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DedicatedLady

Gastric Sleeve Patients
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Everything posted by DedicatedLady

  1. DedicatedLady

    Starting my journey!!!

    I've had the same question from my man! I thought it was very odd and unusual, did not realize that many men would also ask that. It seems silly to me, they are generally the person who supports you the most, and helps you most. Its been 3 1/2 years and we literally have invitations out for our wedding in January. Even have a house together, a dog, and want kids in 2-3 years. Why on earth would I leave him for someone else who decides to pay attention to me? I don't think anybody pays more attention or is sweeter and more thoughtful to me than he is. I'd have to be an idiot to leave him Part of the surgery reason is so I can look good on his arm lol
  2. Yay Nmelo723 you must be excited! Also nervous while waiting for insurance to approve. That seems to be a common problem. Why make people wait and stress out, their probably stressing out about the surgery a bit anyways. I'm sure you'll be approved and join the July list with all of us you'll do great!
  3. Yes I ordered the oil as well, my supplier doesn't carry edibles, so I would just add oil to food
  4. Naturally I would listen to everything my doctor told me. In this instance however, I'll take itty bitty puffs Not because I mean to disrespect your suggestion, but because I smoke for epilepsy which means I have to find a happy medium. I've been honest with my consultation team so far and will continue to be.
  5. I've also been curious on this myself.I'm from Canada so people and cops don't really seem to care, just don't be stupid, if you see a cop driving down the alley, put out/away your joint as a courtesy haha . I have a prescription so I order it online and it shows up via CanadaPost to my door 2 days later(awesome to be totally honest). Bud or edible oil format. I've never found marijuana to make me hungry, it makes me too busy to stop and eat. The oil however, was absolutely delicious so a few times I've stopped at the bakery on my way home since I've found it goes best with a sweet pastry (absorption is also better)..However the delicious edible oil makes me hungry, so I've stopped eating my THC but smoke and have never lied to a doctor or surgeon about it. When my life is in someone elses hands for a while, I like them to know the whole story. Oh PLUS a breach in patient doctor confidentiality is considered medical malpractice! . I'm headed for surgery in 3 weeks and don't necessarily plan on stopping when I fly back so I'll try and remember to update on this post about any effects of smoking right away.
  6. Officially 7 days into pre-op dieting. July 6th is my official VSG date. Its Wednesday so I report my weight with my nutritionist and on the graph page with my user ID. Last Wednesday I said 295lb. When really I was 293.8, but likely for fear of not being successful at losing 15lbs by surgery date, I 'padded' my number..wait, wait, that was sugarcoated hey, ok, I lied because I was afraid of failure, there I said it.  My week has been a breeze, I feel like I'm running on motivation (while carrying a water bottle;) of course) Now keep in mind, I have been living off green vegetables, steak,chicken,shrimp,coffee,water,and when I cracked I had 5 potato chips. I barely notice the kitchen cupboards are even there anymore, because I know there's no snacks in them that I can have. I open the fridge and inside is my own shelf of what is allowed for me. I swear the entire shelf is green with the exception of the styrofoam carton of eggs on the edge. Yesterday there was a giant box of pizza on the shelf just below, and if it weren't for the smell of the hawaiian (I didn't even have to open the box to be able to tell the type, honest lol) I probably wouldn't have noticed it was there. Essentially, after a week, I'm kind of bored of food for now. Which in my opinion is exactly what I need prior to surgery. Oh, quick note. I have nocturnal epilepsy but I've been seizure free for like 8 or 9 years and take medication-so my concern with this pre-op diet was that it was going to effect me neurologically. I've been perfectly fine, I just make sure to eat proper foods at proper times. 

    Now, onto my weigh-in day. I had a $15 scale for 9 years that was like it had been built by NASA, it was the most accurate thing I've ever owned. It broke during bathroom renovations 2 months ago and I was devastated. Some time later, we buy an expensive scale (haha it was like $30) and I can stand on it 5 times in a row and get 5 different numbers, in like a 9lb range, I **** you not. Okay I know its time to get a new one, as soon as my schedule permits. Today however, I need that number or my nutritionist will actually contact me. Deep breaths, I take my first step, 280.2. I step again, but close to the outside edges trying to trick it or something, 280.2. I stand close to the front, 280.2. Close to the back, 280.2. I move the scale to the other side of the bathroom, and stand on it backwards, move it to the hallway stand backwards again, stand on it crouching down, sideways,backwards;The number won't go away. I actually told myself walking into the bathroom that I needed 20 consistent numbers to be convinced (that shows how little faith I have in this scale)

    Well, long story short, I'm convinced. 280.2 it is, and I'm not padding my number for once. It feels freeing. A brief idea went through my head as I stood there in my birthday suit, while processing the number that my toes pointed too, that I need to "maintain" this until surgery..that thought bubble immediately morphed into "eff that, I'm going to keep working" and being successful, because its the attitude I will need to have after surgery as well. I don't say this often enough, but GO ME!:D

    Today is a good day, and I have a can of tuna with my name on it that needs eating...yay :)

    1. Apple1

      Apple1

      lol... your scale woes cracked me up. I often wonder how accurate mine is.

