WLS Wagon: May 2012

[Hot Tamale]

Hi Everyone. I, too, am under a lot of stress right now. I guess a bit self-imposed. Maybe it is more accurate to say I am just mad. First, the plastic surgeon's office said I couldn't have my surgeries until late June instead of early June. Well, I got over that. Now, they are waiting on my hematologist to "clear" me for surgery and I don't see him until May 29th! THEN, the patient coordinator chick says something along the lines of, "...and the doctor is considering that you might need to have this done in TWO steps..." In other words, I will not be able to get it all done at once! I am freaked out. The first round of plastics was painful enough. I am not doing this cause I WANT to, but rather because I just plain HAVE to. The pannus is outrageous, and my thighs are too... I am not made of money - or time - and I am just a basket case right now. I know she has figured in the full thigh surgery for me, but I'm thinking if she will do the lesser thigh surgery along with the tummy tuck I will go that way. I do NOT want to have to have another surgery. Who has the time off from work to keep doing these things? And, I have waited 30+ years to be this weight and (honestly) look this half-decent...is it wrong to want it ASAP? I am just mad - and trying really hard to not turn to food over it all. I did walk/jog 2.65 miles today but even that didn't destress me like it usually does.

I'm sorry ladies - I will post more individual comments later. I just had to get that off my chest. I'm sorry if I sound like a spoiled kid, but I've worked so hard and I just want to get it over with!!!

[Savannah]

HT-- I live in Texas, Dallas-Ft.Worth area. We have a vacation home in SW Fla.
We plan to retire there someday & are commng there for a vacation in June!
That's soon!! You do a great job with your walking! I'm working on it

Maryposa--Great picture & enjoyed you new video update! Thanks for sharing with
us!

myyellowstang-- I saw a new recipe for pancakes with 2 eggs & 2 oz philly???
going to try them tonight!!1 I love nectar & it mixes well with hot
water too! My fave is the Cappuccino or is it Latte( one of those)

Monkee--Good to hear from ya Hang in there!

Hey Green bean & Melodye & everyone else too!!

[Maryposa]

Originally Posted by Monkee

P.S. For those of you who shave your underarms... How do you do that? I swear, even after months I still find it difficult. Ha Ha Ha. I know, the things I complain about, but I know I am NOT the only one.

I don't... the extended arm lift removed all my underarm hair lmao and he added fat into he "hollow" area.

[Maryposa]

monkee we miss you, come back and we'll kick your booty into gear

[Chrissykin]

Mary, You are so cute! I love your picture

[Monkee]

Originally Posted by Maryposa

I don't... the extended arm lift removed all my underarm hair lmao and he added fat into he "hollow" area.

Lucky!! I need to do that.
Everytime that it is time to shave I feel like a magician trying to do magic tricks. Ha Ha. It was a lot easier when I had more fat.

[Monkee]

So today is a good day so far....

I had a shake before the gym and then another after (60g protein)
Then I had a small salad with spicy taco meat w/cactus for dinner
Now I am sipping on water because I am tempted to go get a sugar free choc pop but I am resisting!!

For exercise I did 12 miles on the bicycle in 45 minutes.

Took my metformin (only 1 dose -- 1,000 mg) and my other meds!

So yay! I did good today.

Plus.... I posted on the board! LOL

[HAB]

Hi ladies.

HT-Congrats on reaching your goal! I'm sorry about the news for your surgeries, that definitely will affect price right? Hope you get some good news.

Mary-cute pic! Your hair looks so full! Have you noticed some re-growth or did you not lose much to begin with?

Monkee-hope your stress level goes down soon. Sounds like you did a great job yesterday, hang in there.

Everyone else, hope you are all doing well!

[HAB]

Update on me:

I had my appointment with my PCP on Friday to clear me for surgery and pass me on to the surgeon. It went well and I was finally able to convince her to let me try Metformin. I'm starting out at a low dose and titrating up. She said that it won't bottom out my blood sugar, which I was concerned about since I'm usually in the low-normal range. I am excited to see if it works in combination with the low-does BCPs I have started. My abdominal ultrasound results were good, no gall stones, liver looks good, etc. and the labs were good too.

