DirtyHarriett

This thread should be required reading for all struggling with weight issues. You all amaze, inspire and astonish me. Every day I come to this site for answers and so many take the time to respond, always with heartfelt answers and encouragement. Often with tough love that only an experienced sleever can provide... To read of the "demons" that haunt us all and just knowing one is not alone is one more reason that you are all so awesome. Taking the time to share so others will know their struggles are not unique is truly a remarkable gift. Thank you all!

I hope all went well and you are comfortable...

Congratulations on your decision. It is indeed life changing. My process took 11 months from first meeting to surgery. Personally, as much as I hated all the meetings at first, I am now grateful as I felt very prepared, peaceful and comfortable with the entire process. Wishing you great success on your journey! You are starting in a great place as the experts here have provided much guidance and support.

Wishing you a speedy and uneventful recovery!

Congratulations! What an accomplishment. You look so happy! Enjoy the ride!

Good luck! Wishing you a speedy and easy recovery.

Was so afraid after reading others comments on eggs... It tasted great and filled me up. No after issues. Woot!

Hi there- sugar free Popsicles, sugar free Jello, 5 calorie cranberry juice. All were helpful to fill in the gaps. As said before, it does get easier. Good luck to you!

I wouldn't say you were screwed, but slim fast? Have a quality protein drink if you must. Clear liquids are the hardest phase ever. I was on protein shakes, sf pudding and cream of soups at five days. I am two weeks tomorrow and getting to have some puréed. Woot!

Yesterday I was contemplating sending a gerbil in with a small pick ax. Today is the opposite... **heavy sigh** this is a crazy process! Eye on the prize, eye on the prize, eye on the prize, must keep repeating!

I can't wait for change. Going super slow for me, but I am lucky that I feel so well. One year should pass quickly and I too will be dispensing expert advice! Regards-

You look great Laura! You always have great advice and I loved knowing that you can edit your posts. I'm sure people think I am illiterate... We were sleeved one year apart!

I had the surgeons office obtain insurance approval. My PCP referred me and then I went to seminars, classes etc. once that was done I got a list of required tests needed and my PCP wrote the referrals for those. Once I got to Eslsmi, I was ready to go. Insurance approval was a snap at that point. .

Lol. Yes five... I am old and have plenty of time on the books. I am going to enjoy every minute of taking care of me. For a change...

I have been researching this for too many years... It was time to take care of myself. I like that there is still absorption and that I will be able to eat whatever just in small amounts. I like the support offered by Rondi and Amanda in the office. It was perfect for me. I took five weeks off. At almost two weeks post, I feel pretty good. I am going to enjoy learning what I can and cannot tolerate and how my sleeve works at home. It is scary at first. Funny thing is once I researched and made up my mind, I got committed and the fears all left. Replaced with determination to go through all the hoops required by insurance.

Hi there- I see him in south sac. He will not operate if you are a smoker, at least that's what he said at his seminar. He also said he doesn't do a lot of lap bands anymore as many are opting for the sleeve. I thought about the band but after reading so much regarding complications and long term success, I opted for the sleeve. I am staying off the scale because it hasn't moved much but I am losing inches. My watch spins now so I know things are happening. Good luck with your decision(s). This is life changing!

Hello- Dr Eslami performed my sleeve surgery on the 13th of November. He is great and all went well. I hope your surgery goes well and you have a smooth recovery. It is a tedious process fir sure!

I know Decafe is recommended and I started that about 3 months pre-op. my question is when did you coffee drinkers have your first cup of coffee? I usually have Decafe with 1/2 and 1/2. It hasn't sounded good to me yet so I wondered when others started drinking coffee again. I am six days out. Still have that nasty tug and burn from the big incision, but otherwise, doing very well.

I had to take milk of magnesia for the first time in my life. It was that or seek medical aid... It worked without cramping but was still a production! Lol I am determined to not let that happen again as I have never thought or talked about BMI's so much! I need to start the vitamins, however they have iron and I need to get regular before I start taking them again... This is a "crappy" situation and I am "pooped" just talking about it. No shit...

That is terrible! What is so odd is it appears to be a "wet" or "so hard it rips your bum apart" situation. I have read horror stories on both sides. I have yet to read that folks came home and were regular with nice, firm regular BMS. The good news is that it does appear to get back to normal once we get to eat more fiber again. Good luck and take Laura's advice!

Pooing is a sad event... Don't go too long or it gets really bad. Ask about taking something to gets things moving. That us far and away my least part so far...

I imagine by dec 2 you will be in great shape! Don't worry about it and enjoy your time awAy from the classroom!

I was sleeved on the 13th and mine burned and pulled for many days. There is a nasty internal stitch there that has to dissolve. That is where your stomach was removed and there is extra trauma there. Mine still lets me know it is there if I move just right and when I sleep. Don't let it hinder your walking. Take your meds and then walk. Good luck to you both!

One incision was right at my underwire line. I took an old bra and made a small cut at the top and removed the underwires. Not so perky but kept the girls controlled... Worked perfectly!

I suppose I should have read the last page! Lol