TwinsMama

Congrats to you New!

Congrats to you both!

I asked the same thing in one of my blog posts. The answers were varied. Same when you do a search. Some of the Sleevers were convinced they'd had better results wearing them while others said they didn't see any difference. Personally, I plan to wear one post-op. My friend who had RnY did and she felt it helped.

I can't stand hearing that! Being tall I have a few extra inches in height to hide my weight. However, at over 300 lbs. I am that big. I always wonder what it is they are just not seeing.

@Taty thanks for replying, you have to let me know how the Spanx does for you. They have never helped me much, but I'd love to know how the newer ones are. I heard they did some redesigns a few years back so I'm interested in hearing how it goes. @Cowgirl wow 123#! That is great!!! Okay so you didn't wear any. That's I guess my confusion because I wear girdles now, they aren't that uncomfy for me (probably because I've worn them so long) but I do wonder if they help with pain/saggy skin.

I've been thinking about what I'll wear under my clothes after the surgery. Right now I fluctuate between Body Magic (horrible when you have to go to the bathroom) and Squeem. I tend to run cold so I'm always layering and if I can find something to nip and tuck, I'm game. I've tried Spanx but they either don't stay in place or are so thin they are not worth it. So as I read the many posts here about compression garments, I've wondered if anyone knows of any scientific studies that show they help. I ask this because I didn't wear anything right after my c-section but once I finally started it was a whole new world...far less pain. I always wondered if it was all in my head or if it really helped me in some way. Now, in speaking with my surgeon, he didn't have a preference. I'd like to go ahead and buy now (if it is worth it) during the holidays since there are a few promotions going on. But I'd like to know if it was worth it for any Sleevers that may have tried them post-op. Specifically, Did you find it helpful? If so, why...if not, why not? What brand(s) did you buy? What model/item? How soon after surgery did you wear yours? Was it painful to get into? Do you still wear it? Anything else that I should know to help me decide? I'd really appreciate anything anyone has to offer regarding this. Thanks!

Outback has choices at least and you can ask them to prepare foods to accommodate your sleeve. Good luck and tell us how it goes.

Glad you're feeling better, hope you feel better tonight.

Great first entry. I've heard lots of people talk about how people "change" after WLS. I've known a number of people and let me tell you how they've changed... More confidence - not bad at all, most people just can't take it that they now stand up for themselves now and won't be pushed around or are no longer shy, etc. Happier - not always but in many cases those I know are happier which means they don't allow drama into their lives any longer, so you know what that means to drama kings/queens...bye bye More active - they are no longer the sit in the house and eat with me types, they move, have fun, travel, do all the things they didn't do before Make more $$$ - not sure if this is a result of more earnings or less spent on medications, clothes, food Take more risks - by this I mean they try lots more things that they were affraid/ didn't have confidence enough to try before, from new careers, to new relationships, to more self-love The list really goes on and on. I guess what I'm trying to say is those that I know have really improved overall body, mind, and soul. So what actually I've seen happen is the OTHER people can't take seeing them so happy and confident. Best wishes you to on your journey!

There are 4 of us close college friends in our group. We all have been both above and at our "ideal" (healthy BMI) weights over the years. 2 years ago (wow, time flew) friend A got RnY. She immediately told her family and then us. I fully supported her as I had been on the fence myself regarding WLS. Friend B was not for or against just really scared (she is our worry'er). Friend C for a really long time made snide comments about how "not healthy, easy, wrong, you must be rich" for her to have WLS. Friend C simply would rather be big than supportive of WLS. She doesn't know the facts and chooses to stay ignorant of them. Totally her choice. However, I did tell C that it is hurtful to A to constantly say those things, especially given that A was the only one of us with a co-morbidity (diabetes). C still does not agree with A's choice but at least does not make the snide remarks. Fast forward to today. I've made the choice and will be telling all of them in 2 days that I too am having surgery. C won't like or agree with it given her assumptions. The thing is...this is 100% MY decision, MY health, MY life, MY family I'm getting healthy for. I don't care what she or anyone else thinks and I hope Donna you are able to get to a point where you feel the same way.

I'm pre-op but people I know have said to try Biotin and also cutting shampoo (or using sulfate-free shampoo) and only using conditioner (also free of sulfates and cones - silicone, etc.).

My husband swears by male tailors. Good for you for finding a cheaper option!

