Helen the Cat

Dear Diamonds, What a great lesson! Thanks so much for putting it out there for us all to read. Sometimes I forget that I need to trust HIM, I want to do it all on my own, which I know only leads to failure and dispair! I am claiming that scripture as my own today, and trusting in Him to lead me in His pathways! Thaks again! Kathy D (alias Helen the Car)

Dear TJ, Thanks for posting. We all love to hear about each others experience. Sounds like you are doing great. And you are correct, slow and steady is the approach you want to take. I remember when I was first sleeved, I was in such a hurry to lose all my weight. I weighed myself several times a day. Almost made myself crazy! Finally got my head screwed on correctly and realized that it was a life long journey, not one that was going to end when (IF) I ever hit my goal weight. A hard lesson for me to learn, and I am still struggeling to get to goal, but have lost 100 pounds since my surgery last June. Keep it up, and you will do great, and be amazed by your progress. Keep posting so we know how you are doing! Best of luck! Kathy D (alias Helen the Cat)

Congratulations Beautifulnewme, and also congrats to Willow! It is an exciting journey, the journey of a life time! Best of luck to both of you. Hope it goes well. If you have questions, concerns, or just need information, this community is GREAT! I didn't seriously even consider weight loss surgery till I stumbled on this web site and received so much encouragement from it's members. Be sure and keep us posted on your progress. We are a great bunch of encouragers and love to hear how you are doing in your journey! Again, Congratulations and Best of Luck!!! Kathy D (alias Helen the Cat)

Dear Caycaye, CONGRATULATIONS!!! You look fantastic! I had my surgery on June 18, 2011, and have also lost 100 pounds. I still have about 8-10 to go to get to goal. But am so thrilled with my weight loss! If I never lose another ounce, I am happy. I also wish this option had been available 30-40 years ago, when I first needed it, instead of waiting till I was in my 60's before doing something permanent about my weight. But I am so happy to know that I have made a HUGE step in the right direction toward being healthier and living longer. You are doing absolutely wonderful!!! Keep rocking your sleeve! Again, Congratulations!!!!! Kathy D (alias Helen the Cat)

Dear SkinnyCow, Was Great to read of your experience! I too was sleeved by Dr. Rod, but in Tijuana, not Juarez. I was sleeved 8 months ago, and at that time, he was doing surgery in both places. Don't know if that is still the case or not. It sounds like he has added a lot to the experience since I was done. He had no psychologist to meet with patients when I had my surgery. Also no chest x-ray pre-op, just blood work and an EKG. Also sounds as if the Juarex hospital facility is far superior to the one in Tijuana. My room was a dinky little room. with no chairs at all, no couch. They had what they called a bench bed. It was a built in bench that ran along one wall. It was about 2 feet wide and around 6-7 feet long. It had a foam pad on it that was about 1 1/2 to 2 inches thick, and Bill (hubbie) had to sleep there. He kept falling off the "bench bed" since it was so narrow. Also the staff in Tijuana wasn't as great as the one in Juarez sounds. The one and only time I put my call light on, a nurse came in and Yelled at me "WHAT?". She grabbed the call light out of my hand and put it far back on the bedside table, where I couldn't reach it without getting out of bed. I told her I was hurting and would like some pain medication. She didn't say Yes, No or Boo. Just turned on her heel and exited my room. About two hours later, someone else came in with something in a syringe and when I asked they said "Well you SAID you wanted pain medication, here it is." I am a nurse, and if I was rude like either of these individuals, I might as well pack up my stuff and head out the door. It wouldn't be tolerated here I know. However, overall, I am still very pleased with my outcome. I have lost right at 100 pounds. I am 8 months post op, and still loosing VERY slowly. Thanks so much for sharing your experience. It was great to hear from another of Dr. Rod's patients! And welcome to the Loser's Bench! Kathy D (alias Helen the Cat)

