MINI-Me

Just take a deep breath ... I'm sure things will be fine. If you are denied, you can appeal. There have been some very successful appeal letters shared out here & I'm sure others can help with that. For now ... think positive thoughts and prayers. We'll do the same for you. WLS is stressful enough without the added pressure you got today. Sorry.

OK ... I have to admit that I read all your comments and started bawling like a baby. I remember what it was like coming out here when I was researching and learning. People helped me so much. I don't feel like I've given back much, but it is wonderful to know that I have helped some of you in some small way. We are all in this together. I know that all of us struggle with our weight and that this is a lifelong journey. I've also read research that having a support group is very beneficial to being successful. So, I am here for the long haul. I promise to support you and hope that you will continue to be here for me. OK - the tears are starting to subside. I am overwhelmed and humbled. Your friend, MINI-Me (a.k.a. Anne)

Fair warning – This was a lot longer than I thought it would be. You might want to have your Water bottle with you before starting! Today (plus one day that I've confessed to above) makes one year out for me. WOW! What an incredible year. In some ways it seems like forever and in other ways, just like it was yesterday. As my signature states, I’ve gone from an 18W to size 4/6. My BMI changed from 32.8 to drum roll please .... 20.1. Hard to believe!!! My surgeon was Dr. Thomas Umbach in Las Vegas, NV. I found him through Medical Tourism and am very thankful that together we’ve made sure I have a nice long, healthy life. The typical question – would you do it again? YES, YES, YES! I was known as a “lightweight” since my BMI was “only” 32.8. Was I fat? Definitely! Did I have risk factors? Definitely! I’ve often said that I was the smallest obese person in my family, but I had to personally realize that I was still obese. I really considered this surgery due to my father. I lost him in March 2009 due to complications from his obesity – congestive heart failure and uncontrolled diabetes. He was only 64 years old. It broke my heart to lose my dad at such a young age. I want to be around for my kids (currently 20, 17, and 9) and their kids! Not only do I look better, I feel better. I can run up and down our stairs all day! No more having to sit down because I’m tired after one trip up. I can go to costco, shop, put the food away & still have energy for more chores/tasks. INCREDIBLE!!! With that being said, I still have not been good about regular, planned exercise. My stomach may look better if I had (but part of me thinks not – skin just isn’t going to bounce back but so much). I am thinking breast augmentation, but I probably won’t. Just invest in more push up/padded bras. Do I want to punch out people that say I took the “easy way”? Yep! Is it hard? Yes. Do people who say I’ll gain it all back annoy me? Yep! Does my new tummy give me a tool that can make me successful? Heck yeah! Am I already successful? YES I AM! Am I concerned about maintenance and gaining again? Yes, but with continued dedication & support groups like this one, I can make it! The next question – how much can you eat now? Slider foods – more than I thought I could/should. I can pack down close to pre-surgery amounts of Cookies, ice cream, popcorn, etc. I have been testing a bit with “normal” foods … the other day, I was able to eat almost all of a McDonald’s hamburger with just the top bun & all but 3 slices of the Apple Dippers (no caramel sauce). I had one or two more bites left of the top bun, but knew I was done. I can eat about 3 ounces of steak with a bite or two of salad & maybe 1/4 of a baked potato. My biggest battles right now are (1) head hunger at night and (2) not counting foods as “bad” or “good”. I am trying to change my thinking to “good for me” or “tastes good, but not very nutritious”. I met with a nutritionist last week to talk about my eating plan for life. While she questioned if I still needed to track every bite I eat, I told her that it helped me be accountable. I am now tracking to 60g Protein, 64+ ounces of water, 100+ grams carbohydrates, and somewhere between 1500-2000 calories a day. I will add a confession here – I track Monday to Friday, but rarely on Saturday & Sunday. I just kind of eye ball/mentally track on the weekends. OK – enough rambling … Just want to leave with 2 more things. (1) If