deedee

Oh Jeani, my fingers and toes are crossed for you! I hope it goes quickly...good luck!

It will. Congratulations on the weight loss!

No advice here, just wanted to say I hope you feel better. I started to come down with a cold the week prior to surgery and called my surgeon's office to see if they would still do the surgery if I had a cold. I was told yes.

Yesterday I had a major shopping trip and for once didn't go with anyone else so I could go to all the stores I wanted to, spend money on what I wanted, and not have to worry about accommodating others or wondering if they're judging me for what I bought or how much I spent :ack2: It also allowed me to explore some areas of my wardrobe that were lacking. I found and bought the most comfortable pair of pumps. I've never worn pumps for work (only special occasions) or play because they always hurt my feet so much. Maybe now because I'm a little smaller, they are more comfy or maybe because I got a little higher quality shoe, but I'm so excited to have found these shoes. I got them in black. http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/3034548/0~2376780~6009391~6014000~6014004~6014012?mediumthumbnail=Y&origin=category&searchtype=&pbo=6014012&P=1 Another thing I managed to do was finally shop in White House, Black Market. I've adored this store's window display in downtown Annapolis since I moved to the area 9 years ago, but figured nothing in there would fit and never ventured in. At the mall I decided to just bite the bullet and go in. Well, it's really not all that I was hoping for, but I did find a pair of cute jeans (in short :w00t:) and a cute top for my Florida trip next month. But isn't it funny how we build things up in our minds and then when we really look, it's not just that big of deal. My last victory of the day was finding a fabulous dress for Valentine's Day. I had already purchased a red dress in January, but it's sleeveless and even with a cardigan I still only have sandals to wear with it, so it's a no go with our current weather. It's sort of like this, but with pink and black instead of blue and white. I can't wait to wear it with my new black pumps! http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/3068494?Category=&Search=True&SearchType=keywordsearch&keyword=dresses&origin=searchresults

It was nice...sort of reminded me of Ann Taylor Loft or something (maybe a little trendier). I just had it built up in my mind so much, but I'll definitely go back, I LOVE that they sell jeans in short length.

CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!!! You are doing so well!

Hi, welcome to VST and congratulations on your date! Just like others have mentioned, you should talk to your surgeon about your concerns before the big day. I was so nervous when they brought me back to the prep waiting area that the nurses who were supposed to start my IV had a lot of difficulty. I was shaking and my teeth were chattering so bad. The nurse informed me that I should have let my surgeon know because he would have prescribed some kind of pill to take at home that morning to help calm my nerves. As for what I remember..just like my previous surgery, I was out like a light before they ever rolled me out of the prep area (I think I'm easy to put under). I remember at the pre-op appointment, my OR nurse explaining how I'd be rolled in and then asked to move to the table, but I'm sure they just moved me because I was out as soon as the anesthesiologist put the magic potion into my IV bag. This time, unlike the last surgery I had, I don't even remember waking up in the recovery room. My first awake moments is when they were waking me up as they rolled my to my hospital room. I do remember wanting to get out of bed to walk very soon (I'd done so much reading on how important that was). Good luck!

Thank you both for your kind words. And Tiff, same for you...I'm here to listen if you need to talk.

I was given some devastating news Tuesday of this week that has pretty much set me on an emotional roller coaster ride. Being off work due to the weather all week hasn't helped because I've had nothing else to take my focus. BUT the good news is I never turned to food for comfort. It didn't even cross my mind that I "deserve" this food or that because of the news or if I can make it to this point I should reward myself or plan a special meal, etc. It wasn't until last night that I even realized something was different. As an early post-op, I remember going through a mourning stage when the sleeve wouldn't allow me to use food as a comfort friend to heal emotional and physical pain. I guess I can say that I truly look at food now as a source of energy rather than a friend. This is not to say I don't have cravings and sometimes make the wrong decisions (eating chips, grazing all day long, etc.), but my relationship with food has changed completely and I couldn't have asked for more from this procedure.

Congratulations to you both! It does get better...good luck on your recoveries.

Congratulations Mr. Nick and Annak. It makes it so much more special after a stall. Good job on rocking your sleeves!!!

Excellent news! I hope you have continued success.

EXCELLENT! The victories just get better and better from here!

I believe that's the only way to make it through winter:-) Congratulations for you loss!

Hey we all have those days. I'm glad you're on the mend from your surgery and cold.

Good luck on the pre-op diet and getting a date soon!

So glad to hear your story. Here's to a quick, easy recovery.

Welcome to VST! I'd say your best bet is too keep reading the different forums (especially the post-op one) and you'll see some of the challenges people have faced with the sleeve. I personally didn't have any major physical difficulties with the procedure or recovery (did have constipation, low energy levels first month), but the emotional aspects of losing weight so fast got to me every once in a while and if you read through my blog, I tried to share the joy and hard times. Good luck with your research!

Isn't it wonderful:-) It lasted for me for about the first 4 months and even now it's not like it was before surgery. It just takes more effort and willpower on my part than those first months out to make the right decision and I do now desire food. I know some people report to this feeling continuing to last for them, but not me. Just ENJOY!

Great advice you've gotten. The only thing I'd add is trying to find the restaurant online or calling in advance just to be better prepared and have your exact plan down in advance...it might help you feel more confident and let bossy lady's comments/questions roll a little more easily off your back if you are comfortable with your decisions before you even step in the door. Even as a veteran of eating out post-op, I still struggle at times when all eyes are on me and I'm trying to figure things out.

I can't help you with your questions, but wanted to welcome you to VST and wish you luck on your journey! I don't know if you've checked out the revisions forum, but we have quite a few people that had difficulty with the band and have found success with the sleeve.

Many return to work 1-2 weeks after surgery and do fine. I ended up resigning from my job 2 weeks before surgery and went back to help out part time at three weeks out (they lost their librarian so I was cataloging, shelving, shifting books and crawling around on the floor). Physically I was exhausted by mid afternoon...just so sleepy, but mentally I was able to think and do the job and participate in meetings.

I don't know why, but it appears you're right in the time when most do stall. It happened to me a little after two weeks out and lasted a little less than 2 weeks. It's tough, but I sure did appreciate the loss after the stall so much more. Good luck in riding it out!

Congratulations on your decision! Good luck with the rest of your pre-op journey!!