wickedme

I am going to Portland, called yesterday because I hadn't heard from them and wanted to make sure they had everything they needed.. they did, I just haven't been assigned any appointments yet,, arghhh

Does anyone know who else besides Cosco sells the EAS Protein mix?? I had heard of it before but don't recall seeing it,, we only have wally world,, no cosco

I started seeing a new nutritionist in May and she has really been wonderful and supportive. She makes sure we schedule extra time to discuss things, all about health and food, beyond the regular appointment stuff. She has helped me figure out that I eat due to stress, which I have a lot of. She has also encouraged me to eat what I enjoy by making it a little healthier. One of the things she had me try this week, was staying away from senconds.. when something is really good its very hard for me to stop,, I love food and always have.. If life is tough I can't stop myself, until now.. She said to eat my correct portion size and then tell myself that if I really want it, then I can have more,, just later, at least one hour. She even went so far as to tell me to put the "more" in a container in the fridge.. It really had a strange effect on me. I knew it was there with my name on it, and I never went back for it.. I will have it for lunch today, it was potatoe salad, on a bed of lettuce.. I did the same thing with a whole wheat Pasta chop suey (made with ground turkey and fat free cottage cheese)

The other advice was to buy a smaller plate just for myself, I put it on top of my regular dinner plate for the psychological effect. I will see how it works in two weeks at my next appt.

It was great advice so I wanted to share. I would love to hear any other words of wisdom from your dietician or nutritionist.

My weight fluctuates 3-5 lbs a day also, and has always done that. I have to force myself not to weigh in everyday. I can understand why you are right now with worries about the weigh in for surgery. My doctor is known for canceling surgery due to a weight gain.. My last appointment with my regular dietician I had gained 3 lbs and was devastated.

Hang in there and watch your sodium intake,, I went back to salt sense and can already see a difference,,, (and it tastes good)

I'm pretty fortunate to have decent teeth, but the fillings I got in high school are falling out, and the one I left untreated needed a root canal... should have had it fixed when it happened...better late then never I guess. Anyways,, I had my tooth banded today,. pretty funny huh? I had the root canal done and the tooth had a crack in the center so the doc wanted to make sure it would be okay for a crown when its time so he banded it..

No pain yet, but the only soft food in my office today was mac and cheese, , will have to find something better later. I need some fillings replaced, and decided that what better time then when I am preparing for the new beeuutiful me...lol:thumbup:

LOL,, they are creep looking. I have had over 100 of them put in and taken out.. it really doesn't hurt, the tape they used hurt sooo much more and caused a blistering infection on two different occasions..

When the doc removed them from my leg he said "NOW YOU KNOW HOW A PIECE OF PAPER FEELS" .. WEIRDO...

I would do what your doctor told you to do. There must be a reason that you are more at risk for clots. I had to wear them after I broke my leg for more then a month for lack of movement.. If they are too tight and its necessary they can get you ones that fit better.

I had a family history of heart disease, that was my surgeons reasoning.

I am fearful that I will have to have my gallbladder out also because it is not functioning properly. I am currently not having pain issues and hope they don't start before my date is sceduled.

I really hope it works out for you and that they can bump you up the list!!

thoughts and prayers are with you

[OK the husband.......

it was VERY hard for him to watch me eat so little..... I think it actually pissed him off. (much like forcing a child to clean his plate)

He would get irritated with me if I didn't want to spend the money on a buffet for me when I would eat very little.... (and it was something I had to get over)

He tried to become the food police...... (and that is a HUGE HUGE no no!)

As of late... I think he is sick of hearing about my band..... we have adjusted to the fact that I usually share a meal with my 4 year old son, or just order something alacarte... I'm smaller now that when we first met and he makes comments that my ass is flat..... He understands that I'm much happier with myself. He is a good man and he really tries to be supportive.... but I think sometimes he feels a little left out.........

I have been through a hysterectomy and broken tib/fib and this is similar to how my husband reacted from the attention of others or because I had to put myself first. When I asked him for support he immediately started preaching to me about food... I told him support was bringing home yogurt instead of chunky monkey icecream, going for a walk or swimming with me, or giving me a hug when things were tough.

I pray when it comes right down to it my hubby will have the same attitude as you and want to lose weight along with me. We had done it before the traditional way but there are lot more factors now. I do all the cooking and shopping and he and my kids are already noticing the changes,, like frozen yogurt instead of icecream..

best wishes to you both

Thanks for the replies.. I was pretty confident that it would be okay because I was pre-approved medical wise, but I'm so siked for this now after months of thinking about it I don't want any brick walls. Its good to hear that some of the symptoms go away.. Being constipated is horrifying for me after going the other way for so long,, stool softeners are a must... TMI huh?? lol, there isn't much you don't discuss openly when it comes to this huh? I don't think I have ever shared my weight with people as much as I have in the past month.. I even braved adding a ticker,, now hopefully it will start moving huh?

