1poundatatime

I'm so sorry Did they explain the results to you? It is the sort of thing were just don't think you're ready yet, but with time and counselling you'll get there?

I'm on day 4 of 3 or 4 Protein shakes/day and unlimited veggies. Before that I did 4 weeks of low carb and high protein and am down 19 lbs!!

March 16! Nervous and excited!

I started off not wanting to tell anyone besides my husband... Then I had to tell my parents out of necessity (they will be babysitting while I travel for surgery)... I told me sister because we're close... Then one by one I've told 3 close friends.... And I'm so happy I did because it will be nice to have support post-op. I may tell others later, but I'm taking it one day, one person at a time!

I'm on day 3... Day 1 was hard. Day 2 was torture, I was so hungry all day long. Fortunately today seems to be better! It's going to be a long two weeks!

That's awesome that you can do it together and support each other! Whether with surgery or just diet alone like patienteleventybillion.

I am! I'm going to Mexico for surgery on the 16th.

Lots of good advice given by the previous poster! Given the mental health issues and how they tie into weight gain/loss I second the suggestion to find a counsellor to help you walk through issues as they crop up and creating a support network to give you encouragement and motivation when things get tough. I'm sorry about your brother and hope you are confident in the care he receives in the group home, so that you can focus on taking care of yourself now

I think your periods would have to be extremely heavy to take you from normal iron levels to anemia in such a short time. I guess the question is how heavy is "heavy"? Rechecking your blood work sounds wise, especially since you generally aren't feeling great. And adding an iron supplement won't hurt or just boosting the iron in your diet.

Good luck tomorrow!

I would love to run a 5k!

I'm two weeks away from my surgery date and I'm super nervous too. I've never had surgery, worry about the unlikely chance of complications, stressing about the travel, wondering what people will thinking when they see me drastically loosing weight, and wondering if I shouldn't just try again to did it on my own. Like many of you, I am currently healthy, but at 258 lbs and a scale that only seems to move one direction, I know I won't stay healthy. I want to be there for my kids and be an active participant in their lives for a long time!

I work in endoscopy. With the drugs we give you are considered to be impair post-prodecure for 24 hours. It can definitely be done without drugs though. It isn't painful, just gaggy, but it very quick - minutes only.

I think losing 10 lbs in a month is great!

I did shift work for years. I can't say whether it impacted my weight gain, but I know I managed nights better than a lot of my colleagues. I think the main thing was being really diligent about my sleep, be it a nap before a night shift or sleeping as soon as I got home and staying in bed (even if I wasn't asleep) until at a least 2pm (I worked 7-7). And after my last night, I would only sleep until 11, then haul my tired arse out of bed, so that I would sleep well that night and flip easily back to a normal schedule. As for food, I would always have a bite to eat at about 5am, that way I wasn't eating right before "bed" but didn't wake up early because I was hungry. Regardless of the crazy hours aim for meals over Snacks... Even if it's "breakfast" at 3pm, "lunch" at 6pm, and "dinner" at midnight. Shift work is tricky! I'm a nurse too and love my new Mon-Fri job!

Dr. Ortiz at OCC

I can understand that he's worried. The first experience didn't go well and he got a bad vibe from the place. But, since it is something you really want to do, then the two of you need to sit down and come to an agreement whether it's Dr. Illan again, a different Mexican facility he feels better about, or take the extra cost of surgery in the US. Hope you guys are able to sort out something you can both be confident about.

Congratulations! You've done amazing!

I didn't explain why. There is no obligation to share your personal health issues. I just gave him the note from the doctor. He did come later and ask if there was anything he could do to help. I might tell him in confidence if the right time comes along.

I've thought about it off and on for a long time, but only in the last 6 months really began searching and committing to going through with it. Both friends were surprised when I told them and have suggested to do it naturally, but both are completely supportive and interested about the whole process. I'm glad I told them.

I'm still pre-op, but I'm going to Mexico. There isn't a self-pay option anywhere near me. If there was, I would have gone that route depending on the price. I would be willing to pay a bit more for convenience. I am bringing someone along, but many people don't. I'm going to the OCC in Tijuana. Included in the price is a shuttle to and from the airport, surgery, and post-op stay at an affiliated hotel. I think we might have to pay for an extra hotel night for my companion while I'm in the hospital overnight. From what I understand, there is minimal care needed once your home (assuming not problems). My surgeon recommends a gastroscopy one year post-op. I have spoken to my family doctor. She is on board and has already given me a note for time off work. I will be seeing her once I'm home regardless, just to keep her in the loop. Hope that helps!

My hubby is coming with me and the kids are staying at my parents. I've only told my parents, sister, and 2 best friends. I'll be at the Marriott. What day do you arrive?

I started at 40, but by following the low protein/low carb guidelines for the last month before getting into two week pre-op, I have lost the suggested 5% and my BMI is now 38.5. How about you?

I'll be there the week before! From BC..

Dr. Ortiz from the OCC? I'll be there at the same time. I'm from BC.