Malaika

NO - you're LUCKY you're NOT ... the rest of us with problems are the ones that are full of sh*t!

You are so lucky - I've always had problems - even as a child -- I eat tons of veggies and have fruit every day ... and I drink no less than 64 oz. of Water every day, and still I have issues unless I use something for assistance --- prunes work really well; however, I don't know if I'll be able to eat them after my surgery. So I've discovered that the magnesium and the stool softeners are an alternative.

I agree with you -- it's very scary and if you aren't rich and something goes wrong, you may die before your number comes up ...people think it will be the best thing; however, they don't truly know how the whole system will work ... hopefully there will be enough in the government to see how wrong it is and VETO it.

What are V8 Soups? I love cheddar cheese soup so I'm ery interested ... the potatoe leek sounds great too!

My gastoenterologists told me to take Magnesium every day - I take 2 in the morning and 2 at night and it keep me regular in that I go every day -- this is not something I have ever had before in my life. Magnesium is like Vitamin C- your body will use what it needs and burn off the rest ... hint -- it dissolves really quick so do NOT drink it with something hot ... HUGE MISTAGE I learned. Also, when my fiance had surgery, his surgeon told me to get stool soteners and those work great too ... Good luck!

Thank you for the warm welcome; that would be so great to be involved with a support group where you can actually meet people face-to-face and have someone you can call if necessary. Please include me and if there's anything I can do to help, let me know ... you can always pm me too. Thanks again for your support -- it means alot.

Hi Casey - I am not having band surgery, I am having sleeve surgery - just a personal choice; however, I would love to get involved with a support group here in Las Vegas if the group would have me ... if you end up getting together on the 13/14th, I won't be able to make it as my surgery is scheduled for the 12th ... if it's on the 20/21st, then, if no one has any objections, I'd love to attend and meet others who have gone through WLS and all the struggles. Thanks

I'M THRILLED AND EXCITED (FOR BOTH OF US, RUTHI, AND WHOEVER ELSE IS LOOKING AT SURGERY) ... It will be fun to compare notes ... and it's great to have the knowledge and experience of WASa, Mac, Susan, Elizabethsew and OregonDaisy too .. best of both worlds ... Just be sure you don't wait too long to contact you know who -- however, I totally understand not being able to put bore on your plate right now; just be sure it's on the menu! Take care and keep in touch!

WOO-HOO!!!!!! Financing in place and surgery scheduled for June 12th with Dr. Aceves. So it looks like Ruthgrosvenorcox, my DBF and I will be headed to Mexico to change our lives and our health. Looking forward to it being over and finally being able to get this weight off and keep it off for good! Anyone else having surgery around that time? Let us know -- we'll have a party to celebrate

I ususally have a Protein shake for Breakfast (even though I haven't had my surgery yet - 17 days and counting though) and I use the following: EAS Vanilla Protein Powder (20G protein) 1 banana 3/4 to 1 C frozen fruit (I buy big bag at Sams - it's a mixture of strawberries, pineapple, peaches and mango) 2 pkgs. splenda (or 1 pkg stevia) cold Water (I use 1-1/2C) Blend until frozen fruit is blended ... it's very thick and very filling.

Not to throw a kink your chain; however, I too, was set on the band, until I started reading abou the VSG and reading members on there who had had the band and had revision surgery to the sleeve for various reasons and first time sleevers (like I will be) .... now I am 1000% sure that I am going with the sleeve as opposed to the band. Before you make any decisions, you might want to check out the Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy section on this site ... lots of very knowledgeable people with lots of honest answers. I know that there is a war of sorts between bandsters and sleevers, so I apologize to anyone who doesn't agree with me. However, she did ask for honest feedback and should know both sides of the coin before making such a life changing decision.

Not sure where you live; however, here is a link to WalGreens - they carry them - High Protein Shakes | Slim-Fast | Walgreens Also googled "slim fast high protein shakes" -- here are all the results ... "slim fast hight protein shakes" - Google Search= Good luck on your surgery ... I am having sleeve surgery on June 12th!

