Wow, that is amazing!! It is alot to carry around and until you see it or try
to lift it you don't realize. Keep up the good work!! When you say your
appetite has returned do you mean to pre-surgery level or are you hungry but
still eating at the smaller portion?
How many here have had a baby after wls? Was the pregnancy with alot
of complications due to having wls? How long is the recommended
wait? And are you more likely to get pregnant after wls? Thank you.
Just a quick update for the group, this is day 83 post-op and I'm
down 77 pounds. Doesn't look like I'll meet my goal of 100 pounds in
a 100 days, but that's okay. As long as I'm still losing that's all
I'm really after.
Here's a reality check from last weekend. I went to the local Home
Depot to purchase some quick cement. The bags weighed 80 pounds each.
I went to pick up the first bag and could hardly lift it. After
wrestling it into the cart, it dawned on me that that bag represented
the nearly 80 pounds that I have dropped. Wow, I think it hit me that
I have been carrying around more than three of those bags everyday in
fat. My poor body could not have kept that up for another 30 years.
I'm so thankful for the WLS option. I hope those that are looking
into it, do some real soul searching and research. While it is a
lifelong commitment, for me, the benefits, so far, have exceeded my
expectations. While I still have over 120 pounds to go, I know that
my life has already improved. My general attitude at home and work is
much more optimistic and I'd be lying if I didn't say the compliments
strenghten me to press on to my goal.
Yes, my appetite has returned, but I feel I'm keeping things in check
by monitoring the breads and pastas, and sticking with the high
protien meals. I will put off anything else on my plate until I have
had at least half of the protien. I have yet to find a long term
protien shake, maybe someone has a thought on that.
-Ray
obesityhelp.com and go to the provider section, click
on your state and find your doctor. Once you look at
each dr, it will tell you what insurance they accept.
I am in Blaine-right on the canadian border. Everett
is about 1 1/2 hours south of me. Which dr. did you
have?
Are you old enough for menopause? It is probably due
to hormonal changes-fat stores hormones and when you
lose weight they are released.
Amanda, The one good thing is the hair loss is usually temp. Try
taking the Biotin vitamin it's not big and it come in capsule or pill
form. A lot of us take it and it doesn't get stuck. If you are
afraid of it getting stuck in your throat, take it right before you
eat. If your afraid of it getting stuck in your pouch...it desolves.
Try it
Colleen
Christie, Not to be mean but what was your mom thinking, going
behind your back and asking him? Can she take them? Even if he has
changed and is really nice to them while you have your surgery, they
are getting hurt because they will feel abandoned AGAIN after when he
doesn't give them the time off day. Kids don't understand and blame
themselves for what is happening. I would hate to have them feel
that all over again.
Good luck on your decision
Colleen
My aunt was not able to get a doctor to do her hysterectomy when she
had her WSL surgery but she did have it done 18 months later when she
had her tummy tuck with no problems. GOOD Luch!!!!!
Michele In Dayton
Lap RNY 4/26/04
down 30lbs!!!!!!!!
Christie,
It sounds to me like you need to take a step backwards and maybe think of
another alternative for childcare while you are in the hospital. If he
hasn't made any effort it sounds like that's for the best! I have custody
of my Nephew for very similar reasons on the fathers part and he calls on
his birthday and christmas and when he is feeling fatherly. (next to never)
Children get very angry when going through the separation of parents. They
act out in different ways and are just trying to show you that they are
hurting. I am sure both of your children miss their father a lot. Don't
give up on the surgery for something like that. That would be silly to give
up something that will benefit you so much because your ex is being a
deadbeat dad. There is no sense in punishing yourself for his lack of
responsibility. Chin up!
: ) Blessings!
Sarah Vandever
Lap RNY 4-6-04
304-283-165
Very funny!!!!! I would have said "Yes" to Mel too...
Jena
I went into the room and only one person was in there and they weren't
talking. I would love to chat sometime....If anyone would like to chat, please
let
me know.
Jena
first of all i want to thank you for reading this.this last december
i had my husband leave because he was abusive to me and my 2
boys.and in january i had an order for protection on him because of
the abuse,the judge said that he can call the boys once a week well
then he had a fit because he wanted to call them more often,and he
got supervised visitation for once a week at like at a ymca.well he
has only called the boys 3 times since january.and hasnt visited
them at all since then.but anyways getting to what i dont know what
to do...my mom asked him if he wanted to take the kids while im in
the hospital,with the help of his mom.since he lives with his
parents.i dont want my kids to be hurt by him anymore then they have
already.but then i dont want to keep them away from him.i am really
considering about just not having the surgery.my oldest son is 6
years old and he now is hitting,spitting,calling names at girls.im
pretty sure its because he seen his dad do that to me.i just dont
know what to do.if i should let him take care of the boys or if i
should forget about having the surgery for now.i dont know when i
would do it though :( ok well i suppose i will stop babaling.take
care.
christie
First, let me start by saying, this story/joke isn't meant to offend anyone, I
thought it was cute and decided to share. I hope it gives you a chuckle.
Cynthia
" It does not matter how slowly you go so long as you do not stop."
~ Confucius
Congratulations Pam, I am 18 months post-op and 26 weeks pregnant with #4. i
feel ssoo much better this pregnancy. here is a group they have for those
expecting after WLS.
Hi! Well, I have finally gotten a date again...I am SOOOOO happy! I go
in June 1st, and I can't wait!!! (I had a date in January, but a few
days before surgery my surgeon stopped doing surgery at the hospital I
was approved for, so I've been all this time appealing!)
Now I wish I had saved all those posts about protein shakes that I
deleted during a depression episode one night, during my LONG wait!
So I am asking that you give me suggestions as to brands, combinations,
etc. I know you've probably all done this a million times for newbies
like me, but would you mind just one more time? I'm trying to get all
my ducks in a row before I go, because when I come home, I come home to
7 kids!
Thanks, all you protein connoisseurs out there!!!!!
Cindy
Mother of Many
Dora,
Congrats on them having a cancellation and your being able to go in tonight.
Sometimes it is best when things happen like this because it doesn't give
us time to fret about them.
I will be thinking of you,
Claudia
2-10-04
404pre-op/358surg/321/160?
Reminder Reminder from the Calendar of Gastric_Bypass_Family
Weekly Group Chat!!
Monday April 19, 2004
7:00 pm - 10:00 pm
This event repeats every week.
Notes:
I knew that I was going to have to schedule a sleep study but did
not know it would be so soon. I was talking with the lady who does
the scheduling and she has had GBS. She understood where I was
coming from and told me she would get me in as soon as possible. If
I had to wait for an appointment it might be late May. She called
me this morning and told me that they had an appointment for me for
May 31st but they had a cancellation tonight and if I could come in
I could have it. So, I am going in tonight to sleep for them. That
should be pretty simple.
Also, I go to the surgeon for my first visit with him. After
tonight I will have done all the preliminary tests that they
requested and we should be ready to move forward with the insurance
company. Wish me luck. I hope to be approved and in surgery by
late July or early August. It would be a real blessing if it
happens sooner for some reason.
Dora
446 Pre-op
Waiting for surgeon's OK.
Hey everyone :)
I just wanted to let everyone know that I had my surgery on Nov
12th, 2002, and have lost 130 pounds. I am also 10 weeks pregnant :)
It was totally unexpected, I was on the birth control patch, so i
thought I was safe, but obviously I am in that less than 1% that it
doesn't work for :) I had my first ultrasound today, everything is
fine, baby is due Nov 11th. :) I hope everyone is having a great day!
Pam in Louisiana
<<I use Centrum Chewable, orange flavored.