Starlet, Thanks so much for posting about your experience. It is so good for those comtemplating surgery to hear that a positive experience is possible outside the USA! I too had my surgery in Mexico with Dr. Rodriguez. I also am a nurse, and I had several things that concerned me about my experience, but all in all, it was still had a good experience. I am now 8 months post op and down 100 pounds. The last few pounds are coming off SO slowly, and reading positive experiences (like yours) keep me dedicated to "keeping on keeping on"! So PLEASE keep posting and telling us about your success. Let me welcome you to The Loser's Bench! There is lots of room here on the bench for more losers (and more room everyday, as we all continues to lose those extra pounds!) Thanks again! and Welcome! Kathy D (alias Helen the Cat)

What a great idea! I am thankful for SO many things it is hard to choose just one...... But today I am offering thanks for my husband of 42 years! He did not want me to persue W.L.S., was not in favor of it at all. But since I made the decision has been so supportive! I know he loves me, cause he supports me even when he doesn't agree with me or what I do. We have had some problems lately, but we are both working hard to overcome them, and I am thankful for that also. I have been truly Blessed! I am Thankful! Kathy D (alias Helen the Cat)

Dear Merydia710, Thank you so much for sharing your story.! There isn't one of us here that hasn't felt shy about discussing our weight issues in public! But most of us feel so comfortable here, because everyone of us has had the same problem, struggle, issue, etc! I am 62 years old (OMG that sounds OLD!) and can not remember a time when I did not have weight issues! I can remember my Dad yelling at me "just HOW much DO you weigh now Kathy?" when I was a child of 8 or 10! Sadly, he did not live to see me almost at my goal weight! I know he loved me, and his questions were voiced out of concern, he too struggled with weight when he was older. But it hurt me deeply when I was a child and even more when he kept on criticizing my weight when I was an adult! I have tried EVERYTHING since I became an adult to lose the extra weight. And I mean EVERYTHING! I have spent a fortune on weight loss products, gimicks, equipment, etc. And nothing worked till I got sleeved 8 months ago. I am SO thankful for my sleeve! I too was self pay, and went to Tijuana, Mexico to have my surgery. I cashed in one of my retirement 401Ks to pay for the surgery. I will probably never be able to retire now, but I don't care! I am finally at a size where I love the way my body looks and feels. (Well I can't say I am in love with how I look naked, way to much saggy skin!!! But I keep my clothes on most of the time! Sorry if that is T.M.I.!!!) I am 8 months post op, and have lost 100 pounds. I am 8 pounds from my goal. The last few pounds have come off SO slowly, but I keep plugging along, trying to get rid of them. Please keep posting, telling us how you are doing. We are all encouraged by progress reports. It gives us all the needed motivation to "keep on keeping on" when we get discouraged. and we love to see progress pictures! Keep posting. And let me welcome you to The Loser's Bench! Love and Hugs and Prayers! Kathy D (alias Helen the Cat)

It's a struggle! I have been D.P. "free" now for 8 months, and I still crave it. Where I am working currently (I am a travel nurse and change jobs every 13 weeks or so) they have a refrig at the nurse's station for visitors, patients and staff with cans of all kinds of soda pop, for free! (including D.P. naturally), Water, milk, and some juice. I am constantly tempted to have a "little drink" (the cans are 4 ounce cans). I have to keep telling myself, "I don't drink D.P. ANYMORE!!!" But it is a struggle. Best wishes!!! Kathy D (alias Helen the Cat)

Dear andkel30 and Malyss, Both of you are in my prayers tonight! Hope you can both rest easy and get some sleep for your big day tomorrow. Please update us all as soon after surgery as you feel up to it! And welcome (in advance) to The Losers Bench! you are our newest members! Love and Hugs and Prayers!!! Kathy D (alias Helen the Cat)

Hey Jasleeve! SO good to hear the wonderful news! Answered prayer is always wonderful news! Can't say how happy I am for you! Hopefully now you will be feeling better everyday, and can resume your life. I know you had some issues/problems unrelated to your leak. Am praying that these resolve for you also. At least now you should soon have the energy/physical strength to deal with them. Nothing is harder than having problems and not having the energy to deal with them in any constructive way! You continue to be in my daily prayers! Hope that the leak is gone for good, and all the nausea, pain, vomiting, etc is soon a DISTANT memory! God bless and Keep you safe in His tender care and Mercy! Love and Hugs and Prayers!!! Kathy D (alias Helen the Cat)

