November Chats & Wisdom!

Kinksycat,
So glad all went well with your surgery - had been thinking about you.

Dolphinlady,
Keep up the good work with the pre-op diet - I hope I will do as well when I get there - still waiting for appointment (12/10) with surgeon to get my date for surgery.


Hope everyone else is doing well and wishing you a good week.

Edited by: BECKYBRN at: 12/2/2013 (23:52)

KINKSYCAT... So glad to hear that things went well with your surgery. I've been praying for you and waiting expectantly to hear how things were going with you!! I'm just on Day 5 of my pre-op diet and I'm slowly starting to get used to it. Keep us posted on what's going on and how you're recoving!!

I am on Day 5 of my pre-op diet and the tiredness and brain fog is starting to lift. Feeling much better today and getting more and more excited for the big day. Still feeling a bit hungry but I just stay busy and drink water.

This is a busy week in our house. I got my parents off and back home to Corpus Christi today. Tomorrow and Wednesday are busy studying days for my kids. Thursday they both will be taking their midterms for their AP & Pre-AP courses that they take "outside" at another facility. Thursday afternoon we are headed to College Station, TX to take the kids to Santa's Wonderland (it's a surprise) and something you should do if you ever get a chance. Friday I'll be getting things ready for our church's preteen event we're hosting that evening (I'm the Pre-Teen Leader at my church), and Saturday I am chaperoning my son's Confirmation class to The Story Concert & Tour. If yall have not seen this magnificent event, look it up and try to find one near you... you won't regret it. This whole concert event is based on The Story Bible and is filled with Christian artists and musicians like Steven Curtis Chapman, Casting Crowns, Matt Redman, etc... I chaperoned my DD's Confirmation class last year to this event and I was blown away.

Anyway... wishing everyone an amazing week!!

Edited by: DOLPHINLADY05 at: 12/3/2013 (13:33)

KINKS! - glad that things went well last Monday.... hope your recovery continues to go smoothly!!

I can't believe that it is DECEMBER!! Hope everyone has a good start to their week!

I had my surgery on Monday, 11-25 and it went very well. Surgeon found a previously unknown hiatal hernia so repaired that as well. The pain was much less than I expected but the post-op nausea was overwhelming. Luckily it only lasted about 12 hours.

"Getting to know my new stomach" as the surgeon put it. Very difficult to get in all the protein I need, but it is getting better each day. Water will be an ongoing challenge also. I think the biggest challege though, will be planning out my daily meal/snacks. I've made high protein pudding, jello, and soup with Unjury which is quite tasty.

Hope everyone has had a good Thanksgiving week!

I have been so OFF my mojo.... I am sooo ready for a cleanse and a restart!! I have been stuck at a plateau for the whole month of November.... and I really don't want to be stuck still at the end of December.... so I think I may try a bit of a cleanse week and see if that gets me back on track!

Have been on track with workouts though... have added swimming to my workout schedule as I start training for my triathalon in February. and will start adding at least one LONG run a week.... (4 miles to start)

Enjoy the rest of your weekend gang!!

Just wanted to drop in and say hi since I haven't been here in a few days. I am just on my 3rd day of the pre-op diet and, LOL, I am starving!! But I don't care. I know this is all being done in my best interest. This first week isn't too bad because my dinner meal can consist of actual lean protein and green leafy veggies but the rest of the day is all liquids (protein shakes, broth, Propel water, etc...) I think the second week is going to be much harder because it is ALL liquid. I'm hoping my body will be used to having more liquids and won't miss that dinner meal too much.

I'm still nervous but getting more and more excited. The nervousness comes from worrying about the surgery... I had a hernia repair a while back and if my surgeon can't get beyond the mesh or any scar tissue with the laparascope, it will be an open surgery. Praying that isn't the case...

Anyway, hoping everyone has had a blessed Thanksgiving holiday. My thoughts and prayers are with all my friends here that are also in the pre-op liquid diet phase. We can do this!!

Hugs,
Lori

Happy Thanksgiving & Hanukkah to you all

My wolf dream catcher drawing is in my picture album if you care to see it.
Hugs & blessings to you all!

Nutmeg
I am so sorry about your cat. We have a dog that is failing and may go any time. It is so hard to lose a beloved pet.


Happy Thanksgiving to Everyone

I just wanted to wish you all a very Happy Thanksgiving!

For those of you who have recently gotten your surgery dates ~ Whoo Hoo! I am so happy for you! I don't regret my decision - not even for a second! Follow the directions your medical team gives you and you WILL be successful! Don't think for a second it isn't a lot of work - because it is! It is a LOT of work - but it is so worth it!

I feel like a new woman! I am about 2 1/2 months post surgery - down 82 lbs and feeling like a new woman!

God bless you all and if you need some encouragement, feel free to message me!

Pastor Shelly

Hey Gang!

Leslie - you can do it!! Way to go on getting that 5K time to 45 minutes!! It feels great to start reaching those goals, the things that you thought were impossible start to seem very possible!!

I know that for me a year ago... the thought of completing a triathalon seemed so impossible, seemed like such a FAR away goal.... and even now, this is a challenge, but I feel totally ready to conquer it!

For the first time in 6 years, I am cooking Thanksgiving Dinner at my house.... my parents are in town visiting, my mom is usually a big stressor for me.... but so far I am surviving!!

