Roo101769

Things are really gearing up for my surgery on 10/21. I have my pre admission testing on Thursday and Monday is my EGD. My problem is two part..The main thing is my sitter. I have a daughter who is almost 5. During the day she goes to a sitter while I am at work. She has been with this lady since she was 6 weeks old and, honestly, my sitter is like family. That is why my daughter is supposed to stay with her while I am in the hospital having surgery, and a day or two after. Well here is my problem...My sitter has a sister who is in end stage of her battle with cancer. She is in Hospice care now and it is just a matter of time. My sitter needs to be with her family when the end comes, so she may have to go at a moments notice. Normally that would not be a huge issue, but with these major appointments coming up it really is. I do not have a large extended family. I do not have a back up sitter available and will have to scramble big time should the sister pass during the daytime. My only option is MY 94 year old grandma who has dementia, and let's face it- that is no option! I have already missed nearly two months work earlier this year due to health issues, and have been lucky they are ok'ing another week for surgery. I cannot take additional time because of no sitter! Plus, the way my PATs are scheduled Thursday it will take most of the day. ( Have to check in one hospital at 8:45 for gallbladder ultrasound, upper GI series, EKG, and blood work. Then have to go to a DIFFERENT hospital by 12:45 to attend a mandatory class until 3pm) Now the second part of my issue is my EGD next Monday. You are NOT allowed to drive yourself home as they administer propofol during the test. I have someone to give me a ride to the hospital, but my sitter's daughter was going to be my ride home. (this wasn't even a certainty) Well now, if her aunt passes away, I cannot be certain she will be available to give me the ride. I am so close to the finish line and rescheduling is NOT an option. I am just a bit panicked about what is going to happen. I do feel great empathy for my sitter and the loss she is about to experience. I wish more than anything her sister wasn't ill and she didn't have to go through all of this. ( Her mother died earlier this year. That too caused a lot of disruption and scrambling to find someone to watch my child.) My sitter was actually one of the first people to discuss the possibility of me having bariatric surgery years ago, so she is supportive. It is just the fact my support network is extremely limited and when one person is unavailable, it creates a huge domino effect. Right now my mind is reeling trying to think of alternate possibilities, and not having much success. I could sure use some positive energy and thoughts right now. I am not doubting my path at all, just worried about how it will all come together.

Has your husband been losing weight too? He looks quite a bit thinner in the after picture. That would be super and he IS very supportive. Bonus for you!!! And you look great. I cannot wait to be a loser! LOL Keep up the fabulous new you!!!

I haven't had my sleeve done yet, but I had a catheter when I had a C section in 2008. There is a little mild discomfort when they insert it. Right after you have the weirdest sensation. You feel yourself urinating and think it is going to get all over, but of course it does not. Then your body sort of "gets used to it" and you no longer can feel your bladder emptying into it. Removal was easy, they just gently pull it out. No discomfort in that. While I would be happy not having to get another, if it happens I am not worried by it.

T minus 2 weeks and counting. I cannot wait to be making a post exactly like this!!! LOL

I am pre op ( sleeve date 10/21) but have been watching what I eat and trying to change to the "post op" lifestyle. I found it is so much easier for me to eat out if I go online first and check out the menu and nutritional values. That way I can make my decision and stick with it. A lot easier to eat healthy if you aren't hungry and looking at all the other delish options! Also love the idea about getting the to go box at the start and portioning your food.

#10 made me LOL - thanks!!!

I haven't gone into great length about the surgery (with her) as far as exactly what it entails etc. But I have been honest I am having it because she is obviously going to know something is going on. It is me and her, period. Her father chooses not to be part of her life. I have a very small family so there are not any extended family members I can turn to. She will be staying with her sitter a few days as I have surgery and heal some. I had to tell her because I didn't want her to worry. But as it was stated before, she is probably "picking up" on things. It IS a major life changer, and it will effect her life too. I do not mention the surgery much, but it is a coming fact of life. In the mean time I am allowing her to cling. I do not believe in any part of me anything bad is going to happen, yet you never know. I would hate to leave her behind feeling I brushed her off these past few weeks. I am giving her the extra love and attention, and maybe that is why she is picking up that something is up. But you are certainly right Ms skinniness, she IS precious!!!

