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Jonah

Gastric Bypass Patients
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  1. Like
    Jonah got a reaction from shanshan in Where's everyone from :)   
    I’m 44 and in Portland, Oregon. I’m in the pre-surgery stage. I’ve lost 50lb since May just in changing my habits in prep for surgery. I have a bit over 150 to lose still.

    My insurance only does Gastric Bypass. I have my first meeting with the bariatric department on October 11th. No surgery date yet.
  2. Like
    Jonah got a reaction from shanshan in Where's everyone from :)   
    I’m 44 and in Portland, Oregon. I’m in the pre-surgery stage. I’ve lost 50lb since May just in changing my habits in prep for surgery. I have a bit over 150 to lose still.

    My insurance only does Gastric Bypass. I have my first meeting with the bariatric department on October 11th. No surgery date yet.
  3. Hugs
    Jonah got a reaction from ProudGrammy in Food addict   
    What have you tried to address your food addiction? I think it is smart to address your issues before the surgery. As lots of people say, wls is only a tool. If you don’t have your addiction under control it surgery won’t fix it.

    I have been struggling with emotional eating and binge eating disorder all my life. I haven’t had a classic binge in about 9 years now. I’ve been good about not eating my emotions for about 5 months. I go to therapy weekly and I used to go to overeaters anonymous. I did a couple programs offered by my health insurance too. It takes a lot of work to keep up.

    I’m still struggling with the decision to do wls. I’m doing the pre-requirements now. I have several months to decide. If I don’t think my emotional eating is controlled I’m not going to do the surgery.

    I wish you well on your path.
  4. Thanks
    Jonah reacted to KarenLR75 in Food addict   
    I personally feel that getting a GOOD therapist/counselor that works with people that have food addictions is critical.
    You have done the 'first step' as the 12 step programs say and have admitted you have an addiction. This is ONLY my opinion, but when I had that same mindset that you openly and honestly admitted (and kudos for that!), I KNEW I was not yet ready for bariatric surgery no matter how many doctors in the past decade urged me to do it immediately. I also knew from long ago experiences with other addictions that I could "intentionally" make someone believe I'm ready OR..that someone, likely a counselor/therapist may pass me off as 'ready'..but I would not be.
    Postponing surgery while you work on your journey is NOT giving up. In the end, I hope whatever decision is made, that you are at peace with it. We will all encourage you. Delaying does not mean NEVER. And am not sure how soon your surgery is slated for...if it is months away, you have time to get a little extra help..
    This is different than just the normal fear of failure. I was NOT ready to give up my addiction until 7 or 8 months ago and that was after looking into overall..honestly it was 5 years with 3 of those spent on this board in silent mode.
    People with addictions all have different 'bottoms' and for some ppl, they don't require hitting bottom. in order to realize that they were finally ready to do WHATEVER it took. Unfortunately, I was a stubborn/stuck in and loving and hating my addiction.
    Could you have surgery even with how you are feeling and have some measure of success...well, there are ppl here who did. I feel like though...it would be what I call 'white knuckle' recovery. This journey is amazing but it can also be very hard, especially the first 3 to 6 months. I do know that an overwhelming huge majority ALL wish they had done it sooner. I am in that number. However, for whatever reason, I was not ready.
    This also does NOT mean you cannot become ready faster than my stubborn self did! Seek out someone that works with food addictions, WLS and they are good at it. Find a great person who helps you challenge and overcome your current feelings of not being ready..and when you are ready, they will help you know that you are.
  5. Hugs
    Jonah got a reaction from ProudGrammy in Food addict   
    What have you tried to address your food addiction? I think it is smart to address your issues before the surgery. As lots of people say, wls is only a tool. If you don’t have your addiction under control it surgery won’t fix it.

    I have been struggling with emotional eating and binge eating disorder all my life. I haven’t had a classic binge in about 9 years now. I’ve been good about not eating my emotions for about 5 months. I go to therapy weekly and I used to go to overeaters anonymous. I did a couple programs offered by my health insurance too. It takes a lot of work to keep up.

    I’m still struggling with the decision to do wls. I’m doing the pre-requirements now. I have several months to decide. If I don’t think my emotional eating is controlled I’m not going to do the surgery.