Hey diverdiva, Welcome to the group. This is the most supportive group I have found! I had my surgery in Mexico (insurance wouldn't pay anything towards my surgery) so there is no support group sponsored by my surgeon that I can attend. And when I have had problems, questions, etc. this is where I have come! And there have ALWAYS been helpful individuals here who gave me the best advice they could. It is a wonderful group. One word of advice for you. Get off the Diet Pepsi as soon as you can. My surgeon told me (don't know if it is true or not, but I am not taking chances!) that carbonated beverages tend to stretch out the sleeve and allow for increased food intake. Also Diet Pepsi seems to increase some peoples craving for other sweets. So search around for a substitute drink and get going on it now. So that by the time you have your procedure, you won't be going through withdrawal from the caffiene in D.P. at the same time as the pre op diet, or the post op diet and recovery period. I waited and gave it up post op (cold turkey) and had a headache and craving for weeks after. I was a true D.P. addict! Drank 6-8 twelve ounce cans daily. Sometimes more! Best of luck in getting everything arranged. for your surgery. Sounds like the medical system there can be frustrating. We are glad to have you as a new member of our group! It is a life changing (and Life Long) journey. Best of luck as you take your first steps in that journey! Please don't be a stranger. Kathy D (alias Helen the Cat)

I am SO happy for you. It is the greatest feeling isn't it! I absolutely loved it when I crossed the line from 200 to 199! It is just fantastic! Congratulations! I am now 8 months post op and have lost 100 pounds. Am 8 pounds from my goal. Can't wait to get there, but the last few pounds have been SO slow! But reading everybody's success stories here keeps me trying! Again, Congratulations! It is a "one"derful feeling!!! Kathy D (alias Helen the Cat)

I started exercising (swimming) shortly after my surgery (last June) and was so exhausted that I was seriously afraid that I might drown in the pool. I went back to work ten days post op, working 12 hour shifts in a busy Labor and delivery unit where I was a nurse. I was SO exhausted! I can not begin to tell you how deep the fatigue went! I called my doctor's office (Had my surgery in Mexico, so follow up visits were not a possibility) and was told to take it easy for at lest 6-8 weeks. That walking was OK, but should limit my exercising to walking for at least 6-8 weeks to allow things to heal internally. They emphasized that even though I did not have a huge incision (the surgery was laproscopic) that it WAS major surgery, removing the majority of my stomach, and that there was lots that had to heal internally. So I backed off the exercising and immediately felt better. Today am eight months post op and have lost 100 pounds. The last few pounds have taken FOREVER(!) but I am 8 pounds from my original goal, and working hard to get there. Hang in there, and remember that this is a life long (and life changing) journey. Enjoy the journey and don't wish to be done with the trip. It continues as long as you live! And P.S. welcome to the Losers Bench! Kathy D (alias Helen the Cat)

Dooter, Big congratulations on getting through the surgery OK! And welcome to the losers bench! Am sorry to hear that you got off to such a rocky start. But it does get better. Be patient and take it one day at a time. Easy to say, tough to do, I know! Hope everything goes well, and the rest of your post op course is smooth sailing all the way. Keep us posted so we know how you are doing! Best wishes, and again, Welcome to the Losing Side! Kathy D (alias Helen the Cat)

First of all, I want to extend a huge "Thank You" to everyone who gave me such wonderful advice! I REALLY appreciate it. I have read and re-read every response, and think that you are all SO wise! Next, I just want to say that I think things are actually getting better at our house. We have had several really good heart to heart talks. And I secured a promise from Bill to talk with his primary care physician about being evaluated to go on some anti-depressant medication. I am so encouraged that he is willing to take this step. This doesn't mean all our problems are solved by any means, and I know that! I am committed to working hard to make Bill feel more comfortable in our marriage. In return, I have promised him that I won't take a contract to work more than one day's drive from home. That way I can always come home on my days off, and he can come to visit more easily when he is lonesome! I know all isn't perfect yet, but I see that by making an effort, prayer and determination, things ARE improving. Thanks to all who helped!