      You are doing great with the pre-op diet. Congrats on the weight lost😃

    2. DedicatedLady

      DedicatedLady

      Why thank you! I again had to weigh myself this morning about half a dozen times juuust to make sure haha ;) Its been a strange week trying to figure out what to eat, breakfast is the hardest meal to figure out on atkins so far..so I stick with just a coffee but my body can tell it hasn't been fed. I eat lunch early (11), and dinner early also (5) so by 8 the next morning I kind of need something to run on ya know. According to my tracking number, my pre-op Vitaleph order should be waiting at my door when I get home. Its like waiting for christmas! I need a multivitamin and a protein shake, stat! lol

  7. DedicatedLady

    Concerned Mom

    I hate to jump on the bandwagon but I tend to agree with a lot of the communities replies, in that your words are contradictory to themselves. From the perspective of someone who lost 100lbs when I was 20yrs old, and then over 4 years gained back 130lbs, I have an idea of what it's like. Your daughter is right in that surgery is a tool, but it won't fix everything magically. You do need exercise and to relearn how to properly eat. Reading the 'maybe she does fail, but what if she flies!' comment is so true. If you are so willing to be helpful with a trainer and a nutritionist and even therapy-before the option of surgery, then why not after? You have the ability to not only convince your husband that it is a good idea(women are very persuasive) but you can change her mind about how "supportive" you've been. As someone who was overweight throughout high school, there were times I didn't realize how traumatic some of the experiences would be. A simple "lap around the field" for gym class was daily public embarrassment, my belly shook, I almost came last because I had to walk by the end , and while nobody probably noticed or cared as much as me, I never forgot. I was doing sprints at the class gym I joined last month, and everyone was lapping me. I didn't have time to finish my set when we went back inside, and started doing push-ups, there were as many tear drops falling from my face as there were sweat drips. What I'm trying to say is that you have the ability to change everything, right now, and genuinely be on her side! Take all the trainers, the nutritionists, and the councillors, and sit with her and let her know you're going to do all of that after her surgery to help her succeed, because you're her mother and you should want her to be successful more than anybody in the world. My mom was the first person I told, she supported me 100%, and genuinely. She will never forget if you choose not to support her.
  8. Completely agree that if you really want it, you'll find a way to get it. I wrote a list of ways to save money for the future about 3 months ago, and when I decided I wanted surgery it was serendipitous that I had the money to do it. I paid with my mastercard so I could get points, but then I paid off my mastercard the same week after putting $10,000 cash in the bank..which was weird to begin with, I've never done that before trust me. About 4 days before that I was going to buy a used car ($11,000) with money I had been saving, when the seller backed out.. already I had cut down on my expenses and started using less of my paycheques, and was saving- by cutting off my TV, that I honestly never watch because Netflix exists for $8/month . I also cut out unnecessary groceries,(diet coke, high cost meat, etc.) or things that weren't on sale, if I didn't need them. We started eating healthier and just saved money really. My fiance and I don't share bank accounts so when I had about $7000 in the bank, I combined it with my $4000.00 tax return, got the rest from my ever supportive, loving fiance, and booked the surgery that day. Its in Mexico, and I paid USD too!!! It turned a $6000 surgery into a $9500 surgery in about 2 seconds because of our exchange. OH and HUUUUGE help, we stopped eating out as often kind of randomly back in January to lose a bit of weight! I don't drink much at home, I don't smoke cigarettes, I don't have kids, and I'm too embarrased about my size to go clothing shopping unless I need to because I ripped a hole in the thigh of my pants from walking. Then 2 days later Medic-Aid called and said they would cover me, and I was relieved to say no thank you. Now my only debt is the remaining $300,000.00 on my house hahaha....
  9. DedicatedLady

    1 Month Pre-Op (My before pictures)

    Honestly these are some of the only photos that exist of me at a heavy weight. I think I have deleted photos, thrown out photos, or hid from cameras for too long now. The pictures are between 260-295lbs. The last one is my mothers wedding about 3 years ago and I was about 250lb. Keep in mind I'm just shy of 5'10 so 295lbs might hide better under a dress than I imagine it to in my head. I'm posting them so on the hard days, the bad days, the emotional days.. I have something to remind myself why I chose to change my life. I want to be able to watch photos go from fat to skinny now, because I've spent too long watching them do the opposite. Chronologically:
  10. Day 5:Pre-Op Diet.

