Halfagain

I am guessing that diet alone has not worked for you to keep the weight off long term. For me, I know I can lose weight by dieting (I've done it dozens of times), but keeping it off has been the problem. The body fights back to return to the same or larger size. Statistically people with the surgery do far better long term than diet alone. I realize we still have to work for it, but my belief is the sleeve will help us with maintaining a lower set point. I would do the surgery if i were in your shoes, but that is based off of my history with dieting/exercise.

My pre-op diet is for 3 weeks. It consists of 3 or 4 Protein shakes a day and one low cal dinner. Grand total per day calories not to exceed 870. I've been averaging 650 calories a day. I'm on day 12. I was hungry the first few days but since then not so much. I have struggled with head hunger (thinking of things that I really wanted to eat) a couple times. I have not given in. The main reasons I have stuck closely to this diet: it is required by my surgeon, it has a completion date (before I change to sleeve diet), and I felt (for me) if I can't do this for three weeks, maybe I ought to consider my readiness for the sleeve changes that will be for life. I see the sleeve as a tool to help with my new diet, and not the sleeve being the diet. This pre-op IS the start of the whole change, where the sleeve arrives a little later to help he get thru the rest of my life.

I am lucky in so many ways to work remote from the office. I work from home. While I miss seeing old friends from the office, having my eating habits scrutinized is off the table. I do get into the office a couple times a year though. A few years ago I lost 170 lbs with a low carb diet. I went into the office and I it was amazing the comments and congratulations I got. Walking into the office whilst going back that 170 lbs the astonished looks were about as telling. Regardless if it was surgery or diet and exercise you will have people talking. It is human nature. I explained the diet I was on to those who asked back then. I'm undecided if I will just say same diet when the weight loss is noticed the next time or not. I have told brothers, sister, and dad. They are all very supportive but they live in the small home town I grew up in. I am sure with my family, since I didn't say "this is a secret" they have told cousins, aunts, neighbors, etc. I will probably be on the prayer chain as well. It is too late to put the news back in the box, but I trust these people love me. Regardless of their feelings about surgery, they will support me. I do regret school mates may know.... Old feelings of being taunted still haunt me there.

Checking in! Day 8 pre-op about to close. Keep on keeping on, till 12/16 surgery. I'm getting about 700 calories a day, but other than head hunger not doing too bad. Ok I did do some grousing to family about keeping junk food put away. I've been strong but I'm not superwoman.

I support you and your decision, congratulations! Everyone's journey is their own, and what works for some doesn't work for others. The fact we keep striving to get to the healthy destination is to be congratulated regardless of the vehicle we arrived in. I'm impressed with your persistence and innovative approach to keeping insurance that will cover. Sounds like fills are covered for two years, hopefully with fluoroscopy. You chose your new tool based on your research, comfort level on what would be done, etc. you have been moving down the path to get to your surgery date for a long time. Be confident in your research and decisions! I had band issues, but others do not and are very successful. I do envy those successful bandster with their intact innards and flexibility to change restriction for medical needs, etc. I'm sending the positive vibes for a great recovery for you. Based on the little bit of your story you shared, you have worked hard for this, and I am sure you will do great.

My surgeons office has carbonated beverages on the never again list of things. However I am sure some folk have drank them. You probably need to check with your NUT to be sure if it is okay. I'm my lap-band days, I heard of people shaking all the carbonation out before drinking. Ugh, I just thought how beer would be like that. Lol. I'm not sleeved yet, until 12/16, but hopefully this helps.

December is getting so close when it seemed so far away. I'm getting through the thanksgiving holiday okay during the pre-op diet. I fixed supper with no tastes or regrets. Granted I didn't make a lot of homemade treats, but there were some old favorites. Okay I did avoid the large family gathering, but I'll go visit them on Saturday. Besides I got to work outside in 30 degree weather putting up Christmas decorations. It was a great distraction. I hope you all had a lovely day and are getting set for December.

I'm a newbie to the sleeve, but a veteran to lap-band as well as another diet group from a few years back. Your question of relevance has came up at times, on each of the other groups I once belonged to. I believe as a open group there is much turnover of active members. You get newbies/ignorant folk, crusty folk, butthurt folk, and buttheads. I really dislike trolls, and just mean folk. However there are also wonderful supportive folks like you cowgirlJane. I appreciate the insight any of the veterans provide, and I thank you for it.

