southernsoul

I got it, and I would guess that everybody registered here got it. I don't really know what to expect, but I guess we will soon see what all is different.

I volunteer as a CASA for kids in foster care, so huge kudos to you for being a foster parent. I know how hard my foster parents work at giving the kids in their care some stability and security. My biggest "gain" hope after surgery was to regain my mobility. The restrictions in my life due to my mobility had become unacceptable to me. I missed being able to participate in so many activities and fun things I wanted to do. I'm only about halfway through the weight I want to lose, but the difference in how I walk and move is already huge! I feel so much better & have way less pain than I have had in YEARS. I hope that everything you want to gain happens for you!

I like quinoa and I really love farro. I don't eat much in the way of grains now, but I feel like they are both good, healthy choices for when I do. I cook them most often to finish up leftovers. I usually cook the quinoa or farro in either chicken or beef broth & add in leftover chopped up meat, whatever veggies I have on hand, & finish with a little grated cheese on top.

When I decided to have sleeve surgery, I knew I would be required to quit smoking by my insurance company. I quit back in March with a combination of Chantix & a nicotine vape. I only used the vape for a couple of months & by then the cravings & habit had been broken. Good luck to you!

Thank you!! It may not be anything more complicated than being able to walk around & explore a new city I've never visited before, but I'm definitely gonna think of something.

I haven't worn my crotchless one out in public yet, but I hadn't even considered the issue of bits-to-surface contact. Ewwwww.....that would be awful. Maybe in a short dress that would be an issue?? I don't wear anything above the knee, because my knees are badly scarred from surgeries & I'm self-conscious about that.

Linda, good luck with your preop diet! What does your surgeon require on the preop? So many of them are very different, both in preop & postop instructions. Like Cheryl, I have noticed a big improvement in my mobility & the amount of time I can walk & stand. I was fortunate that I didn't have many of the other problems like high BP & sleep apnea that are so common, but I see so many folks say how much those things are improved after some of the weight is gone. I hope that happens for you & your husband, too.

At 2 weeks out, I would say that absolutely nothing is "set" for you right now, in terms of food. Things will change & evolve as you continue to heal. But it's way too soon for pasta & ice cream. Stay on your food plan, even if it's boring. I was on liquids for a solid month postop, so I fully understand how bored & tired of it you can get. But stick with it & know that it's only temporary. Good luck!

I think your theory about losing the extra thigh cushioning might be right on the money. I also can't help but wonder about massaging chairs, like at my pedi place...

I'm sorry, I don't have an answer to your problem...but I do think that this is possibly the best thread title ever.

Haha, I don't even have a firm ending goal yet, much less a plan for how to celebrate it. At 320 lbs, the number 180 seemed like a good goal number, but I always figured I'd revise that as I got closer. However, I turned 49 a month before my surgery & I decided that next year when I turn 50 I'm going to celebrate by doing something physical that was not possible for me to do on my last birthday. I will be 11 months post op & I don't care if I'm at "goal". I want to usher in my new decade by doing something that is newly possible.

Most insurance companies probably offer bariatric coverage as an option, but it's up to the employer what coverage they choose to include in the package they put together for their employees. The coverage & requirements may be different from one employer to another, so check with your HR person or call the member number on your insurance card.

I'm a lot like Bufflehead...I often order an appetizer if there's something decent. If I order a main course I choose something that will hold well as leftovers. I have never ordered from the kid's menu, because the ones I have looked at have such crappy food...and doesn't THAT say a lot about how we teach our children to eat! A couple of my favorite local places have been great about fixing me a half portion of my favorite items & they only charge me half price. And I always tip as though I ordered a full meal.

So glad everything went well!! Hooray for you and your son! Here's hoping for smooth sailing from here on out...

I have seen many folks say that their tastes changed, but mine have not. So far, I haven't come across any food I can't tolerate, or any food that I liked preop that isn't good to me now. What HAS changed is my ability, or my willingness, to make different choices now. I genuinely enjoy the high protein, low(er) carb foods that I eat every day. I have had a few chips here & there, a cookie or two occasionally, and shared one fabulous restaurant dessert with the hubs on our anniversary last month. The difference is I'm able to be satisfied with just a little & not need or want more. We don't all have the same experience, of course, this is just mine. Good luck to you!

I also find myself tempted to snack late at night after the hubs has gone to bed. I try to have plenty of snacks on hand that are OK for me (high protein, low carb), but it's hard to hold myself to having just one serving. I don't have a solution, but you're not alone in the struggle!

Globetrotter, this is the one I bought that made me feel like a blow up doll. I don't have the panni issue, but I also wanted one that went down my legs. I can tell you it definitely sucked me in all over! http://www.onestopplus.com/clothing/Allinone-shaper-girdle-with-long-legs-power-control-by-Comfort-Choice.aspx?PfId=389764&DeptId=11780&ProductTypeId=1&ppos=11#.UnHQmeKgagk

Wow, looks like all of us heathens missed this post. Hello, mattsbelly!

My preop appointment was 2 days before my surgery. Part of the preop was done at the doctor's office with the bariatric nurse & then I was sent over to the hospital for registration & bloodwork. I am a total planner, and I remember feeling anxious about getting everything scheduled, too. Try not to stress too much....I'm sure it will all work out just fine. Good luck to you!

Yes, please keep us posted. Healing thoughts & good vibes are coming your way!

I took the bariatric chewables in the beginning & they made me nauseous. My nurse told me to only take them after I had eaten...but I still got sick from them fairly often. I don't know if it was psychological or what, but eventually I gave in & switched over to One A Day gummies. They may not be quite as good as the bariatric ones, but it's better than nothing.

I've been thinking about this thread since Butter first posted it, so I'm finally putting my goals out there. 1. Maintain a minimum of 3 gym workouts a week. 2. Increase weight by 10 lbs on each exercise. 3. Complete the 30 day plank challenge. (I'm going to print this out & tape it to the TV cabinet so I remember every day.)

Mine came out through the incision he made inside my belly button. It was definitely more tender afterwards & took the longest to heal.

Just my two cents, but if you're happy & your lab numbers are good, why should anything else matter? You keep right on doing what feels right to you, even if it is "the road less traveled", so to speak.

I wonder if the hospital has somebody, maybe like a patient advocate, who could come and sit with your son while you're in surgery? Given his diagnoses, it seems like they might be able to arrange something. Might be worth calling tomorrow to check. It sounds like you've done everything you can, and that's all anyone can do. Best of luck to you & your son!