Namaste6

Ask your surgeon or your nutritionist. I don't drink coffee, but I am a big Tea junkie. They told me I could have decaffeinated herbal tea in phase 1 after surgery (not too hot)

I am having surgery November 4th I started a Topic on here called "Tools/Items for Portion Control" - People have posted A LOT of helpful things in there. Here are some suggestions they shared either in the forum or via message: - 2 and 4 oz tupperware containers - USB Mug warmer - Zoku Slush and shake Maker - ProHydrate Water AboutTime - Microwave Steamer - Smaller silverware (a set of 4 espresso spoons and 4 appetizer forks) - Appetizer plates - Magic Bullet Blender - Shallow Ice Cube trey to freeze 2 oz of Soup or broth

@@butterfly23 I live over on the east side (Hawaii Kai). I have been going to the gym for the past month and have lost just over 20 lbs, which feels amazing! I also have been doing high Protein, low carb, which as gotten easier, thank god. I am working with Dr. Fowler over at Castle Medical, and the team over there has been very supportive. Who was your surgeon?

@@Dub My great-uncle had the Sleeve September of last year. When he started out he was over 560 lbs at 6'1. His surgeon suggested getting the Sleeve and then later doing the RYN if he doesn't get to a healthy weightl. In less than a year he has been walking everyday, doing strength training, and eating a very healthy diet. I saw him in August for a family reunion and he stated that he was down 210 lbs. In less than a year! He has worked very hard, and said it wasn't easy, but he felt a difference and is enjoying his life now. You are on a great path, you are well-informed, and you are making a decision that is best for you!

I bought a pack of six 2 oz for when I make dairy/protein items to freeze and a pack of six 4 oz ones too. Someone privately messaged me and suggested a Zoku Slushy/Shake cup for Protein shake or juice slushies. I bought it at William-Sonoma for $15! Plus, I know my husband will use it for stuff too, so I thought it would have more than a bariatric diet purpose in my house.

@@BLERDgirl That's a good idea! Especially for soups! I think my husband has one actually from a white elephant event.

Thank you everyone for your input! I am thinking about buying the 2 oz OXO tot food containers so I can pre-make and then freeze some soups and such. Just so much to think about and of course during the pre-op you are just thinking about the actual surgery, and not much about post-op lifehacks (in my case). So I want to be prepared so I don't feel super overwhelmed.

Same with me - I am 49 BMI at 5'6. I am getting the sleeve for the same reason as not wanting to change the way my digestive system works. My doctor said that IF I am not happy with the results after two years, it is still possible to do the RYN if I really wanted/needed it.

I started a new job and my desk was no where near the common area they put food and Snacks at, which I was SOO happy about with starting this journey. I went into work this week, and they had rearranged the entire office, and now the food is all less than 4 feet from my desk. I work in healthcare center that promotes healthy eating (a lot of my co-workers are of Asian decent, who naturally have smaller frames and figures), so you would think everyone would eat healthy on a daily basis. Nope. Everyday someone brings in a super delicious smelling, high carb snack and the fan in the area blows it directly towards my desk now. And they are constantly asking me to come join them, saying "You have GOT to try this malasada!" (this amazing looking Portuguese donut). It's brutal.

I used to live in Orlando - what area? I had an AMAZING one over by UCF area. The woman I went was a PA under Dr. Bracero over by UCF, she had gotten the Lap-Band a few years ago, so I know she is well versed in Bariatrics and pregnancy. A lot of women who go there have been referred to surgery through other doctors as well. Check them out. http://orlandocenterforwomenshealth.com They have three locations.

Breathe. You are making a life changing/improving decision to get surgery, and everything will be amazing in the end. I am 32 days away from my surgery date and I understand you completely with the whole 'cheating' on your diet plan. It's stressful, and sometimes annoying. Your friends will come around once they get used to the idea of you 'changing'; and think of this as a new you birthday! Your last birthday to eat a good piece of cake (one piece... =P) And hormones are the devil, they ruin everything, throw your emotions into a cyclone and they make you think ridiculous thoughts! I am sure when you come to be a month away from surgery everything will kick back into gear and you will be super happy, excited, and overjoyed (still a little nervous). I hope you have a great new you birthday!