    I wish you well on your path.
  6. Hugs
    Jonah got a reaction from ProudGrammy in Food addict   
    What have you tried to address your food addiction? I think it is smart to address your issues before the surgery. As lots of people say, wls is only a tool. If you don’t have your addiction under control it surgery won’t fix it.

    I have been struggling with emotional eating and binge eating disorder all my life. I haven’t had a classic binge in about 9 years now. I’ve been good about not eating my emotions for about 5 months. I go to therapy weekly and I used to go to overeaters anonymous. I did a couple programs offered by my health insurance too. It takes a lot of work to keep up.

    I’m still struggling with the decision to do wls. I’m doing the pre-requirements now. I have several months to decide. If I don’t think my emotional eating is controlled I’m not going to do the surgery.

    I wish you well on your path.
  7. Like
    Jonah got a reaction from FluffyChix in i have foamies. send pics of your pets.   
    Here are a cute mix of my pets

  8. Like
    Jonah got a reaction from HipHopDiva in Thanksgiving Staples and WLS   
    I’m pre-op but my partner is diabetic so I bake a lot of sugar-free, low carb stuff. For thanksgiving I make a sugar-free, low carb pumpkin cheesecake that is amazing. It isn’t super low-fat though. If anyone wants the recipe just poke me!
  9. Like
    Jonah got a reaction from HipHopDiva in Thanksgiving Staples and WLS   
    I’m pre-op but my partner is diabetic so I bake a lot of sugar-free, low carb stuff. For thanksgiving I make a sugar-free, low carb pumpkin cheesecake that is amazing. It isn’t super low-fat though. If anyone wants the recipe just poke me!
  10. Like
    Jonah got a reaction from HipHopDiva in Thanksgiving Staples and WLS   
    I’m pre-op but my partner is diabetic so I bake a lot of sugar-free, low carb stuff. For thanksgiving I make a sugar-free, low carb pumpkin cheesecake that is amazing. It isn’t super low-fat though. If anyone wants the recipe just poke me!
  11. Like
    Jonah got a reaction from BoredCW in Revision Surgery with new Depression! Help? Electroconvulsive Therapy   
    I did about nine months of ECT for treatment resistant depression. I don’t think it is hyperbole to say it saved my life. I started feeling the effects after the first couple weeks. I started going 2 times a week and moved further and further apart as I got better. I was supposed to move into monthly treatment but I had to stop because the anesthesiologists had a hard time keeping my oxygen up during the procedure due to being at my highest weight ever. Now they won’t let me do ECT until I lose about 100lb. This is part of my motivation for wls. I was okay for two years after I stopped treatment. My depression came back and nothing else seems to help. I may try trans-cranial magnetic stimulation since it can be done awake.

    As for the downsides of ECT. You can’t drive for 24hrs and they recommend taking it easy for a day. I got pretty bad headaches right after for a day or so. I also had some memory loss, some temporary and some permanent.

    It was worth it for me and I’d do it again.

    I’m open to more questions if anyone has any. Just message me!


  12. Like
    Jonah got a reaction from LizzieMmmkay in Newbie prepping for surgery   
    I’m in the pre-surgery stage as well. Here is all the things my program encouraged me to start before surgery. The last 3 months I worked my way up to working out 5 days a week for at least 30 min. It was a slow progression but I really think it will help me after surgery. I also drastically decreased my sugar and carb intake. I measure, weigh, and track my food and Water. I’m trying to learn to eat slower. That is so hard for me! I also quit all carbonated beverages.
    I am half way through a required 12 week class on healthy weight and my bariatric class is in October. Only then do I get to make an appointment to see the surgeon.
    It is a long road to surgery but I think that is a good thing. It gives me plenty of time to prepare and be really sure I can do this. Also, I’ve lost 35 pounds so far. That is a nice bonus!

