So I thought I would list a couple of non-scale victories:

Bubble Bath's: before surgery I only showered because I know that I would have gotten stuck in the tub. I can now have bubble baths and nothing touches the sides of the tub.

Clothing: down 8 sizes in jeans

Walking: when I am not having mobility issues (due to a medical issue) I can walk unaided and faster. Walking the dog is fun.

Flirting: a lot of flirting from men in the past few weeks. Now just to nail one down that isn't creepy 

Food Choices: I read food labels of almost everything I pick up off a shelf and if it doesn't have the magic numbers it goes right back in it's place. The chocolate eclairs that Superstore is selling have been calling me but I go and look at them in the case and can quickly decide that they aren't for me and it isn't even painful..lol.

Restaurants: I am cooking and eating at home much more often now. I get very overwhelmed in restaurants because of the quantities of food that is served and I find that I just don't enjoy it as much (maybe a little bit of anxiety on my part - afraid of eating too much). When I do go out to eat I usually will share a plate with my dining partner (thank goodness they are understanding but we also split the bill and they get the leftovers). My one big beef about restaurants is that I really wish they would have a small plate selection and that there were a healthier appetizers offerings.

Money : I have sold quite a few of my larger sized clothing and have made some pretty good bucks doing so. Last week I made $100 by selling the last bits of my larger size clothing.

Appearance: I am taking better care of my appearance. Make up, manicures, and clothing...wonder why when I was heavier I didn't take the time to be good to myself?

These are the latest post-op victories to go along with: able to bend over and tie my shoes/shave my legs and paint my toenails, the thigh gap (the girls will relate to this one), being able to shop in almost any clothing store now, people that I know don't recognize me and when it clicks in I get a lot of praise on how good I am looking (I feel like a fame ***** on this one).

that is so exciting. I know the wait is very long and at time we lose faith and then when we hear stories on here it's encouraging for us who still have to wait and wait. Good luck on your surgery and welcome to a new life after!

I didn't have staples and my surgery was last May. It could be the surgeon's preference as I went to Bathurst as well. I think Chris is going to Moncton?

I should of said belly instead of stomach sorry for the sleeve they make five small cuts in your belly they stich in inside and put 4 to 5 small staples the size of a paper staple on out side that they remove after three weeks when the cuts heal.

At first couple of days they explain you drink water and clear liquids like clear juice like apple grape and cranberrie you can have chicken or beef broth gator aid and crystal light and jello   4oz 6 times a day 3 meals 3 snacks.

by day 5 you increase to 6oz and still no solid food you can have fruit juices ,vegetable juice, liquid smoothie ,chocolate milk ,protein shacks, strained cream soup all put in blender so it not thick it has to be like apple sauce.

after two weeks of this you start on pureed food that is pureed to it is as thick as apple sauce for example food like soups with meat in it stews and chilli shepard pie pasta with sauce pureed it. still no solid food then you meet with the nurse and they will give a example diet to intruce you back to solids.

this is the information they gave to me at my pre op test today and will do the same to you when you go.

hi rykat

I met with the dietition today at my pre op meeting you will do the same three weeks before your surgery they explain everything about the diet and how long you do it for 4 weeks of liquids week three after surgery when you go get the staples out you will talk to the nurse again and the dietition who will explain the next step to moving to solids so good luck with everything and I hope this helps you.