@BettyBoop I swear by the app LoseIt. They have a large database of foods that includes brands, restaurants, and even generic labels. It also has a scan, so you can scan in the food you eat. It also calculates the total grams/percentages of fat, Protein, and carbs. You can even put notes on a meal saying "This filled me too much" or etc. It will give you a projection of weight control for: loss, gain, and maintenance; it will not allow you to say you want to lose more than 2 lbs a week though, but you can change it in the "Goal" section by decreasing your calories. I was told by my Nutritionist to lower my calories to a certain mark, which was very possible. I have been using it for the past month and it has really helped keep me aware.

I was under the impression from my Bariatric Team that your BMI when you first start the program is the one they keep in mind and use for the rest of the insurance approval. I have heard and read about many people who lost weight and lowered their BMI to an unqualified number and still qualified for surgery. I could be wrong, but I think you will be ok to lose weight as long as you talk to your Team about it.

I am glad to see lots of November sleevers. Everyone, keep in touch! I want to see how amazing you all do! Anyone blogging about their journey? I would love to follow your stories.

Congratulations on setting your date! I am getting mine done November 4th. There are sooo many emotions and thoughts. I keep having to remind myself of all the positives that are going to come. Such an exciting time for you also! Good luck with pre-op stuff!

I too am planning on keeping my surgery quiet. Around 2 years ago, I had a cousin go through bariatric surgery; the majority of my family was unsupportive, made horrible comments about him behind his back saying "He took the easy way out" or "He didn't try anything" when he tried VERY hard. Luckily, I moved to Hawaii with my husband within the past year, so I won't have to worry about seeing family and friends from the east coast more than twice a year really. I spoke to a woman at my support group who said she told people the first year that she was doing a strict diet with medical help and supervision including high Protein, low carb, and exercise plan (which is technically true...). I am not ashamed of getting the surgery AT ALL. But I feel like once I tell someone other than my immediate family that from then on the only conversations we will ever have is "So, about that surgery...". I don't want to have the negativity or the snide remarks. We are all doing this to better our health and our lifestyle. We should feel empowered by our decision to get surgery, not ashamed or have the feeling that we are being criticized/judged.

I am November 4th. Good luck everyone!!

@@bigirleurope I am a November 4th Sleever as well; glad to see another person with the same date! I was advised by my nutritionist to try the Liver Shrinking diet as a test, and I lost 8 lbs in a week just trying it out. It is very possible. The diet plan she gave me includes: 2 Protein shakes (Under 200 calories, under 12 carbs, up to 5 grams of fat, and up to 35 grams of protein) 1 meal (palm size protein, and three handfuls of veggies or one handful of fruit) 2 protein servings for Snacks (cheese, hummus, chicken, turkey, yogurt, nuts, and you can add celery or lettuce to these) It works for me when I mix it up, having my meals as a protein snack, and the shakes in between with my main meal being a lunch. I feel this plan will help me get used to the new lifestyle. It actually is more food then you think. Hope this helps!

Today I got a call to set my surgery date (Nov 4). Of course this is an amazing thing! But they said they haven't yet gotten a response from my insurance company. Is this normal? I am more nervous than anything because what if I get denied...

How awesome! What month do you think you are going to be getting it done in?

Oh, I am sure they know my voice by heart. I have called with questions or concerns a good number of times over the last few weeks. I am just excited that the ball is rolling! You are getting yours done in October!!! Wow! That IS right around the corner, lucky!

@@Soxgirl This site has been such great support for me as a pre-op patient. It has given me real insight to how my life is going to change. Even if it isn't face-to-face support, you can always turn to the people on here to give you that push!!! I wish you luck and happiness in your journey!!