    First Entry: Its been about 8 days since I made my decision and booked my surgery. I'm writing on a public board because I imagine my fiance is already tired of hearing about every aspect of VSG that there is, I find I can't stop talking about it, because I'M SO EXCITED! Also because only him and my mother know, and I need somewhere to type, and I happen to love the users on this site, so nice, honestly! 

    I'm booked in on July 6th at the OCC in Tijuana MX with Dr.Ortiz. I talked to my nutritionist on the 6th and she literally wrote in her first email "absolutely no alcohol from this point on". Even SHE bolded it in the email (as though I was only going to skim over her email regarding a major surgery, HA!) I had from that day until July 20th (2 weeks out from surgery) to be on Atkins, minus a few things. I'm supposed to be getting protein shakes but they're in the mail somewhere.. It is Canada after all. So, day 5 of sugar withdrawals, lets see.. I do drink like sweetened creamer in my coffee, only one a day, and I don't use too much, maybe only 1 serving which is 5grams. I still feel bad about that 5 grams, but I did not realize what a terrible idea trying to quit caffeine and sugar at the same time would be at first without it. Then I spent almost the entire weekend dizzy and lethargic on the couch  while binge watching Netflix in between napping. After 2 days of that, I decided I would go back to my one cup of coffee a day and just live with my 5 grams.

    Days 1,2 of no sugar were like a blur. Day 3 was weird because I had no appetite but I was unbelievably thirsty which I thought was funny since I was drinking over 2L of water a day. That 3rd day was headaches from wake up until bedtime. Day 4 was my least favorite, I had the exact same lunch and dinner, 4-5ox steak and lettuce (seriously Atkins restrictions, go f yourself sometimes).. then about 3 or 4 times I found myself walking around the kitchen opening cupboards and looking for snacks. As though magically there would be sugar-free, aspartame free Jello cups just waiting for me, or opening the freezer would make sugar free popsicles appear. Nope, all I found was the Cheetos for my fiance in one cupboard, the salt and vinegar chips I asked him to hide from me in another cupboard, and cookies in the last cupboard I opened. For some strange reason The day I shopped for approved Pre-Op foods for myself, I also bought a large amount of junk food for him. I dont know why. We all make mistakes right?  hahaha.  He's so unbelievably supportive though in a million and one ways. The first time I asked him his opinion about getting surgery, he thought exercise and healthy eating was the answer and said he didn't really like it. Then I brought it up again (with a few facts to back me up - I said I dont want to worry about things like diabetes,strokes,heart disease, and future pregnancy complications).. He is so supportive it has blown my mind, he literally even woke me up last night when he got home from football and asked if it was ok if he ordered pizza. I was asleep so I wasn't going to miss it, but I thought it was so sweet of him to care. He even just called me to tell me where were going for dinner for his moms birthday, so now I can look up the menu online and pick the best thing!

    All in all, Its been 5 days dieting, and 4.5 days sugar-free (mostly) I weighed in last Wednesday at 295. Tomorrow I report to my nutritionist, and I'll update my weight tomorrow. Sorry for such a long post - I knew I should have been writing from the beginning. Its kind of calming.

    Now to finish off my wonderful day! (that might just be the sugar in my creamer talking hehee....)

    1. DedicatedLady

      DedicatedLady

      Oh i mean Atkins until June 20th, not July** my bad :)

    2. Newme17

      Newme17

      Congratulations on deciding a better future for yourself! I'm equally happy to hear you've got a great support system at home too and it was super sweet of him to ask about the pizza. :780_sparkling_heart:The pre-op was the hardest the first few days for myself too. After these few days, it should get easier.. Like you, I didn't give up my 5g creamer either. My husband bought me sugar free stuff and it was disgusting to me. So I went back to my almond creamer. I still lost my weight too...don't let that itty bitty amount of sugar scare you.

      Keep us posted! We all love to talk on here. LOL :)

    3. Apple1

      Apple1

      Such a great post. I am happy for you!! I had my surgery in Mexico also, but with Dr. Illan. I have heard great things about the OCC. I think the best options in Mexico are Dr. Illan and OCC.

      Your fiance sounds like a great guy. My hubby is very supportive also!! I look forward to hearing more about your journey in the future.

