Ginger Snaps

I'm there with you Recycled... I have one close by but went once or twice and didn't find anything spectacular that I couldn't get somewhere else and the prices were a little on the outrageous side.

Woot Woot! Way to go!

I went to a weight loss/healthy cooking class last Friday night with some friends. The instructor was also a Weight Watchers leader and talked a lot about how it just takes the positive attitude, exercise, making healthy food choices, etc. Somewhere along the way, she got on the topic of WLS and said things like "I can't believe people would mutilate themselves..." and all they (we) really need to do is maintain the positive attitude and stick to it" -- "Failure is not an option"... Only one of the friends there with me knows I'm planning surgery and fortunately she didn't say anything because I really didn't want to get into it with this person that obviously knows everything. God knows if Weight Watchers worked for everyone, I wouldn't be having surgery now. It used to be when I tried WW I would lose 10-15 pounds pretty easy in the first 1-2 weeks and then nothing and then gain it all back. The last time I tried it back in October, I didn't even lose anything to start with. I think it's normal to think "Have I exhausted all my options" before turning to something as drastic as surgery. I kind of felt the same way as I dropped divorce papers in the mail "Did I do everything I could to save this marriage?" But if you've researched the surgery and made a decision along with a health professional that this is the best thing for you, feel confident in your decision. Best wishes!

You had surgery to lose weight AND GAIN HEALTH! I can't imagine a surgeon is going to tell you NOT to quit smoking just to keep you from gaining weight. Go for health -- stop smoking and continue sticking to the weight loss plan and you'll end up healthier!

Tigermom -- I'm pre-op so I can't say for myself if exercising slowed the weight loss or not but I would suggest working out so that you build lean muscle and keep your bones strong. If it slows your weight loss a little, I wouldn't worry about that. You're building health, not just losing weight. And, if you're building muscle and losing fat, you'll be losing inches anyway. I know for me, personally, I'm not just looking for a number on the scale, I want the health. So, I'll continue working out.

And BigGirlPanties... food for thought doesn't have carbs, protein OR fat!!!

My primary doctor is so good-looking I have a hard time looking him in the face when I'm there! He has the prettiest green eyes. Think it's pretty normal -- kinda like a kid having a crush on a teacher. Especially if the doctor is one that's got a great bedside manner and acts very caring towards his patients.

Zelda. Looks like we're on the same day! Looking forward To helping each other out until we're on the losers bench together!

Full liquids means no chunks at all. If you are straining everything out and just drinking the liquid, I'm pretty sure it qualifies.

<p>I had the most wonderful mother-in-law in the world. Too bad I couldn't stand living with her son! (She and I are still friends)</p>

I agree with the invisibility... I get that feeling frequently -- like the general public just doesn't even see me there. Wishing you wild success through this journey! “I learned that courage was not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it. The brave man is not he who does not feel afraid, but he who conquers that fear.” ― Nelson Mandela

My psych eval was easy-breezy -- I've been seeing this doc for 8 years for depression, so he knows me. He had a form he filled out -- suprisingly asked me more about what problems obesity is causing me than really talking about my mental health. May have been easier because he knows my history, but I didn't have to do any tests or anything. Your mileage may vary. Ginger

Does your gym have personal trainers? I just joined one about 6 weeks ago and bought a package of personal trainer appointments and it's really been a great experience. They sit down and ask you about your goals and limitations and then help develop a plan just for you. I consider that money spent as an investment in my health, just like the surgery. Best wishes!

Sounds like you're doing great -- don't worry until something comes along that needs to be worried about! Just enjoy the smooth ride so far. Janice -- having a drain depends on you and your surgeon. My surgeon says he almost never does one. But, it might be worth asking your surgeon if he anticipates you will need one. Best wishes!

So I decided to chance it yesterday and tell a friend that I'm having bypass and anxiously waited for her comments. She said, "ok..." and then we started talking about a walking club we're trying to start. Anti-climatic!

Somuch... looks like we'll be on the same date now! Best wishes.

At least you've admitted where you are and you're making steps to change what needs to be changed. Congrats on that! Check in often so we can all witness your success! Ginger

My advice? Make a list of why you want to do this (and include those "vain" things like "look sexy in my clothes"). Try to focus more on why you decided on the surgery and less on what might go wrong. And, try to keep busy with things you like to do -- go to a movie, get outside now that the winter from hell is over, make dates with friends to go window shopping and dream about how exciting it's going to be to fit into all those smaller clothes. It's normal to be nervous but you've probably done all the research and gathered enough information to make a great decision, so go for it!

From experience, I can tell you, if you are dehydrated and get IV fluids you will feel SO MUCH BETTER!!! Sorry you're struggling but you're not a failure... you just need a little help. Best wishes!

Beautiful!

I agree with the trainer idea -- I splurged on ME and bought a package of 8 sessions. I can use them any time I want but I'm going once a week and working out with Amy -- then 2-3 times during the week on my own. It's been really good to get some new exercises and knowing I'll be seeing Amy makes me more motivated to show up even those in between visits.

Please get the help you need! For one thing, I don't think a doctor could drag you in kicking and screaming and reverse the surgery if you didn't want to. And, I can't imagine a circumstance where a doctor would demand to reverse the surgery because you have an eating disorder. They might have refused to do the surgery in the first place, but that ship has sailed. It sounds like you need to get a nutritionist to help you set up a plan for eating success and also see a therapist to get your head on straight about eating to live. Best wishes and let us know how it goes.

I have Anthem BCBS... I didn't have to have that test, just a visit with a psychiatrist. I see a psych regularly and he did the evaluation. He just had a form (looked like one he has created himself) and asked me a bunch of questions, mostly about my health history and what I had tried in the past to do to lose weight. Only took about 20 minutes. Lots of people have different experiences. I think it may depend on the doctor you see and what they feel is necessary. In my case, I've seen this doctor for 8 years, so I'd say he knows my mental health status pretty well. If it had been my first time to see him, he might have wanted to do more extensive testing. So, it may be more at the doctor level to decide what you have to do rather than a specific insurance requirement. They want the doctor to do whatever he/she feels is necessary to clear you for the surgery. Best wishes!

Sounds like you have a great support system in place -- how blessed! And WTG on exercising. I'm pre-op and started about 6 weeks ago and I'm starting to love how I feel, too. Best wishes! Ginger

Wow!!! Now that's a great NSV! Congrats and keep up the good work!