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Zemi

Gastric Sleeve Patients
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  1. Like
    Zemi reacted to Krimsonbutterflies in How have you dealt with the unsupportive people?   
    I'm in the beginning stages of preparing for the vsg procedure and I just told my 3 ppl in my small support group, how mental this is for me. I'm naturally very private and have already decided this is my journey, because it ultimately is. The highs and lows I'm already experiencing, just reminds me that I don't have energy to entertain what isn't serving me for the better. It's not my responsibility to educate people about what is good for my longevity and health. This is my personal opinion and I am going to be very mindful of whom I share this personal experience with. There's so much to learn and prepare ourselves for, I can't stand for any negativity. I only have one person who I am not sure if I'm going to tell, that's another post...but overall this is a journey for you...
  2. Like
    Zemi reacted to Nomanativ in How have you dealt with the unsupportive people?   
    My wifes entire family see things like this as an 'easy way out' because they are simply ignorant to the subject. You have to create the mentality that you do not care what other people think about it. You are doing this for YOU and only you. Your health. Its all about adding years to your life. Educate people on how much work goes into it. My wife had a sleeve done 3 years ago today actually, no one in her family knows except her mom. She hides it and shes not proud of it. Me on the other hand, i say it loud and proud and educate everyone who is negative about it. Stay positive, friend, you have us if all else fails!
  3. Like
    Zemi got a reaction from Healthy_life2 in How have you dealt with the unsupportive people?   
    @Healthy_life2 thanks for your reply ... i really love this comment
    because i started trying this with my best friend who sadly is one of those who think it's the easy way out, and quickly found that it wasn't changing their mind, so i really need to stop trying (although i won't stop hoping it will change).
    Nice reminder also on life being too short to spend on negative people
  4. Like
    Zemi reacted to ypease in How have you dealt with the unsupportive people?   
    I have chosen "not" to tell others as I feel it's none of their business. Being overweight is a very sensitive and personal issue and so is the decision for WLS. I treat it in that manner. I keep it at home and only discuss it with my husband, PERIOD!
    Don't feel discouraged that others don't understand. It's really tough, but be your own best friend. Be happy for your own accomplishments. You don't need others to approve of your choices! Remember my golden rule: At the end of the day, the only opinion that matters is YOURS! You are not alone.
  5. Like
    Zemi reacted to MrsGamgee in How have you dealt with the unsupportive people?   
    I've been fortunate enough to have mostly supportive people in my life. I've been very honest about my journey toward surgery, and now life after. A few have voiced concerns, mostly about the idea of surgery in general, but when I explain my motivation they have mostly turned into supporters. There's really only one who's still not pleased that I've had the surgery, but I think it's mostly out of jealousy/insecurity on her part, and I've come to terms with the fact that I won't convince her of anything, so why bother waste my energy worrying about her opinion.
    I say, give them the info you think they can handle. Remind them that it's your body, your choice. And then accept that not everyone is going to be on board with your choice. That's on them, not you.
  6. Like
    Zemi reacted to Healthy_life2 in How have you dealt with the unsupportive people?   
    You have our support here,
    How do I deal with unsupportive people? I keep the supportive people around me and I don’t waste my time on negative people. Life is far too short.
    Choose wisely on who you disclose your surgery to. Some will be supportive and respectful of your decisions and others won’t. There is no point in educating people that already are against bariatrics and think it’s the easy way out.
    Some may change and be supportive when they watch you lose weight and get your health back. Some relationships may change with weight loss. Be prepared.
  7. Like
    Zemi reacted to Frustr8 in Mental Evaluation   
    Hey Briswife, they asked me on my first visit if I was Bi-Polar? Worried for months until I saw that person again, turns out it was just a part of her questionaire,just like that blasted Depression one they keep giving me-- I wish they would stop. " How many times this week have you thought about killing yourself?" Will they be disappointed if I haven't? Like the old joke
    Person #1 So what did you do this weekend? Person#2 Why? What did you hear?
  8. Like
    Zemi reacted to KatieMc in Worried I'm going about this all wrong - help?   
    @Orchids&Dragons - Thank you, I'll make some more calls until I succeed!
    @FluffySaysForkIt! - I know of a doctor about 30 miles from me who will see patients who had their surgery elsewhere, but I didn't think to look into hospitals. Thanks!
    @Zemi - Thanks for the extensive list. I've had my eye on a couple of those.
  9. Like
    Zemi got a reaction from KatieMc in Worried I'm going about this all wrong - help?   
    Hi, great job thinking it through as far as extra support to help with all of this. I’m trying to find some additional people as well and finding it hard finding those with bariatric surgery experience; finding online dieticians and other support might be good. i hope things go well with this new therapist

    Some of the books i’m reading include:
    The Big Book on the Gastric Sleeve: Everything You Need to Lose Weight and Live Well with the Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy
    by Alex Brecher

    The Emotional First + Aid Kit: A Practical Guide to Life After Bariatric Surgery
    by Cynthia L. Alexander (seems helpful for what i wanted so far)

