NewBeginning2014

I have always been a shopper. I probably have more clothes, shoes and accessories than most of my friends put together. I did the same thing - if something fit and looked half way decent, I would buy it in multiple colors or patterns. (And never got rid of anything.) Now, clothes shopping has been fun! I definitely don't feel like I have to settle for something that is half way decent, it has to be spectacular or I don't buy it. It has been very satisfying going through all of my clothes and being able to fill 10 large boxes of clothes that no longer fit. (And finding some "skinny clothes" hidden away that are now too big!!) Shopping online has been what I have been doing a lot of lately. If I am unsure about the size, I order two sizes and see what fits best, and send the rest back or plan a day to make returns to the physical store and do some in store shopping. It has worked out well so far. I can shop online any time (which is very helpful with a busy schedule) and usually online stores have a larger selection than their brick and mortar counterparts. I agree with @gowalking if I can pay the bill, I am okay with it.

mandyy--you look GREAT!! I can relate to how you are feeling. I was sleeved four months ago and am down 52lbs since. (hit 149lbs today!) I still see myself as the bigger me, although I know I'm not. Funny, when I was big, I didn't think I was "that big" and when I am smaller, I don't think I am "that much smaller" until I try to get dressed and my favorite 'fat' clothes look ridiculous!! The rollercoaster of losing and gaining for so many years has me thinking, at times, this is only temporary and that fat chick will be back soon...which I also know isn't true. This loss isn't because of a fad diet, diet pills or fasting. My thought process and whole lifestyle have changed. The sleeve was the tool I needed to realize it was possible to break the cycle. I exercise, which I haven't done since I was forced to participate in gym class in school, and I enjoy it. I think (or I don't think) about food like I did in the past. I think that as time progresses and the changes are permanent, the mind will catch up. You are an inspiration! Keep positive!!!

I had surgery four months ago today (down 52lbs) and was back at work fulltime five days after surgery. I didn't have any problems after surgery or after returning to work, no one even knew I had surgery. I did go to bed earlier than usual for at least the first week, maybe two, after but now have more energy than I have in years! Take your time, everyone heals differently. Good luck to you!

Smiley- congratulations on your approval! I have heard/read may similar stories of low BMI-ers. You get the initial approval, but if you follow the program for the many months prior to the actual surgery, you may fall below your insurances BMI minimum and even with comorbidities, you then won't qualify for surgery. Insurance uses that plan to say even with diabetes or high blood pressure, if you follow the plan (forever) you will no longer be obese and no longer need surgery for being obese. How long is you pre-op plan? (counseling, nutritionist, diet...) Some insurance companies have many months of red tape which works in their favor because many people quit, or get under the BMI minimum and they don't have to pay for the procedure. I was a low BMI-er and chose to self pay. Pre-op weight 201 down from 221, the highest I knew of (I avoided the scale like the plague!) Sleeved four months ago today, down 52lbs - coming in at 149lbs!! There are other threads (maybe in the insurance section) that people discuss how they had to keep their BMI a certain level to continue with the procedure, you'll find some 'tips' there!! Good luck, don't get discouraged, it will be the best thing you do for yourself!

I was sleeved four months ago today (and am down 52lbs) I went through ALM and had Dr. Ortiz also. I went alone, flew in the day before surgery and stayed at the hotel. There wasn't anyone else being picked up at the airport when I was but I met people as soon as I got to the hotel. I went to the restaurant in the hotel for my broth that evening and was seated next to a group that were post op and leaving the next day. We talked about their experience, which calmed my nerves. I brought some reading material and sat in the lobby, a lot of sleevers & supporters tend to hang out there so it's pretty easy to startup a conversation with someone. You will meet the people being sleeved the same day when you meet in the lobby for the ride to the hospital. Our little group walked to a nearby restaurant where the sleevers had broth and the supporters had a feast! I had no pain after surgery and no gas issues (although it took one gal a couple of days to start feeling like her old self) We walked down the street from the hospital to a convenience store after having our IV's removed before we were picked up to go back to the hotel. We picked up Gatorade and juice to take with us and the next day walked up to Walmart. I really could have left a day earlier but it was nice to have that last day as a vacation to sit by the pool, read and nap. Good luck!

Funny you bring up doughnuts - they were definitely one of my weaknesses pre-sleeve. Last week a coworker brought in several dozen for his birthday. I hadn't had a doughnut in over 4 months. I just couldn't resist! I took one with chocolate frosting and crushed m&m's...yum! I took one bite and it was sickening sweet. The next bite was doughnut minus the toppings and that was the last bite, the rest went in the trash. I had no desire for any more. There is no harm in 'cheating' once in a while for something you really desire...the key is control and moderation. I have never been one to cook and eat the same basic things each day. Greek yogurt, low fat cheese sticks, almonds, fresh fruit, low fat chocolate milk, P3 packs, tuna and Protein bars. I haven't had many cravings but I when I do I will treat myself and go right back to my new normal routine. Good luck to you!