Dear lbarksdale1 Congratulations on your decision! I too researched the thing to death before making a decision. I had to, in order to convince my husband and family that I was doing the right thing. I am so pleased with my decision. I have lost around 100 pounds (varies by a pound or two depending on the day) but essentially am 8 pounds from goal. I am struggling right now with an issue of emotional eating, but am trying to work on the problems that have caused it (it isn't a new problem by any means!) and resolve it. Good luck to you as you are beginning a journey to a new life! Am happy for you that so far it has been without complications. I share your excitement over those gorgeous clothes! I have an entirely new wardrobe, and LOVE IT. I went from a 26/28 top to a 12/14, and a 22/24 slacks to a size 8! (I love to say that, so I'll say it again, I wear a Size 8 in jeans!) Best wishes. I know you are going to be successful in your journey! Kathy D (alias Helen the Cat)

Oh Lyra, We must be twins that were seperated at birth! You describe so perfectly my feelings about food! It has always been my BFF. Hey! Kathy, are you stressed out? Go whip up a batch of cookies and eat five or 10 of them (after eating at least 5 or 6 raw ones!). Hey Kathy, are you feeling nervous over something? Why don't you fix a huge meal, invite all your friends/family and pig out on Beef Wellington, Twice Baked Potatoes, Broccoli with cheese sauce, Asparagus with Browned Bitter and Cracker Crumbs, Creme Brulee, and a couple of wines to match each course. Poor Kathy, did you have a fight with the hubbie, you should make yourself a cheese cake from scratch and eat half of it while sobbing in front of the TV while watching your favorite chick flick. Etc., Etc., Etc....... And of course the praise and recognition I get from all our friends and family because I am a good cook/baker (or so they say) just makes me feel so much better about myself, until I get on the scale (well pre op anyway). I have been having a REAL struggle with emotional eating the last couple of weeks, cause my husband and I have been having some problems. in our marriage So I am making horrible choices about what I eat. It is constantly on my mind right now, how soon can I eat again? What can I eat? What am I hungry for? Oh the stress and pressure! And the thing that I really don't understand is, when I KNOW all this, why I can't get control of it!!! Of course, I knew all of this pre-op also, and couldn't get control then either! Such a puzzle! But now at least I can't go too far over the edge, as my sleevie stops me when I get full, and starts to protest LOUDLY (with pain) when I continue to eat after I am full. I just don't want to take any chance of stretching out my pouch/sleeve with overeating and start to gain weight. I have done so well up to now. (Have lost around 100 pounds! Only 8 pounds from goal!) And now the emotional eating thing kicks into high gear! Oh the frustration of it all. I am SO thankful for this board and web site, so I have somewhere to come to read, vent, question, talk, and get answers. Thanks to all for everything!!! Kathy D (alias Helen the Cat)

I guess I can understand why some people give you an "oh, ok, sure, that's nice" reaction, without any enthusiasm. Everyone has their own life, their own concerns, their own problems, etc., etc., etc. BUT what I don't understand is why some people actually try to talk you out of having the WLS! I mean especially thin people, who couldn't POSSIBLY know what it is like to struggle with weight issues your entire life! I initially didn't tell anyone at work about the surgery I was planning on having. Wanted to keep it private. Then the one individual who I trusted to keep it quiet told EVERYONE! I had many people who came and asked me "why?". "Like---DUH--- why would you think? I weight almost 260 pounds, it's not healthy, it's not attractive, its killing me! But I had one individual who came to me and spend hours trying to talk me out of the surgery. She wasn't even a close friend, and really I don't know why she even thought she should have any input into my private life! She out and out told me she was making it her "mission in life" to talk me out of the surgery! I just can't figure out some people! I have to echo Isrealjustice's thoughts above, Thank goodness for this site! where the positive energy is so abundant! Kathy D (alias Helen the Cat)

Royboy, What a great post! It sounds like you have a fantastic attitude,a nd I know you are going to do absolutely great! I am 8 months post op, and it seems like once I got past the initial "shock" of the post op period, things have gone so well. I can so identify with how you feel about activityt getting so much easier. It was hard dragging around 100 extra pounds of self. Congratulations! Keep rockin' your sleeve! Kathy D (alias Helen the Cat)