DOLPHINLADY & all of you in liquid diet mode.... I found that the first few days were tough, I was tired, but after a few days my energy evened out.... I was on a pretty aggressive pre-op clear liquid diet..... I drank vitamin water, clear broths, sugarfree jello.... and I did also eat sugarfree hard candy.... but it wasn't much for 10 days, but it definitely helped me to shrink the liver!! GOOD LUCK!

One of our cats passed this last Sunday morning.

I am making dinner for Thursday & taking it to my Daughter's family that are two hours away. She is disabled & her husband has been having an affair & wants a devorse ... yes, the slim bucket will be there and we will still make it a fun time for the kids.

Working on a pencil sketch of a wolf howling in the middle of a dream catcher for my Granddaughter at her request. When done I will post it in my pictures.

Hope you all have a great Thanksgiving & beginning of Chanukah (This won't happen again for I think over a thousand more years!)

Hink,

I think that is an amazing goal. Good Luck to you. I am well on my to meeting my goal of doing a 5k in 45 minutes. I should be there tonight. I'll let you know how it goes tomorrow. Once I accomplish that I plan to cut some time off so I can work on jogging the whole thing. right now I still walk about 7 minutes of the 45 minutes, then I will work on speed.

Joan and Dolphinlady,
So happy for you that your surgery dates ate so soon. Have to see my surgeon on 12/10 and then should gety date. Will be following closely how you are doing.

Cassie,
I am sitting in the New Orleans airport waiting for my plane back home to Baltimore - was here for a conference. Got a chance to go to the Quarter and you are right - it is a fabulous place. Had a good time.

Hi everyone else - hope all is well with you.

Joan, Kinksycat, and Dolphinlady,
So happy for you that your surgery dates ate so soon. Have to see my surgeon on 12/10 and then should gety date. Will be following closely how you are doing.

Cassie,
I am sitting in the New Orleans airport waiting for my plane back home to Baltimore - was here for a conference. Got a chance to go to the Quarter and you are right - it is a fabulous place. Had a good time.

Hi everyone else - hope all is well with you.


Edited by: BECKYBRN at: 11/24/2013 (07:38)

Hello,

Dolphinlady~ Congrats on the approval and date!! I'll be right behind you on the 16th. I am also feelings many emmotions, excited, thankful, scared. I am required to buy Optifast from my surgeons' office for the 2 week pre op diet.

I bought some new jammies and slippers today for wearing at the hospital. I plan to have all my Christmas prep done befroe my surgery date.

I hope everyone is enjoying their weekend!

DolphinLady ~ congrats on the date! I'm just finishing up my pre-op diet (surgery is Monday ~Yikes!). My surgeon had me on mostly liquid protein shakes. My suggestion, if this is what you are looking at, is to try different shakes and to mix them up. I alternated Muscle Milk, EAS, and Premier Protien. The time goes fast!

I found that it was VERY helpful to freeze meal portions for my husband to enjoy while I could not eat before surgery and after. That way I did not have to be in the kitchen cooking for him. I also created small servings of meat and veggies in the blender that I was able to eat once I got the go ahead for puréed meals. That way I did not have to eat commercial baby food. I just froze the food in the mini containers. That way you will get the good taste of food you prepare, maybe even some of this Thanksgiving meal that you will be fixing!

Hey Everyone,

Dolphin lady, congrats on the surgery date!!! WooHoo!!! I love your attitude!!! That's what it's all about, learning to eat to live instead of living to eat!!!
I didn't have any presurgery restrictions, so someone else will need to help you with those questions. I called my dr and scheduled surgery for a month later and began having the presurgery tests. Once I made the decision to have surgery, I didn't have to wait since I was self pay. I'm 5.5 years out, and still think it's the best money I have ever spent. I would do it again in a heartbeat!!!!😃😃😃&#
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Congrats on your new life, and welcome to the losers bench!!! We have scooted over to make room for you!!!

Cassie

Another piece of good news to share... my surgery is scheduled for December 12th!!! The drawback is that I've got to start my 2 week liver reduction/flush diet on Thanksgiving Day. Do I care?? NO WAY!! I have so much to be thankful for and I don't need any special foods to help me celebrate my blessings. Turkeys aren't going anywhere... I just bought a 28lb turkey last night for $7.56 on sale for $0.27 per pound that I will bake for my family. I'm going today to buy another one to stick in the freezer so when the day comes that I can actually eat solid food, it's there!! WOOHOO...I'm so excited!!

Okay... any advice on how to get through the two week liver reduction diet??

Hey Everyone,

I hope y'all all have a nice Saturday!!! We will be watching the Tigers play Texas A&M later. I'm assuming all of you Texans will be routing against my Tigers, but that's all part of the Fun!!! This is when I really miss my brother. I would call, and talk football with him. He knew everything about the players on both teams and would tell me all sorts of things about what had to happen for us to win. He knew stats and everything about all the players. Anyway it's just another one of the many things I miss.

I'm looking forward to cooking Thanksgiving dinner this year. We will have turkey and all the trimmings. Of course as usual I won't be able to eat much at a time. We will all be fine eating protein first. My turkeys always turn out good. I used moms recipes for dressing so it's always good too.

I hope everyone has a Happy and safe holiday season!!! Be careful while out and about running around getting everything ready.

I'm looking forward to meeting y'all next year!!! We will have Fun getting to know each other in person!!!!

Happy Thanksgiving y'all!!!

I will chat again later.

