CaribeRidge

I was reading some posts about loosing a lot of weight fast and experiencing depression after surgery although not necessarily related and it got me thinking. When we go into these surgeries, we go in knowing that we will never be the same. That is the goal. We will never be big again. But that also means that we will never see the person we are used to seeing in the mirror again. Our facial features will change. We will look different. When I look at before and after pictures sometimes the faces are hardly recognizable. Have you thought about that at all and how will you feel about it? Do you suppose that might play a little part in the post surgery depression some people experience? That they are somewhat mourning/missing the person they used to be because it was comfortable?

Congratulatulations! That's a big milestone!

Didn't even know this existed. Thanks for the tip

Congratulations! Keep up the good work.

First, I haven't had surgery yet. Second, but most important, contact your doctor right away. Third, my 2 cents, I get what you are describing and in my case they are esophageal spasms. They are caused, in my case, by GERD. I have to take omeprazole daily to manage them because they are extremely painful and even with the med I still get them just not as often. It feels like you are having a heart attack. Aside from the omeprazole, when I get one, drinking cold water helps to stop them right away. Now remember, I am pre-surgery so I am not sure if that will help. When you call your doc ask them if its ok to try until they can see you. Good luck.

have you tried gasx?

How long is that stall? Have you also been tracking your measurements? Because you might be losing inches even if it doesn't quite show on the scale. This might be a good time to change your exercises to give your system a little shock.

funny thing is that I am ok referring to myself as fat when that is the most accurate descriptor. But the was this woman that would say "oh don't say that about yourself." I didn't get it, I still don't. It is not an insult to me but a descriptor of all this insulation I carry around. Now if you called me ugly ... well... them's fighting words.

fingers crossed it goes through.

You should take a look at this video on you tube. She also has a book which I borrowed from the library. I think she hits the nail right on the head about food addictions. A lot of the things she says I see happening to me. I think it might give you some insight into any food addictions you might have. Vera Tarman: Food Junkies The more knowledge you have, the more power you have over it.

Yes I've also have had my cpap for years and at this point they only cared that I have one and that I use it. But when I was first diagnosed they kept a close eye on me and it. This docs reluctance might have something to do with it being a new diagnosis and machine for her.

I am not 100% positive on this but it might be for monitoring compliance with using the cpap. When I first got mine they had it connected to the wifi and monitored my use every night. If I didn't use it a minimum of ?? hours per night they would have taken it away. I'd recommend you follow the guidelines to the T and be in full compliance all of the time even if you hate it. Then check in with the doc once a week and see if he or she wont approve you sooner. Good luck.

I recommend reading the new People magazine which includes an interview with her. It was very insightful and touching.

That is all great news! I hope I feel as good as you after I have my surgery.

I am so sorry you are feeling like this. My understanding is that it is common to feel up and down like that after surgery. It is normal to feel this way. Hang in there and it will get better.

At 18 months post op, it could be anything from pulled muscles to a rib fracture/crack. This pain may occur immediately upon injury or develop slowly over time. It can also be a sign of an underlying medical condition, so you should report any instance of unexplainable rib cage pain to your doctor immediately. I Googled that part. But I also get similar pains that are actually coming from my back like from a pinched nerve.

It takes courage to start this journey but it is well worth it in the end.

Congratulations you are officially "Over the Hill" (the weight loss surgery hill)! It is all downhill now to a slimmer, healthier you.

That is awesome! continue with all the good work.

ooh, that's a great idea! I'm picturing fancy colorful shot glasses to give you that bit of "going wild" feeling! Make a drinking game out of it. Every time someone says or does something you have to drink an ounce of water.

This is really good news. I'll have to share it with my husband.

I also have Terry. I was surprised when I saw him. For some crazy reason I had it in my head that he was a she I am so relieved to hear about your experience. It is exactly what I hope to do. Before I saw your answer I had sent him the question too via email so we'll see what he says. He seems to be the most knowledgeable about the program of the people I have met so far. It will also take a bit longer for me to get to surgery because of the upper endoscopy. But on the positive side, I caught a break with the classes and I only have to take 3 of them because I did the Slim for Life at Anschutz this summer.

Anyone have Kaiser in Colorado? I can only find information about Kaiser in California and in Washington. Even on other boards I can only find people talking about Kaiser California. Aside from finding out what the clinical requirement/policy in CO is (or at least what was your experience) which is not available online, I really want to know if anyone has experienced any repercussions/denials/push backs because they asked too many questions the doctor's office didn't want to answer.

A bit of background first. I went in for my 2nd pre-op visit with the nurse pract. yesterday. My 1st visit was with a pa who put me on phentermine and topamax. She asked that I get an upper gi endoscopy because of my severe gerd and esophageal spasms. This is scheduled for June 19. I already had the therapist appt. After I get the endoscopy I will start the 6 week required classes. Then I see the therapist again and the nurse one more time. I believe at that point I will finally meet the surgeon. On to my question. my bmi on the 1st appt was 37.2. Since they put me on the diet pills it went down to 36.7 trying hard not to lose any. I am afraid to lose too much and have them say I no longer qualify. I have commodities hbp, sa/cpap, diabetes 2, high cholesterol, debilitating arthritis on my back due to scoliosis. So I would qualify at 35 bmi. The prob is that i am not that far from 35 bmi. So I asked her several times what would happen if I went lower. I asked her which weight they submit. I even asked her if the do submit anything based on my plan or if the doc has final approval. She never gave me a straight answer. she just kept saying that if I had medicare then the weight would definitely matter but on my insurance (Kaiser) it "should" not matter. I am not 100% comfortable with "should" . This is a kaiser facility and program not contracted program. Shouldn't she have known for sure what the clinical requirements are for approval? I want to call or email someone else to push the matter and get a straight answer but I'm afraid they'll say I'm somehow unstable for worrying too much. I can lose the weight I just cant keep it off. I've heard all these horror stories of last minute cancellations because you lost too much. But atthe same time if I can go into the surgery weighing less I wouldrather do that and give myself a leg up. What do you guys think?