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Everything posted by cajunredpanda
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Food Before and After Photos
I have both the regular and pumpkin mini waffle makers. The pumpkin one is especially adorable. I got it for $10 with Amazon Prime. Just today I got a Dash mini griddle at Marshalls for $8. I don't like pancakes but I may try making "buns" with the chaffle recipe by blending it into a pancake batter consistency.
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Autistic bariatric patients and psychological clearance
I'm afraid I might've totally messed it up by doing that. I think there's one other counselor at the clinic but I'm afraid to switch at this point. Probably need to. Just don't know if it's okay to call the receptionist and go "hey, can I change to ____?" I just want my parents to come to a meeting or two with me but they don't seem to want to go. When they do take me to meeting since I can't drive they just drop me off and go to McDonald's. Then they'll tell me everything I'm doing wrong and nothing I'm doing right. That I'll be like the people on My 600 Pound Life that get the surgery and then go straight back to eating copious amounts of food within a month. My brother compares himself to me because he's been losing more weight than me despite me telling him that males lose fat easier than women and yadda da. You're right though, I may need to write down refutes. (I meant to say that my initial interaction with the clinic was November 1, 2018. Sorry for the confusion.) I'm confused why what my nutritionist said isn't mattering. I got cleared on that end in early August. She said that my food intake was overall good. I'm making changes and as long as I keep making them that I'm doing great. If anything my fiber was too low. That and to check food labels for fat and sugar intake. Meanwhile my psych is telling me that the more stressed I am the more I eat, so you need to do something about that. She nearly got on me for eating cake on my mom's birthday and I had to clarify that it was one slice and I didn't eat any leftover cake. Heaven forbid I want to celebrate. I keep feeling like maybe I should find someone else but I don't know if I can. There's one other psychologist in the clinic I believe but I don't know how to switch or if I can. This is the only clinic I can really use. My clinic has a Facebook group and list of people that had the surgery that I can talk to. Do you think I should ask one to be my advocate?
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Autistic bariatric patients and psychological clearance
I wish I could say that I was cleared, but I wasn't. I admittedly started sobbing when I realized she wasn't going to clear me... this time. She said that I'm making good progress. I'm just not "ready" yet. Her main concerns were that my family isn't very supportive (I live with them) and that my daily calorie range is too high (I'm eating between 1200-2000 a day). I didn't tell her that I had support on the internet (plus my LDR) because, well, I was too upset. I even had a panic attack and had to calm down before leaving. It was bad, y'all. The pyschologist is going to see if there are other support groups besides the hospital one that I can participate in while I'll try to focus on eating better. I'm eating better overall; it's just not "there." The main reason I was upset is because I'm supposed to have cardiac and pulmonary clearance a month before surgery. I had my pulmonary clearance over two weeks ago. I also didn't have to see the nutritionist and exercise trainer until surgery unless something came up to delay it. Add that I now have a sleep study next week and I'll be pushed back yet again. I feel like I'm starting at square one again. I called the clinic November 1st and it appears I won't have surgery until over a year after starting my journey it seems. Sorry for the mini rant. That's just how much this clearance at this time mattered/s to me.
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Autistic bariatric patients and psychological clearance
I have my latest psychology appointment tomorrow. This is my final clearance. I really hope I get cleared this time. Last time her main concern with me was eating too many carbs so I've been cutting back. Hope that's enough. I'm so close to submitting to insurance...
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What brand flavoring is your favorite?
I don't use it all the time, but McCormick cake batter flavor is good with chocolate shakes. It does add that batter taste to it.
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Last Meal...
Good luck!
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Last Meal...
Good luck!
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What to bring with to the hospital
I'm preop but a power bank for my phone is one of the most useful things in my daily life; I'm sure to pack it. I find that 10000 mAh lasts a few days depending on use. You also don't have to plug it to the wall like a phone charger. I got my current one on Amazon but TJMaxx and Marshalls have good deals too. I read that chapstick is a common choice for dry lips but didn't think about mouthwash for the mouth. I'll consider that, thank you.
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Flavor water
My mom likes to do that. Yours looks refreshing!
