JALUVIC

struggling with all the Water intake from that vantage point? I realize over the past several years I've probably never drank sufficient water and wonder how much having a bit of an incontinence problem had to do with that...i.e. if I don't drink I won't have to feel like I have to go to the bathroom all the time or risk leaking..sigh. I am pursuing treatment with a urologist, but even now, trying to push my fluids before surgery, I'm wondering how in the heck am I EVER going to survive. I'll have to wear double Depends or something!! (right now I make it through the day with just a pad, but I'm buying stock in Depends

Update to my above post: I am happy to report that the vast majority of my incontinence issues have been resolved. I no longer wear a pad during the day or night. Wow, that is amazing to me! Having had to wear them for quite a few years now for the random leaking issues. I have decreased my coffee consumption quite a bit however, from 2 cups a day perhaps to 2 -3 cups a week. Try this - it may very well help you quite a bit. Laughing and sneezing - haven't noticed any issues, but haven't done a lot of both. I really only leaked when I laffed so hard and long that I couldn't help myself..lol. Sneezing, maybe the tiniest dribble noww?? Nothing I would consider wearing a pad for. I don't feel the constant need to pee, that has been reduced quite noticeably. I tend to drink most of my Water in the evening - so I still will get up to go a few times before I actually fall asleep and still will occasionally get up very early morning before arising to go. Still consider that better than the way it was --- used to be every time I rolled over in bed I would leak...ugh. So, I think anyone considering treatment for incontinence prior to WLS should definitely wait until after surgery to evaluate their real need.

Also, is it called the Lyons Den, or is it The Den Coffeehouse?

Hi all Seattle Sleevers! I plan on making the meet up in Bothell on Sunday. Had my sleeve surgery on Feb 19th and would enjoy meeting others in the area! See you there! How will I be able to identify the group? Or do you usually sit somewhere in particular?

Hi there. I want to reply to you tomorrow if I have time. I have an interesting perspective to share.

Hi All: Maybe this is more for my own benefit so that I can look back in a few months and compare what I was thinking now to what I will be thinking then. So let me begin a random missive of my thoughts, in no particular order. So much has been running through my mind this last month and I need to get it down on paper so to speak Again, no particular order...... 1) Concerned that my son (22) is not completely on board with this decision. You know how idealistic a 22 year old can be, especially one who is super fit, exercise ever day, eats organic, etc. I'm worried that if I have any complications at all, even small ones, that he send silent messages (or verbal) that infer disapproval in some sense. I know he's worried for me, and he has wanted me to lose weight for a long while, so hopefully his fears will subside when he see's my progress. 2) Worried about hair loss - I have very thin hair already. Taking 10,000 mcg Biotin and using Nioxin. 3) Have had great success so far since October, just eating low carb. Makes me wonder if I should have the surgery sometimes....sigh. I'm pretty committed at this point, just that nagging feeling that perhaps I could do this on my own.... 4) Have only told immediate family, nobody at work. Which is the way I want it for now. 5) It's just me and my son at home. Concerned about putting my son in a position of having to care for me the first few days. I don't think that's fair to him, although I know he would. No other family close by, so will try to convince my sister to stay with me for a few days, but not likely. May have to go to her place........still thinking. 6) Like my surgeon and the clinic staff very much. It's a little chaotic there as they are down one surgeon and a few staff but they are handling it well and I feel well cared for. 7) Haven't done any support groups - like socializing, but don't like taking the time to get there and back. Poor me..lol. 8) Planning on taking two weeks off work - can extend if I need to or work from home. 9) Am I scared? Hmm, not scared of surgery, have had those. More scared that I will regret it, but I've read enough to know that passes. Still - who could do this without being anxious a bit right? 10) Have not been hungry much at all since I started a low carb diet. Has been fairly easy to stick to. 11) Worried about nausea a lot! I have a tendency towards this, but doc has prescribed Emend to take the morning of surgery to ward it off. The surgeons PA says he's a ninja at mastering nausea, so we'll see. 12) Bought a Nutri Bullet - returned it, thought it was kinda lame. Got a Ninja Kitchen System, love it. 13) Darn it anyway! I'm going to get botox or a filler on the lines between my eyebrows. Makes me look old and mad all the time I'm also going to get my teeth whitened, and maybe get a new haircut, so there!! 14) Will I get surgery for loose skin? I might, but only on my stomach. Long past caring about my boobies. 15) Exercise? Have done some, mostly hikes through the woods with my son, some rather strenuous. Love it. More regimented exercise, not so much. Noticed there was quite a few exercise routines on cable for free. Think strength training is most important. Kettle balls? 16) Have been doing a fair amount of "I won't ever be able to eat a big plate of food anymore and go back for seconds", "I won't every be able to guzzle a tall cold glass of Water again". That's grieving of a sort isn't it.... 17) Generally feel certain I'm doing the right thing, but it's getting a little "real" now.....one more week. Thanks all for reading if you made it through....again, was mostly for me.

