fatsolovescandy

Such an incredible day yesterday--I can't believe how much energy I have! Today marks 3 weeks. I went paddle boating yesterday, washed my car (by hand!), went to Best Buy and even dared to deal with Costco crowds! Then I did laundry and school work. Honestly, you guys, I can't remember the last time I felt so good and energized, and not just since my surgery, but for probably a couple years! And who's already seeing other benefits in the bedroom?!?? This girl!!!

I am of the opinion that juice is okay if you need a "rescue" (and have been told this by my nutritionist as well). If you find yourself dogged tired and need some carbs and sugar, I think juice is okay in moderation. I dilute my juice--one part juice to three parts water--and I put ice in it too. Occasional juice won't kill you, but I'm hesitant to make it a placeholder for water. Maybe just put them in your kid's lunchbox? Or donate to the classroom? Good luck!

Sweating less. Weighing less than my husband. Saying "yes" to activities I wouldn't (or couldn't) do while heavy--and actually being excited. Not having a near-panic attack whenever I dress up for a night out. And enjoying dressing up for a night out! Walking my dogs more. Wanting to walk more and being able to. The backs of my legs not falling asleep when sitting at my desk. Feeling more in control of my body and, subsequently, my life. Less hip/knee/back pain. No more swollen ankles!!! Not being the biggest/heaviest/fattest person in the room. Being able to be sartorially creative, to wear interesting outfits as opposed to whatever fits or hides my rolls. Wearing a bra correctly and comfortably, as opposed to wearing it between my back fat rolls! Sex without leg cramps. And without my belly getting in the way. Less wobbly bits and worry overall and more excitement and enjoyment!!!

Kevbear--I too was sleeved 7/13 and feel so much better than I did even three days ago. It's truly amazing how quickly everything changes. Now, that's not to say it isn't difficult, because it is! Every sip takes mindfulness and patience, otherwise a sharp pain radiates across my abdomen and I have to get up and walk laps in my house to feel normal again (well, my new normal). I'm hungry but I'm not hungry. My sleeve wants something in it--a sip of Protein, some Water. My head wants to chew on the tacos my husband made for dinner (why can't everyone also not eat?! Haha.). I'm losing weight and feeling not-too-bad, but I'm sleepy and sometimes moody. My body is coming to terms with a hard stop to a three decades long bad habit. My mind too--that's the real culprit. Sometimes I have to stop and breathe mindfully to a count of five or ten to regain my composure. The need/desire/craving for food can hit me in a wave not unlike a panic attack. But that has only happened once or twice and I have righted myself quickly. Right now, my main challenge is that I am in grad school and can't quite get my mind to 'turn on'. I'm behind already and losing more ground daily. It's so hard to focus on other things besides how I'm feeling, what I'm eating/drinking. And it is just plain hard to focus period. I'm so amazed at all of you who have done this with children, or demanding jobs! Anyway, all you other July Sleevers--we got this!!!

My surgery was last Monday, 7/13. I lost 10lbs during my one-week-liquid pre-op diet and have lost another 10 this last week. It's really exciting because I can already tell a difference. I wore a bra comfortably for the first time today in at least six months--the back strap would always roll up and get stuck between back fat rolls. I also just feel better. Even though I'm recovering and in pain, it's easier for me to maneuver myself than it has been for a long time. The best part though is that my legs aren't hurting as much. I can lie on my side and put them together at the knees and not feel pain in my joints after five minutes. I want more of this please!!!

Surgery was Monday 7/13. Can't believe it has nearly been a week. Still can't believe I did it, to be honest. Hasn't really sunk in yet. It was more difficult for me to get through the one week pre-op of liquids only than this last week--except when I was nauseous and vomiting. Lost 10lbs pre-op and 10 more so far this week. Can already tell a difference and it's really positive!

Typically physicians' offices do not specify the nature of the procedure for work 'excuses'. In fact, I'm pretty sure that violates HIPAA. I've been tempted to say in having "gastric/GI surgery"--which is vague and could mean anything but could also lead to more questions. Someone on here mentioned they said they had been having digestive problems for years and were now needing surgery. Up to you. Although once you start losing tons of weight, they'll also start poking around. Who knows, maybe they'll be incredibly supportive!! Here's hoping for understanding and support!

I have Kaiser too. BMI of 41, no co-morbidities as of yet and I'm having surgery on Monday 7/13! Don't let the Vitamin issue bother you yet. You'll have several visits with nutritionist, psychologist, and any other specialists who need to evaluate your special circumstances. Maybe an allergist can determine the cause of your adverse reaction. There are so many Vitamins out there--prescription, over-the-counter, etc. If you are just starting the process, there will be plenty of opportunity to discuss all you past and present issues. You'll find solutions and you're also likely to find more hurdles. Just take it one appointment at a time, one day at a time, and try to remain positive and patient (easier said than done!). Where are you located? I am in Atlanta, but every Kaiser region has its own plan, protocol, and surgeon (s) for this procedure. As far as losing weight now, YES! Do it! Start replacing Breakfast and/or lunch with a Protein shake. Walk 30minutes every day. And make to drink at least 64ounces of Water daily. Kaiser takes your initial weight and BMI--which your PCP is going to include in the referral. They won't punish you for improving. Good luck!!!

