rejeannern

How would you rate your post-op pain on a scale of 1 -10, with ten being the worst pain ever and one being less?

I'm in.

Four days post op sleeve and finally able to think straight after the surgery and pain relievers. Focusing on what needs to get done, Protein and fluids, rest and activity. Reading your article reminds to embrace this journey as it happens and to an active participant. I too will miss some aspects of being 300 lbs, like the protection it provided, but overall, I will and am ready to move on and see what life is like at a more active level. Missing being able to go swim, which I was doing nearly daily four months prior to the surgery, but will return soon and it will be all that much sweeter.

I'm on day 7 of a 14-day pre op diet of low carbs and high Protein, liquids only. I see that other surgeons are more lax on this matter but I understand the need for it and am giving it a go, on day at a time. I wonder if others have seen how going through this process, particularly, the pre op diet, has affected their support system. It is interesting to see the reactions, with most of them expressing a new-found awareness of food choices, quantity and frequency of meals. I guess the "stone" I threw in the Water will create a ripple effect in other peoples lives and that is all good, because we all could benefit from eating healthier.

Such great wisdom and insight being shared. While I pack for my surgery on this Thursday morning, I look back at what I have accomplished since starting this journey and realize that it is truly just the beginning of a new life for me. I sometimes believe having this surgery gives me a reason to put myself first but never at the expense of others, love myself with healthy food intake and learn to appreciate my what my body can do. And what a great site and how very helpful it is for me and others as we all go through a version of this process.

Retired psychiatric and medical home care RN, now actively attempting to listen more than talk.

I need to thank my husband for not having pizza in my house at this time. My home is my only refuge and if he wants pizza, he can go get it and eat out. It must be so hard for those with kids in the home. I feel fortunate mine are grown.

I need to thank my husband for not having pizza in my house at this time. My home is my only refuge and if he wants pizza, he can go get it and eat out. It must be so hard for those with kids in the home. I feel fortunate mine are grown.

What a great post. I wish you well and focus on the big goal of health and energy while you go through the process. My surgery is scheduled for next Thursday, midway through my two week low carb, high Protein diet. I'm determined and I know my adherence to this stage is indicative of that determination. The house never looked so cleaned and organized!

Yes, get that Protein in and make sure you are hydrated. also, are you exercising? Not only will it increase your metabolism, but it will distract you from old thinking and you will start to use new lifestyle skills.

After I saw my surgeon this week, she presented that I would not need to have the Gastric bypass, as I had thought so. Seems the Sleeve surgery will be my best option in ligh tof my age, health history and such. I do need to see a cardiologist for a risk assessment though and I got that appt for end of December, so no surgery this year. It'll be a good way to start the year and I'll just continue to work on losing weight, changing habits and including exercising, which has been going on for the past two months. I've been overweight for so long another month or two will have to do. Anyone else have their options changed like that? How did you feel and do you regret that change if it did occur?

check out swimsuits that extend to elbows and knees, yes they make them. Search for swimmer's specialty swimsuits, but keep in mind, you have to let your skin and body breath on a regular basis or skin integrity issues will arise. Keep the full suits for infrequent use. I admire you for your hard work and want you to know you are a beautiful person and have much to offer to those of us who are just starting this similar journey. God Bless.

Hi to everyone, No operative date scheduled yet, but am in the process of meeting my psychologist and dietitian next week. I am wondering how everyone is documenting their progress and whether you wished you had done it differently? I'm using myfitnesspal.com and took initial measurements and photos. What are you suggestions?

Thanks, I did get a full set of measurements about one month ago and will wait another month before i retake them, although I feel as if all my clothes do fit a bit looser. Good luck for your upcoming surgery. I look forward to hearing how well you will do Just did a review of my measurements and have lost a total of 16 inches when i last did the measurements five weeks ago. I had measured the neck, waist, breast, hips, arms and legs. Also have lost a total of 19 lbs since my highest in mid july this year. I have my second of three visits to the nutritionist on this monday and will also see the psychologist. Trying to stay focus on what i need to do and enjoying it too! Still feel like the day for surgery is far off, but I know it will come around soon enough and the more i lose before the better for safety and comfort. [/url

I like that idea, a visual reminder of goals met and goals to meet.

Hi, Good luck inyour endeavor. If you have not already listened or read Alex Brecher's books on WLS , it could be very helpful.

Hi to all, I have my first consult appt in the beginning of November, 2015. With over 11 weeks to go before that appointment, what recommendations do you have to prepare, i .e., exercise, weight loss, avoidance of certain foods, etc. Much appreciated.

Hi India, What a stressful time for you, no wonder you are overwhelmed. Take a moment to regroup and look at what you can take off your "list" of expectations and focus on yourself. Perhaps you are fueling your hunger with carbs and it is an never ending cycle. Try the Protein first approach and it may bring that hunger beast under control. What you might consider as being a failure if reflected to me as being a survivor. Take care and you are so worth it.

Hi, A 2 lb weight gain in one day's time is most likely Water retention. If you review your food intake for the past two days, you'll probably see some high salt foods that were eaten. Remember that 3500 calories are needed to gain one lb so not likely you consumed 7000 calories!! One quart of water weighs about 2 lbs. Weighing every day can be stressful because there are going to be fluctuation, i.e., water retention, constipation, etc.. Consider weighing less often and focus on the exercise and healthy, lower salt choices recommended from the program. Good luck!

thanks to all who replied! The depth of experience and valuable information shared is terrific. I see I have some work to do but look forward to doing it now.

Can anyone share their experience with having WLS with Medicare as the primary payor? Is the waiting period long?