Holly5.3

Hi DWBrown- For me, besides going over the diet plans (Pre-op, 3 weeks prior to surgery and after surgery diets), my nut. gave me some protein powders to try and some web info (MyFitnessPal- was on the suggested list if things to do- love that app.!) They also make sure we understand the procedure and what to realistically expect to eat eventually afterwards and the ramifications of not following the plan. I know a few people really struggling with losing and keeping off any lost weight who've had the lapband. We have to be educated as much as possible - insurance liability, ethics, etc. I wonder how many people get turned off by the fact they can't smoke or have alcohol for a while before and after surgery and don't go through with it. It probably weeds out those who truly aren't ready! But I am (10/11/12- date of surgery) and you will be too! Good luck!

Good luck to you Kadie- may your surgery go perfectly and you have a speedy recovery! Be sure to check out the topic, "what to bring to the hospital". I've started a checklist and there were a few things I never would have thought of (chapstick- lips get chapped, sugar free throat lozengers-sore throat from anesthesia- you get the idea!) The best was a small pillow (or stuffed animal) to press on stomach when coughing, etc. for the 1st few days. I love the "no makeup" comments- but I always need a liitle foundation and lipstick to feel human. Looking forward to seeing how you're doing post-op- be sure to post!

Southernsleever- You are my hero!! My starting weight was 276, but I'm an inch shorter than you. I'm now a size 22 and to think I could be an 8 next year is blowing my mind! I can't wait to have my 10/11/12 procedure, join a gym and hire a trainer (told my husband a gym membership and pers. Trainer is what I want for Christmas!) Keep up the good work, you are the exact motivation us "newbies" to this whole crazy VSG thang!

Southernsleever- You are my hero!! My starting weight was 276, but I'm an inch shorter than you. I'm now a size 22 and to think I could be an 8 next year is blowing my mind! I can't wait to have my 10/11/12 procedure, join a gym and hire a trainer (told my husband a gym membership and pers. Trainer is what I want for Christmas!) Keep up the good work, you are the exact motivation us "newbies" to this whole crazy VSG thang!

It's so hard to not let people mess with your head, but that's just another way our addiction try's to trick us to stop doing what we're doing! Think of it this way, we want to look and more importantly, FEEL normal. "Normal" people don't go around complimenting one another on a regular basis; ie.; "Hey there! You look terrific! You haven't gained ir lost any weight! Good for you!" lol I thought about this and now I try to compliment people every day, "That color looks great on you!" Believe me, people in general are not used to, or get uncomfortable, when receiving a compliment. Now, I'm the giver so I don't worry about being the getter! 

Some times it's the liitle things that make us happy, and I'll take anything that helps make this journey easier! 

I love the My Fitness Pal app.! You can actually scan a products bar code with the tap of a button then add the item to your daily menu (adjusting potion size accordingly!) I love the weekly summaries and the easy to read pie chart that shows o/o of carbs consumed throughout the day. It's keeping me accountable on my Pre-surg. meal plan. 

Starting: 276 DOS: 10/11/12 Current: 265.2 Goal for 10/31/12: 240.2. 

Hi there fellow newbie! Although I hadn't had my Pulmonilogist appt. at the time of my last visit w: Bariatric surgeon they were submitting everything else to my ins. And gave me a date (10/11/12) and Pre-op appt. Unfort. My sleep apnea was worse than I thought so I have to do another over-night study ("titration"). I found I am Pre-diabetic and have a hernia! (I was shocked as I was more worried about my heart having yo-yo dieted my whole life! My  is fine!) so far this is the only stumbling block I've encountered- but not breathing at night isn't too good either and not getting enough oxygen can cause wright gain- I didn't know that! My oxygen levels dropped to 85 o/o - below 90 is bad. Good luck and don't take testing lightly, you may find out things you didn't know but can fix!

Congratulations! I hope you're recovery continues to go well! I'm still Pre-op (DOS 10/11/12) - I am praying for you! (I'm not a "Holy Roller" but I gave a strong faith in God.)

Hi! I'm Holly - sleeve surgery on 10/11/12 (cool date-huh?) with Dr Ahmad on Long Island , NY. Excited and scared! I'm on week 2 of low sugar/carb diet. I tried 2 shake samples from my nut. The plain was pretty good- added fresh strawberries (only 2-3). I had strawberry flavored one today - not half as good as the 1st one. I hurt myself last week (strained/pulled hip flexer/groin muscle-yes, woman can pull a groin muscle! Excrutiating pain!) Thank God I'm on my pre-op diet or I would have gained at least 5 pounds! 

The "no compliments" issue was a big one for me. 2 years ago I lost about 70 lbs. (it took over a year) on Jenny C. If I didn't receive recognition or a compliment regularly, I felt ... I don't know... empty. I loved buying smaller-size clothes (from a 24 to 18 or XL), but starting to hate the food. Like the millionth time I thought, "I got this- I don't need JC, WW, Herbalife, Diet Center, etc." (you get the idea) then POOF... almost as fast as I list the 70 lbs. and it's 1-1/2 years later and my weight was up 76 lbs.! Are you kidding me?!? It's true, if you have lost and regained, peole don't know what to say and it's not their fault. I need compliments from one person- me. The negative self- talk, the trying to figure out why she said this or didn't say that, must stop. Our health and our lives deserve this chance. People can be ignorant, jelous or mean-spirited- but you don't have to let them affect how you feel about yourself ever again! Search Utube "VSG success stories" - there is a video called "I'm worth it!" - beautiful, makes me cry! Let your inner beauty, strength and desire to be the best you you can be shine for all the world to see!

My mom made me a nice batch of lentil soup (a little too salty! This Pre-diet really cleans your system-pallette and all!) it felt so nourishing and was so tasty, even without the pasta! Lots of iron and very filling.

Wow! Such a difference from doctor to doctor/ insurance, etc.! My sugary is 10/11/12 and I needed: Cardiologist-EKG; psychologist, nutritionist (put on Pre-op diet), Pulmonilogist- respiratory function test and sleep study (severe apnea-have to go back for another test... Torture!), abdominal sonogram - hernia and possible gall stones, mammogram (didn't have one in 5 years so I needed one anyway!), bloodwork- all ok except I'm now Pre-diabetic (frieked me out!) and clearance from regular MD. But once I have the surgery, all laments will reverse! Holly version 5.3 on it's way (I'm a young 53!)

For me, just one bite of anything with flour whatsoever will create an overwhelming craving for more! it's physiological - sugar and flour help create obesity in peole like me. The sugar and calories in the muffin aren't the issue, it's how the total package of ingredients combined react in YOUR body. don't eat any more muffins if you expect (hope, pray, etc.) to lose weight- lesson learned! the price may be too high in the long run! Do better today- that's all you can do!

May God bless you with a speedy recovery! Feel better, Hun!

May God be with you and continue to bless you, your family and your physicians! See you on the "skinny side" (my VSG date 10/11/12)!