Inner Surfer Girl

@@Inner Surfer Girl

By the way love love love the center bowl from sur la table. They are very pricey but I do like that store. I'll have to check out Homegoods first.

They aren't cheap but I only ordered 2. I figured I was worth it! I almost ordered some dishes from a sushi restaurant supply store but there were so many great dishes I couldn't decide. Maybe later.

He was probably worried that you would look in his.

I am self-pay and my surgeon has an insurance policy that he requires all self-pay folks to buy (its basically a warranty) to cover any complications that would not be covered by insurance. I wouldn't even consider the surgery without it. Your surgeon probably has info about it but I did find the company's website here http://www.bliscompany.com

I just received the last (I hope) approval so am ready to set my surgery date.

Since I started this journey I have been gradually acquiring all of my tools: books, Protein, Water bottles, shaker bottles, blender, gas-x, etc.

I have been reading these boards and making notes. I have been saving tips and recipes to Pinterest. I have even started cutting out pictures of clothes for when I can start wearing regular sizes that I intend to put on a vision board!

I found some very nice sushi dishes and ramekins in lieu of toddler dishes to help with Portion Control. I still haven't settled on the perfect cocktail utensils (in lieu of toddler spoons and forks) but will have them before I finish my post-op liquid phases. I even found a used bariatric recliner (still trying to figure out how I can get the leg-lift up without help since its not motorized if anyone has any suggestions).

Still need to get a heating pad.

What am I missing? Is there anything that you have found useful to help you be successful? Is there something you acquired that is just plain cool! I would love to hear what tools you use that makes your life easier.

I've attached photos of the sushi and tea dishes I found from Sur la Table.

I've been to NYC once and would love to go back when I am physically able. It is definitely a walking city.

I don't know if anyone has mentioned it yet, but Hawaii is definitely a must-see. I've been twice. The first time after I had lost a significant amount of weight on Medifast years ago. The last time I went I was having a hard time getting around due to my size. I am definitely going back when I am able. Its one of my primary goals. I want to actually get up on a surf board (hence my screen name).

I just received notice that Voc Rehab has given me approval. Next step is scheduling my surgery date!

This is a great visual demonstration! Makes perfect sense.

I know where that line of thought is going. Let me say, I am not, nor have I ever been, a control freak by any stretch of the imagination. Believe me, I wouldn't still be married if that were the case.

Glad to hear! I know this is one reason I am very happily single! (I obviously have my own control issues.)

Does your doctors office have a support group? Do you have a therapist or counselor? Have you tried OA? Have you been reading about emotional eating? Have you tried punching out your pillow?

This might be a time to explore a variety of resources including this forum (which as you obviously already know is a great place to practice honesty).

Best of luck and keep expressing your feelings!

Kentucky

Keeneland (in Lexington,KY) in April and October.

One of my goals is to be able to spend time at Keeneland again with my camera. My lack of mobility gets in the way now.

Do you offer to cook for her? If you need to be in such control for now maybe you could take over cooking duties until you sort through what is going on. If you are both cooking seperately and you happen to let her do the cleaning up (just an example) I could see where she might be more than a bit p.o.'d.

Just an obsevation but you use rhe word "control" a few times in your post. Think that might be worth exploring.

Congratulations!

I didn't have to ask because my surgeon openly shared in a group meeting:

Track record,

Complication rates,

What to expect, and

Process.

He described the surgical procedure in great detail.

But most importantly he taled about what leads to best outcomes/success for patients and why. He was very frank about possible complications and how to prevent them.

He spent a great deal of time explaining the prep,surgery and follow up and what patients needed to do to be successful.

I think the only thing I asked that he didn't bring up first was about his education, mostly because. I am in higher ed and that interests me.

My surgeon's office will require a 1 day pre-op the day before my surgery.

I think the 1 day Clear Liquids is to clear out the digestive system, empty the stomach, etc.

I was 150% against the surgery. I knew several people who had had it. Some were successful and some were not. I was afraid I would be in the not category. I also had old info (the bypass scared me to death).