She said she would put in my referral and to wait a few days and call the surgeons office. Since it was Friday I figured I would have to wait till at least Tuesday to call but they actually called me that afternoon and scheduled me an appointment for this morning! Some of you who have been around for a while will remember how slow and frustrating the beginning parts of this process were for me. Now I feel like it's moving like a runaway train and I just want to put the brakes on, lol!

I was told that they can schedule my surgery date today at my appointment so we shall see. I have not had a sleep study or EKG so I am curious to see if the surgeon will order any of those before scheduling.

Anyway, wish me luck today. I am super nervous!

[myyellowstang]

Originally Posted by Monkee

P.S. For those of you who shave your underarms... How do you do that? I swear, even after months I still find it difficult. Ha Ha Ha. I know, the things I complain about, but I know I am NOT the only one.

With a very sharp razor, lots of soap or shaving gel and taking passes in all directions! I have the same issues shaving my legs. I always cut myself on the bony places - knees and ankles!

Originally Posted by Hot Tamale

I'm sorry ladies - I will post more individual comments later. I just had to get that off my chest. I'm sorry if I sound like a spoiled kid, but I've worked so hard and I just want to get it over with!!!

Totally within your rights! It sounds like some BS to me!

Originally Posted by Savannah

myyellowstang-- I saw a new recipe for pancakes with 2 eggs & 2 oz philly???
going to try them tonight!!1 I love nectar & it mixes well with hot
water too! My fave is the Cappuccino or is it Latte( one of those)

My Nectar faves are Roadside Lemonade and Pink Grapefruit. I don't much care for the Cappucino - it tastes too artificially sweet to me. The Chocolate truffle one is good too, though! My all time fave right now is Matrix 5.0 Mint Cookie. OMG yum. Never have I craved protein drinks, but I actually had two yesterday. Whatever kind I do I mix 1.5 scoops in 4-6 oz water and drink over ice. No fancy schmancy blending or mixing for me. If I can't shake and go then it's too much trouble for me!

[HAB]

June 8th.

[Maryposa]

Originally Posted by HAB

June 8th.

[Izzybeff]

Originally Posted by HAB

June 8th.

Wow! How long have you been working towards a date?

[HAB]

Originally Posted by Maryposa

Thanks Mary.

Originally Posted by Izzybeff

Wow! How long have you been working towards a date?

I started the process July 2011 and took a few months off between December and March. So about 8 months total on date of surgery, 6 of it nutrition appts./support groups/food logging/complaining, etc.





My surgeon is Dr. Preston Carter. Super nice man, not much of a sense of humor and steady hands as far as could tell, lol. He has something like 25+ years of bariatric surgery experience and is the the head of bariatric surgery at the hospital so I feel pretty secure with him. He really put my mind at ease about some things I was concerned about. Unsurprisingly he recommended the sleeve for me.

I have a pre-op appt. on the 1st when I will have some more tests run and then surgery on the 8th. I cannot believe that it is a little less than a month away!


Now I need to start purchasing my bariatric vitamins( I like the Celebrate ones)and protein powders. I know I'm definitely ordering some of the chicken flavor Unjury but I'm not sure what else yet. Oh and planning the food funerals! That may be in poor taste but it's the truth. So far I plan on purchasing some really good ground beef that they have at Costco since I know I will majorly miss meat until I'm able to have it. I also plan on indulging in more fruit than I would normally let myself have due to fear of gaining. On the list so far are strawberries and perhaps a fresh pineapple.

[myyellowstang]

Originally Posted by HAB

Now I need to start purchasing my bariatric vitamins( I like the Celebrate ones)and protein powders. I know I'm definitely ordering some of the chicken flavor Unjury but I'm not sure what else yet. Oh and planning the food funerals! That may be in poor taste but it's the truth. So far I plan on purchasing some really good ground beef that they have at Costco since I know I will majorly miss meat until I'm able to have it. I also plan on indulging in more fruit than I would normally let myself have due to fear of gaining. On the list so far are strawberries and perhaps a fresh pineapple.

Words of advice on the protein powders... go with sample sizes. What I liked before surgery was drastically different than what I liked/tolerated after surgery. My taste for things changed and what was good before was HORRIBLE after.

Food funerals . More like a food hiatus for those things. Ground beef and fruits are perfectly acceptable to eat after WLS. I had some food funerals before mine as well... cheese stuffed chile rellanos with sour cream sauce, cheesecake, cupcakes, reeses peanut butter cups . All things I felt I would miss and couldn't live without... don't miss 'em a bit now!

