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Hello everyone,
I went to see my Primary Care Physician's, (PCP) office yesterday to ask for a permanent disabled placard. I have multiple orthopedic problems in my spine and my knees are so bad they need to be replaced but I am considered too young for the surgery.
First the medical tech taking my vitals made a comment and it did not bode well with my visit with my PCP. I was so upset I mailed off a letter to them today. I've redacted, (in Italics) the personally identifiable information:
Here's the letter:
June 24, 2014
Kathleen XXXXX-XXXXX
000 Xxxxxx Xxxxx Drive
Anywhere, Texas 7xxxx
Ref: Visit to office to obtain disabled parking placard.
Dear Managing Physician,
This is to advise you of the completely unprofessional, rude, non-caring, inappropriate conduct, I experienced during my scheduled visit to your office on June 23, 2014.
I was attended by a Xxxxx Xxxxx, PA-C. The purpose of the appointment was to obtain a permanent handicapped parking placard. I am a patient of the a local Orthopedic Group and I see two physicians, Xxxxxx Xxxxxxx, D.O., for my spinal problems and Dr. Xxxxxx Xxxxxxx, M.D. for my knee problems. In March of 2014 I saw Xxxxxx Xxxxxxx, D.O., to authorize a permanent handicapped placard. His staff informed me that only a primary care physician could authorize a permanent handicapped placard. Although I thought this was odd, I did not question it at the time.
I scheduled an appointment and came to your office on June 23, 2014 to obtain from my primary care physician the documentation needed to obtain the permanent handicapped placard. The staff member who took my vitals and prepared me to see the Physician’s Assistant said: “So who told you that you were disabled?” I found this question to be intrusive, personal, and condescending. It is my understanding that this type of question should only be asked by my primary care physician and falls under the patient confidentiality act. Not a staff member whose purpose is to take my vitals and prepare me to see the Physician’s Assistant.
During my meeting with Ms. Xxxxxxx I was then told in a very insulting manner that: “We don’t give handicapped placards to anyone with a little bit of back pain.” I was also informed that: “If we give handicapped placards to everyone with a herniated disc, there would be lots of people with handicapped placards.”
I was so taken aback by these statements and I couldn’t believe it. For my request to be taken so lightly and my pain so minimized by someone who has never examined me was very disheartening. I realize that the office did not have my X-rays, MRIs or records from the local Orthopedic Group to form an informed opinion. However, to completely doubt the veracity of my request and to make it sound as if it were frivolous made me very angry. Are all patients treated with this level of doubt? Apparently it is not necessary to make a medical judgment by taking a proper medical history. Per chance personal judgment and prejudice determines a person’s medical condition.
I will see to it that your office will receive a copy of my records from the local Orthopedic Group so a more informed opinion can be formed.
Also I am disabled vet with a 40% VA disability rating BECAUSE of my knees and back.
Kathleen XXXXX-XXXXX

Congrats!
From one tattoo chick to another, I think you'll do fine
Just don't wait for it to get intolerable. Once you start playing catch up with the pain, it's challenging to get it under contol. Stay ahead of it. Ask for pain meds if you're hurting. There are no medals for sucking it up and being miserable.
I've had more than my fair share of elective surgeries. I've learned my lesson

If you don't have a padded tiolet seat, now may be the time
But seriously, they are not a big deal at all. You get "cleaned out" over a couple of hours. It's an inconveneice, but like someone else said, you're not in pain, and it's not like you're sick with a flu or stomache bug.
Then the next day you get a nice "nap", wake up and go home. Then you can focus on the bigger picture at hand, your WLS in August. We'll be recovering around the same time
Thinking happy thoughts for a normal/negative outcome to your exam!

