wickedme

The roads near my house have angled breakdown lanes so I have to drive to walk somewhere comfortable.. with winter coming I was thinking of getting a walking cd also,, if I find a free site online somewhere I will let you know.. Keep thinking good thoughts!

Not very comforting ladies lol It was one of the first things I thought about after deciding what I was going to do,, I would still take a hot flash and night sweats over 2 + wks of aunt flo any day... And.. I would rather be thin w/ hot flashes then squishy as my 3 yr old nephew called me this week... It was cute and kind lol

I'm so sorry you are having such a hard time, I can relate with struggling to lose the required amount though.. If its any help I read some posts today from someone who kept hitting plateaus and they just change up their diet a little, and exercise routine every few weeks and it seems to work for them.. I talked with my nutr. today and told her my issues and we decided I need to eat something more between lunch and dinner so as not to go into hunger mode which could cause me to eat the wrong things,, or overeat. You could be right about the rash being from stress,, I have been known to have had that happen, or it could just be a virus making its way through your body.. I think its called endoviris?? which causes multiple symptoms or issues to come up consequtively,, like rashes, sinus infections, and maybey even the staff infection?? I had one in 05/06 for 4 months.. I finally got a massive dose of antibiotics because the sinus infection spread to my lymph nodes and it went away.. I was up for a hysterectomy and it almost got cancelled.. in my case it could have been stress also that started the whole mess at the time.. I don't know whether this helped, but will keep you in my thoughts

I have seen posts where some have hormone fluctuations when they started losing weight and it caused some monthly issues,, so I was wondering if anyone who is post menopausal had more symptoms after or while losing weight? Estrogen is stored in fat so I figured I have been living off of that and that is why I haven't had any hot flashes and such since my hysterectomy.. The HRT brought them on, so I stopped taking it after 6 months.. not too mention the 47 lb weight gain during the 3rd and 6th month.

Heather,, awesome info and advice. I have heard about switching it up from some friends who are gym fanatics and have done so before when trying on my own.. thanks for the reminder.. What I have been doing as of late has only progressed me to a 2 lb loss.. I talked it out with my nutritionist today and we decided I needed to eat some high Protein (not banded Yet) mid afternoon because not only was I starving when I got home from work, but exhausted.. Then I felt horrid and shakey, and it is a time when I could have issues with grazing and picking.. I am deffinately going back to the gym when the kids go back to school on the 27th too.. I'm having too many difficulties walking the pavement by my house because of leg pain and really need to use the treadmill and recumbant bike to switch things around. I use sparkpeople.com to track calories and exercise, it also lets you imput ingredients in the recipe section to figure out serving size,, and add your own food w/ nutr. values to it.. If you check it out read the story on how it all started, its interesting..

Its great that you feel comfortable with your decision. I have a hiatal hernia and have been trying to keep an open mind about gastric bypass because of it. I truly think that the lap band is a better fit for me, but I have no idea how the surgeon will go with it.. Have you had to lose any weight before surgery?? If so how were you doing it.. I am really struggling with that right now and looking for ideas..

Thanks Michee, trying not to let it get me down.. With any luck the therapist already contacted them and they will let me keep my appointment with the nutritionist next week... If not, I keep going to therapy till they do..

I asked this question at a group therapy session and Hooties answer was a big topic. It was hard to hear some of the stories, but gave me a much more realistic expectation of what COULD happen and how to deal with it. Out of 15 people or more only one was really struggling at 9 months out, but the doctors had decided her 4 cc band was just too small... I am anxious to see what she is going to do, hopefully I will get to go today to find out...

I like you thinking and wording on the "more directive approach" I too tried the exercise, going to the gym, only to gain more weight.. The first two months everyone kept telling me it was because of the muscle,, I did not want all my fat to turn to muscle so that I could weigh more then what I did already!! I am still exercising, just laying of some of the weights!! I am not banded but have done enough reading on the success stories to believe that it truly can work, but it won't be easy.. Hope you find the answers you are looking for!!

