Heidela71

@@Inner Surfer Girl
i just saw that too
Pauline wouldn't do anything for herself post op
wouldn't even walk after surgery in the hospital!!
fooled herself by saying she thought she was doing well
annoyed with docs expectations
eating terribly
refused to go to PT
denied they even called her
her son is doing whatever he is told
caretaker - has to wash his mom!!!
i don't think he can take a normal job because he has to stay with his mom
being trapped in the house for her
he is 21, but this is a form of child abuse
"might sound crazy"
but maybe if he just leave her
she would have to "get it together"
call for assistance etc
maybe she needs to take the consequences of her chosen life
maybe then she will get more serious about her life
have no alternative
she even admits she feels bad for her son
she is unintentionally killing him
he's also heavy
who knows, maybe he is just constantly gaining weight too
following his mothers foot steps because he doesn't how how else to live
just sitting around because he can't have a normal ife,
doesn't see any people most of the time
bingo??
he can't even leave his mothers side to talk to anyone
he must have mental issues/problems that should be released
but who can he talk to??
very sad, very sad
her food addiction is slowly but surely killing her
i can't imagine being at her weight
she knows she must lose weight, but.........
oh well
maybe i'm being too harsh about her son leaving
but presently there are 2 lives being destroyed
maybe he can still save himself
kathy

Hello letsgetshrunk,
I wish I had some advice to give you, and because I've not had my surgery yet, I really don't know what to suggest that might fulfill your cravings, but I want to offer my condolences in the passing of your father.
Exercise is usually a good way to work off stress and stave off cravings, but I really think you are dealing with more than just cravings, as grief manifests itself in many unusual ways. You are going through a lot of trauma all at one time. I think if I were in your position, dealing with the passing of my father on top of dealing with siblings acting foolishly, on top of trying to manage a new lifestyle of eating and recovery from surgery I would probably seek help from a professional. Please don't think I am suggesting you can't handle all of this on your own, but know that it is A LOT for ANYONE to have to handle on their own and you shouldn't have to.
Best wishes to you, and again, I'm so sorry for your loss.

I wish I could find my source of information, but it was something I read, or perhaps my doctor told me that really made me seriously consider having this surgery and change my no to a yes when I was deciding. I tell people this little piece of information when they ask me why I decided to do it, and this is how I word it : "Only eight percent of people my size who manage to lose all of their weight actually keep that weight off for the rest of their lives. With this surgery, the percentage jumps to 80%. I like those odds a lot better."
My primary care physician told me that I will run into more judgement from people outside of the medical profession than within it. Most doctors are on board with it because it not only helps obesity, but all of the co-morbidities that go along with it. We are doing what we need to do to save our own lives. I'm sorry your sister doesn't seem to see that, but hopefully she will come around when she sees how healthy you have become, and when she truly sees how hard you have to work at it, and that even though it's not "the old fashioned" way, it's most certainly not the easy way out.
Best wishes to you!

Why are so many so self righteous and judgmental? Why do people get so crack ass offended when someone disagrees with their opinion? Why the name calling and the finger pointing? Why the insults and put downs?
Haters.
Clique.
Troll.
Leader of the Pack.
b***h.

It's the INTERNET people!! We are NOT all friends, we are NOT all family. We are NOT all going to agree on everything every time. It's a bunch of strangers behind a computer monitor, free to say what they want without repercussion. It's highly unlikely that everything that is said on an internet forum would be said to someone face to face.
IT'S OK!!!

You don't like me? I'm OK with that. You hate my opinion? I'm OK with that. You think I'm a b***h? AWESOME!! I really don't care.

I have real life friends and family, as I am sure you do. If I make a few friends here, fabulous. If I make a few NOT friends here (I don't do internet enemies, that's silly), fantastic!
Forums are a place for discussion. An exchange of ideas. A place to share your opinion and hear the opinions of others. We learn and grow from opinions that don't match ours. It doesn't mean we have to change our opinion or that our opinion is BAD or WRONG, it's just different.
You hate this place and want to leave? GO!! Don't let the doorknob hit you.
You love this place and want to stay and argue? PERFECT. Glad to have you.

You like to debate? Love it.

You enjoy playing devil's advocate? Great!

You want to call names? You're the problem.