I regret not doing it sooner...am SO glad I did it!

I had read through these and other forums in my research before making the decision to be sleeved. I hadn't even thought about going to Mexico, or even known that was an option, until doing my research on the sleeve and the process before, during and after. I didn't think self pay would be affordable but it was equal to or less than what my out of pocket would have been through my insurance and a lot less time involved. If the pre op process would have spanned between two calendar years, that number would have doubled, not including the time off work for all of the appointments, etc... Long story short - I decided to get information about surgery in Mexico, made a decision, completed the paperwork, and set a date. Within two months (the date could have been earlier but I had a prior vacation planned) I was on a plane and on my way. Arrived on Wednesday, surgery on Thursday, back to the hotel on Saturday, flew in late Monday, drove two hours home and was at work on Tuesday morning. No problems whatsoever and met several people from all over that were either pre or post op doing the same thing. Now, four months later and 50lbs lighter - couldn't be happier!! It was the best decision I have ever made, my only regret is not doing it sooner. Whatever choice you make, you have to make the choice to start the process. Good luck to you -

1) Height / weight starting our wls programs: 5' 4" 221lbs 2) Weight day of surgery: 201 3) 16 week post op weight pounds lost/gained: 151 today! 50 lbs lost so far!! 4) Goal weight: 135 5) Your biggest success this week: shopping for new work clothes and fitting (comfortably) into size 6 pants! 6) Your biggest struggle this week: still struggling to drink enough Water

when the girls get together, there is alcohol involved. At four weeks post-op, I met with friends and had one glass of wine. I sipped slowly and it took me the whole evening to finish it off. (I also drank a large glass of Water with the wine) Refills kept coming but no one seemed to notice I had the same glass all night. I like the idea of saying you are eliminating alcohol as part of you weight loss program. (I haven't told my friends of my surgery but have told them of my added exercise and food changes as the reason for my weight loss.) Good luck to you!

I couldn't wait to get to the puree stage and try eggs for an alternative Protein option! It was like heaven! I could only eat half of the egg at one sitting. It was easy to make the meal last by chewing, chewing, chewing...to savor the flavor and make sure there weren't going to be any issues with the texture or sticking when eating. For some people eggs seem to be hard on their stomach. Good luck, I hope you have good results!

I am just over two weeks post op. Last night we went out to run some errands and stopped at the mall. Anyway, he and I go our separate ways for a while to do our own thing. I did some "window" shopping but didn't buy anything. (I'm reserving that shopping high for when I can actually try on clothes in a regular size and feel they look good enough on my new body to buy.) He goes off to buy some video series. When we meet back up he says he has already taken his stuff to the car. We walk out of the mall to the car and I open the door and am overcome by the smell of fresh Cinnabons! Are you kidding me??? I don't say a word. (I was thinking "what a jerk" but didn't say it.) He chooses Texas Roadhouse for dinner. Okay, I haven't eaten out for a while...I think I will have some Soup and be fine. We are seated, he orders a margarita- I order Water with two lemons. All is good. He inhales most of the bread basket before the waitress comes back for our order. I ask for the Soups and guess what? They don't have soup. Again, are you kidding me??? He proceeds to order the largest steak on the menu with mushrooms and onions, a sweet potato with brown sugar and marshmallow and corn. I say it's okay and say I will just have my water. I tell the waitress I can only have liquids -not that I needed to give any reason for not ordering anything after her no soup answer but she looked perplexed by my decision to not order anything. She is so apologetic about the no soup thing. I play games on my phone and text a fellow sleever (thanks for your support Aubwise and listening to my vent!) about the situation while he eats his meal, all while I am enjoying my water. The funny thing is, I wasn't even interested or tempted by the situation. I was somewhat 'hungry' since I hadn't had anything but water since after work, so after we left I stopped by Red Robin and picked up a bowl of chicken tortilla soup to go (which they strained for me - thank you Red Robin!) When we got home I had had my soup and was truly satisfied. This morning he proceeds to make coffee (which I have not had since before my sleeve) and starts in on his dozen Cinnabons (which will be gone by tomorrow night) and I go for a two plus mile walk. I feel so much better after that walk than I remember feeling after a morning of coffee and Cinnabons on Saturdays past. The surgery is definitely a tool but we ultimately have the final decision on how to incorporate that tool into our lives to make ourselves the best we can be. I learned a few things last night...Call, ask or lookup restaurant menus ahead of time. Everyone has to make their own decisions. Having support from someone who understands where you are coming from, even if just to vent, helps tremendously. My choices cannot be influenced by circumstance or the choices of others. I am stronger than I ever thought. And most of all - I will succeed!

