Newme17

I hope you find your answers soon, I'm no doctor and I just don't and can't fathom having what your body needs is a cause for cancer to come back. 80% or more of cancer is usually diet related, like processed foods and tons of sugar (which it thrives on). Congrats on beating the cancer! And good for you to take charge of your health with the sleeve. I really do hope you find your answers!

Call me crazy, but I've always enjoyed going in for surgeries, etc. I know....crazy. The nurses are alwasy astonished about my blood pressure being normal and I'm quite calm. I sure hope it stays this way when my time comes. Ya'll will do well. Congratulations as well! Keep us posted.

My sister had a bypass done some years ago. Lost all the weight and gained it all back and then some. She's the biggest she's ever been these days, BUT she also has a lot of mental issues and addictions that she never really got help for that led her weight gain. For this reason alone, I haven't told most of my family because they'll automatically associate my decision with hers. We are not even close to being alike in any way, shape, or form. I told my husband, he supports me. He wants me to be happier about my health/weight and tells me all the time to do what I feel like I need to do, no matter the costs, etc. I also suspect that he wants me to be the "hot" again. LOL My youngest brother had concerns, "why don't you just eat better?" I quickly told him to educate himself on bariatric surgery before he slams my decision. Two days later he texts me and says he will be here for me for whatever decision I make. And my sister in law to whom I'm very close to says she's a supporter. I have told some friends and they're on board (but I don't need nor care if they approve or not). I think overall, the only person I need approval from is my husband. That's all that matters to me.

Once the insurance is approved or when you finish your requirements in hopes of the insurance is approved? I noticed some peoples are two weeks away or even a month away. I'm sure it's different for everyone but I'd like a general idea please. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Aww thank you! Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Thank you all for your replies! I have 3 more NUT appts-monthly, and a psych evaluation on the 13th of Feb. so after my last NUT, I should hear something then. Okay, well, time flies so it'll be here before I know it. I'll stick to learning to sip! Thanks again! Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Thanks for your replies. I have a feeling I may be throwing it out of my diet for good. Since I posted this question, I asked the nutritionist. She says I could have it IF I were to let it sit for about 15 mins first (I guess let the fizzies go down?) but I like the fizzy, it's a great alternative to soda and sooo much healthier. Guess I'll enjoy what I can until my pre-op diet. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

If you're on the phone app, I have no idea!!! I haven't been able to do anything through it. But if you get on a computer and log in, you have all the options to do so. Easier navigation. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

In the past my reflux was all because of the foods I was eating. Since starting my diet (cutting out carby, sugary, greasy foods) I have not had reflux once. He requires you to be on antacids anyways so he said I should be all clear Sent from my SM-G930V using the BariatricPal App I was wondering about this. I get reflux from specific foods, I.e. Spicy, fatty, acidic and I'm getting the sleeve. I figured I wouldn't have a problem so much if I just stay away from them. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

I finally posted some befores ...still haven't had surgery yet. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

@@PissiChrissi I need to take styling lessons from you. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Wow! Great job! Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

I was never one to weigh daily but a lot of my friends were. They drove themselves nutty with numbers. I refused to do that. I'm one to forget to weigh and my scale is collecting dust somewhere. I know the biggest change will come with how we feel, our clothes fit or don't fit, etc. So, that's what I'll go by with the occasional doctor visits that'll tell me what the number is. Good for you btw...I thnk you'll find a better sense of peace without the numbers driving you loco.

Thank you for sharing yours! I'm going to be 39 soon and I lift weights pretty regularly. I haven't had my surgery yet either. I am half white and half black (I do think genetics play a big part to how we look, skin, etc) and I'm extra hopeful now!!! Yay! With that said, my health is more important than what I will look like. We can always use makeup, get cosmetic surgery, etc. I like what a previous poster said, being obese will kill you, looks won't. So true. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Low carb and extremely low carb or no carb isn't meant for long term diets. Ever wonder why you're so tired or can't remember anything? Your brain NEEDS complex carbs to function well too. It functions off of 80% of whatever carbs you put in to your system. Do you workout? You need complex carbs, doesn't matter if it's cardio or weights. Overall, I'd talk with a professional if I were you simply because you can get all sorts of info here and all of them will contradict each other. And every body is different. What works for one does not mean it'll work for you. But we can all have a general sense of what's good and what we should be doing. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

I need to buckle down and take my measurements and some before pics. I have a few, I guess. Mostly of my face, of course! I obviously don't like the full body ones. But if I'm going to be serious about this, I am going to show all. So, it'll come. Have to find the pics though. As for my dietary goals, today was day two of trying what the dietician suggested. Still don't have it down pat, but it's better than yesterday. I'm super hungry though. Gonna get a snack when I get home. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

