Bluenewman21

Welcome Lisa, It took me 18 months to commit to VS. Knowledge is the best to boost your confidence and commitment. Read as much as you can, and good luck at your seminar. Keep posting with us.

I like carbonated seltzer as well. Nice alternative to a sip of Pepsi from my husband. Def no no. For me the key is to sip it. Also if you put an ice cube, piece of fruit or lemon/lime slice in it, that helps take a lil of the fizz out. I actually mix my wine with it so I am hydrating and lowering my calories. Can only have a few ounces and try to drink it between meals.

I had this problem. I don't like to draw attention to my ordering. But have found if you ask the waiter/waitress "can I have this instead of that way it is on the menu because I had wl surgery. " You will be surprised how many times their response is " my relative/friend had that also" they are doing wonderful. Sure we can do it that way for you." Like ordering a sandwich with no bread just the meat/cheese/veg on a plate. If you do encounter trouble, just order what you think is best, get an extra plate & immediately make your own meal. Put the other aside so you don't get tempted to overeat. That feels HORRIBLE! Good luck

One rule I try to follow and remind myself. Put a mirror up to this situation. This has nothing to do with you. She may be a great friend but she has her own issues (like most of us) but her coping mechinism is putting it on others. She hasn't searched for her own answers or ways to solve her issues. Remind yourself you are in control. My favorite is "OK who is driving this bus??" Put yourself in that seat from now on. It feels great to be up front and riding high!!

Congrats at joining and for starting your journey. As far as the 2 weeks pre op, just take it in 4 hour incriments. Get through breakfast, then lunch then dinner. Keep busy, do somethings you have been putting off. Take time for yourself. Look how far you have come, not how far you have to go. That's what helped me. Good Luck!

I prefered the whey vs soy. I beleive there is a vegetable based one made from rice, and some other ? Some vegans use this. But I did prefer the whey. I compared the pros and cons so this was just my personal choice. Good luck.

Hang in there Cartmansnj. It gets much better. I had trouble with purees as well. Probably a common issue. You could try using a baby spoon and eating slower, less quantity, wait an hour or so and if still hungary try a little more. Use a measuring spoon for your meals.It's a habit you will use for the rest of your life. Find small dishes to trade out from regular dishware. If you have ever watched the cooking shows, there are the small glass bowls for mise en plac. Like preping for herbs, baking soda etc. I use these alot. Play around to get an idea how much they hold by using a Tablespoon of water to fill. You can get them at restaurant supply stores for just a few bucks. Besides not being able to over fill, they are see thru glass and you can "view" your foods. Hope this helps.

Try to break it down. Focus on say the next 4 hours. Find something to do to keep your mind occupied. Then set the next goal for a few more hours. Drink the allowable liquids/water to help stay hydrated. Try this for the next few days rather than THE BIG WEEK AHEAD. That can be daunting. I have done this many times myself. In between you will find strength, this is the time to remind yourself "this is for me! " If I cheat, I cheat me. No one else will be affected. Repeat how you are the most important person in the world to you. Go to a mirror and smile at yourself. My wonderful husband had finally got this through my head. And if this doesn't work, try the fact that this IS what you will doing after surgery and you will be able to then so just do it now. hope this helps!

HI, I haven't posted in a long time. Guess I am not much of a blogger so here goes: Feb 27 it will be one year. down 52 lbs and have about 34 to go to next goal. I am happy I made the decision to have VS instead of RNY. I feel great and get lots of compliments I look healthy and have a healthy glow. started at 247 now at 194 and would love to be near 160, will see after that. But that said. I paid and went to WW for 8 years and played the numbers game. Promised I would not do it this time around. These numbers I posted are just to give readers an idea where I am at, but mean nothing to me. With the exception I am under 200 for the first time in 29 years and feel great. I love finding new ways to mix protein with fruits and veggies. i.e. pureed chick peas in mini pumpkin muffins. My latest is trying to substitute those glasses of wine for a healthy smoothie. I have a sister that had RNY in Sept starting wt 199lbs and now in the 140's. We used to look similar. Besides she is 2 inches shorter( I'm 5'2) , now she has saggy skin, bald head and looks more like a recovering cancer patient. Unfortunately coming from a big family, lots of comparing. But I am strong, will see when we are in our 70's how that 's all working for her. I feel confident in the decisions I have made and mostly have learned to make myself the most important person putting myself first. Good luck to all. Have a great day. will post soon!

Thanks for all the well wishes before my surgery. Its now 4 days post op. was a bit nauseous this morning, vomiting not fun. Sipped a lil water, took deep breaths, seemed to help. My surgery went great, no problems at all. Dr Simon is great. as well as Community General esp ICU staff. To those getting ready for surgery, I had second thoughts as well, while waiting to go to OR. Very normal. I researched for 1.5yrs. talked to over 20 people that had it. so knew it was still the right decision. Had "buyer's remorse" after as well, again very normal. No. 1 rule when swallow is do not take in any air, and sip, sip, sip. Take your time. I practiced with my protein shakes before surgery so I knew how to do it more effectively. That was the biggest help I could have done for myself.

Counting the days -9, until my gastric sleeve surgery. I currently weigh 242, at 5ft 2 in. Had my hip replaced last Aug 1 at St Joes. very successful, no problems. Came up rather suddenly while going through the pre op process for gastric surgery so had to put that on hold. Now I am ready. Concerned at all the posts about dehydration. Will continue to follow the posts.

Decided to join a vertical sleeve blog and was thrilled to find one with Dr Simon/SUNY patients. I have my sleeve surgery in 9 days at Com. General, happy and anxious at the same time.