I have been on a salad bender for about two months, now eating lots of yogurt and fruit trying to prepare myself for the new eating habits.. I haven't had IBS symptoms since I started, and the reflux is getting better also, and I have been sleeping better too!! I hope my motivation continues and the hunger or urge to eat goes away!

I have heard different stories from people I know who have had WLS, some continue to have food issues, while others eat what they want just a lot less.. I was wondering if it is because they were picky eaters before surgery? The ones I know that have trouble eating were picky eaters, who only ate meat and junk. I'm not being judgemental just wondering what the concensus is on the subject..

I am not a picky eater and am hoping I won't become one.:thumbup:

If he made the referral I would wait to see what the surgeons says before giving up. What is the BMI limit?? here its 30 to 39 with co-morbities, also your insurance has guidlines that they require.. unless you are self pay.. Cholesterol is a comorbity ,, I'm sorry it is so frustrating for you, don't give in and gain that 30 lbs back, you worked to hard to lose it.

I have talked to my PCP about it, but not the surgeon yet. I would think that it would get better with better eating habits, and not overeating?? I have been seeing a nutritionist for a few months and just the changes I have made with that I have not had a spell for a long time. One thing that really concerns me is getting dehydrated, that will bring it on fast, along with kidney stones.. I always have a bottle of Water at hand so that will not be a big change for me.

I so want to be healthy..

I have had a few different procedures and don't remember any of that. The operating room is terrifying when you are first rolled in if its your first time, but the nurses are amazing and really take good care of you. If you are feeling anxious while they are doing the pre op prep work they will give you a mild sedative, I didn't like the zophran?, but adavan worked well and I was totally coherent and could communicate with the nurses and doctors.. I brought saline for my sinuses because the hospital is very dry, and chapstick too.. I didn't even have a sore throat and I had an alergic reaction to one of the meds so they had to inubate me..

best wishes to you

I was already excepted into the program and they have my medical history. They won't except you if you have chron's, or bowel resections. I am in the northeast also and was concerned about the intestinal issues so was straight forward with them about it.

I have had diverticulosis since I was a very young.. My mother and some of my siblings also. Because of it I have had to eat a high Fiber diet and wondered if the lap band will make a difference. The IBS is pretty constant too if I don't eat right.. I know I can ask these questions at the doctors but would like to hear some personal responses.. It would be great to be rid of those episodes of pain and nausea and lose weight.

I have plantar Fasciatis also, excrutiating until last summer doc made me a heal insert for my shoes. I got the one I could exchange in different shoes and it has been amazing.. I know a lot of other people have tried the night splints, cortizone etc.. I did too, this is what works and is still working for me Talk to a podiatrist about making them for you, it really saved me..

I'm so sorry you were denied. It a fear we all have had at some time I am sure,, Hope there is something you can do..

hugs

That was a great reply Allie, I haven't even gotten a date and felt like I should be eating all kinds of stuff because I won't be able to again..Crazy thinking, and I know it.. I find that the more I explain how the band is really a tool to help me, and not to stop me from eating entirely it is starting to sink in.

The all liquid does frighten me.. Can you drink yogurt drinks and thin Soups or is it all just Clear Liquids??

Hopefulmom,, I have been getting an pedicure and manicure about every 6 to 8 weeks.. its not always in the budget but I too have ignored myself since having kids. I also started wearing makeup daily again, and because I hate spending time on my hair (and don't have time to) I got a short messy cut thats easy to deal with and still a little stylish. I also used to reward myself with food items for things accomplished, (inherited from my mother) I stopped doing it with my kids last year, but just realized lately I was doing it for myself... I grab a magazine or a book instead of something to eat..

Enigma... Someone else told me recently to start dreaming about what you want to do when you lose the weight, or a wish list of things you want to do or accomplish. Like a pair of jeans that fit, go dancing without being self conscious,, playing with my kids without wanting to die!!

You have all done amazing things,, thanks for the feedback!

I went to my regular dietician today because I am still waiting for my first appointment date. We talked a lot about what to do when hunger strikes and you know you shouldn't really be hungry.. She said I needed to have a "basket full" of things to sidetrack my thoughts. Things that make ME calm and happy, reading, walking, scrapbooking etc.. We also talked about the EGO part of the brain,, the voice in your head that makes you worry or overthink things, obsess about food and diet to a point where you just give in.. She said when you are in a relaxed mood, doing something calming that makes you happy that voice stays quiet and in the back of your mind. I have come to recognize that its anxiety and stress that makes me overeat. I clean when angry and shut down and sleep when depressed,, but when I am worried or anxious I head to the fridge. I have had a lot of stress in my life for the past 15 years with little to no refuge from it at all.. Yesterday I was worried about my husband driving in bad weather to take my daughter to Grandmas, and pick my son up and bring him home. Our vehicle started having issues and hubby made the mistake of telling me. I was worried all afternoon for the 4 hours he was gone.. I had just eaten a Lean Cuisine meal, and had a horrible time staying away from the fridge. Once they got home we had dinner and I inhaled my food and felt like total crap, and then had a bad case of reflux.. I don't want to keep going through that so I am getting my "basket" prepared and writing my alternatives down in a journal.