I take 2 of these a day, along with scores of other supplements.. Usually
with my first shake of the day. They have never made me nauseous, even right
after surgery. They taste like a childrens chewable to me. I just pop one
in and chew it up and don't pay any mind to the taste. It's become a good
habit. :)
Pam
Lap RNY (80 cm bypassed) w/ Lap Cholecystectomy 5Dec03
Tricare Prime
Dr. Scherrer/ Travis AFB, CA
269/197/169
7 pounds to surgeons goal!!
29 pounds to my goal!!
Congrats and good luck on all your following steps.
Michelle,
I feel the exact same way as you.
Vickie
5'01" BMI 41 pre-op 215
6-7-04
Heavenly Scents Candle Company
Vickie Smith
523 Dickson Circle
Sherman, Texas 75090
903-893-3833
website: www.heavenlyscentstx.us
e-mail: rasmith@...
Hi Everyone,
Ok, it's time once again for our monthly WLS Central Florida get together.
Remember, anyone who is either pre/post op is welcome to join us for a relaxing
lunch/drink no matter what type of WLS surgery you have had. Don't forget to
bring a guest if you feel the need.
We will be meeting on Saturday the 24th at 1:00pm. Now the only thing is I
remember last month some of the group mentioned they would like to go to a
particular BBQ place and of coarse I have no idea what the name of the place is
so
those of you who wanted to go there please mail me and let me know. I think
they said it was over around the Lee Road area but don't hold me to that.
Let me know if you will be attending and if you have any questions feel free
to ask. Hope to hear from a lot of you out there.
Sincerely, Dawn
Do you only have to take one a day? Do they make you
nauseous, do you have to take them after a big meal??
Thanks!!!
Kristen Andry
*******
Date: Sun, 18 Apr 2004 00:15:47 -0700 (PDT)
From: Nora Trulock <noratrulock@...
Subject: Re: Ref:Chewable Vits
I TAKE THOSE TOO. I THINK THERE SO GROSS. I HATE
TAKING THEM BUT I DO EVERYDAY.
Jack,
If you have really tried to lose the weight over the years without
success and you are convinced that your talents are not being
recognized like they should be because of fat phobic promoters. All
you need to do is look through this group to see the positives that
WLS offers. While it is certainly a surgery to be taken seriously,
you have to consider the longterm, life saving changes it can make
for you. I am 13 weeks post-op and have dropped 74+ pounds and feel
great. It is life long, taking your supplements and living the "rules
of the pouch" will put you on the road to that great gig. Good Luck.
-Ray
congrats for you im 2 and a half weeks post op and im down 30 pounds hopefully
it continues
matt
Hi all:
I just lost 100 lbs today, I am 5 months post-op and I am so
exicted. I remembe it has been at least 10 years since I have been
down to this weight. I went to a party Saturday night, I wear a
black lacey skirt (that was just above my knees and I found on
cleance for $7) and a red strechy blouse I found at Lane Bryant for
$4 and panty hose (which I have not wear in probably over 5 or 6
years) and black heels. I had my hair done and all and everyone that
saw me said, "Tammy, is that you?" I felt so good about myself,
something I haven't felt in a long, long time. I almost started to
cry thinking I didn't ever think I would get a chance to be thinner
aagain. Boy, my husband's jall fell to the floor when he saw me come
sown the stairs Saturday (that also made me feel that I was pretty in
his eyes too, even though he says I was always beautiful to him no
matter what size I was, isn't he sweet?)
Wow, I cannot wait until the next (or last) 100 lbs go, I won't know
what to do with myself (and neither will my husband, he is already
getting insecure about all the weight I've lost already) But I just
keep on reminding him that yes, my life is changing and I will have
people (men) looking at me and it has been such a long time since men
turned their heads to look at me, it will feel good at first and than
it will wear off (I don't tell him that I really love it though, I
will try not to make it so obivous that I like it so much) Outside,
I will say, oh that's nice and inside I will say, YEEHAA!!!.
I am sure alot of you gals and guys have felt the same way after
losing that and more amount of weight. My husband I like doesn't
understand that, I use to be thin and very pretty and when I gained
so much weight, I felt like a beached whale and thought I was so ugly.
But anyway, I just wanted to share this with you all. I hope others
will share their experiences with me and anyone just having the
surgery done, don't worry, you're time will come, and it is hard at
first but the benefits are weigh worth it in the long run. I when
from having high blood pressure and hypertension with high cholestrol
and being on meds for both to normal blood pressure and the
cholestrol went from 235 before op to 99 after op. I went from
having no energy to anormous energy.
Thanks for listening and God Bless everyone! And remember all He is
the one who gets the Glory for all of this happening to me not
anything I ever did.
Tammy Ricci
Where is the Florida Medical Center located?
Thx
Shelby
Florida Medical Center
5000 West Oakland Park Blvd
Lauderdale Lakes, FL
Central Broward County- Just 10 blocks west of 441/SR 7... North of Sunrise Blvd
and South of Commercial Blvd.
Espisito/English/Carresqilla
291/240/160
RNY 1/13/04
Dr.Espisito
Dear Bren,
Hi, I was just wondering if you have been losing steadly since your surgery.
I ask, because I started out at 440, and now am 396 in 4 weeks. I know I have
a long road ahead, but i have been told by many that I might not reach a
"normal" weight, because I started so high. Just would like your input.
Thanks,
Ellen
very greatful surgery 3/15/04
440/396/???? 44 lbs lost in the 4 weeks !!!! Woopie!!!
Your friend in freedom from fat!
Ellen
Tatouage Consultant
Tatouagedesigns.com
discount code: EllKah30
"Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving
safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in
broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly
proclaiming -- WOW--What a Ride!!!"
In a message dated 4/18/2004 6:14:09 PM Pacific Daylight Time,
Bren...
Congrats... you go!
Im 36 lbs from my first goal to see if I want to lose another 10 to my ultimate
goal. The first 2/3 went lots faster than this last 1/3 will take.
Cherie,
I about sprayed my monitor w/Crystal Light when I read: "Keep looking for a
greasy spot in the road up there...LOL"
Hurry up and take out a big insurance policy on his A$$. Then take me to Hawaii
with you.
Seriously, Im glad to read your attitude. You made it without him before and
you will again. Im glad you are putting yourself first.
Jack, leave the dark side........ come along with us.
~~Pat~~
Orlando, FL
252/196/160 (-56)
BMI 37.2/28.9/23.6
52 Years Young
LAP-RNY 12/10/03
Wayne English, MD
Ft Lauderdale, FL
Bren, that's so awesome...congratulations...Linda D
kanapal12000 <kanapal12000@...
Greetings Everyone,
I have been silently reading the post for awhile now since I have checking this
bypass idea and as personal as this surgery is I talked to a few friends and to
people post surgery and I am so tired of being as talented as I am and passed
over because I weigh 300 pounds you see I play music for a living you know I
sing and play they pay I've been doing it 34 years.
I'm on the fence hopefully by reading and learning I will be off the fence soon.
Thanks
Jack
Henriquez
i just weighed and i am 20 lbs from my goal weigh
it seem like forever but i finally made it
and it feels ssssoooo good
02/01/00 weighed in at 450lbs surgery day
04/18/04 weighed in at 180
bren
Reminder Reminder from the Calendar of Gastric_Bypass_Family
South Miami Hosp Support Group
Thursday April 22, 2004
7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
This event repeats on the fourth Thursday of every month.
Event Location: Educ Cntr
Notes:
go to miamihope.com
most of the melon groups have a high content of water and they will
give you the "dumping" effect. eat only a very small amount it also
helps when you have constipation
gastric bypass 02/01/00
bren
Has anyone ever dumped on fruit? I haven't, but I LOVE watermelon
and am afraid of having too much fruit sugar. I can eat other
fruits, but I really want to know about watermelon. I would eat
this all day if I could!
Thanks
Alicia
I can eat alot of watermelon without dumping but give me a glass or orange
juice and I can only drink 1/2 a glass at a time or I will dump. Watermelon has
never gotten me sick.