You want to post inflammatory crap and then erase it? You're the problem.
You want to pass judgement on others for living their lives differently than you? YOU'RE THE PROBLEM.
We have an awesome feature on this forum where you block people you don't like. You will never see their posts again. Use it. If you don't like something you've just read, MOVE ON. You replied to a thread and don't want to read any more about the topic? UNFOLLOW. Someone's advice mortally offends you, say so respectfully and move on. You aren't interested in what you've read or you think someone has moved off topic? Don't read further. It's no big deal. You don't like reading the same question over and over? Don't answer. The world WILL NOT stop because you didn't put your two cents in, I promise you.
.
Take what helps you, leave the rest. No big $*^%$(&%^ deal. Seriously. You can add to the discussion or you can BECOME the discussion. It's really up to you.

I wish I could find my source of information, but it was something I read, or perhaps my doctor told me that really made me seriously consider having this surgery and change my no to a yes when I was deciding. I tell people this little piece of information when they ask me why I decided to do it, and this is how I word it : "Only eight percent of people my size who manage to lose all of their weight actually keep that weight off for the rest of their lives. With this surgery, the percentage jumps to 80%. I like those odds a lot better."
My primary care physician told me that I will run into more judgement from people outside of the medical profession than within it. Most doctors are on board with it because it not only helps obesity, but all of the co-morbidities that go along with it. We are doing what we need to do to save our own lives. I'm sorry your sister doesn't seem to see that, but hopefully she will come around when she sees how healthy you have become, and when she truly sees how hard you have to work at it, and that even though it's not "the old fashioned" way, it's most certainly not the easy way out.
Best wishes to you!

It was explained to me that the digestive process starts in the mouth. Our saliva contains enzymes that help break down our food before it digests and eating quickly is a poor habit that many obese people have developed. Also, food won't get stuck because it's easier to swallow when it's mostly broken down already and our new pouches can tolerate it better. In addition, I was told the longer it takes to eat my food, the more I get to savor each morsel, and perhaps ward off the desire to overeat (or to avert "head hunger".)
I know I gained the majority of my weight during the last 13 years when the meal period at my work went from an hour to a half hour. I learned to eat fast so I could eat all of my lunch and still visit. Unfortunately, that sense of urgency to make it back to my shift on time carried over into my other meal times. I ate my food and didn't get the satiety that I got when I took my time to eat.
I've been taking this (six month) period of time before my surgery to get used to eating smaller bites and chew my food well. I figure the sooner I develop these habits, the easier it will be for me after my surgery. I'm on a liquid diet with one meal per day, and all the (select) veggies I can eat. I definitely savor every teensy bite!

I wish I could find my source of information, but it was something I read, or perhaps my doctor told me that really made me seriously consider having this surgery and change my no to a yes when I was deciding. I tell people this little piece of information when they ask me why I decided to do it, and this is how I word it : "Only eight percent of people my size who manage to lose all of their weight actually keep that weight off for the rest of their lives. With this surgery, the percentage jumps to 80%. I like those odds a lot better."
My primary care physician told me that I will run into more judgement from people outside of the medical profession than within it. Most doctors are on board with it because it not only helps obesity, but all of the co-morbidities that go along with it. We are doing what we need to do to save our own lives. I'm sorry your sister doesn't seem to see that, but hopefully she will come around when she sees how healthy you have become, and when she truly sees how hard you have to work at it, and that even though it's not "the old fashioned" way, it's most certainly not the easy way out.
Best wishes to you!

As an RN, I can tell you the suggestion above won't put the fear of God into the nurses that care for you, it'll cause them to minimize their interactions with you. Also, unless you have the power to change the information that is already on record, your employment and insurance information are printed on a demographic sheet that is located in the back of your chart or is easily viewed on a computer. Hopefully your procedure is being done in a fantastic and reputable hospital that is staffed with professionals.
My advice: Be kinder than is necessary to people you encounter; be your own advocate, and when something bothers you, speak up for yourself; be honest about your level of pain so that you can be medicated appropriately; follow your post-op instructions to the letter; make sure you are discharged with appropriate medications for pain, nausea, and a PPI (for acid / reflux).
I'm sure you'll do great. Congratulations and good luck on your journey. I hope all goes well for you!

I bought an inexpensive pedaler from Amazon several months ago. Since my legs are large I am currently only able to pedal with my hands.
I have been using it regularly and have worked up to using it for at least 60 minutes every day. It has a feature where you can track minutes, etc. so I can easily keep up with my time. I can use it for shorter intervals while I watch tv.
For anyone who is housebound this winter because of the weather or due to mobility issues, you might want to consider using one to get in some movement.
I am definitely feeling the benefits of getting in some exercise and have even found it fun.

