ShapeShifter

I've chosen to tell people... for a few reasons. 1) One of my core values is honesty. When someone I care about asks me what I've been up to, it would be difficult not to mention the research that has consumed me, while considering a life altering procedure. (this does not mean I feel the need to announce it on facebook or to people who are more like acquantances.) 2) I *want* to hear the horror stories. I want to make an informed decision... if anyone I know has a friend that had this procedure who regretted it... I want to know! 3) I have been at this weight for 20 years, and everyone in my work and personal circles know that even on a diet of 1600 calories a day, I do not lose weight... when I am suddenly losing multiple pounds a week... I would rather not have to make up stories that are unbelievable. 4) If I should have any complications in the future, I want the people who surround me to understand how they can help me. I've shared my concerns, my research, my possible future with more than 20 people... and have recieved overwhelming support, which has only affirmed the path I am on. This includes three of my doctors, and a friend I worried about telling the most, who cried with me, and offered to help me pay for the procedure. The people who love me want me to be healthy and pain-free (I'm already happy), and to avoid suffocating in my sleep (I have severe sleep apnea). I do know how very blessed I am, with a loving and supportive community. I wish the same for everyone!

I am pre-op, so not experienced... but my father had the same condition (unrelated to surgery) and it turned out to be a severe b12 defficiency (he was starting to lose his words, too, and was deeply depressed). Have you had your blood work checked recently? Dad received b12 shots twice a week for a period of time, and now gets them just once a month. He did regain the feeling in his limbs. He has some nerve damage, but most likely related to 73 years with epilepsy. Please, please check your b12 levels. Wishing you WELL, dear.

I don't have an iphone, so I'm not sure. The fitbit I have is a small device that you can wear anywhere on your body (doesn't have to be your hip/waistband), and it will clip onto a wristband for collecting sleep data. You can go to fitbit.com, or brookstone, or amazon.com to learn more.

Relieved that you are well.

I had considered myself morbid, because when a friend died at age 32, and I was 28, I did a will and living will back then. I updated it when I went to Ireland at age 39. Before I travel and even before nasal surgery at age 42, I let people know that if I should not return... I have no regrets and am grateful for all of the wonder and beauty in my life. You are going to have a smooth surgery and a remarkable recovery... but letting those we love know we love them... is never a waste of time. We look forward to hearing how wonderful you are next week!

Wow! Congratulations on your great success...

I love my fitbit, Courtney. It works on wifi, and I just have to get close to my computer and it downloads the day of data. I got the ultra for $99. It records your sleep, as well. But I've not yet figured out how to do that. I'm a bit slow with technology. There is no charge for myfitnesspal, either. It is so easy to look up and find foods. I find it far better than the Weight Watchers site I used to pay for!

I've been using myfitnesspal.com for a couple of weeks, and find it very user friendly. Also, I bought a fitbit (it is a digital pedometer that downloads to your computer), and it works in tandum with myfitnesspal.com. It adds my activity into the formula to tell me I can consume more calories. Which is all good pre-surgery.

I ache for you and your loss and Celebrate your strength and resolution. I know you know that your mother resides within you... she is never away from you... and I wonder if you might feel her closer when you hear the words of encouragement and support she would have said aloud were she here, and now must say silently through your heart. Wishing you, dear one, the gentle coming of peace.

I find it helps to average the loss. 24 lbs in 4 weeks is 6 lbs a week. When was the last time you were able to do that? Your body is adjusting to tremendous change. Send it love! Magnesium is good for 'movement'... perhaps your surgeon would approve adding that to your daily supplements.

I would love to hear that you are learning to love yourself exactly as you are. Try not to say things to yourself that you would never say to another. You are going through metamorphosis... the catterpillar doesn't become a butterfly overnight, but the courage to change is worthy of praise and celebration - even before the big reveal and unfurling of wings. You are a warrior woman, taking control of your life. Celebrate that... and then look upon your new body with new eyes!

Happy New Beginning!!!!!

All I have to say is... WOOHOO!!!!!! So happy for you.

I can relate to shame in a really big way. There have been times when every step I've taken has been in pain or shame. Your resolution to yourself as you move into your 30s reminded me of my facebook post today: “Marry yourself first -- promise never to leave you!”~SARK~ This reminds me of how we sometimes compromise ourselves for the (imagined) happiness of others. Imagine making vows to yourself... a promise to always love and cherish yourself, to be gentle and honest with yourself, to care for your body in sickness and in health, and to always be loyal, supportive, and forgiving of yourself. Consider buying yourself a ring and in a small, private ceremony... declare to the world that for the rest of your days... you shall be committed to loving the most important person in your life... YOU. HAPPY MONDAY! ♥

If you have 6 children to look after, I am certain you get more exercise than you imagine. I am pre-surgery and tracking my calories and movement with a fitbit (pedometer that downloads to the computer). I consume 1100-1600 calories and get 1-3 miles per day of movement in normal activity. I gain and lose the same two pounds week after week, even though 'myfitnesspal' tells me I should lose several pounds over the next month. Don't beat yourself up, your body is recovering from trauma, and our bodies don't all work the same. You are going to be amazing at this!

