CeeBa

And I just jumped on specifically to ask about this...so it's neat to see that you're thinking the same thing! I'll talk to my dr about it and let you know what he suggests.

I like the idea of this challenge. I started walking somewhere btwn 2.5-3.5 miles most days of the week when I first went to see my dr, and it's made a huge difference--to the point where I wondered whether I should still do the surgery. But I'm still doing it, because I want to be getting both sides of the equation covered...so food will be down and exercise will be up, which should help! I'm happy to hear about your hikes...I've been doing exactly as you noted, 2.5-3.5 miles most weekdays, then a longer hike on the winds...started at 5, then 8, then 10 and 11! I'm actually looking for a half marathon to walk, hopefully before my surgery. So I agree with you about walking being a great effective exercise. I also find that where I can usually talk myself out of running, biking, etc., walking is JUST walking...not so hard to get out to do that!

Sounds delish--thanks for sharing!

Hey,e very one--I'm July 29. I"ll be watching for tips from you all =) Here's to our new healthier bodies!! Clara

The biggest gift you can give her right now is your patience. You don't deserve it, but it sounds like you sympathize a bit with how hard this must be on her. If you can find her at a calm moment (NOT when you're upset at a particular incident, but in a quiet moment), try talking with her about it, and maybe try to agree on a codeword you should use when you feel like she's attaching you from her "Hangry" place (hungry/angry) rather than for something you've actually done wrong. She probably realizes it, deep down, and is just having a hard time remembering it in the moment. Help her remember and hopefully she will care enough to take a breath before lashing out at you! All the best!

I'm scheduled for July 29. I'm excited! I'm in California...would love to stay in touch with everyone...wonder if there's a way to create some sort of subgroup? I'll look into it a bit. All the best, Clara

high-five! I'm a July 29 girl so I'll be waiting eagerly to hear how you're doing. Wishing you all the best!!

I haven't tried the Veet version, but I have the done armpit waxing before. It's not bad, really. At least it's not nearly as painful as private part waxing..for what it's worth! I think the best advice I've heard is not to let the hair grow too long between waxes. Good luck!

What great perspective! I am still preop, but have made lifestyle and diet changes to really get myself in best position for surgery. But now I've been stalled for about three weeks and have been really frustrated. Your message reminded me that even though the scale sticks, I am feeling changes in my clothes and that it's a marathon, not a sprint. THANKS for that!

My nutritionist told me that the main reason for the pre-op diet is shrinking your liver. That if it's not small enough, it can be in the way and make the surgery harder for the surgeon. My doctor has apparently opened people up and backed out of the surgery when he doesn't feel the liver has sufficiently shrunk--your doctor may do the same. If we're choosing to do this surgery, we have to resolve to do the very best we can do for our own health, which is the whole point. It sounds a little bit like you weren't prepared with what you needed to start your pre-op diet, but you have your supplies now. It's time to get serious. Your life and health hang in the balance! You can do it! And after surgery, you have to do it to avoid infection and complications. I think the previous poster was right that you have to ask your family to support you by keeping tempting foods away--they can go OUT for treats if they really need them. But remember that ultimately, only you control what goes in--so be strong and make good choices!

MsFitN2014--when you say you were you off for three weeks, do you mean you were off work or off exercise? Or both? Just trying to sort out how realistic my post-op plan is. Thank you--I hope this question doesn't count as hijacking the thread!!

Sending you prayers and strength. Remember that the sleeve is your tool for health. You need to be strong to be able to help your husband. STay healthy!!! All the best to you.

I've been really curious about this, so interesting to hear you say something I've been seeing, too. I've really tried to make lifestyle changes pre-op to see how it will be post-op, and have been subbing Protein shakes for two meals each day and walking about an hour each day. I found that when my weight loss stalls, if I just eat more for a day or two, that seems to kickstart the loss again! I guess I just need to more carefully calculate the right number of calories for me!

WEll, this is great to hear!! I am planning to schedule for late July and am supercurious about how those first few days go--a relief to hear you're sleepy but feeling well. Are you on Clear liquids fora few days now?

Thanks so much for your answers. That's my inclination, too, and it just seems smarter to wait just a teeny bit longer until I can really focus on recovery and proper eating in those first few weeks. And I really have been making other changes, so I feel like I'm still moving in the right direction even if the actual surgery is a few weeks later! So, MrsLarryH--when is your surgery? I love that you and your husband are doing it together. I actually first looked into this because hubby's doctor was pushing him to consider it, and I wanted to convince him. The more I read, the more *I* was convinced. And of course now he's kind letting me be the guinea pig. I wish we could go through the puree phase together!!