hard.

Believe it or not, it's not a TT or panni removal. It's not even to get rid of those pesky batwings. I am having surgery on my upper eyelids. I have a condition called Xantholasma. Basically it means I have "fat pads" on my eyelid. It's a cholesterol issue. You can see the "bumps" in the pic below. When my eyes are open, expecially when I am being expressive, they pop out and show more. They have also started to interfere with my vision. As a medicall condition, insurance pays for the removal, but that would leave my 54 yr old eyelids tight where they were removed but still wrinkly with excess skin everywhere else. So, for $3,500. I cover the difference to have the entire lid tightened on each eye. I am scheduled for 2:00 p.m. Monday and will have black eyes for Thanksgiving. LOL I wanted to let anyone else with this condition know that it is covered by most insurance, if you're interested. I'll post some pics after surgery to show how it looks. Then I will post again after the healing is finished to show the final result. Wish me luck, it's a lil scary having someone cut on your face!

That is the most wonderful news. I couldn't be happier and more excited for you. Good health and blessings to you and yours. (((hugs)))

You look great. Gratz!

Thank you all very much.

It's been a while since I have posted. Since my Mom lost her husband in December, I have been spending much of my time there. I hope you are all doing well. Missed you guys! I thought I would post an update, as I reached goal last week. I never dreamed my life could change this much in such a short time. I still have work to do on my body, but am getting there. The support I received from the members here, was vital to me being successful. I could never thank you all enough. (((hugs))) Here are some before and after shots.

I have spent most of my life feeling defeated and feeling like I could never change that. I had come to accept that success and feeling good about yourself only happened to other people. Yesterday, I reached the 100 lbs. lost mark. I weighed myself 3 times, cuz I just couldn't believe it. Even though I had been given this wonderful tool, I guess in the back of my mind, it still seemed like more of a dream than a reality. Trust me when I say that I have never been any type of motivational speaker. But, folks, I am here to tell you that I was given a chance to live my dream life. Healthy and fit. I am not 100% there yet, but have come such a long way, that now I have no doubt that I can be successful. I am living my dream. For those who think that WLS is the easy way out, you're wrong. It hasn't been all sunshine and rainbows. I have been through some tough times, but it's all worth it. When I first started this journey, I remember saying that I would be so happy if I could sit on the floor and play with my grandkids. I am able to do that and so much more. Yes, I still have restrictions due to my back problems, but they aren't half as bad as they used to be. My pain is so much less severe, I am off all blood pressure meds, off the CPAP and for the first time in my adult life, my cholesterol is NORMAL. Through the good and the bad times, I counted on the support and advice of the folks on this forum. You guys have kept me on track and were a safety net for me when times were tough. I still have 17 lbs to go and then I have to ease into maintenance, but I now I know I can do this. For anyone having 2nd thoughts or doubts, hang in there. We can all do this and we are all worth it.

If anyone else has posted about this, I couldn't find it so here goes. This is from Bariatric Advantage. It's 4 oz. servings of Gelatin. It comes in fruit punch and orange flavors and each serving contains 20g of Protein. It doesn't require refrigeration so can go with you anywhere or is perfect to keep in a desk drawer, etc. As one who still stuggles to get in all of my daily protein, I will be ordering this today! It's perfect for WLS pts on every food diet level from liquids to full diet. Here is where you can get it: Bariatric Advantage - Gelatein

I put 2 oz. of turkey, 1 tsp. of mashed pot., 1 tsp green bean casserole, and 1 tsp. dressing on my plate. I didn't finish it all, lol. I was so paranoid about overdoing it that I ate slower than I have in my whole life.

After I eat, I'm not hungry. Yes,I miss food sometimes. The few times we have gone out to eat since surgery, I just get an extra plate and share with hubby. Mostly, I drink "Oh Yeah" ready to drink chocolate milkshake flavor. I can't stomach most of them. The only powdered one I like is "Click" mocha flavored. It mixes well in a Blender Bottle and tastes like coffee.

Most everyone gets scared close to the date of surgery. It's normal. Trust me you aren't the only one who has thought about giving it one more shot at doing it on your own. To be honest, most of us wouldn't even be on this forum if we really thought we could do it on our own. I can understand hubby being upset to some extent, but you were just waiting to find out if you got approved first. It's not like you had the surgery in secret. Hopefully he can reconsider how he feels about it. But, in the end, it's your body and your decision. Good luck on whatever you decide to do.

Gratz on a great 1st month. You are doing really well.

I am almost 6 months out and I am so glad I did this. Yes, there are times that I wish I could dive into a big plate of food, but, I'm thank goodness I can't do that anymore. It's so worth it. My typical day looks something like this: B: 1/2 prot shake S: cheddar cheese stick L: usually left overs from the night before S: 1/2 prot shake D: inside of a chicken fajita or something similar I am still in the losing phase so am pretty strict about what I take in. When I get to maintenance I can vary my diet a little more. I still have a lot of restriction, but I can eat more than 2-3 bites now. Feeling anxious is normal. I sure felt that way for a while. Now, I am much more comfortable with the way things are. You'll adjust too. Hang in there.

That is so cool. Good for you!

You've had a great first month. Wishing you continued success. WTG

Dawn, it sounds like you are off to a terrific start. So happy things are going so well. Best of luck to you and gratz on the progress you have already made.

I can't thank you all enough for the wonderfully kind replies. It just reinforces the fact that we are all in this together, and I couldn't be more delighted by that fact. (((hugs)))

Congrats. That's great news.

Awesome, congrats. Keep us posted.

Natalie, I originally planned on getting the lapband. But as I did more research and read more forums, it sounded like very few people were happy with it. As I learned of people having revisions, I found out about VSG. Gastric Bypass had too many scary aspects to it, so I decided the sleeve was the way to go for me. I wasn't willing to try the band only to have another procedure down the road. I didn't want trial and error. I wanted a procedure that worked once and for all. It was the best decision of my life. I can only imagine the shock of having your dr suggest the change, but thank goodness he did. It means you have a surgeon who is concerned with what is best for you. As far as what you should do pre-op, try to cut out drinking soda now. I drank Dr. Pepper until the night before surgery and waking up from anesthesia with a caffeine headache sucks. Take before pics and measurements. During those times when you think the scale is moving slow, seeing your progress in pics and seeing how many inches you've lost can really keep you motivated. Continue to do research so that you are well prepared mentally and emotionally. Don't compare yourself to others. Everyone progresses at different rates. If you follow your dr's plan for you, the sleeve will work! Best of luck to you and keep us posted.