Cassie

Just checking in to wish everyone a very happy Thanksgiving. Counting my greatest blessing (other than my family), my Sleevie Wonder.

Way to go VIV!! YOu have made great changes for the better this year, you have a lot to be proud of!! Enjoy your Thanksgiving/Hannakah Celebrations with family!

Congrats DOLPHINLADY on your surgery authorization! Definitely all the feelings you are feeling are normal. But you seem like you are definitely ready for this life change!

Hope everyone has a fantastic weekend!!

Hey Everyone,

Dolphinlady, You are on the way to your new wonderful life!!!!

I'm glad we are all doing well. It's been a while since I was here. We went to New Orleans to celebrate our 37th anniversary, and just got back. We had lots of FUN!!!! I did some Christmas shopping, and enjoyed walking around the Quarter!!!! I love it there. You can really see some sights!!!! One girl was talking as she passed me, and I could smell alcohol on her breath. I couldn't believe it, and was glad she wasn't driving!!!!!

Anyway, I hope to do better the next few weeks. All this celebrating has me up a few pounds!!!

Y'all all take care, and I will chat again later.

Cassie

Congratulations Vivian on the good report from the Doctor - now keep up the good work.

Dolphinlady - good news!!! Happy for you.

Have a Great Weekend ladies!

Yep, it's exactly normal to be feeling everything you're feeling. It's a mixed bag of emotions.

Congratulations and keep us posted.

Blessings,
Linda

Congrats! You will have a wonderful gift for the new year hopefully!

I got a BIG surprise last night when I checked my email before going to bed. I had a note from my insurance company to log on to the website and check my insurance email... so I log on and OMGoodness there sat my authorization letter for the surgery!!!! I did not think I would get any kind of answer from them until sometime early in December since I still have 2 dietician appointments to complete. The letter stated that based on the medical reasons provided by all my doctors, they were authorizing the surgery NOW!! I have hardly slept a wink. I want it to be time to call my surgeon's office and find out what date we're going to be looking at.

I'm scared, nervous, and excited all at the same time!! Is that normal!?! Hurry up 9am and get here so we can get this party started!!

I had my 6 month check up and while I have not lost a ton of weight, I am on the road to better health - my true goal!

My clinic now has a body composition analyzer. Unfortunately they did not have it when I started, so I do not have a comparison. BUT my PA was so delighted to tell me that my visceral fate rating is 16. This is just 3 points off of normal of 13! This means that while I still have plenty of fat on my body, there is NOT very much surrounding my abdominal organs. This means my fat is less likely to kill me now He said I also have good muscle mass now.

On Sunday I will celebrate my birthday about 36 pounds lighter than I was last year! And last year at this time I was not even thinking about having surgery! I am sure happy that last December I decided that I could not continue on the road I was on.

Wishing all a very happy and healthy Thanksgiving. We will have 2/3 of our family at our table this year. Lucky for me, most all of us are mindful of what we are eating, so most of the food will be okay for us. Of course, being Jewish we will have potato pancakes with our turkey this year. But because of my new tummy, I know I will not be over eating this year.

Edited by: SPARKYFRIEND at: 11/21/2013 (22:38)

Wow, we're actually going to get something going, I'm sure of it! I'll put a note on my calendar to start talking about dates/locations shortly after the first of the year. That should give us plenty of time to get organized.

Blessings,
Linda

I live in the Dallas Fort Worth area and would love for a get together. I am 3 years out from surgery and down 85 lbs.
I will keep checking to see when this will be happening.

Thanks for sharing about the diabetes, ladies!! My doctors are hoping, as am I, that this surgery will help get the diabetes under control or best case scenario... be "cured" so I can get off of all these medications.

So... I had my last face to face appt with the dieticianthis morning and she said she is sending over a "glowing" report to the surgeon to let him know that she feels like I am ready to take on this surgery. Friday morning I have my phone appt with the insurance's dietician and then one more of these phone appts beyond that (scheduled for 12/3) and I will have completed and verified everything that the insurance has required of me and my doctors. I'm getting nervous and excited that I could possibly have my actual surgery date soon!!

Hope everyone is having an amazing Wednesday!!



Edited by: DOLPHINLADY05 at: 11/20/2013 (13:04)

Good Morning everyone - been a few days since I've been on and boy a lot of new faces. Welcome.
My husband had diabetes before surgery and now is completely under control his A1C at his 3 month post surgery was 6.0 - he has been taken off all his meds. Best thing we have done. He is down 80 pounds - I am officially down 42 from my last appt in June to my 3 month post op -
I live in Missouri - I think a Texas get together would be fabulous - It is 10 hours from KC to Dallas -but I LOVE to drive!

Have a great day everyone.

My diabetes is "cured". Numbers were a little off while I was in the hospital after surgery and they sent me home with insulin just in case things went haywire once I started introducing food. Didn't happen. Bottom line is that I took meds and had a high A1C prior to surgery and since surgery no meds and a very normal A1C.

Spring sounds wonderful for a Texas get together!

Hink... that's really awesome!!

My PCM sent over my pre-surgical clearance report to my surgeon this morning and everything looked fantastic so all that's left is one face to face appt with the dietician at the hospital (happening tomorrow) and two phone calls with the insurance's bariatric dietician. Those are set for this Friday and the other for 12/3. Hopefully once these last things are complete and everything sent off to the insurance, it won't be long before I have an ACTUAL surgery date instead of the "mid-December" time frame.

