The New Kel

Congratulations on your surgery! I hope you are recovering well. 1) The food cravings that you will get at about 1-2 weeks out will go away. It's mostly head hunger, and your body learning to adjust to the new way of eating. Don't fret the hunger. Follow the plan and it will pass. 2) You will stall at some point, sometimes very early on. It passes. Your body is adjusting, so just relax and keep on the plan. 3) Rest! When your'e tired, listen to your body. I napped on and off for three weeks after surgery. This surgery takes a true toll on the body, so give it time and rest.

Congratulations on getting your life back, and making yourself a priority! You have tons of courage and I can tell you are going to be very successful in your journey. Safe travels and best wishes for fast healing!

To the gallbladder question- I had mine removed 5 weeks before my sleeve surgery because I had a stone . Gallbladder surgery is a piece of cake. In and out of hospital same day, like in 4 hours! Then a couple days rest. I considered it a break from work and time to catch up on Netflix, lol! Here are just a few things that your dad might want to consider that are complications of obesity: Heart disease Stroke High BP Arthritis edema Depression reclusive behavior joint problems. Many more. A couple years ago, I had a stroke in my eyeball! yes, you read that right. My BP shot up to 210/100 and I my vision got fuzzy. Went to ER and was put on bed rest and meds for a BP caused Retinal occlusion. I still have some vision loss in my right eye. I was told I was lucky that I didn't have a full blown stroke. I am only 47. My brother had a heart attack at age 45. He is obese as well. I am thankful now that as I am losing weight post surgery the risks for these things are drastically decreasing. Not to be morbid but I do think that the odds for dying in a car accident are higher than life threatening complications from WLS. Something for your dad to consider as well.

Well said! Thank you for being a positive example of those of us who are new and learning. We don't need coddling, we need real life advice. I love hearing from the veterans of success.

@@fatchocobomom Hello and welcome!! I am relatively "new". I had sleeve surgery 9 weeks ago. I can address the pre-op focus portion. I have Neve been diabetic so I can't offer advice there. Congratulations on your first steps towards getting heathy! I agree that starting your pre-op diet during the holidays and birthdays might be difficult. (Seems you and your husband really like the month of March..wink wink ). My advice on staying focused is to visualize the life you want. Can you see yourself diabetic free and in smaller clothes? Can you imaging yourself pain free and active? How about summer clothes, feeling sexy, and healthy for your kids? visualize that life as you go through this busy, festive month. (I started mine just before halloween. I kept seeing everyone partaking in the stuff I loved, the foods of fall, the holidays, etc, but what I had in my mind was how I would look and feel next summer because I am NOT partaking in all of that stuff). During my pre-surgery work ups and diet, I stayed on track because I was determined to get the life I want. It was only possible if I stayed on task. The day of surgery was a celebration in itself, like a second birthday. Your husband sounds supportive, so perhaps he will prepare the yummy foods for your kids birthdays, etc. As for losing 12 lbs before Jan 24, it's doable. I lost 17 lbs on the pre-op liquid Protein diet. If you replace one or two meals a day with Protein shakes and then eat one meal lower in carbs I bet you will see the weight start dropping. Whether you decide to start this month or next, if you want a new life bad enough, you will find yourself jumping through hoops and staying on course. Good luck and keep us posted on your journey!!

@@Anna Nim The complications of staying obese far outweigh any potential complications of surgery. Your dad seems to be coming from a place of fear. Most of the complications he quoted are 1-4 week post-op issues that most of us dealt with in some minor way or another. For example dehydration, can be dangerous but fixable! Gallstones? Surgery fixes that, too. I guess the question for him is, does he want you to be happy? You're 46, capable of your own decisions. Stay strong!

Habits and addiction are life long battles. Surgery is the easy part but the mind's behavior wants to stay the same. I am a food addict, but I work at my "recovery" every day. I have not strayed from my plan and I feel I have a handle on it now. Its those addictions and behaviors that lead people eat that stuff. Why post about it? My guess is that there is guilt and worry and a need for validation. My best advice for them is to seek counseling and therapy. Food addiction is a b*tch but it can be overcome.

