ahappycamper

It could definitely be related. I heard some folks suggest to make sure you have enough sodium if you are having headaches. Sent From BariatricPal App

Doing pretty good today, surprisingly! Still need to eat my lean and green and have my last shake for the day, but that'll come later. broth with garlic, salt, pepper added isn't too bad either! The biggest problem I had today was Water, which I typically don't have any problems with! I had to leave my large water bottle in the car while I voted and by the time I finally got out, it was warm and yeah. I haven't gotten my water in today, but we will keep at it. Thankfully, I'm hungry, but not super hungry. Only day one, so who knows what tomorrow holds! Sent From BariatricPal App

Thanks so much, everyone! And good luck to you folks who are hanging tough with me during the pre-op diet! My regular diet was actually not hugely different, but I'm sure it will still be a struggle. The foods/amount of foods isn't really a problem for me. The biggest thing I've struggled with since starting this process in January was to learn to sip. I have always been a gulper. I can no longer be one, but sipping is so much less satisfying to me. Oh, well. I'm sure it just takes time to get used to it! Sent From BariatricPal App

Just a bit outside Baltimore, MD. Sent From BariatricPal App

how much are you anticipated to lose by doing this for 2weeks?I'm not anticipating any number in particular. The purpose of this diet is not just to lose extra weight before surgery, but primarily it is to shrink the liver. When we eat fats, carbs, whatever, our liver gets fatty and enlarges. As it rests over the stomach, shrinking it allows for better access to the stomach for the laproscopic tools. What I lose, I lose. What I don't will come off later. Sent From BariatricPal App

Yep.☝☝☝ And to the OP: I'm on government assistance and I had to wait six months and complete a long list of things before I could be approved. Congratulations to your cousin on making what is sure to be a positive step in her life! How wonderful! You should see if she'd like to join BariatricPal and maybe the two of you could support each other in your journeys? Sent From BariatricPal App

My grandmother had the gastric sleeve done just about one year ago and one month later, I made my appointment with her surgeon. Now my grandfather is having his done by the same guy. Sent From BariatricPal App

I was worried about the same thing. I even contemplated lying, but decided ultimately, that was a poor move. I've struggled with severe major depression (as in, I should've been in a mental health facility for months at a time), anxiety attacks, and OCD behaviors that led to bodily harm. I've experienced abuse, a lot of recent death, and sexual assault. All of that was disclosed and because I am not currently seeing a therapist or taking medication (neither are necessary any longer), I was bumped from being top level quality candidate to second level quality candidate because of the risk for experiencing depression post-op. She said this wasn't enough for my surgeon to cancel the surgery and that many, if not most, receive similar evaluations. She told me flat out that in her experience, it is rare for her to determine someone a Grade A quality candidate (I'm really trying, but can't remember her phrasing so I'm making up my own) because people are very rarely overweight for no reason to begin with, but on top of that we carry the emotional baggage that is a result of being overweight. I guess I should say, though, I'm not the expert, nor am I your surgeon or part of their team, so what I (or the person who evaluated me) says is irrelevant if your surgeon says differently. Even after all that, I still went home feeling sick and terrified I wouldn't be approved because of that. It's natural to be scared about telling someone our most private concerns while knowing the whole point is for them to "evaluate" you. That's basically just judging when you get down to it, and being judged is not something that sits well with most of us. We may be used to it, but it immediately puts us in a vulnerable mindset. There's nothing wrong with being scared, but please don't let it keep you from being totally honest like it almost did me. The best way they can help you prepare is to have all the information they possibly can. This way, if any issues do arise post-op, they'll have had a sort of warning so there is a plan in place to get things back on track quickly. I promise it isn't even half as bad as your mind will make it out to be. It'll be over before you even know it. Sent From BariatricPal App