    Good luck on your journey!
  13. Like
    Jonah got a reaction from FluffyChix in i have foamies. send pics of your pets.   
    Here are a cute mix of my pets

  14. Like
    Jonah got a reaction from FluffyChix in i have foamies. send pics of your pets.   
    Here are a cute mix of my pets

  15. Like
    Jonah got a reaction from FluffyChix in i have foamies. send pics of your pets.   
    Here are a cute mix of my pets

  16. Like
    Jonah got a reaction from FluffyChix in i have foamies. send pics of your pets.   
    Here are a cute mix of my pets

  17. Like
    Jonah got a reaction from polly... in What was your moment?   
    The moment I really started to consider it was a couple years back on a trip to DisneyWorld. I was at my heaviest, 402 lb, (I’m only 5’4”. ) Walking was a misery. My feet swelled up so much! The flight was absolutely miserable and I couldn’t fit in some of the rides. It took me three years from that trip to actually start the process. I was constantly thinking about it but it took the addition of my sleep apnea getting worse, pre-diabetes, and a creeping up of my blood pressure to make the first appointment. That was 2 months ago. I’m currently 44 years old. My insurance says it takes about 9 months of preparation. I’ve changed everything in the last 2 months. I’m off sugar, eating low carb, working out 5 times a week, and have dropped to 366 lb. This is all in preparation for getting a gastric bypass in the next year. I’m determined to have my habits in place and my head game strong before the surgery.
  18. Like
    Jonah got a reaction from GreenTealael in New and anxious   
    Hi!
    I have Kaiser too. I’m 3 weeks into the 12 week Weigh Loss class. I’m admittedly not learning much of anything new currently but it helps to keep me doing weekly goals. What I’m really looking forward to is the gastric bypass specific class. I get to schedule that in a few weeks. I have so many questions!

    In the meantime, I’ve been changing my eating habits and exercises four or five days a week. It’s helping get my habits set.

    Welcome to the forums! I’ve found great information and support here. I hope you do too.
  19. Like
    Jonah got a reaction from Healthy_life2 in Pre-op and obsessed?   
    I’m just at the beginning of my path and I do some sort of research every day. I’m in a 12 week “Healthy Weight” class required by my insurance before I even talk to the bariatric department. I can call the bariatric department once I’m half way through the 12 weeks.