God Bless,
Robin, NorthEastern, NY
Age- 41
EDD- July 27th, 2004
IT'S A BOY!!!!!!
Mommy to:
Benjamin & Jonathan
(twin boys 7 1/2),
Madison, daughter, 5 years and
Wife to Pup 15 years (October 31, 1988)
Gastric Bypass Surgery-
October 18th 2002
Start-378, current- 246(pregnant)
goal 170 after baby :)
There is one by Blue Bunny that I have others talk about eating
after their RNY. It is called Health Smart....they are bars. They
come in a few different flavor and made w/splenda. They have 4g
protein and 4g sugar. I have tried the fidge ones so far and I am
praying my pouch with agree with them afterwards since they taste so
good. Good luck!
Julie
pre-op
May 4, 2004
268/268/130
Dr. Byrne/ Charleston SC
My surgery was 2/23/04, starting weight 250 now I'm 215. I am still
having a hard time trying to get used to solid foods. There are alot
of different kinds of sugarfree icecreams out there. Is there a brand
we can have?
found crystal light that is good.. starlet
Congrats Cherie!
The time should fly by for the consult date! 5 more days! yay!!! lol
as for hubby, your attitude is great! in mho anyway, sometimes in a persons
lifetime you have to do for you if you don't, .... you might not be there for
others when they'll need you, bask in all of your support, espically the kids,
they'll always be your kids, you can alway get a new and improved hubby LOL
Good luck and keep up posted ok?
chin up hun,
Cynthia
" It does not matter how slowly you go,
so long as you do not stop."
~ Confucius ~
Oh you *GO* girl!!!! You bet you have us behind you supporting you
all the way!!!
Love, Michelle
<< I am not going to let selfish people rule my life. I am going
to live for myself. My kids are grown and are supporting me 110%. My
neighbors are ralling behind me and will pitch in and help me make
it through this.. Besides I have you guys right to support me? I
knew it...Thanks in advance. Cherie
Hello Everyone,
I got the call on Friday that gave me my consult date on Monday April
23, 2004. I live in Bakersfield, CA and have to drive to san
Diego, CA.
I am so excited...they told me that since my insurance has approved
this then I have to wait about a week and a half and then if all
went well in the "marathon consultation day" I should get a call abou
1-2 weeks after that for a surgery date. I have lost 10 lbs since
I attended the lecture.
Since my doctor and I have been trying to get this surgery my
husband is being a *$&#. He has told me that he wants to sell our
house and go our seperate ways. I said NO!!! I am not selling
anything, for once I am being selfish..I am thinking only about
myself.
I have raised my kids by myself and my husband of 4.5 years is of the
old school as each day goes by. I am sticing to my guns and taking
care of myself and looking forward to this surgery.
I don't need this now, nor do I diserve this type of treatment. He
left yesterday to ride his motorcyle at 10AM and it is now 24 hours
later and he has not returned nor called. I guess he thinks I am
going to sit down and feed my face and worry..That would have been
the old me...The new me went for a walk, did my ceramics, ate fresh
pinapple and watched a good movie. Had the whole bed to myself and
said *&*&*# ...If anything happened, God non't like ugly....
I am not going to let selfish people rule my life. I am going to
live for myself. My kids are grown and are supporting me 110%. My
neighbors are ralling behind me and will pitch in and help me make it
through this..
Besides I have you guys right to support me? I knew it...Thanks in
advance.
Cherie
284
Kathryn, North East PA. sent this in to another e-group I'm in, so I'm passing
it along, hope it helps.
You can subscribe to Barbara's monthly newsletter by going to www.wlscenter.com
It's a great newsletter. The water article came from her.
"How Do You Define Success"
by Barbara Thompson
Recently, when the newspaper, The New Orleans Picayune, interviewed me the
reporter mentioned that there is a common criticism of weight loss surgery
stories. They are either absolutely wonderful or they are disasters. She
questioned whether there is a segment that never gets heard from. That started
me thinking about those who consider themselves failures, and how we define
failure in relationship to this surgery. But before we look at failure, let's
look at success.
The surgical community considers anyone a success when they have lost 50%
of their excess weight. Right there we have a problem. I think we all approach
this surgery expecting we are going to lose 100% of our excess weight. And if
we don't, then we consider ourselves failures even though our surgeon is adding
our name to their success column.
The first month or two after the surgery makes matters worse. You are
losing 20 pounds a month and believing that this will go on forever. I know I
had my calculator out and was trying to figure out how long it would be before I
hit my goal (excess pounds divided by 20). But life isn't like that for most of
us. We hit plateaus. We come to the end of our widow of opportunity before we
reach our goal and we stop losing. Or we stop losing and regain some of our
weight.
And there are people who term themselves "slow losers." They may never
achieve the "20 pounds lost per month" mark. These are the people who my heart
truly goes out to. They are the silent group who may stop going to their
support group because they feel like they are such failures. They don't go to
their surgical follow up appointments because it will mean getting on the scale.
They don't discuss what they are going through in chat rooms. And they probably
don't because they get the same response, "Are you eating your protein,
exercising, and drinking water?" "If you are, then you must be snacking." "It
has to be your fault." And the feelings of failure adding to the low self-esteem
continue at an accelerated rate, because after all, the person had weight loss
surgery.
Why do surgeons consider 50% as a success? It is because there is no
other method that you could use that would result in that much weight loss on a
permanent basis. Remember back to your old diet days? Yes, you lost weight,
but regained it plus additional weight. The best you can attain with dieting is
a 5% weight loss.
Before surgery, have your eyes wide open. Although most people lose 70%
to 80% of their excess weight, you may lose only 50%.. Figure out what 50% is,
and be sure to rejoice when you hit that mark. Anything else is a bonus!
Hugs,
Cynthia
" It does not matter how slowly you go so long as you do not stop."
~ Confucius ~
Visit my online home..
~ Cynthia's Place ~
Find me on ICQ
#16778835
*No buggies on me!
I tooked a baff in Norton's 2002 bubbles!*
have your dr check your hormones,,,my wife is having those same
probs,,her were all messed up,,she is on a hormone supplement, and
it all stopped,,
hope this helps,,
Steve
I TAKE THOSE TOO. I THINK THERE SO GROSS. I HATE
TAKING THEM BUT I DO EVERYDAY.
Jessica--for constipation i use Benefiber---i add a tablespoon to something i
drink twice a day--it still sometimes takes 2 or 3 days to go---but it really
does help---CIndy
CONGRATS!!!
I hope mine goes that well.... have to wait till the 17th of May though.
ICE
I just wanted to look like everybody else. I wanted to be
comfortable and not stand out. So, I chose nice tees from LL bean
(nice price too!) and jeans, which I haven't worn for years. Simple,
non-trendy clothes will never go out of style
Alicia
11/18/03
284/249 preop/181
Yikes! Today I realized I lost 103 lbs!! 35 lbs was prior to
surgery. To all those who think think it will never happen, just
wait and see!! It seems like yesterday that I was just beginning my
research.
I wish everyone as wonderful and uneventful a journey as I have had.
Alicia
11/18/03
284/249 preop/181
Hello everyone,
Well a I made it thru the surgical consult. It went very well I'd say, the staff
was great and the Dr even better!
He told me he'd rather do LAP surgery on me, ( I'm still not sure which one to
do tho ) and suggested I loose 40 lbs before surgery, (I've never lost more than
20 at a time then gained it back and then some) he said if I didn't loose the
weight he could still do the surgery, but it would be the open. He said to join
a support group, (was thrilled when I told him I had online, already)
I would need to do the sleep apnea test, physc evaluation, and that was it.
He explained what he would do, and about all the "steps" afterwards too,
explained to my hubby his role in all of this.
The time just with the Dr. was 1 1/2 hours, I really liked him, I asked tons of
questions, he asked tons of questions! Some ok, and some were really "deep" but
that's ok. Makes a person think ya know... can't just "jump" into this.
