TheNiceVoice

I'm happy to say that I think I'm FINALLY starting to feel better. I think it's safe to say that the hardest part of our journey is almost done guys! The psychological effect that food had on me was unbelievable. I found myself crying and actually MOURNING food some days. But now that I have graduated to a few regular foods and realize that I can only eat what my sleeve allows - my mental hunger days are limited. I want to try my best to stay off of the scale. I just want to concentrate on learning what I can and cannot tolerate and MAYBE try to weigh in about once a week. Some of the tips that my dietician shared with me - I'd love to share with you! * Stay hydrated * If it's rubbery, don't eat it * chew, chew, chew, chew, chew * slow down * do not drink while eating. wait at least 30 after * don't deprive yourself of seasoning your food well. * If you start to feel full or nauseated, don't force yourself More later. PS- I started out at 250. I'm now 235.5 CHECK IN FAMILY! How is everyone doing?

You're right. I took a look around . . .and this seems to be the norm. I really need to learn more patience.

The scale isn't moving and it's making me sad.

Congratulations on your graduation to puree!!!!

Checking in! I spent 12 hours at the ER a few days ago due to dehydration. I had an indescribable pain on my left side. It hurt every single time I inhaled. I didn't want to take pain meds - but had no choice. I seem to be doing a lot better. I'm eating creamy Soups, yogurt and cottage cheese. Being able to add variety to my diet has made me so much happier. I have diabetes . . . so my blood sugar has been SUPER LOW . . . and I'm frustrated that my doctors have not given me specific instructions about how to handle this because I can't eat! Also, I'm on a host of meds that require food when eating. So if I can't eat, what do I do? Doctors have been vague with their instructions. I have a dietician appointment next week. I know it's early, but how much have you all lost? I'm 12 lbs down.

@@LipstickLady - LOL! I can't bite the hand the feeds me. He did allow me chew a pita chip and spit it out. It was the best cracker I ever had. Seriously. Oh, and found these incredible welch's grape posicle.

Checking in on everybody!

I'm 5 days post-op and I could have SWORN that my doctor said that I could have Tomato Soup. My husband insists that they said Tomato juice. Bottom line . . .my hubby won't get the soup and I'm too medicated to drive. Jesus Christ . . .I'm so hungry.

Greetings! This is the super short version. I'm 45. I'm married. I have one 20 year old daughter. I was diagnosed in 2011 of colon cancer and I've had to battle it twice. I did 2 six months bids of horrific chemotherapy. Some days, I honestly wanted to die. Since my initial dx, my health has gone downhill. Diabetics, High blood pressure, sleep apnea, blood clots, anxiety, depression and excessive weight gain. Not to mention chemobrain which has clouded my speech, my reading comprehension and writing skills. (so please excuse the typos in advance) My doctors believe that getting the sleeve can possibly jumpstart some things that would help pimp slap the other complications that I've have due to cancer. I'm approved and scheduled to get the sleeve this Monday....and I'm nervous. I'm scared of pain. I'm scared something going wrong. I'm just a big ball of anxiousness. So, welcome to my world. I'll be journalling on the way in hopes of inspiring someone else along the way.

@@Monique76 - Thanks Monique! Prayer changes things! You're right one day at a time. :hug:

Hello All: Everything went well. At some point I remember crying and yelling out loud, "why did I do this!!!" . . . but that 'freak out' didn't last long. I was so heavily medicated . . most of my experience in the hospital is a big blur. I was admitted on Monday and I think I was discharged on Tuesday. I had a little emotional setback today. I can't put my finger on why. I just felt really sad. I'm hungry. Like, really hungry. I realize that the feeling of fullness won't really occur until I start eating solids. I pray that once I start eating, I'll feel better. My starting weight was 247. I am now 237.7. I really appreciate this community.

Ok . .So, I've been up since 3AM. I prepared my hubby some Breakfast in bed. And I wasn't tempted to take a single bite. I pre-prepared some lunch and dinner with a few Snacks in anticipation for a long day. Showered. Bags packed. There's nothing left to do except go to the hospital. OMG . . .I can't believe the day is finally here. My eyes are filling with tears (again) . . . .I just want to be normal again. Cancer free, energetic and healthy. Wow.

Sending positive love and light your way! :hugs: @@kiliy7 - I've been up since 3AM

@@muhol88 - You are so sweet. I appreciate the positive vibes! I'm looking forward to connecting with you soon.

@@Monique76 - That means a lot! I truly appreciate it girl. Where are you from?

So, tomorrow is the big day. No liquid diet for me. I can eat regular all day today. Nothing after midnight. Although I will be saying farewell to regular food for a while, I had no desire to pig out today. I had some pancakes for Breakfast (thanks to the hubby) . . . I had some greek yogurt and I'll be doing some turkey chili tonight for dinner. The heart is racing . . .but I don't think its nervousness. (thanks to you all! ) I think I'm getting excited. Losing this weight will prayerfully grant me some sort of normalcy after battling cancer for so long. I look forward to wearing dresses, shorts in the summertime and working out for more than 10 mins. I also look forward to getting out of bed. Depression had me trapped in my room for most of the year. I'm just so excited. I literally feel tears coming to my eyes.

@@readyforchange15 - WHERE ARE YOU!!!! It's almost time! What did you eat today? The only restriction is not to eat after midnight. My husband made pancakes this morning. I felt guilty. I've had a gallon on Water, some yogurt . . .and probably some turkey chili for dinner with a light salad. My heart is racing. The support here is amazing . . .so I don't think I'm nervous anymore . . .just anxious with a tad bit of excitement.

That would be me! Monday, Nov 23 @ 10:30PM. PreOP - 250 I'm Kesha!

I'm looking to lose about 100 pounds. I'm 5'2 and I HATE taking pictures. Arrival @ 8:30 AM - Surgery at 10:30AM. I'll be at Durham Regional Hospital in Durham, NC.

Thanks for the feedback. Deep down inside, I know I'll be ok. There are too many people here who insist that I will be! Monday is the big day! Thank you TinyTink!

You know what? You're right. I take 4 different meds plus blood thinners and insulin. Wow. Just imagine me being med free? Thanks tdc!

Yes! I think the mental struggle will be difficult . . . but I believe having this group will provide the support that we're looking for. Yeah Dec 9th! Thank you so much! I like that! Nervous-Not! LOL! Perfect advice. I'm going to meditate on that tonight. I appreciate you!

Awwww Thanks! I gotta be honest . . .the second I hopped back onto the board and saw that I got responses, I calmed down immediately. Thank you so much for those assuring words! My husband is the BEST caretaker in the world. He got me thru cancer twice. He quit his job so that he could tend to me full time. It's been a rough road . . .but I know I wouldn't have been able to pull through if it were not for me. Surgery is Monday at 10:35. Arrival at 8:30. What a cool support group. Thank you!