Megg40

Hi all....

I had surgery Wednesday and I'm feeling better each day. I'm still a bit sore and bruised but actually going to go to the movies today....YAY!!

My question is about sugar....

My Dr suggests sugar free puddings as a snack. I bought the Hunts sugar free chocolate. But I looked on the nutrition info and even though it said sugar zero and 70 calories it had a lot of sugar alcohol in it? What exactly is sugar alcohol and is that still "bad"?

My goal is to not be on sugar and to be low carb but I don't think this pudding is low carb....any suggestions, advice or answers appreciated. Hope all of you are well....

Meg

Ruthie....

If you are having any concerns please call your surgeon. What you described sounds like the gas I am having but it does not come up into my esophagus. It's usually when I first stand up, I feel a lot of pressure like I really need to burp, but it doesn't come up. Then it just settles back down and the pressure goes away. Have you taken any gas x?? I am using the thin strips and I feel like they might be actually working. This morning I feel much better. I am thinking I may not need the pain meds anymore....YAY!!! I am just wondering how long until the swelling goes down....???

Take Care,

Meg

Wow...2 days since being banded. I came home from hospital yesterday. I had to stay overnight for insurance. Been sleeping a lot and I am taking the pain meds. I am very sore and bruised. I feel like I need to burp so bad but it wont come up....ugh!! I'm waling around the house fine and in about an hour I am going to walk around my parking lot by my building. My op sites look very good. I weighed this morning and have gained 3 pounds. Dr's office called to see how I was doing and I said that I had gained. They said it was from all the IV fluids. I am taking small sips of Water to keep from getting dehydrated and trying to have 2 Protein Shakes a day....I'm no where near hungry. I know that this pain and gas is temporary and I'm ready to roll.....

I hope all of you guys are doing well....WE DID IT!!!

WE ARE ON THE OTHER SIDE!!!! YAY!!!

WE ARE BANDED!!!!!!!!!!

take care all,

Meg:thumbup:

Hi all...

I was banded on the 24th....2 days ago. I have been in more pain than I had expected. I'm walking around better but this darn gas is killing me....The first day in the hospital, I was so worried that with every movement I would hurt the band....I also weighed this morning and gained 3 pounds. My Dr.s office called to check on me and told me the weight gain was from the IV fluids and not to weigh til i get into my post op visit. I have no appetite, and having trouble getting all my Water in. Dr's office said as long as I take a sip every 10 minutes i wont get dehydrated and I am getting like 32 ounces in. I need to get one really good burp out and its just not coming......I think if I could burp I'd feel much better....I am feeling emotionally very excited and proud of myself for doing this. I think this is really gonna change things around for me. I am very committed and excited. Want to try to walk outside but just in my parking lot near my building. everything inside is just so sore....I have a lot of bad bruising on my abdomen....I am hoping tomorrow i will feel good enough to stop the pain meds and take only Tylenol. So glad to be on the other side now.....Here we go!!!!

Meg

Hi.

I am using medicare. they, like most insurance had some requirements and I've met all of them.

You have to have a BMI of 35-40. If its under 40 you have to have some co morbitities. You have to have 6 months of non consecutive weights. Like Jan 05, April 06, and so on....

You have to have tried a lot of other ways to lose weight before....I had a long and dr documented history. You have to have your surgery at a bariatric center for excellence....you have to have a letter of medical necessity.

I had all of this information faxed to my surgeon because my doctors had been documenting everything for me for a long time. They had been recomending me have this surgery for two years before I was ready. Now my surgeon has the complete chart, and I am having surgery Wednesday. They will then send it all in to Medicare and the surgeons office staff knows what will work with each insurance company so they make sure they get everything right.

Hopefully, I will get a bill that says medicare paid their part.

Its a process.... just like everything.....

I called Medicare and asked them specifically what their requirements were before I saw my surgeon. Some people have to have a lot more things done....I was surprised medicare was so "lenient"....

Good Luck,

Meg

Hey You guys....

