Valentina

I come from a family with a long list of surgeries and my mother was a nurse. We were always told that what God has intended for us, we can not change. We tried not to dwell on all the bad things that could happen, but to look for the light.Each of us when we reached the proper age were incouraged to have a living will. With that came letters to the immediate family "just in case". After that, we never had the heart twisting conversations before a surgery or before a long trip. My family always felt (and still does feel) that those tearjerking conversations only excellarate negativity --especially for the younger children. Our children know we love them. Our spouses know we love them. Our faith in them will see them through in case The Lord should call us Home. Write your letters, put them in a security box and let your mind and heart be at ease. You have a wonderful family. Go on your surgery adventure with that in mind. You have a wonderful family and they have a wonderful YOU. Leave the drama for the soap operas. Have only positive, happy thoughts of your wonderful, healthy life ahead. My thoughts, Valentina

Anyone hear anything??? I am praying as hard as I can.... I hope she remembers to let one of us know....

Thanx for the heads up! Is it yummy or just so-so? Do you have to "doctor" it to make it yummy? It's a real nice deal if you really like it. Thanx again and please, let me know(so I can order some if it's yummy).

I had my Final food Funeral today. My SO took me one of our favorite eateries---The Keyport Fishery today as a surprise. It was a wonderful adventure to sit by the bay and watch the fishing and sailboats. I ordered my favorite shrimp platter and to my surprise I was only able to eat about half of it. I brought the rest home. It was my only meal for the day, but still I must be mentally preparing myself to eat less, because a year ago I could and would have eaten the entire platter, with fries (I did not eat any fries today), and then stopped on the way home for a waffle ice cream. I am wondering if anyone else found that when they went for their "last pig out", they really could not eat all of it? I came home completely satisfied and have no desire for anymore food today. I will probably have a greek yogurt about 8pm, if I'm hungry. If not--it's on to tomorrow and working towards my surgery date of June 6th. In a way, I was disappointed with my Final Food Funeral. But, all in all I am surprised and excited that I am mentally getting ready for my new road. Any thoughts?? Valentina

My surgery will be on June 6th, so you lead the way!! This morning I am back on track with my pre-op program. This Sunday, I start my two week count down. I do not regret my food Funeral one wee bit. I will always have fond memories of yesterday at the Keyport Fishery. I'm sure we will go back after my surgery and laugh about how much I eat. I will include you in my chit chat with God for a uneventful surgery and recovery. Good luck, my friend. Lead On!!!! Valentina

I don't have to do a liquid diet pr-op either. I've been on the program for 4 months now and have lost about 36lbs. Maybe that is partly why I was more than comfortable leaving the fries and bringing half of the meal home. My Dr. allows a food funeral as long as one has done well on the program and is committed to getting back on the wagon before two weeks prior to surgery. I was just pleasantly surprised that I am as mentally ready as I am.

I know all of the advice you will get from friends on this site will be logical and heartfelt, but that doesn't make you hurt any less right now, does it?? I'm so sorry that you are having to go through this pain at a time when your life should be looking brighter than ever. Has the door of comunication closed for good? Any talking it through??? No one can be solely responsible for another. Believe me know. I am experiencing no support from my SO . That being said, I am going forward with my sleeve--alone if need be. This is for me and only I can make the final decision. The same is for you. Search your heart, and you head. Follow the one the is right for you. You know which it is or you wouldn't be hurting so much. Keep us posted. We all really do care. Valentina

"TO THY OWN SELF BE TRUE" Those are words told to me many many years ago. I try to live up to them and allow them to lead me through life. This is your time to be "TRUE " to yourself. Your job will always be hectic and short handed. I am retired from a group of surgeons' admininstration. You need to be selfish for your own health to be able to give your career you "all" in you new healthy future. Take what time you need. You will be ever so glad that you did. You will be settled and ready to give the job your full attention. You will be comfortable with your sleeve to the point that it is not on your mind when you should be concentrating on your patients. In the long run, everyone will be happy that you took time for "YOURSELF". That being said, three weeks sounds about right. Take care of yourself, so you can better take care of others. You deserve it. Valentina :cheer2:

Just to be on the save and positive side, give you MD a call. It will put you in the know and more at ease. That's what his support staff as well as himself are are for. Patient service!!!!! They want your surgery to be as successful as you do. Give 'em a call! You'll feel better for just doing so. I promise.:phone: :wink_smile: Valentina

If you ask your MD for a script for Aqua Therapy,then your insurance co. with probably pay for you to go to a P.T. center that has a pool. Then call around (if your MD doesn't know) and find one. Also, call some hotel/motels in your area. Sometimes they will let you use their pool for an hour or so a couple of times a week as long as you don't use it on the weekends. Sometimes they want a donation and sometimes not. It's worth a try! Try to remember: Protein, PROTEIN, PROTEIN. It will be with you for the rest of your life. Eat you protein FIRST , then steamed veggies, then a few carbs is you have to. Few the carbs the better. You will do it!! You've already started walking. Walking in that heat can not be easy. I do not do well in heat. I'd rather walk during a snow storm! Keep up the great attitude. It will get you over the top. Keep posting to we can cheer you good days, and "scold" when you need it. --but always with kindness of heart. Valentina