you are on the fence about this surgery, I want to strongly encourage you to investigate further. This surgery has truly saved my life & given me a new future and (2) At one year out, I thought it would be fun to go back and read some of my old posts – my worries, fears, doubts and successes. I don’t know if it will help anyone or not, but I’ve listed a few here: Surgery & Post-Op: · http://www.verticalsleevetalk.com/topic/3255-on-my-way-to-the-airport/page__p__29783__fromsearch__1#entry29783 · http://www.verticalsleevetalk.com/topic/3363-weird/page__p__30519__fromsearch__1#entry30519 · http://www.verticalsleevetalk.com/topic/3403-surgery-recovery-sucks/page__p__30905__fromsearch__1#entry30905 · http://www.verticalsleevetalk.com/topic/3471-im-gagging-over-here/page__p__31374__fromsearch__1#entry31374 · http://www.verticalsleevetalk.com/topic/3538-concerned-should-i-be/page__p__32047__fromsearch__1#entry32047 · http://www.verticalsleevetalk.com/topic/3602-finding-the-time-to-stop/page__p__32545__fromsearch__1#entry32545 · http://www.verticalsleevetalk.com/topic/3687-advice-for-road-trip/page__p__33232__fromsearch__1#entry33232 Losing: · http://www.verticalsleevetalk.com/topic/3884-took-measurements-today/page__p__35215__fromsearch__1#entry35215 · http://www.verticalsleevetalk.com/topic/3944-time-to-increase-the-portions/page__p__35826__fromsearch__1#entry35826 · http://www.verticalsleevetalk.com/topic/4565-need-some-support/page__p__40607__fromsearch__1#entry40607 · http://www.verticalsleevetalk.com/topic/4263-wanting-to-eat-more/page__p__38113__fromsearch__1#entry38113 · http://www.verticalsleevetalk.com/topic/4778-size-12s-and-medium-tops/page__p__42293__fromsearch__1#entry42293 · http://www.verticalsleevetalk.com/topic/4827-gotta-get-serious-about-exercise/page__p__42772__fromsearch__1#entry42772 · http://www.verticalsleevetalk.com/topic/3769-am-i-the-only-one-wanting-sweet-liquids/page__p__34103__fromsearch__1#entry34103 · http://www.verticalsleevetalk.com/topic/5217-its-a-fat-day/page__p__46024__fromsearch__1#entry46024 · http://www.verticalsleevetalk.com/topic/5065-post-op-when-did-you-have-your-first-carbonated-drink/page__p__44749__fromsearch__1#entry44749 · http://www.verticalsleevetalk.com/topic/6305-my-funny-nsv/page__p__55830__fromsearch__1#entry55830 · http://www.verticalsleevetalk.com/topic/5869-normal/page__p__51835__fromsearch__1#entry51835 · http://www.verticalsleevetalk.com/topic/7060-why-cant-they-just-say-congratulations/page__p__62386__fromsearch__1#entry62386 · http://www.verticalsleevetalk.com/topic/7964-irritated-with-people/page__p__69470__fromsearch__1#entry69470 · http://www.verticalsleevetalk.com/topic/7376-i-cried-tonight/page__p__64804__fromsearch__1#entry64804 · http://www.verticalsleevetalk.com/topic/8064-need-to-be-accountable/page__p__70372__fromsearch__1#entry70372 Moving to Maintenance · http://www.verticalsleevetalk.com/topic/8602-calling-those-on-maintenance/page__p__75039__fromsearch__1#entry75039 · http://www.verticalsleevetalk.com/topic/6171-weight-regain-with-vsg/page__p__54548__fromsearch__1#entry54548 · http://www.verticalsleevetalk.com/topic/8392-today-7-months-out-and-642-pounds-gone/page__p__73224__fromsearch__1#entry73224 · http://www.verticalsleevetalk.com/topic/9506-goal/page__p__83431__fromsearch__1#entry83431 · http://www.verticalsleevetalk.com/topic/9995-almost-9-months-out/page__p__87012__fromsearch__1#entry87012 · http://www.verticalsleevetalk.com/topic/10260-i-am-not-controlling-my-sweet-tooth/page__p__89285__fromsearch__1#entry89285 · http://www.verticalsleevetalk.com/topic/10135-holiday-strategies/page__p__88283__fromsearch__1#entry88283 · http://www.verticalsleevetalk.com/topic/10981-nsv-nsv-nsv-for-me/page__p__95104__fromsearch__1#entry95104 · http://www.verticalsleevetalk.com/topic/11548-so-discouraged/page__p__99499__fromsearch__1#entry99499 · http://www.verticalsleevetalk.com/topic/12379-this-is-why-journaling-food-is-so-important/page__p__106369__fromsearch__1#entry106369 · http://www.verticalsleevetalk.com/topic/12406-fruits-and-veggies/page__p__106553__fromsearch__1#entry106553 · http://www.verticalsleevetalk.com/topic/12769-not-quite-a-year-out/page__p__109462__fromsearch__1#entry109462 · http://www.verticalsleevetalk.com/topic/11607-i-have-a-question-about-alcohol/page__p__99986__hl__alcohol__fromsearch__1#entry99986 For newbies … this is a great place to start: http://www.obesityhe...or-New-Members/ (yes, I know this is another website, but many of us frequent there as well as VST.J)