She mentioned that a study done on gastric bypass patients showed a large percentage of people who were not counseled before surgery or who never dealt with their inner eating issues turned their need for food into a need for alcohol, drugs, sex and other addictions. That is a very scarey thought and I don't want it to happen to me!

What is your new Focus??

Hi all, I'm from Maine and will be going to MMC/Casco Bay Bariatrics. I have been excepted into the program just waiting for my first appointment to be sceduled for my psyche evaluation, then dietician.

I am also trying to be patient but find myself racing for the mailbox everyday after work.. have instructed DH and kids to leave it alone so they don't lose my mail!!!

how was your experience with Casco Bay Alana??

Seems we all have so much in common for so many different reasons.. I grew up with two loving parents, the youngest of 8 kids. It deffinately wasn't a perfect childhood, but I truly have nothing to complain about, except that the only thing in abundance besides my mothers love was food. She and my dad both lived through the depression and went without a lot. My dad had acres of garden that he tended himself with a little help from some of us kids so there was never a shortage of fresh vegetables or fruit in summer and fall. We ate balanced meals finished off with homemade Cookies, pies and other deserts. I was always active as a child, and not fat, but always taller and bigger then all the other girls till High School when I stopped growing up and started growing out.. My real weight issues started around my early 20's. Random sleeping habits, late night meals, partying.. I gained and lost the same 40 lbs reapeatedly till a few years after my daughter was born, then it wasn't so easy. I started having female problems and became less active. I had my son after months of bedrest at age 31 and everything went to hell after that. I went through a depression because of the situation with my step daughter and her problems, money problems, health issues and just general unhappiness. Anti depressants made me worse, cooking made me feel great. I had always loved to cook, but it became and obsession. I was stuck at 240, but dealing with it. After a much needed hysterectomy I gained another 47 lbs from HRT.. I have been trying to get this weight off since 06 and just can't seem to keep it off. My health is really taking a toll and I don't know the person I am becoming.

To summarize..

I was taught to clean my plate,,

I love food and eat almost anything,

I don't know how to eat just a little,

I do great during the day, but if I don't go to bed early I will pick for hours..

I don't eat when I'm sad or mad, but unconciously reward myself with food for many different reasons.

I have no control over what bad genes I am passing to my children, but want to teach them how to be healthy so they don't have to look forward to this later.

Thanks I chatter,, had to spill today and it felt good to just dump and be done with it.. Very good words of wisdom and info. The doctors in the bariactric practice I am going through have a very strict curriculum that they follow, and are very cocky about their percentage of successful outcomes.. I like that, but it terrifies me at the same time. It is why I picked them, because I don't want to have the surgery and not have it work to my full advantage. They demand you keep follow up appointments and have a contract you sign.. Of course they can't make you show up, but will be less likely to go out of their way should you need their assistance if you don't follow through with the requirements. I am going to a therapist for Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to resolve any issues now. I don't have any compulsive eating habits, just always have a clean plate!! I think once I have a date for the first few appointments I really will feel like its real and will get back on track and stay on track. I want to learn some of the eating habits now so that it isn't so hard later..

I have done a bit of dreaming of what could be, but went to the old mode of "don't get ahead of yourself".. I guess that way of thinking needs to go,,, right now.. I will start envisioning myself dancing again, and playing outside with my kids and not feeling like I'm going to pass out...

Hope to see your post on your first appt...

I have told most of my family,, all but one so far thinks I should do it. They know how hard I have tried, and our family medical history is scarey at best. I have a cousin who is becoming disabled with back issues and called this morning to say he has decided to get the lap band surgery, so he can have the back surgery.. Friends?? The ones I have told immediately start making excuses why they can't do it?? Others have tried to talk me out of it or made comments like,, "that will suck if your thinner then me..??" Hope I'm not that kind of friend is someone needs me to listen.. One friend wants to know how it goes because shes interested in it. Since the weird responses I haven't really told anyone else, or talked about it with anyone except the doctor who felt that the friends and family with strange responses were intimidated in some way.. I don't know why they would be, but I guess it is possible. I think that my husband is a little afraid of the outcome because we have had some issues. I have lost a lot of confidence in myself and am much more passive, I know that will change.

ELAIN::::

I can relate to that as well. My grandmother was very obese.. She would not have her picture taken at my parents wedding because she didn't want to "ruin" the photos.. It devestated my mother, expecially since she died 4 years later. I only have a few photos of her,, I don't want to relive that history for my children..

My mother in law made a point of saying she didn't take my picture at the family reunion because she didn't want to embarrass me??