Recidivist

Yes and no. I currently weigh 377.2 lbs. at home. I carry most of my weight in my belly, and if it's too hard to get in there, they won't do the bypass. That said, I was 392 at the doctor's a couple weeks ago, and I haven't started the presurgery Optifast yet. They have me on two weeks starting 3/11.

Thanks to everyone who commented about how they're tracking post-surgery! Inspired by Idawn, here's a pic of what I've come up with to track drugs/liquids/food/exercise/mental stress prevention. I daresay I'll relax back on this as I become more familiar with the routine of meals, etc., but so far it's helping my stress levels to be so pedantic! In future, I think I'll add a column for tracking/adding up Protein, so that's easier to track day to day, too.

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I'm sorry I'm late to this thread. I have read all through it and everyone here is very caring and supportive. My surgery is on February 25th. Starting a liquid diet tomorrow. Take care February sleevers!

Hi, I am new to the forum. I am just 12 days post op, and I am hungry, too. I am also a bit light headed and dizzy if I get behind on the fluids. My doctor wanted me to start walking right away, working up to at least an hour/day and at least 10,000 steps. I am getting over 10,000 steps now, and did my first post op hike yesterday - but only eating about 230 calories per day from the broth and Protein Shakes. I should start the soft Protein foods in a couple of days which should double the daily caloric intake. I am hoping that will be satisfying - at least more than now.
I have been surprised by the number of food triggers I am noticing - smells of food, the sight of someone reaching for a snack, commercials on TV, etc. I never resisted these before, so it is taking some real mental reframing as each one is encountered. Today was a big family dinner - Mexican food, and I cooked most of it. It was hard to watch everyone putting down my absolute favorite foods while I sipped my broth, but...… it was also amazing to see how MUCH everyone ate! A month ago, I would have eaten and eaten and eaten without being able to stop. So today I tried to reframe by thinking how wonderful just one bite of each of the dishes will take in a few months.
So I am hungry, but I am also losing a pound per day, and I NEVER WANT TO GO BACK. This is hard work, for sure, and the mental part is definitely the hardest. BUT...… what choice is there really? I think regular therapy is a really good idea, because we absolutely cannot undermine the sacrifice we have made by having this surgery. I think the name of the game is mental reframing - looking at the triggers, hunger, and temptations through a new lens.

It does seem like a waste of time and money getting surgery if they're not prepared to change... Just like my 600 lb life.. it makes me furious!! On a couple episodes they completely disregard what Dr now says. Thinks they know better.
Onelady keep making excuses only lost 50lbs in 6 months when he said most people her size lose 50lb a month... Very infuriating

In my final class just before surgery a man said he could control his eating. Had no issues but had a case of gout and that’s why he was getting the sleeve. Another women said she couldn’t give up gum or Diet Coke. After the meeting she stands and can barely walk. Yes. I was judgy with them both.

I don't think you are judging. You are probably shock to hear that there are some people who will go through the long hard process of WLS but aren't willing to make lifestyle changes in order to reap the maximum benefits. Hopefully the more they attend the preop classes the more educated they will become in understanding the importance of giving up certain food. Like everything else some will be successful while others may not be.

Nash, exactly the same for me! I watched it from time to time before, but now that I'm scheduled for surgery (March 4), I find it much more compelling. For one thing, I now understand the procedures they are having (and I'm horrified at how poorly some of them eat after surgery).
I talked about the show with my surgeon, and she hates it because it's very hard to relate to the people on that show. She would like to do "My 300-Pound Life" that shows normal, relatable people getting surgery to de-mystify the process and inspire people.

I have a very similar story, Amanda. I started thinking about doing this three years ago and actually met with a doctor at that time--but I kept thinking I could lose this weight on my own (and I'm sure I could, because I have lost and regained the same 60 pounds multiple times over the past 30 years).
Fast forward to 2018. I was having a physical and my doctor said I needed to lose weight. I am 59, and he told me that at my age there was very little chance for me to lose a meaningful amount of weight and keep it off without surgery. Then he said that if I didn't have the surgery, I had about 10 to 12 more years before having a massive stroke or heart attack. That did the trick!
I will admit, however, that it will be nice to board a plane and not have everyone looking at me and thinking, "I hope the fat guy isn't sitting next to me."

2b smaller. I have surgery tomorrow as well. I can hardly wait. I feel like a kid on Christmas eve.

Awww, EmzBee, you are so sweet. 🙂 Intellectually I know you are right that I shouldn't compare myself to others, but it's hard not to! I guess I just want to get an idea whether my progress is generally comparable to what most people are experiencing.
Pre-surgery liquid start on Monday--away we go!