It was explained to me that the digestive process starts in the mouth. Our saliva contains enzymes that help break down our food before it digests and eating quickly is a poor habit that many obese people have developed. Also, food won't get stuck because it's easier to swallow when it's mostly broken down already and our new pouches can tolerate it better. In addition, I was told the longer it takes to eat my food, the more I get to savor each morsel, and perhaps ward off the desire to overeat (or to avert "head hunger".)
I know I gained the majority of my weight during the last 13 years when the meal period at my work went from an hour to a half hour. I learned to eat fast so I could eat all of my lunch and still visit. Unfortunately, that sense of urgency to make it back to my shift on time carried over into my other meal times. I ate my food and didn't get the satiety that I got when I took my time to eat.
I've been taking this (six month) period of time before my surgery to get used to eating smaller bites and chew my food well. I figure the sooner I develop these habits, the easier it will be for me after my surgery. I'm on a liquid diet with one meal per day, and all the (select) veggies I can eat. I definitely savor every teensy bite!

I am 56 years old and except for a very brief try at a Curves a few years ago, had never exercised. Somehow I thought that I was different and dieting would be enough. Well, my highest weight 7 years ago was 512" and 308 lbs. At surgery I was at 252. Eleven days after the sleeve surgery I joined a small gym and started working with an exercise physiologist. Best decision I ever made. I could barely do anything! But I am doing so much more now and guess what?! I LIKE IT! I never thought I would. So, 2 weeks ago my trainer said "let's try planking." In my innocence, I said "sure - whatever you say". Of course I had no idea what it was. I did 10 of the longest seconds of my life..... last Friday I did 3 sets of 60 seconds each! In case you can't tell, I am very excited! I'm patting myself on the back, which, incidentally, I can now actually do!!!
So what are you all doing that you can't believe you can now do?
Ellen

It was explained to me that the digestive process starts in the mouth. Our saliva contains enzymes that help break down our food before it digests and eating quickly is a poor habit that many obese people have developed. Also, food won't get stuck because it's easier to swallow when it's mostly broken down already and our new pouches can tolerate it better. In addition, I was told the longer it takes to eat my food, the more I get to savor each morsel, and perhaps ward off the desire to overeat (or to avert "head hunger".)
I know I gained the majority of my weight during the last 13 years when the meal period at my work went from an hour to a half hour. I learned to eat fast so I could eat all of my lunch and still visit. Unfortunately, that sense of urgency to make it back to my shift on time carried over into my other meal times. I ate my food and didn't get the satiety that I got when I took my time to eat.
I've been taking this (six month) period of time before my surgery to get used to eating smaller bites and chew my food well. I figure the sooner I develop these habits, the easier it will be for me after my surgery. I'm on a liquid diet with one meal per day, and all the (select) veggies I can eat. I definitely savor every teensy bite!

It was explained to me that the digestive process starts in the mouth. Our saliva contains enzymes that help break down our food before it digests and eating quickly is a poor habit that many obese people have developed. Also, food won't get stuck because it's easier to swallow when it's mostly broken down already and our new pouches can tolerate it better. In addition, I was told the longer it takes to eat my food, the more I get to savor each morsel, and perhaps ward off the desire to overeat (or to avert "head hunger".)
I know I gained the majority of my weight during the last 13 years when the meal period at my work went from an hour to a half hour. I learned to eat fast so I could eat all of my lunch and still visit. Unfortunately, that sense of urgency to make it back to my shift on time carried over into my other meal times. I ate my food and didn't get the satiety that I got when I took my time to eat.
I've been taking this (six month) period of time before my surgery to get used to eating smaller bites and chew my food well. I figure the sooner I develop these habits, the easier it will be for me after my surgery. I'm on a liquid diet with one meal per day, and all the (select) veggies I can eat. I definitely savor every teensy bite!

The healthy choice cafe streamers are tasty and have a decent amount of Protein. They also make dinners called baked. The turkey bake is my favorite. Some smart ones are also good. Trial and error! Your'e doing great so far. Have a great holiday season and enjoy your new journey!

