Dub

I'm sorry to hear things are like they are. Being a husband........I can speak from experience that I do some pretty boneheaded stuff at times. Boneheaded by own admission, yet most likely worse from my wife's perspective. She must think I'm a moron at times. I do feel that a lot of stuff in my marriage can be cleared up just by getting it out in the open. Discussing it. I sure as hell don't have a crystal ball......I work long hours......usually in pain in numerous areas.......so I don't "see" a lot of stuff. Sleep-shower-work-shower-sleep..... Things work out best for us when we stay in communication and I'm not expected see and know everything. Long weekends and days off are different. We sort of fall into the same pace and relax. I also think this bariatric stuff is a huge deal.....tremendous part of life that our spouses may not understand. They may not realize how much you put into it. They may not acknowledge your efforts. One thing for certain is the old adage, "Ignorance is bliss" is a bunch of hogwash. As I husband, I benefit greatly from being kept in the loop on stuff. The best times we have are a few minutes a day when we block out all else and just talk. No mysteries and guesswork. In sync.

Huge appreciation to each of you. Thank you for the encouragement. It means a great deal coming from those that have been there and done it....and have the smaller t-shirts to prove it. Those cases demonstrate some tremendous amounts lost in such a short time. It is certainly helpful to see it can happen. Thank you for sharing those. I screwed up earlier tonight. Had a Breakfast shake when I woke up at 2:30 pm. Been busy at work all evening and all of the sudden I started feeling puny. I realized it was 10:30pm and I'd had zero calories since breakfast. I was never hungry, either. I mixed up a shake and knocked it back. I felt completely fine in ten minutes. I'd forgotten how the hunger diminishes while in ketosis. It's a pleasant reminder from my Adkins days. I'll stay on schedule from now on. Looking forward to 9:00am when I should be getting into bed. Hoping for 7 solid hours of sleep. I can almost feel it now........

You have got this !!!! Your desire to get where you want to be will motivate you to be strict and successful. You'll reap the rewards every day of your life. I hate the booths in restaurants, too. Hearing my wife and don tell the greater to make sure we get a table not a booth makes me cringe and get more motivated to get my arse into "booth size" shape. Best of luck.....right there with you on the surgery date, too.

Very grateful to see this thread. Thanks to everyone who posted their successes.

My surgery is scheduled for Oct 13th. I had my upper endoscopy on Tuesday. Surgeon came by afterwards and said he found a hiatal hernia as well during the scope. He's already planning on repairing a large umbilical hernia, then the sleeve and now the hiatal hernia as well. I guess I'm getting my money's worth. I've had two open abdominal surgeries in the past. Both were outpatient. Both sucked outright. I'm glad that this is being done with a hospital stay and obviously glad that it's laparoscopic. FWIW.....I'd been saying all along that I wanted a bypass. The first surgeon I was working with said it was doable, but I needed to be aggressive on my weight loss leading up to the surgery (at the time I thought I had ~8 months). I switched over to another program that my insurance company mandated (a Center of Excellence certified program) and had a new surgeon. Long story short is that I dropped the insurance and chose to self fund to speed things up. My new surgeon was very clear in that he though the sleeve would be better for me. He felt that I'd benefit more from it right now....less complications with the elevated BMI, bone-on-bone knee situation, back issues....ability to use NSAIDs and reap their benefit. I was going to have hernia repair this Fall anyway......decided to go this direction at his advice. I'll work his plan hard and do what I can to get my results. Down the road.....were there ever a need......I can use my insurance and have my sleeve revised to a bypass. I am not proceeding as if this is a safety net.....but it is nice to know that there are options in the future. I do not have diabetes, nor is there any family history of it. This combined with the reasons above as well as some other issues made the sleeve vs bypass decision easier for me. Everyone has unique circumstances.

I"m pre-op so I haven't hit that taste changing phenomenon. I do like Crystal Light in most every flavor that I've tried. I notice that there is a wide, wide range in sweetness in the various flavors. Their grape is awesome.....I really enjoy it.....but its much sweeter than other version. I loaded up this week when the local BiLo store had Crystal Light on sale. I looked like a Crystal Light fiend when I hit the checkout line.

