CanyonBaby

Boy, did you hit that nail on the head!!! I totally understand and can relate, and now that I am shopping in the "regular" sizes, I, too felt the same way...why support it? But what choices do I really have? If I were talented, I would create my own line of clothing for ALL sizes, but alas, I am not meant to do that particular career! I'm hoping someone will pick up the ball, and make enormous amounts of money by taking on this challenge, for who of us WOULDN'T buy great, cute clothes???? It seems some get started, then you never hear of them again. In the meantime, for interim clothing, I chose (as I am now close to goal) stretchy slacks that could accommodate my fast-changing sizes, loose, flowy tops that would grace my figure, but hide the inevitable, ever position-changing rolls, all the while slowly accumulating AWESOMELY cute shoes for the AWESOMELY cute wardrobe I was bound and determined to have.....and NOW DO!!!! The FUN is coming.....truly!!!!

I was not allowed to take whole pills, or anything that wasn't crushed, until I was out 8 weeks. Your staple line needs to heal, and having things adhere to it aren't the best for it. Ask your NUT or surgeon for their advice. Good luck to you!

@@Restoration15 Let me know how this goes, please, I'll be praying you get what you need from all of this....hang tight!!!

@@Restoration15 I am so sorry for your situation. Have you had a chance to see a different doctor, for a different opinion/plan? It might really help, and give you a direction to get you on track. In fact, if it were me, I would seek out several opinions, to give myself a fighting chance at this. Especially if you have insurance to cover it. Maybe research the physicians in your area ahead of time, to see which are most highly recommended, and have the most experience. I sure wish you well, you deserve it after all of this. God Bless you....

Well, that explains my dizziness (the physical dizziness, that is!!!). I've have been wondering about that for awhile, now. I did ask my primary about it, but she said "I don't do dizziness"....good thing she retired, huh? My next appt. with my nurse prac. is in December. She pulled me off the b-Vitamins...could that have something to do with it, I wonder? I take plenty of Iron...but I AM neglectful on hydration (shame on me), I just forget....or is it my old age??? Thanks, Elode, for sharing the research. We all are looking forward to hearing about your situation. I am SURE it will help many of us, as well! I sure hope you feel better, soon, and this is no longer an issue for you. All the best.....

In order to get back into it, you need a plan to focus on. A good place to start is to do everything required by your surgeon/Dr. It shows your earnestness in following the program, and impresses the insurance company, as well as the doctors. They will push harder for it if they see you doing your part and that you are serious about it. If they haven't give you a program to follow yet, ask for one, and get some books on the subject so you can start on your own. It is easy to get discouraged, but this is a long and very difficult road to travel - just ask those of us who have been travelling it for awhile now. It is not easy, and it is a life-long challenge. But totally worth it, IF you are willing to see it through. We all go into this because we had issues with weight, those issues don't necessarily go away with the surgery. It is extremely important to remember that. There are those who will regain the weight, mostly because they haven't committed to the program 100 percent. If you don't think you can, don't do it. You will still have a tiny stomach after the surgery, but the same issues you had prior to it. You MUST be willing to follow your program. This is why sometimes these things take so long to begin...your commitment starts with these smaller challenges, then those challenges become larger and more difficult to handle. It's one of the reasons for the psych. evaluation. To see if you can handle it. Maybe this is not for you - that's ok. It is not for everyone. It's best to research this as much as you possibly can before you commit. Read all the posts on this site to see the challenges we face daily, and forever. See if it is truly for you. And make your decision accordingly. Good luck to you, and best wishes.

I think if it was me, I would call up the surgeon you have selected for WLS, and ask about it. I would ask if A.) they base the surgery on the hernia first, then do WLS as a secondary surgery, because anesthesia ... might be covered that way (this is, of course, after you have been already diagnosed with a hernia). I would then ask B.) if they have a payment plan to cover you in case you don't have a hernia. My hernia was a surprise I didn't know about until after I woke up from the surgery. I was a self-pay patient, but my insurance did pick up the hernia repair. I understand you want to be diagnosed with the hernia first, before doing anything more, so maybe go to your primary care physician and ask how to get it diagnosed, if they suspect you do have one. You might ask if they would confer with your selected surgeon to plan out your surgery. This may get very confusing for them, so be specific about what you need, what you can afford, where this is to take place, and when, and in what order it should be done in. And again, ask about payment plans...it may be very beneficial for you! Good luck to you, and let us know how it works out!

OK. Go and get some unflavored Protein powder, mix it with Water, add the water-enhancer drops you can get at most grocery stores, and drink it!!! You can change up the flavors as you like, mix them together, just get it in!!! You need at least 60g per day, and spread it out throughout the day. You can find unflavored Protein Powder online, and at nutrition stores. I also mix in my powdered Calcium and benefiber to get in all my extras I need daily. Good luck to you!