Welcome! Glad you found us. I'm sure your mind is in a blur with all your choices, "hoops" to jump through, etc. Just take the time to do your research and work with your surgeon to decide what is right for you. Personally, the band & having a foreign object in me scared the dickin's out of me (plus, I never met a band person who made it to goal). I was totally freaked out by my anatomy changing so bypass was out. The sleeve seemed to make the most sense since I liked to volume eat - especially when I had a craving for something. Tomorrow I will be a year out - I have made goal & basically been here since Thanksgiving. I truley believe this surgery saved my life. Best wishes for your research. If you have questions, please feel free to post them. We have a very friendly and educated group here.

Give that man a hug!

LOVE IT, LOVE IT, LOVE IT!

It's great that you have some support. I find that most people who have the "negative slant" are just very concerned about you. Question - is your boyfriend overweight? If not, he simply doesn't understand and he will probably never understand. It's not his fault and it's not your fault. Sometimes we can never understand a person's perspective unless we've been there. You could talk to him about why "willpower" isn't working for you. Explain that you have a disease and you want the best treatment you can get to be healthy. You could also let him know how the comments affect you - not speaking up for yourself may cause them to say more damaging things because they do not understand the effect their comments have on you. Make sense? Focus on the good things. For example, he went to the seminar WITH YOU - that is a very good thing! He is probably trying to reconcile all of this in his head too. After all, it will be his journey as well. Keep your chin up!

I had a 2 hour flight home. I had some pain, but it was tolerable. If available, ask for wheelchair assistance from ticketing to your gate (you get priority in the security line!) ... Also, ask for a pillow when you first get on the plane - it will help if you get uncomfortable in the seat - you can use it to prop yourself a bit. If you think nausea/dizziness may be a problem for you, ask your surgeon for some medicine/tips for helping you through. I'm sure you are not the first one that has had this concern.

With an open procedure, I really doubt you will be ready to go back to work in a week. I was out for 2 with laproscopic. I probably could have forced myself back, but I would have been so tired. With open, they have cut through so much muscle tissue, I don't know how you could sit at a desk all day. What kind of work do you do? As for the protein, just do your best. Right now, liquids are the most important thing. I hated ALL protein shakes. I got through with unjury chicken Soup and "unflavored" powder mixed in applesauce, sf pudding, and hot cocoa (just not too hot or it will curdle - YUCK!) Best of luck!

So happy that God was with you through the surgery. Those first 24 hours are hard ... but it really does get better hour by hour, day by day!

Are you having surgery here in the US? If so, ask about the BLISS program - it covers WLS complications not covered by insurance. Without BLISS, my surgeon's costs were covered 100% for complications, but I would have been on the hook for hospital costs.

