i1Linda

I drink a cup of coffee every morning. I was told that since it is a diuretic I don't get to count as part of my fluids.

Sounds like a great plan Chandra. I am doing something similar. The last two days I have been back on track except for a little movie theatre popcorn. Back on today, good protein breakfast, physical therapy for me knee, to the gym for weight training (can't do cardio on my knee yet), water, lunch was sliced turkey roll ups with homemade low fat spinach artichoke spread. Getting back into my weight loss rhythm.

Awwww Shucks! Thank you. The sleeve is AWESOME. I still have to work with my sleeve and make good choices. But the sleeve also allows me to LIVE too, in moderation. I love to eat. To go out for dinner, order appetizers, dinner, dessert...DRINK. I can still do all those things occasionally but now I just pick at my husband's plate. I started drinking martinis again at 4 months post-op. One is usually more than enough (two is my max - rarely but it has happened with no additional ill effects). Now that the Holidays are nearly over, I am getting back to a strict routine again. I have got just over 30 more pounds to go until goal. I really want it! The sleeve will help me get there. Good luck tomorrow. I will be thinking about you.

Wow Patti. I'm so glad to hear that your son is doing well. I have an 8 year old son and I can't even fathom what you had to go through. God Bless!

FrankMan - Glad to hear all went well for you. Just FYI - it probably is the anesthesia. My husband had the same issue after shoulder surgery - like the shoulder has anything to do with it. The anesthesia affects the central nervous system which causes the urination issue (or lack there of). It should go away in a couple days, it did for my husband. Congratulations and welcome to the "sleeved side".

Longhorn - Good luck with your surgery tomorrow. I'll me praying for an uneventful surgery and a quick recovery. Keep us posted when you can.

They gave me a few of these samples in the hospital. My dietician said they were okay - not great - but okay. I agree there are lots of better options. I did enjoy the Nectar Proteins, especially in the summer when it was so dang hot here in TX.

I would not have been up for a long, 1500 mile drive home post-op. The 30 minutes I had to drive was more than enough for me. Good Luck!

Prior to having this WLS, I didn't think about being a carb addict. I just thought I was hungry a lot, especially at bedtime. Now with my sleeve, I know I'm not hungry and have been able to associate eating simple carbs with head hunger and cravings. The more simple carbs I eat, the MORE I CRAVE. It's an EVIL cycle. I guess the first step is admitting you have a problem.

I agree. Not the best source of protein, but better than nothing. Once you are able to eat "real" food again, you can switch over. Short term shouldn't be a problem.

Capt Carol - Just want to chime in here too. At first I had to sip, sip, sip. But gradually I was able to start taking normal drinks. I am nearly 5 months post-op and can drink a 16oz bottle of water in about 20 minutes. I can't "chug it" but I can drink it normally as I would have prior to surgery. I can also confirm that now that I have less insulation (aka fat) I am cold all the time now. I was actually telling my husband earlier today that I couldn't wait for summer (in Texas I might add) because I'm tired of being cold. Good Luck!

I can sum up the Holiday week with one word - GRAZING. All the Christmas goodies started pouring in, and I would take "just one" or "just a bite or two". Unfortunately, I seemed to do that ALL day long for several days. Fortunately the quantity eaten this year was a small fraction of what I could put away in years past. I got back on my program yesterday (short of 1/2 a small popcorn I shared with my husband at the movies yesterday). I still am craving carbs a bit, but resisting.

Barbann - Here is what I brought - lip balm, deodorant, toothpaste/brush, face cleaner and moisturizer. A hairbrush. I did bring my pj's and did change into them after a shower. They also have you walking, walking, walking - I brought my robe and slippers for the journeys up and down the halls. I wore sweats & tshirt home. I also brought phone charger and laptop with movies - I can't sleep in hospitals very well so I usually watch movies at night. Good luck on Tuesday - I will be praying for a smooth surgery and a quick recovery for you. Give us an update when you can.

I agree with Anna. Call your doctor.