[emily1965]

Today is my one year surgiversary!

I can't believe the difference between how I feel today and how I felt one year ago today.

I had it done on my birthday and it was the best present I could have ever given myself. Now, every year I feel like I can celebrate my good health as part of my birthday.

[Izzybeff]

Originally Posted by emily1965

Today is my one year surgiversary!

I can't believe the difference between how I feel today and how I felt one year ago today.

I had it done on my birthday and it was the best present I could have ever given myself. Now, every year I feel like I can celebrate my good health as part of my birthday.

I so wish I would have had it done last year when you did.. I'm bummed that I've missed out on a whole extra year of losing weight.

I'm so glad yours worked out so well, you are definitely my example to watch.. Congrats on your weightloss and happy anniversary!

Do we get to see updated pics?

Also, I've been meaning to ask you what your daughter had to say about you losing weight and also how your husband has been since you've lost weight.

[Chrissykin]

Originally Posted by emily1965

Today is my one year surgiversary!

I can't believe the difference between how I feel today and how I felt one year ago today.

I had it done on my birthday and it was the best present I could have ever given myself. Now, every year I feel like I can celebrate my good health as part of my birthday.

Happy Birthday Lisa

You should be so proud of yourself.

[Melodye]

Originally Posted by emily1965

Today is my one year surgiversary!

I can't believe the difference between how I feel today and how I felt one year ago today.

I had it done on my birthday and it was the best present I could have ever given myself. Now, every year I feel like I can celebrate my good health as part of my birthday.

Congrats on your surgiversary and Happy Birthday also!!! I will have my surgery Monday and I am so excited ,but with the protein shakes and one meal I am actually feeeling nauseaous , maybe its just nerves.

Did any of you experience any nausea feelings or upset tummy? I have but I think its just these protein shakes?

[Maryposa]

Happy Surgiversary Lisa!

[Maryposa]

I'm on day SEVEN of liquids and a yogurt only. Wow, I love this "reset" thing. I was feeling like my eating was out of control even though I was eating the right things... now I feel the effectivity of my WLS all over again. Yay! I am going to try to do this for another 11 days, that is how much longer the lean body shakes will last. But, if I start to feel weak or icky, I will start eating some solids. I am thinking of this as sort of a cleans, because *TMI ALERT* you would think that 7 days after last eating solids I would not be "going" much, but well... I am, regularly.

[myyellowstang]

Originally Posted by Maryposa

*TMI ALERT* you would think that 7 days after last eating solids I would not be "going" much, but well... I am, regularly.

Regularly? I do not know that concept!

[Chrissykin]

Congrats to both HAB and Melodye

I got my pulminary clearance today, I called the surgery center to see what else I have to do and she had both my pysch and pulminary clearance in hand:

I should get my cardiac clearance tomorrow and all clearances will be done!

I have my nutrition class and official weigh in next Thursday and then they will submit. Since I have all my clearances and testing done once we get approval I can schedule a date. She said June is still possible depending how fast I get approval.

[emily1965]

Originally Posted by Maryposa

I'm on day SEVEN of liquids and a yogurt only. Wow, I love this "reset" thing. I was feeling like my eating was out of control even though I was eating the right things... now I feel the effectivity of my WLS all over again. Yay! I am going to try to do this for another 11 days, that is how much longer the lean body shakes will last. But, if I start to feel weak or icky, I will start eating some solids. I am thinking of this as sort of a cleans, because *TMI ALERT* you would think that 7 days after last eating solids I would not be "going" much, but well... I am, regularly.

Mary, how long did it take to get into the groove with the liquids/yogurt (translate: how many days was it miserable)? What has the typical day looked like for you these past 11/12 days? Did you consume more in the first few days? Also, have you been wighing/losing during this liquid reset?

My eating got out of control while on the prednisne and I'm having some trouble reigning things back in.

[emily1965]

Congrats to everyone who is "on the verge". Seems like we have sevearl surgeries coming right up.

[Maryposa]

Originally Posted by emily1965

Mary, how long did it take to get into the groove with the liquids/yogurt (translate: how many days was it miserable)? What has the typical day looked like for you these past 11/12 days? Did you consume more in the first few days? Also, have you been wighing/losing during this liquid reset?