The nurse gave me a huge envelope of info when we left, in it was a list of
support groups and lo and behold there was one that was only 4 miles from my
home and the next meeting was that very night! lol I was absolutly thrilled! I
called Patti right away and hubby and I were there for the meeting, at first
when we pulled up to the "house", we were uneasy, it was more like a mansion!
lol
But once in the door, we were treated like family! There were 9 other women
there and 1 other hubby the meeting was to be from 7 - 8:30, we left about
10pm!! Hubby and I had a great time, and got even more questions answered. Both
of us are ready for this journey.
At first remember, hubby didn't respond much about this subject, but after I
asked him to go to with me to these appointments he really turned around.
I went to my PCP the very next day, told him what I had done, and all that had
transpired he was sooooo happy! He had been waiting for ME to take this step! He
immediatly ordered and did a full blood work up, set up appointments for a
mamaogram and pap test (was time for them anyway) he put me on wellbutrin for
appetite control. He set my sleep test for May 8th. So all of the things the BTC
asked me to do are all set up, except the physc eval, waiting for that office to
call me back.
I'm getting sooooooooooooo excited and haven't even been approved thru the
insurance yet, but the BTC seemed to think even tho it was in the exclusions
list, they could get it approved, it's all they do there, they must know the
ropes and ind and outs.
ok rambled enough............ lol
Hugs Cynthia
341, 5'5"
BMI 56.7
First Goal 301
Last Goal 130-150
" It does not matter how slowly you go so long as you do not stop."
~ Confucius ~
Visit my online home..
~ Cynthia's Place ~
Find me on ICQ
#16778835
*No buggies on me!
I tooked a baff in Norton's 2002 bubbles!*
~ROFLOL~
Last nite I walked past a mirror in store, gazed jealously at the long, lean
legs in the mirror, and then realized they were mine. Whoops!
~ROFLOL~
PRICELESS!!!! LOL LOL LOL
Second hand sounds like a good idea since hopefully I won't be in anything
all that long before I need smaller. I do have some smaller clothes in the
closet that I can wear but I don't want to be dumpy anymore.. I want to wear
some more modern clothes.
ICE
I use Centrum Chewable, orange flavored. They aren't bad tasting...pretty
good, in fact.
Tita
From: Kris A [mailto:babyfemmey@...]
Sent: Friday, April 16, 2004 12:09 PM
To: Gastric Bypass
Subject: [Gastric_Bypass_Family] Vitamins
Are there any vitamins that we can take other than Flintstone vitamins? Im
tired of taking them three times a day and dont really think theyre doing
me any good. My only problem with regular vitamins is the size and
sometimes they can make me nauseous unless I have a big meal with them. Any
ideas?
Thanks,
Kris
Be Well
Tita
Ice -
I'm a year out, still losing, about 160 now (150 goal), 5'10". I almost bought
a 3X the other day. I haven't needed 3X for about 10 months!
I still want clothes that cover up the little roll over my waistband (it's skin,
not fat!). But gradually, I'm become more comfortable with smaller, shorter
shirts. I'm still looking for clothes that cover flaws, but less so, and
different flaws.
Thrift stores rock, and if I don't like something after I've gotten it home, I
have rarely spent more than a quarter, and never more than a couple of dollars.
So I don't wear things I don't liike.
I recommend thrifting until you reach rock bottom weight, and experience some
"bounceback" weight. Then stabilize for at least several months. Obviously,
career women must dress for work, but I haven't bought anything new since
surgery (except bras and undies, socks). And won't, except for an interview
suit, if I get called to interview at MicroSoft. :o)
As to fashion, I don't like the fashions of today, they are repeats of the 70s
stuff I hated the first time around. But now, I'm 42, and don't feel obliged to
wear clothes that I don't like, even if they are "fashionable" or popular. I
live in Seattle, where covered up is a fashion statement in itself. Originally
from Colorado, where we wear cowboy boots with Armani suits. Let's just say I
am not a fashion expert. :o)
It takes a long time for our brains to catch up with weight loss. I still feel
fat (in my head), much of the time. Last nite I walked past a mirror in store,
gazed jealously at the long, lean legs in the mirror, and then realized they
were mine. Whoops!
But it's a great journey of discovery . . . with some pitfalls.
Rachel
From: "ICE @--
Subject: Topic of conversation
I have a topic of conversation to start here....
What has been the biggest change to the way you dress?
How long does it take to stop "dressing to hide weight" and not feel
self
conscious to wear tighter clothing?
I have not tucked in a shirt in over 10 years. I have not worn jeans
for
approx 5. My darling daughter says she will take me shopping when I
lose
the weight but I am not 15 anymore so not sure I want her to choose for
me
LOL. She brought me a Fredericks of Hollywood magazine the other day
and
was looking through it LOL (oh gosh to dream!!!)
BUT.....I don't want to dress like an (tongue in cheek here) "old fat
lady"
either.
How did you all change your mind's eye on fashion and such?
Thanks
ICE (who is still waiting for the 1st consult)
Rachel Hawkridge in Washington State.
Hi Ice,
yup I hear ya! I looked into the FMLA for myself, and the way I understood it,
it wouldn't apply to me, say's it's for companies with 50 or more employees (?)
the company I work for is just a small family owned company, there are
technically only 2 employees all the other people there are contrat labor and I
don't think that counts ( still way less than 50 people tho either way).
Here's the link if you want to take a peek.....
http://www.dol.gov/esa/whd/fmla/
Unemployment is an option, altho it'll take almost 4 months at least before
you'd get anything. I'm still pre- op yet, so just in case I do get my insurance
to approve this surgery, I'm putting 50.00 - 75.00 a week back to help get us
thur that time. It's a pinch on the wallet now to tho, but better than nothing
later I guess.
Good luck
Hugs
Cynthia
Ice,
I have to tell you... although I am not there yet to change the way I
dress... My 28th Birthday was in March, right before my surgery on the 6th
of April and a very good friend of mine who is completely supportive of the
surgery and has been holding my hand along the way got me a $75.00
Victoria's Secret gift card. I am so excited to be able to use that card!
I have never ever been able to shop there. (unless I just wanted parfume) I
will finally be able to go into all the stores I want to shop in and I am
SOOOO excited for that! : )
Thanks for opening that dream up just a little more for me!
Sarah Vandever
Lap RNY 4-6-04
304-283.5-165
Hi Ice,
(I changed the sub line) Although I haven't had my surgery or even
been approved yet, I actually have already thought about this <BG
When I was thin there was a store that I loved and it was really
classy -- up to date, but not 'trendy'. It was Ann Taylor's (I
think) and I really liked the clothes there although I rarely
shopped there because it was expensive. Anyway, I've been thinking
that when I reach my goal weight I am going to treat myself to a new
wardrobe of good quality classy clothes (hey I'm not 15 anymore
either LOL). Have you ever seen the show 'What not to wear' on TLC?
That's what I would love to do for myself -- not on tv, but in
private. And can you imagine how much money we will save at the
grocery store??? I want to take all that extra money and spend it on
a great wardrobe.
Michelle
I was thinking about this yesterday on my way to the dr's. I was
really scared that they would say I'm not 'fat enough' for the
surgery even though I am more than 100# over my ideal weight. Pretty
funny huh? But the thing is when I picture myself in my mind, I am
not as fat in my mind as I am when I look in the mirror. I look in
the mirror or a picture and go "I didn't know I was *that* fat!"
But I have been through this before when I have lost a lot of weight
(only to regain it of course). Once I lose the weight, I still see
myself the same as I did in my mind before I lost the weight. Then I
see myself in a picture or on video and I go "Holly Cow! I didn't
know I was that *thin*!"
Anyway I'm just rambling (LOL)... but it is strange that many of us
(well me at least) seem to have such a hard time seeing us as we
*actually* are.
