NurseMom

thanks to everyone's responses. i guess i was a bit scared that nobody else felt this way (i LOVE the positive post-op stories, but can't believe that people's addictions just POOF disappear!) and so happy to find that everyone is somewhat dealing too.... i agree with an above post- we didn't just ARRIVE at 225 lbs, or 400 lbs, or whatever, we ATE our way here. yes, while i agree that surgery will physically work, i still need to work on the HEAD...thanks!

i'm still pre-op, and going through all the appts and such... i am truly a food addict. no question. an addict. i have even been to 12 step programs...right now, i can eat MORE than my hubby who is a former collegiate football player, and is 6'2" and 250... i know that the sleeve is obviously physically limiting, but nobody seems to want to talk about my EMOTIONAL addiction to food. my NEED and LOVE of food is still there, and will still be there post-op, i fear. i truly wonder IF this will work for me, because when i read threads about how little is eaten, i panic. truly, panic anybpdy else worried about this???

oh, family pics. me too! i've sent out christmas cards for the past several years with only the kids...

i think that mourning food is completely natural...especially when most of us-before surgery- can/could eat extreme portions. I personally can't fathom when DH and I go out right now, and I can eat 1/2 the pizza, eventually only eating one or two pieces... BUT, from what i can tell, after a lot of research, eventually, we WILL be able to eat normal foods, but in NORMAL portions. (not "normal" what we eat now, but "normal" as in a regular,normal portion size)... so, i'll get through the six months or year of not eating much, but then i know i'll be able to eat some regular foods again. i'm actually looking forward to taking a small plate, putting a few things on it, and being full. now, i get the huge plate, pile it up a couple of times...

i've had a running list of things that i've been keeping for YEARS that i swore to myself i would do again once i lost my weight. well, surgery is within the next 4-5 months and my list is out... When I lose my weight I'm going to: -start running again, and eventually run my FIRST marathon!! -get all my size 10/12 clothes out that i have in bins in my basement and wear them again -run around with my kids and NOT get short of breath or dizzy -be able to get ALL my work done everyday at work without leaving exhausted! -try some of the super short hair cuts i LOVE but would look ridiulous with right now -wear a pair of jeans with my cowgirl boots TUCKED in!!!! first time EVER - shop at Lerner New York again (it's been so long i think they have a different name now) -buy some super cute dresses and start being feminine again - stay up late with the hubs on friday nights watching movies like we used to years ago (i'm too tired now) wow...so many more things i can't wait...how about YOU??

my first appt Monday!!!! been to the seminars, already saw my PCP for documentation, have my EGD this week, NUT appt Jan 3rd, and psych consult in early january. when i called the surgeons office for appt, i was ready to MOVE and they were quite helpful to comply! After the surgeon, pretty much everything is in place, i just need to be patient and wait for all documentation to get to them, and then they submit for approval. I'm ready for this!!!! with my insurance, i've been told that it's coming back VERY fast so surgery likely about 3 months after first appt. WHOOOO HOOOOOO

thanks to the above poster...of ALL the things i could be worried about (and i'm a nurse, so the operative issues should scare me)...well, hair loss is the biggie. it's stupid, i know, but my whole life i've had great hair. when i was young and thinner it was really beautiful. as i've gotten older and bigger, i've cut it, but it's still really cute. the UP side to this- i have a bunch of cute short short cuts that i've always wanted to try, and now i CAN without worrying if my face looks too fat!

this is so good to read...the whole 'mourning food' issue is big for me too because i DO feel like i'll never be able to eat normally again. but i'm so glad that people here are setting it straight for me!

please don't get me wrong. i'm committed, just wondering if my ENTIRE regimen will completely change FOREVER, or it there's a little room to enjoy once in a while...

as many of you know i'm still pre-op, but depending on the post-op folks for good answers! my question is about eating sweets post-op. i KNOW i'll be eating very structured for a while, and eventually get a more regular eating regimen. but...what about sweets? many have told me that i won't want them or can't tolerate them anymore. my gram made a really special Polish cake for every family occasion. i still make it now that she's gone. mostly for Christmas, birthdays. that's about it. but i guess i'd like to think that eventually, i could still tolerate a little corner of it! not regularly, but once or twice a year, like 2 tablespoon piece of it????it's a cream-cheese, cool-whip, butterscotch pudding layered thing. nothing fancy, just really special because of the memories and the taste takes me back every time! tell me what your experiences are with sweets. oh, and pop too. i'm a regular cola ADDICT. i'm dealing with the actual emotional addiction, but does anybody indulge in a flat pop ever, or a slurpee type frozen drink???

i have talked with a bunch of folks who are post op and for the most part, it's a mixed bag as far as i can tell...some have had BIG loss, others can barely see a difference! BUT, those who did lose all reassured me that it comes back...that's right, right???? i really hope so! because i sure don't want to be thin and healthy but bald!

i can tell you that gastric balloons are NOT FDA approved, are bing used in research studies, and prior to certain open abdominal procedures...

i'm wondering what my options will be for breast surgery after I lose my weight????? i'm a D now, and i anticipate that I will lose MOST of my cup size after i lose weight. i do NOT want implants...i would be VERY happy remaining small, as I anticipate being about 130 lbs eventually. so what options are there? i'm hoping there have been lots of gals who have gone through similar and can give me some ideas. thanks!

i plan to take off about 3 wks. i have lots of time off saved up AND i get short term disability...

our center uses liquid Vicodin...most patients use it for about 5-7 days after coming home from the hospital...