GBHeron

Hi all. My procedure has been postponed. I was scheduled for November 15th, last Thursday. I started getting hives a few days after beginning my 2 week pre-op diet of liquid protein drinks. They just kept getting worse. I know the hives were from something I ate. I was tested for allergies to whey and cassein which were negative, but I still think it was something in the drinks. Last Tuesday, I saw the surgeon who said she could still operate even if I had the rash and hives on my belly. My big concern, besides infection for being cut on the rashes was that the post op diet was also milk based. Neither my dietician nor the surgeon could suggest a non-milk product. On the day before the surgery, not only were the hives worse, but I also had extreme diarrhea. I made the decision to not have the surgery until I had a better idea as to what is going on with my body. I see a dermatologist in a week. Funny, I sent an email out to about 6 people close to me that I would not be having the surgery. Four people responded that it was Great that I was not "going through with it." One even said "congratulations on my decision." I thought these people were behind me all the way. I guess not. I know I made the right decision medically. I will continue on my path to lose weight and use all of the eating tools I've learned in the past 6 months; to eat slower, eat protein first, not to use a straw, drink water separate from meals, exercise, take vitamins, etc. I've lost 29 pounds since I started this bariatric program, which is more than I ever lost at Weight Watchers. I can do so much more than before. I am on a positive path to a negative weight if that makes sense. I wish all my fellow November Sleevesters the best of all. Know that I am behind your decision and understand and applaud your decision to make yourselves better. I hope this procedure is the tool for you to lose weight and to get yourselves to a place where you fell good and proud of yourselves. The gastric sleeve is the way to go. Sending love to you all, Kris GBHeron (Great Blue Heron - my favorite bird)

Hi All. I'm Kris and scheduled for this Thursday November 15 for the Vertical Sleeve. I have a big problem that is likely to postpone my surgery. I have hives from my chest to my knees. It started about a month ago about the time I was trying all of the liquid protein drinks in prep for my 2 week pre-op diet. I was able to see an Allergist who tested for cassein and whey which were negative. He smirkly told me that I had Dry Skin and should apply any kind of moisturizer. When I saw my surgeon, my skin was fairly calm. However, in the past week, my whole body is one big itch. Being on the high protein liquid diet limits what I can eat, and I don't know which ingredient may be causing the problem. perhaps soy??? I have a referral to Dermatology which may take a month to get my appointment. I've been in touch with the surgeon and will see her tomorrow. I just can't picture them cutting into a splotchy rashy belly, nor can I picture trying to heal with hives over the incisions. So, after 6 months of preparing - I've lost 26 pounds - and planning and rescheduling to get ready for Thursday, I do not know what will happen. If I reschedule, it will not be in December. My mind is spinning, from Benadryl and from the thought of not having the surgery this week. Everything was ready to go. All of my obligations were rearranged. The freezer is stocked. Kris from Virginia

My name is Kris and my surgery is scheduled for November 15th. I'm on my 9th day of the bariatric diet. I'm 54, live in Northern Virginia, have a husband of 20 years, a 16 year old son and 15 year old daughter. Surgery will be at a military facility. I started my bariatric journey on May 22 at 204 pounds (high of 212) and have lost 23 pounds so far. I had planned all along for the Gastric Band, but during the past month or so after meetings with my surgeon and support group, have switched to the gastric sleeve. I'm nervous and concerned more about my family and Thanksgiving than about me. I need to keep my anxietly level under control so have planned a bunch of events and deadlines to keep me occupied for the next week. That's my nutshell story. I wish us all success!

Brand new to the site. My Sleeve is November 15 and I have lost my excitement, mostly from fear. I think the liquid diet is the toughest diet I've ever been on. I wonder how come no doctor ever offered me this 2 week diet before? I've done all my preop and have my last appointment with my dietician this morning for the support to get through the next week. I wish all of us November sleeves strenght and positive attitude. KC

Brand new to the site. My Sleeve is November 15 and I have lost my excitement, mostly from fear. I think the liquid diet is the toughest diet I've ever been on. I wonder how come no doctor ever offered me this 2 week diet before? I've done all my preop and have my last appointment with my dietician this morning for the support to get through the next week. I wish all of us November sleeves strenght and positive attitude. KC