kw2walker

I knew I had enough when: I had to buy size 24 clothes. My mother died at 66 due to morbid obesity. I didn't go out or travel as much. But the final straw that had me crying, was using the bathroom and not being able to twist my body to properly clean myself, and having to carry an adult diaper bag when I was out. I tried Weight Watchers and dropped 25 pounds but I yo-yo'd and gained it back. I was successful in getting down and staying at a size 20 but I am still obese. While unpacking a box a few years ago I came across a news article I had cut out in 2004 about the new procedure of the sleeve. Upon reading it again I knew I wanted the procedure but needed more information. Upon both my parents dying a month and two weeks apart in 2007 and depression setting in I was gaining weight. When all of my sized 22s I saved were finding their way back into my everyday attire I knew it was time. So in 2010 I began my research into what my insurance covered. Kept dieting and got the 25 off again. Then on June 1, 2012 I attended my first seminar at Temple University in Philadelphia, PA. Even though I experienced a bump in the road I persevered. And I have my date for a new and exciting phase of my life July 22, 2013. When I got my date it felt like getting winner numbers for powerball LOL. I hope to be able to list my success and accomplishments. Continued success on your journey. Karen

Sweet! All the best Phoenix.

Thx ElaineB. My whole outlook is brighter while taking this journey! I told my niece today's, can't wait to buy new underwear. I want to have smaller thighs for the boy shorts.

Hey LadyA, I did buy the first stage baby foods, two chicken and two turkey. I got sweet potatoes too, they had the lowest sugar. I figured if they were not sweet enough I could sprinkle spenda on them. As for the chicken and tuna it have several cans of each once flaked if its not small enough I will purée it with a splash of broth or drop of light mayo and I do mean drop. Just enough to pull it together. I think I'll like it. I have a killer sweet tooth. But I noticed I haven't been craving sweets since I cut out carbs. But the other night I wanted a treat. So I made my protein shake, I'm using the nectar product. I have the twisted cherry flavor. It reminds me of an Italian ice. I sipped the the rest of the night and felt good. I found the Gas-X strips today I was so excited. So I have my hospital supplies and home supplies ready. I have a feeling I may not need the pain meds, I say that because last year I had part of thyroid removed and didn't take anything. But you never know. Well I'm off to make jello. Have a good night.

Do you remember where and what you were doing when you received the call; the call to confirm your surgery date? I happened to miss my call because I was at work and while in a meeting left my cell phone at my desk. Once I got to my phone I recall listening to my message and once I heard the messages stoppded, hung up and found a private office. At least 3 times I played the message back before calling the office to confirm I received the message. The staff I worked with at Temple University are the best. They worked with me through all of the bumps in the road I encountered. The were encouraging, thoughtful, understanding and most importantly supportative. I can never thank them enough. My big day is July 22, 2013. The first thing I did was to review my food and supply list and go shopping. I have all of the required vitamins, protein drinks, soft foods, etc. for the first three weeks. The second thing I did was call my support team. They were excited and supportive as well that the date had finally been set. I really doubled down on making sure I am chewing my food well, drinking plenty of water and eating small portions. I have been successful in lossing 10 pounds in two weeks being this steadfast. I would love to have more weight off by surgery day. I need to get good before and after pictures. Clothes! I have no plans to run out and purchase new clothes. Well, if anything I am looking forward to smaller underware. But I want to see what the first 3 months of this journery bring. So with that I plan to dust off the sewing machine as well as visiting a few second hand stores in my area. Of my intial weight loss since I began this journery June 1, 2012 I lost 25 pounds. I gained 15 then lost 10. In this process it has been great treading clothes with my sister. She is has been dieting and we exchange notes on what we eat and how we prepare food. So during a recent visit I was given lots of clothes, even some that don't fit. For the clothes that don't fit they are my reward clothes. I can't wait to wear them. I do realize that not everyone likes to wear clothes from second hand shops and that's fine. Do what works for you in getting the new wardrobe for the new you. As of this writing I have not requested off time from work. I have not told my employer, I do however plan to follow the proper procedures to inform them of needed time off and setup the paperwork for short term disablilty and FMLA. I hope I need only 3 weeks off. I feel guilty missing work, but I have the time so this is I how I have planned my days off. I wanted to get back in the groove of visiting this site and hearing and sharing the journerys we all are taking in this process. I signed up a year ago and when I hit my snag I stopped visiting. But I realized I will need support along this journey and what better place to be than here. My other big call I received was June 13, 2013, that call was the pre-op testing. I was surprised that I will be there all day but it is necessary for my journery. I have to meet the surgeon as well that day so its cool I will bring my supplies with me so I don't get hungry. The last call I am waiting for is the one when the hospital calls and tells you what time to arrive. That is the pot of gold! All systems are go then baby! I hope to continue to share as well as read and interact with everyone here. Continued success on your journery. Karen

Both my parents died a month and two weeks apart 6 years ago. My mom died of heart failure due to morbid obesity. Upon reading that on her death certificate I have been on this journey to have this surgery. The prize date is 7/22/13. Once I lined up my ducks with the health insurance a year ago, nothing I do mean nothing is stopping me in reaching my goal For this assistance to have a healthier life. So yes there are those of us that will do 'it' and as the results start to show and we no longer take meds for high blood pressure, or have to spend money on pose pads doing 'it' will have been worth it. I am truly sorry for the loss of your loved one. Hang in there. Continued success on your journey. Karen

Thanks for sharing. I have been gathering information in preparation for my surgery 7/22/13. Today consisted of hunting in the stores to find Gas-X strips. I was so happy the CVS near my job had them. I'm going through my clothes now to find the biggest and roomiest shorts I have with a draw string. If I don't have any I know I have a light weight pair of sweat pants. I want my bag packed and ready at the front door. I may skip all the way to the hospital I'm so excited. Your shared experience has helped so very much. Thank you. Continued success on your journey. Karen

Philly hey, counting down until July 22.