My husband and daughter run marathons. I occasionally walk a 5 k and I come in dead last most of the time, if not next to last. They are hard for me and I don't love them. My family runs ahead then circles back to find me and walk me to the finish. I feel very self conscious while doing it. I don't own a sports bra but you don't need them to walk. I am proud that I even did some (total of about 7) but it is hard coming in late.
Well in October I am running my first 5k. I found a bra at Old Navy that actually is a sports bra and it fits (amazing). I am trying a program called couch25k. I am going to follow it religiously and this year I will run it and not feel self conscious at all. I came in next to last year because someone got injured and was behind me as a result. It is in my hometown and I saw loads of people I knew. I want it to be different and the 41 pounds I have lost to date is giving me the confidence to try. Posting here for 2 reasons: Because I want to proclaim it so it happens (keep me honest) and I want to encourage others that have no athletic desires or abilities to tell them it can be done.

Thank you both so much!!! I appreciate your input and help!!

For anyone who has followed me knows that I've surely had many ups, downs, complications, BUT I also had the blessing of celebrating many victories along the way. I would NEVER trade any of those victories to give back any of my complications. I believe with all my heart that if I did not have WLS(s) I would be one of those folks showcased on My 600Lb Life. I would be very super obese, and living a miserable, unhappy and worse, unhealthy existence. I was already well into the 300's by the time I was in my 20's. I was headed for disaster! The most sad fact is, I probably wouldn't even be here right now typing all of this out. I might have been stroked out by now, as I was diagnosed with HBP at 31 years old, and I had an uncle who died from complications of that disease when he was only 44. I'm turned 40 in December. I would probably not even be alive... as scary a thought as that is.
I am forever thankful to myself that I loved me enough to do whatever it took to save me.
How about you? How do you think your life would have played out if you didn't have your WLS?

I flew with Southwest and it was free for the second seat. You can buy two seats and be refunded or check in with disabled seating which is seated first because it is first come seating.
Here is a link that explains it in there policies Its called
Customers of Size Policy, it is complimentary.
http://www.southwest.com/html/customer-service/extra-seat/index-pol.html
Most people dont know about it even sometimes the people working but if you let them know they are happy to do it.

Congrats on everyone's surgery date. When I got my date, I had to go on anxiety meds, cause the waiting made my anxiety issues worse. I am better now that I am 6 days away. Best wishes and good luck!! It will be here before you know it.

I may have cracked this nut!! I am a HUGE iced coffee fan in the summer time. I have been seeing commercials advertising those yummy beverages and have been really depressed I can't ( or should I say should not) indulge! So at home for lunch today I decided to take matters into my own hands and by George I think I've got it!!! I have a Keurig coffee maker and when I had my surgery I got a variety pack of K cup Decaf coffee. I am not a huge dark / bold roast lover so I still have a few of those floating around. I popped one into the Keurig and brewed a tall cup. To it I added some stevia, salted caramel SF Torani and skim milk. I poured over ice and I am in HEAVEN!!! It tastes almost identical to the restaurant / coffee shop ones, but without the caffeine sugar and fat!!! Now I have to actually go BUY some more decaf bold roast K cups!!! ( the bold roast allows the coffee flavor to shine thru once you add the ice- doesn't Water down the taste as much)

No it does this!
I was so grateful someone showed me this. Now I make it my goal to never eat and drink together!

