dwallaj

These two people have very different lives, the one on the left hated Mondays because he had to go to work and didn't feel well because he only had 3 hours of sleep due to the fact his sleep apnea tried to kill him every night. The one on the right cannot wait to wake up after a great night sleep, to get to the gym and sculpt his guns.

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December 17th I was sleeved. I would like to join
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Hello
In November 2016 I weighed in 324, I am down to 200 pounds. I had lot difficulty with the Protein diet. As a nurse, I followed the dietician and surgein advice all along my journey. However no matter the advice I was given I didnt tolerate the diet well. The discomfort and pain was awful. It put me in bed everytime where I slept majority of the day due to the pain.
A little bit bout medical history so you all aware of my journey which would help understand the difficulty. In 2011 I was diagnosed with small bowel cancer. I had told my doctor for 2 years that I was having issues with my stomach and diarrhea all the time. One day I started projectile vomiting temp up through roof, shivers and severe abdominal pain which required me to go to ER on 911 call. I had at the time high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity, history of 2 heart attacks list is endless. Scans were done where they found numerous tumors in my small bowel. Due to insurance reasons, I was unable to have surgery 2 months later. This is when they found it spread to my lymph nodes. I had the surgery which they removed quite bit of the small bowel which resulted in more diarrhea. During the course of past 5 years, I have had my uterus removed, part of my cervix n was given 3-6months to live. I got married and moved to Wisconsin to my best friend. I went to oncologist who refused to do more scans. I was quite persistent in having it due to my respiratory status being changed. 3 months later it had metstasized to my lung stage 4.
He informed me nothing they could do. I refused to accept this. I spoke to my son. Few days, I received call from Cancer Treatment of America. I was not expecting a call by any means. Little to my knowledge, my son had called them. I arranged an appointment with him and have been receiving treatment. The cancer hasnt spread. Eventually i have accepted that. It has been miracle that i have lived this long.
During the years, I was placed on steroids and weight went through the roof. i told them no more. i could not walk 5 feet without crying in sheer agony. I finally got accepted for disability. It was a blow to me to give up a career I loved and decided to take control of my life. I was sick and tired of laying in bed being so depressed. I went and seen surgeon by the name of Dr. Georgen who also specialized in my type of cancer. My surgery was approved within 6 months after following numerous processes which had to occur prior to Medicare approval
I had the surgery which went great exceot adverse reaction to one of meds which they took care. The first 2 weeks I dropped 40 pounds right away. After that, the weight loss was right on track except for the continous non stop discomfort and pain involved.
I was a smoker and had stopped for quite awhile and started back up in October of last year. Within 2 weeks, I had a massive heart attack which ones if arteries was 100 percent blocked so a stent was placed. My 3rd one. After this procedure was done, I was informed that i had 2 other arteries blocked at 50 percent. I as a nurse am aware of what it would lead up to- more heart attacks.With this being said i need to explain my family history. Majority of my paternal uncles have died of heart attacks before age of 35. My father had one at age of 38. I had my first one age 45 and 47.My maternal side is laden with cardiac issues as well.
I inforned staff at hospital that I was still having chest pressure why wasnt one if the arteries unblocked and stent placed. Well it being invasive procedure it is risky and decided to place you on nitrates. Really now? Without discussing it with me prior to your decision. I find this to be unacceptable by medical professionals. As a professional, I am informing you that nitrates are not effective. I was on them when I had my 2 other heart attacks. I was persistent with them imforming that one your cardiologist was to inform me of results of the procedure which wasnt done.2 the required visits to monitor my progress was not happening everyday as required. The procedure was done 2 days later after another heart attack occurring. I felt great after the procedure . went to cardiac and got back in track with my life.
With all this being said, no one has control over your health except you. Your decision to make wise choices in regards to diet exercise and smoking. These events I cant deny have inpacted my mental state which has caused great deal of depression, anxiety and anger.Mad at myself for making poor choices and placing others before me.
I write this to empower you all so just maybe someone will learn something from my story in hopes that you all will not make tbe grave mistakes I made in life. I am 54 and will be 55. I have lived my life . There are people worse off than I am in life. If anythingCTCA has taught me it is mind over mind over matter. Advocate for yourself health wise. Be nice to yourself and dont beat yourself if you make a mistake. Brush yourself off and go at it again.
With that being said, be strong and stay positivr.
God Bless you all
Cathy
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No Condemnation here - just a bit of cautionary advice. Pregnancy comes with a host of changes, and one of them is a HUGE spike in your need for Protein intake.
You are not "eating for two", but you ARE nourishing for two! Increase your Protein intake a bit, and speak to your Nutritionist as soon as you can to develop a plan for your new dietary requirements. Make sure that all of your doctors are on the same page as your pregnancy progresses, and CONGRATULATIONS!!!

Starting Weight : 274.8
Start One Week liquid Diet: 264.8
Day of Surgery: 251.7
Current Weight: 236.6
   
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Feeling good about my progress!
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Let me just say first and foremost that I respect every vet on here who doesn't sugar coat anything and doesn't coddle and baby people who come here seeking validation for their poor choices. I'm waiting for approval from my insurance company to be sleeved, but I have learned soooooo much from reading these threads and will forever be grateful for the people who have had success but still stick around to help others with their journeys. That being said, I find it quite amusing when someone come here seeking validation and kind words for something they know they shouldn't have done and get upset when they get the cold, hard truth from someone who's already been there and done that. I haven't even been sleeved yet but I know better than to come here asking if tacos and steak is ok to be eating 1 week post op. Let's be serious. I would rather have my feelings hurt by the truth than to be comforted by a lie.