I bought the book too! I have tried several of the options. The foundation of milk (I use skim) a scoop of Protein powder and flavorings (frozen fruit, fruit, ice cubes, flavored sugar free syrups) still have that protein smell. I did find that orange juice helps cut the smell. I can get a chocolate Boost down every day. I put it in the freezer at work and get it out before it freezes, drink some and put it in the fridge and continue the cycle. I can now get the 8oz container down by noon each day. I have tried several powders and haven't found a favorite yet. Good luck with your recipes!

I had four incisions for the actual surgery and the one incision for the drain.

I am just over two weeks post op. Last night we went out to run some errands and stopped at the mall. Anyway, he and I go our separate ways for a while to do our own thing. I did some "window" shopping but didn't buy anything. (I'm reserving that shopping high for when I can actually try on clothes in a regular size and feel they look good enough on my new body to buy.) He goes off to buy some video series. When we meet back up he says he has already taken his stuff to the car. We walk out of the mall to the car and I open the door and am overcome by the smell of fresh Cinnabons! Are you kidding me??? I don't say a word. (I was thinking "what a jerk" but didn't say it.) He chooses Texas Roadhouse for dinner. Okay, I haven't eaten out for a while...I think I will have some Soup and be fine. We are seated, he orders a margarita- I order Water with two lemons. All is good. He inhales most of the bread basket before the waitress comes back for our order. I ask for the Soups and guess what? They don't have soup. Again, are you kidding me??? He proceeds to order the largest steak on the menu with mushrooms and onions, a sweet potato with brown sugar and marshmallow and corn. I say it's okay and say I will just have my water. I tell the waitress I can only have liquids -not that I needed to give any reason for not ordering anything after her no soup answer but she looked perplexed by my decision to not order anything. She is so apologetic about the no soup thing. I play games on my phone and text a fellow sleever (thanks for your support Aubwise and listening to my vent!) about the situation while he eats his meal, all while I am enjoying my water. The funny thing is, I wasn't even interested or tempted by the situation. I was somewhat 'hungry' since I hadn't had anything but water since after work, so after we left I stopped by Red Robin and picked up a bowl of chicken tortilla soup to go (which they strained for me - thank you Red Robin!) When we got home I had had my soup and was truly satisfied. This morning he proceeds to make coffee (which I have not had since before my sleeve) and starts in on his dozen Cinnabons (which will be gone by tomorrow night) and I go for a two plus mile walk. I feel so much better after that walk than I remember feeling after a morning of coffee and Cinnabons on Saturdays past. The surgery is definitely a tool but we ultimately have the final decision on how to incorporate that tool into our lives to make ourselves the best we can be. I learned a few things last night...Call, ask or lookup restaurant menus ahead of time. Everyone has to make their own decisions. Having support from someone who understands where you are coming from, even if just to vent, helps tremendously. My choices cannot be influenced by circumstance or the choices of others. I am stronger than I ever thought. And most of all - I will succeed!

I think you are correct with that thought. He made a comment because I brushed my hair before leaving to meet with one of my longtime girlfriends...insecurity and drama I do not need and will no longer overlook nor accept. Although, the weight loss would not be the reason for the relationship change. He knows this relationship has been one of convenience for the last few years. Now that I have decided to take care of myself (and make serious changes not only relating to my health but several other aspects of my life) and when the time comes, he will use the weight loss as the reason for the breakup and not look at the laundry list of issues that existed before I even contemplated surgery. I need to focus on myself and not worry about the other needless scenarios that come up. Life is too short to not make the absolute best of it! I am just happy I have the inner strength to make changes I need to make me a better me, all the way around!

Yes, it is like we are doing this alone. Unless you have been through the same experience, it is very hard to understand all of the components entailed in this journey (and life long struggles prior to surgery.) Sounds like you and your husband have a good understanding of your situation for the first month post op. Thanks for your comment, its nice to hear others input. Good luck to you too!!

He is pretty inconsiderate. this is just an example of his behavior. It was kind of like an eye rolling situation, but as time goes on there comes a point you just can't put everyone else ahead of yourself. Thus the plan: NewBeginning2014. The year I put myself first...in all aspects. I like the idea of leaving the cinnabons in the parking space!! That would have been too funny!

