CanyonBaby

Don't laugh, but it may be your feet, as well as your back! Do you, by chance, wear orthotics? It might be an idea, because when you think about it, your WHOLE body has changed, and your feet carry the load - lightened or not. When your weight changes, so does how your body carries it. Start with your feet, for example having orthotics to support everything that rides above them, is a way to reduce the strain on feet, ankles, knees, hips, LOWER BACK.....all the way up. I can't live without my orthotics. You can do custom (mine run about $600, or not - you can get nice ones that aren't custom at drug stores or even Walmart. Just make sure they fit correctly, and have good, strong support. Change them frequently if they are not custom, as they do lose their support over time. If you already wear customs, but haven't had them changed since you've lost a lot of weight, you may wish to have them redone, as the dynamics of your feet change with weight change. Same thing for orthotics that are NOT custom. I even needed to change the suspension on my Harley with my weight loss! Now THAT is an NSV!!!

Just a heads up on the Vitamin issue; please always get your levels checked after your surgery! I am now at 6 months out, and was just informed yesterday by my nurse practioner that my vitamin B12 is WAAAAYYYYY over - huh? - and I need to step AWAY from it until September....SEPTEMBER. Then, my Vitamin D is waaaayyyyyyy down -huh?- and I need to step it up from 5000....yes 5000 to 10000 per day. Now, understand I have hyperparathyroidism, where vitamin D issues occur (had one of the glands removed in '09 due to a tumor), but even still, I have been doing 5000 units daily since then. And I'm very good about taking my Vitamins. Time for me to get the other glands checked out (we have a total of 4 parathyroid glands) as this CAN occur again. Moral of the story: vitamin deficiencies CAN and DO occur, and you cannot necessarily know that without getting checked. Deficiencies can lead to ALOT of serious issues, especially if not corrected in time. For those who do not have a follow-up program, PLEASE have your PCP check your levels!

@@Inner Surfer Girl Thank You!

As I re-evaluate MY life under the circumstances my husband and I are enduring at this time, I have come to the conclusion that HEY! I'M OK! I really AM! It's ok for me to be a little heavier than I intended for goal, ok to be angry, ok to be sad, ok to want, ok to NEED, ok to say how I feel, ok to say NO, ok to say YES, ok to be old (tomorrow it's 54 for me!), ok to wear shorter shorts, ok to have loose skin, ok to have remains of cellulite, ok NOT to exercise if I'm exhausted, ok to eat this or that (I had surgery to control my portion size!), ok with the scale, ok with the measurements, ok with the sizes I wear, ok if they don't get smaller........ What I'm NOT ok with is....giving up. I have had so many people tell me how strong I am in regards to dealing with my husband's cancer, what they don't always realize is I am still dealing with my own issues regarding my weight, and my surgery. I, too, am getting used to all of this, along with every other major issue in my life. Most days I don't feel strong at all. But God gives us the equipment to deal with the day's events. It's just sometimes I don't know how to use the equipment! But I am learning, and isn't that what life is about? To use what we have learned in life to help us through the challenges of TODAY? GoWalking, I have great respect for you and your journey, and the fact that you share it with us. You are inadvertently helping others by sharing your challenges AND your successes. That, in and of itself, is a MAJOR success! Look back on your life, see what you have been through that will help you see yourself through your current issues. You will find much help in your experiences. You may have to look deep, or not, but they are THERE! Bless you, my dear....

I, too, wished I would have known about the surgery years ago. I knew about the hair loss, but it is done now and the hair looks fine. I assume it is growing in, as it doesn't appear to be as less as it was, but as long as no more falls out (other than the normal shedding), it is fine as it is. My hair loss lasted about 2 months. I wish I would have figured out that meals/snacks don't last very long in my system. I need to eat at least every 3 hours or I am in trouble. Fall-to-the-floor trouble. The thing is, I don't necessarily FEEL hungry (tummy hungry) at that point, I just get extremely weak and faint-feeling. I will always be diabetic, just in remission. It reminds me it is still part of me when I feel this way. But on the whole, I am ecstatic I had the surgery.