  11. I'm actually headed to Tijuana, but my flight lands in San Diego and they pick me up to escort us across the border. They know I'm from Canada, its quite popular for people from Calgary to travel to Mexico for surgery (the price up here is $19,000-$22,000). Haha and yes my boss is a jerk, but if I come back and I need more time off I probably wont mind telling him he needs to find a replacement for a few extra days. Unfortunately if I'm not working, I'm not getting paid. I would still rather heal properly and tell him where to stick it, than risk any extra complications, especially being so far from where I'm getting it done. I kind of feel like I'm in a bit of a "suck it up and deal with it" situation unfortunately. I've had surgery in Miami and flown back 3 days later and been fine. I assure you that surgery was far more painful than this one will be. I try not to worry, it isn't going to help me, its stressful enough as is but I appreciate the support.
  12. I'm scheduled for July 6th. The first email I sent to my clinic was June 6th and they scheduled me for 1 month later. I am on a 2 week rather strict Atkins (my nutritionist wants me to lose 16lbs by surgery, I have to weigh in once a week) Then I do 2 weeks of protein shakes **fingers crossed it shows up by then**I'm in Calgary Alberta so shipping time on vitamins and protein shakes takes its time... As for work I'm only allowed to take July 5th off to fly to San Diego, and then surgery the next morning, and since my boss is kind of an a-hole, I have to be back at work on July 10th, just 3/4 days after surgery. I don't expect my productivity to be very high for the first week or two haha...jerk As far as getting any tests done, I don't have to have any that I've been told about. Anything they need will be done either as soon as I arrive or the next morning prior to surgery. Mind you I paid via mastercard as I don't think the work insurance covers this type of surgery. Also, mildly nervous and excited!
  13. (About me: I am on my pre op diet, I havn't received my pre op shakes and vitamins in the mail yet. Soon I will be on a strict protein shake/green vegetable diet for 2 weeks, followed by 2 days of liquids only before surgery day.) My question is: If you are on a pre op diet, what item do you miss the most? What tricks and inspiration do you use to keep from cracking? If you had asked me anytime in the last 3 years, I would have told you steak was my favorite food.. However in this case, I would do almost anything to be able to drink a glass of chocolate milk. Creamy, chocolaty, sugary milk. I imagine once I start drinking chocolate protein shakes, I will despise chocolate milk *crosses fingers*
  14. DedicatedLady

    Dear scale,

    @Berry78 I love this analogy. I am currently training a new puppy of mine and this resonates so true to me. I'm still pre op, but I know post op I'm going to remember this. Funny thread all around actually. I weigh myself every single day and I always have, its not healthy. I can look back on photos and tell you for almost every one of them how much I weighed at that time. We're going to have a very different relationship soon (my scale and I). After gaining 100lbs over the last 3 1/2 years, I have felt ruled by that number as to whether or not I have a good day. I felt like as soon as I made the WLS decision, and got approved for a date in exactly a month from then, we are now the best of friends about to take on a battle. These forums are so helpful to read. Thanks everyone for sharing what its like.
  15. DedicatedLady

    July Sleevers!!!

    I'll admit immediately that I am UNBELIEVABLY jealous of every one of those awesome preparation items! If I hadn't spent $500 on the Vitaleph kits last night I would take this idea and do exactly the same thing. I'll have to wait a bit before I spoil myself as good as you did. I'm very impressed
  16. DedicatedLady

    Pre-Op Diet

    I was told to do essentially Atkins (lean protein and steamed vegetables) but without any of the crap Atkins fillers (bars/shakes) . That starts today for just shy of 2 weeks, then 2 weeks of the Vitaleph diet. The nutritionist said I need to go from 295lbs to 280lbs by July 6th (current BMI of 44), and zero alcohol from now until then. I'm going to miss a relaxing after work beer with the fiance. For Canadians mostly - On the Vitaleph website its about $360 total for the pre-op and post-op Vitaleph, with $35 shipping. It ended up being about $500.00 to get it to me in Calgary.... but I figured what's the point of a $10,000 surgery if I don't bother to take full advantage and make it all worth it, plus I might appreciate a chocolate shake to break up all the chicken broth lol blah blah blah sorry for the long post 28 Days to go..I'm so happy I'm almost giddy like a child
  17. DedicatedLady

    July Sleevers!!!

    I'm booked for July 6th. I've got a 2 week liquid/high protein diet prior, with recommended Vitalephs bariatric multivitamins/shakes/B-12 drops. I'm going from Calgary, Alberta down to Tijuana Mexico to the OCC Getting very excited!

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