AmyInOrlando

I read "Successful Weight Loss with THE GASTRIC SLEEVE" by Dr. Guillermo Alvarez. You can order it on his site, Endobariatrics.com or Amazon. It's written simply, and gives you all the before and after information you need. I also purchased the book EAT IT UP, The Complete Mind / Body / Spirit Guide to a Full Life After Weight Loss Surgery, by Connie Stapleton, PHD. I haven't read it yet, I'm saving it to have something to read on my flights to and from Mexido. Dr. Alvarez's book deals with the neck down, and Stapleton's book deals with the neck up. Both equally important.

I'm on day 6 of liquids. Last night I was at work in the break room with my mug, my Unjury chicken soup mix and my Thermometer.... yes, the water has to be less then 140 degrees. Unjury sends you a thermometer with the sample kit. Too cold, too hot, finally just right. I also have this cute little wisk to use to stir it. It's small with a little pink pig head attached, that also serves as a stand. I found it difficult to stir with a spoon, so I purchased the wisk. Well, it was under 140 degrees, difficult to wisk, and I still wound up with little lumps of protein powder. Plus my co-workers think I'm whacked. (and I work on a Psych unit). They think the Thermometer is a little OCD, and the little pig stirrer is too cute. At home I tried a blender and it just got very foamy. Has anyone else had difficulty with this stuff. I bought a whole tub of it and I don't want it to go to waste. Pre-op I can chew the little lumps... but post op it's supposed to be clear liquids for the first week.

It's all just as well...... Stay out of N'Awlins. I lived there for 8 years. It has the best food in the world. I don't know how I could live there post-op. Seriously though... they'll come around once they see you're healthy and happy. My surgery is one week from today also. Best wishes for an uneventful surgery, and a smooth and speedy recovery. PS... I really miss N.O. It's the most fun and friendliest place I've ever lived.

7 days and counting.... The liquid diet is going great. I've read Dr. Alvarez's book. I'm on 3 different Support sites, and have followed hundreds of posts, watched hundreds of Youtube videos, and believe I'm 100% prepared physically and emotionally for this journey. My only fear is that we're in the middle of hurricane season, and I don't want the weather interfering with my travels to Mexico. It's been raining mostly every day (as usual for summers in Orlando). My LOA from work is approved, I've jumped through all the hoops and I'm ready. I just don't want anything to delay something I wish I'd done many years ago. Keep me in your prayers. NO HURRICANES !!

I'm glad everything got resolved. Best wishes for an uneventful surgery and a smooth and comfortable recovery. I'll be joining you on the loser's bench in a week.

I did weeks of research before I chose Dr. Alvarez. I searched and searched and could not find one negative review. He's more expensive then most of the Docs down there, but I wanted to be in a full service hospital for at least 2 days. I saw my PCP last week and she's 100% supportive. She will follow my progress, do the necessary labs, etc. I scheduled a follow up appointment 6 weeks post op just to make sure everything's OK. Dr. Alvarez will give me a full surgical report to bring back to her. My surgery is in 1 week, and I'm 100% sure I made the right decision with choosing Dr. Alvarez. My only regret is that I didn't do this sooner.

I've got a whole case of it that I'm saving for my 1 week post-op clear liquid diet. I haven't tasted it yet, and now, I'm gagging just thinking about it. I like the EAS Advantedge Café Caramel, but that's going to have to wait till week 2, full liquids. I guess I'll have to consider it "medicine" helping my sleeve heal. 1 week to go and I'll be joining you on the loser's bench.

Sending you healing energy for an uneventful surgery and a smooth and speedy recovery.

You never fail till you stop trying !!! See your Doctor, See your Nutritionist, change your exercise routine. Do strength training to build muscle. The more muscle you have the more calories your body will burn. Remember... PROTEIN & PRODUCE !!! Slow and steady wins the race. Please don't be discouraged. You've got a huge support system here and you are not alone. Together WE CAN DO THIS !!!!