As you become more informed about this surgery that will change your life for the better, you will learn that practically everyone is encouraged to lose five to ten percent of their weight before surgery. It will make your surgery go easier because your liver will be smaller and more pliable. It will also demonstrate that you are committed to this path that you have chosen. YOU CAN DO IT! I bet in your past you have lost that much and more. We are all here to root you on, or pick you up --whatever is needed! Keep us posted. We really do care!!

How's the pre-op diet going? Are you able to do any exercise? I highly recommend getting into a pool and doing aquatic exercises. I just had a knee replacement and did all of my PT in the pool. I had little pain while in the Water and was able to do more. Think about it. It's working for me. Keep us posted. We really do care!

Hello. My name is Valentina. I am scheduled for my surgery on June 6th. I have yet to decide whether to have gastric bypass or Vertical Sleeve. I went into this life changing course wanting a Sleeve, but when I mention it to my friends, they have a look like they are sucking on lemons! My daughters support me with whatever I choose to do, but that is not helping. Their love for me is not is question--nor is THEIR support. My significant other fluctuates between supporting me and telling me that I am selfish to only think of myself and not him as he struggles with clinical depression. I AM going to have WLS!! I just need some support that won't make me feel guilty. Right now, I am scheduled for a Sleeve because of the recovery time involved. Is that a wrong reason for the choice over the bypass??? SOMEONE PLEASE HELP ME!!

Thank you, Lynn. Today I took my standard poodle for her walk. This is only the second day since I had my knee replaced in early March that I have been able/allowed to do so. It felt soooo good to walk again. Of course I've lost 37 pounds pre sleeve surgery which I am sure helped. I look forward to getting much more weight off of my major joints which is one of the main reasons I've decided to have a sleeve. One total knee replacement is enough for me!!! On this site I have found the support foundation I need to get me over the top. With this site and my two daughters' support, I will be content. I will not be swayed nor denied. Thank you!

I like plain greek yogurt with one Equal,some vanilla and almond extract and when you can --add a few fresh blueberries!!!! Even without the berries it is Yummy and 18gr of Protein to boot!!

That's right. That's how it works.

Well now, that shouldn't be too difficult to fix, now should it? ENJOY!!!!! BON APITITE'!!!!

I guess each ins. co. can set their levels at their own choosing. That being said, how close to a 50 BMI are you??? You could ask your Bariatric MD to do a "Peer to Peer" consultation with the ins. co.. That usually is "worth its weight in gold". Keep us posted. Valentina

What's the calorie count of your shake recipe??

Welcome to the Clan, me wee one!

There is a good reason why for the major of time a surgeon spends with his/her patient, that patient is asleep!! One just hopes that the surgeon's skill far outshines his/her bedside manner. That being said, no one deserves to be treated as you were. Sometimes, we forget WHO WORKS FOR WHOM. This day and age, a woman needs to be assertive for her ownself where doctors are concerned. If you feel berated, belittle, talked down to, talked around, or am just feeling uncomfortable, you really need to STOP THE CONVERSATION and say, "I think we need to start this visit over with a more patient respectful, friendly tone". I will give the surgeon the benefit of the doubt and say that he/she may not even be aware of their incorrect address. If he/she refuses your request, then I would simply walk out. I would find another bariatric surgeon, check his/her evaluations, credential, peer reviews, patient reviews (yes! talk to his former patients). A surgeon is a "plumber" working on your "plumbing" just as a kitchen plumber works on your kitchen sink. They work for a FEE. ---and who pays their fee? YOU DO!!! I make these comments as a retired office manager for a group of----surgeons!!! They are just folks who sometimes get a such a high horse they can no longer see the ground. It falls to their patients to "ground" them!! Good luck. Valentina

Even though I haven't had my surgery yet, Protein intake is a concern of mine because I have a soy allergy. I have tried putting vanilla protein mix into greek yogurt with one equal, and some extract (whatever flavor I want). It works for the protein intake: 18gr for the greek yogurt and 20 for the Protein Powder. Doesn't get much better than that unless you are able to add fresh blueberries!!! Then you have ambrosia!!!! food of the gods Valentina

That you for the words of wisdom!! You be sure and let me know every step of your new road to health and happiness. I will make sure I include you Thurs when I have my daily chit chat with God. Can't hurt. Let me know ALL ABOUT IT JUST AS SOON AS YOU FEEL WELL ENOUGH. I will be waiting. God's speed, my friend.:pray2: Valentina