My eating got out of control while on the prednisne and I'm having some trouble reigning things back in.

Pretty much every day is:

- 40g protein lean body shake with coffee and soy milk added
- 1 carb master yogurt
- Another lean body shake with soy milk

But today I ran out of soy milk... it was soy slender (1 net carb) so I had to buy on netrition. Now that I'm out I'll add more yogurt.

It was really only the second or third day that the hunger disappeared, believe it or not. However, today my stomach was growling even though I'm not experiencing the hormonal type hunger... so I do think more yogurt will be perfect... but if that doesn't do it I might add cream of chicken and mushroom soup.

I am basically doing phase 2 of my post-op diet of 600-800 calories, full liquids. Funny how I find it easier to consume 600-800 cals of just full-liquids but when I do 600-800 cals of food I am hungry.

[Hot Tamale]

First of all, my underarms are sooo hard to shave. I hope as the scars fade I'll have better luck. Until then I am thinking about trying Nair on them.

HAB - June 8th! Wow! That is right around the corner!

Chrissy - Congrats on your clearances! You're getting close!

Melodye - And you are soooo close! Best of luck to you! I can only hope you're as happy with your choice as I have been with my choice!! I only find myself a little queasy when I eat too much fat at once - something really rich, for example.

Emily/Lisa - Congrats on your Surgiversary! Are you going to do an all liquid/ liquid & yogurt stint? I think I'll be starting one on Monday. I am in a stressful time at work and I am eating a lot more than what I normally do. I know I need to reign it all in NOW!

Mary - Love your willpower and determination. I watched your whole video - I love to watch what you have to say. You've really helped me a lot.

Heather - I totally cracked up when you said you didn't know what regularity was. That is me! It is a constant (pardon my pun) crap shoot on whether or not I'll be regular or need some help. More often than not I end up taking softeners, liquid fiber stuff, or my personal favorite, plain 'ol exlax.

My job is just really stressing me right now. As I said, I am eating far too often and far too much. Only good thing is its still low-carb items. I am thinking I will start a liquid and yogurt couple of days/week to keep the stupid eating at bay. I was unable to exercise both yesterday and today (if it wasn't pouring down rain right now I would be out walking...), but I am going to make up for it tomorrow and Sunday, and then back to my normal working out once the work week starts again. I also have to drink more water! I was doing great but I have fallen off and have to get back to it. Losing the last ten pounds and keeping the total loss off is, by far, the toughest part of all of it. The compliments slow down and then you're left with maintaining. Not that I need constant compliments, but eventually you are not the center of weight-loss attention and you have to get back to the day-to-day grind of life. I am not complaining...more like just stating a fact.

[HAB]

Originally Posted by myyellowstang

Words of advice on the protein powders... go with sample sizes. What I liked before surgery was drastically different than what I liked/tolerated after surgery. My taste for things changed and what was good before was HORRIBLE after.

Food funerals . More like a food hiatus for those things. Ground beef and fruits are perfectly acceptable to eat after WLS. I had some food funerals before mine as well... cheese stuffed chile rellanos with sour cream sauce, cheesecake, cupcakes, reeses peanut butter cups . All things I felt I would miss and couldn't live without... don't miss 'em a bit now!

Yes, I will only be getting small amounts of a few to start. I bought a case of Premier Protein shakes today but those will probably be gone before the surgery. My surgeon didn't require liquids but I think I may do at least a few days/week of "practice" beforehand.

Also, I guess those aren't technically food funerals but I know I will miss meat horribly until my tummy can handle it again and fruit is something I just don't allow often and probably won't after surgery unless it doesn't stall me as it has in the past. I have also come up with sushi! It's been forever.

Originally Posted by emily1965

Today is my one year surgiversary!

I can't believe the difference between how I feel today and how I felt one year ago today.

I had it done on my birthday and it was the best present I could have ever given myself. Now, every year I feel like I can celebrate my good health as part of my birthday.

Congrats Lisa! You have done so well in that short time! When do we get updated pics?

Originally Posted by Melodye

Congrats on your surgiversary and Happy Birthday also!!! I will have my surgery Monday and I am so excited ,but with the protein shakes and one meal I am actually feeeling nauseaous , maybe its just nerves.

