music1618

Welcome to the group. The only words I can say to you is that June 5 will be my 1 year anniversary. In the time I have dropped 110 pounds. Went from a 22 pant to a size 6 and from a 2xl to a s/m in shirt size. Starting weight 256. Height 5'4. 33 years old!

I interviewed 2 surgeons. I was looking for the following: Good bedside manor Knowledge about procedures Knowledge about rheumatoid arthritis Knowledge of the effects of extended steroid use due to RA Friendly and knowledgable staff Quick response time in answering questions Pre surgery requirements Post surgery after care My decision came down to pre surgical preparations. My RA doc wanted me to decrease my steroid dose before surgery. The first surgeon I interviewed said I did not need to decrease the dosage, but my surgeon said I need to decrease the dose. I also took my mom with me to help me decide. Good to have a different perspective. The bottom line is you must have confidence in your surgeon.

I would look at it another way - you said your coordinator and surgeon will take care of things. Trust in their office because it sounds like the doc believes this is right for you. So keep the faith and let them do their jobs. In the meantime focus on eating right and exercise. Start making the life style changes now. Oh and prayers will be said for you! I know it is hard and frustrating to hurry up and wait, but we have ALL been there!

There is a concept in retail that a happy customer is not going to tell many people about their positive experience, but and unhappy person will scream from the roof tops what went wrong. I think the same thing applies here. People that have complications want everyone to know of the horrors that lie ahead and the millions of us who are happy tend to keep it to ourselves. The decision must be yours and I would suggest doing some soul searching. If you are not 100% committed your risk of complications go up. I did not loose my hair and I really struggled with my protein intake the first 6 months. I did have 3-4 months where I did not eat much because it made me sick every time, but sitting here 110 lbs lighter I would do it again. Good luck!

Funny you should post this today. I was at work today wearing a new smaller uniform and looked at myself in the bathroom mirror - I thought to myself wow you actually have a waist and are skinny. I never thought I would get here and I am finally feeling good about showing myself off so to speak.

I have some loose skin now that I have hit my goal weight. I am still loosing weight slowly. Mine is in my stomach and boobs. My boobs look like deflated Water balloons. I started out as a 42F and I am now a 34C. The other place I have loose skin is my stomach. The key is to get in the gym ASAP and start concentrating in those loose skin areas. I think that is how I have kept the loose skin to a minimum.

Kids meals are my friends. Just ask for a kids menu. In 5-6 weeks you will more than likely still be with soup to be safe. You know you will not have issues with soup.

You are right on schedule. At 5 weeks I regretted my decision every meal. Good news is: This is normal This will pass You can make it through this Bad news: It gets a little worse before it gets better We have all been there and make it through the other side. You can do it. You will be able to drink Water again and then you will get tired of drinking only water.

No it is in liquid form. There is 3.3 grams of protein in each pump. It is in a large container with a pump like on your soap in your bathroom. You can not taste it at all in flavored drinks.

Try eggs whites. Make sure they are double pasteurized. You can add it to water or crystal light and you don't taste it. It is a way to boost your protein.

It is wonderful on the other side!!! I am 10 months post op and feel better everyday. I have lost 110 and went from a size 22 to a 6. I now play soccer 5 nights a week on 6 teams. Next month I will take my police entrance exam and I have a whole new outlook on life. I can eat anything I want, but have learned how to control myself better. My reason for having the surgery was to reduce my dependence on prednisone. I have rheumatoid arthritis and have been on the nasty weight gaining drug for 6 years. I am getting real close to coming off of it. My joints feel better without all the weight. The best part of the journey has been my relationship with my hubby. We Celebrate 10 years next month and we are like newlyweds again. As long as you talk about fears and problems relationships can work after rny.

You did the right thing. You are at the stage that you regret the surgery. Trust me this too shall pass! Hang in there!

I had diahrea for 6 months straight. I found that for me it was my B12. When I take my B12 under the tongue - no diarrhea, but when I skip a day I get to spend quality time in the bathroom. My doc said it made no sense at all.

Just take a day to go shopping. Experiment and try new things. I have found that I really like bright clothes now that I have lost the weight. Try to put out of your mind what you used to wear and focus on what looks good on you now. If you can find a shopping buddy and just go have fun. Trust me shopping will be fun again. My favorite part was when I officially said good bye to the women's department!

For me I use egg whites. You can buy double pasteurized egg whites and add to anything. I add it to my morning energy drink. I took a drink with no protein and now it has 24g of protein. You can't taste the egg whites. I also put it in my water mixture of crystal light. Again you can't taste it and now it is 24g of protein. You are getting your fluids plus protein in one shot. Do not get the store bought egg whites as they are not safe to consume raw. You need to get the double pasteurized eggs. My doc says you need to get the majority of your protein from whole foods. Eggs white are considered whole foods so that is 48g in 32 fluid oz. not too bad if you ask me!

Actually I think I will use something like this. I will let you know how it turns out.

If it feels like gas try some gas ex

I have told her - well I am happy. Or there is the no I am not losing too much I am getting happy. Or no I am finally healthy body weight. I think I even said once well too bad I guess I am too skinny then.

I have a coworker that says to me everyday - girl you are too skinny and need to stop losing weight - or something to that effect. I am tired of telling her I'm healthy finally, or my body will figure it out. Before I go off on her I thought I would ask everyone for a good snappy come back to stop the everyday comment. FYI she is overweight and I understand she is jealous of me, but I am still tired of it.

As long as your incisions are covered you can shower. As for work I started a new job a week later. Thankfully we had training for three weeks. The only thing that bothered me was the pants running the incisions.

Jackie, I have been married 10 years next month and before the surgery we talk and talk about things. I will say we have had a few rocky times since then. Like when he brought home a chocolate cream pie thinking I could eat it. I am 9 months post op and for the most part we are like newlyweds again. I would ask you is your husband overweight? John was trying to get in better health and my surgery just lined up with that and we were able to find another common bond. I think most couple grow apart because one wants a happy healthy lifestyle and the other is accepting of the unhealthy life style. Now I will say the men hitting on me has been a nice ego boost and I something my husband has never had to deal with. We are working through a lot of things. It is all about communication communication communication. Your wants,dreams,fears need to be discussed on both side.