BeachWithMyBabies

LOL! I made one. I just need to get it posted. My drive is full so I need to sort my computer before I can upload. I'll probably make another one today.

Call the doctor's office ASAP and speak to a nurse or doctor on call. Don't wait for Monday if you're blood pressure is dropping and going hay-wire. I don't want to be an alarmist, but my lead nurse told me about a woman who felt sick on a Friday night and didn't want to have to go to the ER, so she waited till Monday to come in. Well, she was septic by that point and she died that day because she had a major leak. She told us this story to stress how important it is to listen to your body and alert the medical professionals if you have any doubts. So if you are feeling off, better safe than sorry and talk to health professionals and not this bulletin board. We're here to help and chat and share, but we can't give you medical advice. It's your doctor's job to listen to you. You won't be bothering them! You're worth the attention!

I have my surgery in less than a week and I'm still a bit concerned about how I'm supposed to sip 60-80 grams of Protein and my 6-8 cups of Water a day. Did anyone create a schedule to get it all in? My doctor doesn't want me to drink more than an ounce over 15 minutes, EVERY 15 minutes for 12 hours a day. Sounds like hell, but I'll do it. I just want to know what to do if I want to take a nap. Any tips or keys to success that worked for you?

I just started my clear liquid pre-op diet too. I had similar questions and called my nurse. She DID NOT want me eating any protein shakes - no protein. Only thing she wanted me to eat was jello (sugar is okay), gatorade, broth, and diluted apple or grape juice. Protein makes stool and the reason you are on this diet is to clear out your bowels so if they accidentally nick anything, you won't have stool in your body. She told me if I ate protein, my surgery would be canceled and rescheduled. Just FYI. But really, call your doctor's office.

Just started my video blog on youtube. You can check it out here: http://www.youtube.com/user/BeachWithMyBabies

I'm insured by Western Health Advantage with UCD Med Group. I'm having my sleeve done by Dr. Pierce at UCD Med Center. My insurance is covering 100%. I'm very happy with their staff - very diligent. The head of the department is Dr. Ali, who is the other lead surgeon. I've met him as well and was very impressed by his passion for his job.

I am also being sleeved Thursday morning! We can be sleeve twins. We should stay in touch - we might be good support to one another!

Please drink your protein. Like feedyoureye said, you have to think of it like medicine. It's important to get your 60-80 grams in a day - otherwise you can lose your hair! And I'm sure skinny and bald was not your ultimate goal. My nurse was talking with me about how some women come in looking like they have been through chemotherapy because they aren't getting in their protein and chunks of hair started falling out. So - just hunker down and sip it down. This phase is just temporary and it too will pass!

April 14th here. Bought some comfy nightgowns today and looking into some good TV series to rent while I'm home on the mend. Looking forward to doing this for myself and enjoying a few weeks of me-time while I recover and learn how to eat again. Excited and nervous all rolled into one!

That's why I joined to lose the initial weight before surgery! I figured it would be an amazing support tool throughout my process and maintenance. I was feeling guilty about having surgery and going. Sounds like you are doing the same thing, but able to get past the guilt. Do you weigh in every week? I'm so glad you mentioned this, because this is something that I've been worried about.

Yes - that's what I think I'm doing right now. With my weight loss, I tend to get cocky and then I sabotage myself by thinking I can eat *anything*. Clearly, if that was the case, I wouldn't be at the weight I am today. I was at a bridal shower today and caught a glimpse of myself in mirrors and thought maybe not... then I caught myself in pictures and quickly reminded myself that THIS is the reason I'm doing it. I HATE MYSELF in pictures - and because of this, I have two little kids who have no pictures with their mommy. I want to enjoy pictures. I want my kids to have me in their pictures. I want to focus 100% on my kids when we play at the pool this summer (and not keep distracting myself with negative self talk) and I want to be around until I'm good and old and see them become the amazing adults that I know they will be. And I want to be a good role model for them and not teach them to bury their issues in food. So, yes, I'm doing this surgery. Just needed that reminder! Thanks, guys! This time is going to be different - cause it's going to be forever.