Funny stuff. Truly aggravating how easy is seem for some folks. I've watched my wife for decades......will go out with me....go to our favorite spots like Cheesecake Factory....have some calorie laden frozen cocktails.......then a ginormous salad with all the rich dressing toppings.......then a killer entree.......then a piece of cheesecake.....and another to go. She'll eat all the stuff I've frequently grilled: ribs, pulled pork, sausages, steaks, etc. etc. Enjoy it with the mac'n'cheese, baked Beans, sugary slaw and etc. She's basically enjoyed all the stuff I've enjoyed over the years. The aggravating part is that she maintains a weight that's darn near the recommended height-weight recommendations. Her keys to staying thin are to weigh at least twice a week and make course corrections. She'll kick up the cardio for a few days and get back into line. She'll eat better choices....healthy stuff most of the time independently but then indulge in stuff with me. I strive to be like her.........get to goal.......and set up the structure to freaking stay there while enjoying life all along. I'm hoping that by kicking up the cardio and living a more active lifestyle I will awaken the machinery that will help me feel better and stay in the weight range that I structure for myself. Course corrections all along the way and stopping to smell the roses, too.

That is what I'd expect, too. How worried are you ? Let that worry motivate you.....and not just for insurance reasons. Does your surgeon require a pre-op diet of any kind ? Only you know where you stand in terms of BMI, health issues and comorbiities. Only you know the real risks at this point. For me things were fairly straightforward. I was told by the staff of both surgeons that I've dealt with along the way this Summer-Fall that they would delay surgery if they saw weight gains as they believed it's a sign that you aren't ready. The two that I've dealt with were real sticklers about this and each went out of their way to show actual surgical films that show the liver of folks that did the pre-op diet successfully vs folks that didn't . It really hit home when you see them lift up the liver and suspend it out of the way so they can work. I was convinced that I wanted to do whatever I could to allow my liver to get smaller and less prone to damage when lifted. It makes sticking to this short pre-op diet a piece of cake. That footage scared me. I'm not kidding about the difference in patients, either. It was hard for many in our class to watch.....but it was powerful stuff to see. Sh!t got real. I try to keep in mind that the goal is weight loss......before a& after surgery......weight loss. Giving my back, knees a much needed break. Anyway....not trying to be a jerk......just hoping that you'll keep in mind that the insurance guidelines aren't the ones that really matter. There's a compelling reason you are doing this surgery that is unique to you. It's important to you for some specific reason. Tap into satisfying that need and let it drive your behaviors towards positive results. I wish you the best. You can do anything.....anything that your mind gets behind and wants.

Well said. Combine that with the fact that every patient has unique circumstances and it's understandable there is a range of treatments. One of the things I value is the nutritionist's take on things. Both of the ladies that I'm currently working with have each had wls and understand things at a very personal level. Their insight is really valued.

Not only did the samples come in today.....but so did the regular order. i haven' tried their Protein powder yet.....but wow.....each of the chewables taste great. Like candy. These Calcium citrate bites are off the chain !!!! I will look forward to Vitamin time every day. I need to refer back to the info the nutritionist gave me about the timing of all this. I'm fairly certain she said to stagger the combustion of the various supplements throughout the day. Some don't play well with others and have to be timed separately to get the benefits. Also some were to be taken with the Protein shakes.....some as stand alone. The flavors, though....so far without even trying their protein powders......I'll give Bariatric Advantage an A+ on product flavor and desirability. Their standard and even free shipping at this order level....was really fast. There was also a freezer pack enclosed inside the box. Everything was very carefully packed. These folks impressed me. It's pricey....but I figured I'd start of with the stuff I liked during the next couple months of weirdness. It's certainly less pricey than what I've spent on my own frequent drive-thru forays before & after work.....combined with the expensive fried grub at the worksite cafeteria. I figure that I was spending $36 a day on fast food & Snacks. The financial cost and the physical toll such eating was taking on my body.........INSANE. Quality supplements and protein will be so much better all the way around. I have some unjury powders coming and that should take care of me for a good while. I grabbed some of their chicken Soup in hopes that it's a nice change up when I'm home from the hospital and sore but hungry.

