leo39

Hi there, can you add me to the 'march calendar' ----I'm going in March 4th! It's kinda cool that another leo is getting sleeved on the same day! I'm packing for all my kiddos and did grocery shopping, for the 3 who are staying at home with a family friend. I think I've got everything for them, and for me.... my husband is bringing 2 of my kids to my parents' home and the third is already at the neighbours. I've got to head over there just to go over phone numbers, health card, all that stuff. I have not had enough today - I've only drank maybe 6 glasses of clear liquid and am going to have some broth a little later. I'm scared to even admit this but I think I'm getting sick!! Two of my 6 kids have the flu and have wanted lots of momma time. I couldn't deny them but I'm not feeling great and am just PRAYING that its just from being tired and a bit dehydrated. I'll try to rectify both today and tomorrow. I've been praying for all of you on this list and if you are so inclined to do the same for me I would really appreciate it! Sending love health and well wishes!

Do you have baby mm-mm's in your grocery store> I'm canadian and actually have not checked out if you can actually eat them as a precursor to other foods. They are rice husk crackers kind of but they totally melt in your mouth. Its for little babies just starting to get teeth. They can't choke because of the quick disintegration so I think it'd be the same, but you could crunch it a few times if you really need to hear that crunch and feel you are eating something more substantial. I'm guessing it just kinda foams down the throat. They have baby and toddler versions. I picked Strawberry for those days my head hunger is messing with me. Best of all, gluten free and has vitamins and minerals added. Hope that helps!

Thanks Deborah. This site always calms me down. Its a Godsend, believe me!

I'm a March sleever, going on Sunday and Monday is the big day!!! I'm with Dr, Kelly. I have thoroughly been educated and encouraged through this site and so many of you, heartfelt thanks! If you are a prayer warrior PLEASE add me to your list that it runs smoothly. My foster children in particular are very young and I know they are worried even though I'll only be there for a week. Two of them can be a challenge so please pray for safety and an obedient spirit. Thanks so much!

I'm having pre-op tests Monday morning and if all goes well I'm having surgery in the afternoon (same day)!!

oh, and get this - I've been on pureed foods (low fat) and only water/lemon or tea for at least a week now, and on clears only today, and I have gained a pound!! ugh. This is why I am doing this - the meds I have to take for other health issues unrelated to my weight cause weight gain. I will just keep getting bigger unless I take this action! Maybe I ate too MUCH soup? I don't know. Didn't add milk or cream to any of it. I know a pound isn't a big deal but I keep reading that people have lost 10-20lbs prior to surgery. I hope to at least be at good old 200 by Monday. Discouraged!

Thanks - I'm trying to get as many free samples as I can get before I decide. At this point I'm trying to pack for all the kids (three are going to different places, the other three are staying home but still need all their laundry done, meals planned, etc....) and get on the plane in one piece!!

Tonight I had to make dinner for everyone and they requested my favorite (breakfast for dinner - pretty much everything you can think of, I usually make for them). I really wanted my husband to jump in and say that he'd do it but he had no interest. I think he knows that for awhile after surgery I'll be even less likely to want to cook stuff I can't eat so he's getting in as much home cooking done by me as he can!! Thanks for the info about drinks. Tomorrow I start clear broths and such. I have two kids home with a fever and I was up all night with them. I have been taking cold FX and immunity FX because I am terrified I will get sick!! Today is the last day I can take them so I'm praying it was enough.

Ok, so how much Water DO you drink? I'm kinda confused. Right now I'm pre op so I'm drinking up to 1 hour before I eat and then waiting at least 45 mins after I eat to drink, but if I eat 3 meals a day that's alot of time I can't drink. So how do I get enough in? I'm also a bit of a wimp about Protein shakes, I don't like choc or strawberry flavour and have yet to find a vanilla or other kind that I truly could see myself drinking every day. I'm thinking of going with unjury's plain powder but I wonder if it tastes chalky... I know this is not a big deal in the long run but for the next couple of months it will be a necessity, right?

I packed this weekend - a little early (like, 2 weeks!!) and I'm ready in every way. Had to talk to family about it and they were mixed in reaction. But its out there, it had already been shared by my dad to some of them anyhow. I'm not upset they don't get it but I did get defensive when addressing. Money is super tight so I'm hoping I won't have to spend much extra to do my pre-op budget. My stupid worry is finding a Protein shake I can actually get down. I hate them!

How is the Head Hunger going? I think I'll be fine in the daytime, its after 9pm for me, I am hoping to just start going to bed alot earlier to try and cope with that for now. I also thought about hypnosis! I'm wondering what week two post op is like because I'll be home by then and I have six children aged 4-16 (I am a foster parent) who will probably expect me to be right back in the swing of things when I get home.

