Judith Meeks-Hakim

On ‎4‎/‎16‎/‎2017 at 0:26 PM, Dtrain84 said:

I've been obese for about half of my life and I have an extensive medical history. I had my surgery April 11th and I decided before the surgery not to tell anyone. Only my wife knows and she is aware of my wishes to keep my surgery secret. Right now I am trying to figure out how to respond when my family members inquire about my rapid weight loss? Has anybody kept surgery a secret and how is it working out so far?

Hello Dtrain84: I have not had surgery but in June is the planned date. Whole-heartedly I know what you doing as far as not telling anyone; my family members are the only ones that knows my journey. It is between GOD, my family and I. The best way I would approach this concern of family asking you about the drastic weight lost; if they knew you were in hospital, you can tell them that you have decided to seriously eliminate the foods that were harmful to you. Basically, you took a new approach on your eating habits and got rid of the foods causing your body to retain the weight or gain weight. Now having control has made you be medically well and your journey of good health is your focus. Some of my co-workers know that I have taken control of my new eating habits and they know of me having surgery; however, not bariatric surgery. So by me being off work for five weeks to heal and them knowing that I will have to drink liquids to prepare self and heal properly; coming back will be a shocker to them but they know how I was before leaving to have surgery "on a journey to a healthier me." I hope this will help you and most of all it is your business and if this makes you feel comfortable, there is nothing wrong with keeping it all to your along with your wife. Take care and GOD bless and I pray all will work out fine with your family. Thanks for sharing; I enjoy this web-site.

Judith

2 hours ago, Melena68 said:

Best of luck! I start tomorrow

It is happening. It is such a mixture of anticipation and nerves. It is all positive, but when I look at my liquid diet all set up for the day, it is a bit scary.

Hi, I know it may be a bit scary, but as you said it is all positive. Take care It is going to be fine. My support from my grandkids helps me a lot with the liquids and staying on track with small meals. My surgery is in June. Praying for a successful journey for you Melena68

3 hours ago, Moving Mountains. said:

First day on pre-op diet wasn't so bad. I hope the next 13 loooong days will be the same. Wish me luck! 😉

Hi , praying for your success; each day will get easier. I have to make this same journey at the end of May been preparing since February. Take care and don't even think about it being long days; your reward is ahead of you.

3 hours ago, Moving Mountains. said:

First day on pre-op diet wasn't so bad. I hope the next 13 loooong days will be the same. Wish me luck! 😉

On ‎3‎/‎30‎/‎2016 at 7:20 PM, SweetPeas said:

The endocrinologist, psychologist, nutritionist, and surgeon all told me not to drink alcohol. They said that this would be a "forever" lifestyle change (and their program requires you not drink during the pre op phase or they won't approve you for surgery). They very explicit that "moderation" isn't an option and noted that there is evidence that WLS patients have higher rates of alcoholism post op. They all had a lot of research and statistics and related the issues with Vitamin absorption, dumping, weight regain, and told me about a couple of patients that had not heeded the warning and spiraled out of control with alcohol (DUIs, losing their jobs, etc.). I would consider myself to have been a social drinker- a glass of wine at dinner maybe twice a month but after what the WLS team told me I wouldn't even consider touching it now.

This is great information, I drink once or twice a year and since my drinking alcohol is very low for a year; I can do without it! Hey way to go Judith! Thanks SweetPeas

On ‎3‎/‎6‎/‎2017 at 10:29 AM, PAstudent said:

What do you think about juicing? I use it to replace some meals now (I'm pre-op) and to get more veggies in. The main difference is that there isn't as much insoluble Fiber as there would be in a smoothie (so not as much volume). I feel like it would be good for a bariatric patients who can't consume large amounts of foods. Opinions?

I believe if you add Protein Powder it will provide the thickness which will give you the volume. Juicing is good if you juice with the right foods; I use to juice and I will start again only this time I will have more veggie juices with my protein powder. Drink your veggies!

Information I just read helps me focus on my strengths and build my weaknesses; I have an idea what to expect after surgery since I have had major surgeries before. I know this is totally different but it has answered questions that I have. Such as, scar tissues; I suffer with abdominal adhesions like every 3-4 years and they hurt. I even wondered if scarring from the tissue of the stomach being cut attaching to other scar tissue. It's a possibility but I know I will deal with this at time it happens and it may not happen. Losing of hair, building myself up with Vitamins & tonics before my surgery. I do have concerns; however, I am ready for this journey. A new chapter in my life at 62.

You will be fine; it will be over before you know it. I have had three in my life; I'm 62. At 10A I was in O.R. and back to my room at noon and home to watch General Hospital at 1P. Take care