Thanks Harley59! I agree - I do think I should get some support from him. He is/was the only person I discussed my surgery decision with - and was totally against it. He has some insecurity issues said my decision for surgery was for vanity reasons. (We were obviously on two different ends of the spectrum on that issue.) I have made the decision that I need to work on me, to be the best me I can be and stop putting everyone else first. I feel good about my decision and know it will be challenging to change years of bad habits, but I am ready for it. Thank God for this forum...it is nice to read so many posts and relate to so many situations, to get information and support!!

I had surgery on a Thursday, was driving on Monday and back to work on Tuesday. It definitely depends on how you feel and if you can react quickly (if needed) without hesitation while driving.

I feel exactly the same way! At first I thought no big deal but the more I think about it the more I start to stress. I fly out the 21st how about you? I will be leaving on the 21st also. Sorry I haven't responded sooner. I have been traveling -worked out well while with the pre-op diet, no one to notice what I'm NOT eating!! I haven't had much time to think about it lately...but now I am getting more and more nervous. What time are you arriving on the 18th?

NewBeginning2014- I will be arriving and doing my surgery same day on the 18th. Are you nervous as well? How is your diet going? As the days tick by and the more I think about it, the more nervous I become. The pre-op diet isn't too bad. Actually, better than I expected - but it has only been a few days. What day are you leaving TJ?

Aubwise- Dr. Ortiz is also my doctor and my date is 4/17/14. I will be traveling alone too. I am sure we'll run into each other. What day are you arriving?

Nurse96- ahhh....sunflower seeds makes much more sense!! I was trying to imagine someone eating those little seeds off the top bun of a Big Mac by the handful! Hey, to each his own - sunflower or sesame seeds...it could have been worse, they weren't peanut m&m's! I understand the trigger issues, the best defense is to not have those foods easily accessible. If I buy "bad" things those will be the items I focus on and will eat until they are gone, but the last loaf of bread I bought didn't even get touched until it was green and fuzzy. (not that bread is "good" but it was whole grain and I am sure it would have been better for me than gelato!) I figure my liver has had more of a work out than the rest of my body (except maybe my mouth.) It is probably just now getting out of the "nearing shut down" stage from the old college days I don't know how fast or slow the liver shrinks or expands but with others having a two day pre-op diet I am guessing it is fairly quickly. (note to self to check into that) Maybe the heavier or greater BMI a person has equates a fatter starting liver...at least that is what I am hoping. I don't want to go through this to wake up and have the dr. say "sorry we didn't sleeve you because your liver was out of control." I am hoping the theory of how the sleeve also removes/reduces the hormone Ghrelin is true and it will not only eliminate the feeling of hunger/appetite stimulation but allow me to finally stop the battle with food in my head. I am looking forward to enjoying the new changes and no longer justify the old habits. You are getting close to a moment in time that will change your life forever. You have a great outlook. Sometimes looking at the big picture is overwhelming. (two weeks no solid food...) Accomplishing shorter term goals (no seeds the next time I walk in the kitchen) keeps you motivated. Don't get discouraged and don't be too hard on yourself. You will be on the other side in no time! My date is 4/17/14 I have kept my decision to do this pretty quiet. The first person I told, just out of respect, slammed the idea and I decided then and there I was not going to argue/explain/defend my decision to anyone. I have taken care of so many other people for so long and have not taken good enough care of me. This is the year of my new beginning. I hope you keep posting so we can follow your journey. I look forward to staying in touch with you up to and after your surgery date!

Tip from a coffee fiend- yesterday I went to Starbucks with a friend and I got something DELICIOUS. Not for everyday because you'd end up broke, but it's a good treat. I got a decaf, sugar-free caramel latte with whole milk. I think the whole milk helps it taste more real and it's still only like 120 calories for tall =) I do enjoy my coffee too I have cut back to one purchased latte per week and one cup of coffee each morning at home. I gave up my beloved diet coke/coke zero on Jan. 1st. I could drink 10 cans of soda a day but I struggle now to drink half that amount of Water, but I'm trying. Crystal Light has helped. I like to use frozen whole strawberries as ice cubes too. I started taking Vitamins a few months ago Incorporating some type of exercise has been more challenging for me also. Even for a fat girl I am a pretty picky eater...trying to find Protein shakes I can choke down will be my biggest obstacle. Distancing myself from those, that I now see, have a negative influence in my life. Just being around negative energy is not what is going to keep me focused on me, my goals and working through issues that will come up during this life changing experience. And...becoming more active in this forum (and others) to find answers to my questions, validate my feelings or outlook during this multi-facited journey, gain support from others and give support to others that have or will be making the same life changes.