My Sister Died at the age of 63.....she suffered for years from every possible horrendous medical condition you can think of all due to obesity....
She had a few open heart surgeries, for by-passs, and valve replacement.
She had venous transplants, by-passes to improve circulation surgeries to do poor circulation in her legs, and also her carotid arteries in her neck....
She had skin infections all the time.
Many times she went into comas due to severe septicemia, each time not certain if she would survive...
For years, she would be in the hospital more days than she was at home....in and out, in and out...
Amputations....first it was her right big toe, then her right foot, then her right leg below the knee, then her right leg above the knee.....
After her right leg, the same process started in her left leg....
Eventually, her kidneys shut down and she had to go to Dialysis 3 times a week, by ambulance.
She lived her last 2-3 years in a nursing home, when she was not in the hospital.....her room smelled like Death...
In the end, she could not take the pain and suffering anymore, and knew things would continue to get worse...so she decided to end it by stopping Dialysis...3 days later she was gone...
She had absolutely NO Quality of life, she lost everything she owned and went on Medicaid/Welfare to keep up with the medical Bills....she put her 3 daughters, my nieces, through Hell.....
Not to mention the strain she put on the healthcare system....YOU supported her medical bills and lifestyle....
I can on and on...it was the most hideous thing one can ever watch....
Did I Love her? Of course I did...can I accept what she went through because of her obesity? NEVER!
If you have a Son or daughter who is obese, are you going to pat them on the head and tell them everything is going to be Ok? Fat Acceptance?
Sorry, no way...I cannot wish that on anybody...does not mean I don't love them, but I cannot condone their lifestyle either...
Twenty Years ago it might have been a different story in some ways, but today...Bariatric Surgery is becoming more and more routine, and there is proof everywhere that it does work. There are alternatives to being Obese....
I'm sorry, but when I see a Obese person on a McDonalds on their 4th cheeseburger, fries, apple pies and anything else they can get into their mouths, then watch them struggle to walk to their handicapped parking spot, it makes me feel disgusted....
Granted, she is probably someone's sister, daughter, mother....but I cannot condone her obesity....
BTW, My brother was also Obese...and he died at the age of 60....so I lost both my siblings due to obesity...
Fat Acceptance? Even though I was one, and can have compassion and sympathy, I did do something about it...everytime I don't want to go to the gym, but rather stay in bed, I think about them....
I can't stand Whiners...people who complain about the little sacrifices here and there...what no pizza? You mean there are foods I will have to give up???
Well, it's YOUR Choice...read posts here everyday how people are tying to rationalize and continue with the things that got them fat in the first place...they ask questions looking for acceptance....
Ge with it....This is life and Death!!! Not a game, not a silly diet...but Surgery to correct a very real problem!
Fat acceptance? The very term makes me disgusted...sorry...but this website is for people who WANT to make a change...

There are so many threads that demonize carbs with regards to WLS post op diet. Carbs are not evil.
There are two different types of carbs: the "good carbs" and the "bad" carbs. Good carbs are those that are of lower glycemic index and have a high Fiber content. Bad carbs are those that are mostly sugars. Some good carbs are fibrous fruits (apple, green banana, etc), steel oats, fibrous veggies (brocolli) and Fiber Cereal. Some bad carbs we are all familiar with: candy, ice cream, donuts, etc.
The fiber that is a part of good carbs help regulate fat oxidation (good bacteria in the stomach produce enzymes which break down fat to be used as energy) and the digestion process (fixes "lazy bowel" syndrome, Constipation, etc).
Finally good carbs are a direct source of energy for exercise (it is said low carbs may lead to 30% reduction in endurance energy during a training session), daily activities and neurological firing. Low carb diets almost always lead to brain fog, tiredness, etc.
So before discounting carbs, consider all the benefits that come with including them as part of a balanced post op diet. A good balance is 50% Protein, 30% carbs and 20% fat. MFP works wonders for being able to track and target the daily carb goals.

First picture was in 2012 I weighed over 300
Had Gastric Bypass March 17 2014
Second picture June 15 I weigh 236 and am wearing an 18

I walked my first 12 laps since surgery, with no pain....!I feel great!

I underwent Bariatric Surgery 11 months ago. I lost 20 pounds pre-surgery and 80 pounds post-surgery for a total weight loss of 100 pounds. I wrote a short article (How I Survived Bariatric Surgery) about my experience thus far. The article is at http://www.breadandbutterscience.com/Surgery.pdf
I have also included a before and after picture at http://www.breadandbutterscience.com/Operation.jpg

Umm, fudge! It had been a crazy busy week. Away from home for 10 days, facilitating two training courses and speaking at an Obesity Summit, I was tired and ready to go home. Though I have a pretty good routine when I travel and stay focused on my good Success Habits, I was tempted