I would wait to purchase clothes. My younger sis lost a lot of weight recently (no sleeve or surgery) and she gave me her clothes several pieces were to small I was so excited. They as my post-op goal clothes. As suggested I would shop from the clearance racks. I sew, so I plan to alter some of my clothes but not all. I won't have time working full time. I have a co-worker that had the sleeve done a year ago and has offered me some of her clothes. I'll see. Continued success everyone. I'm counting the days until I'm sleeved 7/22/13!!!!!!!

After reading this I have in my mind pretzel girl lol. I can't wait to buy cute costumes too! Less weight will work better in so many ways. Continued success on your journey everyone.

Cmt we are scheduled for the same date how exciting! To everyone, I agree we need to staying touch. This is the best experience ever!

I've tried nectar products. They are a good whey isolate protein. Love the cherry flavor. The lemonade is ok. When I'm super hungry i sip in a shake. Hope you get better soon, keep us posted. Karen

Wonderful! I can't wait to moth ball the CPAP lol.

Glad to hear all is going well for you! I'll be on the journey soon, surgery date is July 22, 2013. I look forward to reading your updates. Continued success on your journey. Karen

You have to document and take pictures. Visit your primary doctor so it is recorded that your skin is breaking down. Keep all receipts for any meds prescribed. Consider going to Atena's site and do research, that's how I knew what to do to prepare for sleeve process. I'm planning to save my pennies for the day I can have the excess skin removed however, I plan to wear a body griddle once my swelling is down and I have no pain.

@LadyAngela67, thanks and congrats to you as well! I hear we are family buzzing in my head for all us waiting to have the procedure. Lol My sister called and is trying to get time off from work to stay through my first three days, surgery and discharge. I think after that I will be able to function on my own. I totally agree with you that the exchanges we all have is of great benefit. I want to get my bag packed form my hospital stay. Hunting the the Gas-X strips hoping Walgreen's has them. If this process is anything like my gallbladder being removed I'll need them for the gas. I purchased tuna along with chicken and turkey. It will be flaked so I figure if I pulse it in the food processor I can eat it and get my proteins. I've fallen in love the sugar free peach jello. It's the only one that does not have an after taste. So I'll eat that as my treat during my two week liquid diet pre-op. Keep us posted. I know I will follow you. Karen

Purchase a blender ball cup. Have a protein shake or have mashed potatoes or mashed cauliflower. Is soft baked fish available?

Wonderful! Enjoy your success.

For my pre-op I am required to do two weeks of Slimfast and can have unsweetened applesauce and sugar-free jello. I'm having my procedure at Temple University Hospital in Philadelphia, PA. I can't wait to see the results a year from now. But I plan to record changes month by month. That way mentally I can adjust. Every year I return to my alma mater for homecoming. I can't wait to go this year! I want to be the bell of the ball lol. I am looking to buy a hot dress! I'll share the pictures.

I have my surgery on July 22,2013 and plan to take 3 weeks off. I figure I need two weeks and am taking 3 to allow for a buffer just in case lol. All the best to everyone that have yet to have surgery and continued success to those who have had the procedure.

Well the date is set, July 22, 2013! I was so worried a year ago that the insurance company would be a problem. When it turned out to be one of the doctors. I have to say the snag I experienced and got it resolved is how I knew I wanted the surgery, I fought! I called and called. I then wrote a letter and after 2 months the wheels started spinning again. All of that to say fight for what you want and need. Be your own advocate. The program office worked with me and helped me make contact with the right people and here I am counting down the days until my surgery. I welcome this new life change. To stay on the path I have been taking exercise classes 3 times a week and I'm currently looking to increase it to 4. I want to go into this surgery as strong as possible. To everyone waiting for their date for surgery, I would say develop routines for exercise, chew your food in the smallest bites possible. Eat from smaller plates and remember you will enjoy some of the foods you do now but in much smaller quantities. Continued success to everyone taking this journey!

I purchased a few cook books on line in preparing for the surgery. I figured once I have it and make it through the first stage I would need to cook and eat. Hang in there you will get there. But what is most important is to follow what the doctor says; chew your food week well; don't eat and drink. Stay the course with the liquid diet, is not forever, it just feels like it at this time. LOL

If I buy green beans, I drain them rinse a few times. Place them in a sauce pan, with a cup and a half of low sodium chicken broth, add diced onions and garlic and let them cook. Good eats. If they are fresh: Boil smoked turkey neck in chicken broth for about 20-30 mins Add the cleaned fresh green beans. Let cook for 30 mins Add garlic and diced onions Salt and pepper as needed Cook another 20-30 mins Yum

Hello Neuanfang, When I opted a year ago to take the journey I bought so many books, but my favorite is by the doctors that did the show Big Medicine I love Garth. They told it like it was. If I had not read the book I would have given up. I think I will hit Step 3: Wow, why didn't I do this sooner, in full throttle LOL But as they say all good things come to who wait. My patience is winning. Thanks for the encouragement. I look forward to being on the other side!

My date is July 22nd. Like yourself it has taken me a year to get to the party but man-o-man I plan to party like a rock start! Where's that surgery table. I am working from home today and decided to get reconnected with the site and boy am I ever glad I did. I wish you all the best on your surgery and great success on your journey!