Hopeful loser

That's awesome! I had mine yesterday morning and am now at home. Smooth sailing for the most part, but I still have a substantial amount of pain from the gas they use to fill up the abdominal cavity to work in. After waiting so long to actually have this operation, it almost feels surreal to be on the other side of the surgery. I did find that pills don't seem to go down well at this point, I hope this will change in the next 24 hours, as my stomach spasm and nausea meds are all in pill form. I don't have any problem drinking clears. One more day of that and I can start with the thicker liquids - smoothies, protein shakes, etc. Let me know how you feel when you get out!

I wish I could say I had a ton of valuable information to add here, but I'm (hopefully) a few months out from my surgery and am eager to read of your journeys through this decision. I'm working through the portion of the deal where I have to document that I've seen a Dr. for 6 months regarding a diet plan, have a bunch of blood work and other tests done, and then hopefully get certed. Nov. or Dec. maybe for me. I hope so.

that is fabulous 16 days later! there's hardly anything there! skin is just amazing stuff isn't it..

they look really good! not bad at all!

I guess that's what it's going to figure for me too. Week of surgery off, I'll work the next week from home, and then we'll go from there.

thanks! have you gone back to work yet (if you work?)

so how are you doing today? what's the hardest point you've had to overcome so far? Tuesday's coming fast for me....

Whoo Hoo! Congrats! I can't wait for that feeling! And to see that scale read one hundred and SOMETHING! It's really cool you're feeling so good after a week...

It really is amazing how many different ways people go into this isn't it?

Glad to hear from you! I'm getting ready for the surgery! Hope things continue to go smoothly for you.

I didn't get an option. 1 week of 2 protein shakes and a meal, 1 week of 4 protein shakes and all clear liquids the day before surgery. On the two week pre-op, I can also have sugar free popsicles, broth, chrystal lite, tea, anything without sugar. The meal is no more than 300 calories - 6oz of lean meat or fish and 1/2 cup of veggies. This is supposed to make the transition to the new way of eating easier and help the body become adjusted to runniing on a lower caloric intake, plus shrink liver and belly fat to create more room for the surgeon. My BMI is 39.5. My Dr said if I just follow the plan exactly as he gave it to me I should be fine. He was just voted one of the top dr.s in the field by his peers and has been doing this exclusively for years. I have a friend, however, who is having a gastric bypass 2 days after me at a different hospital in town and has no post op diet. Just clears the day before surgery. Go figure.

Awesome! I'm so happy to read your story! Keep the great news coming! 13 days and counting for my surgery...

This is really great to read, as on my 6th week after surgery, I am traveling, and I so hope I am where you are in terms of feeling well and stomaching food well.

I'm having mine done on the 4th. So we'll all get thru Sept. together.

9 days and 25 lbs. is a pretty good incentive! Holy cow! I have a high school reunion to go to 6 1/2 weeks after surgery and I'm just believing now that I'll be fine to fly to it.

I've had those before, they're nasty. I'm trying to stay away from that now. I have some pretty bad headaches anyway. I guess I'll just have to call on all my strengths and my better angels to get through the next month. I'm sure I'll be chatting on here quite a bit after surgery.

How many days has it been for you now? We discussed the "head hunger" that I'll have to deal with...coming face to face with whatever you used food for in the past and having to deal with it rather than eating. Stress, disappointment, etc. Guess it's like overcoming smoking, alcohol, etc. I quit those about 15 years ago. I remember how that was.

I hope it's smooth sailing. I hate nausea more than anything. And so far it's sounding like no one can get anything down on week two with the protein. I'm doing a lot of praying.

Surgery is in 13 days! On Sept. 4th. Met with my Dr. this morning. I feel really good about this. My boss is supportive. Looks like all the planets are aligning!

That is so awesome! I can't wait until the day I can say that myself! So, what was the hardest thing you had to deal with as you've gone through this?

Thinking of you! Praying for a swift and thorough recovery. Can't wait to hear how things go for you.

So today is the first day of the rest of my life. I am so grateful! I'm approved and seeing the Dr. tomorrow!

My husband and I were just discussing this yesterday. He asked me what I wanted him to tell people about my (hopeful) forthcoming surgery. That's questionable isn't it? On the one hand, I want to simply say, I had weight loss surgery. And if that's supposed to be the "easy" way out, they've lost their ever-lovin' mind. On the other, I have only discussed it with my mom and my husband, and don't plan on discussing it with anyone else, for all the reasons you've listed. I don't really care to hear everyone else's opinions or be influenced by them. I've done the diets for years, I've done the research, I'm tired of failing. It's that simple, and that hard. There is nothing wrong with keeping your decision to yourself and dealing with it however you see fit. There is the part of me that feels I could be of more help to others by being honest, and that is ultimately the part that will win, after I get through the surgery.

what have you been drinking to this point? before the protein drink today?

You know, your stomach is going to heal, the staples won't be holding it together forever. And yes, it is a commitment to a healthier lifestyle. I'll bet all of us who have gotten to this point have the same misgivings and fears, and self doubt. But we've all tried all kinds of things to keep the weight off, and lost and gained the same 35 lbs over and over. At least I have. You have to be at a certain place in your head and your life to even consider this kind of surgery. And you've been there. So the question is, do you have faith in yourself? This gives you a 1 year head start to ditch your habits and make new ones. To leave behind the sugar addiction, the carb addiction and treat those things like they make you sick, instead of giving into the cravings. Pray about it. Do what feels right. Listen to your spirit because you can be strong enough with enough faith. If that's what you want for you.