I am very sorry for your loss. Exercise can calm average emotional and mental stress, but what you are going through right now is massive. I would honestly recommend talking with your doctor and telling them what is going on and how you are feeling. Ask for help some sort of medication to get you over the hump and keep your stress level down to something you can manage. This is not a permanent solution, but one just to keep you to where you can handle everything you have going on until things have calmed down. I know some people have a negative stigma about using medication for this type of thing, but look at it like you did the surgery. It is a tool to put you in the position to be the most beneficial to yourself and others during such a hard time.
When it comes to craving chocolate there are some good recipes out there, but in your situation, I know the feeling and nothing but the real thing will calm it down. It is here that I highly recommend Russel Stover's sugar free Chocolates. They do not have as many calories and you don't have to feel guilty about eating a ton of sugar. This is not a permanent solution, but sometimes the situation calls for just this. Your nutritionist and surgeon may disagree, but learning to cope in the real world is tough and this is just one way to begin getting yourself back on track. After a while you wont need it anymore.
The last piece of advice is to stop beating yourself up about your weight loss and begin taking things one day at a time. You may even need to take it one morning or even one hour. Each time tell yourself I am going to go this long and eat right, then when you get there set another goal. Little by little you will find it affects you less. We all slip up. We all have times where our eating isn't perfect. The key is to just start fresh and take those baby steps. In the gym, maybe look into finding a way to box or if you have access to a heavy bag try punching something instead of perhaps running or walking. (I do not know what your current workouts are like) I recently started doing this while going through a more stressful and frustrating time and it did wonders to get out all of the anger and sadness. It was therapy.
You did the right thing coming to the community for help. We are all here for you and want to see you succeed. On a personal note, if there is anything at all I can do, I am here for you and my contact information is under my signature. Don't hesitate to get in touch with me for anything. This is just a little bump in the road, one of those things that makes our journey unique. I know you will get back on track and continue doing amazing things. I BELIEVE IN YOU!

Hello letsgetshrunk,
I wish I had some advice to give you, and because I've not had my surgery yet, I really don't know what to suggest that might fulfill your cravings, but I want to offer my condolences in the passing of your father.
Exercise is usually a good way to work off stress and stave off cravings, but I really think you are dealing with more than just cravings, as grief manifests itself in many unusual ways. You are going through a lot of trauma all at one time. I think if I were in your position, dealing with the passing of my father on top of dealing with siblings acting foolishly, on top of trying to manage a new lifestyle of eating and recovery from surgery I would probably seek help from a professional. Please don't think I am suggesting you can't handle all of this on your own, but know that it is A LOT for ANYONE to have to handle on their own and you shouldn't have to.
Best wishes to you, and again, I'm so sorry for your loss.

Yes, start with your PCP and let them know about you wanting to have the surgery and he can refer to a surgeon!

I wish I could find my source of information, but it was something I read, or perhaps my doctor told me that really made me seriously consider having this surgery and change my no to a yes when I was deciding. I tell people this little piece of information when they ask me why I decided to do it, and this is how I word it : "Only eight percent of people my size who manage to lose all of their weight actually keep that weight off for the rest of their lives. With this surgery, the percentage jumps to 80%. I like those odds a lot better."
My primary care physician told me that I will run into more judgement from people outside of the medical profession than within it. Most doctors are on board with it because it not only helps obesity, but all of the co-morbidities that go along with it. We are doing what we need to do to save our own lives. I'm sorry your sister doesn't seem to see that, but hopefully she will come around when she sees how healthy you have become, and when she truly sees how hard you have to work at it, and that even though it's not "the old fashioned" way, it's most certainly not the easy way out.
Best wishes to you!

I wish I could find my source of information, but it was something I read, or perhaps my doctor told me that really made me seriously consider having this surgery and change my no to a yes when I was deciding. I tell people this little piece of information when they ask me why I decided to do it, and this is how I word it : "Only eight percent of people my size who manage to lose all of their weight actually keep that weight off for the rest of their lives. With this surgery, the percentage jumps to 80%. I like those odds a lot better."
My primary care physician told me that I will run into more judgement from people outside of the medical profession than within it. Most doctors are on board with it because it not only helps obesity, but all of the co-morbidities that go along with it. We are doing what we need to do to save our own lives. I'm sorry your sister doesn't seem to see that, but hopefully she will come around when she sees how healthy you have become, and when she truly sees how hard you have to work at it, and that even though it's not "the old fashioned" way, it's most certainly not the easy way out.
Best wishes to you!