The first seminar I attended the surgeon presenting said that a three month recovery for the stomach was needed after the band removal. Then I could have the sleeve surgery. It blew my mind, as I really wanted it all done in one surgery. However, the next seminar the surgeon there said the same thing. I gave up my hurry up attitude and went with what I had heard twice, and subsequently 3 times when I finally scheduled a consultation. They all said the complication were less, chances of a leak was less, it was just safer. Especially if someone has had band complications over the years. I'm just saying, getting the band out and doing something differently later on might be an option.

I suspect my BMI of over 50 is how my approval was provided so fast. The wait I have for the sleeve is in order for my lap band removal to heal from internal scaring around my stomach.

Had my upper endoscopy done today. I was out for the whole thing. The doctor found a lot of bile backed up in my stomach. I had no idea that was going on. My gallbladder was removed in 1981 (I was 20 at the time). Anyway sounds like all else was fairly normal. Only pain is a very sore throat, but gargle with warm salt water helps. Peppermint tea is nice and soothing too.

Please be sure where you read information on the pre-op diet came only from your nutritionist and not from someone's post online. Our orders for the pre-ops and phasing back to solid foods vary greatly from surgeon to surgeon. If your doctors office approved it, go for it!

My family and I had our Thanksgiving dinner today. I start my 3 week pre-op diet tomorrow. I had a Protein shake for Breakfast today, but did eat a few more carbs than I hoped I would today with dinner. No pie, so I think I did far better today than in years past. I told my hubby I'd cook a ham for him Thursday. I'm sure I can be strong through the week, and once I have a few days of success I won't want to give that up. At least that's my plan, and I'm sticking to it! My pre-op was laid out for me 3 months ago, right after my lap band was removed. I've had a fear of gaining up above the planned pre-op diet start weight (what I weighed when the band came out). I won't say "luckily" as I had to be mindful, but I've made it to the starting line within a pound of where I was 3 months ago. Now to lose the planned amount before surgery.

Dr Michaelson will be doing my sleeve surgery 12/16/15. I've got one more test to do beforehand though. A upper endoscopy is next week, then the pre-op diet starts just before thanksgiving.

When do you start your pre op diet? I start on the 14th December. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk I start the pre op diet this coming Tuesday. I have a 3 week pre op diet, shakes mostly with about 200 calories of low carb choices (salads, veggies).

Congratulation!

I don't have any medical office knowledge, but I would switch if you don't have a good feeling about your current surgeon/office. You have paid for each appointment and test along the way. Those findings and results and records are yours. Transfer of your records from one office to the other should be able to be done with a authorization signed be you. The office you are wanting to switch to should be able to advise you. Good luck! I really like the office I go to in the Everett area.

Ha, it just dawned on me how it has been many years since I've wanted December to hurry up and get here. ⛄️???? The years go past far too fast already. I'm just looking forward to getting on the losers bench in December. Actually though, my BMI is 53 so I have jumped in a week ago Monday with a low carb, low sugar, low fat diet. I did very well on this diet a few years ago, but gained the weight right back again. I'm in no danger of fouling up insurance coverage by losing too much before 12/16/15. I have been inspired that with the sleeve surgery, and a lesson learned, keeping the weight off is going to stick this time. With that on my side, why wait to get going?

Sorry my world of Warcraft lingo came out there.... Unlocking abilities = being able to do things you can't do now.

From reading and reading some more on sleeve surgery this sounds very common to feel down or mourn the past abilities. Just think of the abilities you are unlocking by getting each day/step closer to a healthier body. However are you saying you can't sip fluids? Or you can't take a gulp of fluids? If you can't keep sipping fluids to keep hydrated, you should reach out to your surgeons office for next steps. Dehydration is serious stuff. Hugs, Barb

Kathy your post made me laugh at the irony of it all. Thanks for sharing. Im glad you did get a ticket! Barb Oops I meant did NOT get a ticket!

It's great to hear your success with the goal, and maintenance. I'll check out your blog ????

I admit I try not to post if we seem to have a dog pile of basically the same messages. I'm not saying anyone is/was mean in this case -at all. or that people do not have the right to voice a helpful response, but sometimes In some threads I think the message has already been pretty clearly put across and there is no need to heap more onto the pile of comments.

I have been sampling protein shakes lately, and getting a protein mixing cup really makes them better. The shaker bottle doesn't come near the texture from the mixer. I got a promixx vortex, but I would think there are plenty of options - like a ninja or blender. I just dislike using the blender for 8 ounces of drink. Anyway, my point is Syntrax I found rather nasty before is pretty good now. The texture thing was more important than I thought. I used to like bubble tea but lumpy protein shakes are just wrong.