finediva

@@Jennifer Rogers. In my adult life I was never a milk drinker. Just didn't do it. After surgery I COULD NOT STOMACH the shake I used during my two week pre op diet. But I was worried about getting in my protein. I decided to try lactaid skim milk with a scoop on unflavored protein powder. Just tasted like the milk should. So now I do 12 ounces milk (12 gms protein) with a scoop of powder (21 grams) so 33 grams of protein. I drink it over 45 mins. Now that the weather is getting cold, I add cacao powder with a little splender and make yummy hot chocolate!! Without this I would never make my protein requirements for the day. Best.

Excited that I no longer have to buy wide width shoes, can fit designer labels (size large), no longer have to put "plus sized women clothing" in the Google search engine! Oh, now walk right past the plus size clothing stores. Yeah, simply walked into Target and bought some $10 yoga pants (large). Point is, no more plus size section.......in over 27 years.

@@pink dahlia. Thanks for responding. Maintaining for 2 years is great. I hope to get there one day.

Why are you questioning getting approved? Have you already checked with your insurance company?

Who has lost their appetite? Certainly not me. I get hungey, since about one month out. But it's different, I get hungry, I eat and it's done.

During my pre op appointment the nurse told me they would not perform my surgery if I was sick and had a fever. Of course I glazed over what she was trying to explain to me and simply told myself I won't get sick! Lol. Nothing, save the world ending, was going to keep me from being on that table on July 18th! But rest up and take as much fluids as you can tolerate. Best.

Well what did your surgeon say about the recovery process and when you might be able to do stuff? Like another person said, some people stated they went to the mall and some were even doing yard work after their sleeve surgery. Not me. So every one is different. But congrats on the surgery. I hope to get my girls lifted one day......

@@pink dahlia. Yes, even if I'm frustrated by my slow loss, I know it's a lot, because I have gone down several sizes. It's just that even at 230 pounds, I always thought I was an attractive woman. Talk about self confidence, right. But, I have to say I do enjoy seeing my reflection in the mirror. I see the "improvement" and I understand others do so. So, have you stabilized at 160lbs or do you plan to keep going?Congrats on the loss, I so hope to get there.

@Bandora. Thanks for the encouragement. Yes, I also feel I was noticed or not noticed for my size. Interestingly enough, now that I have lost some weight a friend of mine is constantly saying how pretty I look. I haven't taken offense, because I really don't believe she has any malicious intent, but makes me wonder if she didn't think I was pretty before.

@GreenEyes604. I hear you girl. When I was given my surgery date I simply began living in the future! July 18th was just etched in my subconscious. I acted normal on the outside, or I would like to believe I did, but I became consumed with my upcoming surgery, and of course all the emotions that came with it. I wish you all the very best.

Hey@@GreenEyes604, you have a birthday coming up! Happy early birthday!

Well I've been called fatso, fatty, fats, fat girl, fat ass and the like. All caused me to feel shame and sadness and a bunch of other emotions including anger. I so do hope someone calls me skinny, just once would be enough, before I leave this earth. There is a special smile I'm saving for that moment.

My surgeon allowed me to use them right there in the hospital room when she came to visit. Surgery ended at 7pm I saw her the next day at 3pm. Maybe ask to speak with your doctor?

Really? I'm going to try that out this weekend. But does the weight stay off or the scale reads the same the next day? Just curious how it works out for you.

Congrats Rj! I wish only good and positive things for you as you continue along this difficult road to improved health.

We all, or a lot of us, cheated during the pre op diet. Just make a commitment to stay on track, starting NOW! Your surgery is in a few day. You can do this. I don't mean to make a joke out of this, but as the slogan says" just do it". Picture November 12th and become obsessed with what's going to happen on that day. Use it as your novitation. Best.

Exactly! Well said.

You will be administering the shots yourself?

@@woo woo. Shoot, I'll take the lower weigh too! I'm going to try that, weighing before and after showering. Just to see if it's the same with me. Who knows, maybe a few ounces gets washed away with the soap and hot water. Hahahaha...

I'm not sure if your PCP plans to refer you to a bariatric surgeon or if you will be researching this on your own. It's a good idea to attend a weigh loss seminar where you can get all the info and ask questions. Or in my case, I researched and picked my own surgeon and called and made an appointment for a consultation. I first made sure my surgery was covered by my insurance and that I was picking a Center for Excellence. Best on your journey to better health AND on being a survivor!

First thing in the morning, as I came out of the womb, after using the bathroom, before any food or water touches my mouth.

I slimed once about two months post op. After allowing myself to become ravenous, by not eating for over 5 hours, in desperation I stopped and bought a rotisserie chicken. Returned to my car, forgot I had gastric sleeve surgery, and begun scarfing down pieces of chicken breast. Well, I'll leave out the fascinating details, that includes me wasting perfectly good rotisserie chicken, in my car, in a grocery bag! Anyways, after my lesson, I've decided NEVER to slime again, hopefully......

the sleeve

@Aynnat. So has the weight loss picked up?

@familyof6. Thanks for the vote of confidence and the encouragement. I'm trying to hang in there, but the loss is slow, with no set pattern. I'm in the supposed honeymoon phase, but I lost zero pounds on October! Unreal. Our stats are similar. How long did it take you to get to goal, and how is maintenance going for you?