EileenFrances

Hey, Teachers. What's on your mind?

As we end the school year, and get ready for our sleeves and new bodies, are you telling anyone in your schools about your surgery? When we start school again next fall, we will be noticably slimmer, and people will ask questions. But not only that... We will be drinking Water every 15 or 30 minutes, eating small portions at regular intervals (probably inbetween periods), and having to go to the bathroom frequently (I imagine). Do you expect to explain the situation or tell anyone what you're doing?

Hi. I think the reasons for having this surgery done change by age. When I was in my teens and 20s, I wished I were thin so I could wear pretty clothes. Now, in my 50s, I'm less concerned about my outward appearance and I'm more concerned about what's going on INSIDE. First, I want to reduce my risk of cancer! I've had two scary biopsies already which, thank God, were negative. And I want to eliminate a whole bunch of aches and pains - knees, hips, back. Although what I'm about to say has nothing to do with weightloss, it does pertain to the "inside" as opposed to the "outside." I find that in my 50s, I'm more concerned, too, with the inner dimension of "personhood" and fulfilling my spiritual potential, both in faith and, also, in doing meaningful work that is helpful to others. What do the rest of you think makes us a unique group? What does the sleeve mean to you in your 50s that is different from people in 30s, 40s, 60s, or other?

Hi. I'm having my surgery in the beginning of July. I'd like to hear from Vegetarian Sleevers. Please let me know how you handle the nutritionists' push for protein. And how you manage your vegetarian diet post-surgery. (Can relate to any time after surgery) I've heard that rice is a no-no. What are your staples? Thanks.

I love PB2 in my protein shakes, both vanilla shakes and chocolate shakes.

June 29th. Mt. Sinai in NYC. Prayers are very welcome. I'm scared of the irreversible changes coming.

Not everyone gets the barium swallow after surgery to check for leaks Pre-op: 2 days clear liquids. Then nothing after midnight the night before the surgery - no liquids, nothing.

Not everyone gets the barium swallow after surgery to check for leaks. My surgeon doesn't do it. I will be on water immediately the first two days. Then protein shakes, yogurt,, jello...

Momo - I'm 6/29 too. Good luck.

Hi. Anyone local in the NY metro area? It would be nice to have a local support group. There's a group on this forum for Queens and Long Islanders, too. Let's find each other for support.

Hi. I am still pre-op, so I don't know what it feels like yet. I just wanted to comment that the idea of clear liquids initially post-op makes sense to me. But my nutritionist's instructions were to start soft, mushy food when I get home. I will be allowed yogurt, FF ricotta, even oatmeal. I was told I must have my protein shakes, although for the first week, I was advised to make them with water instead of milk. I'm a bit scared of these instructions because I can't imagine having even ricotta the first week. In any case, I was not instructed to do clears after surgery (after I get home).

I still can't believe I signed up for this. It hasn't quite hit me that it's real. I'm very nervous about the whole thing, but it's still far enough away to not be worried. I think when I start the protein shake diet for my two-week countdown, THEN I'll really start to feel it.

Anyone eat protein bars as part of their pre-op diet? Please share with me your protein shake/protein bar regimen.

I have to go to a Bat Mitzvah on the first day of my pre-op diet. How am I going to forgo the food and sit in my car with a protein shake??? Oh, my....

Great question! I'd like to know too!

Sounds good. Did you blend the ice with it in a blender, or just shake or stir them together? I am armed with a two-week supply of Celebrate ENS for my pre-op. I'll start on Sunday.

Me, too! EileenFrances@earthlink.net Thanks. Anything that will help, I'll try.

I was wondering how many people are having their gallbladder out when the surgeon does the sleeve. I have gallstone and I was wondering about this. I asked my surgeon and he said no. I'm curious about the rest of you.

I haven't gone through my closet at all. I think things will keep fitting for a while yet. I am concerned about the expense of buying all new clothes, from undies to parka. Will we need more narrow shoes, too?

June 29th. Two days after school ends.

Very interesting to read what you all wrote. I have gall stones and I asked my surgeon about removing my gallbladder at the same time as he does the sleeve. He didn't seem keen on it. Perhaps I should ask again.

Many of us, I for one, have lost the same 50 pounds over and over. I wonder how much I've lost all totalled! But I can't keep it off. Same with many others here. This forum is wonderful because we all have similar experiences and can understand and support each other. Out there - some people will be supportive, others won't be. I know everyone has a different opinion on this, but I feel - don't tell someone unless you have reason to believe that they will be supportive. Just don't tell people who are inclined to be negative. Yes, as others have said, you don't have to listen to negativity. But why deal with it at all? Negative people don't have to know your business. That's what I think and that's how I handling it in my own life.

How about fat-free Greek yogurt? Chobani is high in protein.