deedee

You've got some great advice regarding clothes buying and I wish I would have listened to such advice a little more and limited my buying/spending on each size until I got to goal. One thing that has been wonderful along this journey is buying "goal" dresses, jeans, etc. Even though we all lose at different rates, if you follow the program, you WILL get into those clothes. I'd suggest if you're dying to shop, like me, buy one or two outfits a few sizes smaller (just don't forget about them;-). Another thing I didn't realize is that, at least for me, it took quite a few pounds when I was larger to change from one size to the next and a lot less pounds to move from size to size once I hit a size 10/12 and under. Enjoy your journey...it's indescribable!!!

Congratulations Lou and welcome to VST! Your weight loss will slow down, but you might find that you lose fairly quickly...we are all so different in terms of weight loss timing. I wouldn't be too concerned (unless your surgeon is) as long as you're getting in liquids and protein. I have no experience with nausea, sorry I can't help there, but I would definitely call your doctor's office tomorrow to discuss possible solutions. Good luck with your post-op journey!

I would suggest meeting with a trainer that can discuss your goals, plans, likes/dislikes with you and set you up on a program that meets your needs/wants. Many gyms offer so many meetings with a trainer (sometimes 2-3) when you initially sign up to help you learn the equipment and answer questions. After your initial meetings, once you feel comfortable, and if you're self motivated, you've got a program in place. Good luck! Let us know how things go.

I think you will be the only one who can answer this question. I bet as you go through the classes/process it will become more clear to you what is best for your life. Like Coopersmama, there is no way I could have waited that long, once I decided on surgery, I wanted it like yesterday. As to being able to do all the physical activities (hiking, snorkeling, dancing, etc.), I had so much more energy at 5 months post-op than pre-surgery and would have enjoyed them more post-op. BUT that was just my experience. I'd suggest talking with your surgeon and/or nutritionist about the alcohol thing. I would think by that time you could have a couple/few drinks on your special day, but again you'd have to decide if that was enough. Good luck on your journey!

Excellent job on the gym commitment! I'm went yesterday with my husband and hope it will be open by tomorrow afternoon, I actually miss exercise.

Welcome to VST Michelle! Congratulations on your surgery date. Please do keep us posted and feel free to ask any questions you have along the way.

Welcome Andrea! I have no experience with insurance because I self-paid, but it sounds like your policy is pretty good in regards to the sleeve. I will keep my fingers crossed for that approval SOON. Keep us posted.

Bitsy, welcome to VST! Congratulations on your surgery. I cannot really answer any of your questions, but wanted to let you know that my second week out got SO much better. I've also read accounts of people feeling better after their drain comes out. For your medications, I'd check with your doctor about getting chewable or liquid forms if possible. I really hope you get to feeling better soon...keep us posted.

Welcome Bobcat! It seems like you have a fantastic attitude about this whole process. This is a great place and I hope you keep us posted on your progress so we can cheer you along!

Deb, I hope you start to feel better soon!

Steph, Good luck with the rest of the pre-op journey!

Welcome LilMissDiva! Good luck with your surgeon search and congratulations on making a decision that is best for you!

Welcome TNTPop! Congratulations on making the decision to have the sleeve. I look forward to hearing about your journey.

Thank you everyone...the kind words mean a lot!

From what I read and experienced, it's quite normal to be down in the dumps post wls. I went through periods like this as well. Planning a vacation is a great tool, but maybe you can find a therapist to talk to as well? I know the snow and cold can't be helping either. I was just talking to a friend today about how hard I would have it if I was trying to establish an exercise routine this winter because of the my dislike of the cold and just wanting winter to be over. Good luck and enjoy Florida! My husband and I will be heading down there in 6 weeks (I already have a count down going).

Whenever I throw up my back hurts both before and after surgery. I've only thrown up twice post-op (once from the barium swallow test 1 day post-op and once 3-4 months out from eating too fast/much when in a restaurant).

Welcome to VST! You are not crazy at all. Shopping is one thing I replaced eating with. I loved buying "goal" outfits along the way and wearing them kept me super motivated throughout the process. Just be careful about how much you buy. I didn't realize how quickly you can outgrow (undergrow?) clothes the smaller you become and now I'm down to the minimum for a wardrobe (that fits without me looking dumpy) when I could have saved quite a bit of money on the larger sizes to spend now. Good luck and keep us updated on how you're doing!

From everything I've read and talked with my surgeon about, I'd have to agree with Shontel. BUT I do think skin can bounce back somewhat. The other night I glanced in the mirror when bending over and the skin on my tummy is looking awful and hanging everywhere. I had an open abdominal surgery last January and you can really tell. I even called and showed my husband and he agreed it was pretty bad, but a small price to pay...he mentioned some kind of electronic jiggly belt I could wear??? I told him I might just need plastics down the road and he smiled at that and walked away. At the beginning of this process we agreed there would be no plastic surgery, but I'm thinking I want to reopen that discussion. Good luck, and I think all the exercise you are doing will help you look smokin' hot in clothing (at least that's what I'm telling myself;-) and make you super healthy.

Congratulations on your date!

The waiting period was excruciating for me as well. The office manager/scheduler at my surgeon's office even made a comment how everyone wants it scheduled and done yesterday. You're on your way. I'll keep my fingers crossed that you'll get your date soon.

Phatman, thank you! I think that will be my theme song all day;-)

Over the last couple of days I've done nothing but graze on food on and off all day long between my bouts of productivity. I don't know what it is about snowy, wintery weather, but it seems to make me feel like I have to shovel as much food in as possible. We've been out of school since last Friday and it looks like we might be out for a couple more days (new storm due to come in tomorrow afternoon) and I really need to get it together. If the food intake wasn't bad enough, I'm hardly getting in any exercise. Last week we only had Jazzercise 1 day due to snow from the previous weekend. I did manage to get out and take a 45 minute walk this morning and shoveled for an hour Saturday and an hour Sunday, but it doesn't compare to my normal level of daily activity. Tomorrow I plan on going to the gym with my husband in the AM and then practice my audition routines in the PM. Hopefully this helps, but I don't think it can counteract the horrific eating I've allowed myself to do. Guess I just needed to vent about my lack of willpower:-(

Thank you both! I have to remember that I still have my tool and it make it so much easier to get back on track. Tiff, I'm so glad you are doing okay...are you completely out of pain now? I totally understand about your husband driving you bonkers, good luck on your recovery! Coopersmama, this SUCKS!!! I find myself constantly snapping at my husband and most people that call me are getting it too because I'm just so annoyed at mother nature. You seem to have such a great attitude...please send some my way:-)