My surgery is scheduled for the 22nd, so it is unlikely I will even attend Thanksgiving. However, I previously thought my surgery would be in mid-October. At the time, I was mentally preparing myself for a Thanksgiving unlike none other I've had haha. I figured on spoonfuls of baked sweet potatoes (or regular potatoes with unflavored Protein powder? Don't actually know if that's any good or not), corn souffle, turkey if I were far enough along, or even butternut squash Soup or tomato soup if I would've been on liquids. As for nosey family members, unfortunately, I'm all out of good advice. Thankfully, my family is so large that we could never fit us all in one house. Even more fortunately is the fact that the ones I know would be nosy, unapproving, or judgmental all live in, at least, other cities if not other states. I don't know where I saw it or who wrote it, but one of the folks here on BariatricPal wrote in a post I read earlier today that when they encountered people asking questions they no longer wanted to answer, they said something to the effect of how they were tired of talking about their weight, but they'd be happy to talk about the other person's weight. I wish I could remember where I saw this, I'd love to give proper credit to the OP of that. I found it so hilarious; laughed for ages! Would talking to your brother help at all or would it only make things more tense? If it would help, I'd suggest that. Though, I don't necessarily mean you should tell him about the surgery if you feel that isn't something you'd like to do. I'll be around all day Thanksgiving, though, so if nothing else...you can sneak off to another room and post here to vent about how the day is going and we'll have your back!

I'm 29, due to have my sleeve on the 22nd, and from Maryland. But I grew up in Kentucky, too! Good luck to you all! Sent From BariatricPal App

I haven't had my surgery yet, but this is a great question! I'm looking forward to seeing what everyone says. Where can I find these Vitamin Patches? Sent From BariatricPal App

Hi, everyone! My date to be sleeved is the 22nd, and I'm very excited! I've been so busy lately, I feel like I don't quite have my head on my shoulders. There are a few things I'm wondering (for those who already have had theirs)... 1. What did you take to the hospital? Is there anything you wish you had taken? Anything you took but realized was totally unnecessary? 2. What can I reasonably/roughly expect my first 7 days to look like. I know what's coming in terms of liquid/protein intake, but as far as activity goes, what did your first week look like? How did you spend your time? What was your energy level? 3. At home, my bed is very high. After a long day at work, getting into bed is a challenge. Is it likely I will feel similarly, in your best estimation, after coming home from the hospital? How tender is the abdomen? I'd assume quite, but I also would've assumed chopping off half an organ would've required more than a night or two in a hospital. 4. What is the best advice you have for someone before surgery? Thank you all so much for any input! You're the best. Sent From BariatricPal App

I've yet to actually get sleeved, but it's just around the corner! To be approved for surgery, I had to wait 6 months and complete a checklist of doctors to visit. During that time I had monthly nutritionist appointments where I would be weighed. There was no weight loss requirement for my insurance approval, but it was obviously encouraged to work some off prior to surgery. My final nutritionist appointment was in September. I'd done well the first four months but gained ten of 15 I'd lost back by the final appointment. It is now 2 months since then, and I was able to drop the ten I gained back and then some. Five years ago my dad died somewhat unexpectedly and I gained about 80-90lbs on top of weighing 260-70 at the time. My highest weight was in the 340s. Recently I weighed in at under 300lbs for the first time in years and today, I weighed 286! This is closest I've been to my pre-grief weight since I started this process. I'm looking forward to my big day on the 22nd. Sent From BariatricPal App

I'm also on the 22nd! Just did my pre-op blood work this morning. Won't start my 2 week pre-op diet until the 8th, so three days left of "regular" eating. I'm beginning to get anxious, too -- but I'm so excited on the other hand. Regardless, I'm ready! Best of luck, lots of healing and positive vibes to all of you this month!! Sent From BariatricPal App

Hi, everyone! I'm pre-op and due to have my sleeve done in October. Someone from my doctor's office recommended a book called "From the Inside Out," by Steve Baum, Angela Bickman, and Paula Magic. In the book it says sleeve patients will "also have an indwelling Foley catheter (inserted while you are asleep in the surgery suite). This small catheter is inserted through your urethra into your bladder." I didn't realize we were given catheters. Is this true? Sent From BariatricPal App