@@Elode You look great! Glad you're back!

@@wascott THAT explains it......

@@Dabliss111114 You are far too kind...if you would have seen me today deal with an unruly dog, you would shudder! He (dog) has been testing my dominance, and "momma" had to put her foot down! His being almost 100lbs deems it necessary for me to be "top dog"!!!! Dave had his second chemo today, and once again, the pump was put on for him to carry with him for the next 3 days. It will come out on Thursday afternoon. He is doing a lot better than when he had the first round, I think the nerves have settled a bit, and as he gets used to what is happening and knows now what to expect, I think some of the side effects that have been suggested to him have been relegated as "suggestive", and that's all they are. You know, the power of suggestion. Suggest something and all of a sudden it is "real". Now he recognizes what is really affecting him, and what has just been suggested is not affecting him like he thought it might. Does that make any sense? It just has to sort itself out in his mind, what is real and what isn't. He is extremely practical, so it is sorting itself out with time. HIs blood counts are good, and he isn't anemic. Still trying to get approval for the PET scan, no luck yet. I called the surgeon's office to try and get him on board, to try and get a peer-to-peer going, so I hope that will work. The oncologist did one, to no avail. So maybe if the guy who actually saw the cancers does it, maybe they will "get it". Regardless, we WILL have the scan, and then, if it is as bad as the surgeon thinks it is, I will see to it heads WILL roll!!!! Time is of the essence here, and "momma" is mad! I personally am hoping the surgeon was wrong, and there isn't any other cancer other than the original tumor on the colon. And even then, I hope IT isn't cancerous, either! I have high hopes in my good Lord above, and know ANYTHING is possible with Him in charge! Your prayers are all appreciated, and felt, and I truly believe they are the reason Dave is doing so well with all of the chemo. I cannot thank you all enough, but I thank God for each and everyone of you! God Bless......

@@Jme82 I'm so sorry I haven't gotten back to you, it is nothing personal! We've been "introduced" to cancer in our family, my husband has been diagnosed with colon cancer, stage 4. So I have been crazy busy, and I hope I haven't hurt your feelings by not responding! If you still need/want a buddy, let me know, I will do my best for you. But keep in mind, I don't always see the posts immediately. Write me personally, then I'll send you my e-mail if you want to continue. All the best to you...

@@UK Cathy You are so sweet, thank you for your kind words! We have been so encouraged by all the wonderful folks responding to my post, I am so touched. With all the prayers from so many around the world, our support system is amazing! I know our good Lord hears all of our prayers, and loves us for our devotion and faith. His will is always the best way, although it is not always seen for that immediately! Dave goes in for his second chemo treatment this Tuesday, we hope it will take less time, and will have even milder (if any!) side effects. We're still battling the insurance for the PET scan, I hope we can get that resolved this week. In the meantime, I am focusing on fattening (HA HA>>>here we are on a weightloss site!!!!) him up, as he has lost about 25lbs. He must regain some weight to stay strong to fight this terrible foe. I can stay strong with all of you rooting for us! Thank you again, and God Bless you!

So sorry for you! Ask your NUT about this, but I used liquid mucinex, and liquid Tylenol when I had a cold right after surgery. It was okayed by my team, but all of us are different, so ASK!

I had mine done in Spokane, Washington, for about 16K. This includes one year of follow-ups, with both dietician and nurse practioner. It is with Rockwood Bariatrics, and I think they did an ok job, and there is a support group that meets once a month at the hospital. The thing to remember is the follow-up program. There was (and forgive my weak memory) a 3 week follow-up, a 5 or 6 week, a 3 month, a 5 month, and then there will be a 12 month follow-up, with the nurse practioner. You meet, if I remember correctly, 3 times with the dietician. Lab work will need to be done for all follow-ups with the nurse. You see the surgeon once before the surge, for the surgery, immediately after the surgery, then right before check-out of the hospital, and that is it, if all goes well. I had a hernia repair done during my surgery, which was a surprise, and they charged that to my insurance. It ran about 4.5K. All-in-all, I'd rate them about a c-, mostly for the nurse practioner not having her act together, always making me go after the lab work findings, being late about getting information to me...The surgery went great, and has done what I expected it to, and the dietician is great, but who I see most is the nurse practioner. She is the reason for the overall lower score. Good luck to YOU!

