Recidivist

That's very interesting, Blue. I think you are right--everyone will be different, so there's no need to compare myself to others. At the end of the day, we will all get where we want to be.

I've seen quite a few people who lost a lot of weight before surgery, like 20+ pounds. Did all of that happen during the two weeks of liquid, or were you already dieting before then. (As some of you know from my posts, I'm not dieting before liquids!)

I hear you about the time off work! I have asked for two weeks of sick leave but have informed my boss that i might need more if I'm not recovering quickly enough. And just between us, I don't think I will be fully recovered after two weeks, if you get my drift. 🙂 By the way, I have not told anyone at work what surgery I'm having. I've told people it is to repair an esophageal hernia.

Hi, EmzBee. You should be on the other side now. Please check in when you can and let us know how things went in the hospital!

I'm somewhere between the two of you. i do believe that following a strict diet is by far the most important component in weight loss. However, I also believe that exercise contributes to weight loss.

That's great news, EmzBee! Best of luck tomorrow--we'll be thinking of you. Please check in after surgery when you are able!

Hi, Big Barl. How are things going for you in the first day after surgery?

Hey, Marine. A wedding planner for your surgery countdown--very creative, but it works. 🙂 What are your emotions at this point so close to surgery? Excited? Nervous? Just want it to be over?

So happy for you, Idawn. I would also like to avoid opiates if possible, and I generally have a pretty high threshold for pain. I was not planning to have my spouse spend the night, but that gives me something to think about. Perhaps others can weigh in on that after surgery. Could you tell us more about the fact that you are having trouble with fluids? Is it uncomfortable or painful to drink, or do you just not feel like you want that much water?

Altered Reality, you are the model of what I hope to be six months from now. Great job!

Good news! My insurance company approved the surgery on the first try! As some of you may remember, I was rather stressed out about that.

So, EmzBee--you might be joining me in the March club soon! I understand how disappointing this is for you, but as I said before, it's best to make sure you are completely ready for this major surgery. I hope it all goes well, and keep us posted!

For those of you who are at or near your goal weight, what did you find to be the biggest challenge in your journey? Getting enough protein, vitamins or water? Doing enough exercise? Avoiding temptation, especially when eating in restaurants? I'm sure it's different for everyone, but I'd be interested to hear what you think.

I'm totally with you, Jenforr. I didn't get seriously overweight until I was about 28 (that's 32 years ago, in case you are counting). I always thought of myself at the lower weight of my 20s, and I was shocked every time I saw myself in a mirror--and especially in pictures. In fact, it was particularly horrifying picture last summer that made me realize I had to do something--and here I am!

So, after my last-minute reprieve from the liquid diet, I've decided to take advantage of this week before I start liquids. I'm now doing shakes during the day and only eating dinner. I'm also weaning myself off of caffeine, especially Diet Coke. This should make the liquids easier when I start liquids next week.

Hi, Shuffle. I'm having gastric bypass on March 4. I'm in Washington DC--where are you located?

Thanks, Pug Mom! So far so good! I just learned today that my insurance has approved the surgery, so that was great news. I've completed all of the pre-op classes and lab tests, although they want me to come into the hospital on February 20 for yet another round of bloodwork. As I said, my original surgery date was February 25, so today was the first day of my liquid diet. I had actually started it and was feeling pretty cranky--dragging without caffeine, and with a terrible headache. I found out at 1:00 p.m. today that my surgery had been postponed, and I ran out of my office to eat a normal lunch and drink a Diet Coke!

Hi, Joe. I will turn 60 in May and am having my surgery on March 4. As I've said before, I have lost and gained the same 60 pounds many times over the past 30 years. My primary care doctor told me I likely had about 10 to 12 more years before dying of a massive stroke or heart attack and suggested I get a gastric bypass. I've been thinking about it for years, but that spurred me into action! We should compare notes after surgery. As men of a certain age, we will likely have similar experiences and encounter issues that some of the young ones might not. What are your starting weight and goal weight, if you don't mind my asking?

A couple of people have asked where my name "Recidivist" comes from, so I'll explain. A recidivist is a criminal who goes to jail, then keeps committing crimes when he gets out--and ends up going to jail again and again. That was the story of my dieting history: I would lose 60 pounds, gain it back, diet again....and repeat endlessly. So I'm a recidivist when it comes to dieting.

Hello everyone! I've been hanging out in the February club because my surgery was originally scheduled for February 25. However, my surgeon just called today to tell me my surgery has been postponed until March 4. I look forward to sharing experiences with all my new March buddies!

I think we had three surgeries today: TwoCoulters, SisterWannaSleeve and Itssbrit. When you are feeling up to it, please let us know how things went and how you are doing.

Does that mean you spent the entire weekend in the hospital? Sorry to hear that. Was there a reason they couldn't discharge you on Saturday?

Hello February surgery buds! Good news and bad news today. First, I found out that the insurance approved my surgery. Hooray! Then I got a call from my doctor's office telling me that they need to postpone my surgery from February 25 to March 4 because of conflicts with the doctor's schedule. Boo! However, it's better that I learned halfway through day 1 of my liquid diet instead of just before surgery. I can now eat like a normal person for one more week. If you all don't mind, I'd like to remain an honorary member of the February club and continue hearing about your progress--and updating you with mine. :-)

How was your steak dinner? My "last meal" was great! Day 1 of pre-op is almost over for us! Hope it was easy for you. 13 more to go! My steak dinner was wonderful, and it included two glasses of wine, a "loaded" baked potato and chocolate mousse for dessert. However, my surgeon's office called this morning and said they need to postpone my surgery for a week due to the doctor's schedule. Fortunately, I had only had two protein shakes by then and could eat a regular lunch.

Hi, EmzBee. I understand your wanting to go through with the surgery as scheduled, but I think you need to be completely honest with your medical team regarding any issues. Your doctor would know best whether this might make your surgery riskier or increase the chance of side effects. My big fear is getting a cold just before surgery, because I'm told that they don't want to operate if you have a bad cold. Not sure why--perhaps something to do with the anesthesia?