Well I got a letter in the mail yesterday that stated that I can't move forward now because they found a notation in my records from last December that I was having frequent panic attacks.. I was, but it was because I had been stranded in my house since breaking my leg in August 07.. I hadn't been able to even go to a store without someone with me because I couldn't carry anything up/or down the stairs. It was Christmas time and we were totally financially screwed because I hadn't been able to work full time because of the swelling.. The nurse practitioner was Po'd at me because I wouldn't take anti depressants because they make the panic worse, among other things. I ended up getting through it on my own for the most part, and started going to physical therapy and the gym.. I got through it and have only had one panic attack since then.. it was situational.. I'm not opposed to the therapy but when I left the Dr.s office after the eval we were good with me just going to a therapist and continuing on.. which I did, and have a second appointment set up for this week. I was given some materials to read over about the different type of thoughts that bring on panic and most of them have nothing to do with what I was feeling. I was stranded and lonely.. My "friends" who were with me when I broke my leg had abandoned me.. I hadn't been able to do anything fun with my kids in months, and broke at Christmas just sucks because we don't buy things during the year, we save it for Christmas.. I was having an all out pity party for myself and let it go too far.. I know this too shall pass but I can't help but be bummed out that they cancelled my appointment with the nutritionist. I for the most part am a pretty realistic person, who goes with the facts. I am rarely impulsive or irrational. I worry about things, but real things not the what ifs. I am suppose to call and let them know who I am seeing, which I did and was told I didn't need to call?? by the receptionist, so I will call the LCSW today who sent the letter, with a really nice note saying how sorry she was that she had to do it because she feels I am ready but they have protocol.. This too shall pass I guess.. It will be for the better in the long run and will probably help me figure some more things out!! On that note, wish me luck!! I hope my insurance doesn't run out before I can get this completed..

The six meals, because there is so little to eat would make sense, especially to get in the 60 g of protein each day. I have no problem doing that pre banded, but I'm eating 1500 calories.. My dr. only wants his patients to eat 3 times a day,, it doesn't specify if the protein shakes in between as a snack, but says you can substitue the shake for other protein source..

I have been wondering the same thing.. I would think that being hungry all the time would make you crazy,, does it go away right off, if not how long before your body adjusts?

My appointment with the social worker went well, although she did think that seeing a CB Therapist was a good idea, echoing what my PCP thought. I couldn't believe it but I was able to get an appointment within two days. That went okay also,, losts of talking and getting sidetracked I felt, but it helped me figure out where I am with everything and what I need to be working on.. I meet with her again next week after my first appointment with the dietician. I am looking forward to that also to get her opinion on what and how much I should be eating at this stage. I was seeing a nutritionist anyways but think that my calorie intake is too much.. I'm still not losing anything even after stepping up my exercise. casco Bay is now requiring you lose 5% of your weight whether your insurance requires it or not. I hate the guessing, I want straight forward at my next therapy appointment about if she thinks I am going to have to wait 6 months or not,, I have really been getting a handle on my stress and don't want the therapy to cause me more!!!! how is everyone else in maine doing??

I am about where you are, my nutritionist appointment is for next week. I am also seeing a therapist for anxiety and don't know if she is going to just see me again and make a recommendation that I continue with the process, or keep seeing her and then reccomend I proceed. She did ask me before I left if I was just thinking about having lap band or had made up my mind and I told her I certainly have made up my mind. I have been seeing a dietitian on my own for a couple of years and wasn't required to do one for insurance but I think it helped me move things along. The waiting around is horrible, but I really believe that the longer it takes, the better the success rate. Some of the people who have just zipped right through didn't have time to do any reading, or to really look into the changes you have to make and then they are overwhelmed when it happens. Best wishes to you, let us know how it goes!

I have read different articles lately that say sometimes you don't have a choice but to get the skin removed because it causes health issues and yeast infections on the skin. You can end up with sores do to the over lapping skin also that are very painful.. I hope not to have any of those issues, but there is always the possibility. I will worry about getting healthy and losing the weight,, then deal with the reprocussions after if there are any.. isn't life grand??