That is VERY true! Excellent point that I didn't even think about. There are so many worse things to be putting in our bodies over the long term.... But people don't really think about that. All they hear is "surgery" and think it's drastic. Taking drugs the rest of your life is drastic, if you ask me.

I got a call from my doctor's nurse yesterday and I found out I'm scheduled for April 14, 2011. I'm so excited and nervous and worried and pleased and hopeful and doubtful and EXCITED all rolled into one. This process has been quick for me - I had my first consultation on March 18 - so I've gotten all my labs, tests, evaluations, nutrition and my date in under a month. Nothing motivates weight loss like a upcoming surgery! I'm happy to share if people want to ask me about it. Regarding nay-sayers. I've been working hard with a trainer for about 2 years now. She's like a family member. I waited to tell her until this week, and she looked so shocked and like she was going to cry. She started to lecture me and I shut that down pretty quick. Then she asked me a series of questions that I answered really honestly that seemed to get her on board rather than battling me. I thought these might help others when having those uncomfortable and frustrating discussions: 1. You realize that you're never going to be able to eat whatever you want again, right? You'll have to change your diet forever. Answer: Wouldn't I need to do that regardless if I wanted to lose 60+ pounds and maintain it? I'm making a lifestyle change - and this option is giving me a tool that puts me in the 85% success rate rather than the 2% a traditional diet would give me. 2. But you're going to have to be on supplements the rest of your life! Answer: I ALREADY take supplements daily for my health. Where is the change there? And since when does taking Calcium, Iron, a Multivitamin and B12 alarm anyone? Seems pretty healthy to me. 3. There will be foods you will never get to eat again. Answer: True - at first. But eventually after my stomach heals, I can eat whatever I want. Does that mean I will? No. Because I have a tool that is going to help me make healthy choices. And if I was trying another traditional diet, isn't it true that in order to make lifestyle changes, there would be foods that I would probably have to give up or significantly limit? So wouldn't I be doing that anyway? 4. But your eating is also emotional. Your surgery won't cure that. Answer: True. That's why I have my core loved ones that are here to support me. I'd like you to be one of those people. I also plan on staying in talk therapy and going to weekly weight watcher meetings. I may also look at some overeaters anonymous meetings. I'm certainly not alone and I know I am going to need support. 5. I just don't think you should give up on your workouts. Answer: Who said I was doing that? I have to take a few weeks hiatus while I heal, but I still plan to meet with you weekly - like physical therapy. And my doctor recommends 4-6 1 hour workouts a week after I'm cleared, so I would still need you in my life! That seemed to do that trick. I hope some of you find that helpful! And regarding those people who are just negative - screw 'em. You're future success is their future anxiety. That's their issue - not yours!

Thanks everyone! It's been an empowering journey and I'm excited for the next step. I started off freaked out and doubtful and now I'm feeling more confident and comfortable. Another food for thought that I had - if you remove the surgery aspect (which is always what freaks people out), this procedure is actually very homeopathic. We are choosing to alter our stomach, but we have full control of what we put in our mouths. I'm choosing to continue my journey with whole foods, organic whey proteins, probiotics, stevia, and organic fruits, veggies and grass fed meats. I plan to take high quality vitamins. I won't be eating pre-packaged artificial foods. I won't be eating cancer causing artificial sweeteners. No more corn syrup or preservatives or trans fats. If you take a look at the quality of food you put in your body with Nutrisystem or Jenny Criag verses the whole foods that we can put in our bodies, the VSG is much more healthy and holistic. It actually makes MORE sense to do this than to follow Slim Fast or Atkins or all those other diet giants out there that pump you full of artificial chemicals and processed foods. We are going to have the power and control to be very picky and selective about what we put in our bodies. Doesn't that seem much more sane than signing up for another crap filled diet plan? I've gotten a few people to shut up with this fact too.

