cat whisperer

Creekwood, you are doing great... good you have supportive family. You have been through 7 days... I am looking forward to being able to say that. Gscarlett - that's good that you are out of the headache stage - I like hearing how everyone is progressing on their pre-op diets as it is encouraging.

Hi - I'm sorry to hear you can't have coffee? They told me I could have coffee as long as it was black or with a tiny bit of skim milk (which is how I usually have it anyway). Not to sway you from your dr's orders, of course!

Welcome to the newcomers I'm getting excited too, although I have some trepidation - like ANewMe - I think that would be really hard not to have a celebratory cocktail on your bday.... At the same time I am also looking forward to having some weight loss. Creekwood - that is great you lost 7lb. Now that it is finally getting warmer here (Leanne you know what I"m talking about!) I find I am hot and sweating and hating hauling around this extra weight. Anyway, Happy Birthday to ANewMe- even though I know it probably doesn't feel that "happy" at the moment... soon, I'm sure you will be past this and be feeling better

thank you for your replies, everyone... there are many different approaches to this, obviously! I still haven't completely decided what to do - I do trust my kids and in some ways do want to tell - my older daughter just talks SO MUCH and I just think she might give out details that might let someone guess. On the other hand, as many of you have said, I am sure they will notice a big change in my eating. I do like the idea of just saying I'm on a strict diet, though as Banjo mentioned - then it isn't a lie as I don't want to do that either!! I think I may play it by ear... see if they ask lots of questions and deal with it then. Again, as Banjo said, I wish there was not such a stigma about having wls. good luck to everyone - I appreciate you sharing your own experiences!

Sarah, that is my fear too - one little comment to one of their friends - then boom, all the mothers know... sorry to hear that happened - although maybe at least they were supportive of you when they found out?

Hello - I'm wondering if those of you who have slightly older kids are telling them about your surgery? My daughters, aged 12 and 13 both know I am having "a surgery", but don't know the details. Neither of them have weight problems, but I have also raised them to be sensitive to other people's sizes (not to mention other things of course). It's difficult with girls as I don't want them to start worrying about their weights. Another factor is that I am pretty adamant about keeping my surgery secret, and I am worried about my secret getting out if I tell them as I am friends with several mothers of their friends. I don't think they would tell deliberately, but you know how things can just slip out in passing with kids (even as an adult that can happen). Have you told your kids? Told them to keep it a secret? I just really don't know quite what to do here so thought I would seek the opinions of those wiser than me

I have lots of questions too, so you are not alone!!!

You'll miss her, but at least we will meet. see you tomorrow

Really? that's AWESOME!!! well, geez, looking forward to it! I'm meeting two online friends from this site tomorrow... what time are you arriving, Leanne? I'm arriving at 2pm, and another woman from S'toon is going to be there so I will meet her briefly! Looking forward to seeing you

LOL drehn I posted at the exact same time as you... and strangely enough answered the question too, somewhat... haha Yup, just liquids. I go for my pre-surgery appointments tomorrow so will find out in more detail exactly what liquids!

Three weeks is a LONG time for just liquids... hang in there!! I know mine will just be liquids too but it is only for two weeks.

Wow, there is a lot of variation in these pre-op diets, hey? A new me - you have to be on it for three weeks? wow, that's a long time especially for just liquids. and then drehn you are able to eat proteins and veg... such a big difference. I guess it is really dependent on the surgeon.

Good luck!! I have another week before starting. Let us know how you're doing!

Leanne, thanks for sharing your experiences. All the things you listed are things I would want to do on vacation too... so I think your goal is awesome, and great idea about the dress. I had a similar experience with my ankles when I went to the Dominican Republic a couple of years ago. Funny thing, I was terrified to snorkel (I'm not all that comfortable in the water) and finally the second last day I did it... and I loved it too. Also, it was so hot there and I still felt I had to keep covered up - I would like to be able to wear a tank top and not feel embarrassed. Welcome home!

Good to see you here

Welcome Hard to believe things are getting pretty close for our May group!! When I first posted this topic, I think it was back in Feb. and I was the only one. Glad I'm not alone!!

Stepto4, I know exactly what you mean! My focus has been very "off". I'm slogging through a take home final today, then have one on Monday, one more on Tuesday, then I'm done. I won't have to do any more course work until September. I think you made the right decision not having the surgery at spring break - now you will have a bit more time to adjust. My surgery is in May as well - you should come and join us on the May forums Wishing you all the best in your finals... hang in there!

thanks, Jesslynn... It's good to hear from someone who knows. I just decided that I wouldn't take any spring/summer classes even if it means a bit more work in September - so I can focus a bit more on life with the band. I hope you are planning a bit of a break from classes over the summer too. Even work I find you can go, do your job and leave it there when you go home, but with classes the worry/mindset is always with you no matter what!! Good luck to you as well hope things are going well!

Sorry, I wasn't sure what other forum to put this in... just wanted to share the angst with someone... anyone... I have a paper I am struggling to complete, and three finals to get through all in the next 6 days. I am finding it extra hard this term as my mind is really on my upcoming surgery in May. Anyway, anyone else in the same boat? It feels like I'm never going to get through this!!! FYI I am a "mature" (lol) student going back for my third degree in Social Work... arrrgghhh these paper are killing me. I had 10 due this term!! good luck to any of you who are also at the "end point"!!!

Wow - you look amazing!! All your hard work paid off - congratulations

haha I love this... made me smile on a day I need to smile You and my daughter are bday twins - May 16 she turns 12... wow hard to believe that I will have had my surgery by then... it is getting closer and closer!! coming up fast!! Welcome I have some feelings of fear surrounding the pre-op diet - but I am so ready to lose weight and feel better - I just need to keep that in mind. I need this so much - also it is encouraging to think that in the first month there will likely be a significant weight loss (at least 20lbs I hope, would be very nice if it was more!!) due to the pre-op and the post-op diets. That to me will be so motivating.

wow, welcome everyone! the group is growing

Well I hope the studies go as well as they can for you both. It's a shame you have to deal with this to complicate things.

Sorry to hear that two of you need the sleep study... what do you have to do for it? I imagine you having to fall asleep and they monitor you? how did they determine you need the study?

thanks Shannon - that is encouraging - 70lbs is a lot!!