Say goodbye to your hair.....get it in, no matter what. A minimum of 60g per day. And spread it out throughout the day, I understand the body can only digest about 20g of protein in an hour, so I've been told. Good luck to you!

Protein-rich foods are what you should be aiming for, such as scrambled eggs, beans, hamburger or other ground meats. My carb limit was about 20g...for the day. Check with your NUT about it, they should give you really good guidelines. Good luck to you!

@@LMolina1987 Glad you have a plan, that is awesome! As far as the wardrobe goes, if you need a few things, try thrift shops for interim clothing...just a few basics, so it doesn't eat too far into the budget. And social workers ROCK!!!!!

Oh, sweetie you are NOT alone! We all go through depression with this procedure, your body (and mind) have many changes to go through, and sometimes it is just too much to comprehend, because it all happens so quickly. You should be so proud of your accomplishments, and you are just beginning!!! If you're not happy with what the scale says, take measurements instead, they tend to show success when scales don't. Then, if you can, go shopping for some new duds. Thrift shops are great for interim clothing sizes, and something new and different may be just the thing to pick you up. Try new colors and styles, be adventurous! Do something you haven't tried before, a new sport or hobby. Doing different things you haven't done before is a real pick-me-up, as well. All of these ideas should be treated as gifts to yourself...something to look forward to, and ALWAYS look forward! Remember, you gave yourself this precious gift of WLS. Now USE it to the fullest, and ENJOY it!!!! Good luck to you!

As all have pretty much said, this, too, shall pass. Focus on what you are doing this for. Every time you get to this low point, try and refocus, ask yourself why you are doing this, then start making plans for what your life will be like AFTER WLS. If you want to start a new sport, travel, go back to school....start planning for it. You should lose a whole lot of weight during this pre-op phase, have you planned for your clothing? Start shopping, just for basics, as you will really drop sizes. When I was going through this phase, the planning really helped me through it. And it DID go quickly! Now I'm almost a year out, and I can't believe how fast the time has passed! Good luck you!

I think you have to ask yourself "what will I consider success, and what will I consider failure?" When you come up with the answers to both, you can proceed, because you will have a goal. Sure, I'm not as slim as I'd LIKE to be, but I am CONTENT with where I am at. What will you be CONTENT with? That is what I consider success. And really study what that word means. It does NOT mean that you are SETTLING for it, but HAPPY and SATISFIED with where you are at. Good luck to you!

Isn't it sad that some people have nothing better to do than pick out things to pick about???? They need a hobby. In the meantime, ENJOY who you are, what you have done to help yourself, and plan GREAT things for your future....you have given yourself one!!!!

@@lclemur I use a hotel-size bar...it is small enough so as I don't notice it, but since it IS still soap, it does the job! Good luck to you!

Ok, we have a surgery date, but due to the surgeon's busy schedule (he only does one of these surgeries a day -since this surgery is a minimum of 5 hours long, and that is once a week he operates) it won't be until October 7th. He is very optimistic for Dave, and figures the surgery to add 10 years to the average person having it. Remember, this is the ONLY surgeon in the U.S. that does this heated chemotherapy surgery, so we are extremely fortunate to have him do the surgery. He has been doing this type of surgery for 20 years, and is extremely familiar with Dave's type of situation. Apparently the month we need to wait for the surgery should not cause the tumor to regrow (in that amount of time), and in the meantime, Dave can (hopefully) put ON some weight and focus on getting as strong and healthy as possible before the surgery. The surgeon suggested strengthening and toning the muscles by doing reps with 5lb weights, which he has found to really help with this type of surgery. A diet rich in calories, but low in refined and processed foods are in order (once again, a challenge for MY diet!!!), but he still is having difficulty finding interest in eating. All of this will change,however, if there is a cancellation, and they move him up in the schedule, which we hope will happen - the sooner the better to get this over with! I'll write more as we find out more....Bless you all and have a great evening!

@ Caught, absorbed, and reflected! Bless your heart!

AND.....the results are IN! The best case scenario has been given to Dave, thank God, in his situation. Our beloved Oncologist called us at about 9:30 our time last night for a brief fill-in, then again this morning at 9:30 for the full story. The PET scan showed the cancer was in the predicted colon (tumor), as well as in a couple of lymph nodes in that region, and in a couple of spots around the left side of the abdominal cavity. But NOWHERE else! Not in any other organ, nor in the brain, or bones! And it shows most of the cancer was destroyed during chemo, but still remains somewhat in the tumor in the colon itself. All will be removed during surgery, and the Oncologist does not believe Dave will need a coloscopy bag. However, that will be determined by the surgeon, as well as if he will have the radiation during surgery, but right now that is the plan. So, needless to say, this news is the best we could have asked for, especially the part where there isn't any additional cancer. Obviously no one can predict he future, but the Oncologist is optimistically cautious, and so are we! Onto the surgeon's visit on September 1st, when the surgery will be scheduled, and we think it will be almost immediately, depending on if the Avastin is completely out of his system. It will be a very rough surgery, with a long recovery, but we are very anxious to get this going, and get PAST this! All of your prayers and good wishes are heard, felt, and very much appreciated. We cannot believe how many people have shown support and love for us, it just brings tears to our eyes. "Thank you" seems so inadequate. Just know that you are all in our hearts, and in OUR prayers, and God Himself knows your hearts, and SOMEDAY, your reward will be great! More as we progress, my dears, and God bless YOU all! Jenifer