    I’m still not 100% sure I’ll have wls. That is why I keep reading the boards, books, and watching videos. I want to be as sure as I can before I make my final decision. I want to do so with my eyes open to the risks and -realistic- benefits. In the meantime, I’ve cut out almost all sugar, went low carb, measure my portions and work out 5 times a week. I’ve lost 31 lb in the last 2 months! I have a lot more weight to lose but this helps me imagine what life might be like after surgery. It helps thinking that these changes are life now, not the exception. It makes me feel more positive I could handle life after wls.
  20. Like
    Jonah got a reaction from polly... in What was your moment?   
    The moment I really started to consider it was a couple years back on a trip to DisneyWorld. I was at my heaviest, 402 lb, (I’m only 5’4”. ) Walking was a misery. My feet swelled up so much! The flight was absolutely miserable and I couldn’t fit in some of the rides. It took me three years from that trip to actually start the process. I was constantly thinking about it but it took the addition of my sleep apnea getting worse, pre-diabetes, and a creeping up of my blood pressure to make the first appointment. That was 2 months ago. I’m currently 44 years old. My insurance says it takes about 9 months of preparation. I’ve changed everything in the last 2 months. I’m off sugar, eating low carb, working out 5 times a week, and have dropped to 366 lb. This is all in preparation for getting a gastric bypass in the next year. I’m determined to have my habits in place and my head game strong before the surgery.
  21. Thanks
    Jonah reacted to Healthy_life2 in What was your moment?   
    I yoyo dieted most of my adult life. After my kids and a few traumatic events my weight escalated. I lost the motivation to lose it. I knew I was significantly overweight. If I could have lost it on my own and maintained my weight, I would have done it.
    My “moment”
    254 morbidly obese and a type one diabetic.
    I went into diabetic ketoacidosis. Eight days in Intensive care, my vital organs where systemically shutting down and My heart stopped. Dr’s brought me back. Nothing like a near death experience to give you a reality check.
    I had surgery in 2014 I get this second chance in life. I’m still maintaining and I don’t take my health for granted.
  22. Like
    Jonah got a reaction from polly... in What was your moment?   
    The moment I really started to consider it was a couple years back on a trip to DisneyWorld. I was at my heaviest, 402 lb, (I’m only 5’4”. ) Walking was a misery. My feet swelled up so much! The flight was absolutely miserable and I couldn’t fit in some of the rides. It took me three years from that trip to actually start the process. I was constantly thinking about it but it took the addition of my sleep apnea getting worse, pre-diabetes, and a creeping up of my blood pressure to make the first appointment. That was 2 months ago. I’m currently 44 years old. My insurance says it takes about 9 months of preparation. I’ve changed everything in the last 2 months. I’m off sugar, eating low carb, working out 5 times a week, and have dropped to 366 lb. This is all in preparation for getting a gastric bypass in the next year. I’m determined to have my habits in place and my head game strong before the surgery.
  23. Like
    Jonah got a reaction from polly... in What was your moment?   
    The moment I really started to consider it was a couple years back on a trip to DisneyWorld. I was at my heaviest, 402 lb, (I’m only 5’4”. ) Walking was a misery. My feet swelled up so much! The flight was absolutely miserable and I couldn’t fit in some of the rides. It took me three years from that trip to actually start the process. I was constantly thinking about it but it took the addition of my sleep apnea getting worse, pre-diabetes, and a creeping up of my blood pressure to make the first appointment. That was 2 months ago. I’m currently 44 years old. My insurance says it takes about 9 months of preparation. I’ve changed everything in the last 2 months. I’m off sugar, eating low carb, working out 5 times a week, and have dropped to 366 lb. This is all in preparation for getting a gastric bypass in the next year. I’m determined to have my habits in place and my head game strong before the surgery.
  24. Thanks
    Jonah reacted to Missouri-Lee's Summit in Should I be offended?!   
    I do not care for my surgeon as a person, but as a surgeon I know he's well-qualified. Obviously, it would be great to have a surgeon that didn't talk and behave like an ass, but if you're willing to overlook his bedside shortcomings in exchange for a competent surgeon, then feel confident that you made a good decision.
    Do I find your surgeon's comments inappropriate and sexist? Absolutely. Would I have wished that I had the perfect comeback when he made his disparaging remarks about women who want to build healthy muscle? Absolutely. My guess is that you're mainly peeved because he got away with saying what he said, and you weren't able (out of sheer disbelief perhaps) to challenge his asshattery. Instead of being able to express yourself fully with him, your only outlet (and a less satisfying outlet) is to vent here.
    I doubt if I'm alone as a woman in feeling hesitant to speak up for myself. As a survivor of childhood sexual abuse, I often "flew away". It took years of therapy before I could rid myself of that shame.
    In some ways, I was conditioned, as are many women, to be shrinking violets. There's also the issue of status involved in your case. We've been taught to respect certain professionals, doctors included. So, here you are confronted by a male doctor who completely caught you off-guard by basically equating unattractiveness with muscles. Heck, we're already fat and feeling bad about that, now to be told that to build muscle is unfeminine. Wow. Imagine paying an insurance co-pay to hear all this crap.
    It's important for you to be a strong self-advocate. You are taking a life-changing step with weight-loss surgery, so why stop there? For your own self-respect, I'd politely but firmly revisit this conversation by letting him know that you were offended by his views on women who lift weights and press him about whether there is a medical reason for you to not lift weights or if this was just his subjective view.
    If you read my profile statement, you'll discover that I had a negative hospital experience with my doctor. Yes, I vented like crazy here and elsewhere, but as soon as I saw my surgeon at my first follow-up appointment walking down the hall (I was actually supposed to see a nurse practitioner for this visit), I approached him with confidence, touched his arm, and said, "Dr. S---, I am not very happy with you. In fact, I'm very disappointed." He was so taken off-guard by my bluntness that he escorted me into the exam room and spent 45 minutes worth of damage control on me. You can imagine the bewilderment of the nurse when she walked in and he was with me. She probably thought she was the one in trouble. The point is, I took back some of the dignity that I felt had been taken from me previously.
    Yes, it was "just" a statement about muscles, but where do you draw the line? You wouldn't be here venting if it didn't bother the becheezits out of you.
    Believe me, you'll feel better about yourself for at least trying to stand up for yourself. It might not go over well, maybe you feel clumsy getting out your words, but it's better than saying nothing. Practice self-advocacy until it becomes second nature. The older I get, the easier it's becoming. When you don't speak up for yourself, you are essentially giving the other person the power and permission to put you down.
  25. Congrats!
    Jonah got a reaction from MeanSleevedMachine in One year mark   
    Wow, man, your transformation is amazing! It gives me (pre-op) hope that this is the right direction. Also, as a short guy it never occurred to me my fat would make me shorter (duh, it makes sense). I thought I was losing it since I was an inch shorter at last measure than I was in high school. I really hope I gain some height too!
    Congrats on all that hard work paying off.

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