doghouse

:thumbup: People roll their eyes at me when I tell them I'm going to have WLS. You can see it in their faces, "you're old." Yesterday I was with a group and shared my great news, that I had received my date. Out of 15 people, not one said "yay." It was seriously quiet, and as I looked around the table, there wasn't a hint of a smile anywhere. So, moving on, I left the subject hanging. After class one woman came and told me it was imperative I reconsider my decision for WLS. :scared0: I would have thought the long months of preparation, the obvious weight loss, and all the appointments would have demonstrated my commitment. I don't understand why this is so difficult for other seniors to accept. We have a choice in life, to sit and watch it go by, or to get fit and be part of the action. I'm not ready to sit. I dream of all the things I'll do after surgery, like bend over and tie my shoes, ride comfortably in an airplane, not be the biggest person in the room, not have every joint and muscle ache all day and night, play with my grandchildren and buy something in a store, right off the rack. Oooooh that will be wonderful. But the number one reason to do this: to be healthy. :thumbup1: I'm watching my health decline quickly carrying around over 100 pounds of weight I don't need. I struggle with fibromyalgia, all the 'itises', sleepless nights, no energy, high blood pressure, high chololesteral and am pre-diabetic as well. Those are the reasons to have WLS and a new opportunity to experience life again. It's about quality of life, and with VSG I have every opportunity to greatly improve my quality of life. :thumbup:

Welcome to the board. I'm excited for you. You will indeed do the things you are dreaming of following surgery. I found the diet very restrictive in the beginning, but I expected that during the healing process. As time goes on you feel better every day and what you can eat increases in variety. There's really no "restriction" on any food, but common sense following surgery will tell you to lose the weight you want to avoid the simple carbs. I am almost 3 months out. My husband and I went out to lunch today and enjoyed soup and salad. I did not have salad, or breadsticks, but loved the rich soup. I had a great time. I am looking forward to salad again, but right now happy to eat "normal" food. You'll find it is not near as foreboding as you thought because you won't be as hungry as before. Your whole body adjusts to the change and the best thing....you're enjoying life again. Blessings to you. Mary

Thanks so much Judy for you concern. I had surgery 7/2, and it has been a rocky ride ever since. Plenty of wondering if I made a terrible mistake in having surgery. Woke up sick in recovery and stayed that way. I'm on three different anti-emtics and have been unable to get protein or fluids in sufficiently. No meds, vitamins either. Pretty rough ride. Yesterday may have been a turning point. Was hungry for salmon patties (known as cat food cakes at our house, lol), and made some really soft ones. I ate almost a whole one. Pretty amazing. It stayed down, and felt okay going down. I am so encouraged. Today has begun well too. I was able to get oatmeal down, and it stayed down. Wow....The weight loss is almost non existant. I think my body has shut down due to starvation. Lost 2 lbs. today following eating yesterday. That's encouraging. Overall weight loss is 70 lbs......55 pre surgery and 15 post over 1 month. I'm hoping this continues to respond to the increased proteins and I see significant weight reduction. I am exercising in moderation. Don't have a lot of energy right now. Again, thank you Judy!!! It helps to talk with someone who knows exactly what's going on. Blessings to you, Mary

You go girl. You are off to a terrific start!! We'll keep each other company along the way and have a little fun at it.

Thanks Ruthie....did I mention I love your name???? My dearest Aunt Ruthie was a stalwart in my tumultuous childhood. I miss her still. So your name evokes so many wonderful, positive memories. Hugs comin' your way, Mary

Thanks Susan and Vegas Angel. You speak from the heart, and I hear it!!! Only those of us who have had the experience can appreciate how full of thorns the first little bit might be. I've got to say today is better than yesterday, and tomorrow probably better than today. I'm feeling genuinely hopeful at the moment. Hugs to all of you!!! Mary

While that would be my preference too OregonDaisy, I am in a very public forum 24/7. I am happy for you that you can make that choice, its got to be sooooo much fun watching people react and wonder what's up with you.

