PGee

Cindy, sending you cyber hugs.....I can't imagine losing a child as young as Jonny.....nor can I imagine grieving the loss of a child and worry about two little ones at home who need their mommy.... I know of two non-profit support groups (free) I think they both have chapters nationwide and are non religious based, run by people who have walked the walk....their members will all have different stories, each grieve the loss of a child differently, but we all go through similar emotions/situations. If you want info, send me a PM.....I am currently not a member of any group...but one of them helped me tremendously when we lost our only child 4 years ago. Remembering him yearly is an awesome idea....a balloon release or butterfly release, plant a tree in his memory....volunteer with the family one day in his honor....donate a book or two in his memory to the local library or women's/children's shelter, have the other children each pick out a book.....or donate a package of diapers to a diaper bank/shelter...a can of food or two to a food bank or Soup kitchen..it doesn't have to be expensive....or making a special family play day to honor his birthday... If I can be of any help, just PM me. You are not alone [[[hugs]]]

I had to laugh at your DH's comments.....I'm expecting something similar LOL I'm a little concerned about the girls.....I already have one a little deformed from a lumpectomy....I hate to think what it'll look deflated LOL [but, really, if that's an issue, I'll get a lift]

Welcome Clef! The folks on here are a wealth of information...glad you're here!

Welcome BrightEyes! I was completely anxious over the whole WLS thing....talking to my husband helped....he's grilled me about this on and off for the last 3 months.....when I get frustrated with him, he tells me he's just making sure I can answer all his questions....he figures if I stumble, then I'm not ready LOL The thing that got me past most of my anxiety is a pros/cons list.....the pros outweigh the cons....I am waiting for approval, and the 3 months have flown by...the best advice I can come up with is learn as much as you can.....the veterans, newbies, and pre-ops are very helpful on here....Good luck, and welcome!

bowls.....try ramekin dishes.....custard cups maybe ? I have a few and am hoping those will fit the bill....sorry you've had a tough time of it.....thanks for sharing that....wishing you the best!

ShellBell, sorry for the delay, that stinks....I'm trying to keep busy during this approval process.....I've prepared myself for several outcomes.....but not a 3 month delay...keep your head up, keep plugging along....My NUT didn't even talk about diet.....the first thing she said "I'm not going to put you on a diet".....and all we've talked about during our 3 visits is the pre-op diet, and the stages post-op....it still surprises me how different the requirements are from insurance companies to health care providers.....Good Luck!

Good luck, too you too!!!! Hope all is well (assuming today is THE Friday)

Vixynne, glad to hear you are doing well!

Thank you for being candid....it's important for people considering VSG to know that some sleevers have regrets...otherwise we don't get a full spectrum of WLS patient experiences.....best wishes.

What pre-op diets are your doctors recommending? Mine will have me doing the opti-fast for 12 days (I think strictly 4 shakes and 1 bar, or 5 shakes---plus sugar free clear liquids)...then the 2 day clear liquid diet.

Glad to hear it went well.....best wishes for a quick recovery!!!!

Welcome! I think a bunch of us are in the same boat.....took me 7 years to get to this point...and even after I started this journey, I wasn't at peace with it for a few months.....finally got there (still have some concerns that I think are normal), but am waiting for "the call" to tell me if it's approved....again, welcome, we're glad you're here!!!

Glad to hear everything went well!!!

We should all be so lucky...I hope that's me post-op too....

That's something......I had never thought about milk & carbs until my NUT pointed it out....yikes! Thanks again everyone, appreciate your input!!!!!!!

Thank you all for the replies, appreciate it! Will have to try some of the unsweetened almond milk, thanks!

We are in the same boat....I'm trying to keep busy and focus on other stuff...

Why unsweetened almond milk as opposed to regular milk? Is it allergy, taste, nutrition? I've never tried it and was wondering.....Many Thanks!

Yup....I am playing the game.....9 more days--hopefuly LOL

I was going insane with doubts about what I was doing to my body....after going through my list of pros/cons with my hubby of having the surgery vs. not, and he kindly grilling my decision, I had my answer....I still have the what ifs going through my mind, but I think that's healthy and normal....Good luck!

Welcome! Good luck on this journey! Not to worry, just follow the dr's directions...it's interesting how everything varies by doctor.....from tests to pre-op diet. Good luck.

Praying for an uneventful surgery and quick, easy recovery!

Phew, finished my last NUT appointment.....and now the waiting begins.....My biggest concern about the approval process is that the ins. co. changed their requirements sometime after I started this journey, but, that's beyond my or my surgeon's control, so I'm ready.........I'm soooooo ready! Keep your fingers crossed. Thank you for putting up with my questions/concerns during the last 2.5 months.....you all have been a godsend, sharing your knowledge and experience.....thank you!

I just saw your note.....I am missing 1/2 my meniscus in my knees and have arthritis...and found Water fit classes at the gym--they work very well for me....if this is an option, you may want to try it...HTH!

The book is called "The BIG Book on the GASTRIC SLEEVE" by Alex Brecher (there is a link on here....it's available at amazon in a download or hard copy (I'd recommend the download if you have a reader as the book is huge and a bit conspicuous LOL.....I'm rather private about the sleeve) Good luck to you all and again, welcome! PS there was also a thread yesterday with a bunch of books people recommended....you may want to look for it.