renebeau

Hi there! I want to reassure you that you will feel normal soon. I am nearly a year out and today for lunch I had 2 scallops, a few bites of cole slaw and a few thin onion rings. I am stuffed, but also SATISFIED because of the amount and taste of the food. I promise that does get better. I still can't eat very much, especially compared to before surgery. And I still feel frustrated sometimes that I can't stuff myself. But the rewards! I am wearing a size 4, down from an 18! So worth it! Remember that you are still swollen, so that will limit your quanities, too. I wouldn't give up my sleeve for $1 million! Good luck on your journey! René

I can totally relate. While I was on clears and full liquids, I would dream I was eating "real" food and wake myself up chewing! Literally chewing air! I am still somewhat obsessive because I need to plan out my meals - esp. for being at work. I am still trying to get all of my Protein in and my Water, but it is difficult. On Thursday, I go to "regular" food. I hope that will give me more latitude on what I can eat so I will feel less "obsessed". I think once we are "in the groove" it will get much easier... Good luck to you!!!

I was sleeved New Year's Eve with a 33 BMI. I have high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and type 1 diabetes. I am now BMI 29.6! No longer obese! I have had some complications (thrush and a bad UTI) but I wouldn't undo it. My nut figures I will be able to eat pretty much whatever I want and still get to goal. I think this is a great surgery for a low BMI person, since it is purely restrictive - no rerouting the plumbing. I feel sure I could have lost the weight I wanted to with effort, but I feel sure I would gain it back over time. I believe the sleeve will keep me from letting that happen. Good luck with your decision - let me know if I can help! Ren?

I just went for my 3 week post-op appt., and my nutritionist tild me I can put away the protein shakes...I literally cried, I was so happy! After awhile, that sicky-sweet taste is gross and gags me.

Hi sleevers! Are any of you from the Houston area? I am still pre-op and would love to talk to someone from my area who has had the VSG. I was considering the band, but I am now wanting to get the sleeve. I am 46, BMI 33, type 1 diabetes, HBP, hypothyroid, high cholesterol. OK, I am more than just those things! I am also artsy-fartsy, love beads, cooking, and dogs. I would appreciate hearing some first-hand experiences! Ren?

Well, we leave Monday out of Galveston on Carnival Ecstasy (do they really have to name the ship "Ecstasy?) for a 5 day cruise to Cozumel and Progreso. I am getting excited, although I am the kind of person who doesn't really get giddy until the day of the trip! I am going to eat with abandon, since this will truly be my last time to do so. Midnight chocolate buffet...here I come! Surgery is scheduled for the 31st. at 7:30 a.m. At least I'll be the first one, so Dr. St. Dreamy will be awake and fresh. I guess I am not feeling stressed yet because the trip must come first. One thing at a time.:001_tongue: I don't know if I will have time to post before surgery day. I will try to get online right after, though, to let others know how it went. And I am sure I will have questions and need reassurance, too! Happy holidays to all. See you on the losers' bench!!!

Yep, My PCP ordered one to give me my pre-surgery clearance. No big deal.

Oh, Tiff, I am so happy for you! What a fantastic picture. You look ecstatic! I am just grinning ear to ear thinking about how things have changed for you. Wow - a true inspiration!

Welcome! I am pre-op, like you, and all I want to do all day is read about the VSG! I am way excited, too. I'm getting sleeved on New Year's Eve...so I'm getting my New Year's SleEve (ha ha). I only have 2 more weeks to wait. I am hoping I can finally settle down and do some work...instead of obsessing about the VSG! Best of luck to you - keep us updated!

Welcome to Onederland! Congratulations, Susan! Keep us "posted"!!

GIRL!!!!! I can't believe it! What a transformation you have made! I feel all teary thinking about the progress you have made! And you do look so incredibly happy. I am so happy for YOU! Wow.

Audra, welcome to the boards! Wow - you are in med school - good for you! It seems that you have not let anything hold you back, for the most part! I am pre-op, too, and a self-pay. The info and support I have gotten from this site has helped me be SURE the sleeve is for me. I will be getting my "New Year's SleEve" on 12/31. I look forward to sharing this weight loss journey with you! Ren?

I saw this over there, too. I felt the same way - aha! I get it! Thanks for putting it on here, Stoongal!

I'm for sure no expert, since I'm still pre-op, but don't kick yourself while you are down! So you grazed yesterday. Next time, eat your solid Protein first, then the chocolate if you still want it. Maybe you won't feel as deprived. You are doing great! Look at your weight loss! Reward yourself with something non-food. You have been trying so hard. Do something nice FOR YOU! If you still feel crappy in a few days, you might think about counseling. It really helps to unload those yucky feelings on someone who is trained to help, and paid to do so! I wish you the best of luck! Ren?

Chancie - you are such an inspiration! You have worked so hard for this. You deserve it! Congratulations!!! :lol0:

Looks like I'll be starting my new life in the new year! Just got back from the surgeon consult. Wow, Dr. St. Laurent is a cutie! I really like how pragmatic he is. No drama, no shame...no dire warnings... One of his helpers in his office said something I have been wanting to hear. "In a few months, it will be like you never had surgery." That's what I want. I want to just eat small amounts like skinny people do naturally. I can't wait! He thinks I can lose all of my excess weight, since my BMI is pretty low (34). No presurgery diet. He will use a 38 French bougie since he thinks my stomach will be shorter than someone who is more obese. For very high BMI, he uses a 36, since the length of the stomach will be more. That way the VOLUME of my stomach will be correct. (I get it!) We are taking a cruise for Xmas, seeing kids and grandbaby early the next week, then surgery. This way, I will not have to miss much work. A new year, a new me! :ohmy:

Girl - thank goodness it was not life-threatening! I am so glad you shared. I also did not even think about taking breaks from driving...Good advice! Hope all is well SOON!

As I watched my perpetually skinny husband and his daughter and her husband (probably 300 lbs each) tuck away huge amounts of food over the weekend, I started to think, maybe I should just try to eat healthier, be more active. Today I wolfed down a roast beef sandwich and curly fries like no tomorrow. I cannot do it on my own. If I do not have surgery, I will never be any thinner. Truthfully, I could continue on as I have and stay around 200 lbs. I could eat whatever I want, as much as I want. I could. But I don't want to be a fat, old lady. I want energy for other things. I want to wear nice clothes again. And I don't want to lose weight and then gain it all back. So the sleeve will give me restriction. That's what I need. Just reduce the quantity of what I eat. I expect to eat carefully for the first 6 months. Lean protein first, veggies/fruit, then carbs. I imagine I will have lost most of the weight I have to lose by then. Then I will be able to allow myself more treats. But I hope to eat like all of the other skinny people eat. Small amounts of normal food, which includes some sweets and "bad" food (fast food) now and again (once I am through losing weight). Being around super over-eaters all weekend almost lulled me into thinking I don't need this surgery. After all, neither of them thinks their weight is a problem, why should I? It sure helped to get on this site this morning to get recommitted. I AM recommitted. VSG - here I come!

Cograts on an uneventful surgery, and a speedy recovery! Best wishes!

OMG!!! LMAO!!! :lol0: Tracy, you are so funny!!!

Shanda, I am so happy for you! 50 lbs. in 2 months? WOW!!!! I hope you are rewarding yourself today - you have earned it! Congratulations, and don't forget about the pics!

It was Total Recall, with Arnold Scwartznegar (sp). A girl in the sleazy bar on Mars had three LARGE boobs. Creepy.