youthguy80

How amazing! First, I loved the part about maximizing working out and practicing using the "the tools" in the early stages. Also, this just reinforces that this procedure is NOT a magic pill! Would I love it to be? Heck yes! But the science (not only in this article) consistently shows that those that are successful in long term (5+ years) weight loss maintenance are those that regularly exercise and have regular group work (support groups, weekly meetings, etc). The next step is educating SURGEONS to not perform this procedure just because insurance will pay for it. Too many people are getting it without fully knowing the type of lifestyle change it involves. Thanks for sharing the article!

Did your pain tend to peak post op on a certain day? Mine hasn't been awful and I'm tired of the pain med grogginess.

Sounds like a good idea. It's so odd to me how different everyone is post op. Honestly, unless I've taken the pain meds, I notice no difference in my energy level. I'm also taking it easy and not doing much.

Why are you still in three days post op? Has your surgeon rounded to see you at all? That seems very odd to me. My surgeon gave me his personal cell number while I was in the hospital. I'm sorry you are in pain. Perhaps try liquids that are room temperature instead of hot or cold. Too cold makes my stomach feel like it's spasming.

I literally prepared myself that "anything was possible." Meaning: I could be in pain for weeks, I could be lethargic for weeks, I might have no pain, I might be hungry the first hour...etc. for some reason that was a huge help for me mentally. What I've found is that everyone seems to have a very different experience post op (pre op too for that matter).

Tell folks you are watching your calorie intake and exercise. Both true.

My surgery is Monday and I'm so afraid I have an extra large liver and will wake up unsleeved. Is this a fear anyone else had?

Syntrax Medical is also very good. Order online.

First weigh in with surgeon in March I was 449. Monday when I weighed I was 419! That was one week into my two-week preop diet. Today I go for my preop testing (little nervous, praying nothing is found) and have surg on Monday. Not only is my weight lower--I already feel so much better. Not out of breath as much. Less fatigue. Just generally feel better. Don't get me wrong, the lower # on the scale is wonderful, but the health benefits (and clothes feeling more loose) are amazing!

http://health.howstuffworks.com/wellness/men/health-tips/5-benefits-of-zinc-for-men.htm

Syntrax Nectar has some good flavors. My favorite right now (Pre sleeve) is Cappuccino. They also have an unflavored that, in my opinion, is more "unflavored" than Unjury. But Unjury chicken soup flavored is awesome.

A "little" change? Celebrate--there is a wonderful change! Your shirt obviously is more loose! And your face is thinner also. Don't shortchange your success. :-)

You can do it! Every time you resist the urge of the old life you are retraining your body. Prepare yourself that the first four days are awful. Protein and fluids are your friend. :-)

I used the nutribullet Pre Pre-op diet....things like smoothies and whatnot. It's a great product.

Diet coke was wine of those "foods" I k ow I can't do in moderation right now. I quit cold turkey exactly four weeks ago today. I thought I had another month or two before surgery but wanted to start living as clean as possible. I have increased my water intake, but I'm also drinking a lot of decaf and regular artificially sweetened tea. I would eventually like to not drink much of that either, but it's a process.

I had to sign a Pre surg agreement that said I would NOT take any laxatives. It's interesting how different things are from surgeon to surgeon.

This Friday could be my six month visit with my PCP, so we could be submitting for approval next week. I'm so ready for this change! I know God has His hand on this process....

9/16, 2pm. Started liquids yesterday. Most difficult last night when I was watching a movie (at home). That's ALWAYS when I ate. Hoping by weds/thurs things will get better. Bit of a headache today.

They usually want six months consecutively of your PcP documenting your attempts. I had TWO YEARS of a supervised nutrition and exercise program. Had two years of notes showing my PCP was medically supervising. I was denied because I didn't have 6 in 6 consecutive months. I even appealed and was denied. I know it's frustrating. Just stay focused on the end result and use the time with your primary to work through a lot of the mental stuff. And start making lifestyle changes now---cutting out carbonated beverages, weaning off caffeine and fried foods, etc. Also, get your medical policy from insurance regarding weight loss surgery (mine was under "obesity") and know it front and back. I hope these months are helpful and go by quicker than you realize.