Dragon64

Ahh,Ms. Moore, for I watched her shows well. And you are right, we will make it after all. Do you have a surgery date yet? It seems the closer I get to knowing mine, the further away it seems to get. Yes, I suffer from instant gratification; like internet sales, I want my tracking number (surgery date) NOW!!
So what, exactly am I doing?
1) Not watching TV when I eat
20 Cutting calories - although I am not counting them, I know that I am eating less by cutting out foods high in empty calories... walking a mile or so a day helps to burn the rest...
3) Cutting carbs back. Most of my carbs now come from healthy fruits like apples, strawberries, and grapes. As much as I love oranges, they are rich in sugar, so I must strictly moderate my intake of the juicy wedges.
4) knowing when I am hungry; stomach hungry (true hunger), and not head hungry. Head hunger stems from my food addiction, which I am refusing to feed anymore. used to smoke, so I know what it feels like when my head told I needed to smoke another ciggy. Food addiction brings on the same feeling.

Ahh,Ms. Moore, for I watched her shows well. And you are right, we will make it after all. Do you have a surgery date yet? It seems the closer I get to knowing mine, the further away it seems to get. Yes, I suffer from instant gratification; like internet sales, I want my tracking number (surgery date) NOW!!
So what, exactly am I doing?
1) Not watching TV when I eat
20 Cutting calories - although I am not counting them, I know that I am eating less by cutting out foods high in empty calories... walking a mile or so a day helps to burn the rest...
3) Cutting carbs back. Most of my carbs now come from healthy fruits like apples, strawberries, and grapes. As much as I love oranges, they are rich in sugar, so I must strictly moderate my intake of the juicy wedges.
4) knowing when I am hungry; stomach hungry (true hunger), and not head hungry. Head hunger stems from my food addiction, which I am refusing to feed anymore. used to smoke, so I know what it feels like when my head told I needed to smoke another ciggy. Food addiction brings on the same feeling.

Holey Moley you weigh less than me now! I guess you're going to show me how the pigs eat their corn- Good old country saying, isn't it? Just means I can learn by watching your good example, doesn't it? I'm getting so old commercials and TV jingles run through my head. Today's selection Mary Tyler Moore "You're Going to Make It After All!" My BMI is still hovering around 47, usually if you are close to 50 you have to be on 4 weeks instead 2 week liquid diet to shrink your liver. But we shall see,what we shall see. Maybe what doesn't kill me only serves to strengthen me.😜

Minor Update to my Weight Loss Journey:
I met with my Hematologist today; this is the doctor who first recommended that I seek weight loss surgery. He gave me high praise for my continued success, because according to his records (& scale), I have lost 22lbs since our January appointment. I have actually lost 17lbs since January, but his assessment sounds much better
I explained to him what has changed, and what I still have left to achieve, and that was pretty much it. He wants to see me again in August, to hopefully pull me off of the blood thinner, Xeralto.

April 11, 2018 1st Visit With Nutritionist
Stats:
Weight: 311.3lbs
BMI: 43.4
**NEW STAT** PBF: 47.8%
(PBF = Percentage Body Fat)
The talk with the nutritionist was good, one might even go as far to say 'uplifting'. Uplifting because I felt really good after talking with "Tacey". We talked at length about where I am at in the weight loss process, and we talked goals. "we have 5-months to help you start a complete life-style change..." We talked my good and bad behaviors, and developed a plan on changing the bad ones for good ones. Specifically reversing some of my bad habits, two at a time over the course of a month. My choices were love myself; and eat a meal healthily divided on my plate (i.e. 1/2 plate of non starchy veggies; 4-6oz lean protein; and 1/3 to 1/2 cup of healthy carbs) The last items was a behavior change, and I have decided not to eat in the living room while watching TV. Next month I get to select two more food practices, and one more behavioral change.
This visit started with two tests; the first was a breathing machine to help determine my resting caloric burn rate, and the second was to step on an InBody 520 machine, which determined fat, Water, and muscle content of my body (way to many stats to post here). Note: I had to fast for the tests. The data is an interesting base line from which to see changes that I will be making to my body mind and soul over time.
Next milestone is another doctors visit, slated for May the 4th (Be With You).
Alos one edit: I mistakenly stated that I needed to visit my doctor 6-times in 180 days... that number is actually 7-visits in 180 days. I must watch and manage the schedule carefully, because if I do not meet the 180 time frame, I have start this process over from the very beginning...

Indeed, currently I am experiencing weight loss from either the Metformin I was prescribed for my elevated insulin levels, or from following the diet work-up set forth by my bariatric dietician... maybe a combination of both. As of this morning, I am sitting at 304lbs, down 21lbs since I started this journey. I am told that if I lose enough weight, I may not need to be on the pre-op liquid diet very long. It will be decided the closer I get to the end of "the 6 month march."
Per insurance, I need 5-more visits with my doctor before Sept 4 (end of 180 day evaluation). My next scheduled visit is on Star Wars Day "May The 4th"
Thank you so much for thinking of me and asking for an update, I appreciate you very much.