Oh, but some good feedback--Unjury's chicken broth is amazing. It has saved me. Today I warmed a can of potato soup, puréed it and added unflavored protein powder. That too was delish.

Day 3 pre-op liquid diet. Surgery Monday the 13th. The days are ticking by slowly. Yesterday was really rough--no coffee, no food, mainly no coffee. Had a bunch of work to do but couldn't manage to get through anything. Slept all day. Seriously did not get out of bed except to walk my dog once. Today was much better. Went to store to get myself some v8. Tired of sweet shakes--but so grateful that the protein helps to take the edge off. Have been more desirous of flavor than food. Just really worried I won't have the energy to finish all the work I need to do before my procedure--if I could just have a little caffeine! Ugh. Such an addict.

@@bnm4 Wow!!! Congrats! I've heard that setting an alarm for every five minutes and then drinking a medicine cup full of Water every time the alarm beeps helps tremendously. Hope you stay hydrated! Take care.

@@TheOnlyDuchess if it's open to anyone, I'd be interested in attending too. I know some of them are "come one come all", but others are more 'exclusive'. Haha. How are you doing? Feeling okay or rotten or does it change from day to day?

Anybody going to support groups or anything?

Love this stuff...tastes very creamy and "grassy", like if you drank fresh dairy milk. Of course, these things are not for everyone.

My surgery is July 13th, in Atlanta, GA. Good luck to all the first-week-in-July sleevers!!!!

@@haleylhs I just received my chewable vitamin from Opurity (same company that makes Unjury). Was super excited, all the reviews were positive and said it tasted better than Flintstones....oh boy. NOT. Super gross, almost choked chewing it. Plus it is HUGE! I was excited that it is a 'one-a-day', but no surprise since the thing is ginormous!!! I think it would fine to grind up in a smoothie, but no way I could chew this thing the first week after surgery. Going to try dissolving it in water tomorrow. But, needless to say, super disappointed. Guess I'll have to find something different at least for the first couple weeks---ugh. This stuff is too expensive for 'trial and error". Looking forward to any vitamin suggestions!

@@dena1258, and all others who have had their EGD (endoscopy). How did it go? How did you feel afterwards? Mine is scheduled for tomorrow and want to go out of town for the weekend--with my husband driving, of course. Did you feel okay, or did you just want to stay in bed? thanks!

in Atlanta--scheduled for July 13th!

@@ShrinkingPeach what, if anything, do you think helped your initial recovery? Glad to hear it went so well for you. I know it doesn't help anything worrying, but it's the initial downtime/pain/issues that concern me the most. I'm in grad school currently and while I can work from home, I'm worried that I'll be in too much pain or that my brain will feel too broken to concentrate. I'm trying to work ahead as much as possible--surgery on July 13th. Like I said, I know worrying isn't productive--and to be honest I am more excited than anything, ready to move forward!--but I still have to ask/feel prepared and all that! Hey, maybe the GA climate helped your healing. If so, then I'm golden! (in Atlanta) Thanks.

@ you as well! Looks like we'll be doing this together--glad to meet you. I'm really excited about it all, but I am already mourning the loss of beer. I really love beer. As the date and the pre-surgery diet gets closer, I try to take a few minutes everyday to think mindfully about all I will be gaining (by losing, ya know?). It's difficult to not worry in the planning/pre-weight loss stages, but I am trying to stay as positive and excited as possible instead of fixating on what I will be "deprived". I figure, I've consumed what I wanted for a long time, now my energies are being redirected toward consuming other things--instead of worrying about food, I will hike, bike, have more sex, not sleep all the time, etc. I will eat life! Haha. How are you preparing for your surgery, mentally and physically? I'm calling these final weeks "the last days of disco" (because it was fun while it lasted, but disco is dead, man) and have certain meals/outings planned. What I have found interesting is that the meal is never as good as I remembered/want it to be--I am hoping it means that my subconscious is already prepared for the post-op future. So, now to the important questions, does the gastric sleeve have a super cute British nickname? Like, the 'sleevie', or the 'belly sleever', or something? take care, Sam

Forum virgin here; this is my very first post! I have gastric sleeve surgery scheduled for July 13th, in Atlanta, GA. My EGD is this Friday, the 26th. So excited! And nervous. Would love any insight/advice about best tasting Protein supplements for liquid diet.