Scout1234

Going under the knife in 52 more days.......working out like a mad man trying to get as much loose skin as possible ahead of the procedure. I am having a full belt lipectomy on Dec 6th. I met with three different surgeons and they all said the same thing essentially.....the more you give us to work with the better the result we can give you. That was all I needed to hear! Considering the cost, I want the best outcome possible!! My one year sleeve anniversary will be Dec 13th so I will be just at 51 weeks post op from my VSG. None of the docs seemed to think that was a big deal considering my weight loss success (about 200 pounds). I can't wait..... This was a difficult thing to research for a man, not many guys have it done or talk about it. The guy I decided to go with gave me 2 men he did procedures on as references and I called and talked with both of them which was very helpful. I am hoping (maybe foolishly) that my drains will be out by Xmas! I am having the surgery done at North West Hospital outside of Baltimore Maryland. I will post pictures as soon as I have it done.

nope.....out of pocket for about 14k..... :-( but worth every penny

thanks, great website.....it helped me very much

Just had my five month anniversary a week ago and an down 115 from surgery and 140 total. I can't tell you in how many ways my life has changed. I could have filled a legal pad with uncomfortable and embarrassing moments in my life because of my weight. People I have known for 10 years don't recognize me when I see them, that feels awesome! I have had to buy new clothes, I fit differently behind the steering wheel of my car. It goes on and on. I know a lot of people say they wish they would have done it sooner. My opinion on that is you do it when you are ready and embrace it! I was finally mentally ready to climb this mountain and I know that is why I have been so successful. Good luck to you all and I hope this post might help one person,

you look amazing, keep up the great work!

You look amazing

I am 5 days post op, I had my first "hunger" pain in the middle of the night last night. I grabbed a Sugar Free 10 calorie Jello cup and could only eat half of it and I was more than satisfied. I am on liquids till I think Friday and then can switch over to "soft" (consistenancy of yogurt). But if they tell me liquids for another week, I won't fight it, I am not prepared to move up yet....mentally!

I was sleeved on 12/13 and have the stomach growling as well, it appears to me that it is the gas from surgery trying to get out. I am getting a spasm when i swallow that is not very comfortable but it ends very quickly. i am having trouble getting in all of my liquid protein, it is not easy to get down i have been sipping on water when i am awake and walking laps in the house. the pain, (i feel guilty to say) is almost gone completely

I know it is not a powder but.......I just tried Premier Protein ready to drink, it is AMAZING. I got it at COSTCO and is hands down the best one I have tried so far. It is a ready to drink and not a powder but you still need an alternative for on the go!

Just got my surgery date......12/19. I know, it seems crazy to do this right before X-Mas but for work it is a no brainer. Starting to research and plan my menu. At this point all I can think about is getting this journey with my new tool started.

Caroline, Are you doing any type of pre-op diet? I am waiting to hear from my Dr. on what I have to do but I already started on my own by reading the materials they provided. I also started walking for 30 mins on the treadmill, not that I expect to be in shape by the 19th of December but I thought I might be a little stronger for surgery. I know its a mental thing but it makes me feel better!! LOL Scout

Traci, Good luck to you, it might be hard to watch everyone eating all of the X-Mas goodies but I must admit that I have had my fair share in the past! Not so sure that egg nog will be high on my list! LOL That stuff is pretty thick, even for a liquid! Scout

Pure Protein Frosty Choc: Not bad, a little chalky but overall good. Hey, it's not a cheese steak but thats what got me into this mess!!

Follow Up: The smell is the worst part.....if you hold your breath and drink....much better

Quick IsoPure review: If I had to drink it or die.......it wouldnt be the worst thing that could happen to me.......would I choose it......NO

Thanks for the heads up and the willingness to share! Truly appreciated......

funkee, don't sugar coat it, how did they taste?? LOL Thanks for the heads up....any insight on the other two?

Went to GNC tonight and picked up the following..... Pure Protein: Frosty Chocolate Lean Body: Chocolate Ice Cream IsoPure: Alpine Punch Going to chill and try them tomorrow, I hope I love one of them!!

I will not be having surgery until February 2013 (the hospital requires a minimum 3 month program because they are a Center of Excellence) so I am starting my 12 week pre op diet (change of lifestyle) on Thursday Nov 1st. I have never had surgery before so I am a little freaked out so I want to try and be in the best shape I can be in for the operation. I figured a little, or a lot less weight would be better for my overall health and hopefully fewer complications from surgery. I appreciate the forum and your posts to learn more about what I should expect.