I was in relapse in OA, and half-heartedly attending group therapy through insurance that included some wls prospects and patients.

My family brought the idea of surgery up. I dug in my heals and really resented their bringing it up.

I finally did hit bottom. Time had passed. My doctor (I had moved and had a new doctor) suggested I at least talk to a bariatric surgeon. I signed up for a seminar (I did it online). That is when I learned about the sleeve and that it was laproscopic. I became willing to learn more. I took the next step and signed up for the intake (nutitionist, psych eval, etc.)

Long story short, the more I learned the more it made sense. It also helped that I was referred to an outstanding surgeon/program.

Things have changed. I wasn't ready a few years ago but am now eagerly waiting for my surgery date. I am self pay since my insurance doesn't cover it so am going through voc rehab. I have completed all the testing (paying as I go -- insurance has payed for some but not all). I have also renewed my commitment to OA.

That said, you can't make this decision for someone else. But, you can educate yourself and love and support your husband in what works for him. Best of luck to both of you.

My surgeon said that the reason for the preop diet was to shrink my liver. He said that if the liver was not small enough he would close me back up and not perform the surgery. After hearing about that happening, as well as stories from folks who havw has liver damage from surgery I think I will have enough incentive to stick to preop diet. Fortunately, it is not as draconion as some (mine is Meal Replacement shakes and protein...no extra carbs).

Over 8 hours between meals, no wonder you were hungry!

Ok....ding ding ding. Do you think this was a hint? Part of the program was explaining to us the goals of my the habitat restoration and how we could volunteer again. They mention how there are future events scheduled or if a group wants to schedule something they can. That was part of the big group session. After we were done and he was talking to me individually about my cute lil mini Cooper car he mentioned that volunteer groups can be any size and in fact one dedicated young lady came out a few times and worked by herself with him. He told me to contact the scheduler by email if I was interested (so I do know how to reach her). At the time I was very task focused ... thinking about who I could recruit to do this with me that I missed the possibility that he might have been hinting an appropriate way for me to contact him again. What do you think?

Duh? Call already...

Congratulations!

Hi Kathy

Sorry I didn't get back to you ... My surgery was last week and I'm recovering and have been in the post op posts..... It took time to get used to the machine. FOr me it's the headband around my head more then the mask itself. It gives me a headache and if it's not on tight enough the air seeps through and then makes noice.....I'm a mouth breather so I have a full mask... But I did notice that I felt better using it, also it can be soothing.. The air and sound...sometimes I get up around 4 am and take it off. I had to bring it to the hospital and it was on me when I woke up...made my mouth very dry, I had an issue cause it turned out I wanted to keep it on even while awake in hospital cause I felt like it helped with my breathing and my doctor said that was fine. Give it time you will get used to it, and good luck to you.

When I first got my bi-pap I had a mask with a headband. I kept it so tight due to air seapage I wound up with a sore on my forehead. I switched to nose pillows with a chin strap and it works great. You might wanr to see what your sleep doctor thinks.

Thanks so much for sharing your story! How far along were you when you were able to get in your Protein?

I agree with loose vs lose. The use of the wrong word/spelling drives me crazy. That said, i apologize in advance for my typos. I tend to post from my phone so don't always catch them right away.

You are right, there are so many things! I have traveled to almost every state, but much of that was on a highway, I think we are looking for something outside of Florida, our hobbies are outdoor. Maybe shake it up, not do any of what we normally do. A unique town maybe, someplace beautiful, bike trails town or walk. Historical is always good, quirky is excellent! We love new adventures. Waterfalls? Special hotel? Amazing architecture?

I am partial to Kentucky and West Virginia if you want beauty.

I bought 4 cases of mason jelly jars.

What size mason jars do you use?

Its great that you will be able to support each orher. I have seen some posts from mothers and daughters on these boards so you may want to reach out to them for their experiences.

The only thing that I would suggest is that you both will need to resist the urge to compare your recovery and progress to each other too much. So many folks on these boards seem to drive themselves crazy by comparing their journeys to other people. Since you both are different ages and have different starting places you will have different experiences and results.

Best of luck to both of you!