Bob624

Had one the next morning. Hadn't had any fluids in my mouth for over 24 hours and the first thing I got to drink was the barium. To add injury to insult because of complications and a second surgery had to have a second one three days later. My surgeon didn't order the hospital just assumed and sent me down for it. Lol

Had a drain for seven days. The big issue I had it was getting the way of sleeping (sleep on my right side). Otherwise just measuring and emptying the contents every day. It felt weird coming out but wasn't painful.

I miss most things about food but remember where I was. I've felt depressed, anxious, hungry and have had much self doubt. But every day I fell better about my decision. It's a journey tough to make alone seek out help if you need to.

Just wondering, not talking about super hot, but I do like hot sauces and spicy food.

I like coffee. Never been more than two cups a day, but lately I've been drinking 2-3 shot 12oz latte's half in the morning and half in the afternoon. It's the only caffeine I drink and hardly have an issue cutting out the caffeine. My problem is finding a hardy decaf coffee that imparts good flavor in the grocery stores. Any help would be appreciated.

I don't know about others, but I chose VSG because; 1. It's a permanent change and you can eventually eat normal foods 2. Higher and quicker weight loss 3. Felt the LBS had way more complications than the VSG, which could cause increased follow up surgeries. 4. Did lots of research on both and my surgeon who I know from a previous hernia surgery recommended it for me. I don't look much at the mortality rates, they are very low comparatively and are a risk in any surgery. Recommend you look at the Lap Band revision category on this site. You may get a little more insight on why people are choosing the VSG

11/12, lost 22lbs on preop diet with one day to go

Same day as you. Not at all nervous about the surgery itself, but about all the changes it will bring in mine and my family's life. I know it will be for the better but it's that fear of the unknown that is making me so anxious. I try to keep busy to keep my mind off of it. Just wish Tuesday was here!

1. To be around for my grandchildren (my oldest is 20, youngest 13, no one's married yet) 2. To be be able to be physically active with my kids and wife, mountain biking, hiking and skiing. 3. To get off meds 4. Jump start my final weight loss program. 5. Cut way back on unhealthy drinking and eating and go with fresh local foods and gluten free

Glad everyone is doing well. I'm on Tuesday. I also would like an invite to the November facebook page if I could, was bob624 but had to change because couldn't sign on. email is bobbrewster@charter.net

Good Luck! Tuesday for me too. Same feelings here. I was Bob624, but couldn't sign on the new sight so had to change name.

My family made nachos the other night and I couldn't escape the smell no matter where I went in the house. Other smells of their dinners haven't bothered me, but for some reason the nachos was causing pangs of hunger. I used a trick we used in EMS when encountering very bad smells and rubbed a little mentholatum under my nose and that's all I could smell for the next couple of hours.

Each are different. I sat down for about a half hour and talked with the pyschologist, then took some tests, one was 500 questions. Then had to explain some silly sayings such as what does "a rolling stone gathers no moss", mean. I was nervous going in but it was unfounded.

Wow 10 days of clear liquids, that's rough. I'm day 15 of liquid diet with only one day of clear liquids on Monday before surgery next week. I do drink Isopure Protein from GNC which I mix 2:1 with Cranberry juice. It has 40g of protein in a bottle. Must be hard getting your protein otherwise. Good Luck on the 15th I'm on the 12th.

Was the original plan to remove your gall bladder? My surgeon has prescribed Actigall to prevent stones post surgery. Glad you are doing well

Hope, DON'T cook dinner for your family. Smell and sight will make you hungry. Trust me they can survive without you. When I was on my 12 week liquid diet I moved to the den during dinner time. I am the one who always cooked dinner for everyone. They made out okay. I assume they are your biggest supporters. It's only for another 4-6 weeks. Explain to them what you are going through, I'm sure they will understand.

I have not and will not tell my mother. Our mothers sound very similar. As far she knows I am having hernia surgery

Yes, food and alcohol. Alcohol not a problem in terms of overt drunkeness, but certainly contributed to my weight problems. I am in the process of interviewing some therapists right now. I realize that this was the missing piece of the puzzle during my medically supervised weight loss 3-4 years ago.

Found it! http://www.verticalsleevetalk.com/topic/98025-my-friend-the-caregiver/page__hl__%2Bmexico+%2Bwith+%2Bfriend Hope that can help you.

There was a post recently about someone traveling to Mexico with a spanish speaking friend who was thinking of going with with others for a fee. I'll see if I can find it.

Agreed and drink them slowly. Keep busy, try to keep your mind occupied with other things. I'm excited but very anxious about Tuesday, for me this week is flying by. I've lost 16 lbs in the week and a half on my liquid diet. I've kind of shut down my mind and told myself this is all there is to eat/drink. I'm lucky, really haven't felt very hungry

You are doing it partially to prepare you for the changes ahead and mostly to satisfy the insurance companies. For instance, prior to this surgery I went through a medically supervised weight loss program three years prior with the same medical group. Multiple nutrition and exercise classes, eight months oversight for weight management with a MD. When I come back, have to go through all the same hoops again and they require 6 months of doctor's visits, with my same doctor. It can be frustrating at times.

Started my liquids on 10/25, once insurance was submitted, hoping for an early date (11/12), preop today. I'm liking GNC Lean Protein Pumpkin spice, and Myloplex Light chocolate with decaf coffee for breakfast. Also isopure protein with pure cranberry juice mixed in (2 to 1 ratio) and Unjury chicken broth. Think I can survive on this for four more weeks. I wanted to make this phase as simple as possible so other than the broth everything is prepared.

You too. I had a hernia surgery in August with my surgeon and at that time he knew I was having this done, so hopefully no surprises today.

GNC lean protein, just tried the pumpkin spice which is really good. I really like the consistency of it, not thick and gloppy like some others. Other than injury chicken broth I've been using only pre-made shakes. It keeps me out of the kitchen, and is very convenient.