Jonnie I'm ready for a new installment, is the March still moving forward?

Thanks Frustr8... I don't know about growing in maturity, but there does seem to be some un-used cogs starting to break loose (gears are turning again).

Exactly! Most recently I let a doctor convince me to take a pill for my Psoriasis. I started a regimen of Otesla, which for all intent and purpose, sent my Psoriasis into remission. However, the pill also made me feel bad all of the time, and gave me headaches. Seeing as I am still taking a blood thinner, I was not able to take any over the counter meds like aspirin or Ibuprofen, so I ended up taking acetaminophen (daily) to counter act the side effects of the Otesla...
I do not wish to get into taking a pill to cure a pill that was used to cure a pill etc etc. I ultimately took myself off of Otesla, and the unfortunate side effect being, I now have full blown psoriasis...

And I am enraptured following your story as it unfolds. It is almost. like watching a child growing in maturity until they stand alone as an adult. Thank you for inviting me along on your journey!😛

I'll,be waiting to hear!

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Congrats on your progress!

Minor Update to my Weight Loss Journey:
I met with my Hematologist today; this is the doctor who first recommended that I seek weight loss surgery. He gave me high praise for my continued success, because according to his records (& scale), I have lost 22lbs since our January appointment. I have actually lost 17lbs since January, but his assessment sounds much better
I explained to him what has changed, and what I still have left to achieve, and that was pretty much it. He wants to see me again in August, to hopefully pull me off of the blood thinner, Xeralto.

Friday face ash hahahaha at work

How far out are you from surgery? I got dizzy spells when getting up at about 6 weeks through 12 weeks out. The doctor said it was my blood pressure dropping as well as some dehydration. More liquids stopped it. Try a glass of Water before your shower.

The surgeon won't care if you're pissed off over nothing. If you're that easy to offend and upset....they'd rather be out from under you and will actively hope that you leave and never come back. Doctors have enough headaches without thin skinned patients, and they don't suffer fools gladly.
Just the truth.
If you're constantly looking for ways to portray yourself as a victim...you will always be a victim.

February 28 2018 Stress Test Day
Stats:
Weight: 319
BMI: 44.5
What can I say, stress tests suck! This was much better than my last test in terms of surviving it, but I believe that I good results have been recorded.
Now is a good time to get in the list of prerequisites that my insurance requires. This is a 6-month journey per the insurance. his so that I am given the chance to lose weight while under medical supervision. The following list will be updated with each event recorded:
Colonoscopy - Done!
Blood work - Done!
Stress Test - Done!
1st Visit with Primary Care Physician (six consecutive visits required within 180-days) - March 8
1st Visit with Dietician (three recommended, but only the first visit is required) - April 11
The process continues...

February 23, 2018 Initial Consultation Day
Stats:
Weight: 321lbs
BMI: 44.8
My doctor of choice is Dr Todd Foreman of the Alabama Surgical Associates. Dr Foreman has 15 years experience as a bariatric surgeon. 10-years ago he performed gastric bypass on my mother, and the lap band on my sister. After researching a number of the local surgeons, I selected Dr Foreman, and set my appointment.
The appoint seemed to take for ever, as this visit also doubled as lab day to get the blood work and H-Pylori test done. To prep for the big day I pulled together 28 questions to ask Dr Foreman. Upon his entry into the room, he answered most all of my questions in the first 20-minutes. He is a straight shooter, telling it like it is. I was afraid he was going to try and sell me the surgery, but instead he informed of the surgery, and talked at length about my options. After nearly an hour together, he confirmed a recommendation of the gastric sleeve being the best option for me.
Elizabeth was with me through the whole visit. She is my conscientious objector. At the end of the day, we downloaded our emotions and began our discussion. Much to her dismay, I have decided to proceed with surgery. She stated she will support me all the way, but asked that I please consider her reservations. I agreed, and weekend we had a number of heart to heart conversations, we discussed more in-depth about the journey that lies before us.

From August 2017 to January 2018 I gained 22 pounds. I was meeting with my hematologist, when he recommended that I seek weight loss surgery. For you see, like so many here on the forums, I have edema of the lower legs. I have been meeting with my Hematologist, because he has me on a dose of Xeralto to keep my blood thin. The thinning of the blood over the course of a year will help to inhibit the formation of new clots... but that darned edema of the legs has the doctor concerned for me. He said I need to lose the weight, so I can reduce the edema, so he can take me off the Xeralto. This is when he recommended the weight loss surgery.
Admittedly, I had been researching the surgery option, probably going back to 2012. But during this time, I was doing the research and making the inquiries, and I just could not get it in my head... I scared myself away. It is different now, this time a doctor recommended it to me as the best option for the situation at hand.
Another week or two goes by, and I decide that I am going to lose the weight on my own. First stop was a visit to my family doctor for a wellness visit, I was on top of the world. At this visit, I topped the scales at my highest weight of all time, 325 lbs! The world deflates below me, and in an instant I decided that I am going to seek surgery. I had concluded in an instant, there is no other way for me.