Outside of that, I had quite a scare last night. I have been a diabetic for around 10 yrs. Within the past couple of yrs, no matter what I've done, I've struggled with getting my numbers out of high dangerous levels but I have never, in all these years, even when things were in good control, experienced low blood sugar. But, CAPOW!! Last night, laying in bed visiting with my spouse, all of a sudden I started sweating, my heart started pounding, and I thought I was going to completely pass out (and too bad it wasn't because I was swooning with passion, lol!!) We got the meter, checked my blood sugar and it had dropped down to 32...WTH!! That's lose consciousness level, have seizures level, you can go into a coma level... It took almost 1 1/2 hours, eating a whole 12 oz bag of Skittles, half a turkey sandwich, and a small glass of skim milk to get my blood sugar back into "normal" range. I got so drowsy but G would not let me fall asleep until that meter had a good number. I'm not sure what happened there but so very glad that I already have an appt scheduled with my endocrinologist Thursday morning so that we can maybe figure this out. I DO NOT want that to happen ever again... S-C-A-R-Y!!

So, since I'm pre-surgery, is there anyone here that is/was a diabetic before surgery. If there is, how have things worked out for you since surgery in regards to the diabetes??

, Hink! I'm amazed though that you can do an 18 mile ride inside! Is it stationary bikes? I'm showing my ignorance now, huh! I don't "do" exercise.

Anyway, maybe if we actually pull off a get-together in Texas (I'm thinking next Spring) you can join us.

I fly to Ft. Lauderdale on Thursday and will be there a week, but so far no one from that area has expressed an interest in getting together. Oh well...

Blessings,
Linda

Hey all

KINKS - I have actually heard that kidney stones are pretty common issue after bariatric surgery.... :-( Sorry that you had to deal with that.... doesn't sound like fun at all!!

I grew up in Houston.... so all this talk about Texas makes me smile!! Would be fun to meet some of you fellow "sparkers".... My quick trip to Austin a week ago, was fun but definitely too short! I wished I could have stayed longer, it definitely made me miss living in Texas!!

So one of my goals for 2014 is to complete a sprint triathalon, I have done one before about 11 years ago.... I decided that completing in another one would be a great goal for 2014. So I found one that is indoor in February and I am going to sign up! 750 yard swim, 18 mile bike and 5 mile run!! OMG!! Am I crazy or what?!?!?


Well - I figure that having an event in February to look forward to, will keep me motivated to train during December!! And hopefully.... this will also help me drop these last 20 lbs! I would really like to hit my goal of 100 lbs lost by my 1 year surgiversary! Well - I may be crazy but at least it's something to work towards right?!?

Hope everyone has a great day!

I am looking at it that way as well. I was trying to figure out how I was going to make it through Christmas, as we always have Christmas at our house for the family and there are many bad food choices there! I figure everything happens for a reason and that God is looking out for me. I think it might also be a test for me to make sure I stay on track with the weight loss. If I can do it during the holidays, I should be able to make it then!

Hi everyone...
Just stopping by to read some posts and to see how everyone is doing. I would like to welcome all the newbies.
I'm another Texas sleever...I live in San Antonio and I would love to be part of the meet and greet.
I had my 6 month post op appointment last week and the dr said I was doing great. I am a little shy of my halfway point but that's ok I plan on working my butt off this week to make it happen.

Have a great night.

Hi,

How disappointing to have to wait until the New Year! On the other hand I bet you'll enjoy the Holidays better than I will, lol. I'll be on the 2 week liquid diet over Thanksgiving and 1 week post op at Christmas.


My surgery has been changed to December 16th due to the surgeons schedule. I'll have to take 2 extra days off work plus it's my anniversary but I am good to go!

Enjoy your day,

I know how frustrating it is to have your surgery delayed. Mine was all scheduled and I was starting the two week pre surgery liquid diet my doctor required and then due to some politics at the hospital it was cancelled and not only could I not have my surgery, I had to find a new surgeon! Fortunately, there was another surgeon who had worked with my original surgeon before and had an opening so I only had to wait a couple of months to be rescheduled but it was still frustrating.

I will say that with the holiday season coming up, it might be better to wait since I know that even though my recovery went smoothly, I would not have been up for all of the normal holiday festivities, even those that do not revolve around food.

Good luck!

I am disappointed in knowing that I won't have my surgery before the end of the year. I finished the three month Insurance demanded Doctor Supervised Diet back on Oct. 21, and hoped to get it done this year, however they informed that they haven't send the final papers in to the insurance as the surgeon takes 4 weeks off for the holidays, and so I won't get it until next year. Disappointing as I had myself psyched up for this, but I am looking at this as a test for me to see how much I can lose before the surgery. I lost 27 lbs. during the 3 month DSD, but went lax after that and put a couple pounds back on. But I am back on track and lost 2 1/2 lbs last week, so I will have to be patient. Thanks for all the interesting information you all share. It is more than I got from my meetings at the hospital! I look for to hearing more of your experiences. Thanks again.

I have a question: has anyone had issues with kidney stones? I developed one over the weekend. The nurse said it was highly unusual to have a stone for the first time at age 50. She was fairly well-versed in bariatric surgery and wondered if it could be due to dehydration. I'm not sure what the cause was, but I sure don't want another one...