I didn't feel much like stopping at the store on the way home from work this morning.....but Biotin and Gas-X strips are high priority items for me to get and stash in my "hospital bag". I was thinking that best thing for me to do would be atay as busy as possible prior to the surgery. Woke up early today and wanted some java and relax for an hour or two watching some college football. I wasn't prepared for what HD TV had offer........one Hooters, Hardees, Zaxby's commercial after another. GRGRRRRRR !!! On the positive side of things, a box arrived from Bariatric Advantage with some sample chewable Multivitamins (berry is much better than orange I found out) and some bottles of Protein powder (chocolate, Mocha and Banana). I like the convenience if nothing else.....it comes in single serve bottles with just the Protein Powder.....you fill to top of label with Water and shake it up. Super convenient and lightweight portability. I'll test run them tonight and report back on my flavor impressions. I was caught off guard at work last night by what I did on my final day of work last week...... I'd removed all the stuff from my desk and locker that wouldn't be permissible for my future diet. No packs of tuna. No Quest bars. No ibuprofen or Aleve....etc. I did this in anticipation of knowing I'd be returning to work on the pre-op restrictiveness. No problems with the foods. I am toting in my protein powders daily. What I forgot was to bring some Tylenol. Not too wise. Temperature drops, rain........first day back at work and trying to achieve my fitbit step goal all combined with the arthritis wasn't fun. I'd forgotten how much i rely on the use of Advil.....too much of the stuff. 800mg at least twice a day. It was a good reminder and I suspect the need for this stuff will seriously decline as the weight keeps falling off.....certainly a great incentive to reach goal and maintain it. It also helped reaffirm the sleeve for me as I can use Advil and the like on days where it's absolutely necessary. I'm looking forward to the days where my aches and pains come mainly from self inflicted punishment from gym work and other active adventures.

Nightshift working right now. It's going to suck without coffee. My plan is to get up and walk more......especially when drowsy.

Yeti cups are some of the best money I've ever spent. I finally gave them a try and wished I'd done so sooner.

There seems to be a range of instructions on the pre-op diets. Surgeon to surgeon variation as well as individual patient needs. I started this process with a different surgeon that I'm using for my sleeve. The first surgeon was 4 weeks pre-op liquids. Current surgeon wanted me to loose steadily with early use of liquid diet or other effective measures and then do the 2-week pre-op liquid. I can't begin to tell you how much I miss the tuna, salmon and salad I was eating the last few weeks. Looking forward to tuna and salmon again in due time. Gonna fire up my grill and smoke a nice fillet for that first meal.

Awesome!!!! Long process, but you've made it. The 19th will be here in no time at all.

Ha. Not just fat guy issues. Fat girl issues, too! I used to hang dry my clothes because that darn "dryer" used to shrink them all the time! It was such a huge NSV the day I realized I was drying EVERYTHING all of the sudden. And sometimes in hopes that they would shrink because the were too big! Ah, the little things that make us happy through this journey. So true. The little things make us stop and think.......and smile. I had a monthly lunch meeting in a conference room at work last week. I usually try to remember to leave my wallet in my desk drawer prior to this meeting due to the chairs in n this particular conference room. These chairs are tight between the arms. I literally have to wedge my arse in them. I was pleasantly surprised last week when I didn't have to force it. The thought crossed my mind that it would be two months until I next attend this monthly meeting due to my surgery date. I'm really looking forward to that next meeting. It'll be one of those secret victories if I can stand up naturally and I'm not wearing the chair.

That is going be my strategy. Cinco strips !!!

THANK YOU !!!!! I'll be grabbing these items next. I can't believe I forgot the Gas-X strips when I was in WallyWorld this morning. I generally hate going there......but I felt like parking at the far end of the lot and getting a good walk. FitBit approved of the trip even though my wallet didn't. I'm in the process of test driving pillows. Trying to find that perfect pillow to hold against my flabdominal area post-op. I figured out this little nugget of wisdom after the second open hernia repair. I'm dumb but not stupid. The heating pad and water bottle sound like great to add.