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Autistic bariatric patients and psychological clearance
Had my latest psychology appointment today. She was pleased with my tracking, my protein and exercise goals, and that I'm taking my medicine. Her main concern was that I'm eating too many carbs. She's also concerned about my finances (family's in a bind right now. I do have vitamins and calcium at the moment; she's worried about how I'll get them long term if my situation continues/worsens). I kinda expected it. At least it wasn't all woe. Got my next appointment in two weeks.
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Autistic bariatric patients and psychological clearance
Thank you! I could do better reducing carbs (eating smaller portions and removing at least the top of buns so far) but I'm definitely focusing on protein and water. I'm getting at least 100 grams and 96 fluid ounces respectively every day. Most days even more. The psychologist said that I was eating too little protein so I'm hoping that since I upped my intake that it'd show an effort with the other things.
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Autistic bariatric patients and psychological clearance
I was planning on going for bypass if I was diagnosed with GERD but that wasn't the case for me. I'm fine with being recommended gastric sleeve in the end. It's annoying for sure. My other doctors are totally on board with surgery so far. I was also advised on FB support groups before my psychological evaluation in March that as long as the doctor knew you were getting help with your depression that I'd be approved. Obviously that's not the case if I'm still having therapy months later. I wish my mom could come with me on Tuesday but she's busy with work when my appointments are. My family are pretty iffy on surgery itself but are willing to support me if I undergo it. They are appreciated, thank you!
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Autistic bariatric patients and psychological clearance
Thank you! Oh cool we have the same highest weight. You're doing great! Congrats on Onderland! It's definitely not an easy ride for sure. You did fine explaining. My surgeon's original recommendation was bypass because of my weight but he felt that VSG would be "easier" for me to deal with in the long run once he discovered that I was autistic. Not that it'll be a piece of cake either way. But I've had tough spells before and emerged on top with help. I'm journaling and improving my food intake and showing that I have routines for my medicine and vitamins so I'm unsure what's keeping me from getting approved by her. I see her again on Tuesday and dreading it.
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Weirdest things you are looking forward to after surgery
I'm more excited about clothing. Just the thought of having the option of something besides plain t shirts and pants when and if I want to. I just started going to the gym and I cannot find gym clothes in my size. The thought of losing enough weight to wear gym clothes of all things is strangely inspiring to me.
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Autistic bariatric patients and psychological clearance
Is anyone else autistic and having or have had WLS? Or knew an autistic that has had surgery? I have Aspergers and am currently pursuing VSG. I'm down to my three final clearances but struggling with getting psychological clearance due to my disorder plus depression and anxiety. I've been in therapy and doing extensive journals for months. It feels like I'll never get approved. My psychologist appears more concerned about me dealing with life after surgery because of my autism than my depression (which I'm getting treatment for). As in, she's specifically mentioned that because I am autistic that she feels that I'll struggle horribly with post op. Did anyone else experience this roadblock?
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Under table exercise bike or eliptical?
I just got a small pedal exerciser as a gift. It's a little wobbly at the pedals so I'm going to have to fix that (I think it has to do with how I assembled it; I stink at it). Otherwise it's nice to use while watching TV. You can also use it to work out your arms if you place it on a table.
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Barimelts multivitamin
I've tried a sample of the Celebrate multi chewable in Forest Berry and it was actually pretty good! It looks so ugly in the package that I worried I'd just taste medicine and grit but didn't get any of that. A pleasant surprise. I've also had luck with Bariatric Fusion multi with iron chewables (I believe I've had the orange flavor). I prefer capsules but have to do chewables the first couple months. I also got a sample of the vitamin powder drink mix (can't remember the flavor) but I'm curious at the citrus since you mentioned Tang haha
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Weirdest things you are looking forward to after surgery
1) Not have to wear the maximum length of my seatbelt 2) Be able to paint my toes easier 3) Sit in seats more comfortably 4) Be able to make the hikes at the local national park again (used to be able to do it) 5) Be able to cosplay at conventions/use sewing patterns without lots of altering since I currently size out of most 6) Be able to wear clothes off the rack without accidentally going into the maternity section while looking for the plus size section 7) Be able to walk the dog for longer because she deserves it
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The deal on coffee post op
My program allows decaf coffee and tea during the full liquid phase, but no caffeine until three months post op.