Katcloudshepherd

Hello, Sleeved on 12/11/13 and down 62 pounds. I don't weigh myself other than when I'm at my surgeons office for follow-up or at my primary care doctor's office. I measure my sucess on how big my clothes fit me. I"m down from a size 28 to now into a 20 and getting REALLY close to fitting into an 18.

"My precious!!!!!!" rules my life--big time. No flaming Hoo-Haas ("Lord of the Rings")thank you very much.

CowgirlJane, Can I ever relate. I have no reason to be blue, yet at times, I get very depressed. I sometimes wonder if I am mourning my old friend--food. My old friend was ALWAYS there for me. Feeling a little low? Have a bite or two, or three, or four........ Sedate myself and swallow away the pain. I don't have that avenue now. I have to deal with my emotions--head on. I wouldn't go back--but--at times I think I'm mourning the way my life was and learning that the "new normal" is quite an adjustment. I have no choice--I have to make that adjustment.

I celebrtated my weight loss by purchasing some sexy underwear and bras. I needed them anyway. I normally wear plain ole' white cotton panties and plain white or beige bras. I decided to buy some nice, but inexpensive lacy undies and bras. I'm getting sexier by the day and gosh darn it--I deserve it!

I was having a terrible time for a while. I would get up and get nauseated after drinking orange juice and taking my iorn pill. I was so light headed. Turns out DUH the OJ is too high in acid and once I took my iorn pill with water--I was ok. I was also lightheaded until I started taking that EXTRA iorn pill. I did this only after my primary care doc ran some blood work and found even with the bariatric iorn supplement I was taking--my iorn was still low. I don't know if this helps. It sounds like your nausea may be from something else. Take Care, Kathleen

Keep it Up! You are doing amazing. Sip, sip, sip, walk, walk, walk. Blessings, Kathleen

Hello, I didn't tell my two brothers in Michigan. They are in for one heck of a shock when I will see them in July. Didn't tell them because when I joined the Army, they said: "you'll be back in a week." I knew by that comment, no way in hell was I telling them about WLS. By the way, I served 7 years and a few months in the Army with an honorable discharge--so screw them. My two sisters knew about the surgery. They have been very supportive. Looking forward to seeing them in July. My brothers, not so much. My brothers are alcoholics--I have a problem being around such negative, unhealthy people. I live in Texas not only becuase it is where my husband retired from the military, but because I don't want to be close to my brothers and their negativity. There were fewer employment opportunities in Michigan when I left the Army as well. I'm glad I didn't tell them. They may be my brothers but I have grown away from the awful "childhood" I had and they are still stuck in the same patterns of unhealthy behavior. Kathleen

Hey, I'm right there with ya! I'd be so P.O.'d it would take every ounce of my strength NOT to tell them to FRACK OFF---because after all you still have to work with them. I'd REALLY like to know where all these people get off talking like THEY have been to medical school or more importantly have dealt with the pain and suffering you've endured because of carrying extra weight. I know what I'm talking about. My knees and back are so much better now that I've had the surgery and lost some weight. Hang in there. You have to do what's best for YOU. Blessings, Kathleen

Hello everyone, It has become rather tiresome for me to hear the infamous question: "So how much weight have you lost?" Jeez, can we talk about something else? I'm also now some kind of: "Maestro of how to loose weight" to some people. Well, DUH! I had 80% of my stomach removed to help me do so. My former boss, whom I "fondly" refer to as "Chupaboss" came to me for weight loss advice. OK, let me back up. In South Texas a Chupacabra is a mythical blood sucking creature that roams the woods at night, killing chickens and other small livestock by sucking the animal dry of blood. Thus my sarcastic term "Chupaboss" refers to a human form of the creature in a supervisor position, that sucks the very life out of you---only a little at a time and not in one night. So (my former boss) Chupaboss, has high cholesterol and comes to me for advice. You have no idea the devious thoughts that ran through my head. "Yes, I'd LOVE to help you after you screwed me over without even kissing me first-sister", "How could such a thing happen to such a WONDERFUL person like you?" However, being the "nice", "sweet", "polite" person I am--I didn't verbalize the sarcastic thoughts running faster through my head than a car on a race track. I told her to go with lots of non-starchy veggies and lean Protein. Cut out the carbs and sugars. This is what I did on the pre-op diet. Other people have asked as well and I tell them to again, cut out ALL sugar, most carbs, (especially highly processed foods), eat lean protein and load up on non-starchy veggies to fill your stomach up. I just had to get this off of my chest. I'm truly tired of the question as if it defines my whole existence now and my new found position among a few of being a weight loss expert. Have a good one everybody. Kathleen