Michelle
I need someone who was close to my stats and lost down to my (idea) goal to
email me privately if you can talk candid about some questions I have.
I am 5'7"... I am at 255..... not totally sure about my BMI . I am looking
at a goal of about 135-145. Larger boned frame, evenly proportioned.
I have a couple of questions for anyone who is willing to answer them and
that has reached 135-145 so far. Email me privately please at
billandroselewis@...
Thanks,
ICE
I have a topic of conversation to start here....
What has been the biggest change to the way you dress?
How long does it take to stop "dressing to hide weight" and not feel self
conscious to wear tighter clothing?
I have not tucked in a shirt in over 10 years. I have not worn jeans for
approx 5. My darling daughter says she will take me shopping when I lose
the weight but I am not 15 anymore so not sure I want her to choose for me
LOL. She brought me a Fredericks of Hollywood magazine the other day and
was looking through it LOL (oh gosh to dream!!!)
BUT.....I don't want to dress like an (tongue in cheek here) "old fat lady"
either.
How did you all change your mind's eye on fashion and such?
Thanks
ICE (who is still waiting for the 1st consult)
For the first time since I was in collage a million years ago..
I'm doing the March of Dimes walk on the 24. What'd someone say about cute
paramedics? I want my own personal one! lol
I had my surg. on New Years Eve. the day I came back, one of my supervisors
told me about the Disney Marathon she'd just walked on Jan. 9th, I think. I
made that one of my long term (and very optomistic) goals. Next January,
just days after my one year anniversary.. I plan on walking that marathon.
Why yes,.. yes I AM crazy!! lol
Be Well
Tita
Orlando, FL
275/229/135 -Broke 230!! Major goal!!
39 Years Young
LAP-RNY 12/31/03
Wayne English, MD
Ft Lauderdale, FL
small ps. I just realized what a kick it is changing my sig in here from
241,8 to 229!!! Wheee!!!
Subject: RE: a numbered bib?!!! yes!!
Are you in the Houston, Texas area? Funny, I have a 5k run/walk that I
am participating in next weekend...and my mom is worried about me
hurting myself and being detrimental to my surgery...funny...so 3.1
miles is all 5k is...good to know...good luck with the run!
Be Well
Tita
Hi I also have POS, I am at my goal weight and just came off the pill, and boom
I was late and then this month nothing and no I am not pregnant. And my doctor
tested and I didnt ovulate but all the other blood work showed there was no
signs of POS, but my blood sugar is low. I agree though the 1st period I had
comming off the pill was like I was 15 again.
Kim
"Tita T." <beachbabi@...
Joyce,
You sound like me.. but I knew why I only had them 4X a year.
I've got Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome and one of the side effects has been
being very irregular. Rather in my case, regular'ish, just only 4 times a
year (then at great length! Ick!)
My doc had kept me off meds for it, suggesting in my case that it's best
treated by following a pretty strict Adkins diet, and when I was able to
follow that routine, yes, things were more frequent and regular.
Now, post surg. and following our high protien, low carb (Sounds like Adkins
to me!) and losing the weight, to my semi-dismay lol I find I'm becoming
more 'normal', ie: regular.
I gotta say.. this monthly business.. bites! lol I rather enjoyed not having
to worry about it but 4 times a year. But.. this is my only 'down side' from
my surgery and man... I'll take it!! It's a sign my body is becoming
healthier.
On a different subject....I had a major pick me up yesterday!
I was in the middle of a very serious discussion with my boss yesterday and
suddenly she stopped talking and just stared at me. "My God you look good! I
just suddenly can see how much your body has changed and the weight you've
lost really shows!!"
Her surprise and the way it sort of blurted out of her was so unplanned that
it could be nothing but honest...
Needless to say.. My day was pretty much made at that point!!
Be Well
Tita
Orlando, FL
275/229.2/135 - I Broke 230!!!! Not by much, but I broke it! A major goal
for me!
39 Years Young
LAP-RNY 12/31/03
Wayne English, MD
Ft Lauderdale, FL
Since it was brought up. . . . . .
I have a question to all the females here. Has anyone thought they were in
the middle of menopause before their surgery and then found out everything
was
starting all over again? I am going through this. I was only menstruating
about 4X a year before I had my surgery and being that I am 49, I figured no
problem, menopause, and I was quite happy about it. That was then, this is
now.
I am 3 months out and for the last 2 months, just like clockwork, flowing
like
the Mississippi, it's back. I am not a happy camper. I know that alot of
health issues are resolved after having surgery, but I never even thought
about
this!
Has anybody else had this happen?
Joyce B
168/ 220/ 150?
1/15/04
Be Well
Tita
Joyce,
You sound like me.. but I knew why I only had them 4X a year.
I've got Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome and one of the side effects has been
being very irregular. Rather in my case, regular'ish, just only 4 times a
year (then at great length! Ick!)
My doc had kept me off meds for it, suggesting in my case that it's best
treated by following a pretty strict Adkins diet, and when I was able to
follow that routine, yes, things were more frequent and regular.
Now, post surg. and following our high protien, low carb (Sounds like Adkins
to me!) and losing the weight, to my semi-dismay lol I find I'm becoming
more 'normal', ie: regular.
I gotta say.. this monthly business.. bites! lol I rather enjoyed not having
to worry about it but 4 times a year. But.. this is my only 'down side' from
my surgery and man... I'll take it!! It's a sign my body is becoming
healthier.
On a different subject....I had a major pick me up yesterday!
I was in the middle of a very serious discussion with my boss yesterday and
suddenly she stopped talking and just stared at me. "My God you look good! I
just suddenly can see how much your body has changed and the weight you've
lost really shows!!"
Her surprise and the way it sort of blurted out of her was so unplanned that
it could be nothing but honest...
Needless to say.. My day was pretty much made at that point!!
Be Well
Tita
Orlando, FL
275/229.2/135 - I Broke 230!!!! Not by much, but I broke it! A major goal
for me!
39 Years Young
LAP-RNY 12/31/03
Wayne English, MD
Ft Lauderdale, FL
Since it was brought up. . . . . .
I have a question to all the females here. Has anyone thought they were in
the middle of menopause before their surgery and then found out everything
was
starting all over again? I am going through this. I was only menstruating
about 4X a year before I had my surgery and being that I am 49, I figured no
problem, menopause, and I was quite happy about it. That was then, this is
now.
I am 3 months out and for the last 2 months, just like clockwork, flowing
like
the Mississippi, it's back. I am not a happy camper. I know that alot of
health issues are resolved after having surgery, but I never even thought
about
this!
Has anybody else had this happen?
Joyce B
168/ 220/ 150?
1/15/04
Be Well
Tita
Hi everyone first time posting here. I am a gastric bypass patient
had my surgery 11/25/02.. doing great i have went from 357 lbs to
160.. I feel great, only one issue. I am THE moodiest person that I
know. I can go from happy to crying in 0-60 seconds. I have never
been like this ever in my entire life. I dont even know if it has
anything to do with my surgery. But I am going crazy here. My poor
boyfriend is so great to put up with it. My mom says that she saw on
tv or something that people who go thru a dramatic change like losing
alot of weight in a short amount of time should seek couseling... I
dont know but I am scared. I know I am not crazy, but I feel like I
am going crazy. Any suggestions????
Dana, congratulations...I'll be thinking about you on May 7th. Mine is May
25th and I can't wait.....good luck...Linda D
Hi Faith..I am sorry to hear about your complication! That sux! I hope you are
on the mend now...and things will be on the upswing from now on! Please take
care, and that "What did I do to myself" feeling will go away!!! sherri-sending
you tender hugs
I just got the call today.
My Surgery will be May 6th.
I go on April 29th for pre-op stuff and pre registration. It will be
done in Decatur, GA. at DeKalb Med Center by Dr. Appel.