My son who is 22 came to me this morning with concerns and worries about me having surgery in the morning. I'm scared now and have been crying and considering backing out. He thinks it's too big of alteration with unknown things I might regret. He really doesn't want me to do this. He's an health conscious and excersise a. ETAC and has seen me lose 30 lbs in the last three months. I was commited this morning and now feel sick with doubt.

Hi all, My surgery is scheduled for Monday. Ugh - these last second nagging worries that I'm doing the right thing. My question is for those that have had the surgery starting with a pre-op weight in the 220's. I've lost about 30 pounds since mid-October just following a very low carb diet. That's a decent success for me considering I haven't been this weight for at least 10 years (226 lbs). Did you have feelings like "I know I could do this myself without surgery, if I just kept doing what I'm doing"? That's the only thing kind of nagging at me...almost makes me wish I hadn't worked so hard for the last three months!..lol. I'm not sure why I have been successful so far, but I think it has a lot to do with the fact that I'm shooting for this goal of surgery, i.e. I KNOW I have to eat right before because I want a safe surgery, but I never thought I would lose 30 lbs. Now having said that, I'm still committed to having the surgery, (oh I suppose I could wake up Monday morning and never show up for surgery..highly doubtful), I just have these last minute jitters. Have I been hungry these last few months? Sometimes, but not too bad. Do I think I could continue this way of eating without the surgery? Ehh...I'm betting not. Would I hate myself if I gained back 30 lbs...? Yup..lol. I need to lose (or want to lose) another 70 lbs or so.... could I do that without surgery? Seems impossible.......my son who is a health fanatic keeps telling me I can do it on my own.........same with the lovely ex-husband who I made the mistake of telling (he's a big of a poo-poo-er about anything involving a medication or elective surgery - believes in herbal remedies - ). My sister and my niece are my supporters. Anyway, anyone who started in the mid 220's want to weigh in on this?

Thing is that in the last twenty years I've really not committed myself hugely to losing weight. I've done the Phen/Fen, lost a lot, gained it back, done Weight Watchers for a month or so, stopped, but I've never exercised at all. I've done a little bit of Atkins, but nothing lasts more than a month or so. So his put is that I haven't really tried...and I see some merit in that. I've been pretty lax with myself these past 20 years....when I say I've never exercised I mean it..oh a few fits and starts, but nothing ever consistent beyond a week. Now, prior to surgery, I've been low carb, high Protein for 3 months and lost 30 lbs...need to lose probably another sixty. That's a lot! Am I looking for the easy way out? I know, I know, no body can decide this but me . You are all very patient to read my posts.