Why do TOTAL STRANGERS think they have a right to lecture someone who is overweight????? Why is it that TOTAL STRANGERS who don't know you at all think they have the license to lecture you about ANYTHING? Before the surgery, I would recieve unsolicited advice from people who "found the magic bullet" to lose weight. When I think about it now--I ask myself, "why didn't I just tell them to PHUCK OFF?" "Oh because you're such a nice, polite girl who would never stand up for herself" my alter ego responds. I've really noticed since I've lost weight from the surgery---people I don't know at all, treat me with more deference. Maybe it's a reflection of my attitude? Back to the subject at hand, I would definetly email corporate, more importantly, the manager needs to know that their employee is poetentially making customers--EXcustomers. I would noever go back to that store again as I'm normally not a non-confrontational person. That may change though--getting more confidence as I am losing weight and a less willing to put up with other people's crap. Good luck with your surgery, I wish you the best. Blessings, Kathleen

Preface: This is NOT a complaint, it's a statement of fact. I'm so not enjoying food anymore. Eating is a chore. I spend my whole day working to do everything I'm supposed to do. Got to get my Water in, got to get my Protein in, got to chew, chew. Must wait to drink, must stop drinking 15 minutes before eating. Eating is now nothing more than something I have to do three times a day. All those food commercials that are meant to entice me--turn my stomach. I have no desire for sweet stuff. I'm sick to death of sweet stuff. That being said, I wouldn't go back to the pain I was in before the weight loss. Enough bitching. Count my blessings and move on.

Hello and welcome, I was on prescription Nexium before my surgery on 12/11/13. I had an upper GI prior to surgery and had a hiatal (sp?) hernia repaired during surgery. I continue to take my prescription Nexium at night to prevent any acid reflux. I have fallen into bed too tired to get up and take it---with no ill effects. I'd wouldn't trade taking prescription Nexium every day for the weight loss. The osteoarthritis I have in my knees was SO much WORSE before my surgery. They still hurt BUT not nearly as badly as before. The pain I experience from my herniated and slipped discs in my back has decreased so much I don't even need the prescribed topical pain killer gel. So yes, I have to take prescription Nexium but I wouldn't go back to the way things were period. Kathleen

I didn't know the VA did this surgery. I am a veteran of the cold war but am blessed with health insurance through my job. Yes, I would be very upset at having surgery without meeting the surgeon first! Jeez, why is it acceptable for this type of unprofessionalism towards veterans which would NEVER be acceptable towards non-veterans? Secondly, the surgeon is performing a medical procedure ON YOUR BODY without actually meeting you first? What the frack? I wish you the best in your recovery. Blessings, Kahleen

I love it!!!! I don't have any chocolate pudding right now but y'all made me laugh out loud!!!! Thank you for the morning chuckle : )

lupin1500, Good luck with your surgery. I was a long time coming to the decision to do it. With my many joint problems, I reached a point where I just had to do it. Your youth will be a big advantage. Your body should recover more quickly, especially without co-morbidities like diabeties or high blood pressure. It sounds like you are doing everything you can to prepare yourself. I think you'll do very well. The only advice I would give is to walk, walk, walk and walk some more after you have the surgery. I did and it seems to help disapate the gas PLUS it helps prevent blood clots. I hope you have a routine surgery and easy, swift recovery. Blessings, Katheen

Hello everyone, This morning I have been extremely light headed. My surgery was 11 weeks ago. I've been getting in the 64 oz. of liquids and getting my 60 g. of Protein in. I'm not diabetic, do not have high blood pressure, in fact my blood pressure is usually low. I've been light headed before-usually when moving from a seated or reclined position to a standing position. This morning it is not only at those times but even when I'm resting in a seated position. The good thing is, I've got a follow up appointment this afternoon with the surgeon's office. I'll defintely ask the nurse practioner what it could be. The only thing I can think of is that I'm not able to consume any carbs. I only have room for the protein during my 3 meals a day. Anyone else get light headed at this point? If so, was there a cause diagnosed? Thank you, Kathleen

Hello everyone, I was in the hospital for 2 nights. I can't imagine staying just one! I was on some really good pain meds. I walked every time I got up to go to the bathroom which was about every 2 hours or so. Helped to get the CO2 out of my body quicker. Kathleen