@@4MRB4PHOTO I HAVE one of those......should I??????

@TheRealMeIsHere! I am so sorry for your loss. I think a lot of folks don't realize how fragile life really is, and how quickly one's world can be thrown into utter chaos, especially the young. I don't consider my husband old, he is only 53. Twenty years with him is NOT enough. Five years for you was NOT enough, either, I'm sure. All I know is when it is gone, it is GONE. I also know I won't risk losing his faith in me by not telling him important information, no matter what it is. As he is a separate human being from me, I cannot always know what he is feeling or what he considers truly important. He doesn't always reveal his feelings, and a lot men are like that. I have learned over the years that what I think is not necessary for him to know actually IS important to him, and not to insult him by withholding information. He cannot do what he feels is right if he is not equipped with all the facts. And, as we promised to always include each other in all aspects of our lives, he cannot help me through whatever it is I may be going through at the moment. And the reverse is true, as well. Trust and faith in someone are true gifts, and once they are broken, are rarely "fixed". And even more rarely, 100 percent "fixed". I don't want to live like that with my beloved. And I won't. You have truly been blessed with your 5 years. I am sure he is smiling down on you right now, and loves you dearly. Bless you, my dear....

@@glitter eyes@@gowalking Thank you, sweeties, your words go beyond just words. Hanging on, the good Lord is NOT letting go....

@@bellabloom I can respect your decision, but just one more thought to contemplate: What if the shoe were on the other foot? How would you feel if you were he? Try and put yourself in HIS place, would you feel betrayed? Untrusted? Weak? Unreliable? Men tend to think differently than women, and tend to be unhappy when they feel they cannot be relied upon to know the truth. At least that has been my experience. They like to be strong for their loves, able to help, be supportive, carry the load. I want my man to be strong, to know I trust him with anything and everything. And I don't want to hurt him by withholding information that is very important. He wants to be the strong one, the one to carry us through hard times. And I am strong enough to let him do it. I simply wouldn't want any less. Good luck to you.

Oh, I get so tired of hearing this kind of thing. Not you personally, don't get me wrong. But I have to say IF you are madly in love, what is the big deal? Let me tell you MY version of MADLY in LOVE: I am married to a man, have been for almost 20 years. MADLY in LOVE to me means I am willing to clean up after the terrible bouts resulting from colon cancer. Sitting for hours on end watching chemo treatments drip into my husband while he fades away. Watching my life fade away with his. For he has been my life for a very long time. I gave up my career so he could follow his. I have moved across this country over ten times for this. I have waited for eons to see if he was going to come home alive from his job (he's a police officer). He is madly in love with me, too. He has wiped my bottom more times than I care to think about after several of MY surgeries. He has waited in agony in the ever-sterile waiting rooms of hospitals for word on my condition. He has tolerated my rage, fear, self-centered behavior far longer than any man with half a brain would EVER tolerate. THIS, my dear, is MAD LOVE. If you don't have it, I'm sorry. I can tell my husband ANYTHING, with NO fear of him losing respect for me, lessening of his love for me, disgusting him with my myriad of scars. I may not have him for much longer, but I have him FOREVER. I have his HEART, and he has mine. These are the things with which a true, everlasting relationship is built on. I am truly sorry for the history you have. He cannot change it, but if you give him a chance, he CAN change your future. If you go through life not being able to tell him everything, why are you with him? What will happen when the bad times come? You won't have a base from which to draw strength. He's not perfect, neither are you. We not only live with these "failings", but we learn to embrace them, for they make us stronger, as a couple. There are not very many strong marriages out there anymore. One reason is trust. Or the lack of. Trust is a leap of faith, and if you don't take it, you will never know the true depths your relationship could take. So ask yourself: are you ready for all the bad that can come with the good? Is he? Ask.

