1Day1Life4Now

Good luck. We all have to go with whatever works for us.

Andrew, I can not imagine how scary this situation is for you. I will keep you in my prayers for a quick and safe resolution to whatever problem you are having. Keep calm and when you are able, check back in with us to update us on your progress. Wishing you the best.

Two years ago when I went to Greece I had trouble finding bottled Water. Athens was easy but on some of the small islands it is a bit more of a problem. And they served French fries with every meal. I hate French fries but that seemed to be the main "vegetable" they served. I am hoping that I will be able to eat real food by the time I get there as I know fish and salad will be plentiful. Indigo..you are right, we do know how to eat. LOL That's what got us in to this mess. I'm from the south and regardless of the occasion ..... we southern girls cook something.... and then we all gather to eat. Not a recipe for fitness at all. Thanks for the encouragement everyone.

Hello All, I am tentatively scheduled for February 11th but it could be later depending on my insurance's approval. My husband and I and some other family members will be going to Greece for 2 weeks at the end of June. Has anyone done any foreign travel right after surgery? What are the obstacles and what do I need to know. I will be either 3 or 4 months post-op. What kinds of things should I bring? Any advice, help or ideas would be appreciated. My husband just sprang this news on me last week so if I had known, I would have attempted this surgery much sooner. Thanks in advance.

butterflygal, I am so sorry to hear of your sad news about your mom's cancer and your inability to donate. Please don't feel guilty about having your WLS surgery. Had you not had it ... you probably would not have been healthy enough to donate anyway. As the others have said, get a second opinion. The rest of us will pray that another donor is found. Good luck and stay positive.

Everyone's responses have been really good. I too like to keep all of my medical stuff private and don't feel I have to share with coworkers what I am doing to make my life healthier. No has the right to invade your personal space or ask personal questions. Being the person I am (blame it on God) I would turn it around on her. Start asking personal questions about her sex life, how often and with who, where, when and how... she will get the message soon enough. Where do these people get off thinking they have access to our personal life???? It never ceases to amaze me. Good luck and let us know how you put her in her place. (and take pics if you knock her out. hee hee)

Kindle , that is awesome. Keep up the good work. At least that weight will be gone and you won't have to address it after the surgery.

Heating pads and a hot soak in the tub can help those joints. Once the weight starts falling off the joints should feel better too. This arthritis is tough for everyone.

Congratulations Jill. It's a scary thought .... still waiting on my approval and definite date.

RJ you are a real trooper. I am amazed at your positive attitude and willingness to help others by providing useful and positive information after everything that has happened to you. You deserve so much more out of life. I am praying for you and just know that 2014 will be your year of health and success.

I haven't had my surgery yet but I've been dieting for a couple of months in anticipation of the surgery. I take cottage cheese and pineapple tidbits. It doesn't have to be heated up, it's light and refreshing, and high in protein. Sometimes I just do plain tuna wrapped in a lettuce leaf. When I don't have anything at all, I either go to a frozen meal or a protein drink. These are all things I can keep at work as a last minute "go-to".

Erp... those photos are great. You look wonderful. Perfect just as you are.

Great questions Jens.... I also have pretty thick legs... even when I was thin they were thick and stumpy. I hope some others will weigh in on this topic and let us know what to expect regarding the leg issue. I know every person is different and everyone loses differently but having hope and seeing light at the end of a long dark tunnel sure makes one more confident in the possible results of this surgery. I am praying for an over all weight loss and one where my lady parts stick out further than my gut. LOL Take care and thanks for opening up this discussion.

I'm getting closer and closer. Had my second Nutrition visit last Wednesday and today my Psyche Evaluation. I must say it was not what I was expecting. The doctor asked me a series of questions and we spoke very briefly then he handed me a test of 575 true or false questions. I went to another room and completed the test and then handed it to the receptionist. She said "you're through already??" Uhhh yeah, I'm handing it in. She said "It usually takes patients almost 2 hours to finish it. Well, crap, did I screw up my Psyche evaluation? I was through in less than an hour. Should I have been more reflective and contemplative???? OMG, is there a possibility I failed because I wasn't in the norm for test taking??? It was a stupid test with stupid questions of which I am sure they are measuring something but for the life of me, I don't understand what. I was a bit nervous going into this appointment but now I'm freaking out. Has anybody had a similar experience?

Holy Cow.... you lost 10 years. You are one hot mama. Our numbers seem to be close so that gives me a lot of encouragement. Keep up the good work and thank you so much for sharing your photos.

Aaron...looking good dude. That is a fabulous transformation and your hard work really looks good. Thanks for the encouragement. Janet

Hi Poohbear, I agree with Carlotta, the way to meet people is to put yourself out there and join a group. If church isn't your thing you could think about taking some adult enrichment classes at a local college in an area you have an interest like art, photography,music or just anything. You will learn something new and meet new people in the process. You are not alone in your feelings and you would be surprised to find out just how many adults are wanting to expand their social circle. If you like animals, think about volunteering at an animal shelter. You won't meet anybody sitting at home in front of the television so get out there and do something and interact with people. Good luck and congratulations on your weight loss. Janet

Good job. What an inspiration for us pre-op buddies. Keep it up.

Hi OutwithBenjiboi, I noticed you have Federal Employees BCBS. How long did it take you to get approved and were there any problems? I am a federal employee too and I'm still in Phase I of the process.

I feel the same way. This opportunity is the answer to a prayer and a dream. I wish my surgery was sooner rather than later but I'll take the wait ....to get rid of the "weight". lol Good luck to you.

Hi Sunrise. I know the frustration of which you speak. My insurance requires a 3 month supervised diet. At first I was pretty down about it but I have learned that it is a slow process anyway so using this time to do research, talk with other sleevers, and get myself emotionally ready for this life changing event is what I really needed. 12 pounds in 3 months is good. You have made changes that have caused you to lose weight so you should be proud of that. I think the nutritionists always tell you to lose more weight than they think you will lose so you will try harder. I mean really, If you could drop 25 or 30 pounds that easily you wouldn't need the surgery, right? I think drinking the water is the key. It makes you feel full so you don't intend to eat as much. Also, I've found that eating protein and veggies and very few carbs makes all the difference. Just keep doing what you are doing and it will come off. Good luck.

That looks quite tasty. I love ham so am surprised that it is an option on our diet. I am learning so much from you guys. Thanks.

I guess that is the trouble with this assembly line surgery. Not a lot of room for individualism.

I agree. What once seemed too far away now seems a lot closer. At first I was disgusted with the long weight but I now realize that is a very important part of the process and gives us a lot of time for reflection and planning not to mention research and using these boards. lol Good luck to you and enjoy your time off work.

Seela, I am very much the same as you. I haven't always been big so when I look in the mirror I still see me at 130 pounds. It isn't till I see photographs that I see the enormity of my 260 pounds. It is so easy to be in denial but it's not a healthy frame of mind. We have to face what we really look like and how we really feel and use that as our motivators. I can't wait for my sleeve date but sometimes I wish our surgeons were providing more extensive mental health care for us because I know its not just my appetite. It's my head that needs help.