Can you acquire magnesium citrate? It helps with absorption of calcium, metabolism of carbs, and also eases the bowels. Can you do mail order in Dubai? There are american dot.coms like netrition.com and supplementwarehouse.com where one might order supplements and protein powders. I'm just not familiar with overseas shipping. I'm going to keep sweet potato in mind, for sure.

Is it wrong to keep people in the dark? Of course not! What you share with others is your own choice. I have chosen to tell my people, because I want to have their support and understanding when my whole world begins to change. I live alone, and want to know that I can call any of my friends and family after surgery and know that they will understand where I am and come running if I need them. They have seen my weight struggle these past decades, and I cannot fathom that they would begrudge me a long-term solution. So far, the only response that was less than enthusiastic was from a friend who has her own fear of surgery. If you know you won't find that support in your family, there is nothing wrong with keeping it to yourself and allowing them to witness your transformation with awe. Enjoy the journey!

I developed PCOS when I was in my early 20s, which brought on rapid weight gain and an inability to lose (this was the diagnosis after a few years of doctor visits to determine the weight gain). I'm 43 now, and though I never wanted to have children, I do wish the sleeve surgery had been discovered sooner. Because 20 years later, I can assure you that weight loss remains impossible with PCOS. You have the opportunity to change your life before you miss any of the living you have to do. Excited for you and the way you'll be able to change your life. A woman in my WLS support group lost 200 lbs with the sleeve, had a baby, and then took off the weight immediately. She and baby are healthy and happy! Cheers to your choice and future success!

Many reasons do resonate with me, and I would be grateful to be where you are this time next year. I'm hoping the hoop jumping will be complete by end of summer or early fall. Enjoy the journey... so much to celebrate!

You look amazing now... just wait!

Wishing your mom job security and a positive outcome. Everything will be okay... just breathe. Do you know what your 10% will be? Is there someone to help you with the cost that you can repay? If you had to have emergency gall bladder surgery, would your job let you go? I've read that a lot of people are able to return to work after a week. Is there a leader at work with whom you can trust with your truth? Sometimes we are surprised by the support we receive when we dare to speak our truth. Wishing you all the best.

Yay YOU!

Thank you ladies... your experience is my inspiration... and your support means the world to me.

Today I scheduled my first nutritionist appointment, left a message to set up the psychological consult, and mailed two letters. The first to my Internist, who has already offered her full support, requesting the letter of medical necessity, referral to the nutritionist, and weight records. Since I've only been seeing her since last year, I mailed a second letter to the GYN I was with before my insurance changed a couple of years ago. She would have weight records going back further than any other doctors I've seen. Gratefully, my health has only become complicated with sleep apnea in recent years, but I've seen the GYN every year since I was 15. I've been told the weight record is what is important, so it didn't matter from which doctor the information came. I hope that's true. We have a wellness center at work, and I've gone there for most illness (mostly sinus infections) over the last 10 years, but they don't make us stand on a scale (thank the gods), so alas I don't have three years of data from a consistent source. My chiropractor is engaged to support my 6 month doctor assisted weight loss program, since I had already started a process with her in January, which resulted in some weight loss followed by losing the same 2 pounds over and over for the next couple of months. It is based on taking in more fruits and vegetables with lean meats, and very limited carbs - such as brown rice and lentils. Since I read that more protein is required for weight loss, I've added Isopure No Carb protein powder to my morning smoothie, and have it in a simple shake around 3pm, when I'm feeling snackish or run-down. I had hoped that would be the magic ticket... I've never been a big protein consumer, and I thought I might just start dropping pounds when I was suddently getting enough... but, no. Not yet, anyway. The other thing to consider for reaching the surgery goal, is timing. I support four executives. I need to be sure time off doesn't interfere with a board meeting, or other large scale events. Not because they would begrudge me that time, but because I prefer to have enough time to heal a little before I start pressuring myself for abandoning my people. I understand that one week is all that is needed, but some have recommended two... and I have my boss'es blessing to take whatever I need. Just jotting down my thoughts as I walk this path toward wellness... heel, toe, heel, toe... HEAL. Wishing you many blessings on your own journey!

I would err on the side of caution, especially since you have easy access to such good care. It will give you piece of mind. Also, if you have cruise control, and because you will be driving alone, consider when you are on an open stretch, with no one in front of you, taking your feet off the pedals and doing ankle circles and bending and straightening your knees. Good luck and be safe, please!