My doctor ok'd coffee in reasonable amounts. As my nutritionist puts it, "you're already cranky from being on the liquid diet, we're not going to make it worse by taking your coffee too!" Almost identical comments from my nutritionist. There were 15 of us in the class.....she received a hearty applause from most. There were a couple that looked at us like we were nuts. Clearly the non-coffee folks. I pray for them during their pre-op diet. I was sitting there with a giant cup I bought on the way there, too. Grinning. It is truly threraputic for me. Helps with arthritis. Helps with other gastric events, too. I just really like it. Especially with fall and the cooler temperatures... It's comforting! Going along with your post though... I know a lot of women recommend wearing dresses to reduce constriction from clothing and easier time using the restroom, etc. Have you looked into men's clothing options post op? Yup. Gonna sit around nekkid. Just kidding. I decided to not buy any more "current sized" clothes once I made the decision to have wls. I"ve had to replace some work slacks but that's about it. On days off work....relaxing around the house.....I tend to wear Under Armor long gym pants and t-shirts. The pants get loose when I adjust the drawstring. The t-shirts aren't the compression type....just basic cotton t-shirts. The t-shifts are actually fitting a bit loose right now already due to the progress. I used to machine wash and then air-dry my clothes....and then give the shirts the old "custom stretch" just before putting them on. Fat guy issues. Now, I'm using the drier for stuff. The drier. My clothes.....going into the clothes drier. This turn of events caught me off guard. I have been buying some new clothes, though..... We wear a golf shift our company's logo on them at work. My 6xl & 5xlt work shirts are starting to look worn out. I've got several brand new in the wrapper 4xlt & 3xlt replacements waiting in the closet. I enjoy target shooting and was on one of my favorite gun manuf. website last week. I was looking around and saw the "apparel" tab that I always just scrolled past.......then I thought about it and said why not? I ordered a sweatshirt, t-shirt and long sleeved t-shirt from them. I went with a size that will still be a bit large after I reach goal......but the drier will help shrink them up. That is a great idea. Thanks for the tip !!!!! I tend to stay up late on nights off and watch tv and piddle around on the laptop. Sleep won't be a problem on workdays but on my days off next week and the night before the surgery I will taking 1/2 Ambian tablet and get some good rest. The time is about to pass really fast.....working night shift beginning tonight. ~13 hour shifts will have the next few days flying by.

My doctor ok'd coffee in reasonable amounts. As my nutritionist puts it, "you're already cranky from being on the liquid diet, we're not going to make it worse by taking your coffee too!" Almost identical comments from my nutritionist. There were 15 of us in the class.....she received a hearty applause from most. There were a couple that looked at us like we were nuts. Clearly the non-coffee folks. I pray for them during their pre-op diet. I was sitting there with a giant cup I bought on the way there, too. Grinning. It is truly threraputic for me. Helps with arthritis. Helps with other gastric events, too.

How close is it in macros to Oikos Triple Zero Greek Yogurt ? I freaking love the Oikos Triple Zero Greek. I've yet to try a flavor that wasn't outstanding.

Hyperactivity......seems that way these past couple of days. I'm feeling better with every punch list item taken care off......sort of the way I felt after each pre-op requirement being completed. Closer to getting the sleeve and the hernias repaired. Not for immediate post-op use. He does allow it down the road a few months out. Most of the coffee will be consumed while I'm on this pre-op diet. I'm trying those versions so I can have something that tastes good without using any creamer. The Chike Moca Iced Coffee Protein powder is on the accepted list a few weeks out, too. That stuff is going to be like liquid gold once it's allowed.

I always mix my Protein Powder with crushed ice and tap water. I've had thousands this way. I never mix with anything else. If you buy the right protein, it will have the right flavor with water.

I know that I shouldn't be having this stuff.......but it is my "cheater" food.....this and the sugar-free Jello and popsicles. I need to get some broth that I can add some Mrs Dash to. Kinda like Soup.

October 13th is getting closer. Amazed at how the pounds are falling off on the pre-op diet. It'd be great if I had of simply done the pre-op for a year. Lol.....tried and failed. It's easy now because I have that short-term razor focus. I can handle it knowing things may be different on the other side. May not have the hunger I'm having now. Trying to think of everything I'll need and get it done. Working long shifts until Wednesday.....off Thursday.......then working Friday, Saturday & Sunday, too. Off Monday and having surgery on Tuesday. Acquiring all the supplements, Protein, New Balance slip-on sneakers and such. Ordered a couple memory foam body pillows. Bought a new recliner two weeks ago. Planning on sleeping in it the first few days. Gonna be sore from a massive abdominal hernia & hiatal hernia he'll be repairing when he does the sleeve. The recliner is made for big & tall guys and is much easier to stand up from. I want to be moving around as much as possible....constantly sipping on Water will ensure this. I didn't want to be getting in and out of bed so much like I did with the last two abdominal hernia repairs. They were both open type procedures. Hoping that this time things will go easier due to laparoscopic method. I'm looking through the Comcast, AppleTV & Netflix menus and lining up fun stuff to watch. I've only seen an episode or two of Boardwalk Empire so I may do a total series binge watch on that. Just did Homeland that way, too. Getting my iTunes updated for the hospital. Good music may help pass the time. Post-op pain medication is being filled by pharmacy this morning. What else should I consider ?