Wow, thanks, everyone for the replies! Sent From BariatricPal App

Can I ask if you had the sleeve or another WLS? Was this recently? Sent From BariatricPal App

@@OutsideMatchInside I thought it seemed a little odd for such a short surgery, but then I've never had any kind of procedure beyond an endoscopy, so what do I know? Thanks! Sent From BariatricPal App

I'm wondering the same thing! Classes just started today and I'm due to have surgery in October. From what I understand it shouldn't be too bad and as long as you are upfront with your professors at the beginning of the class about having a surgery and possibly missing classes, most professors will be happy to work with you. Just make sure you tell them! You don't have to tell them what kind of surgery it is, though. Sent From BariatricPal App

Hi, @@ava32! I really am sorry to hear you have to deal with fat-shamers at work. That's got to be all kinds of stressful. Tuning it out is definitely the way to go! (Though, I don't know that I'd have that much restraint and grace, honestly.) I told a very small handful of people I'm close to, but they were carefully selected. Not even my brother knows. Right now I'm a full-time student, so I don't have to deal with co-workers but I won't be telling any of my professors or classmates. My health is nobody's business unless I want to make it so. Please don't feel pressured to tell people if you don't want to. People are nosey and will probably ask what kind of surgery you're having when you ask for time off, but you're not obligated to inform them. All you have to say is that you're having surgery to explain why you need the recovery time off and if they ask what it's for, you can tell them you prefer to keep your health and medical details to yourself. There is no shame in being quiet about it. They don't have to like it, they just have to respect it. As far as dealing with the stigma of not losing it on my own, maybe I'm an outlier here, but I don't really care? I've been fat since I was probably 9 years old after a trauma triggered my weight gain. I picked up habits from family and voila, here we are. I was 11 when I went on my first diet, not self-imposed. I've tried at least once a year, had some successful times, and used a number of methods, but nothing worked. I always gained it back. There have been COUNTLESS things I've missed out on because of my weight. Because of my weight, I don't really live anymore. I have been simply existing for the last 20 years. It's felt like being trapped behind a plate of glass while watching everyone else live their lives. I'm adventurous and actually enjoy working out, hiking, running, outdoorsy stuff, but for the most part, I can't because of my back and knee pain. What I want most in the world is to one day have a family. Someone I love, kids, dogs, etc. I want to really be there in the moment instead of in my head worrying about the pain, how hot I am, how I look, my shorts riding up or cutting into my tummy, etc. I don't want to pass my eating habits or lack of activity and enthusiasm to my future hypothetical children. That is something I would feel guilty about. I do not at all feel guilty for taking advantage of better living through science and medicine. Having the surgery doesn't mean there's no work involved. Figuring out your diet, managing that during your busy life, making a commitment to working out...those are things you will be doing after the surgery. The very same things someone would be doing who did not have WLS. You'll be doing just as much work as they will. The only difference is that for people who have WLS, doing those things on their own have already proven to not work. The surgery gives you a tool to help it work. It gives you a boost, but it definitely isn't work-free. Please stay true to what is right for you and don't let the obtuse, judgemental opinions of anyone else drive you away from staying true to you. You are doing this for you, not for anyone else. Your opinion is the only one that matters here. Sent From BariatricPal App

I second Clusie! I follow her on YouTube and IG, and she really is just wonderful! Her videos really helped me feel more at ease with my decision after I first made it. If you use tumblr, there is also a great (but smallish) community of WLS folks in their 20s or very early 30s there, too. I've been thinking about starting a separate WLS-focused IG and tumblr. I'd like to find more community and to document this process. Once I get on the ball and actually create said accounts, I'll look for you on IG! Sent From BariatricPal App

