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Dr. Gerald Kirshenbaum - Considering Dr. Kirshenbaum



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Hi everyone,

I will be banded on Dec 5 by Dr K and am getting through this pre op diet. Love veggies and meat but am getting really sick of them at this point. I get hungry pretty easy and crave lots of thing...figure it's mostly in my head but still want something to feel satisfied.

I've been wondering about low low carb dips for my veggies??? Also, do you think sugar free Jello or pudding is OK? And for that matter, my local store carries Sugar Free Chocolates - couldn't find a nutrition label to see if there are any sugar alcohols instead of sugar and am not sure about the net effect of sugar alcohol and carbs...

I guess I'm looking for some reassurance that these things might be OK...did anybody eat anything besides meat & veggies and find it didn't effect the liver shrinking process? Paula reassured me that eggs are fine...even said 1 or 2 pieces of fruit during my 10 day pre op would be OK. I haven't gone there but it sure sounds good...

Thanks for your help.

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Missmon,

If I were you, I'd not eat the wraps until you're able to talk to Paula or Dr. K on monday.

When Paula talked to me, she said, ONLY meats and veggies. I asked about things like carrots and beets which I know have a lot of carbs and she said, they were okay. But only high Protein and veggies.

I was extremely careful with my diet because I was so afraid of not having a good outcome in surgery.

After you talk to Paula or Dr K on Monday, come back and post. Sorry I couldn't have more information for you!

Good luck, if you feel you have low energy when you first start, don't worry, you'll feel better soon! It took me about 8 days!

dee~

Thanks Dee, I will call on Monday. I am also wanting to have the best outcome for my surgery. I am worried because my BMI is over 60 and I know that puts me at a higher risk.

I am also drinking Atkin's shakes and eating low-carb yogurt. I have lost 16 pounds since I began the pre-op diet a week ago. I am sure it is mostly Water but I am still happy to see the scale go down.

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Hey Friends,

I just wanted to say, it's time that we not talk about me anymore. I feel I've monopolized this site for the last couple of days.

For any newbies out there, my situation was not typical. It's my hope that my story won't change or alter anyone's decision to have the surgery.

Let's talk about other things and people -- ok? I love the support I've found here, but I know each of you are dealing with your own lives and you have things you'd like to share. I've bothered people long enough with my unfortunate situation.

________

Michelle, how's the day by day going for you? Day 6, today, right?

Anita, is the new med getting better? the anxiety lessening yet?

Missmon, when do you start your pre-op?

Tina, when do you leave to pick up Tanner?

Love you guys,

dee~

I started my pre-op diet a week ago. I am going to do the pre-op for about 18 days, to try to get my BMI under 60 and I have lost 16 pounds so far so my BMI is really close to dropping under 60 and should be there by next week.

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Hi Everybody-

My day six was good. I did have two yogurts and some extra Cereal, but no sugar stuff. It has been on my mind and I wonder if the wine I had last night made me crave those carbs more.

I taught religious school, and will again tomorrow. I painted up a storm and watched "House" episodes my son lent me.

Hope all is as good as ever and that everyone is handling the holiday stresses.

Hugs,

Michelle

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Dee - I am really sorry you have to go through this. Somehow it will work out, but it is just so lousy now. We could get together between now and then at RR for a support group. Let me know when you are available. How about the rest of you??? hugs........

Woofay and Dee the Get Out of Your Mind and Into Your Life is a workbook that is great guide for lifestyle changes and processing our stuff. I got into it a several months ago, did it every day for a while, but it was too much, then I let it lie for awhile. I ordered it on Amazon, but make sure you get the workbook - the text is too technical and not very helpful. You know, some of it is really useful and new, the rest seems less applicable, or maybe I just don't get it.

Hugs to all - I'm on Day 5.

Michelle

Another great resource that is simple, easy and great for self-processing the thinking that leads to the feelings that lead to the fridge is "The Work". The book is "Loving What Is" by Byron Katie (she is awesome) and you can get all the information free on her website. www.thework.com. It seemed stupid when I first looked at it, but as you can tell by my name, it is become the single most life changing process I have every given myself!

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Just wanted to bring the list forward -

Red Robin Thursday - December 13th

Sign up for Red Robin -

Dynamo (Michelle)

Mal (Malani)

Drews (Amy)

VABandster(Kirsten) and sister

Bookholder (help ----sorry I forgot)

Tied2bfit (Dee)

Mare5569 (Marilyn)

Woofay (Anita)

Woofay just wrote and I realized I wasn't clear. We were going to have an off schedule get together tonight, however, I will not be able to be there. I never heard back from Dee about it and have other plans now. : (

My day at a time has taken some hits, but basically I have been pretty stellar and all that I lost was a pound that I had gained. I am frustrated. I don't want to "diet" because then I feel deprived. I just think I need more balance. I do work out, but then I am sitting most of the rest of the day waiting for the pounds to drop off. I need to get happy, have sex, run around and forget a little.

This waiting for skinny is lousy.

So on that happy thought, let the day begin. I am painting, but that is sedentary also. I did look up The Work and will have to try it out. Thanks.