    The Weight Loss Surgery Coping Companion: A Practical Guide for Coping with Post-Surgery Emotions
    by Tanie Miller Kabala

    Your Complete Guide to Nutrition for Weight Loss Surgery
    by Sally Johnston



  10. Like
    Zemi got a reaction from KatieMc in Worried I'm going about this all wrong - help?   
    Hi, great job thinking it through as far as extra support to help with all of this. I’m trying to find some additional people as well and finding it hard finding those with bariatric surgery experience; finding online dieticians and other support might be good. i hope things go well with this new therapist

    Some of the books i’m reading include:
    The Big Book on the Gastric Sleeve: Everything You Need to Lose Weight and Live Well with the Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy
    by Alex Brecher

    The Emotional First + Aid Kit: A Practical Guide to Life After Bariatric Surgery
    by Cynthia L. Alexander (seems helpful for what i wanted so far)

    The Weight Loss Surgery Coping Companion: A Practical Guide for Coping with Post-Surgery Emotions
    by Tanie Miller Kabala

    Your Complete Guide to Nutrition for Weight Loss Surgery
    by Sally Johnston



  11. Like
    Zemi reacted to KatieMc in Worried I'm going about this all wrong - help?   
    My insurance doesn't cover bariatric surgery, so I've decided to get it done in Mexico. That's not the "wrong" part though, believe it or not.
    I do feel there is value to the pre-op hoops you jump through to get approved and other preparatory and follow-up work that I'm worried I'm not even aware of. Like everyone else here, I want the best possible chance at success and I feel like I'm already behind the curve. Here's where I stand with my own attempts to get the right support network in place:
    DIETITIAN - Do I need one after surgery? I'm not currently seeing one, but I used the services of an RD for 2 years, 2006-2008, so I've got all the knowledge regarding portions, balance, nutrient density, etc. I tried to find one, both locally and remotely, but the bariatric specialist RDs are all affiliated with surgical centers and only deal with those patients. I will try again if I need one, I just don't know if I do.
    THERAPIST - I've tried therapy five times before and never got anywhere. I'm currently getting medication management by a psych nurse, who is on board and has changed my anti-depressant scripts to regular not extended release. Anyway, I'm utterly convinced that this surgery won't succeed without 'head work' and I'm giving it another shot. Unfortunately my first appointment isn't until 2 weeks before my surgery, but at least I'll have it in place for afterwards. He does bariatric psych evaluations for insurance companies, so I'm feeling positive about this choice.
    POST-OP SURGICAL SUPPORT - I get follow-up support via phone afterwards. My primary doc where I live is on board with ordering the Vitamin level tests and such afterwards. This is, unfortunately, all I have figured out...I simply don't know what else I need.
    BOOKS - I've read Bariatric Mindset Success by Kristin Lloyd, but it didn't really resonate the way I hoped it would
    Feel free to recommend a book that takes you through all the steps, or a dietitian who does skype sessions, or even just write a bit about a valuable piece of the puzzle I'm either understimating or missing completely. Thank you.