Wishing everyone an amazing week!!

have a wonderful week everyone :)

Wouldn't it be great if we could all try to make time on our various trips, vacations, etc., to contact our fellow sleevers in whatever area we are visiting? DH and I haven't left the state much the last couple of years because of grandkids moving in with us and DH having chemo (he's in remission, woohoo!), but we do still get out and about a bit. In fact, we'll be in Ft. Lauderdale Nov 21-29 visiting our daughter and her family. Anybody close by?

Blessings,
Linda

Joan - How exciting that you have a surgery date! I can hardly wait to find out when mine will be.

Sounds like Texas is the place to be - you all are having so much fun. I have only made a quick trip to Dallas for a conference once. I live on the East Coast in Baltimore, MD. Maybe I'll get out that way again and if I do I will look you up.


Edited by: BECKYBRN at: 11/17/2013 (20:30)

Hi all,

Becky~ Welcome! I am pre surgery, too and am scheduled for December 18th!


I don't live in Texas but the get together sounds like a great idea. My mother and father in law used to live in The Woodlands, what a small world.

Enjoy your weekend!

Hey Everyone,

We are about 5 hours from Houston. If you plan something for a weekend I will try to make it. I'm very excited about meeting y'all.

Cassie

I hope we can work something out, too, Lori! I'm really getting excited and we haven't even heard from anyone else, yet! LOL

I know exactly where Magnolia is. We live out in the boonies, too, but we're in the woods not on the prairie. I also have a friend from high school (that was 100 years ago!) that lives in the Woodlands and my very FAVORITE place to shop is Old Town Spring.

Well, it's about time for me to head out to Praise Team practice so y'all aren't likely to hear from me again until sometime after church tomorrow.

Blessings,
Linda

Hi Linda,
I live in a rural area of NW Houston called Magnolia... we always say we live out on the Magnolia prairie, lol! It's about 15-20 minutes from The Woodlands/Conroe area. I sure hope we can work something out so we can have a 'lil Texas get together, y'all!!

Hugs,
Lori



Edited by: DOLPHINLADY05 at: 11/16/2013 (18:44)

Oh Cassie you're funny! Tiny little thing I am not. lol I am so happy to have met you. I think we could have sat there for hours getting to know one another. Yes, you have an accent. I do not. HA! It's kind of funny when we first got down south and went to eat, everyone was talking with that southern drawl and my brain's first thought "Wonder where all these people are from?" HA! I was the outsider.

We arrived home safe and sound.
I will upload the picture of us to my Sparkpage.

And yes, we need to meet Linda!

Dolphinlady, what part of NW Houston? I'm between Bastrop and Elgin. Just spent a week RVing in Conroe last month.

Texas Reunion here we come!

Blessings,
Linda

Welcome Becky... glad you're here! I'm in the last phases of pre-op myself with only couple of things left on the list to take care of. I had my medical eval for surgical clearance yesterday and my PCM said I was good to go as far as she is concerned!!

I would love to be part of a little Texas get together. I live in the NW Houston area so whether it takes place before or after my surgery, I'm in!!

How exciting Cassie...I'm so jealous! Wanda is a sweetheart and I would love to meet her, too.

I'm also excited that you're working on a Texas visit. I'm actually closer to Austin (about 40 miles), but I will certainly come meet you someplace in San Antonio...or Houston...or Dallas for that matter! There are several of us here in Texas so, with enough notice, we might even arrange a little mini-meet-n-greet!

Hope everyone has a good weekend. I'll sign on again later.

Blessings,
Linda

Hey Everyone,

I have to let y'all know what an exciting week I had. Wanda and her husband were visiting the area, an we were able to meet for lunch. So I have met one of our team mates!!!! It was lots of FUN visiting with her and her husband. Of course, I thought they talked with an accent, but I'm sure they thought the same about me. The were visiting the Gulf Coast, and stopped in for a chat on their way home. I'm so glad I was able to finally meet someone!!! Now we are going to work on visiting San Antone and seeing Linda!!! I must say Wanda is a tiny little thing!!! I felt like a giant beside her!!!!

See y'all soon or rather I'll be back later for some more chatting!!!

Cassie

Becky!! Sounds like you have been working hard ... keep it up! There are lots of people around here at all different pre & post op stages.... so plenty of wisdom and support!!

Hi Everyone!

Decided I need to jump in here and become part of this group. I have about 5 weeks left out of 6 months of pre-surgery classes. I have 1 nutritionist appointment left (next week) and my pre-surgical appointment is 12/10 (when I hope to get a surgery date).

I think being part of this group will really help me on this journey to a new way of life.

I have been following the diet very closely with good success. I was down 6 pounds yesterday when I went in for my pre-op teaching session and got the final thumbs-up. The fatigue has gotten a little better ~ my body must be adjusting a little.

Thanks for the support and feedback! I really appreciate it.

Congrats Joan on getting your date!

Congrats Joan... I'm so excited for you!!! I've got my surgical clearance appt with my PCM this afternoon. All I have left then is 1 more appt with the dietician, and 1 more appt with the insurance company's phone program dietician then I guess I'll be in limbo until the insurance makes their decision. So exciting for me to at least have the tentative surgery date, lol!!

Congrats Joan! Good Luck!! The pre-op diet can definitely be hard, but it is worth it!

Hope that everyone is having a good week!!

Hello,

I received my surgery date! December 18th! I am so excited and thankful. I will only need to take 3 days off of work because I work for the schools and will be off until January 6th and my co pay will be $750 instead of $2000 after January 1st. I will go in on Tuesday and start a one week 1200 calorie diet, if I lose 1 # , which I will make sure I do, then I'll start the 2 week Opti fast diet to prepare for surgery. So excited!!!