Shylady - Welcome to VST. My surgeon was Dr. Nick and I think he is wonderful. I was self pay and moved very quickly once I made my decision. Dr. Nick's staff is very accommodating. Both Dr. Nick and his PA, Kristen have been available to answer ALL my question, even today (I called them two weeks ago). Dr. Nick, in my opinion, seems to practice on the "safe" side. Meaning, he always seems to error on the side of caution. For example, I had some back pain at two weeks post-op. He was pretty certain in was back spasms but ordered an CT anyway just to make sure we weren't dealing with a leak. I can tell you, for me, it made all the difference in the world, knowing there was nothing wrong with my sleeve and the back pain went away. There also seems to be a lot of Dr. Nick patients popping up on VST lately. I have also heard good things from a couple people on Dr. Barker. If you are unsure, I would attend Dr. Barker's seminar also and see which doctor makes you feel more comfortable. It really is a personal choice. I'm sure you are in great hands either way. Good luck on your decision. Let me know if you have any additional questions.

Hee Hee Hee! Theresa, you are just too funny. Keep all the weapons locked up. You will be able to enjoy those tamales once again, just not now. Merry Christmas!

Thanks for the update Anna. I'm glad everything went well for you. Take it easy, get your rest, get in your walking and sip, sip, sip. You are on the sleeved side now. :thumbup: Merry Christmas!

Dee Dee - I can relate with you on so many levels. The cold vs hot thing...OMG...I seem to be cold all the time now. I have started carrying sweaters/jackets with me everywhere. Layers are now "my friend". Shopping - absolutely a completely different experience than shopping 4 months ago. For Christmas, my husband and boys bought me clothes. They would NEVER have bought clothes for me before. Some of them were size large and I reprimanded my husband for not getting XL....however, when I tried them on, large fit just fine. I'm sure it won't be long before a medium is in my future (not sure if I will ever make it to a small - even with the weight loss, I'm not sure my bust line will every fit into a small). You are so right when you commented about not knowing before what we had been missing.

Steak, Chicken, Pork - it's all good. With my sleeve, I could do without the potato - except for maybe a bite or two - just for the taste, but they fill me up so quickly. Same thing for hamburgers. When we go out for burgers, I usually order the sliders (or similar mini burgers) and share them with my two boys. I usually eat just one, take a bite or two of the whole thing (bun, toppings, etc) for the "experience" and then pick everything off and just eat the meat and cheese and maybe a french fry or two. I am completely satisfied because I got to eat what I wanted - just the quantities are cut WAY back.

Merry Christmas! Great idea Tiff! Tonight we had: Prime Rib - you are always able to find a standing prime rib roast in Texas w/ creamed horseradish Baked Potato's Chili's cheese Casserole - love it Fruit salad Crescent Rolls I had about 2.5 ounces of prime rib, about 3 bites of baked potato (loaded - I shared one potato with my two boys), about 5 bites of casserole, 2 bites of fruit, I skipped the rolls. I am overstuffed at the moment. Since my knee surgery last week, I have NOT been eating the way I should. I am ready to get all the Holiday junk out of my house and get back to what makes me feel good and continue to lose weight. However, on the other hand....this is why I choose THIS surgery. I have been able to enjoy ALL my Holiday favorites these past few days. I just haven't been able to completely PIG OUT as in years past. My definition of "over eating" has changed significantly (see above dinner).

Old Navy - Flirt. Average length. Just like Tiffykins. In all honesty, I haven't tried many since being able to shop in a store that wasn't plus sizes. But, I like the way Old Navy - Flirt fit my body type.

Hi CLK - I had my surgery with Dr. Nick Nicholson in August and was selfpay. Other than being 100 pounds overweight and my knees suffering because of the extra weight, I was otherwise a healthy 38 year old female. Dr. Nick requires everyone to attend one of his seminars (very informative btw) and turning in a medical history "survey" the evening of the seminar prior to getting an appointment to see him. He also required a visit with the dietician and then a 2 week pre-op diet. I attended his seminar in mid-June, had my first appointment with Dr. Nick the following week and scheduled my surgery for August 4th (between my vacation and his vacation in July - it was the first date we BOTH had available). I didn't need a physical but I don't remember why...I had knee surgery end of May and had a full physical & EKG at that time....but I think my medical history and age didn't require anything more than the exam his PA performed at my first appointment. I know he orders additional tests when necessary. I think it may depend on each patient's medical history. With your very specific timeline (30 day window) you might want to talk to his office about your timing when scheduling to attend a seminar. Good Luck on your journey and let me know if you need any more information.

Wow! We seemed to have a bunch of Dr. Nicholson patients on here now. Yeah! Welcome all of you and good luck on your journey.