  12. Like
    Zemi reacted to Ruth9454 in Foodies - honestly how bad is it?   
    I need some straight talk. I'm considering getting the sleeve, but I'm worried about whether or not I will be able to live with it. while I do want t lose weight, I can't even imagine it so it is hard to have an attitude that I will sacrifice anything for it.
    One concern is the food. If you are a foodie like me (I love food but I'm good with small amounts of it), how hard is it to live with this surgery? There is a lot of confusing information around. My potential surgeon says after 2 months, you can eat "normally" just smaller amounts. That sounds fantastic, but it doesn't jive with a lot of what I've read/heard. Some people indicate that they can't have carbs like bread. Others talk about having the kind of meat they eat severely restricted. What is the truth? I'm fine with restricting calories, etc., but I still want to be able to enjoy food.
    Another concern is "accidents". One lady I know talks a lot about all of the diarrhea accidents she had after surgery, particularly in the first year. She did have the full bypass, so maybe that is part of it, but I also know a woman who had the sleeve and talks about how she can never be far from a bathroom. I already have some irritable bowel issues (which is part of why I am considering the sleeve rather than bypass), and I really won't be pleased if that is going to get even worse.
    I want to have a realistic view of what life would be like post surgery. I really appreciate anything anyone is willing to share.
  13. Like
    Zemi reacted to Fazzini Bee in What's your best advice for preparing yourself for surgery?   
    I'm doing well. My left side is very very sore. Doc said it's normal, that's where the stomach came out.
    I'm struggling to get my fluids in but I'm 3 days PO and just trying my best!!
  14. Like
    Zemi reacted to mousecat88 in a sickening look at my eating disorder   
    Thank you! I had plenty of "food funerals" during my 16-day pre-op diet. While controversial, I don't regret it. Because I made a promise to myself to not have those foods ever again, and thus far I haven't. And, honestly, I don't miss them at all. Fortunately after surgery you physically CAN'T binge eat, which is the ultimate training tool. Not being hungry those first few months really helps. I think overtime people can fit more and more in if they really try, but I know 7 months out I couldn't. I would get so so so sick! And I don't want to sabotage myself.
  15. Like
  16. Like
    Zemi got a reaction from Healthy_life2 in how has surgery impacted your hunger?   
    thanks very much for sharing your experiences .... it helps reading this; as far as the information i was given initially that talked about the part that produces ghrelin being removed (and on the link i just read it says " Gastric sleeve surgery removes 70% of the stomach where the hunger hormone ghrelin is produced. " ) so that you stopped being hungry in the same way with the sleeve; and that similar things happened with the bypass, and doesn't talk about it returning although i know that head hunger would still be there. So reading the different experiences, and how hunger is impacted and also how it can be better managed following surgery is better preparing me as well as things to ask about with my surgeon and dietician. I also hadn't realised how important the initial time after surgery was; or that there was this honeymoon period i see people referring to .... so very thankful to have found this site and all of you!
    @Healthy_life2 thanks for those links to read through .... i've been reading a few books on weight loss surgery as well; trying to be better prepared before my next appointment and to help in making a decision
  17. Like
    Zemi reacted to Flakeranger in Buyers remorse   
    My stats are very similar to yours. I had the sleeve surgery May 2 and already feel like I hit the jackpot. I feel so much better, I look better and my whole demeanor is more upbeat and less depressed. I've already lost 35 pounds since the beginning of the preop diet.
    Anxiety and fear of the unknown is normal. Think about why you initially started down this path...
  18. Like
    Zemi reacted to GreenTealael in Depressed   
  19. Like
    Zemi got a reaction from FluffyChix in Dieticians/nutritionists question   
    there’s such a big range of experiences with them it seems ... so far i’ve seen mine once pre-op before i had a date, and i see her three times in the first two months after but then she said i can’t see her after that. i’d really like someone who could be involved longer term including now, so like the idea of the ones that give you that option. At the same time i’d probably not like it if i was told i had to 😃
    thanks for sharing some of your experiences
  20. Like
    Zemi reacted to chunkymonkey123 in Approved for Surgery :)   
    Hi Everyone,
    I'm so excited I was approved for surgery by Kaiser yesterday. I went to an orientation and am now enrolled in their 12 week Options program.
  21. Like
    Zemi reacted to RickM in Dieticians/nutritionists question   
    I'm glad that you like their program - my nephew just finished his RD internship program at OSU (now he can be frocked as an RD!)
    Our program didn't have an RD at the time, but I used on associated with our PCP. I only saw her 2 or 3 times but she was very useful. I had already learned a lot about nutrition on my own (as opposed to "dieting") when my wife was going through her WLS journey and I was doing fairly well effectively living a WLS maintenance lifestyle prior to surgery, so she helped in translating the surgeon's nutrition program to my tastes and needs, and then later helped in transitioning to maintenance once all the weight was off and I needed to ramp things up to get stable again.
  22. Like
    Zemi reacted to sillykitty in Dieticians/nutritionists question   
    @Frustr8, will you please consider creating your own thread where you can share your journey? You can then update that thread with your progress, and anything else you wish to share. It will help keep threads such as this one on topic and relevant to the OP
  23. Confused
    Zemi reacted to Frustr8 in Dieticians/nutritionists question   
    I have a dietician to see for the rest of my LIFE, that's the way Ohio State University,is set up and what they believe. Oh they are Good Good people there! It's a little like adoption , you are in their lives as long as You Live!🌈😝👍And I am very lucky to have found them. The program that I did at another Center of Excellence hospital- based program , same city, but different people, different attitudes, found out after all that they did not like me, didn't care if I could do all the things they requested ( and since there was a gap of 16-17 months I had to do each twice) The surgeon refused to do my surgery and forbid his partners, the only ones at this particular hospital,to perform surgery on me. Talk about a Death Blow to my emotions, didn't not make plans for suicide because I was at the apathetic end of depression, Why try THAT? I couldn't even succeed at that, just leave permanent scars, and I would have to explain why I could not even succeed at something so simple as Offing Myself!
    When I finally settled down a little bit of crap has been added to my state's history .Now they are attempting to remove Statue of Limitation on rape, especially referring to human trafficking, Ohio like many other Midwestern states has a bad reputation for boys and girls getting kidnapped into this seamy underbelly of vice. Perverts seem to. ❤our healthy corn-fed appearance.
  24. Like
    Zemi reacted to MrsGamgee in Dieticians/nutritionists question   
    My pre-op program was considerably longer than most (2 years), and I saw my RD every 3 months or so. I see her again at my 1 month follow up. Not sure how often I'll see her after that, but I know she's available for appointments should I have the need.

    Sent from my SM-G960W using BariatricPal mobile app


  25. Like
    Zemi reacted to GradyCat in Dieticians/nutritionists question   
    I saw mine once before surgery, had a phone conversation and have seen her twice post-op. She's available to me at no charge at any time.

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