choosehope

What is the facebook address for the August folks? I'm probably August 20!!

@@Djmohr What did you do about Protein shakes? Or Popsicles and pudding during liquid/soft phase? Did you add honey that early in the process? Did it cause dumping? Great news about your migraines! Mine have become intractable (24/7). It would be so great if some migraine relief was a byproduct of the bypass!!

Where did you get that mini elliptical? I have a full size one and really like it, but it takes up so darn much room!

I haven't had surgery yet, but I'd encourage you to tell the doc. The rules and guidelines they set up are to keep you safe during and after surgery. Plus, I don't know about you, but my hiding food or lying about it is one of the things that got me here. I know I have to be ruthlessly honest with myself and others, particularly my docs, if this is going to work long term.

I have heard wls compared to Antabuse for alcoholics. It stops the Problem initially but the hard work takes place after that but at least the person is dry. I think that's probably a good comparison for me. I'll update you all after I visit with my psych later this week. Thank you so much for all the words of wisdom!

My surgery is tentatively planned for August 20. I officially started the process the last week of May. If I don't have it then, the next best time appears to be The end of September or October. I'm making a list with my therapist of the pros for going ahead and having it earlier and a list of pros for having it later. I could use some help. What are your thoughts on the pros for one or the other?

I definitely want this surgery and would very much like to go ahead and have it in August. While my psych has written a letter of clearance, he has asked me to think about whether or not I'm rushing this. I know it may seem rushed to some since I just formally started this in May, but it's something I've been thinking about for a long time. That being said, I realize that in order for this to be successful that there have to be psychological and spiritual changes as well as physical. I am a food addict. That is not something I say easily or lightly. It's not an excuse. It's my reality. I've turned to food like many turn to other substances to self soothe. I know surgery won't heal the addiction but it will bring me head to head with all the thoughts and emotions that contribute to the addiction. I do not want to sabotage this exciting opportunity by not being ready to deal with the addiction. I think I can deal with it as I work thru the post-surgery stages. He wants to be sure my reasoning for August is solid, and so I'm undertaking a thoughtful process and writing the "pros and cons" not because I'm unsure but because I want to be sure that I'm doing it now in the right frame of mind.

My doc has recommended bypass, and I'm 90% sure that's what I'm going to do. Yet when I get on Bariatric Pals, it seems the majority of the people talk about the sleeve. My doc says bypass is gold standard, better stats and better long term weight loss and maintenance, but that the choice is up to me. So I'm wondering why the sleevers chose the sleeve over bypass? Was there something in particular about bypass that made you decide that it wasn't right for you? Thanks in advance!

Did anyone here use Vyvanse for Binge Eating Disorder before surgery? If so, what was your experience with it?

Candidate, I love Lacy Mucklow's books which you can get on Amazon. I also like the Zentangle books - also can be found on Amazon. I also like to do Mandalas. While you can get coloring books with mandalas, you can also find tons of these and other adult coloring pages to print off the computer! I also like to play with different kinds of coloring instruments. If you have a Christian background, you should check out the Illustrated Faith Website! So cool!

I also like the Centrum Adult Chewables but just realized they don't have iron in them. ????

I love adult coloring books as well! I have one called Color Me Happy!! So much fun!

Can you use the Fitbit in the pool?

My surgery is tentatively planned for August 20. I officially started the process the last week of May. If I don't have it then, the next best time appears to be September 17 or 24. I'm making a list of the pros for going ahead and having it earlier and a list of pros for having it later. (My therapist and I are working on this together. ) What are your thoughts on the pros for one or the other?

Every time I have had surgery, I have to be cathed multiple times and have to stay longer than expected. After my hysterectomy, I had to go home with a catheter and after a week had to go to self-cathing (in and out). My bladder just doesn't seem to want to wake up quite honestly, it's one of my biggest worried about bypass. Not because it's painful, but because it's a pain in the butt! ????

So, what all does the Fitbit do? Aren't there different kinds of Fitbits and which one do you recommend? Why? TIA

I haven't had surgery yet so I can't speak from that perspective. But I do remember years and years of going to the doctor and being afraid of their reaction when I got in the scale. I was never a competent adult at times but a frightened and ashamed child who desperately wanted approval but expected to disappoint, not be good enough or to be reproached. My gut tells me that you are probably having normal feelings. Your head hasn't had the chance to catch up to your body. Nor has your spirit. As I contemplate this I am coming to realize that for me, the real journey is going to be spiritual and emotional. It's scary but I know my weight has frozen my development in so many areas. And now I'm getting ready to change my body dramatically and have to grow up emotionally as I do. Take heart! It sounds like you have done a phenomenal job! Enjoy a happy dance!

Anyone know if during the time you have to have liquid Meds or crushed pills, if you can do injections instead? I know it sounds odd but I'd much rather give myself a shot than drink something nasty.

I've had doctors tell me that artificial sweeteners activate the same part of the brain that real sugar does and can be a trigger for food addicts and also mess up your metabolism.

My doctor determined my goal weight by what 65% (I think that's right) of my excess weight loss would be since it is the "average" amount lost with gastric bypass.

Lol!! Great story that I can relate to oh so well!! Sure the psych appt will go well!

Regarding sugar addiction, I know there are a ton of good books out there on the topic. But I'd highly recommend Good Junkies by Phil Werdell and the documentary Fed Up. The latter will both enlighten and anger you if you are anything like I.

I am looking for an indoor swimming pool to do water workouts in. I've done it before but the pool I used closed. One of my probs is that chlorine triggers migraines for me (as do all the screaming kids in the pool ????). I'm thinking about ordering a mini trampoline that has a stability bar and stretch bands. Anyone used one of those? I've done some research that says it's very low impact and won't hurt knees. What do you think?

I would love to find a couple of blogs where I could follow some bypass stories from the beginning through a year or two. Any ideas?

You are wonderful!! Thanks!