I've been reading all of your posts and I'm so glad everyone is losing and sticking with this...This has been really hard for me. My emotions are all over the place and I'm starting to get really nervous. I am so nervous, that I'm having dreams about the surgery and waking up with all these incisions on my body. I feel very stressed. The good news is only 3 more days....I am ( or I was down 20 pounds ) now I'm only down 18....how did I gain 2 pounds?? It's frustrating....

When you're on a Protein shake diet with one small meal, how do you gain 2 pounds???

Anyway, like I said 3 more days to being banded....

I'm nervous.....anyone else???

Meg:scared2:

Were all on a roll here....the 24th is getting closer....I am so excited. I tell you the last few days I've really been a BIT** but today I am finally feeling good. I have some energy, and did a lot of spring cleaning on my apartment. I wonder how many calories I have burned today...I am down a total of 16 pounds with 10 days to go!! I can't wait to see 299 on the scale...I will have to do a dance. Going to take my pics tonight...I have one posted on my profile but it was from XMAS of 08 and I've gained since then. So not quite accurate....Gonna really get some good ones...front, back and side views. Up close and full body ugh!!!

I think my body is done with the withdrawing and I'm feeling human again.

Yesterday I slept 18 hours....I was an emotional wreck. Funny how I can feel the exact opposite today... oh well, maybe my body is getting used to this....

HUGS TO ALL.... Hope you are all well...

Meg

Dr Jessee is my surgeon. Her and her staff make you feel like you're a part of their family. She is a straight shooter when telling you the facts but she has a deep compassion and I feel, a sincere desire to help!!

She and the staff are wonderful.....you really can't go wrong with her

My surgery is the 24th of March....

Meg

Hi all....

11 days from tomorrow we will be banded....YAY!!!

I have not been nervous or anxious but I'm starting to get there...just letting my mind run away from me, it will pass and I will be fine....I can't wait!!

Meg

Hi GingerJane....

I'm scheduled for the 24th....I cant wait!!

Meg

Well, today is day 3 of pre op diet and I feel bad again....

I have been REALLY having some cravings....I know what you mean about the pizza driver...lol

I am having headaches and general lack of energy....I want to moan and cry but I'm trying not too. I am trying to tell myself that this is just a big part of getting ready for the surgery....shrinking my liver. I want my surgeon to have the room that is needed for the band to be placed....

I am trying to keep an upbeat attitude and not scream at anyone....but I really just want to sleep.....

I've slept a lot today and I just had dinner. Gonna go take a

shower and get ready for bed....I hope this passes or if it doesn't I hope that my higher power can keep me strong...I am resisting the cravings cause "cheating" is just not an option....

Take Care,

Meg

Ok,

So sorry for the rude question but I need some answers....

I started the Pre Op diet on Monday and have not had a bowel movement....

Is this normal? I don't feel constipated or have any cramping...

I'm used to going like clockwork but now......nada!!!

Meg

Sandi...

Your story is amazing and encouraging. I do love your blogs and have checked out a lot of them....You are inspirational to me....

Thanks for your blogs....

Meg

I went ahead and started pre op diet 2 days early...just because I was already reducing everything anyway, so Monday, I made it official. First day, was a bit rough....Today, a bit easier...I have no idea what to expect tomorrow, but I will worry about that then....

Good luck to you!!! You will do fantastic....

2 weeks from tomorrow we will be banded.....YAY!!!

Take Care,

Meg

Thanks for all the responses and support. This site is just fantastic. I am feeling much better today and I am not having very many cravings. I do get a twinge when I ride by a fast food place but after about 3 seconds the twinge is gone. I am happy to report a loss of 15 pounds so far....Mind you, I started reducing everything before pre op diet. I don't have as much energy as I would like but I imagine that will improve shortly. I am amazed that since 2 days on pre op diet, a Protein Shake satisfies me....and my 1 sensible meal a day ( 4 ounces of lean meat and 1/2 cup of green veggies )satisfies me as well....that right there is nothing short of a miracle. I know I can do this...

I have thought of something and its very true for me....

Food cravings will pass weather you indulge or not.....

