#BirdDog

This one is more of a cushion that presses against your nostrils as opposed to in. On this one if it’s not positioned correctly it will hiss. I’ve never used the inside the nostril ones.

This is the one I’m using , it’s the DreamWear by Respironics. *not me in the picture, I’m much better looking than that guy

My medical supplies company that did my initial mask fitting and set me up with the equipment is who I went through to try several masks. I did some online research and found a few masks I wanted to try. At my initial fitting they sent me home with one, I called them and said it wasn’t working for me. They let me come by the office and pick up a couple others that I mentioned. After a few nights I was able to let them know which one was working best for me and that’s the one they had me use. I did find after my surgery and weight loss I had to go to a smaller mask size. The original size was leaking a LOT.

I had a very difficult time with a CPAP, so much that I wasn’t using it and my apnea ended up out of control. I was falling asleep at work, driving, in meetings, etc. it was bad. I spoke to my sleep doctor and they were able to switch me to a Bi-Pap which gives me a different pressure when I exhale as opposed to when I inhale. It’s much more comfortable to use. I went through five or six different masks before I found one that worked for me. Once I had the combination right I started sleeping HARD. Usually I slept on my side, with the machine I sleep on my back and for the first couple months I slept so deep and didn’t move all night that I would wake up sore. Might want to look into the Bi-Pap and try a few masks. The first nights with the machine and the correct mask had me wired all day. Haven’t had so much energy in years! As for them postponing the surgery if you’re not using it. I can’t speak to that. But I would think the chances of that are slim. But each surgeon will have their own requirements. Mine was more concerned with me getting sick prior to the surgery. He didn’t want me to have a cold or the flu. That would have caused him to postpone.

When I tried to bring in protein bars I had the regular Quest bars. They seemed to have the best numbers for me. But I found if I had more that one or two during the week, that I would have a stall. That’s just me so YMMV, but that’s what I’d cut to see if the weight loss kicks in again. Then adjust as necessary. I still have them every once in a while. Keep a couple in my desk for those days where I just can’t get away for a real lunch or the days I forget it on the counter. :/ Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk Pro

You have the tools and know exactly what to do. You can easily do it! You got this! But remember what is really important... your happiness. I like the second picture of you the best, may not be the lowest weight you’ve had but it looks like you’re smiling! that’s where you need to be, happy! Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk Pro

I took mine with me to the hospital and slept with it on. Still use it religiously, never slept better! Mine is a bi-pap and they have set it to auto, it runs on the lowest setting all the time. Might not need it anymore, but I’ve put off having another sleep study and I don’t really want to give it up. Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk Pro

This is good advise, it’s the route I went as well. Two weeks seems like an eternity when you’re in the middle of the purée diet. But in the scheme of things it’s a really short amount of time. Use it to get your body adjusted. It’s your time to get mind over matter. You’ll be successful no doubt, just be patient. If there is some taste you are craving, get creative, hit up Pinterest or google and search low or no carb foods for whatever you desire. Tons of stuff out there. Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk Pro

Almost three years and still around...

I went down an entire size.

Well I did it. Yesterday they did the gastric sleeve operation at 7:30am. When I arrived for checking they did some paperwork that allowed the hospital to bill my insurance, then they took me back to pre-op. In pre-op they had me strip down and put on a gown. I didn't have any valuables with me but that is when they would have taken them and put them in the safe. A gentleman came in and started the IV. Another nurse came in and was asking me about what I had to eat and drink prior to the surgery date. Then I met the nurses that would be assisting the surgeon. They gave me a shot of blood thinner to protect from blood clots. I met the anesthesia person, he asked about if I'd ever been under or if any family members had issues with anesthesia. The surgeon came in and asked if I had any questions before we got started. They then wheeled me off to the operating room. In the OR there were several people work on getting everything ready, they hooked up to my IV, set up the heart monitor. Then anesthesia gave me something to relax. He then came over with a mask that covered my mom and nose and said he was going to give me some oxygen. Next thing I remember is waking up in recovery. For me this was the worst part, not feeling good coming out of the anesthesia and being in pain. There was one nurse to every two people. Unfortunately the other person that my nurse was watching was being combative so he the attention of a lot of staff members. Once things started to clear up for me a bit they adjusted my pain medication to something a bit stronger. After about an hour of being awake in recovery they wheeled me off to my room. On the way up to my room we stopped and got my family from the waiting room and they followed me up. I was pretty out of it from all the drugs they had been giving me. So I don't remember much about the day of surgery once I made it up to my room. It was mostly keeping me comfortable. They got me to the room around noon, and had me take a short walk at about 6pm. I was able to urinate for them so no need for a catheter. Yay!!! They gave me some more pain medicine and let me rest. Throughout the night someone came in about every two hours to check on me and my vitals and checking my blood sugar. The next morning they came in and gave me another shot of blood thinner, I had been sipping Water this entire time. I got up and went for a couple walks around the floor. Had to prove I could still urinate. Then the surgeon came in and talked about the surgery and answered more questions. He gave the okay for me to be released. I've made it home. Still in a bit of pain from one of the incisions but not the others. So far no real issues with nausea or vomiting. I feel this was the right decision for me and am excited to start this new chapter in my life. So far I'm doing good, as far as the pain, it sucks but I know each day it will get better and better. Just focusing on getting in my water and walking as much as I can. I'm just now laying down for the night, sure will be nice to sleep in my own bed.

A short video I made about 10 things I wish I had know before I had weight loss surgery. . For those of us on the forums it's probably old news, but for some its food for thought. Lol. Pardon the pun.

I didn't have one either.

Awesome!!!! So exciting!!! Hope things go smoothly for you as well!!!

Thank you! It's been an awesome journey and I know I have a lot of work ahead of me still.

Surgeon wanted me under 200 lbs. didn't really set a goal weight for myself. But I woke up this morning and weighed in.... Pretty stoked!!!!

Spent a little time today putting together a video of my before and after pictures. I think it turned out pretty well. I'm having a ton of fun with my new grasp on life! Trying to take advantage of the opportunity to do things I could never do before.

Today I had an awesome NSV!!! I work for the State Patrol and they are supporters of the Special Olympics. They were looking for people to run our leg of torch run. So I participated. It wasn't pretty but I got it done. From Olympic Drive in Gig Harbor to the war memorial SR16/Jackson. It was a good 4 miles. Doesn't sound like much but considering this time last year the only way I would have completed it would have been in the back of an ambulance... this was a major win for me. Not only was it a win for me but it was for an awesome cause.

Congrats!!! Such an exciting time!!

Congrats!!

Congrats!!! So exciting!!!

I've been using that app. I'm not as consistent with it as I should be. Just started week 4. Fun!

Congrats!!! Such an exciting time!!

Thanks for the advice. I think having gone through the struggles that we all have with various diets that I just keep waiting for the shoe to drop. I feel I have had a very successful journey thus far. Lots of stories of folks gaining weight back and looking at statistics don't help. I know bottom line my success is up to me. Would be nice to see hear more from those who are many years post op and maintaining. But unfortunately there aren't many that frequent the forums.

Today has been a rough day for me. I actually did well with my food. Nothing there, just stressed that I am going to mess this up and gain weight. I never really set a goal weight but the surgeon wants me under 200. I'm quickly approaching that mark and worried about the transition to maintaining. I am going to try and get an appointment with my nutritionist to discuss my concerns. Wish there were more veterans who had several years of maintaining that were around to share their story. Are they not here because there aren't many long term success stories or are they just to the point that their life doesn't revolve around the surgery??? Constant worry that I'm going to mess this up has me pretty down right now. I know that I alone have control over my future, just pray that I play my cards right.