I totally understand. I'm envious you get to leave on Tuesday and I have another 17 days before heading out of Vegas ... give me a call when you get home, when you feel up to it, and you can fill me in on how the surgery went, etc. I know everything will go great and we'll be two more hotties in LV before we know it!!! God's speed! Just tell your hubby not to drive faster than your Guardian Angels can fly :sad:

Countdown .... 18 days, including today, and we leave for Mexicali .... it's getting close to getting our lives back and getting healthy. :wink2:

Theresa, I know how you feel, 1 year ago I had to say a goodbye to my 21 year old cat Sam. I'd had him since his birth, as I also had his mother. It was extremely difficult; however, as the vet had said, I would know when it was time to go and although I miss him horribly, I take comfort in knowing he's no longer in pain. A friend sent me this poem which I think is very beautiful and when I get sad, I remember the poem. I hope you take comfort in it: Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge. When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge. There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together. There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable. All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor. Those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by. The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind. They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent; His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster. You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart. Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together.... Author unknown...

I am the same as you WASa ... so now there is nothing in my house that isn't healthy ... my fridge contains lots of salad and fixings, eggs, cheese, tons of Water and bottled tea ... if someone is coming over for dinner, we have to go to the store and buy whatever it is we want to fix ... freezer is full of frozen veggies, chicken and tilapia, fruits and SF popsicles ... so even if I DO have a craving for something ... if I want it, I have to get in the car and go get it...and after working all day, that's the last thing I want to do ... so I eat string cheese or drink water until the "head" crave goes away... I am hoping that all of this helps me once I have my VSG surgery on 6/12/09.

:thumbup: I'm only fat from my neck down to above my knees ... other than that, it's GREAT ... LOL and I love sweets AND bread and butter ... especially warm sourdough ... mmmmmmm

CONGRATULATIONS on 9 years. That is AWESOME. And, congratulations on the newest step to a healthy and happy you ... one more step in taking back YOUR life ... remember, one day at a time and, when necessary, one hour at a time. You're doing great!!!!

Does your insurance cover the sleeve? The sleeve reduces the size of your stomach; however leaves the pylori, so you don't have malabsorption. When I went to my WLS Seminar, the surgeon presented all 3 options - band, sleeve and RNY. He said that if he were in the position of having to have WLS he would definitely go with the sleeve -- it was the "newest bad boy on the block." I have done a lot of reserach and inasmuch as I am self-pay regardless of my decision, I have chosen to go with the sleeve. My surgery date is 6/12/09. If you read the threads on the forum under Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy you can get alot of information ... there are several very knowledgable peoople who have had the sleeve - either virgin sleevers or band to sleeve revision. If you are not 100% sure about which surgery you want, don't proceed until you are. Good luck.

WOO HOO...I'm excited too ... I think DF may be even more excited than me ... he's bummed you're not driving down with us, but understands the situation ... Ernesto is picking us up in Calexico after he picks you up in SD ....:thumbup:

Years ago when I first joined the gym and worked with a trainer, that is exactly what he had me do - 10-20 minutes of cardio; 20-40 minutes of weight resistance, focusing on one area, then another 20-30 minutes of cardio. It worked great and I did drop the weight - along with a sensible diet. Of course, 9 years later, most of the weight is back on, all but 30 pounds. :-(

Tiffany - how is Tasya doing since her surgery? How are you doing? I haven't seen/heard anything from you in several days. Let us know about both of you -- kk?

Thanks Mac. I am having the sleeve and it is my PCP who I have talked to about the surgery. I was hoping to find a local support group; however, if not, I have all of you on here to help me out .. and Rosebud2 lives in Las Vegas, albeit we're on the total opposite sides of town; but there is that little thing invented by Thomas Edison ... I so want June 12th to get here!!!! Dr. Teng who does the LB, VSG and RNY surgeries has a support group very near to me. He did my fiance's hernia repair surgery and my DF knows the girls in the office pretty well, so I am going to have him call and ask if I may attend Dr. Teng's support groups even though he did not do my surgery.

You sound like me -- I eat very healthy for the most part - and if I do have a sweet craving, I can satisfy it with one of those mini candy bars ... I just eat too much and even too much of a good thing can be bad for you ... so my hope with the sleeve is to help me eat less, get my weight off and KEEP it off once and for all. I realize there is work involved, and that is fine with me, as I enjoy doing pilates, walking and bike riding ... I just need a tool to help me limit the quantity.

Well I was informed tonight on OH : "MARY ANN M.'s reply was: I asked around and everyone I spoke to said that no one will touch you after you've had the surgery in Mexico. Have you arranged for a Dr. to F/U with you here? Maybe they have a support group." So do you think it's greed or ignorance?