Question; can I document an entire six months as it happens? The only way I can tell the journey is as it happens.
How I got here; Hi! My name is Johnnie, and I am morbidly obese, and I am also a food addict. 27-years ago, I was a dope smokin, cigarette puffin. soon to be alcoholic. This is when god sent me one of his purist angels, we will call her Elizabeth. This angel accepted me for who I was, but loved me for who I am. When my destructive lifestyle began to corrupt her, she gave me an ultimatum; lose the pot, or lose me... I cannot have both. 27-years ago I quit the destructive habit of smoking dope. Elizabeth and I were also married.
Retaining the other two bad habits of smoking and drinking, I had also started to pack on the pounds. My married weight some 27-years ago fluctuated between 195 to 200 lbs. Over thsee years I tried the Atkins diet, which worked initially, but not before the steadily gaining back the weight. Fast forward to 2002, my weight blew up to 260 pounds. This was also the time my doctor started me on my first of many high blood pressure meds. At this time I also wanted to quit smoking, so my doctor prescribed Welbutrin, and within a month I became a non smoker. This about the time that my drinking got worse, and my weight started to soar again. A brief try at Atkins again proved futile, as my metabolism was not as young as it used to be.
At 300 +/- pounds in 2008, I quit drinking and started dieting again; this time it was the 1600 calorie diet with a daily dose of Phentermine. I managed a measly 50lb loss, before reversing direction. I tried Phentermine a couple more times, and even tossed in the 1200 calorie diet. Nevertheless, my weight was now getting out of hand. I have been plagued with plantar faciitus, sore knees, accompanied by a (un-)healthy dose of low self esteem, it became clear, I need help.
2017 arrived, and I decided to change occupations. In April I started a new career as a professional truck driver. I do not need to describe a truckers lifestyle, accept to say, 2017 was not my best year for decision making. July I came off the truck with a kidney stone. It took 2-attempts to get the stone out, but that little bugger came out. Three days after the last kidney stone procedure, was rushed to the emergency room and diagnosed with multiple pulmonary emboli (blood clots). It was deduced that I got deep vein thrombosis from the truck driver life style, producing the clots that nested in my lungs. Weight in July and August was 298.
I should note here, that through all of the years I also suffered from acid reflux, which I treated with baking soda and Water. But the acid reflux became severe about 5-years ago, before I managed to get a grip on it. I have been reflux free for the last 4-years. This was about the time I was diagnosed with severe sleep apnea and put on the CPAP machine.
If you skipped ahead in this story, just know that I suffer like so many here, with many of the issues surrounding those two nasty words; Morbid Obesity.
Elizabeth, has never left my side, she has been my rock, my angel, my best friend for life, even now more than ever! With my background story out of the way, I can begin my journey now...

And who wants to be on pills for the rest of your life?

Glad to see continued movement on your journey. There are people I enjoy postings from and I count you among them. I was enjoying myself today reading away until I saw a posting from one of the few I found a detriment, gosh I had hoped she would go inactive but maybe she is of some use to another poster. Maybe I'll live and let live[emoji20]
Sent from my VS880PP using BariatricPal mobile app

Heaviest Weight: 333 lbs
Surgery Weight: 292 lbs
Current Weight: 264 lbs
Surgery Date: 2/22/18
Mood: Ready for warmer weather.

Being silly and filming all the stages
Preop diet Nov 27: 344lbs
Vertical sleeve gastrectomy Dec 11, 2017 (321lbs)
Today April 5, 2018: 278lbs

I was told this by my doctor; sugar addiction is as real as a smokers addiction. To quit smoking, you would not have the occasional cig... likewise, to quit sugar is not to have candy or cakes. Honey is a better option to curb the sweet tooth, but make sure that you get the honey that is harvested locally to take advantage of the local antioxidant properties and natural immunity properties to your surrounding area.
I am in the infant stages of the VSG process (insurance requirements etc), and the first thing I cut out was everything to do with sugar. Some items are unavoidable, but for the most part, I do not indulge in anymore processed sweets. Of course I still depend on artificial sweeteners (demons in their own rite), but they will soon be gone as well. Along with honey, I am supplementing the sweet tooth with apples, grapes and strawberries.
My mother, a 10-year veteran of gastric bypass, felt that she could a full candy bar if she ate it over 2 or 3 sittings... gaining back 50-pounds of her lost weight, her doctor asked her why? "Why would you give in to those demons and lie to yourself." She cleansed her house of all of the processed carbs that have made their way back into her cupboard (and life), and has since lost 25 of those pounds...
If you must give in, at least substitute for a more naturally concurring sugar, and stay away from that processed stuff.
I'm not a medical expert, but I am a recovering addict.