choosehope

Cheri-j - loved your "answers" - could so relate! Boy, do I know those mental demons! Thank God for a good therapist. You also made me think that I need to get it set in my mind that there really is a honeymoon period so I don't get discouraged when it happens! Have any of you I our most distinguished age range (ahem), found that you lost weight slower than our younger counterparts?

Ashley, it must be a secret group as I can't find it on FB. If you can add people, will you add me? My FB name is choosehope Memphis. Thanks!

Monnie815- love Alabama. One of my dreams is to retire to Fair Hope!

Wow!! That's awesome!!!

Cheri-J. I am also 56. I'm dreaming of a world of no arthritis! While I know that won't happen, I know my flexibility and movement will increase and my pain level decrease. So, for all of you, what do you think the biggest advantage of being 50 something when you have bypass is? Biggest disadvantage? Biggest struggle? From my pre-op perspective, I think the biggest advantages are that I'm mature enough (theoretically) to know what I'm committing to and that while I do want to look and feel better in my body, my driving motivation is health and living the second half of my life well. Disadvantage - I spent so many years in physical and emotional pain and bondage- always fighting with my weight and losing. There are ways in which I've done irreparable harm to my body. Biggest struggle - this will probably change after surgery but right now it's probably that investigate and analyze and over-investigate and over-analyze. Best wishes to all you 50 and 60's wherever you are in your journey. Let's stay in touch. Sometimes I feel like the majority of people here are getting sleeves (which makes me over-analyze! Lol) or are half my age! Love learning from them but also treasure insight and support of others who are in my situation.

Dr Weaver is doing mine on September 23. How are you doing? What was your experience at St. Francis like? Do you go the the support groups? Great to meet someone on here from home!

Tomorrow is my final appointment with my internist for my three month medically supervised weight loss program prior to being approved for surgery. (I have medicare.) for the last several months, I have done well with watching my food intake, but this past week, I fell off the wagon and fell hard. I have consumed mass quantities of food. pizza, sweets, Pasta, crackers, diet coke (which I had been off of for several months.). I know my weight tomorrow is going to show a gain - potentially a big one. I'm so frustrated with myself! So many worries running through my mind. Am I going to have to start the three months all over again? Do I have the discipline needed to eat like I will need to post WLS (planning on bypass)? And I ate it all while watching My 600 lb Life and Fat Doctor! For pete's sake, why am I so self destructive? I have to have this surgery. I want a healthy, active life. I don't want to be a crippled, sick old lady (in my 50's). I have gone long periods of time and lost over a hundred pounds, so why couldn't I do it for just three months when the stakes are so high?! I'm so afraid they are going to tell me that I have to start all over again. I don't know if I can do that! Argh!!!

Anyone know of a family and friend letter that has been developed? I'm thinking along the lines of "if you are reading this, it is because Someone you love has had or is thinking about having weight loss surgery. Here are some general things to know about WLS: Here are some things you can do to support this person: Here are some things to avoid doing or saying:". I have a similar letter about a chronic illness I have and it has been very helpful. I thought about writing one but if there is already a good one that someone here knows about I'd love to see it!! Choose Hope!

I'm scheduled for September 23. Was scheduled for August but had to be put off due to family conflicts. Your day is right around the corner! How exciting (and anxiety provoking ????). Best wishes. Feel free to message me anytime if you need someone to talk to or to pray for you!

Hi! I live in Memphis! Who did your surgery?

What are you taking fish oil for?

It all does sound wonderful. Does anyone worry, like I do, that if you start eating yummy sweets even though they are low sugar and high protein that it will ignite your cravings for sweets? I have to say that baked goods are probably more difficult for me to resist than candy.

Memphis, TN ( Thank you very much! ????????)

India928, so glad you have a therapist you like and trust who is taking this wild and crazy journey with you! Mine is worth his weight in gold!

They don't accept Medicare. ????. What kind/brand is scar cream do they send?

I talked with my dentist about dry mouth because I've seen a number of comments about tooth probs post bypass. He recommended I use Biotene toothpaste and mouth spray, as well as Biotene or Act lozenges. He also said not to use mouthwash with alcohol in it. And drink plenty of water. I have good teeth and don't want to run the risk of probs!

I'm pre-op so I can't give you any first hand info. I was also concerned about the cons and sat down and made a list comparing the pros and cons. For me the physical, health, emotional and spiritual gains possible with WLS far outweighed the cons. Doesn't mean I'm not nervous about surgery or my life post surgery, but I'm more nervous/fearful of continuing to live life like I am. Best wishes in making your decision! You have some pretty cute kiddos!! (So smart to protect their identity!)

Hang in there! Sounds like he takes himself a little too seriously! There are lots of awesome psychs out there, but there sure are a few who shouldn't be practicing! If he turns you down, tell your doc what happened and go see someone else!

I wonder if we could ask Alex to had a Christian WLS Support Group (for any kind of wls) under general surgeries, special interest.

For those of you who take Centrum Chewable, do you take a separate iron supplement?

I have seen some say Genepro is the way to go for unflavored protein, yet others say their nutritional claims are false. Anyone know what the real story is?

I'd love one for RNY or RNY and sleeve. Be nice to support one another spiritually through prayer and Biblical encouragement.

Nikikins- no beating yourself up allowed! Just look at all that you are doing for yourself. One little honest mistake doesn't make you stupid, it makes you human. Geronimo, I'm so glad to know about ordering Isopure from GNC in bulk. I've been buying it as single bottles from Nutrition Shoppe and its a lot more expensive! Thanks!

JamieLogical- love the second picture on your link where the person is standing on the scale and pressing a button! ROFL! (If I could get off the floor by myself, that is!). I think one of my NSV's would be doing what that picture shows!! ????????

I'm thinking about getting rid of my scale when I start my liver shrink. I've spent too much of my life basing my success and failure on that number. And quite honestly, if I don't see the weight loss I'm supposed to have this compulsive, binge eater begins to use some inappropriate and potentially harmful anorexic behaviors. Hope my NUT is cool with that. I know it will drive me crazy but I think that it will be a good part of a total lifestyle change for me.