I choose to live today and I choose health

Take Care all,

Meg

Well...I am definitely headed for surgery on the 24th...

All of my pre op tests were fine and i got medical clearance today!!!

WOO HOO!!!

Now comes the official pre op diet and many many changes. I am so happy, fortunate, grateful, and willing to do what it takes to have a healthy life form this day forward...

No amount of food will ever make me "happy" I tried that for 40 years....and it NEVER WORKED!! Now it is time to do things a different way, a healthy way....My Doctors way...Here I go....

I choose to live,

Meg:thumbup:

CONGRATS!!!!

You will have a chance at a new life and so will I. I choose to live as well...

Take Care,

Meg:thumbup:

It's only 2 weeks out of your life and let's face it, eating ALL of the food never got any of us anywhere!!!

This is my Motto....thank you!!!

Meg

1 more thing....I need to take my pics as well...

Thanks for the reminder....

Meg

Hey Jacquie and Darkangel....

I live in Clearwater, Florida.

I am feeling like crap today...ugh!! I have been doing well until today, I have gotten everything out of my fridge and pantry and have nothing to eat but Protein and yogurt and lean meats, eggbeaters, a few veggies and Water. Since I have reduced everything I am starting to feel extremely grumpy and agitated and a bit "low"...

I know this will pass in a few days ( i hope ) and I know the reasons to "not cheat"....and I'm not. But I just feel miserable...I hope you both are doing well. I'm still excited and looking forward to March 24th. This is just a temporary situation I am in now... and I really have no one to blame but myself for getting to this point. More than anything, I WANT TO BE HEALTHY!!! I'm sorry for complaining...its just different feelings right now...Looking forward to tomorrow to see Doctor and New Therapist....Hoping all will go well with results from pre op tests.

HUGS TO YOU BOTH!!!

Take Care,

Meg

I am getting very few carbs.....I am having 2 Protein Shakes a day, and 4 ounces of lean meat, ( chicken and tuna ) and 1/2 cup of green veggies ( asparagus and green Beans ) and water....

Meg

Hi....

Sorry you are a nervous wreck. I was too, but I did a lot of research and have talked to several people who are on this journey as well. That eased my mind a bit. I also have complete confidence in my surgeon and feel at great ease with her and her staff. I have been told I can not lift anything heavier than a gallon of milk for a month. I don't want to do any damage while my stomach is healing.....I 'm having the surgery a day after you. If you haven't done a lot of research or attended any support groups, doing that may ease your mind. I have no children so I can not answer that for you....

Take Care and Best of luck to you...

Meg

Hi all...

I have a question for those that have gone before me...

Did any of you experience agitation, headaches, mood swings, lite depression, or any other strange symptoms while doing the pre op diet?

I am just not feeling like myself. I am feeling all of those things and some anxiety....sometimes, I have to bite my tongue so I don't say something to hurt someones feelings. This is not me....I am usually very nice, outgoing and upbeat but the last 24 hours I feel like screaming.....

Should I call my surgeon? My doc? or is this "normal"....

Thanks,

Meg

Ok you guys....18 days and counting. Looking forward to pre op diet because it will be official then!!! I seem y doc on Monday to go over the pre op test results and I've been stressing about them a bit. I have really been taking care of my "head hunger" and dealing with it...i've been of soda, sugar, bread, walking more and drinking plenty of Water and I'm already down my required 12 lbs...BEFORE PRE OP DIET!!!!!

Funny how much better I already feel. I used to take a nap everyday because I was always so tired but now, I have more energy and don't nap. I wonder if it has anything to do with much fewer carbs???

Monday, I also see my new therapist for the first time. She has worked with bariatric patients before and I want everyone on TEAM MEG I can get....I went to a support group thursday night, talked to many people and got phone numbers...So, are the rest of you all excited??? What's going on with you guys??

Take Care,

Meg:biggrin:

20 DAYS......WOO HOO!!!!

I hope everyone is planning and getting ready for our new life and our new lifestyle....

I'm SO EXCITED.......

Meg