Kinksycat-- I am almost 8 months post op and average 800 calories a day.. I think the key is high protein balanced diet and take your vitamins. I expected to have low energy for the first 6 months but was very surprised to have great energy within a month after surgery. I still think the hardest part was the PRE surgery diet. Try your hardest though because the main reason for the pre-diet is to firm your liver. The liver has to be held up off the stomach for surgery, if your liver is soft there is greater risk of a tear and bleeding. The preop diet truly shrinks and firms your liver to reduce the risk of a complication. Good Luck. I am excited for you

Great job on the blood sugar count! Way to go!
I'm still struggling with low energy and I'm 5 months post op. I feel better than I did pre op, but I feel I still have a way to go. This can't be all I get back! I've got too much to do =)
LOL

Great job in lowering your blood sugar. That is a great accomplishment!

My surgeon wanted me to get my blood sugar under control before surgery because he says high blood sugar slows down the ability for the body to heal. So, as of today, my morning fasting was 114... his goal was at least 120 and I've done it!! Praying that I can keep my numbers in this range between now and mid December (my tentative surgery date).

Knowing that the tiredness and ultra-low cals are typical for this two weeks, I will just keep going. I've been trying to keep up my activity so my metabolism doesn't dive bomb (which it loves to do... ). I appreciate the feedback and will probably be looking for more...

KINKSYCAT - it is def a LOW calorie plan for 2 weeks and my office told me that I would most likely be tired, that I should not plan on doing a lot.... after a few days, I adjusted and I didn't feel all that bad.... I was on a pre-surg diet for 10 days before my surgery. It was hard but worth it.... Sticking to the plan helped make my surgery go even that much smoother!! You can do it! HANG IN THERE

HEALTHIERMETOBE - my one friend I was staying with, kept "outing" me.... saying how much weight I had lost, I wouldn't have said anything.... yes my friends thought that I looked great, but most of them haven't seen me in a LONG time, so they wouldn't necessarily know that I was as heavy as I was and then that I had lost such a significant amount of weight.... but anyway -- they were all very complimentary and it was very nice to get that positive feedback!

Hello,

Kari~ Thanks for sharing your story.

Hink~ Were your friends impressed with the smaller you?

Kinkyscat~ 800-900 calories is definetly too low to live on, but if your 2 week pre surgical diet is like most be that is what has to be followed. Are you permitted to add any extra calories?

I was just going to post a question regarding my exhaustion ~ I'm on my 2 week pre-surgery diet and just can't seem to keep awake. I've been faithfully following the diet and getting in 800-900 calories a day (plenty of protien however). Sounds like I might be just a bit low in calories?

I'm so glad that everyone shares their stories, the ups and downs, right here. This is really great information for me as I'm still in pre-surgical limbo. I have an appt with my PCM for my surgical clearance this Thursday and am praying all goes well with that. That leaves me with one face to face appt with my dietician and two phone calls with my insurance company's dietician then the surgeon will be able to send everything in so that the insurance can make their decision. I am tentatively scheduled for this procedure mid-December, so, thank you very much for taking the time to come here and talk about what's going on with you post-surgery!!

Hugs,
Lori

KARI - It's definitely a balancing act and everyone is so different in what their body needs and wants! I do find that I actually do better when I eat a little more, if my calories are too low, my body holds on to the weight for sure.... I'm sorry that you experienced that.... but glad to know that you figured out what the problem was and made a change for the better.

I had a whirlwind trip to Austin this weekend, it was great to see some old college friends I haven't seen in a long time.... but bittersweet to walk in the race for the cure so soon after we lost one of our sorority sisters to breast cancer this summer. The trip was also bittersweet for me because it made me really miss being in Texas and miss being that close to good friends.

I hope that you all had a great weekend!!

Hi everybody. Been a while since I've checked in and I apologize for not keeping in better touch. My update has a moral to it's story: keep up the protein and TRACK TRACK TRACK your nutrition no matter HOW busy you get. After my 3 month post-op checkup with my nut, and at her recommendation, I left the protein drinks out of my daily diet. She strongly urged me to get my protein from whole foods. I was close on my numbers, according to SP, so I figured I'd be okay by just adding an egg and turkey sausage to my day. WRONG. Two things were discovered. First, My body wants more than the 60g of protein recommended by my bariatric dept. Second, My body needs more than 1000 calories on a daily basis. My daily schedule became hectic between work and home and I let my food tracking slide. I told myself that it was okay because I knew what I was doing...NOT! By 3 weeks after my appt, I was losing my hair in fistfuls. I was also crashing from lack of energy. My body was seriously shutting down because it didn't have enough calories to function. For example, I would park my bus, lay down across the seats and pass out. I never remembered falling asleep, just waking up about 30 or 45 minutes later. It became an effort to focus on tasks or even conversations. My weight loss stalled. While talking to my husband about my problem he pointed out when my problems began. I'm now back on the protein shakes and increased my calorie range to 1200- 1500 (although I never have been above 1250 - just can't seem to consume enough LOL) as suggested by my SP food tracker for my height/activity level/weight goal and I'm doing MUCH better. Hair loss has just about stopped, energy level is returning, and the scale is beginning to drop again. It only took about a week to start suffering in dramatic ways, sadly it took longer to put 2 + 2 together. It's taken 2 weeks to recover once I made my corrections. Sad to have that time wasted, sad to put my body through that stress. So my advice to you: Keep up on your protein and pay attention to your body's individual nutritional needs!