We've been together for almost 20 years now, and if weight loss was going to split us up, we had more problems than just weight! Have your spouse attend the information sessions with you, both of you have any and all knowledge available, so you know what to expect. Read books, see videos, BE INFORMED! Have your spouse help you with planning, recovery, and anything you think may involve him/her. Have it be an "us" adventure, include them in all aspects. When you BOTH make an investment, you both gain (and NOT weight!!!)!!!! Good luck to you both!

Not so strange! We all (for the most part) felt the same...why NOT be excited for it?! It is a wonderful thing to do for yourself! If you haven't yet, you may wish to attend an informational session at your Doctor's office to get he facts on what to expect. Or, there are lots of books out there on the subject, and of course you can always use the search function on this site to see what others have experienced. You probably will have to wear the gown, but bring your own robe! Good luck on your surgery!

@@LSF Can you get sick leave for it? Some labs open early for just such an occasion, call and ask when they open, then if it's early enough, you can fast for it, then either bring your Breakfast or order something to-go. Good luck!

@@deedadumble Thanks! I will definitely ask about it, because my energy level is very low. No sleep doesn't help, I know, but I think looking into the methyl B12 is worth a look!

Vitamins can be very tricky, and some downright dangerous if too much is taken. Even though I have been checked several times since my surgery 6 months ago, my numbers tend to fluctuate. I guess I have too many other issues that interfere/play with my absorption. Because of my hyperparathyroidism, my Calcium intake has to be a lot higher than most, along with the Vitamin D. When I have a tumor on the parathyroid gland, it actually makes the other parathyroid glands behave in the opposite manner they should, so it causes the calcium to be stolen from my bones INSTEAD of getting the calcium to where it should be. Thus brittle bones, osteoporosis or osteopenia, thus bone breakage, thus my broken ribs..... A wicked cycle indeed. Vitamin D plays a big role in this, as well, and needs to be taken very seriously when the levels are low. This disease isn't a real common one, but I have known several folks with it, and it can be a tricky one to diagnose as it is not well known about. Not one doctor I saw in Wyoming or Utah ever picked up on it, and only when we moved to Washington did I finally find a doctor who not only knows about the disease, he diagnosed it in me immediately, sent me in for an ultrasound scan, and had me scheduled for surgery within an hour's time! I had one of the glands removed just 2 days before Halloween, and MAN! Did I have the greatest Halloween costume EVER with my throat slit!

@@dms724 Soon enough it will be more than one bag, depending on what your goal is....I felt the same way trying to go up the basement stairs with a bag of "used" cat litter....how on earth did I do it? And I'm closer to three than two bags!!!! Joy to the world, indeed!!!!! Congrats!

You should feel so great! Just think about this time LAST year! Can you be happier? Now think what it will be like this time NEXT year! SOOOOOO thrilled for you!

Ok, but with the little information you have given me, I'm not sure what it is you need. For me, I have been recommended by my NUT the 2-3-2 plan. I eat within 2 hours of waking, then every 3 hours, then within 2 hours of going to bed. Diet is Protein first, then low carb. Little if any sweets/breads/starches. Drink at least 64 ounces of fluids a day. Exercise for me is minimal (at least "planned" exercise), which I know I need to correct, but right now I am so busy with dealing with my husband's cancer, I don't find a lot of spare time OR energy for it. It'll come, in due time. Consistency is up to you. If it would help, write in a journal what it is you are doing, and correct the inconsistencies that way. YOU are the only one who can do that. Write down your caloric intake, weigh/measure your food, have a schedule for when to exercise and stick with it, get a guideline from your NUT. All of these should help you form a consistent plan. We all will fall off of a plan; getting back on is difficult, but not impossible. I hope this helps a little!