DanaInNewOrleans

I LOVE the Melon Apple!

Hi Hi, looks like we're on the same day--the 21st. I had my last appointment with the doc yesterday and I don't have any special diet to follow-- other than the same one I've bee on for a few months. He said the hospital will go over the 48 hours before surgery diet when I go for my pre-op testing and anesthesia consult 3 days before surgery. Speaking of food funerals and eating too much....I came home from my appointment yesterday and baked brownies and made biscuits. These are two food that I normally really don't give a rat's behind about...but for some reason I was bent on having them. Had two biscuits as my dinner and ate a couple of brownies and it was very anticlimatic! LOL.... I don't think I'll do a full blown food funeral but I'll probably eat a few things with the hubby since I know it will be long time before I'll be able to have it again... I do worry about not be able to actually "eat" food for a long time...I imagine it must be a strange feeling....probably not actually hungry but wanting to actually EAT ( as in chew) something that actually has an aroma..... if ya'll have some tips on how to combat that please chime in....I'd like to be ready because I do think it may be an issue for me. Yeah for all of us getting ready for our big days!!

Hi Everyone, I'm Dana from New Orleans. My surgery date is December 21st. I've been on VST since July when I first started in researching VS. I've been in the November blog all this time because that is when I originally thought I'd get through the process...but my surgeon was booked ( he's the best in this area)...So now I'm a December Sleever I had my final appointment today -- signed consents, paid the $$$.....met with the surgeon..it was just what I needed because he totally put me at ease about the whole thing. Now I can't wait for the 21st. I hope to get know all you guys who will be going through this journey around the same time as me..... Are there any New Orleans or Louisiana people here? Nice to meet you all! ~Dana

Brickhouse, you must must must concentrate on beating your cancer! Forget the Sleeve for now. Put all your energy to getting well. Then just think how indestructible you'll be once you get sleeved... Take care..... Dana

Hi Karen, Trust me, I love the food too! (obviously) My husband, who is a New Yorker keeps saying that it's cruel for someone from New Orleans to have this surgery. Food is a religion here....it won't be easy....hope down the road that I will be able to enjoy all our great food with everyone but just with lots of moderation..... our surgeries are close so I'm sure we'll be sharing experiences..... ~Dana

Hi Bev, What type of "binder". I'm sure that must help and I would like to have it before my surgery. Thanks! Dana

Saltmistrose, You're in New Zealand? Lucky you! I hear it is just beautiful!

Are you kidding?? I've tried so many freakin powders and shakes and this is by far the best in my opinion! It's so strange how completely opposite peoples tastes and taste buds are!

Makes it a little creamier...sometimes I use a tablespoon of Greek yogurt as well..

I just checked the website...I don't see any soy products..

Today was my last visit with NP and Nutritionist so now the wait for Aetna to approve. I specifically asked about catheters-- my doc usually does it. I asked that it not be done and I was told that if I request it not be done he'd probably go along with that. Thank God! I really don't see the need for it -- they did not do it for my previous surgery (thyroid cancer - thyroidectomy) and I got up on my own to go to the bathroom soon after I got back to my room.

Hi Everybody, I was just visiting the Obesity Help Sleevers blog and I came across an ongoing topic I thought could be fun and useful here. It was titled "Whatcha Eating Today VGSleevers".... It was interesting because veterans and new Sleevers were posting their food/water/exercise choices and sometimes adding commentary for their food choices. I kind of think it may be better to have the topic as "What did you eat yesterday VGSleevers" since the posts were mostly from morning and you don't get the posters full menus. It would probably also be helpful to be able and go back and peruse daily menus for ideas... So, what do ya'll think? Good idea or not for an ongoing topic? ~Dana

Is it the same MyFitnessPal? I can't find a site called My Fitness Planner

I haven't been to My Fitness Planner. Is there a GS group? That would be great.....

Thanks for the laugh!!! (outloud!)

Wow! I'm trying to catch up with all the posts here and so many have been sleeved last week or coming up this week! Awesome! Where are all the in depth reports/essays.... you know, like every detail from the moment you left home until today!! I know I love reading every little detail -- for some reason it really helps ease the anxiety... and it also helps to learn from everyone else's experiences.... My 3rd and final visit with my Nutritionist and NP is Wednesday so I'm hoping I get my date soon....the last week in November would be awesome! Good luck to everyone who's up this week!! Can't wait to hear all the details. Good thoughts to all, Dana

HOLY @%#^!!! Lisa, your story is freakin amazing! I mean, you went from morbid obesity to being a TRIATHLETE! I'm just hoping to play tennis again and learn to play golf! Congratulations!!

Great Great info!! You're right, I have not read or heard anything about the actual function of the pyloric valve in post op gastric sleeve stomachs. Understanding the "why" and "how" is very helpful in dealing with post sleeve life! Thank you so much! Dana

Lissa took the words right out of my mouth!! You look great! So glad things are going well with you and your new little girl! ~Dana

Congratulations! Glad you are feeling better and made it past the 2 days nausea. Any idea what the magic combination of drugs consisted of?

Congratulations JMarshall....you are an inspiration! I am so sorry for your loss of your sister. I'm sure she is watching over you on your weight loss journey and on your new journey with MS. I was diagnosed with MS in 2003 but am doing well. Stay on your medication! I decided on this surgery after a lifetime of obesity -- I want the opportunity to make the most of my life NOW. Do you mind if I steal your awesome Churchhill quote? Take Care, Dana

I asked my nutritionist specifically about steak (filet mignon because it is the most tender with lowest fat). She said 6 months for steak. I did not ask about ground beef but I would think that would be acceptable as soon as meats are allowed??

Is anybody else bothered by the fact that every doc seems to have his/her own sets of rules/guidelines/instructions post surgery? "The RULES" are all over the map, which seems so haphazard to me...you'd think by now there would be a Best Practices consensus for a Gastric Sleeve post op regimen.

Hi, Do you happen to have a recipe for the salmon cakes? Thanks! Dana

Hi Lissa, Do you mind if I ask what the reasons were for your regrets at 7 months post surgery? ~Dana