Hi everyone, Happy November. Where has the time gone?! I'm super excited, surgery date approaches closer and closer everyday (February 17, 2014). This week I'm going to start ordering various protein shakes to see what I like. And I'm going to get back into the gym. This past year was so discouraging as I'd given up hope, gave up eating healthy and gave up working out. But I have hope now! Time to get back on track! I've started cooking more the last few weeks so I'm not eating out so much for lunch and dinner. This week I'm also getting my passport and booking my flight to Dr. Ortiz in Mexico. I'm comfortable with the decision I've made and can't wait for the rest of my life to begin!!

Lori~ I bet you will qualify since you have multiple co morbiditys. I qualified with only one co morbidity and my BMI is 39. This is an exciting as well as fearful time, isn't it? I am exercising, which I always do, and eating well and remembering to take my vitamins to help get myself as ready as possible.

All I have left to do is my surgical clearance from my PCM and complete the last two dietician visits... one on the 22nd of this month and the last on 12/6 and then my insurance will make their decision. This is very nerve wracking since I'm borderline on the BMI but top heavy on medical issues like diabetes, high blood pressure, etc... keep your fingers crossed and pray, pray, pray!!

Lori~ Yes, that would be so cool if we both have surgery on December 16th! I'll keep you posted. I weigh 230# and am 5'5". I am a large frame and was a size 10 when I was 150#. The lowest adult weight I ever saw was 139# and I was bikini thin; it only lasted a short while and I had to starve and exercise like mad to get there. I had a lap band, lost 60#, it had to be removed and I gained the 60# back so I know I can be successful with Weight loss surgery.
Take care,

Hi everyone,

It's been a while, but this time of year (football season) is usually very busy for us, but it's winding down. This is a very good thing because my weight loss has stalled out a little but I will be hitting the gym hard starting next week. Today is my son's last regular season varsity game, it's a must win to get to playoffs.

I know linda.... kind of a bummer that we will be so close but not able to meet!

Today was a little better for me.... less stress, no "stress eating".... Although I did indulge in a second starbucks today.... but managed to keep the extra snacking to a minimum! Go me!

WOW... We might actually be having surgery on or around the same day!! The only things I lack now are my pre-op physical and three more sessions with my insurance company's dietician. We talk every other week so my last appt with her will be the first Friday in December. I am tentatively scheduled for surgery on Dec 16 or 17 based on how fast my insurance responds. I want to get it done before Jan 1 because I've met my out of pocket maximum for the year which my insurance is saying means that I would have no cost share in this surgery if it's approved. So far, the doc doesn't seem to think there will be a problem with insurance approval. My weight is actually right on the border but I have several health issues that meet the requirements along with the BMI.

Keep in touch and let me know how things are going. Wouldn't that be too cool if we had this surgery around the same day!?! We could literally be on this journey together...

Hugs,
Lori

Hello,

I am getting closer to having a surgery date! I received "the call" today from my insurance company and I have been approved and am good to go as far as they are concerned. I am waiting (anxiously) to hear from my surgeons office. He had said I had to lose 20# before the 2 week optifast preop diet. There is not enough time to achieve this from when he said it to when I hope to have surgery, which is December 16th. My co pay will go up $1250 after Jan 1st plus I have 2 weeks off for the holidays and would only need to take a week off if I have surgery on Dec. 16th, which happens to be my wedding anniversary. So, long story short, I am really hoping to have surgery on December 16th!

As I'm going through the last few items for insurance purposes, I met with my surgeon again today and he told me that there may be a possibility that he might need to do this surgery as an open surgery instead of laparoscopic.

Did anyone here have the gastric sleeve done as an open surgery? The surgeon has very legitimate reasons for bringing this to my attention... too many to go into detail but the biggest part of it is because of the possibility of mesh and scar tissue from a previous hernia surgery.

Anyway... just wondering if anyone had this procedure as a major surgery!?!

Well, it certainly is a small world!

Sarah, I'm always pretty close to you. I live in the country between Bastrop and Elgin. Also, my DH had a liver transplant at UT Health Center back in 2000. My nephew lives right off Babcock, basically right across from the medical complex and we always stay with him when DH has a followup appointment at the Transplant Clinic.

We're having a good time in Fredericksburg; we camp here about once a year with our church group. We're going to the Farmers Market in just a little while and then who knows what we'll get into. My son is coming out on Friday night with his two little girls so there's a trip planned to Enchanted Rock.

Hink, I can't believe you're gonna be in Austin and I'm not close enough to try and catch up with you for a cup of coffee or SOMETHING! The airport is only about 30 minutes from my house.

Blessings,
Linda

SBEAR - I hear ya.... I def have been off track and I have about 25 more to lose to get to my goal.... in the meantime, I am at least maintaining, so that is something!

Linda - I can imagine.... and I know that it isn't easy to lose and it won't be easy to maintain either.... I know that having a group of friends to support you in the journey is a huge help, that is definitely why I have tried to stay active here online.... I don't go to a support group here so I appreciate all of the support and encouragement I get from this online group

And I am going to be in TEXAS this weekend!! I'm flying to Austin, to do the Race for the Cure!! I will get to see some of my old college friends I haven't seen in a very long time!