Hi All, Waiting for a call from my sister who is my rock. I've watched every you tube video there is probably, as well, read and read, it all seemed reasonable to me. God, I love my son so much, you know that feeling as a parent. I'm just scared that if have complications I'll have done something irreversible and it will affect his life. He doesn't have any siblings... He just wants me to be healthy and wants what is best for me, but he has me doubting ....I don't see it as negativity, as more concern, and worried about my quality of life afterwards. Me? Jeez, now I'm wondering whether I want to go through the possibility of nausea at 6 months out, vomiting, or whatever. I'm typically a "hard to make a decision" kind of person, and this isn't unusual for me to have my blood run cold at the last minute on things.... I'm sure some of you get tired of hearing about doubts...I just wish I had more up beat, positive folks around. Oh Lord, guide the way. Thanks all

Absolutely awesome! What a difference!! You look like a new person. Can't imagine how folks recognize you ???? you no doubt worked very hard and you must be quite delighted with your new self.

Oh boy, do I hope I'm as lucky as you! My surgery is Monday, bright and early, have to be there at 5:30 AM and surgery at 7:40 AM. Trying to be calm..lol. So happy to hear your surgery was un-eventful, and that you are feeling good.

Great pictures! Especially the tropical beach one - oh how lovely that would be to be there! Glad you are on the road to better health and wishing the best to both you and wifey.

Thank God for this forum. It's been my constant companion for at least two months how. You all are a blessing and I thank you for the replies, you re-enforced what I know already, I just wanted to "hear it".

It's hard to understand/accept eating so few calories when many of us have been told that "starvation diets" don't work and only cause your metabolism to slow down thus slowing down weight loss. I'm having a hard time with this idea but I understand that restricted calories are necessary. It's just so few in the beginning!!

Doing any better ChronicJam?

Mr. Poopy Head!!! Your feelings are justified. Jeez - guys sometimes just cannot get past themselves.

I tell myself that I have had plenty of everything I could have ever wanted to eat in my lifetime so far. I'm confident that a bit of something decadent way down the road will be a treat enough for me to be happy.

Hi all. I'm 58 and this is definitely a concern for me as well. A lovely gentleman at work who I have known for almost 30 years recently had a gastric sleeve. He was out for a bit from work, but the first time I saw him walk by me, I couldn't even say that I was sure it was him. I did a double take. And a triple and quadruple take. I had to wait until saw him a few more times before I had the courage to speak to him!! He did look older, I hate to say. Or lets put it this way, his definite plumpness helped him look younger -- and I do hate to say this too (because someday I will be on the opposite side of surgery myself) but I think he looked better before.....BUT, I know he was NOT healthy, and he says it's the absolute BEST thing he has ever done. He's the same age as me. In fact, he was the one who really nudged me over the edge to persue surgery. Another lady at work, same thing, I think she looks older now. However, I just had my first ever facial today, and was chatting with the gal who said there is sooo much technology out their now to help with firmness and wrinkles, that I think I'm going to take advantage of some treatments when I have lost a fair amount of weight. I know it's pricey, but dang it, as a single mom, Ive put everyone else before me for so long, I think it's time for me to get some TLC

I imagine it's too sensitive to put ice or a heating pad on - my sister has gout in one foot and I'm sure that's what she would say I don't have any answers, but just don't watch the first "SAW" movie on Netflix or something.....

So many good responses above. I have a similar concern with my PCP - she has been pushing the Mark Furhman juicing thing on me for months now, every single time I go in. "It works for me! I lost 10 lbs and have kept it off!" (she's rail thin). I just roll my eyes internally. I mentioned weight loss surgery to her at one point, and she said "Boy, you must REALLY be desparate!". Well, yeah, I kinda am, thank you very much. I mentioned this to my team at the doctor's office and they said, "You know what, you will be seeing us for at least a year, we will be ordering all your blood work, and managing your diet/tummy for a long time. Of course you will mention it to your PCP at some point, but unless you have to see her soon, you might not need to discuss it with her until you are well on your way to a stable, and much lower weight." Thankfully she did sign the approval letter thing, but I bet she rolled her own eyes several times before she did

Seriously a very exciting milestone!!! I can imagine you are starting to feel, dare I say...nearly skinny Keep up the excellent work (and it is work I'm sure), and do your happy dance!