These are good ideas, but you'll want to be careful. There are a lot of carbs in the pre-made drinks and the sugar may upset your tastebuds (some people hate the sweetness after surgery) or your new tummy. If it works for you GREAT! Just make sure to still get in your Vitamins, Water and Protein. Remember - this is a short period & it will soon be a blur in your memory.

You should be ok if you just have the broth. My plan allowed broth day 2. What does your plan say? (They are all so varied!)

My VSG was outpatient ... I was sent to recover with a Q Pain Ball and liquid Vicodin. The pain ball was finished in 2 days (should have been 3 & my surgeon was upset that the recovery nurse had "opened" it too much). The pain was quite more than I expected the first night, but not so bad that I required inpatient stay. I used the liquid Vicodin for 3 days, and then went to liquid Tylenol (OTC) for the next two or three. I did take the liquid Vicodin at night for about a week just to help me sleep since it was so hard to find a comfortable spot (I am normally a tummy sleeper). Hope that helps.

At these stages you probably are getting 0 to minimal fruits and veggies in. Thta is why it is soooooooooooo important to take your Vitamins, stay hydrated, and get in as much Protein as you can. Hard to believe we crave salads now, huh? That used to be "diet" food.

Thank you so much for posting this ... it does my heart good. I have this incredibly stupid fear of waking up one morning & all my fat is back. Dumb, I know - hopefully time will help my head believe what my body is now.

I am so sorry to hear this. I don't remember your original post (sorry), but your symptoms seem so common to what many of us experienced post-op due to gas and bloating. So glad that you were able to get checked out & a treatment started. Best wishes for a fast and full recovery!!!!

Congratulations on starting your journey! I would definitely suggest reading through older posts - especially in the Pre- and Post- logs. Jot down any questions you have and then start a thread. You will find this group to be very kind and helpful. Welcome!

I will say that surgeons and nuts are very different on how they tell you to measure your food. Some will say that your stomach is based on volume & tell you to eyeball what would fit in a 1/4c, 1/2c or 1c. Others are just the opposite and go on weight & using a digital scale. I was so honestly confused that I did a little of both. I measured out 3 ounces of meat & then once cut, I would see what would fit in a 1/2 cup. After a time, I can sorta tell by looking at food how much I will be able to eat. (Unless you get me on movie theatre popcorn I can eat HEAPS of that stuff! I know one day it's going to get even with me, but so far - knock on wood - it hasn't had a negative impact). My best advice? Pick one measuring method and stick with that. If you can eat 4 teaspoons right now, learn to tell how much that is on your plate & serve it up. When you feel like the swelling has gone down & you can eat more, add another teaspoon. Please don't get too worried about this. We all did at the beginning, but it really does become easier. PROMISE!

Love it!

Pulled this from Answers.com: 1 Fluid ounce = 6 teaspoons of fluid. Note that this is for liquid ounces, not dry ounces. A liquid ounce is a measure of volume, and a dry ounce is a measure of weight. A teaspoon is a measure of volume. You cannot go from teaspoons to dry ounces without knowing the density of the thing you are measuring. Dry ounces are a measure of weight. Teaspoons are a measure of volume. A teaspoon of lead weighs a lot more than a teaspoon of Water. Most liquids that we are going to measure using a teaspoon are going to be close enough to the ratio shown above to be OK, but don't confuse the two. As for volume after surgery ... just do your best. BUT ALWAYS stop when you are full. Don't get in the habit of overeating or eating just because it is on your plate. Good luck ... it gets easier as each day/week passes.

Isn't it great??? I totally get the "I can't fit into these" mentality. I have it all the time. What a wonderful problem to have!

What an awesome story!!!! You should be proud of yourself. I can totally understand the anxiety ... you are changing you. Not the you inside, but your confidence, your appearance, and your self-esteem. Now, give that anxiety a second of reflection & move onto the celebration train. AWESOME!!!

That is great Patti ... enjoy the warmth (and every now and then take it off & stare at the tag! )

Congrats. Very cool that you are doing it with someone. One of my good friends and I did ours together as well - made it nice to have someone to talk to that "really got it"! Best of luck to both of you!