Good Morning Everyone & Happy Thirsty Thursday!

Linda- You're so close! :) I live in San Antonio, and love Frederickburg. I'm sure it's especially pretty this time of year.

I'm doing well, struggling with eating the wrong things, but taking it a day at a time. Haven't gained, but I'm not losing either. Need to get back on the band wagon. Still have about 40 lbs to lose till my goal!

Have a wonderful day! Drink your water!

GOUTTT, I know somebody on here does the pouch test, maybe it's Wanda, but I'm not sure. If you Google "pouch test" you'll come up with lots of info about it. If memory serves, it's a little more involved than just 5 days of liquid, but I don't remember for sure. There is a book for sale (of course), but when I poked around, I found several websites that gave the basics of the process without having to buy the book. It's worth a look if you're interested.

Hink, thanks for the compliment. Everybody on this site inspires me and that keeps me going. I'm not sure I'd have as much success with maintenance if I didn't visit here regularly. My biggest fear is regaining the weight and I won't lie...it's hard to keep it off!

On a different note, DH and I arrived in Fredericksburg, TX this afternoon for a campout with our church friends. We always have such a good time. I'll drop by over the next few days, but I might do more lurking than anything!

Blessings,
Linda




Edited by: SHESPEAKS at: 11/6/2013 (20:52)

Hey Hink, hope you are feeling better and are back on track.

Congrats to all of the folks here who have had long term success. You are all such inspirations.

Thanks for the advice.

On another note, I read on another weight loss site about people doing something called the "pouch test". It sounds like 5 days of liquids and then soft foods to get you back on track. Has anyone ever done this?

Hey Everyone -- having a stressful day and I'm not coping that well... not making the best food choices today.... but it could be worse!

Linda - I am always impressed by how well you have maintained your weight loss! You are a superstar!!

Hope everyone is having a good day & week!

Hey Joan, I had my surgery April 9, 2009 (about 4 1/2 years ago). It took me about 15 months to lose 190 pounds and so far I'm maintaining. My surgeon and PCP actually had me gain some weight back because I really got too thin (imagine that!), at one point I was down 208 pounds, but I'm back at the 190 mark and holding. My original goal was to lose 150.
Blessings,
Linda

Hello and Happy November!

Who had their surgery more than a few years ago? I am curious about the long term results and issues that can crop up.

I am awaiting approval from my insurance company.

Have a good day,

Sounds like you're feeling a little better, Cassie, I sure hope so. I'm jealous that you're going to get to meet Wanda! Sure wish I could join you.

GOUTTT, I sometimes struggle with hunger, too, and sometimes I give in, but what I try to do is munch on grapes and/or watermelon. I often weigh out grapes in the morning so I'll know how much I'm grazing on and just leave the bowl sitting around so I can grab 2-3 when I walk by. It seems if I'm able to much all day, it helps satisfy my emotional need to eat and keeps the real hunger at bay. I'd much rather be grazing on chips, but hey, the calorie count on grapes is MUCH better! Some people really enjoy frozen grapes, too, but that's not my favorite.

Blessings,
Linda

Hey Everyone,

Trish, it's nice to see you here again. I'm glad you are back. Hopefully, you can get back on track, and lose a few more pounds. I can tell you the longer you go the harder it is to lose it. I'm 5 1/2 years out, and still would like to lose 30 pounds. My dr says I have lost enough, and not to worry about it, but....I believe I can prove them wrong, and lose more. I just have to make up my mind to do it. That is the hardest battle of all. I would just take it slow, and eat healthy. The weight will come off, if you eat protein first, and let everything else follow. It's just hard making a commitment to do it. Hang in there!!!! Come here for encouragement and support.

Everyone seems to be doing GREAT. I love this time of the year. This is my birth month and anniversary month. Then the holidays begin!!!!! I can't wait!!!! I will try not to make y'all sick of me and the holidays before they arrive.

Wanda is coming down this way, and we plan on meeting!!!! I'm really looking forward to meeting her. She will be here next week!!!

Y'all all have a good day, and I will chat again later!!! Y'all come join in the chat, I miss my friends!!!!

Cassie

Hello! I'm checking in...it's been a long time! I've been struggling and not putting my goals at the forefront. Result=weight gain and still far from goal even though I just passed my one year anniversary. :( But, hope springs eternal and I'm back trying to regain control and momentum.
I will make a concerted effort to be here to give support and hope to receive it as well!

Hi All,
I am down 57 pounds since my June surgery. I am a bit sad as I only lost .75 two weeks ago and gained .5 last week. I have been feeling hungry lately. Not sure what to do about that. Any suggestions?

Hey Everyone,

Thanks Hink for starting the new thread!!! I thought about it last week, and immediately forgot again.

I miss y'all too. It's been a while since I have been on. My only excuse is that I just haven't felt like it. Hopefully will do better.

Y'all all have a good evening.

Cassie

Thank goodness somebody remembered to start the new thread! Thanks, Hink!

I sure forgot and I was even thinking this morning about how quiet it has been around here. I guess everyone is like me and don't have much to say. We're going camping (excuse me...RVing!) again this week. We leave Wednesday afternoon.

Blessings,
Linda

Edited by: SHESPEAKS at: 11/4/2013 (15:10)

Hey all -- since it's the 4th of November, I thought I would start a November chat thread! Hope that everyone is doing well!!

It's been pretty quiet around here lately.... I am missing all of my spark friends