higher

July 7th....pending insurance approval

When I was in college I sought counseling at the campus's mental health clinic. I met with the head psychologist there, eager to discuss some of the issues I was having as a freshman - I was overwhelmed with the academics, an ill-prepared public school graduate in over my head at a rigorous highly ranked university. I was also dealing with great financial stress having to maintain a part time job to finance my education while juggling academics. All totally legitimate issues worth of discussion but the psychologist told me at our first meeting that all my problems stemmed from my weight and I needed to lose weight before I could continue to see him. It was very discouraging and frankly an awful experience that turned me off from counseling for way too long. Luckily many years later I discovered that not all mental health professionals were so curt and callous.

Me too!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I'll be on an all liquid pre-op diet during vacation as well. It's at a peaceful resort and for some reason I think it will be easier to avoid temptation there as opposed to near all my old go-tos at home. But we'll see! When is your trip? Mine is the first week of July. I actually fly home the night before surgery...land at 10:30 pm and have to be at the hospital at 6:30 am the next day.

A lot of people on here post that they went down a shoe size! I hope that happens to me. I went from a size 6 to a 7 and have some gorgeous shoes that I haven't been able to wear. Also the bigger I get the more difficulty I have wearing high heels.

I asked my NUT about this and she strongly advised against starting with Protein drinks pre-op. She said you have to rely on them post-op and it's easy to get sick of them fast so to get protein from real food. I'm a month away from surgery and I've been trying to change my habits as well- low low carb, high protein foods. But I have also made the occasional "green smoothie" which is NOT low carb and added in protein powder- because I like them!

Anyone save $$ as a benefit? As a result of spending less money on food?

I'm leaving for a solo trip in a foreign country about 2 and a half weeks after surgery and joining friends at a resort 6 days after that. My surgeon and NUT said this should be fine but after reading this board I'm mentally preparing myself for the chance that my recovery is not as smooth as they predict and this won't be a good idea. But trying to stay positive! For the solo trip, I'm just looking forward to taking in an exciting foreign capital at my own pace- walking around, sightseeing, resting when I need it. Won't get to taste the cuisine much at all but I can always go back for that !

I would add - get a great tailor! Lots of clothes can be taken in as you lose weight.

My surgeon says no alcohol again ever as well. The nutritionist in his office disagrees with him. She recommends holding off for at least 3 months and then being aware that it may metabolize differently when trying it at first after surgery.

Thanks everyone. I'll see what my surgeon says but always great to see the range of responses. I hope I get the OK so I can swim!

This was a wonderfully insightful post and one I'll try to remember after my surgery.

I still haven't told anyone I'm considering it. Will probably tell my mother and siblings once I'm closer to surgery date. Except of course- you guys !

I'm on vacation 2 weeks after the sleeve (and the days leading up to the sleeve) and I'm optimistic we will be fine! Im with ya.

I would need to weigh 127 and under to get out of the 'overweight' BMI and into 'normal' range. Such is the life of a shortie. But I just want to be healthy and get my energy back. I weighed 127 briefly in college after some extreme dieting followed by a week long bout of the flu!

Wow! Congratulations. Truly an inspiration.

My surgery date is July 7th and my pre-op diet starts July 2nd. That said, I'm going to work hard to eat a high protein low carb diet up until then anyway. I'll actually be on vacation July 2-6th which will be....different! But I'm looking forward to sipping my liquids by the pool!

I love the idea of being satisfied with one slice of pizza. It seems so...reasonable!

A couple months ago I went through allllll the clothes I had sized up and out of over the years. Donated a ton, but ended up optimistically setting aside about 3 bags full of favorites that I hope to fit into on my way back down after surgery!

I'll be traveling 2 and a half weeks after my surgery for a total of 10 days. I will be on purees and moving towards soft foods on week 3. It's not ideal but I really don't have a choice.

My surgeon offered me July 7th as a date today. I have to confirm that with his assistant when she's back in the office on Tuesday. I still need to do some bloodwork and the echocardiogram and get insurance approval. It's a good date for me so I hope it works out.

I've done two sessions for my lower legs and forearms so far and it is going great. They use a GentleMax laser that shoots a cool gel after each laser zap so you barely feel the laser. After the first session I barely had any regrowth on my legs! Yay to never shaving again. It's quite costly though, so I can only do legs and forearms this year. Next year I'll do upper legs, underarms, bikini, etc.

I have UHC choice plus! I finished 6 appts and am meeting w my surgeon Friday. Hoping he sets a date.

Interesting thread, thanks for posting.