Today is day 7 for me on liquids. I may be one of a few, but I've found it to be easy, and I have been a major volume binge eater for most of my life. I've been using the Unjury unflavored protein powder with different flavors of MIO, Crystal Light, and Dasaini drops. I mix 1 scoop in a 24 oz bottle of cold water and it's cool and refreshing. I've also been using the EAS Advantedge shakes. The Café Caramel is the best, but I've also used the French Vanilla, Dark Chocolate and Chocolate Fudge. For Dinner I have a whole can of Progresso Southwestern Vegetable soup. I put it in the blender and liquefy it. I add some Cajun seasoning and its filling and satisfying. For dessert I have a cup of SF jello. For a night snack I'll have another EAS shake and a SF Popsicle. In between, I just drink ice water. I've been averaging 68 grams of protein and roughly 600 calories a day. I've lost 8.6 pounds in 6 days. I wish I'd started the liquid diet sooner.

I started day 1 at 204.8, this morning, day 7 I weighed 196.2. An 8.6 pound weight loss in 6 days !!!!! I'm loving this pre-op diet. I wish I'd started it earlier. I'm being creative, with different flavors, using extracts and SF Torani syrups. I haven't been hungry once. I've averaged 68 grams of protein and roughly 600 calories a day.

Today was day 6 of my liquid diet. I had a really bad, stressful day. I wanted to dive into a 1/2 gallon of butter pecan ice cream.... As I walked through the grocery I started rationalizing that my Dr. only prescribed 7 days of liquids, not 14, so "technically" I didn't have to start till Thursday...What did I do? I had a coupon for $1.50 off a 4 pack of EAS shakes. I grabbed the shakes and checked out. When I got home, I took a French Vanilla Advantedge shake, added a few drops of butter pecan extract, some ice cubes, and threw it all in a blender. It was yummy, and I didn't have to feel guilty and remorseful like I would have had I bought and eaten that ice cream. A NSV (non-scale victory).

When my Boyfriend and I go out to dinner, I finish my entrée and if he had leftovers I'd finish his too. I told him after surgery we can order one entrée and I'll just eat his leftovers (I'll probably still have enough for 2 meals). He's gained 15 pounds in the 7 years we've been together, I've gained 70. I'm hoping by New Years I can wear the same outfit I wore on our first NYE together.

I think I read where those are signs that you've had enough. But, if you're at home, the best thing to do is weigh or measure your food. I read to set a timer for 30 minutes, take small bites, chew at least 30 times before swallowing, and quit eating when the timer goes off. Of course, I'll be going over everything with my Doc when I get to Mexico.

I'm not having any trouble with the liquid diet. I'm on day 6 and I've lost 6.8 pounds. That's enough to keep me motivated. I've kept my Protein at roughly 70 gms/day, and my calories between 500 - 640. I haven't been hungry, and have taken Tylenol for my mild headaches

I don't have a NUT, my Doc gave me my Pre-op diet instructions. I'm even more conservative then he is. His diet is 7 days of liquids 800-1000 calories a day. The number of days are based on BMI, so mine is 7. I've chosen to do 14 days. 11 days full liquids and 3 days clear liquids. (the last three days before surgery). Of course NPO (nothing by mouth) after midnight before surgery. He also doesn't require a bowel prep, but I'm going to do that on my own to make sure I'm cleaned out before surgery. I've also kept my protein around 70 Gms / day and in the past 6 days I've stayed between 500-630 calories. I haven't had any problems with the liquid diet except for some mild headaches relieved with Tylenol. Not really hungry either. So far, so good. 9 days to go.

Thanks.... I got one of those blender balls yesterday. I'll try it this afternoon.