I plan to only take a week off. But I have "special" circumstances. Earlier this year I was hospitalized twice for DVT/PE and was off work for about two months in total. My employer is being very reasonable giving me the time off for this surgery. They understand that it should help me, and in the long run keep me at my desk more. ( Hopefully circulation will improve with the weight loss and I won't have any more DVTs) My surgeon said that 1) as long as there are no complications 2) as long as I am healing well and 3) as long as I can tolerate any pain or discomfort without narcotics then he will release me to work after a week. I have a desk job. It does require focus, but I have been doing it for 18+ years. I am pretty sure I can work on 'autopilot' for a bit and not create too much of a problem. But given the extended time off I have already had this year, I do not want to push it. I expect I won't feel my best, but I will cope. I still plan to take it easy at home for a week or two after returning to work. But maybe I will be one of those really fortunate people who recovers quickly and will feel great after a week! Fingers crossed!!! LOL

My daughter Rowen is a very bright and perceptive four (almost five!) year old girl. Maybe it's because I am an "older" mother, or maybe because it is just the two of us, but she seems different than others her age. I mean that in a good way too. First of all she started early on talking in clear and concise sentences. Wasn't much baby talk or anything, her vocabulary picked up quickly. And her pronunciation has always been spot on. So a lot of people have a hard time believing she is only four. Yes, she does have a lot of traits typical of her age, but other things about her are more advanced. She notices things quickly, she gets that from me. She is very aware of her surroundings and what is happening at all times. Which sort of leads me to my blog topic....She knows. I told her up front and plainly I was having surgery to "lose weight and get healthy". I know everyone has opinions on how to handle telling their children, especially young ones. I chose to be honest. Rowen has had to deal with me being hospitalized for blood clots on a couple occassions now and it was scary to her. Mostly because each time was sudden andd unplanned. One day mommy is there, then she is in a hospital with things hooked up to her. So I wanted her to feel confident I was going to be ok this time, that I am planning this trip to the hospital. But in my confidence I am also being realistic and mature. I have drawn up a will and a living will. I know this is major surgery. I know I have a history of blood clots doing bad things to me. While every precaution in the world has been taken to ensure my safety, I know sometimes things just happen. So I am being an adult and dealing with every possibility. I am afraid my daughter has heard things though that are scaring her. I'm not sure. I know she has overheard me explaining the will/ living will to a couple people. I don't think she is old enough to grasp it. But I do know she has become super clingy of late. My child has never been the whiney momma's girl type. While we have always had a close bond, she has always been an independant girl. I have encourged it because I know it will help her succeed in life, make her a confident and outgoing person. But lately she is clinging. Suddenly she doesn't want me to leave her at the sitter's in the morning. (And this woman is like family, she has been with her since she was 6 weeks old!) In the evening Rowen wants to be on me every moment. She gets upset that I have to cook dinner, she just wants me to sit down so she can get on my lap. And she has been refusing to sleep in her bed. Again, never has been a problem. She isn't scared of her room, she just wants to be by me. I am afraid she is afraid. I don't know much of what to do. I reassure I will be ok. I talk of all the fun things we will do when I am "skinny" and able to. I think she is afraid I am going away. She has only known me as I am, obese. I am what is her normal. She has even told me I am fine and she doesn't want me to change. Even though she gets that I am much bigger than others, and that my weight makes me hurt and have problems, this has always been me. I even think her sudden desire to eat junk and snack all the time is her way of trying to emulate me, to be like me. ( which I actually don't do, but she knows eating like that will make her gain weight eventually) All I know to do right now is to show her I am here. I just love her and keep going. At this point, when it is so close, I think I just need to get through it. What better way to reassure that I am still mommy than to show her? Have the surgery, make the changes, and show her I love her all the same. I know that I will be able to be a much better mommy physically once the weight is gone. I just think right now a certain four year old is realizing "this" mommy (the obese one) has to go away, and part of her will really mourn the loss...

I feel I am passing on my new found relationship with food to my family. We can all still get together and celebrate, food just won't be the center piece of the day. I actually think it will probably be the best Thanksgiving I have had in years without the pressure of cooking a huge meal. We can all relax and spend time together, which is what is SHOULD be all about! I wish everyone a very happy holiday season too, I know mine will be!!!

I already informed my family I will NOT be cooking Thanksgiving dinner this year. I have done so for the past 12 years ( Two years before my mom passed, and ever since. Including the year when I had a C section 3 weeks prior!) I said we can all get together and they can have tv dinners. But I will only be about a month out with my new sleeve and I will not cook what I can't eat. Call me selfish or what have you...LOL Next year will be a different story. By then I should be able to allow myself small portions of things, so I will go back to tradition. No one has really complained. My 93yr old grandmother only worried we wouldn't all be together. Once I said yes we would, just without the food, she was happy.

One of the best inventions since the wheel!!! LOL It is basically dehydrated peanut butter. They reduce all the oils out until you get a powder. That you reconstitute with water. A two tablespoon serving has 45 calories and 1.5g of fat. I happen to have a jar of "reduced fat" peanut butter at home..It is 210 calories and 12g fat!!! No comparison. And I like the flavor. Some may not if they want the "full fat" peanut butter taste. But if you really, really like the taste of peanuts then you should give it a try!

Maybe it is easier to bill for an even half dozen??? LOL Just kidding!