I have a very similar story, Amanda. I started thinking about doing this three years ago and actually met with a doctor at that time--but I kept thinking I could lose this weight on my own (and I'm sure I could, because I have lost and regained the same 60 pounds multiple times over the past 30 years).
Fast forward to 2018. I was having a physical and my doctor said I needed to lose weight. I am 59, and he told me that at my age there was very little chance for me to lose a meaningful amount of weight and keep it off without surgery. Then he said that if I didn't have the surgery, I had about 10 to 12 more years before having a massive stroke or heart attack. That did the trick!
I will admit, however, that it will be nice to board a plane and not have everyone looking at me and thinking, "I hope the fat guy isn't sitting next to me."

I have a very similar story, Amanda. I started thinking about doing this three years ago and actually met with a doctor at that time--but I kept thinking I could lose this weight on my own (and I'm sure I could, because I have lost and regained the same 60 pounds multiple times over the past 30 years).
Fast forward to 2018. I was having a physical and my doctor said I needed to lose weight. I am 59, and he told me that at my age there was very little chance for me to lose a meaningful amount of weight and keep it off without surgery. Then he said that if I didn't have the surgery, I had about 10 to 12 more years before having a massive stroke or heart attack. That did the trick!
I will admit, however, that it will be nice to board a plane and not have everyone looking at me and thinking, "I hope the fat guy isn't sitting next to me."

That's awesome, tcowen! Remind me... have you had your surgery yet, or are you still in the waiting room?

Recidivist, you have to go at your own pace. Look after what's right for YOU. I know you might feel a little intimidated through comparing yourself to others, but as an idea--I'm 29. No health probs except mild asthma and eczema and mildly high cholesterol (not medicated). Pre-surgery I could walk 15K steps in a day without much trouble at all. I've never broken a bone, let alone had any surgery.
Comparison may well be the theif of your own joy in this process, my friend. Please look after you and do your best. I'll be rooting for you!!
(Only calling you out because I consider you a friend! [emoji4] )

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Gosh I hope so, too... would they ever not cover that if you really needed it? The whole US insurance situation freaks me out. Lol.

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The acid pill was just, I think, to settle stomach acid while I wasn't eating anything. Managed about 50ml or so of pureed chicken this evening, so they've taken me off the acid pill--whatever it was.

Yeah... water on that first day/evening was rough. I struggled through 500ml. Then I realised I was going to get really dehydrated if I didn't make a real effort because after the first bag of fluids that was it.

Today was easier. I've almost met my 1.5L water goal. Still takes me about 45mins to get three tablets down (and I start feeling sore in that last couple hours before my next panadol) but all in all I'm really surprised by how good everything's been =)

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First up is definitely the way to go! Your surgical team's fresh, and you knock it out of the way early. I also found that having the daytime nursing staff around straight aftet was helpful as they're more likely to come and ask if you need anything than the night nurses.
One of my nurses reheated a heating pack for my gassy, swollen belly about three times.

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Wow--now that's what I call dedication to this group! I'm not sure that my first thought in the recovery room would be to post here. 🙂

Wow--now that's what I call dedication to this group! I'm not sure that my first thought in the recovery room would be to post here. 🙂

Wow--now that's what I call dedication to this group! I'm not sure that my first thought in the recovery room would be to post here. 🙂

I also need to be at the hospital at 5:30 a.m. on March 4 and will be the first surgery of the day, which I kind of like.

Hooray!! So glad to hear from you EmzBee, and congratulations on doing so well. It's especially good that you were able to get through the first day with almost no morphine. I'm a bit curious about the acid, because I thought we weren't supposed to have reflux after RnY.
What are your issues with Water? Not getting enough water after surgery is one of my big fears.

March 4 (postponed from February 25). I may be the first of the March group!

I have a very similar story, Amanda. I started thinking about doing this three years ago and actually met with a doctor at that time--but I kept thinking I could lose this weight on my own (and I'm sure I could, because I have lost and regained the same 60 pounds multiple times over the past 30 years).
Fast forward to 2018. I was having a physical and my doctor said I needed to lose weight. I am 59, and he told me that at my age there was very little chance for me to lose a meaningful amount of weight and keep it off without surgery. Then he said that if I didn't have the surgery, I had about 10 to 12 more years before having a massive stroke or heart attack. That did the trick!
I will admit, however, that it will be nice to board a plane and not have everyone looking at me and thinking, "I hope the fat guy isn't sitting next to me."

I have a very similar story, Amanda. I started thinking about doing this three years ago and actually met with a doctor at that time--but I kept thinking I could lose this weight on my own (and I'm sure I could, because I have lost and regained the same 60 pounds multiple times over the past 30 years).
Fast forward to 2018. I was having a physical and my doctor said I needed to lose weight. I am 59, and he told me that at my age there was very little chance for me to lose a meaningful amount of weight and keep it off without surgery. Then he said that if I didn't have the surgery, I had about 10 to 12 more years before having a massive stroke or heart attack. That did the trick!
I will admit, however, that it will be nice to board a plane and not have everyone looking at me and thinking, "I hope the fat guy isn't sitting next to me."