Very thoughtful. My Nut gave me different guidelines and then my surgeon gave me even different guidelines. What you provided should help anyone who doesn't have a plan.

Good luck...fingers crossed for you!

Congrats!!

LOL, do you know if you at least won your bids?

Last night I went for my Surgeon Seminar. There the surgeon discussed all things WLS. He also, made a few points that I think I knew deep down (I'll get to that in a bit). However, what had me really worried and upset was the wait times. He mentioned he is one of only 2 Kaiser surgeons in my area. Yes the DC Metro Area. So that means, a really long wait. In fact, one guy there last night mentioned he was not only approved, but also met with the surgeon 3 months ago and was still waiting on his date. What..A...Bummer! 6 months pre-qualification only to find out you have to wait 6 more months!?!? This guy (on tap for a Feb surgery) will have waited a full year from his initial meeting. That is horrible. I realize you don't want your surgeon to rush, but I mean 1 year. That is a long time especially given that 6 months of that was AFTER you qualified. So after getting over that. I was happy that my husband seemed a lot more at ease and learned a lot about the WLS. Much of the pre and post-op diet "stuff" I knew from stalking reading this site. But I was glad he had a chance to hear the risks and other information so he wouldn't be worried about me. Now, the interesting part...the surgeon totally disagreed with the diet the Nuts have been promoting for post-op. He mentioned that there was absolutely no way anyone would lose weight following their diet. He said in fact it would lead to gains. The reason he didn't agree is that he said the amount of carbs (via fruits and veggies) the Nuts want us to eat, would be too high. (I totally knew this but thought I must be wrong). He said, he wants us to stick to 30g of carbs a day (if possible for life). He mentioned that 1 small banana would overshoot the 30g alone. So he said, throw out the idea that we need these pretty meals that have...a protein, veggie, fruit, grain, etc. and especially the idea of 6 meals. Sure a snack perhaps but 6 small meals...no way. I'm so glad he mentioned that because I know for a fact, even though I love berries, I have to eat them sparingly if I am going to lose weight. He also mentioned what we all know already about walking and other exercise daily. But...and this is a big BUT... I had NO clue that I'd have to give myself shots twice a day for 2 weeks post-op. This is to prevent blood clots which is certainly important. BUT I am the biggest punk when it comes to needles and didn't even have to do this after my very painful c-section. I mean I'm a cry, roll around on the ground, really low threshold type of punk person. This surprised me. I thought I'd take something orally. His response, no, the shots or no surgery. I didn't expect to have to inject myself twice a day. So, all in all I guess it is a good thing that I have a few months longer before surgery. I'll use that to build up enough courage to do those darn shots.

@Lez, after my c-section I went home with the staples and just about died every time anything hit my tummy, including nursing...cannot imagine injections after that ordeal. As for my hubby, he said he'd do it...but still that is a shot and he better not hurt me. @Lisa's oh I would just about cry if I hadn't known in time to prepare myself. I am horrible with pain. I think it is the thought of a shot...I have tatoos and somehow my mind can take the pain of those but not the pain of shots...I may have a repressed childhood memory. @Dooter nope, I have no history of blood clots but my surgeon is making everyone do it. Yes, the diets get down right confusing. One Dr, says this another that and the Nuts don't agree either. Lots of trial and error I forsee.

Congrats on the weight loss! Hope everything turns out normal for your upcoming tests.

Congrats on the weight loss! Have you tried taking garlic or ginger? I'm not much of a meds person but when I get sick I chop them up really fine (almost paste fine) and then put them in a bit of applesauce or something else to mask the taste. Normally if I do that once or twice a day I feel better in about a day or so. Hope that helps some.

My Nut was down right obsessed that I have citrate. So far the Celebrate ones from Bariatric Advantage have tasted the best. Not sure about how many you get but my Nut gave me a lot to try and they are all I can stomach in chewables. Mind you I'm pre-op so take this with a grain of salt.

Congrats and best wishes!

Yes, I like smooth foods the chewing starts to hurt my jaw after a while. I know it's weird but my kids are that way too so at least now all these years later I know it is not just me. Soup...that's a good idea. I hardly ever even consider soup. I think I'll poke around for some good recipes. Thanks for that suggestion!

I've done horseback riding for years. It has been a while but I've gone even bigger than I am now so believe me, you didn't hurt the horse. Think about it this way...back in the pioneer days not all wo/men were small so believe me, this is nothing new.