Is anyone from that area?
I am actually onpost at Fort Benning, 2+ hours away so after about 3
days in hosp. I'll have to stay somewhere until my 1st week check up.
I have many calls to make Monday morning. Lots of "stuff" to get
organized. I have two great kids only 8 + 9 so I will have to make
arrangements for them as well, don't want them to miss school etc...
Well, this site has been a great help in all the posts. I just wanted
to share my great news.
I know I will have many well wishes even if not many replys.
Blessings to all, Dana
285, but not for to much longer!
I don't think that this can be done, or if it can, there would have to be
some heavy orchestrating going on, because you are dealing with two VERY
different specialist. (docs)
Vickie
5'01" BMI 41 pre-op 215
6-7-04
Heavenly Scents Candle Company
Vickie Smith
523 Dickson Circle
Sherman, Texas 75090
903-893-3833
website: www.heavenlyscentstx.us
e-mail: rasmith@...
Have any of you had or heard of anyone who had a hysterectomy and WLS
surgery at the same by LAP?
I need to have a hysterectomy and I was just wondering if I could
have them both at the same time.
I have enjoyed reading all the posts here and get very encouraged by
all the good weight loss. I am going for my tests and psych eval on
May 3....I am getting nervous already.
Jena
Ice, that was good advice. My GB is scheduled for May 25th and I am
concerned that I will act different after I start losing or that others will act
differently to me. I don't want to threaten anyone..but it will be something I
will have to remind myself of often so as not to "brag" or offend anyone.
Thanks...Linda D
Hello,
I just got back from my consultation with my PCP for the GBS. He put in a
referral for me to see the general surgeon (both docs are at an Army
hospital) for further eval. Next week I go in for blood work to make sure
there's no thyroid probs etc. The good thing that happened at the apt is one
of the nurses there had this procedure 14 mos ago -- although not at this
hospital because she has private insurance instead of the military insurance
(she is a civilian). So she talked to me about the surgery and her
experiences which was really great. She also told me about a GBS support
group that meets at the hospital once a month (their next meeting is next
Wednesday) and I am looking forward to going to that and meeting people in
person that have already gone through this. The only concern my PCP seemed
to have is that I have Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), but I have
been in counseling, and on meds, for that for about five years and feel like
I have a pretty good handle on it. So... I took the first step! The only
concern I have now is that I want to make sure that the surgeon who does the
procedure actually specializes in that procedure. I don't want to have this
done at the military hospital, because I know they don't have as much
experience with this as someone who specializes in GBS. Problem is I don't
know if Tricare will let me choose my own surgeon. All I can do is wait for
the next step and go from there. Talk to you all later,
Michelle
Colorado
I had my surgery on April 5th came home on April7th and felt pretty cruddy all
around. Thursday I woke up vomiting bile. I went back to hospital and that
evening they did an Open exploratory and found my bowel 2nd connection had
fallen apart and i was full of crap. So now i've had a LAP RNY and an open
bowel surgery and just got to come home today. It has been a ROUGH road. I am
still kind of at the What did I do to myself stage? I didn't have that feeling
after monday but i sure did after thursday. If I missed anything vital in the
last 11-12 days please fill me in personally..thanks.
Faith
Wendy, I think I would be more worried about you if you weren't
scared. It is surgery and all surgeries have risks. You are acting
normal. I agree with Robin ....ask your surgeon questions. Your
life is in his hands. You need to trust him/her. How many surgeries
did he/she do? How many deaths and why did they die. How many
success stories. Do be afraid to ask anything.
Before my surgery I interviewed 3 surgeons. The first one did not
have a support group. For me, he was out. The second treated me
like he was doing me a favor by seeing me but he had a support
group. The third was the one. He talked to me very candid. Told me
all the success stories and the 1 that was not so successful and
why. He had a support group that met every other week. They have
clothing exchanges, fashion shows, protein parties and just plan old
support. The Dr is at every support group meeting with the
nutritionist to answer question. I felt he really cared and he was
going to be around if I needed him. He made me feel comfortable but
let me tell you I was still Scared. I went through all my
evaluation/tests thinking, I don't have to have the surgery but just
in case I do this will be done.
It has been 10 1/2 week since my surgery. I started at alittle older
than you, 5'8" 270lbs. And today I am still 5'8" but weigh 220. I
was not always fat either. I meet my husband 20 years ago, we fell
in love and go fat together. Now we are on the losing team together.
Keep writing and reading, there is so much to learn. The more you
know the more comfortable you will feel about your decision. Also
all rny surgeries are not the same. Investigate this. I had the
option of a silastic band or none. Ask and investigate. Know your
operation.
Colleen
Hi Shannon,
Where in WA are you? I am in Everett. : )
Sarah Vandever
Hi everyone my name is Jennifer and i am 29 (soon to be 30) and i
weigh 320 thank god i am tall so i don't look like it..I am in the
midwest state of Iowa and i was wondering if anyone could tell me
how i go about finding a doc that works in this field... I wuld
also like to know if anyone with Beech street insurance covers...
thank you for your time and thank you for reading this
Jennifer
Did you think having this surgery would make you as knowledgeable as any
pharmacist or scientist when it comes to iron. That is quite impressive. I had
no idea that there was even more than one type of iron. Wow.
Check out this site: http://www.wlslifestyles.com/ I
was concerned in the beginning because I only got one
magazine and then not another, but found out it was a
quarterly magazine-not monthly and I did get one 3
months later.
<< I also read in WLS magazine that a sign of too much iron is
constipation, so I must have been getting enough already. Shannon in WA
Shannon -
This is not accurate . . . some forms of iron will constipate you, period.
Ferrous Sulfate is *BAD*. COnstipating, and hard on the stomach, and not usable
even by normies.
Iron Bisglycinate, Ferrous Fumate are better, but not great.
Carbonyl Iron, and Polysaccharide iron are best. You can get them at
VitaLady.com. THe carbonyl is small, chewable tab. Polysaccharide is caps.
You need iron . . . it's one of the "Basic 8" - the 8 vital nutrients, all of
which are primarily absorbed in the duodenum.
Please get some good iron, and take it . . . if I remember, you're young, still
menstruating, and it won't take very long for you to get severely anemic. My
iron was falling, even with supps, at 6 months . . .
And severely anemic could mean iron transfusions . . .
Rachel
Rachel Hawkridge in Washington State.
Although you should have had an ultra sound of your gall bladder, it
is common for people to develope gall bladder problems after GBS..My
wife has her gall bladder removed at the same time ..also Lap. I hope
you will not continue with this problem ..
Mike
Shannon, I work for a podiatrist. the pain you are feeling is caused from
PLANTAR FASCIITIS. This is a tendon in your foot. while you are sleeping there
is no pressure on it, and the tendon tightens up. When you get up in the
morning and walk the pressure causes this tendon to tear, causing the pain.
treatments for this are either custom made foot orthotics, or surgery,
"endoscopic plantar fasciitis" this is just what I have learned from the DPM I
work for.
LeAnn
Wendy,
I have not had the surgery yet either and for the longest time I was not open to
it because of the risks. The way that I look at it, I have a greater risk being
killed driving my car than I do on that operating table. If I don't get this
done I will be cutting 10-15 years off my life that I would really like to spend
with my family and the husband I love. For each the decision process has to be
what they feel comfortable with. But keep doing research and start going to a
support group near by if there is one. I was terrified of it at first, but now
I am ready and excited to go. To me the benefits far outweigh the risks and the
actual mortality rate is lower than I originally thought. When they report it
on TV, you have to be careful because they don't always report the good cases
and focus on the bad.
I hope that is of some help. The more research you do into this and the more
people you talk to I think the more comfortable with the idea you will become.
And if you don't ever become comfortable with it it might not be the avenue for
you. Take you time and look into all the information you can find.
