Dogmom68

I’m scheduled for VSG on February 9 here in Tallahassee, FL. COVID numbers are very high down here but, as far as I’ve heard, my surgery will go ahead as planned. Our hospital is on “lock-down” so only one person can come in the hospital with me (my husband) and even then he’ll have to pass the screening. I’m nervous but more excited since I’ve been working toward this for what seems like forever.

Feb 9!!!

Gorgeous! You are an inspiration!

Congratulations! I’m scheduled for VSG on February 9. I understand that feeling of waiting for what seems like forever to schedule. We’ve worked so hard to prepare for this we just want it DONE! Best wishes! ❤️

Excellent information! Thank you for sharing!

I’m keeping my fingers crossed for a January surgery date. I’ve been released for surgery by my bariatric center/dietitian and I’ve had a COVID test (negative.) My endoscopy is in four days by my surgeon and then I get my surgery date! Can’t wait!!! 😁

I’m so glad other people feel like I do. I was feeling really guilty for “over-indulging” on Thanksgiving. I was two pounds heavier the next morning and felt terrible and guilty for eating so badly. I’ve worked so hard to get my weight down before my surgery and had lost 33 pounds just by eating better and weighing and measuring everything. I’m back on it and trying to get another pound or two off before I see my surgeon on Monday. I want him to know I really am dedicated to being successful with my weight loss.

I’m wondering what causes weight loss stalls for everybody at any stage of this journey. I’m just in my pre-op phase and am trying to drop lbs. prior to surgery. For example, if I drink protein shakes and have that “healthy snack” in between meals, I will not lose any weight!

Just trying to be helpful. 🙄

Yes, but is there anything that helps you get past it?

GoodRx - Mail my meds option is $155.

Yes. My dietician said to have a healthy snack in between meals. Also, she gave me a calorie limit of 1200 to 1500 calories per day. I laughed, of course. I asked if she would please cut my calories back since there was no way I could lose any weight on such a high calorie count. She gave me between 800 and 1200 but I actually eat less than 800 ( and mostly protein by means of FOOD - no shakes!)

I’m still in pre-op but I weigh daily and log my weight in My Fitness Pal to stay on track. It helps me figure out what is working for me and what isn’t when I compare my dietary log to weight.

As far as having coworkers cover your shifts, I would just turn in FMLA paperwork to your director and let your director take care of it. It’s easy to do. Just print it out the forms from online ( just Google FMLA forms) and have your surgeon’s office fill them out. Done! I’m so sorry that people you thought were friends at work really aren’t. Burn those bridges ( diplomatically) and let them go. You can still be nice to them but you don’t have to be friends. Have your surgery knowing there are so many of us out here that understand and support you!

Oh my gosh! You HAVE been through it, haven’t you!!!! I’m currently struggling with chronic inflammation in my spine and this year I had to leave my job that I loved because of it. My gallbladder was taken out two years ago and had a hysterectomy, as well. I still have one ovary that kept me out of menopause until this year. That’s when a lot of my weight started piling on. I got a hormone implant about a month ago and since then I can’t get any weight off at all! I was eating (mainly protein) about 750 calories a day until about a week ago. Now I’m only eating about 500. I’m really struggling. I’m supposed to lose about 15 lbs prior to my surgery and I’m trying so hard. I lose two lbs then gain a lb. Up and down, up and down. Frustrating!!! I really appreciate you letting me know about your issues with hormones. Sophie7713 recommended a book called The Obesity Code and how insulin’s affect on weight loss. I ordered it today. I plan to talk to my doctor about all of this so I’ll let you know what he says. 👍🏻😊

Thank you for your advice! I will definitely read those books you recommended. I have noticed a slight change even though the scale isn’t really showing it. I see my hormone specialist next week so I’ll ask him about the weight issue. My primary care doctor said I should just keep trying even if my weight isn’t dropping. He says if I can just keep focusing on eating healthy and lose some before my surgery then that will be helpful. Thank you again for your words of encouragement. I really needed it. 😊

BTW... you look great! 👍🏻😊

Congrats on reaching “the penthouse!” My Dad always says “ Hitch your wagon to a star!” And that’s what I’m trying to do. I’m just in the pre-op phase and feeling a bit frustrated with my weight loss. I eat about 750 calories a day (or less) and it’s mostly protein. No sugar, no dairy, lots of water. In the past if I wanted to drop some weight I would follow the same plan but now the weight just won’t come off. Went through menopause recently so I’m wondering if that has something to do with it. I’m seeing a hormone specialist and have an implant. Another reason?? I’m feeling a bit bummed since I’m trying sooo hard! I weigh and measure everything and I plan my meals and follow it; no cheating. Since you’re already in the penthouse, Any advice you can give would be appreciated!

Watch Dr Vuong’s video on YouTube about what to eat after weight loss surgery. He’s a Bariatric surgeon and tells you what you need to know at each stage of the process. Very helpful!

Firstly, congratulations to you for making a positive decision for your health! You ABSOLUTELY deserve to feel good about yourself! No one has the right to tell you otherwise. Secondly, how the hell is having surgery EASY?? This is NOT an “easy way out!” It’s hard work to decide to have it, it’s hard work to recover, it’s hard work to learn to adjust to a new way of life... I think you know where I’m going with this. Don’t second-guess your decision just because he’s afraid of your growth in a positive direction! Lastly, if he is meant for you and truly loves you he would support you in this decision. Do NOT feel afraid to move beyond him, if that’s what you really want. Either he’ll join you on your journey to health or fall by the wayside. It’s HIS choice. If he chooses not to, then you just stay strong and know other people out there admire and love you.

I think this is a serious and realistic topic. Thank you for addressing it! It’s important to maintain your positive connection with your husband and having sex goes with any healthy relationship. It’s part of life! I say follow what your doctor tells you, expect patience from your husband/wife, and don’t push yourself to uncomfortable limits. Bravo for having the courage to bring this subject to light.

Throw them out! You must have your husband’s total support and this means not having temptation in the house! My husband loves to eat and used to keep “junk food” in easy reach. Now my rule is if he wants something “bad” he has to go out and get it AND not bring it in the house! Eventually, your cravings will (should) pass. Keep remembering why you’re on this journey! You CAN do it! Stay strong!

Keep going, Keatsy! You CAN do it! Don’t get off that elevator! Don’t settle for less than what you want! I’m so glad Dr Vuong has been motivating for you. I appreciate his straight-forward approach. And yes, he IS a hoot! 😂😁

I love Dr Vuong! He really does tell it to you straight, doesn’t he?! He’s written 13 books on bariatric surgery; check them out! I got mine through Amazon. His “colorful” language cracks me up! 😂 Have you watched the video about “staying on the elevator?” Very motivational!!!

I’ve been reading books and watching YouTube videos by Dr Vuong. He’s a Bariatric surgeon who gives information about every stage of the process. His book ‘Gastric Sleeve Success’ was very informative; but I love his videos! He’s given me much more information than my dietician and he tells it to you straight... no fluff.