Umm, fudge! It had been a crazy busy week. Away from home for 10 days, facilitating two training courses and speaking at an Obesity Summit, I was tired and ready to go home. Though I have a pretty good routine when I travel and stay focused on my good Success Habits, I was tempted beyond my ability to resist, to buy a piece of fudge. Umm, I love fudge and of course the walnuts added the all important “protein.” I had kept up with my exercise and make good food choices all week, so I felt justified in splurging a bit.
As it always does, the first bite was heavenly! Smooth and creamy. So good. I relished that first bite, waited a bit and then another, and yet another. Enough! I thought. I’m good. Now I am going to mindfully throw the rest away. A difficult thing to do knowing how much I paid for it and due to all of the starving people in the world. But I knew it had to go. With Michael Jordan flair, I strutted by the trash can and slam dunked it. There! Good for me. I would have high-fived the guy next to me, but he gave me a funny look so I decided I would just Celebrate privately.
Boarding for my flight began and victoriously, I marched onto the plane. Safe from “too much” fudge. An hour passed by still on the tarmac, waiting for a mechanical repair. Finally, the captain announced that we would need to deplane and board another flight. By that time I had missed my connecting flight in Denver so I knew enough to get off the plane and get quickly in line for re-booking.
As I waited patiently in line, I don’t know why, but the thought of my left over fudge so close by started to haunt me. Though I am embarrassed to admit it, here is the conversation in my head. “This situation is beyond stressful and surely another piece of fudge would calm my nerves.” Honestly, you are not thinking of getting the fudge out of that trash bin over there are you?” Well, it is still good, it was wrapped up and in the bag.” Really?” What will people think of you digging in the trash?” “It will be right on top. Easy and there are not too many people over there, I can be quick!” Come on, seriously, you are better than this. You don’t eat food from the trash! Well I guess you are right! Thank goodness.”
Whew! That was close. It shouldn’t have even crossed my mind but it did. Why, I wonder? What is this problem I have with food? I was pleased that my good voice over ruled my temptress voice but I would have preferred not to have had that conversation at all! Perhaps you can relate?
Sometimes I find myself focusing on how unfair it is that I struggle with such unhealthy food relationships. But then, I am both relieved and proud that I have been able to win many of these battles. And every time I do – the “you can do it, you are better than that” voice gets stronger and stronger. For those of you who have heard my other crazy food stories, you’ll know how important it is when I say, I don’t eat M & M’s off the floor, whipped cream with my fingers, OR fudge from the trash! Yeah!

I just saw a commercial for a new movie with Melissa McCarthy in it. Why is she playing the same part over and over, portraying herself as a stupid, fat, slovenly, drunk who can't control herself? It really makes me mad because I think many people believe fat people are lazy and unable to have any self control. While I am no longer fat, it offends me because it is promoting that stereotype. Even when I was 267 lbs I was hard working, intelligent, and able to exhibit self control.
Grrrr it makes me really cranky!

I had proximal RNY in March 2004. There were a lot fewer options as to procedures being done. I have the kind of personality that if I can figure a way around something I will. At the time of surgery I was working in an office that had only single ladies room with 3stalls for 50+ women.These 2 considerations shaped my choice of procedure. A RNY is not something you can reverse without going through surgery again. I did not go for a distal or duodenal switch because of sharing a bathroom in very close quarters.I had sweeter vs a bloater eating habit and I had read that too much sweet stuff could cause you dump and that was like a fate worse than death!
About 1 month post- op a friend of mine found about a pound of fresh duck fois gras on sale and we couldn't resist hauling out my fois gras cook book. I was still on medical leave so we planned to have it the following night. I spent the day making a roasted garlic puree to go with it. I am the cook so I reverently pan seared our prize.and we sat down to eat. I was sated after about 4 bites. About a h Alf hour later I started to feel awful. I had extremely sharp pains in my stomach.This was closely followed by very, severe stomach and intestinal cramps and diarrhea. I was dumping and hoped I was going to die to stop the pain. I had not realized that excessively fatty food could also cause very big problems!!
So
I learned that my new stomach had done just what I wanted. I was going to have to stick to the programme or bad things would happen again.
I knew that I had picked the right procedure for me.
I am now 10 years out and have lost and kept off 150lbs. I considered both the mental and physical consequences of the available surgery back then. I needed to have real consequences if I did not follow the Rules.
I am sorry for the long post but as you know you have to choose what is best for your life and psyche. Having the surgery will change your life and probably also save it as it did for me.
Cheers,
Jane