I have been approved to move on to the nutritionist, but because I had asked my pcp about my anxiety, and she sent me to a shrink, and the shrink said I should see a Cognitive Behavior Therapist (CBT) for my anxiety. The social worker at the Bariatric Center agreed.. and so do I for the most part.. it just seemed that our conversation was more about the past then where I am now. I have been through a lot and have gotten through it for the most part alone. I know that they need a little history but I am looking for ways to deal with anxiety should it happen and felt we kept getting way off track.. Anyways, has anyone had CBT therapy before bariatric surgery? Most of the causes of anxiety on the printout she gave me don't apply to my episodes.. but I do tend to eat more when I am anxious..( I also think I just eat too much because I rarely if ever feel full. I don't binge I just can't control my portions because I am always hungry..) The social worker at the Bariatric Center said that anxiety is common after this surgery and wants me to be totally prepared for it. I have truly done a lot of research and self examining and know I can handle it. I have no idea what the CBT recommendation is, but I have another appointment next week after I see the nutrionist (my first appt for that). Will I have to keep seeing her? Is this something that can stall the process?? Any suggestions on things that will help prepare myself for this?? I'll do whatever they want me to, but I feel like my session today made me sound wacked out lol.. I have decided to write down the things I am most concerned with right now, and then I will go back and write down things I think will help me to deal with them should they arrise. Thanks for giving me a place to ramble....

What are you using for protein drinks?? There are a lot of different varieties to try.. you need to find an alternative source or you could also start to lose your hair.. when do you get to eat different foods??

I think I could handle the pureed bean and bacon.. been adding Beans to lots of stuff for awhile now so that I don't get the shakes so badly.. They are really filling, so glad I don't have texture issues,,, only thing I can't eat is canned fruit and aspargus..gag.. I was wondering if anyone thought of adding unflavored geletin to liquids to thicken them?? I would think that would help fill you up too,, or is it weird lol

Gas x worked for me after hysterectomy, and lots of walking around for chest pain.. I was wondering why your doctor didn't give you more info about what to eat,, or if the info just gave minimal ideas?? I am seeing the nutrionist next week and have to pass a test before I can go further in the program and have surgery..

I am working on the chewing, eating slower too.. its not easy. Last night we had flatbread spinach and feta pizza and I ate two tiny slices without even realizing it,, thank god they weren't burgers or something.. I always used to eat slow, but my husbands doesn't and I have picked up his habits. He said he was going to work on it with me.. I read somewhere to dim the lights when eating an you won't eat as fast either?? I bought a smaller plate to put on top of a regular dinner plate,, really need to start using it. I have stepped up my exercising which has not been easy because of leg pain and I don't want to jeopardize it by hoggin' down my food... I probably won't get a date till some time in October and it is a really a good thing because I have some things to work on!!!

Wow,, it blows my mind that someone could jump into this and not know anything about it.. I was explaining some of it to my cousin and he said he wouldn't have to go through any of that stuff, they were just going to schedule the procedure and get it done.. He had talked to someone else who went through it and made it sound easy,, I am positive the guy was being a guy and simplifying everything. I told my cousin that he will have to see for himself, but to be prepared to have to do some one the things I was going to have to do.. He said his friend still drinks soda,, yeah,, 4 oz a day not 3 cans or more.. I am hoping we can have another conversation about it before he goes back home for surgery,, or say a prayer that his doctor does more then just take his money!!

Your story is a good one because it can tell us all how life can easily get in the way, and how you can still get back on track.. Hope everything goes well for you this time!