Amber - a question - how did your back feel? Did you find being on your side more comfortable? I have pain as well and I am curious about your 'regular' pains. What about heartburn/GERD? And, did you wear compression socks on your flight? I think I start on my pre-op diet Monday - any tips? Thanks again

Salsha, I look forward to hearing your story too! Amber, wow, I absolutely loved reading all about your experience. And LoraLee I get what you are saying about the emotional pain of realizing there are people who don't take the time to look within and who have to just make comments (even people who love us) trying to be helpful. I went through most of my life with a great figure and a horrible self-esteem. And now, as a heavy person for the past four years (esp. the last two) I have realized that I'm actually more aware of my strengths and am okay with the person God made me...but others don't feel 'okay' about it. It does bother me. I do question late at night if I'm doing this for my health (which I do think I am) long term, and to be a more active participant in my family and life, or if I'm doing this so that I don't have to make apologies for my appearance anymore. I think its both but I hope it won't make me bitter. I also hope my teenage daughter won't come away from this whole experience thinking her appearance is more important than her heart, her brain, her personality, and her spirit. Amber I am so pleased to have heard you had a good experience and will take your advice about the wheelchair on the way home as well as the heat pack. I am really hoping I don't have a drain, I've had plenty of surgery but never a drain... and I hope to use the heat pack to perk up my veins too! This site has been such a Godsend and you are one of the reasons. I'm going to have surgery with Dr. Kelly on the 4th and I feel ready.

Oh wow SK, maybe we will cross paths after all! I got all your emails, thank you, such good reading! I'm going into the hospital Sunday night (the 3rd) and then having my tests in the morning of the 4th, with surgery around early afternoon. I'm the first of the day, there is one other in the late afternoon. I just booked my flight today, and feel so ready to go!

Anyone going to Dr. Kelly at Oasis Hospital and Lucerna hotel... I`m having surgery there March 4th.

what are clear fluids that people find tasty? Brands/Flavors other than water also I dislike protein shakes. Are they critical? Any I should order that actually taste good? This is the part I have done little research on. Once Pureed foods are allowed, I'm good to go but I just can't imagine getting protein shakes down w out gagging

I know this was started awhile back but this is one of my questions as well.... I take meds that are not related to my weight. Most are for fibromyalgia. Two are in capsule, so I guess they can be taken out of the capsule in applesauce. The other three are smaller than an M&M so maybe I can give them a go. I know they don't have a liquid formation. I take most before bed so I guess I will start in the afternoon Any other tips? On a full tummy or not? Also what temperature of water/liquids is easiest? Can tea have milk in it right away? I do have GERD already so I'm nervous about it getting worse. Does having a different sized bougie make a difference?

I feel so excited because I booked in with Dr. Kelly for March 4th and I'm getting a great deal on my flight too Lora has been wonderful to talk to. I look forward to talking with Dr. Kelly personally today or tomorrow, and that's amazing - I'd say Canada has a good health care system but I've only heard from my doctor once in my life over the phone (and it was brief, and not good news). I'm impressed that he makes himself available to answer my medical questions!

I'm going with Dr. Kelly but I'm thinking of you guys, wishing everyone well!! I'm getting sleeved on March 4th, very excited

I'm not sleeved yet but a few years back I was on a diet where I was in ketosis which is similar to this, and as soon as I reached my goal weight, and went on 'maintenaince' (so from about 700 calories a day to 1250), I started having the exact same pain and when it got unbearable I found that I had multiple stones as well as a large one which was blocking my bile duct. I was told at that time, that it wasn't the rapid weight loss but the almost total lack of fat in my diet which changed to a small amount of fat once on maintenaince. This required the gallbladder to work much harder than it had been while I was on the diet. The gallbladder couldn't handle the fat and the stones developed. The surgery to remove the gallbladder was such a relief, the pain from recovery was nothing compared to how I felt once the bile duct was blocked. I was very annoyed that this had never been told to me prior to starting on the diet, and the other thing that was inevitable was that even eating well on maintenaince, I gained all the weight back and then 10 more within six months. It was so disheartening! That's one reason I'm looking to do the sleeve. I'm committed to changing my diet for life, but I want my body to work with me!! (Hope that makes sense) I would definitely say, sorry, but the gallbladder has to go and you'll feel much better once its out.

Hi Lora Does Dr. Kelly work with Drs. Cabrera (Garcia) and Louisana? How does he compare to them and how much does he charge? is it the same cost? I have some medical issues and Dr. Cabrera wants to find out more from the doctors reports before he decides to take on the surgery.. The Co Ordinator asked if Cabrera is out, would I like her to contact Dr. Kelly because he may do it. Is that because he's 'better'? Or what is the difference between them and the package offered?

Ok so an update - Dr. Cabrera is wavering on approving my surgery. I have anemia (borderline) and there are a few issues, all minor, that I've had in other surgeries but I now have it all sorted and its good, I have had two surgeries (unrelated to this) that went textbook and i recovered great. BUT it has him concerned and he wants a doctors letter. Now also there was the suggestion that maybe I should think of Dr. Kelly who has more experience (and more $) I am really asking for your help. Do you think Drs Cabrera and Louisana can handle a surgery that may be somewhat more challenging like dealing with scar tissue and adhesions ...how competent would you think they are? I'm wavering now. I really need guidance here. Thanks for sharing your experiences and I hope to see some on you in March. Wishing us all a safe experience. I'm open to all your advice!!