Feeling pretty successful so far. I have 53 lbs to go to meet goal, but have lost 45! HW: 240 (pictured in blue top 9/15/16, size 1x, 20 SW: 219 10/3/16 CW: 192. (Pictured In black 12/5/16), size L-xL, 14 Now time to keep focused and on track through holiday/cookie season! Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

I'm 9 weeks, almost 10. I was told not to eat avocado, shrimp, and anything with seeds or that had a shell as in shellfish. Basically staying away from anything that could hurt the newly stitched tummy. Also I am told to stay away from super high fats like nuts, but I gotta admit, I have been snacking on cashews now and then in moderation.

Wowza! You look amazing! Congrats on your success, health and transformation!

You're almost there! Excited for you! Let us know how everything goes. making room for you here on the loser's bench.

Thanks, I hope you are more excited that nervous! I think having the surgery before the holidays is beneficial. Because there is no way you will be wanting those goodies post surg! I had mine right before Halloween, Thanksgiving and of course Christmas. And I'm glad! Best of luck to you for a smooth day tomorrow and easy recovery!

Goal weight 188 Current weight 192 Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

This is pretty much what I do. On those days I drink Protein shakes and nibble on cheese. I've had days where absolutely nothing sounds good.

I was able to sleep on my stomach at about 4-5 days post op. It will depend on how you are feeling pain wise.

The goal of WLS is not to be skinny. It is to be healthy. Does he like healthy women?

Hi @@jellybean12 Welcome! Similar to you, I had the the same stall then dropped a few. I also am mid-190s now. I have felt that empty feeling, but usually only in the wee early mornings. I think some of it is acid. I drink tea or coffee and to goes away. Hip bones, nice NSV!

I'm 5'3". My surgery weight was 219 on October 3rd. (I was 238 when I started my pre-op diet Sept 19). I haven't done a week to week weight post but thought I would here so as to show that stalls happen and you recover. 9/19 pre-op 238 9/26 pre-op 230 10/3 SW. 219 10/10 (wk1) 215 10/17 (wk2). 211 10/24 (wk3). 207 10/31 (wk4) 207 11/7 (wk5). 204 11/14 (wk6) 201 11/21 (wk7). 199 11/28 (wk8) 197 Today I am 195, close to 9wks post op. My first stall happened at week 3 and lasted 2 weeks.

@@Margie122 HAPPY BIRTHDAY and CONGRATS! You look fantastic, what a transformation! Way to go also on your pursuit of your Bachelors. Cheers to you!

Have you tried baking the Quest bars yet? You cut them into eight pieces and bake at 350 for 10-12 minutes. They taste pretty good for a change of pace. Like Cookies without the damage. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App Great idea! I really like Quest bars but I love the idea of making 'cookies' from them!

Congrats on your success so far!! Thats great! I haven't tried bananas yet. That does not sound pleasant! Getting Fluid in for me can be a challenge also. I haven't been getting mine in lately.

@@LittleBill I will have to try the brined chicken. I love roasting whole chickens, I used to do that quite a bit. I have been eating some Quest bars. I went online and bought about 10 of them, in all different flavors which was fun. I discovered that love the lemon ones, chocolate cookie dough, and the Peanut Butter chocolate ones. The blueberry ones are pretty good with some hot tea or coffee! Your chili sounds good. I love a good chili! I live in El Paso so there is plenty of green or red chili and lots of chili fixings!

@@LittleBill, Great to hear! As for your "regular foods", what are you eating? I'm having a hard time these days, feeling some pain with eating anything other that soft stuff. Way to go on your success, and on the mile walk!!

Congrats on getting into Onderland!!

I have the same insurance. It went really smoothly. I had the same requirements, and once they were completed the auth process took just 10 days, and no denials. Good luck!