My Mother took me to my first WW meeting when I was 11 years old. She dragged me up the stairs to a meeting room on Kings Highway in Brooklyn, NY. The Leader was Jean Neitche, the founder of WW. I think I rejoined at least 50 times in the next 50 years (I'll be 61 in September). I could open a WW Museum if I had kept all the Menu's and Diet information as they change their program at least every 2 years. I had lost over 100 pounds 3 different times on WW, only to go off and back to my bingeing behavior. Before deciding to have the gastric sleeve done, I'd been on WW for a year... all I lost was 52 weeks. It was up 2 down 3, down 5 up 7.....yada yada yada. Weight Watchers is a great program, unless you are a food addict. My whole life I've either dieted or binged. I've never eaten like a "normal" person. My Mother used to say I looked emaciated until I was 5 years old. I had my tonsils out and she said I could eat all the ice cream I wanted.... well, I never stopped, and that's how my story began. My highest weight was 272, and I'm only 5 feet tall. I've lost and regained hundreds of pounds throughout my lifetime. I just got tired of the rollercoaster and decided this time I'm not going to continue to gain. The tools of Weight Watchers are "right on", but I need a new tool in my toolbox.

Thanks for sharing your story. You're an inspiration to those of us that are still waiting to have the surgery. I'm looking forward to posting my first Post-op experience. I have surgery in 9 days, so it won't be long.

I get mixed reviews at work. Most are supportive, some concerned because I'm going to Mexico (one person said I'll probably come back with the same stomach, but missing a kidney) LOL. The black and Hispanic guys say.... it's OK, just don't lose your butt. LOL I'm excited. 2 of my co-workers recently had the surgery in Orlando. They're both doing great. I didn't have that option without waiting another year because of my insurance. I'm excited. I'm 9 days out, on day 6 of my liquid diet (lost 6.8 lbs.)The only fear I have is it's Hurricane season, and I don't want weather postponing my surgery date. Several years ago I had to cancel a vacation because of a Hurricane.

Congratulations on the impressive weight loss. My surgery is on August 1st, so it's an easy day to remember. I will be thrilled if I can average 20 pounds a month like you did. Keep up the good work, and thanks for the encouragement.

Another reason to stay hydrated pre -op is because it's easier to palpate your veins. With luck and a good Phlebotomist / Nurse you'll only get stuck once for your bloodwork and once for your IV. I'm a Nurse, and I hate needles, especially in my hands. We start high and work down. You'll be more comfortable if they can put your IV in your forearm rather then your hand. The anticubital space (the bend in your elbow) is easiest for the blood draw. Infiltrations are painful, and you don't want to go home bruised and looking like you've been beat up.

My pre-op diet is only liquids. Sometimes when you think you're hungry, you're really only thirsty. Flavor your water with Mio, Crystal light, or Dasani drops if that makes it easier. Drink, Drink, Drink. After surgery we'll be sip, wait, sip wait. Get those fluids in while you can. If you stay hydrated it will be easier to find veins for your IV and bloodwork. With luck, and a good phlebotomist you'll only have to get stuck once. That's my motivation for staying well hydrated pre-operatively. I hate needle sticks.

Please understand... I'm not being insensitive. I'm a Nurse, and I know the worst thing in the world is losing a child. My Boyfriend tragically lost his 20 year old son. That said... A large Costco bagel is not going to make your child better and not going to keep you healthy. It has no nutritional value. If you don't take care of yourself, you won't be able to take care of him. Protein and veggies should be your first option. You've got a tiny stomach. Fill it with healthy, nutritious foods. That will help in preserving your energy to take care of what you need to do. If you don't bring the bagels into the house, you can't eat them. Find things your family enjoys that don't trigger your cravings.

Personally, I think liquids only is easier then shakes / 1 meal. Other then flavors, hot or cold there are no options. NO FOOD. I find when I eat, I just want more. I'm also allowed 800 - 1000 calories. So far, I haven't gone over 620. I figured some Mango Italian ices would be a nice treat. It's only 100 calories and 0 fat. What I found was the sugar in the ices made me want more. I could have eaten the remaining 4 containers, but decided they were a trigger for me so it's best to avoid them. The sugar free popsicles are just as satisfying. When I want something warm and savory, chicken bullion works great. I'm thinking as long as I keep my protein as close to 70 grams as I can, keeping the calories low can only help me lose quicker. I'm on day 5 and I don't feel weak at all. It's all good. 10 days till surgery.... I can't wait !!