Thank you all for your words of wisdom! You all have given me so much to think about. When I re-read my original post, it dawned on me that I might have painted Bill as the entire problem. And he isn't! He is such a good man! He has ALWAYS been dependable during the years of our marriage, a hard worker, someone I could always depend on. He has NEVER been a drinker, gambler, womanizer, etc. He has always put our family first. He has been a wonderful provider, and always generous to share his time, talent and resources with me and our children. I have always been SO proud to call him my husband! So these last 8 weeks (since I moved home) have really thrown me for a loop. I am so thankful for all of your responses. I was uncertain if I should post here about this topic, as it is SO personal, and Bill would probably kill me if he knew I was sharing something so personal on a web site where anybody can read it. However, from frequenting this board for the last year and a half (I was a lurker for months before I joined this site!) I know you all to be compassionate, caring, loving individuals, whom I trust to give me your best advice. And you have given me SO much to think about. Sandyd, you pointed out that we have probably grown apart, and I think you are correct. We both got used to doing whatever we wanted to do, when we wanted to do it, without taking the other individual into consideration, since we were apart and could do just that. I think we both need to start considering the other person before we make plans; before we make decisions; before we do things; especially things that potentially involve both partners. Bill has undergone so many changes in his life in the last five years. He retired from a life long job of driving a truck for the same company for 35 years. He has had two heart attacks, a stroke, was diagnosed with diabetes and high blood pressure, got another job after he retired, changed to a different job, and then his wife starts traveling around the country without him for months and months on end (sometimes years) without him. And then to top it off, I go off and "remakes" myself over into a totally different looking woman. (Although deep inside, I am THE SAME person I always have been.) When I look at it from that point of view, he has had a tremendous amount of major stuff to adjust to. I guess it would stand to reason he might be a little depressed! Thank you all again for your wonderful advice. I am going to talk with Bill about going to his next doctors appointment,which will be in the next 1-2 weeks for his diabetes check up. Am going to ask the doc to evaluate him for some anti-depression medication, and also ask him for a referral to a counselor, if Bill won't go, I will go by myself. We will just HAVE to find the $$$ to pay for it! Also am going to try and convince him that we need to start trying to "reconnect". I am NOT going to let go of this marriage after all these years without a fight. I have loved this man since the day I first saw him, and my feelings have only intensified since then. Again, thanks to all of you who have read and offered your thoughts! God Bless you all. Kathy D

Jasleeve, Nothing new to say or offer today, just wanted to post and tell you I am still here, still praying for you and sending you hugs and good vibes. Was good to read Judy's post, to hear from someone who has been through the same thing as you, and hear of her positive outcome. Cling to those thoughts! Her last couple of thoughts say so much! " Please just take one day at a time and your leak WILL heal but in its own time!! If I can be of any help, let me know. Judy" Even though it is hard now, healing WILL come. and you will eventually be there. We are all here for you. Keep on Keeping on! Love and Hugs and Prayers! Kathy D (alias Helen the Cat)

Chigga77, that is WONDERFUL news indeed! 35 pounds! WOW, WOW,WOW!!! The is so great! And to know that your health has improved so much so fast is absolutely the best reason to celebrate. I didn't lose that much that fast, but my medical conditions also resolved fast, like yours did. It is SO great to know that you have done something so positive for your health and gotten such great results! Keep on rockin' that sleeve honey. You are doing Fantastic. Be sure and keep us posted! Kathy D (Alias Helen the Cat)

Oh Autumn, I feel so badly for you! I hate to vomit, and with your new sleeve, it must be so uncomfortable (painful) to vomit. I feel so lucky that my recovery was so uncomplicated! Sending hugs and Prayers your way!!! Keep us posted! Love and Hugs and Prayers!!! Kathy D (alias Helen the Cat)

I think you described something we all have problems with! I mean, how else did we all get in this situation? Haven't we all struggled with our weight, most of us for a LONG time? I know I have dieted for most of my adult years, unsuccessfully. And for years I beat myself up over it. Currently things are tense at my house, and I am having a REAL struggle NOT to eat everything in site. I have had some really bad days lately, and my old friend, my tried and true comfort, FOOD is always just sitting there in the kitchen waiting for me to come and partake! And I have to say, lots of times lately, I do indulge, and then feel guilty. But like LilMissDiva said, "Everyday is a new beginning!" And I am thankful for that!