anniemay

I have a five and six year old. I am not sure how much I should tell them. The oldest spent 90 days in the hospital a year ago and had major surgery. He's fine now but it left an impression on him. I don't want to scare them but I also don't want to reveal all the details - especially because I am only sharing this information with those closest to me. Anyone else have to do deal with a similar situation?

My first weigh in. Lost six pounds AND quit smoking. I go in for a nicotine test in three weeks so definitely no cheating! Three weeks will be my final required weight management appointment. See the doctor 4/3 and all will be submitted to insurance! Hoping for a quick turnaround. Yay!

I am so glad to hear this - I should be submitted to BCBS the first week of April!

Did you do anything special? I am hoping for those results. Sounds like we are starting in similar places.

Thanks. Which model Polar do you use? I am not familiar with any monitor but want to find one that is reliable and easy to use

Non surgical victory. (I had to ask the first time I saw it too)

I'm shooting for the week of may 6. Don't know if that will work. I want to be 3 weeks post op bf the kids are out of school.

I have been looking at heart monitors for use daily. I found a Mio with good ratings - it is the watch kind. Does anyone use this or have other recommendations? I want a good one without spending a fortune.

Awesome!

Thanks everyone. I am using Chantix which has been great. I am starting to realize I used smoking as my crutch or escape from stress - and w two under six years old that's a lot! I am toughing it out. Haven't bought any and smoked less than a pack in a week. I have to do this. I WILL do it!

I am trying hard to get early May because I have two children (6 and 5) and I want to be through the first 2-3 weeks post-op before they get out of school! I will never get recovery time if I am home after that. I have a twin sister and I told her I would have to move in with her for recovery if it is later than May! My husband got laid off so we opted for him to stay home during the summer to save the dollars on camp and day care. I have a family wedding in July and am trying to navigate that too! I wish the doctors would just work on my time schedule instead of vice versa!

I am using Dr. Michael Lee - the surgery will be at St Paul Hospital - which is part of the medical school. He is fairly new to the Dallas area (and young) but comes with great credentials - and I have worked with doctors so long I have an intuitive sense about them. I really liked him - his totally down to earth and reasonable. His staff is really great too. A friend of mine was suppose to use Dr. Nicholson but ended up being transferred to Arkansas and had to the start the process over - but she loved him. When are you looking at getting the procedure?

I have a couple of months before surgery and have reduced my smoking to two a day and will be totally smoke free in two days.....at first it was relatively easy but now I find managing my diet while quitting is REALLY difficult. I know I have to face these life changes but I am afraid I will go into my first weight managment appointment HEAVIER than when I went for my consult......I have enough guilt I don't want my first appointment to feel like a failure...... ugh

Dr. Nicholson came highly recommended to me but I have never seen him - I work at the medical school and they are a center of excellence (please I a great rate through my insurance if I have it done here) looking at early May.

I don't drink a lot (a couple a week) and I do feel like I will have a mourning period. My only comment is to be careful. My good friend who had the sleeve learned pretty quickly he could drink vodka - chose it straight so no extra calories but he also learned - in his words - it anesthetized his stomach - he could eat anything because he couldn't feel it. Set him back six months. He's back on track now.

Thanks!

I am two months pre-op and working on losing before the liquid diet. I was doing great until my period and it all went to hell. My cravings took over and I feel I have taken two steps back. To the vets out there - does this still happen after surgery???

Went to the pharmacy today and the pharmacist didn't ask my name - instead he said hello and called me by name. I am 44 years old and though I appreciate great customer service being recognized by a pharmacist really struck me. Just reinforces my need for this surgery. And it can't come soon enough. ????

I feel that way and I haven't had surgery yet. I think mine is just life right now

Sorry for the typos. It's early and I'm using my phone! It's MIX not miss'

Changing brands is really good every few months.if you don't have color on your hair a very simple home remedy to strip you hair if all the buildup is baking soda. Miss a little with your shampoo. Wash and rinse. Wash again w just shampoo. It works amazingly well for pennies. My sister is a hairdresser (25+ yrs plus) and always recommends this over expensive products. Removes all buildup from hair spray etc. if your hair is colored it will strip some of it out - remember if you ever got a bad color job! My hair is colored and long. I have to switch shampoos (just for a few days) about every six months. I don't use a lot of product but have used it to lighten color up.

Another native Texan. Dallas here

Sounds like you may need a consult with an endocrinologist. I hope you find the source and can find peace again.

I'm in the process of quitting. My doc actually does a nicotine blood check so no room to cheat. I am using Chantix - luckily my insurance covers it 100%. Seems to actually be working - much to my surprise. Next week will be the true test. One side effect is talking in my sleep which caused my husband to get mad one night because he thought I was awake and speaking to him and I have NO memory whatsoever. He's a good man and takes it in humor and won't let me do anything stupid.

I had my consult this month - I have BCBS TX and there is a three month supervised diet. I have completed the tests - have an appointment in March and April and then pre-op. They told me to plan for May.....so three months.....honestly I think the waiting is the worst/