Well I passed the psych eval and can move on to the see the nutritionist. I am going to follow through with seeing a Congnitive Behavioral Therapist because the nutr. said it could only benefit my outcome. It was good to talk through my issues, and I even had a realization about being a grazer at social functions. If I'm not busy hosting I get uncomfortable, especially about my appearance and so I continue to graze.. arghhh I put it to the test yesterday at a family gathering. It was a great time and after eating the regular meal I moved away from the food and made a point to not go near it again. I still ate more then I needed to, but not to a point of feeling sick. I didn't drink at all either!! That isn't so much of an issue anyways, but would have taken my calorie intake way over the limit. I also attended a support group afterwards and was very enlightened and humbled by the people in it. I had my first real twinge of fear of how I will be able to handle it when I have those days when food just won't go down, or when you are sick to death of protein shakes. The overall thing was that even though there were some really miserable days they all lost weight and are still pushing forward. I will really have to put my faith completely in my doctors hands when he makes the decision of what size band he uses and that I am ready for the surgery when the day comes.. I meet with the nutritionist on the 20th, and need to keep a journal of all my food intake and emotions for 8 days.. It is a really great tool because it makes you have to think about the reasons why you are eating and being accountable for the choices. I still have some family members that I have not discussed this with, and don't know if I will until later. My 7 siblings and I are getting together in 2 months so I am sure the subject will come up at some point. I haven't told my inlaws either and don't plan to until I have to. They can be quite judgemental at times and I don't need any negative energy right now. I am hoping everyone will be supportive when it comes down to it and appreciate the fact that I am trying to do the best thing for my health, and that I am not weak or lazy. I was on my feet for most of the day Friday and Saturday and had to resort to using some aleve because of the joint pain,, just another reminder of how much I need to do this in order to have a better life..

Well I passed the psych eval and can move on to the see the nutritionist. I am going to follow through with seeing a Congnitive Behavioral Therapist because the nutr. said it could only benefit my outcome. It was good to talk through my issues, and I even had a realization about being a grazer at social functions. If I'm not busy hosting I get uncomfortable, especially about my appearance and so I continue to graze.. arghhh I put it to the test yesterday at a family gathering. It was a great time and after eating the regular meal I moved away from the food and made a point to not go near it again. I still ate more then I needed to, but not to a point of feeling sick. I didn't drink at all either!! That isn't so much of an issue anyways, but would have taken my calorie intake way over the limit. I also attended a support group afterwards and was very enlightened and humbled by the people in it. I had my first real twinge of fear of how I will be able to handle it when I have those days when food just won't go down, or when you are sick to death of protein shakes. The overall thing was that even though there were some really miserable days they all lost weight and are still pushing forward. I will really have to put my faith completely in my doctors hands when he makes the decision of what size band he uses and that I am ready for the surgery when the day comes.. I meet with the nutritionist on the 20th, and need to keep a journal of all my food intake and emotions for 8 days.. It is a really great tool because it makes you have to think about the reasons why you are eating and being accountable for the choices. I still have some family members that I have not discussed this with, and don't know if I will until later. My 7 siblings and I are getting together in 2 months so I am sure the subject will come up at some point. I haven't told my inlaws either and don't plan to until I have to. They can be quite judgemental at times and I don't need any negative energy right now. I am hoping everyone will be supportive when it comes down to it and appreciate the fact that I am trying to do the best thing for my health, and that I am not weak or lazy. I was on my feet for most of the day Friday and Saturday and had to resort to using some aleve because of the joint pain,, just another reminder of how much I need to do this in order to have a better life..

I too had some feelings of getting it all in till I went to a lap band support group.. it was a real eye opener about how you REALLY need to break old habits to be successful. You can read the stories in here, but seeing someone face to face and watching them tell their story and discuss their difficulties was a great motivation to me.. There were many in my particular group who still eat the things they enjoyed for the most part.. There are days they said they revert back to the shakes just because food is hard to get down, maybey they drank too much Fluid??? I went to a family BBQ yesterday and pondered whether to bring a veggie or turkey burger,, didn't, and ended up eating burger only to kick myself 100 times.. I took the bun out of bad habit and started eating it before I was consious of it. I brought the dessert,, tried to keep it as healthy as possible.. Tirimisu Trifle with fat free vanilla yogurt in stead of the custard, with strawberries and slivered almonds...I served it in 8 oz cups which kept us all from overeating!! I am going to try to hit a few more support groups over the next month to keep a reality check!!