I am home from the hospital, a few more bumps in the road there with extreme nausea and heart issues. But, I was determined to get well fast, and I'm doing it. I'm on full liquids, purees next week. The diet is pretty boring, but its only a couple of weeks. I am healing slowly, so there might be a case for the nay sayers, but succeed I will!!!

I do hope you are feeling much better every day, and as your strength returns so does the ability to think clearly and set reasonable goals. Blessings on your improving health.

Carol, you are absolutely correct when you say I am in control of myself. I certainly can't change others, but I can change myself, and I shall. I'm quite excited at the moment and up for the challenge.

Thanks for your post. There's a lot there that is very encouraging. I saw the woman this morning at church that made the big fuss out of my having surgery. I hugged her, said hello, and left it at that. I think she knows that my mind is made up, and come July 2, a whole new kind of freedom is going to begin for me. But I won't forget what you said. I find your words very reassuring.

I'm laughing as I write, a "hot senior"....what a thought!! I've never been "Hot" in my lifetime, unless you count post-menopausal flashes, lol. You are absolutely right. I had never thought of it until you said it, but seniors have surgery all the time and recover, and by golly, why not WLS? Terrific thought, and much appreciated.

The one that captures your heart would be the right one. We got our third Schnauzer, not taking into consideration we were not going to have the energy to match hers. That is why we chose the Shih Tzu for her companion, he's less high energy and more manageable. No matter what you choose, a dog kiss is pretty special.

whoa nellie!!! It's getting exciting now!! I got a date today. July 2, i"ll be an 'official sleever!'

Jane you are truly amazing. I will be keeping you in thoughts and prayers. You'll do great! I'll be cheerleading for you, as well as keeping you in thought and prayer. Blessings, mary

They are so much fun, and need to be walked, an added bonus. We've had 3 schnauzers, and a smarter dog we've never experienced. I don't know how smart Dudley is, but he is the sweetest guy so who cares. lol Blessings, mary

Wow Jane you have accomplished so much. I hope you have fully recovered from the emergeny band surgery, and a C-section. I envy you those wonderful children. Enjoy every moment. It doesn't last long enough! I'll wait for your posts proclaiming your latest victory over those pounds. Mary

Thanks Elizabeth for the reply. You and I are about the same starting weight. This will be interesting to see how we do. Fun doing it together. Mary (doghouse) Oh, I'm doghouse because two critters live with me, a funny shih-tzu boy named Dudley, and a sweet old girl named Hildi. Hildi is a minature schnauzer. They are my babies!

Greetings ladies, I am new to this website. This is my first post. I am immediately attracted to the 100+ club. I started at 325 in Feburary, and currently at 283. While that's a good start, its still quite a way to 150. About 133 the way I learned it in school. Ugh I was very disappointed when my surgeon said she doubted I would make goal. She told me not to expect to lose more than 60-70% of my weight. I cannot accept that. I may have to, but right now I cannot accept that. When I saw her recently she noted the pre-op loss, and reconsidered her earlier statement that I could not lose the weight. That was encouraging. I am in the request for authorization for surgery stage. It went to the insurance company last Wednesday. I am hopeful it will not be long until I get a confirmed date. In the meantime a small, but potentially serious issue, has come up. I threw some PVC's during my stress test. So this week is a more advanced type of test. I pray this will not interfere with the surgery and that it will be resolved. Finally, I tried to get my rheumatologist to understand I needed to change meds prior to surgery. The Cymbalta is time released and cannot be used. He never got it. I left so frustrated. I'm trying the PCP this week. All of this in a big mad rush to beat the authorization, and be ready to tackle that 133 pounds. Whew....I'm outta breath.

Now that's what I'm talkin' about!!! 171 pounds is amazing. And my surgeon said that kind of weight loss was doubtful with a sleeve. I guess I have a story to tell her!!!