I may have mentioned it somewhere here before, not too sure, but some years ago I was pursuing a degree in diet and nutrition. Fast forward to now, I am the one who needs reminding about it. My husband calmly told me yesterday "you can't keep talking about how you used to be, you are here now." So, I have decided as part of my journey to a better health, to pursue the studies again. Whether I go to a college or just take some online courses, I'm going to dive right back in. Number one, staying focused on it and being somewhat passionate about health and nutrition (it's always been there-just ignored it for 8 years) I know I will be successful in achieving weight loss. And finally informing and educating myself about weight loss surgery (I was one to think it was a cop-out ), I have a broader view of how to get healthy and stay healthy no matter the approach (as long as it's a healthy one). In my "used to" years, I was always studying and it made it so much easier to stay on track. 20 years later, marriage, kids, life...I'm not the same person. I know I'm not, but I've got to work this out and be a new me. I'm starting all over again. And my hope is that I will be able to educate others through my success and even throughout my journey. I've got to stay plugged in and that's what I aim to do. So, here's to a new me! And a new you! A new all of us! Success! ...oh, and I signed up for my first class too! Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Congratulations Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Yes, I got angry. I believed no one really understood how hard I was always trying (I was!!! But would give up so easily!) I said I would NEVER give up carbs, that eliminating an entire food group could only be unhealthy! I said I would NEVER have surgery! The problem is that you can't tell your mom what to do because she will devote a lot of emotional energy into being in control, especially at a time where cancer has made her relinquish all other control! She has to want it for herself. All you can do is love her while you have her and try to accept that whether from cancer or her weight, you might not have her for a lot of years! Please read my post to her, and tell her that I understand. The nature of addiction is that it thrives on denial and seduces you into believing you will never, ever, be happy without it. Weight loss surgery gives you an opportunity to break free, but the addiction is always a voice inside you. I found something that gave me far more joy. I have struggled! I've gained weight here and there! I fight food longing every single day, but I am no longer motivated or rewarded by food, if that makes sense. I would make one suggestion to both of you! I suggest you offer to sign her up for this site, and ask her, out of love and respect for you, to commit to reading here every day for a set time... 3 months?? And then you could stop trying, knowing that she is well informed. And I would suggest to her that she realise there may come a day where her daughter is without a mom, and it will be a great comfort then to know that you did everything you could. My heart is with you and your mom. It's so hard. You described yourself as my mom!!!! Very similar! Wow!! I am not sure how to even go about bringing up this site though, only because I haven't told her I'm having surgery. In fact, my parents are the last people I would tell. Sad, I know. I had mentioned wls to her maybe ten years ago (before cancer) and she wouldn't have it. I think she's more afraid of my dad's opinions (and he's VERY opinionated). Imagine a woman who hates to exercise and has a food addiction married to a man for 42 years who is all about taking care of the body, exercise, etc. they're exact opposites and terrible for each other. Wow, I'm amazed I even said that. I love my parents but, well, they've got issues. Besides all of that, I think I've done enough (although not giving up) to share my concerns with my mom. She goes silent on me if I mention better eating habits or whatever. But like you said, she's got to want to do it herself. I've just been planting seeds in hopes that the idea grows in her. On another hand, I'd be amazed if she lasts through another year. so I'll enjoy my mom as much as I can. Only comfort I have is that she's got Jesus and I know she'll be in heaven when it's her time, pain free and happy, with a new body. Thank you again for your words of encouragement. It'll be something I need to pray about, letting her know about the site and my surgery as well. Have a blessed day! Oh, one of the reasons I'm having surgery is not to end up like my mom. She's always told me to not be like her, so I'm doing something of it. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Bless you hon. Now, I want you to do something. Stand in front of a mirror and tell yourself, "I will not be ashamed, I will not be embarrassed. My feelings are not true, I am not meant to be obese, but a healthy me". I can guarantee it will feel silly and it will hurt. You may end up crying your eyes out, but it's true. You do not deserve to be obese and aren't meant to be. Those are lies and do your best to not believe them ok. Tomorrow is a new day, whatever happened in the past (food, cruise, etc) is the past. You can learn from it or you can dwell in it. Which one will you do?

All I could think of when I read your story is, "How do I share this with my mom (who is 60 with cancer three times over) in hopes that once she's battled this last round, will she do something about her weight and have a life?" She gets angry when we mention food addictions and has every excuse in the book about why she has to eat what she does. Did you ever find yourself like that during your addiction to food? I would love to say I have hope with my mom, but unfortunately, I really don't. I think she's giving up. But I am so happy and thankful, you, a stranger, did not! Thank you for this. Your words about not abusing yourself anymore rang very LOUD and CLEAR to myself. My heart is tingling. I didn't think I'd ever tear up, but I did over that. Thank you for sharing with us, me. You've truly touched lives. May God bless you hon.

My intention of this thread is to share my journey with more details for the things I go through, appointments I have, info I've learned, and questions I may have. So, I hope ya'll will join me in my journey. I'll try not to be boring. So, today I had my first dietary assessment appointment. I don't how it happened, but I'm down five pounds since last week. ??? I was pleasantly surprised. I even had a food funeral last night, my favorite, nachos! LOL The appt went quite well though. I wasn't all conceited about knowing about nutrition but I did let the dietician know I'm knowledgeable. Her final notes are "Patient is a good candidate for surgery based on NIH criteria. Patient understands diet and behavior modifications necessary to be successful and is committed to making them." Well, that's nice. Now I need to stick to it. LOL I have three more appointment (monthly) and then that'll be it. But during these months, I need to work on the following: NO MORE CHUGGING; WORK ON SIPPING FLUIDS START DECREASING CAFFEINE (Please!!!! Not my cold brew mocha coffee!?!?!?! ....sigh) REPLACE Breakfast (my yummy breakfast taco--darn) WITH A Protein shake PORTION SIZE MEALS (2 bites protein; 1 bite veggie; starch last after protein/veggie) NO DRINKING WHILE EATING; WAIT 45 MINS TO DRINK AFTER MEALS Okay, seems doable and pretty easy right? Nope. I epically failed today. I chugged and I didn't follow the eating pattern. I did drink a protein shake (mixed it with my coffee) and so far I haven't had anything to drink since I finished dinner--got about 20 mins to go. Tomorrow is a new day though, so I'll start again. And again, and again, until I get this down!