Ladies, We've lost some insulation which once kept us much warmer. I know I'm using my little ceramic heater as I type this and I have a shawl wrapped around me. Before the surgery--I had NO problem keeping warm. I also have times when I get too warm. I'm 49 and haven't had a period in a year now so that's not too unexpected. If you're not around my age and experience getting too warm--I can only guess your body is going through such radical changes so quickly--it probably is having a hard time keeping your body temperature at a noraml range? Hope y'all find your comfort level. Kathleen

Yep, I had a bout of constipation early on after my surgery. I use fiber in orange juice in the morning or I add fiber I ordered online to my foods. I use Barn Dad's fiber. It's unflavored and has 7 grams of Protein per serving as well. I got it from bariatricpantry.com and then I saw it cheaper on Amazon. I only go every couple of days--my food intake is such that I only eat enough to go every couple of days. I find I MUST drink my Water, eat my fiber, move around and exercise and I don't have a problem being regular. Kathleen

I got this surgery because I had to. My knees are so much better-my back is so much better. The weight loss I have had so far has drastically impacted my level of joint pain--for the better!!!!! I'm so very fortunate that I didn't have other comorbidities. Kathleen

I'm very surprised he chose the lap band. My surgeon said he would not recommend that type of WLS for me. One hundred pounds is NOT a failure. I wish him the best. Politically, I don't agree with him but as a fellow human being--I wish him the best of health. I am glad I had the sleeve it was the best choice for me but everyone is different.

I had a great deal of energy after the surgery and then about a month and a half out--I hit a period of low energy. Then at 2 months out--my energy started coming back and I had more energy. I think everyone is different. Our bodies all react to the surgery differently so I would be willing to bet our energy levels are different at different times as well. My food preferences have CHANGED big time--for the better. Everything I eat is sweet. My supplements are sweet, shakes are sweet. I feel as if everything to too sweet. I CRAVE savory foods now--the opposite of sweet, cottage cheese, plain meat, greek yogurt without sweet etc. I'm not complaining in the least--I'm happy that I'm not attracted to sweet stuff--that's exactly what brought me here to begin with. Good luck on your upcoming surgery. I hope you have a routine surgery and easy recovery. Blessings, Kathleen

I agree with proudgrammy. I did exactly what I was told and I never threw up once or had nausea. It is NOT worth the risk of doing damage to your still recovering body. You just have to ride it out and be patient. Easy for me to say--I know, much more difficult for you to do. I know I was SO excited to eat and chew cottage cheese when I was allowed to eat it. Blessings and good luck, Kathleen

BigGirlPanties, I've left a message with the Doctor's Clinical and Surgical Coordinator. I asked about contacting the insurance company. My last converstion with the doctor was that the insurance company wanted a doctor of THEIRS to talk to him to "justify" the treatment. I had the Supartz injections treatment a few months before I had the WLS. I had no problem with my insurance company then--same insurance company now, same doctor. I was due to have the Supartz injections treatment again this month as it had been 6 months since the previous treatment. My knees are so bad that my doctor said they need to be replaced but I'm too young. Replacement knees are only good for about 15 years--if you are NOT overweight. I'm 6 years out from the age of 55 where knee replacements are normally done. I'm trying to put the surgery off as long as possible because it is major invasive surgery replacing your knee joints. My knees are the one of the MAJOR reasons I had WLS. I'm even willing to pay for the treatment myself, (I'm hoping I have enough money to pay it over time),--that was the other question I asked was how much if I pay out of pocket. I'm afraid if I pay out of pocket--the insurance will never pay for it again. Kathleen

sassypants, I used to be a person who made fun of people who got Botox--guess what--Now I'm the one getting Botox. I had cheek filler injected several years ago when I lost 60 pounds using legal speed--otherwise known as prescription Phentramine. I'm glad I did--that filler is still there and doing it's job. My face would REALLY be different if I hadn't gotten it. Once I have been at a stable weight for some time, I'm getting filler again. Because gosh, darn it--I'm frackin' worth it. Dr-Patient, YOU GO GIRL!!!! Rock those clothes and do not allow anyone to deny you your full poetential for weightloss. I can't help but think there may be some element of jealousy behind some of the comments many of us recieve. Before my surgery, I was a person who isolated herself and wasted too much time on what others thought of me. Since I've lost some weight--I've gained more confidence in myself and I can honestly say--I won't be takin' crap from anybody anymore--I've endured too much and accomplished too much to live a healthier life. Blessings to y'all, Kathleen