Oh my goodness! Im 25 days post op and cant even keep down a piece of shaved turkey or shaved roast beef from arbys. Im pretty well living on Protein shakes and taco bell pintos n cheese....
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Hi, I was looking and hoping to find members in the TX area. I had sugery December 14th, 2016.

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I am so pleased to say that Jan 5 marked my one month surgiversary and I am down 24 lbs from my surgery day weight of 219 lbs ( currently 195 lbs). But the real kicker is my starting weight pre op was 242 lbs so total lost is 47 lbs , yessss. Also, my birthday was Jan 5 as well and I am a beautiful 39 years young may I add. So excited and looking forward to more success in near future. My goal is 150 lbs. motivation is on point to reach it.

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I was sleeved last Friday and post op 4 days. It is a struggle everyday when you have people around you that eats in front of your face knowing that the smell makes you nauseous. Sometimes I feel like I didn't make the right decision
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I selected Dr. Nick after doing an internet search for weight loss suregeons in the Dallas area. His practice was a CENTER OF EXCELLENCE on the three different insurance plans I was on while getting certified (a year long process, long story). I then went and listened to a presentation by him and talked to people who had used him - both as a bariatric surgeon and as a general surgeon.


I am one week after being sleeved. Between the two week pre-op diet and the first week post sleeve, I am down between 20 and 25 pounds. I haven't needed any pain meds since I left the hospital, and haven't had any troubles with my sleeve.

I spent one night in Forrest Park Medical Centre. I started walking about three hours after returning to my room from the recovery room. The staff at Forrest Park was very caring, and were very knowledgeable about caring for patients post bariatric surgery. I think it is nice how the hospital is set up for very obese people - the chairs are larger, the gowns are larger, the bloodpressure cuffs are larger - a lot of forthought went into the little things. The hospital is as clean as a whistle everywhere. If it were a car - it would have the "new car" smell still on it. Now, the staff there will come in every 30 minutes after you get back to your room - to monitor you - so you will get no rest. But there is a purpose to there actions - they want to make sure there is no signs of post-surgery problems.
Dr. Nick's office staff was WONDERFUL to me - particularly a young lady named Summer who worked with me getting me through the hurdles with my insurance plans. The office staff was also very good at working with my employer's medical leave requirements - fullfilling every requirement promptly, so I had no interruption in my salary.

I also was quite impressed with Dr. Nick's PA (physician's assistant). She and doctor Nick were both very paitient with my questions. Dr. Nick even offered to let my Mom call him if she had questions. Doctor Nick also came and talked to me before my surgery - right as they were setting the IV. He is a very caring doctor - not one of those cold surgeons that doesn't see you as a whole person. I really trust him - and I don't say that often.

Dr. Nick's also have prepared a bunch of very well organized material that they provide you. It walks you through what to expect - and has some great lists like "what to have on hand when you return from the hospital".

I also was impressed with the dietician's at Forrest Park Medical center. I attended six months of meetings pre-surgery. The material they provided was also first rate. The classes they teach actually focus on how to change your behaviors, and what it will be like to live after your procedure is complete. They let you try all sorts of Proteins and Vitamins - so you know what you will want to have on hand. And, before I left the hospital, they brought me a bag of samples to take home with me.

I have no regrets about my decision to go with Dr. Nick or to have the surgery at Forrest Park. I would use Dr. Nick again for a surgeon if the need ever comes up.

I am schedule to have my sleeve around 2:30. I'm quite emotional because I am here by myself. My husband is at work and the kids get out of school around that time so it made sense for him to tend to them since I will be spending the night. My dad dropped me off at the hospital but because I choose to only tell my husband about the surgery, he didn't stay. So much going on in my head right now and tears watering my eyes. Praying for all those going through surgery today. I don't question my decision about not telling anyone. The emotions are for the unknown that I will face in a couple of hours and moving forward.
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OMG! why were you opened like that vertically? Couldn't they do your hernia laparascopic? I know I won't be having a tummy or thigh tuck after seeing this. Im sorry that just looks like to much for me. Your a trooper for sure. I hope you heal well.
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I was sleeved on 12/13/16 and it has been a lot easier than I thought it would be. I am quickly realizing this will be one of the best decisions I have made in my life.
I started my pre-op diet at 255 and did not lose a great deal on that. (My pre-op was not super strict, high Protein and very low carb two weeks prior) I weighed in surgery day at 250 if I remember correctly. Fast forward through all the boring recovery junk, which was mild for me in comparison to some I have read about. I am now on puréed foods, finally able to get all my liquids and Protein in and that is a full time job. I am walking close to 2 miles a day, hoping to build up to 3 in the next week. I am anxious to start soft foods on the 10th. Now the real reason for the post... I have lost 25lbs in 1 month and 1 day. 25 POUNDS!!!!
Excited for what is to come and looking forward to being released to do more cardio at my two month appt.
thanks for reading!!
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Why?
I'm dropping pounds left and right, I took my last blood-thinner shot yesterday, and they moved my diet up to mushies.
Can we talk for a second about that.
I want to introduce you to my Lord and Savior Scrambled cheese eggs. They came back into my life last night and my eyes were opened to the Beauty and Joy that is Life. Angels sang, cherubs fired arrows, unicorns f*cked to Barry White songs, and Everything Was Right and Good in the world.
Yeah... I'm in a good mood. What?

Funnily enough I have been experiencing the same symptoms to the point where I had an ambulance called out to me because of it. I've seen my doctor and they've put me on nerve pain relief but it hasn't helped. I feel it more pins and needles/numbness when I'm moving around. It's been going on for at least a month now. Just had my bloods done on yesterday. I will see what the results say and see if this truly the problem. Good luck on finding an answer for you.
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