Squidgy101

I have my surgery booked in 4 weeks time - it still feels too far away to be real in all honesty. My head was all over the place - am I making the right decision, am taking the easier way out ( I know it’s not!), am I being selfish spending such a large amount of money on myself ect ect. We had a family gathering last weekend, one of the first ones since Covid and lots of photos were taken. I saw said photos today. I burst into tears. I know and photo gate only reinforced that WLS is the right decision for me. I’ve been a yo yo dieter for as long as I can remember, I’ve been every size you can think of - but always always end up fatter than I started. Self esteem is non existent. I need to stop letting my weight control me and the quality of my life and decisions. Bring on 4th Sept. When did you know, WLS was the right course of action for you?

Hey, I was recommended the Bariatric Bible by Carole Bowen Ball. Has lots of info as well as recipes and ideas for each stage. Goodluck!

Such an honest post - thank you for sharing. Onwards and upwards - and yes I won’t miss WW or slimming world either. I was reading the Bariatric bible and they make a reference to no longer being on a diet or counting calories - just a healthier lifestyle change, clinging to that. All the best with surgery can’t wait to hear how you get on x

Wow, you look great, congrats!!

Thats great, let’s keep in touch. I suspect it won’t be easy but nothing worth it ever is:-) x

Me too! I have young children, 2 year old twin girls - and am so scared of surgery and coping afterwards - but then I think how much healthier I know I can be and I’ll be able to do so much more with them as they grow up and know it’s the right thing to do. But yes, still flipping scared stiff x Ps - I am with you on feeling unhealthy. When is your surgery?

Gosh. Goodluck!!’!

Congratulations, so exciting having a date to look forward to. I am 5ft 3 and around 205 lbs although I’ve been waving off so many foods this past few weeks I suspect my weight has creeped up.. my gastric sleeve is on 4 sept in the U.K. (also self funded). I’ve started nesting - ( buying lots of after surgery stuff, vitamins, proteins and reading a ton of stuff). Currently mentally prepping for my liver shrinkage 2 week diet in August. Can’t wait. Although it does sound like the first few weeks and month will be pretty tough.. goodluck with everything xx

Gastric sleeve. Countdown has started.. sort of :-)

I absolutely would have considered if I could afford it at that age or have been offered it. My life though has been one yo yo diet after another - it s difficult to really say what I would have done at 23. Sounds like you made your mind up, and you still have time to think things things over. For me an absolute yes. Wish you all the best x

Hi all I Have Gastric Sleeve surgery booked for 4 Sept. Starting to prep in the hope that I can sail through the first few weeks without the added stress of trying to figure out what to have - id like to do some batch cooking so all I have to is defrost. I have young children, work full time + not much help so time won’t be on my side post op either. Can anyone recommend any soups I can make in the next few weeks and freeze & any dry store things to buy now. So far I have: sugar free syrups, skimmed powder, protein water. Will also pick up some sugar free ice lollies & jelly pots. I have some extante meal replacement shakes & soups ( need to check whether these are ok to use). Any other advice or tips to get ahead would be hugely appreciated. Also any other gastric sleeve blogs anyone is finding/found useful? Overthinking it probably, just so excited yet nervous! Xx

Hey, can I ask what hair and nail supplement you used? Many thanks!

This is a great tip, will take some getting used to cooking for a family of 4 without making different meals.

Super helpful thanks. Am in the U.K. so can’t find a lot of the things you mention, but water flavourings will definitely help. How are you finding it all?

How are you finding it? Over the side yet (if there is one?!). My pre op diet is milk and yoghurt so hoping I’ll be fine with that.

Gosh, yes! My surgery is on 4th September and while am really excited the thought of not being able to eat properly or enjoy food with family & friends does give mixed emotions. I know that even if I lose weight on yet another diet, it will only be a matter of time before I pile it on and then some. Need a long long term solution - and deep down I know this is the right course of action for me. Look forward to hearing how you get on next month! All the best x

I know I felt a pang of disappointment when they gave the date as had hoped it was sooner! Pre op booked for 25 August and Covid Test for 1 Sept. I was given the option of a milk and yoghurt diet or a low cal (800) a day - 10 days pre op. Starting to stock up on vitamins. Like you am sooooo ready to get this done! X

Yeah it’s tough - like you say it’s no ones business. I have been on so many diets, it won’t be unusual that I’ll lose the weight - no one will be expecting me to keep it off. I am doing the same, calling it a routine op & healthy kick, not entirely untrue. How have you found it so far? Any advice x

Thank you! X

That’s so exciting! Can’t wait to hear how it all goes for you - my BMI is 36 - both the doc and dietician said they’re happy for me to proceed but think there is a group approval that has to take place first. Either way if am approved I’ll find out the date this Tuesday. 🎉 I am reading so many different blogs - can’t wait to get started. Feels like I’ve put my life on hold a bit and really need to start living it. How much time off work are you taking? It seems most people take 2 weeks off I think - not really sure though. Any recommendations on all the vitamins you need to take pre op? Or any batch cooking like soup for when you get back home? take care - sounds like you’re doing great already! X

Hey Em, am also with Ramsay Health - just waiting for formal approval and a date. Had my first consultation with the doc and the dietician - really excited but also bricking it. I got given a milk/yoghurt diet and then a low cal one, might give the milk one a go as it seems straight forward and doesn’t require too much thinking about. How long was your wait from approval to date? Are you telling people? I don’t think I will. There are a lot of fattists in my family/circle of friends who will just throw some negative comments about cheating or laziness so keeping stum I think.