I haven't tried in shakes yet. But when I do I think I will probably break out the blender. I enjoy the stuff "old school", just straight up reconstituted with water!! Yummm. I was told our local WalMart (in Dayton OH ) now carries PB2 in the aisle with the peanut butter. Keep checking! ( I bought mine online too)

Just yesterday I was talking about the loose ring issue with a friend. I have dropped about 22lbs pre op and my rings have gone from very snug to pretty loose. I can only imagine how big they will be on my fingers once I start dropping serious lbs. So...I will just switch fingers until they no longer fit any of them. Then I will take and have sized once I am at a pretty steady weight. Good thing is I have rings from before I got so large that I will be able to wear in the mean time!!! LOL

I looked at what I bought and the names are Body Fortress and Six Star. One has 150 calories, .5 grams of fat and 30g protein per scoop. The other is 150 calories, 1.5 g fat and 30g protein per scoop. I read all the additional nutritional information and they are pretty vitamin packed. ( But my brain does not have storage space for all the numbers! LOL) I bought the big canisters of both and spent under $40. Anyway, that is my other two cents..I think the poster above is correct, sounds like they are trying to further profit from you.

Big congrats!! I am October 21st. I can't believe I am less than three weeks away. I am sure as it gets closer I will probably have more butterflies, but right now I am pretty calm about it. I have no doubts or reservations though, I know this is what I want and need.

I tried the Unjury sampler and they were good. But they are a little pricey. I went with another brand via the internet ( can't think of name now- bought through Amazon) They are whey isolate, same caloric content as Unjury, 23 grams of protein per scoop and taste good. Bonus is the one dissolves MUCH better than Unjury. I think it is trial and error to find what works best for you. I too am not sure what your NUT meant by "non muscle building" protein shake??.

You could be done by now..So prayers on a quick and easy recovery! Now ROCK that sleeve!!

Are you waiting to hear from your doctor or have you called insurance? I have Anthem BC/BS in Ohio. My paperwork was submitted by my surgeon's office on 9/24 around 6pm. I gave it a day then called my insurance to see if they had it on 9/26. ( I had been told it would be sent 9/25) Well they said they received it AND it was approved 9/25! My surgeon's office didn't call me until 9/27 to say I was approved, but I already knew it. LOL I was worried it would drag out, but was blessed it did not. In fact I was told I had the quickest response that the girl at my surgeon's office had ever seen! So chin up and good luck. It may already be a done deal!! (Fingers crossed)

From what I know it is all about skin elasticity and the genetic lottery. But yet I plan to do all I can to hopefully avoid that issue. For my face my plan is hydration, firming and facial exercises. What are those? Ok...Years ago I saw this from Richard Simmons. You look like a complete idiot doing it, so I suggest a private corner where no one is looking...LOL But I SWEAR it does work as I have done it over the years ( as I have lost weight) and my face never looked bad. This time, of course , will be the big test...Anyway, it is simple. Say A,E I,O, U as exaggerated as you can. Stretch your eyes wide, drop your jaw low. When you say "E" tighten your neck muscles as tight as you can. Do as many reps as you can. I guarantee the next day your neck muscles will ache some and you will say "what the heck"? Then you will remember...Do these enough and it should help. At least that is my plan as cosmetic surgery and Botox is out of the question! LOL

I believe with ANY WLS you can learn ways around them. The only sure fired success you will find is if you change yourself, your head, first. If you seriously want to take that weight back off and keep it off forever, then please get whatever you need to be ready emotionally and mentally. After that take another look at the sleeve. If medically you would have a healthier life with the sleeve, I see no reason to not go for it. The bypass does have slightly greater numbers when you break it down into percentages. But are you a percentage? No. You are you. You will be just as successful with a sleeve if you set your mind to it. I have been on this site since July and I have seen all kinds of stories and successes. Bottom line seems to be you get out what you put in! I have every intention in the world of losing all my excess weight once I am sleeved on 10/21, without the issues associated with Roux-n-Y. Please, do your research. Weigh the pros and cons. Decide what you can live with and then go from there. I am excited as all get out to have this opportunity and only wish I had done it years ago!!! Good luck to you in your journey..

Here is the advice I was given. Everyone will hear something different, and everyone IS different. So take it all with a grain of salt...I was told early on you can eat "normal" food with the sleeve, unlike the band or Roux-n-Y. I was also told a "once in a great while" splurge will not stretch the tummy out and ruin all your hard work. BUT...If you constantly eat foods that cause weight gain you WILL GAIN WEIGHT. Pretty simple idea, considering it is a fact of life. I will admit that was one of the defining moments to tell me the sleeve was what I needed and wanted. I like the idea of knowing that, someday, I will be able to have foods I like again. But I also know I have to stay true to myself and the plan. Eat my proteins first. Stay hydrated. Don't stuff to capacity. Learn to LIVE your life that includes food, not food as my life. So down the road, if I want to eat something not on the plan I will. But I will do in in complete moderation ( esp. since carbs are a big trigger for me) and get back to what works. This is forever. We all have to learn what works best for our forever....

That is freakin fantabulous!!!!!! I can't wait for mine. What a life changer! Congratulations!!!!

No sitting with legs crossed for me. While I DO want to be able to, even thin I won't. Vascular damage in leg says no-no. Oh well...I can live with that! LOL