I'm getting my sleeve done at UC Davis Med Center. I've had to go through nutrition classes and this is the basic info they gave me. 1. In Hospital: Clear liquids only (ie broth, Water, sugar free popsicle, etc) 2. Released from hospital through Week 2: Protein-Based liquids (ie Protein shakes, low fat cream Soups, diluted sugar free pudding, blended bean soups, and milk - everything diluted thinner than a milkshake) 3. Day 15 through Week 4: Puree/Blended Foods (ie meats, tofu, Beans, hummus, Peanut Butter, potatoes, baby food). Protein Goal = 60-80 grams of protein. Fluid goal = 48-64 ounces a day 4. Week 5 & 6: Soft/Chopped (ie all food from before + eggs, hot cereals, boiled potatoes, soft fruits without seeds/skin, whole grain crackers, whole grain toast). Same protein and fluid goals. Aim for 1/4 to 1/2 cup portions. 5. Week 7 and Beyond: slowly introduce a greater variety of foods. Continue to keep liquids seperate from meals by 20-30 min, aim for 3 meals and 2 Snacks per day (recommended to use Protein Shakes for snacks and regular food for meals) I hope that helps you. I agree, your diet recommendation seems odd, but at the same time you need to trust your doctor. This is what was given to me by the research hospital and it seems pretty sound. I have much more detail if you want to message me.

I think she did. However, my heart rate and BP are a total tribute to her efforts. She just can't control what I put in my mouth - and after years of yo-yo dieting, I came to the conclusion that, to an extent, I couldn't either since my inability to lose after a few months always discouraged me and made me give up. I'm also an emotional eater. I'm excited/nervous about taking the food away so that the reasons I eat become more pronounced. This way I can really get to the core of my healing and keep this weight off!

My doctor mentioned that statistic.

I am going to be sleeved in about 3 weeks. My BMI is 37. I have no major co-morbidities, however I do have history of mild depression/anxiety, asthma and I have that annoying extra skin handing over my abdomen from my c-section procedures. I work out A LOT, so I'm pretty muscular. I just haven't been able to lose ANY weight for the past 2 years, despite various diets, cleanses and my intense circuit training and running. Hence why my doctor referred me to my bariatric surgeon. Is there anyone else out there with a similar body that is getting sleeved? I'm curious about what my results might be. Will I lose a lot of my muscle on the 6 month diet? I have worked hard to build up my strength and tone and I'm hoping that, as I lose weight, my body will be able to finally show off all my hard work at the gym! Is this realistic? And on a side note, I AM SO EXCITED TO POSSIBLY BE LEAN. I have struggled with my weight my whole life - since 3rd grade. The thought of this happening in the near future blows my mind for the better. I am so ready for this. I just want to make sure I'm not setting myself up for unrealistic expectations, so any stories or advice would be much appreciated. Thank you!

I'm working with Dr. Ali at UCD and I'm wondering if anyone else did the same. I am going to have my surgery in about 3 weeks, if all goes well. I'm just curious about your experience and what I can expect after. Thanks!

I have surgery in 3 weeks. My PCP suggested this in the first place and referred me to the surgeon and it's all being covered by my insurance. I don't know why you WOULDN'T let your PCP know.

I am going to have my surgery in 3 weeks, but I've been thinking a lot about this too. I teach high school theatre, so I'm up and talking most of every period. I am going to try and set an alarm either on my laptop or my ipod (I'll keep it in my pocket) to remind me to drink, since I'll completely forget if I don't. I'm also planning on telling some of my students who like to mother me that it's important that I drink every 15 minutes (they know I'm going out for surgery, but don't know the reason) and see if kids can help remind me. They are so protective, I have a feeling they'll be my best resource! Regarding food - you'll just need to prepack your meals and just plan ahead. But for me, alarms are going to be key.