It always amazes me, and I'm sure all of you, how variable the instructions are for before and after surgery, and even the method of surgery for the gastric sleeve. Here is a little bit about my instructions and surgery so far: Before Surgery: 1) Was immediately told to follow low carb diet on my first visit and to bring back a diary in two weeks. 2) Had all the appointments on my first visit (psychologist, NUT, DOC, and the Nurse Practitioner, oh and the PA too) 3) Easy approval through insurance 4) Lots of blood work and had an endoscopy. Results low on Vitamin D, and some mild gastritis. 5) Vitamins: Told to take B12, Vitamin D (10,000 IU), Calcium, a good Multivitamin, Prilosec (20 mg a day), Fish Oil, and a pro-biotic. 6) Told to start exercising. 7) Told to drink 64+ oz of Water a day. 8) Didn't have to do any more logging of food after the first couple of weeks 9) If constipation was a problem, use MOM. (and it has been). Pre-Op (2-3 weeks prior to surgery) 1) Limit carbs to 20 a day. Can still eat meats, eggs, some cheese, but must have no sugar, excess fat, starch etc, you know the drill.) 2) Start pushing fluids 1 week ahead to be adequately hydrated. 3) Make sure to get enough sleep. 4) Take Emend for nausea 1 hour before surgery. 5) No alcohol 6) Stop taking fish oil 1 week prior to surgery (it thins the blood somewhat) 7) Do the Hibicleans wash night before and morning of surgery. 8) Bring CPAP to hospital Surgery: 1) Surgeon utilizes no drains. Says not necessary with the sleeve. 2) No catheter. 3) Sends home with oxycodone for pain. (forgot to ask what they use in the hospital immediately after) 4) 1 night hospital stay 5) Four ports for surgery 6) No separate leak test done with barium 6) First follow up visit is 3 weeks after. After Surgery: 1) 3 weeks of full liquid diet (goal 32oz of Protein shakes a day, and approx. 700+ calories a day and 100+ grams of protein a day). Supplement liquids with non-sweetened other stuff (crystal light etc.) 2) 3 weeks of pureed foods 3) 3 weeks of soft foods 4) No gum ever (well, I think they mean forever) 5) Caffeine is ok to have. 6) No soda pop ever 7) No NSAIDS 8) Two weeks off work is the general rule 9) No heavy lifting for 6 weeks 10) No baths, ointments or creams. Showers ok. 11) Must take Iron supplement, Vitamin D 10,0000, Multivitamin, calcium 1500 mg, B12 100mg, PPI 40 mg, probiotic, Omega 3 fish oil as supplements for a long time All should be liquid afterwards, but small pills may be tolerated. 12) MOM only for constipation. Doc says constipation should NOT be ignored. If 2 days go by and no bowel movement, call the office. 13) Utilize the on call surgeon whenever you feel you need to. Don't wait to call. 14) No straws Whew!

Hi Everyone, I was just wondering what's up with the Seattle group. Any recent meetings or any regular schedule? Still meeting in Bothell? Any info appreciated, thanks so much !

Hi all - have posted off and on for the last couple of months, but read most posts diligently every night trying to glean new info/advice. Surgery scheduled for 1/19. I always wince a bit when I see posts with capital letters in them regarding pain, nausea, etc. i.e. "BAD", "HURT", "SICK"...lol. I think to myself - oh dear, I would only capitalize a word if it truly was serious and so yes, I totally believe each post with the those references really mean what they are saying. So, I "think" I'm a trooper and can handle most things, but hmmm, I guess I won't know until I'm post-op myself. Surgery scheduled for 1/19. I really like the 50's group! I'm 58 (how can that be?) and have thought to myself I'm too old, but I know y'all would say "Stop that!" so I'll just say I wish I had made this decision sooner!