Dora
My name is Wendy i'm 29 years old, 5'9, and weigh 278lbs. I have
been on here for awhile but just never said anything just read what
everybody else has said about the surgery. I haven't always been
heavy i was 154lbs. in 1995. Then i got married a year later in 1996
to a wonderful man, had a child in 1999, and got into a car accident
in April of 2000. It was such a bad accident it messed up my back
for life. I now have Degenerative Disk Diease which limits to what i
can do as far as keeping the weight off. Then a last year i was
dignosed with a thyroid diease, so that kept putting on the weight,
and of course eating which i love to do. I have a Dr. apt. Monday to
discuess getting GBS i called my insurance they said it was covered
100% which i thought was great.... Anyway i have read alot about the
GBS and there is alot of risks involved like death.... which really
scares me. I have such a loving and caring husband and a wonderful
daughter and lots of family. I'm afraid it will go wrong and
something would happen.. If anyone has any advise for me plaese feel
free to email me..
God Bless... Wendy
That's 66 lbs in 2 months! That's great in my book.
Whatever diet have you been on in the past that you
can lose and keep of 33 lbs in a month? Try to stick
to your regular meals-I find that it is easier and the
more you take off, the more depression eating will
subside.
I found a great way to keep me regular. Use Benefiber, from the
makers of ex-lax. It's a powder you mix with hot or cold liquids.
They even say mix it with puddings, oatmeal etc. It has no flavor or
grit. It works.
To whoever said they stopped their Iron pill, try it. You, as a
women, NEED that iron pill. I don't want you having problems from
iron deficiency. Iron is an essential component of hemoglobin, the
oxygen carrying part of your blood. If you don't have enough you can
tire easily because your body is starving for oxygen. Or you could
become anemic. Some sypmtoms of anemia might be pale skin color,
fatigue, irritability, dizziness, weakness, shortness of breath, sore
tongue and brittle nails. Stay healthy and take that iron.
Just because the results are the same doesn't mean the surgeries are
alike. With the rerouting of the interestines we (RNY) deal with
malabsorption. That's a BIG deal if you don't follow the vitamin and
protein "plan". i.e. Without the proper amount of protein per day
(which we don't absorb like we use to), you are talking organ and
muscle breakdown. Stomach stapling didn't have to worry about that
because they didn't bypass any intestines BUT yes they last weight.
Studies should be on the 'Bypass' group only for accuate results.
Colleen
However, with stomach stapling, there is more possibility of rupturing
the stomach where it is stapled, or the staples coming out, etc rather
than with this one where the stomach is completely in two separate
parts.....that's where it makes the difference.
Tanya T.
Lap RNY 6/20/03
432/257/170
Houston, Dr. Adam Naaman
Visit my homepage at http://users3.ev1.net/~leeds/
"I will find my way, I can go the distance. I'll be there someday if I
can be strong, I know every mile will be worth my while, I would go most
anywhere to feel like I belong."
http://www.footworksmiami.com/Corporate/miami/miami_download.asp
hey carol. i'm in miami. have a great run/walk!!
lori h.
<< I also read in WLS magazine that a sign of too much iron is constipation,
so I must have been getting enough already. Shannon in WA
Hi Shannon, where can one get this magazine? Thanks, Michelle
Actually, it may not be the same exact surgery, but
the benefits are the same. Stomach stapling is what
they called it in the past, although they didn't
reroute the intestines, there would still be a smaller
stomach with results the same.
I had terrible constipation for a while until I
figured out that it was from my iron. I quit taking
that for now and I'm not sure if I'll go back to it
because of the pain from constipation is something I
don't want to have to go through again. Anyway, I
will also ask the druggist if there is an iron that
doesn't cause constipation. I also read in WLS
magazine that a sign of too much iron is constipation,
so I must have been getting enough already.
Shannon in WA
ICE,
YOUR RIGHT ON THE MONEY...MIMI
billandroselewis <billandroselewis@...
Here is a copy of the post about friends that I sent that never
showed up.... sorry if someone already got it and getting it again
but I did not see it anywhere in the archives and I sent it last
night.
ICE
I would like to make a couple of observations here. The opinions I
express are solely my own and I don't expect anyone to conform to
them. It is not my intent to make anyone angry here so if toes get
stepped on, please please forgive me in advance.
Let me start by saying, a TRUE friend will be supportive in your
endeavors in life and be happy with you, be sad with you, and
everything in between. True friends are hard to come by. The rest
are acquaintances and that is different.
I have found that with the possibility of this surgery, I have become
dedicated in finding out as much information as I can therefore, it
surrounds me. I talk about it, I ask about it, I think it.......
most of the time. Who wouldn't? Life changing is a key word here.
A new lease on life is another. And in my case.... an occasional
dose of obsessed fits the bill too....
My daughter is sick to death of hearing about "the surgery" and I
can't say as I blame her.
I have gotten caught up in it...... and I have not even been approved
yet.
I think that we might all be guilty of getting wrapped up in the
idea, the process, the surgery, and the results. Should we be??? OH
YES... and I don't blame a soul for being more than beyond thrilled
about losing weight after being heavy for so long. I KNOW I will be!
I think though, that we need to make a conscious effort to not
bombard those who might not understand 24/7. After all, they don't
know where we are coming from totally. Especially if they are thin
and never had problems with weight. I echo others sentiments in that
they may be jealous, threatened, or whatever..... after all, not all
of our shortcomings are as visible as a weight problem.
I am thankful for the group so that we can come together and talk
about it with others who understand and who are just as wrapped up as
we are in the process and progress.
The others might need smaller doses of it. I hope this makes sense
without offending.
This is one of the reasons I am for my husband and I to have it
together.... so we will both understand at the same time and one
won't be burned out hearing about something they have not experienced
yet.
I don't think I would ever walk up to someone and ask their weight in
a normal circumstance so I am not sure I would in the case of my
weight loss either. After all, every body is different and 130 on
one person might not look the same as 130 on me. Now, mind you, I am
not chastising you for asking them but I have to think what it would
make them feel like.
I am not saying the the rude remarks are called for.. they are
not.....
Maybe you could approach them and let them know that you are just
excited with your new self and wanted to share the excitement with
them and I personally would ask them to kindly let you know if you
are going too overboard so that you can keep yourself in check. I
would also let them know that I don't appreciate being talked badly
about behind my back.
That is where a true friend would come in...... they would help you
not get too obsessed with it and wear the subject out. I know that
the weight loss is a DRAMATIC thing and that you and everyone who is
going through it is on top of the world..... and rightly so..... BUT
to the others in our lives, there is other things to life than the
surgery and the weight loss.
My daughter is my true friend and she is helping me stay grounded and
keep from going overboard. When I talk too much about it, we have
this little key phrase.... that we both know is non
confrontational.... she will simply say.... How about those dodgers?
At that point, I know that I have worn it thin for then and I know
that she is not "attacking" me and that it is not a personal thing...
just a slight reminder that I am getting too wrapped up.
I believe communication is the most important thing in life... period.
I think that you should go and talk with your friends and let them
know that you are excited.... not trying to brag and not trying to be
threatening. I think they need to know that you are still the friend
they liked... just weigh less. Maybe they think that the rest of
your friendship together will be focused totally on the weight loss
and not the other things in life. Maybe they don't see it as a
exciting new thing that will ebb with time.
I hope that I have not hurt any feelings and I hope that my feelings
came across correctly because I am not minimizing your (meaning
anyone's and everyone's) weight loss, your new self esteem, or any
of that. I am happy, proud and thrilled for you (meaning everyone
who is going through this). You have done something for yourself and
that is something to be VERY proud of ......
Granted, I have been on pain medications for the past week and
probably should not have attempted this right now but I felt that I
needed to say what was going on in my head and in my daily life and
how I deal with it. I just hope that it came out in the spirit that
I intended it to and that I have not offended anyone... honest, that
is not the way I am and surely not my intentions.