Hugs all,

Michelle

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I will be there next month! Promise...I won't be there this month because I am gettin banded the day before (for some reason had the 13th in my head)!!! Something tells me I won't be up for it!!!

See you in January!!!

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Brandy

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Brandy - WOW! It's coming up fast!

Michelle - I LOVE your statement "This waiting for skinny is lousy." I posted it on another thread I read. It is sooooo true!

I've had a pannis (the sagging fat/skin on the tummy) since my first son was born (he weighed 12 1/2 lbs and that caused me to stretch out a bit) and it's just worse now! It hangs down far enough that I don't really need underwear to cover me up when I'm naked if you know what I mean. It's getting frustrating with clothes. I need a size 20 on my waist, but a 14/16 on my legs and upper-body - so this screws up jeans and dresses! What a pain! I told Andrew last night that as soon as Stormy is in school I'm getting a job that will pay for first, a Tummy Tuck, and second, a plane for him...he sounded ok with the deal! :-) But the waiting for skinny IS lousy!

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OH, FYI, I sent Marilyn a letter for Dr. K to sign about medical necessity and the Lap-Band...this will work out great for my medical expenses and taxes. I have yet to see the letter, but I'll let you know when I do.

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Marcy - Hi! I have an apron too. I was hoping that slow, and I mean slow, weight loss would have the benefit of tightening things up. Well, it has worked everywhere, except there. The other thing is that you might try elastic waistbands that will conform more to your new svelt legs and butt, yet give a little in the waistline.

Where the IRS is concerned it is great to have the letter, but I am so frustrated with them. The auditor disallowed my doctors prescription letter that I formally diet and get on a regular exercise program at a gym. I am taking it to appeals, what good is evidence if they don't allow it in an audit?

My stomach is my biggest part and has always been, I look much smaller from behind. LOL. So I imagine that the stretching and shrinking that has gone on for years makes the skin less resiliant. However, it is kind of shrinking, just not smoothly. TMI???

Well, who is joining us at Red Robin on the 13th???

Hugs,

Michelle

Mal - where are you???

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Just wanted to bring the list forward -

Red Robin Thursday - December 13th

Sign up for Red Robin -

Dynamo (Michelle)

Mal (Malani)

Drews (Amy)

VABandster(Kirsten) and sister

Bookholder (help ----sorry I forgot)

Tied2bfit (Dee)

Mare5569 (Marilyn)

Woofay (Anita)

Woofay just wrote and I realized I wasn't clear. We were going to have an off schedule get together tonight, however, I will not be able to be there. I never heard back from Dee about it and have other plans now. : (

My day at a time has taken some hits, but basically I have been pretty stellar and all that I lost was a pound that I had gained. I am frustrated. I don't want to "diet" because then I feel deprived. I just think I need more balance. I do work out, but then I am sitting most of the rest of the day waiting for the pounds to drop off. I need to get happy, have sex, run around and forget a little.

This waiting for skinny is lousy.

So on that happy thought, let the day begin. I am painting, but that is sedentary also. I did look up The Work and will have to try it out. Thanks.

Hugs all,

Michelle

Hey Michelle,

I will be having my surgery at 12:30 P.M. on Thursday, Dec 13th :-( Wish I could make it.

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Is anyone going to RR tonight~am I off??? I know we are meeting on Thursday, but I thought tonight too? I don't think anyone is going...that's okay with me, I REALLY need to work out!!!!

My computer is sooooo sick, it takes FOREVER to post or do anything fo that matter...virus...pain!!!

I am lurking, just not able to post much...too annoying

miss ya'll!!

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WELCOME to all the newbies and well wishes for all the upcoming surgeries.

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Is anyone going to RR tonight~am I off??? I know we are meeting on Thursday, but I thought tonight too? I don't think anyone is going...that's okay with me, I REALLY need to work out!!!!

My computer is sooooo sick, it takes FOREVER to post or do anything fo that matter...virus...pain!!!

I am lurking, just not able to post much...too annoying

miss ya'll!!

The 13th Mal. I saw Michelle's post.

and this is for you:

Today's thought from Hazelden is:Even though I can't solve your problems, I will be there as your sounding board whenever you need me.--Sandra K. LambersonThe prize we each have been given is our ability to offer full and interested attention to people seeking our counsel. And seldom does a day pass that we aren't given the opportunity to listen, to nurture, to offer hope where it's been dashed.We are not separate, one from another. Interdependence is our blessing; however, we fail to recognize it at our crucial crossroads. Alone we ponder. Around us, others, too, are often suffering in silence. These Steps that guide our lives push us to break the silence. The secrets we keep, keep us from the health we deserve.Our emotional well-being is enhanced each time we share ourselves - our stories or our attentive ears. We need to be a part of someone else's pain and growth in order to make use of the pain that we have grown beyond. Pain has its purpose in our lives. And in the lives of our friends, too. It's our connection to one another, the bridge that closes the gap.We dread our pain. We hate the suffering our friends must withstand. But each of us gains when we accept these challenges as our invitations for growth and closeness to others.Secrets keep us sick. I will listen and share and be well.

.................................................................................

and HAPPY HANNUKAH

hannukah.jpg

...............................................................................

I'm going to be posting a new photo shortly. Can't wait to show you all my progression.

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