@@Blerdtech91 Welcome to BP! I'm new around here, too. Joined only a few days ago. I'm 29, 5'5" or so, and my CW is roughly 303 (but my scale at home lies and it's been almost a month since I've been weighed in -- going on Wednesday). I started at 340-something. I'm still pre-op, due to get my sleeve in mid to late October, and I have had the joy of waiting six months for my insurance, as well. The six months has mostly gone by quickly, but I noticed the excitement and the feeling that this was really going to happen for me dissipated at about month two. For me it was very easy to feel like this was so far away and I couldn't maintain my initial level of "omg, I'm so happy I'm doing this!!" Once I get close to my final appointment at the end of September, I'm sure the excitement will come back. I'm also anticipating a little anxiety, but nothing I can't handle. The endoscopy I was required to get during this six months was the first time I've been put under anesthesia. No other procedures or surgeries, so There's bound to be some nerves. Has anyone recommended to you a book called The Emotional First Aid Kit? It's written specifically for bariatric surgery patients and is really a great tool to help with the emotional aspects of recovery and life after surgery. It's written by Cynthia Alexander and available for the kindle at $9.99. I also found used copies for $6 plus $4 shipping on amazon. I definitely recommend it! Best of luck on your waiting period and surgery! Keep us updated! Sent From BariatricPal App

I'm still pre-op for the sleeve, likely to have it done in mid-late October. I've told some people, but compared to how large my family is...it feels like very few people. The only reason I told the ones I did was because two other relatives, one as recently as December 2015, have had WLS before me. I live with one set of grandparents and told them -- my grandmother was the one who had her sleeve done in December and inspired me to get mine done. I also told my uncle and his wife (he's more like my older brother), one distant cousin I never see and can keep a secret, and one local friend. This was far more people than I initially intended to tell. I've been obese since I was a kid, my highest weight being 340-something at 5'5". More than likely, I'm sure the reality is that most of my family would be supportive. Perhaps not actively supportive, but supportive in their response to my telling them. However, much of my family gossips. There is a certain group of them that is VERY appearance focused and obsessed with weight. I don't know if they would think I was taking the easy way out, and I don't care about that so much. On the other hand, I don't believe that anyone has the right to comment on anyone else's body. My body isn't their business. Furthermore, I am not looking forward to their reactions once they do finally see me after having lost a lot of weight. They associate thinness with beauty and fatness with a lack of beauty. Never have they fawned over my appearance or told me I was beautiful before, which is ridiculous because I am. I am fat AND beautiful and to them, those cannot co-exist. I am dreading the compliments, honestly. Their interest in going out with me, in buying me gifts of clothing will increase, etc. all because I will be thin. They will tell me how great I look and how beautiful I am, and I think it will only make me angry they didn't feel I deserved to hear those things all along. My value as a member of that part of the family will increase only because I will be thin, and that insults me to no end. So, considering how messed up of them that is, I am putting off telling them until I see them sometime next year. I don't imagine I will lie to them about the surgery; if they ask I'll be honest, but it isn't something I'm interested in dealing with now. As far as co-workers, fellow classmates (I went back to school to change career paths recently), and other acquaintances, I'll use my discretion. I'm a very private person, so I don't plan on telling anyone else except maybe my actual brother. He can't really keep a secret, though, so that's still up in the air. All that said, ironically, I've considered starting a blog pre-op to keep track of everything that happens, my progress, my emotional state. I'm perfectly fine telling total strangers online, but have no interest in telling my family, haha! At the end of the day, it has to be a personal choice for each of us. There's no wrong or right way to do this. Telling everyone, only some, or no one at all are all valid choices and no one else can make that choice for us. Sent From BariatricPal App

Even seltzer water can clean rust off metal, though Coke does work better because of the added phosphoric acid in conjunction with the carbonic acid. Carbonic acids love that Iron oxide! Sent From BariatricPal App

Congratulations!! On your weight loss, feeling healthier, being healthier, and of course, your little peanut!!!! What wonderful, wonderful news! Sent From BariatricPal App