I wish I could find my source of information, but it was something I read, or perhaps my doctor told me that really made me seriously consider having this surgery and change my no to a yes when I was deciding. I tell people this little piece of information when they ask me why I decided to do it, and this is how I word it : "Only eight percent of people my size who manage to lose all of their weight actually keep that weight off for the rest of their lives. With this surgery, the percentage jumps to 80%. I like those odds a lot better."
My primary care physician told me that I will run into more judgement from people outside of the medical profession than within it. Most doctors are on board with it because it not only helps obesity, but all of the co-morbidities that go along with it. We are doing what we need to do to save our own lives. I'm sorry your sister doesn't seem to see that, but hopefully she will come around when she sees how healthy you have become, and when she truly sees how hard you have to work at it, and that even though it's not "the old fashioned" way, it's most certainly not the easy way out.
Best wishes to you!

I wish I could find my source of information, but it was something I read, or perhaps my doctor told me that really made me seriously consider having this surgery and change my no to a yes when I was deciding. I tell people this little piece of information when they ask me why I decided to do it, and this is how I word it : "Only eight percent of people my size who manage to lose all of their weight actually keep that weight off for the rest of their lives. With this surgery, the percentage jumps to 80%. I like those odds a lot better."
My primary care physician told me that I will run into more judgement from people outside of the medical profession than within it. Most doctors are on board with it because it not only helps obesity, but all of the co-morbidities that go along with it. We are doing what we need to do to save our own lives. I'm sorry your sister doesn't seem to see that, but hopefully she will come around when she sees how healthy you have become, and when she truly sees how hard you have to work at it, and that even though it's not "the old fashioned" way, it's most certainly not the easy way out.
Best wishes to you!

I wish I could find my source of information, but it was something I read, or perhaps my doctor told me that really made me seriously consider having this surgery and change my no to a yes when I was deciding. I tell people this little piece of information when they ask me why I decided to do it, and this is how I word it : "Only eight percent of people my size who manage to lose all of their weight actually keep that weight off for the rest of their lives. With this surgery, the percentage jumps to 80%. I like those odds a lot better."
My primary care physician told me that I will run into more judgement from people outside of the medical profession than within it. Most doctors are on board with it because it not only helps obesity, but all of the co-morbidities that go along with it. We are doing what we need to do to save our own lives. I'm sorry your sister doesn't seem to see that, but hopefully she will come around when she sees how healthy you have become, and when she truly sees how hard you have to work at it, and that even though it's not "the old fashioned" way, it's most certainly not the easy way out.
Best wishes to you!

You're going to be fine. Weight fluctuates over only a few days. Just stick to your plan, sounds like your doing great. And a hint for after surgery, stay off the scale. At least no more than once a week. If you are doing the work the scale will take care of itself. Keep up the good work

@@Rach8610 I probably should have posted my intro before posting this but I'M SO FREAKIN' EXCITED to meet someone chose the same surgeon I did! I was 451 when I started and by the time I met Dr. Patterson I was down to 420. She wants me down to 395 before I start, but honestly I'm struggling. I think, no, I know I'm back up, but I'm not sure how high. I have to go see her again next Tuesday and I'm a bit nervous.
My insurance will not let me have my surgery until Feb or March, but I'm trying to push it out until April when my paid time off kicks in again.
What was your experience of this whole process at the OWLS clinic? Oh, and did you get to meet Biscuit?

My surgeon wants me to lose 55 pounds before surgery. I have already lost about half, but I am struggling. She wants me on a liquid pre-op diet until my surgery (which should be in Feb. or Mar.) I am struggling so much right now. It was easy at first, but after 8 weeks of Premier Protein shakes, the idea of drinking them is enough to make me gag. I am extremely heavy, so I understand that it will make my surgery go easier if she has room to move her tools (I have chosen laproscopic RNY,) and that requires a significant weight loss so my belly area will not be so tightly packed with fat around my organs. On the other hand, I feel that if I could lose such a significant amount of weight on my own, I wouldn't need to have surgery.
Has anyone else had a significant weight loss required of them before surgery? How do you handle head hunger? I had some recent stressful events occur recently, and I never thought I was an emotional eater but after this liquid diet I realize I do eat to stuff my emotions down. I'm doing my best to deal with my emotions instead, especially anger, but I still find myself searching for something to eat.
Thank you for any input or advice you all can give me.
Heide