Ok. Today was a reality-check day. And NOT in a good way! I go into Hanncock Fabrics, get my craft supplies, go to the checkout. According to the clerk, it is "Senior Wednesday", and I am SOOOOO lucky to come in and get my 20 percent off.....only problem....I'm not a senior. Not yet. At 54 I still want to vainly hang onto my last less-than-a-year pipe dreams! Can anyone relate to that?! Does the combination of weight loss, lack of sleep, and worry for a husband with cancer have ANYTHING to do with this?????? More than likely. Or is it just MY TIME to cross that fine-age line (get the pun???), and jump into "discount world" often offered to seniors? Hubs' tells me I don't look my age (clearly stating I look younger), but NO ONE ELSE is in the same puddle he's swimmin' in!!!!! So, the dilemma faces me clearly...should I take the discount offered, or DENY the discount........and pay extra for the few months of "youth" I have remaining? What would YOU do? AUGHHHHHHHHH.

@@SWEETTEA You are such a sweetie, and I humbly thank you! It is true, what you say, about this site being so much more. I have found many supportive friends via this site. And I thank God every night for them. Unfortunately, right now is an incredibly busy time for us (we're actually in Billings, Montana this week for Dave's work), and with all of Dave's chemo...and surgery coming up, I haven't had a lot of time to write and keep everyone informed. Dave's had an incredibly hard week with this training, and tomorrow will be the worst, with the defensive tactics class. I have to go with him to see that he doesn't get hurt, because he is extremely prone to infection right now (chemo joys). He has to stay well for the upcoming surgery. He is a law enforcement officer, and these are annual trainings, something he cannot miss. Even though he's been off the chemo for a week now, he is still getting the sores on his face and head, the lovely bloody nose, and extreme fatigue. His bones ache from the shot he had for the low white blood count. He's just not a happy camper right now, and these trainings are so exhausting. His meeting with the surgeon is on the 1st, and we aren't sure when his PET scan will be, before or after (probably before, I'm guessing). He wants to keep working until the surgery, but it is getting harder and harder for him to do so. He is pretty much office-bound, but with all the forest fires right now, it is hard to do so, as he investigates those. That is really hard on his lungs, so he is stepping back from that a bit. So for the next 2 days we'll be driving home, then back to "normal"! WHAT IS NORMAL?! Crazy days and unpredictability! So we leave our lives in the Good Lord's almighty hands, and I trust He will take of all of you, as well. Have a great evening!

@@SWEETTEA Thank you so much, it seems so many are going through this right now. We had a great party for Dave, with healing prayers offered. All who came participated, and it gave great comfort. I highly recommend these group prayers, there is so much power in them. For all who are in need, remember - YOU ARE NOT ALONE! May God bless you ALL!

I just posted about this on my "Sizes and more Sizes", but just wanted to let all the gals in on this wonder of wonders! I have such difficulty finding appropriate summer clothes for someone my age and size, and I'm not alone, I know! I just received an amazing item I ordered off of QVC.com, from the Women With Control line, their skort! I haven't seen skorts since I was a kid! This is a heavier knit skort (a skirt with a short built in), and it has a control top!!! It is a swingy skirt, and it comes in several colors AND in petite sizes as well as regular. I ordered both regular and petite to see which would work for me, and BOTH do!! I washed them, no shrinking evident. This is quite a find for me, because I'm still on the fence about shorts, and I like to have something cooler to wear. So have fun with it girls...if you need more info on the product, just ask on this post and I will get it for you!

@@Jessica Ellison-Correa . Have fun on that shopping spree! I went to Shopko today, while visiting in Billings, Montana, and found some great leggings by French Laundry. Who know I would be in a size medium already?! I like them because they are firming and don't show the "jiggle" as much!

Friend, you and I are in the same boat. My husband was diagnosed with colon cancer, stage 4, in May. He has just finished his 6th chemo treatment set last Thursday. It was a rough road. But the rougher road is still ahead for him, surgery, then 6 more treatment sets. Since he STILL hasn't had the PET scan, which he should have in the next week or so, we still don't know the extent of his cancer. The insurance is STILL denying the scan, but our oncologist said he would take care of it if insurance doesn't (bless his heart!). Living in the unknown is terrifying, for ALL involved. I KNOW your pain, your fear. People say all we can do is pray. Prayer is EVERYTHING we can do. I pray for you, as does my husband. Bless you both.