Keep your head up high and let your self esteem glow from you for all
to see. The natural glow of self confidence speaks so much louder
than our voices and cannot be seen as pushy, overbearing, boastful,
or whatever. You have done a great thing for yourself and for those
who love you. Take care of yourself and at night before you go to
bed, go into the bathroom, look at that wonderful person in the
mirror and say with a big smile...... YOU HAVE DONE GOOD!
After all, it is you that you have to please... not everyone
else. .... right?
Those who really matter will see your progress and know you are doing
the right things.
Like I said before, please know that I am not trying to make anyone
mad.... just how I feel and how I see things and what my daughter has
shared with me about my own actions.
~hugs~
ICE
I love this!!! Back in the beginning of our marriage I had a phrase that I
would use when my husband was getting way too confrontational for me to be
able to handle. My phrase was 'back off' -- and it worked most of the time
because that was his key to realize that he had gone overboard. But the
phrase you and your daughter have is so much nicer and less
confrontational... it's a beautiful thing. Hats off to you for that one.
Michelle
<< When I talk too much about it, we have this little key phrase.... that
we both know is non confrontational.... she will simply say.... How about
those dodgers?
Dora,
No not at all!! Yes I've lost about 186 lbs in the past (actually -next
Tuesday it will be) 10 months. I'm also 5'10" tall. It wasn't easy...but
I did everything my doctor told me to...at what he said, never cheated
(until recently lol) and walked at least 2 miles every day until
December then I started working out at Curves 3-4 times per week and
doing elliptical and stationary bike at the school gym (I'm a college
student). I started out in a 30-32 (more 32's than anything) and
probably a 5 or 6X. Now I'm in a size 16/18 depending on the clothes and
can wear an XL t-shirt or men's M pants. The important thing is that I
feel better about EVERYTHING....you will too! When is your surgery? And
the only advice I will give is the same that you will hear from
everyone....walk, walk, walk, water, water, water. I think my age and
the amount of water that I drink is the only reason that I don't have a
lot of excess skin (yet) knock on wood.
Tanya T.
Lap RNY 6/20/03
432/246/170
Houston, Dr. Adam Naaman
Visit my homepage at http://users3.ev1.net/~leeds/
"I will find my way, I can go the distance. I'll be there someday if I
can be strong, I know every mile will be worth my while, I would go most
anywhere to feel like I belong."
The 20 year vet I know had a Mason bypass, which is a bypass. VItaLady had a
non-transected (old stomach not cut, but RnY all the same) RnY 9-10 years ago.
She has since been resected (stomach removed). VitaGuy's surgery was one year
after her original surgery, and he is still not transected.
I'm not sure why you think RnY has only been around 4-5 years, but that's just
not true.
Rachel
<<Subject: RE: Re: Surgery Date - Still a scaredy pants - anyone...
Sorry to disagree with everyone, but there is no way that anyone had
this surgery longer than 4-5 years ago...not THIS RNY surgery......if
someone had something 20 years ago, that was the stomach stapling not
RNY....if they had it 6 years ago (I doubt it but...) then they were
one
of the very FIRST to have it done because this surgery has not been
around that long....that's why insurance companies think it's too
"risky".
Tanya T.
Rachel Hawkridge in Washington State.
Are you in the Houston, Texas area? Funny, I have a 5k run/walk that I
am participating in next weekend...and my mom is worried about me
hurting myself and being detrimental to my surgery...funny...so 3.1
miles is all 5k is...good to know...good luck with the run!
Carol Matar
Post Op 10/31/03
Lap RNY - Dr. Adam Naaman, Houston, TX
405/288/135
in 3 weeks, i'm undertaking a 5k run, something i'd never ever
thought possible, ever! running (or trying to run) 3.1 miles is a
dream come true.
message to the family: wls just might might make the "impossible"
POSSIBLE!
continue dreaming big & keep the faith.
lori h.
I noticed that your starting weight was very near mine. I am
currently 446 and am trying to get a little off before I have the
surgery if I get approved. Your numbers are great. You have lost
186 in 9 months right? That gives me a lot of hope. If you don't
mind, what size did you start in and what are you in now? Just to
get an idea. I did not think you would mind since you list your
weight on the signature, but if you don't want to tell me that is
fine.
Thanks,
Dora
welcome! progress is the key word, you're doin' fine!
lori h.
miami
congrats on the 15 lbs, girl!
lori h.
wtg, cindy! congrats on taking up gardening again. it'll get
easier w/ time.
i (we) can relate to being pleasantly surprised when trying on
clothes.
lori h.
23 grateful months post-op
I had my surgery on 1/14/04, in West Palm Beach,FL, Dr. Robert Liem.
I live in Port St. Luice,FL. I was 28 years old and 311 pounds when I
went in and now I am about 245. My first goal is to get under 200
pounds. I suffer from High blood pressure and Fibromyalgia. It seems
as if I am losing weight very slowly. I can not tll when I look in
the mirror, but all of my clothes are too big. My family compliment
me all the time and they say that they can really tell, but I can
not. I still see a big stomach in the mirror which is depressing.
I have not starting working out yet. After working and taking care of
my 5 year old I am exhausted. I think I am still in hibernation as
one article says.
I am still feeling naseua daily. I also have some gas pains and go
from being constipated to having diarreah. It is not easy, but I
would do it again.
I hade the open procedure beacuse that is all my insurance would
cover and I am still sore at the top and bottom of my incision. I
find myself sometimes eating out of depression and frustration like I
use to pre-op, but I regret it afterwards when I am bent over the
bathroom sink. I have never threw up, though sometimes I wish I could
for relief.
I keep reminding myself that it has not been that long though
mentally it seems like it has been long and I am not progressing fast
enough. I guess I am just venting. Thanks for listening or reading :)
Ice,
just letting you know that i agree with you totally,and you didnt offend me :)
.take care.
christie
billandroselewis <billandroselewis@...
Here is a copy of the post about friends that I sent that never
showed up.... sorry if someone already got it and getting it again
but I did not see it anywhere in the archives and I sent it last
night.
ICE
I would like to make a couple of observations here. The opinions I
express are solely my own and I don't expect anyone to conform to
them. It is not my intent to make anyone angry here so if toes get
stepped on, please please forgive me in advance.
Let me start by saying, a TRUE friend will be supportive in your
endeavors in life and be happy with you, be sad with you, and
everything in between. True friends are hard to come by. The rest
are acquaintances and that is different.
I have found that with the possibility of this surgery, I have become
dedicated in finding out as much information as I can therefore, it
surrounds me. I talk about it, I ask about it, I think it.......
most of the time. Who wouldn't? Life changing is a key word here.
A new lease on life is another. And in my case.... an occasional
dose of obsessed fits the bill too....
My daughter is sick to death of hearing about "the surgery" and I
can't say as I blame her.
I have gotten caught up in it...... and I have not even been approved
yet.
I think that we might all be guilty of getting wrapped up in the
idea, the process, the surgery, and the results. Should we be??? OH
YES... and I don't blame a soul for being more than beyond thrilled
about losing weight after being heavy for so long. I KNOW I will be!
I think though, that we need to make a conscious effort to not
bombard those who might not understand 24/7. After all, they don't
know where we are coming from totally. Especially if they are thin
and never had problems with weight. I echo others sentiments in that
they may be jealous, threatened, or whatever..... after all, not all
of our shortcomings are as visible as a weight problem.
I am thankful for the group so that we can come together and talk
about it with others who understand and who are just as wrapped up as
we are in the process and progress.
The others might need smaller doses of it. I hope this makes sense
without offending.
This is one of the reasons I am for my husband and I to have it
together.... so we will both understand at the same time and one
won't be burned out hearing about something they have not experienced
yet.
I don't think I would ever walk up to someone and ask their weight in
a normal circumstance so I