Did any of you experience any nausea feelings or upset tummy? I have but I think its just these protein shakes?

Melodye, if I don't get a chance to say it on Monday best wishes for an uneventful surgery and a speedy recovery!

Originally Posted by Maryposa

I'm on day SEVEN of liquids and a yogurt only. Wow, I love this "reset" thing. I was feeling like my eating was out of control even though I was eating the right things... now I feel the effectivity of my WLS all over again. Yay! I am going to try to do this for another 11 days, that is how much longer the lean body shakes will last. But, if I start to feel weak or icky, I will start eating some solids. I am thinking of this as sort of a cleans, because *TMI ALERT* you would think that 7 days after last eating solids I would not be "going" much, but well... I am, regularly.

Is it working well for weightloss Mary? I bought a ton of Carbmaster yogurt today, lol. DD likes it too.

Originally Posted by Chrissykin

Congrats to both HAB and Melodye

I got my pulminary clearance today, I called the surgery center to see what else I have to do and she had both my pysch and pulminary clearance in hand:

I should get my cardiac clearance tomorrow and all clearances will be done!

I have my nutrition class and official weigh in next Thursday and then they will submit. Since I have all my clearances and testing done once we get approval I can schedule a date. She said June is still possible depending how fast I get approval.

Thanks Chrissykin! Fingers crossed for a June date for you!

Originally Posted by Hot Tamale

First of all, my underarms are sooo hard to shave. I hope as the scars fade I'll have better luck. Until then I am thinking about trying Nair on them.

HAB - June 8th! Wow! That is right around the corner!

Chrissy - Congrats on your clearances! You're getting close!

Melodye - And you are soooo close! Best of luck to you! I can only hope you're as happy with your choice as I have been with my choice!! I only find myself a little queasy when I eat too much fat at once - something really rich, for example.

Emily/Lisa - Congrats on your Surgiversary! Are you going to do an all liquid/ liquid & yogurt stint? I think I'll be starting one on Monday. I am in a stressful time at work and I am eating a lot more than what I normally do. I know I need to reign it all in NOW!

Mary - Love your willpower and determination. I watched your whole video - I love to watch what you have to say. You've really helped me a lot.

Heather - I totally cracked up when you said you didn't know what regularity was. That is me! It is a constant (pardon my pun) crap shoot on whether or not I'll be regular or need some help. More often than not I end up taking softeners, liquid fiber stuff, or my personal favorite, plain 'ol exlax.

My job is just really stressing me right now. As I said, I am eating far too often and far too much. Only good thing is its still low-carb items. I am thinking I will start a liquid and yogurt couple of days/week to keep the stupid eating at bay. I was unable to exercise both yesterday and today (if it wasn't pouring down rain right now I would be out walking...), but I am going to make up for it tomorrow and Sunday, and then back to my normal working out once the work week starts again. I also have to drink more water! I was doing great but I have fallen off and have to get back to it. Losing the last ten pounds and keeping the total loss off is, by far, the toughest part of all of it. The compliments slow down and then you're left with maintaining. Not that I need constant compliments, but eventually you are not the center of weight-loss attention and you have to get back to the day-to-day grind of life. I am not complaining...more like just stating a fact.

I know right?! I have so much stuff to take care of between then and now.

Originally Posted by HAB

Hi ladies.

HT-Congrats on reaching your goal! I'm sorry about the news for your surgeries, that definitely will affect price right? Hope you get some good news.

Mary-cute pic! Your hair looks so full! Have you noticed some re-growth or did you not lose much to begin with?
Monkee-hope your stress level goes down soon. Sounds like you did a great job yesterday, hang in there.

Everyone else, hope you are all doing well!

Sorry Mary, I posted this before watching your video. Your hair does look nice and full in your pic but I know how it can be.


Calling Monkee, Mona, Mbroda, Pescacat. How are you guys doing?

[Maryposa]

Hehehe, HAB, it's an illusion. I like to put my hair in foam rollers sometimes, it does make it look fuller. But, note that is ALL of my hair, there is none behind me.

[Maryposa]

Day eight down... two shakes, a yogurt, and a cup of chicken broth, and when I get home I'll have another yogurt.

Weight loss is happening but slow, could be because of stress and TOM.