http://www.thinnertimesforum.com/blogs/ Gastric bypass forum, Lap Band forum, and vertical sleeve gastrectomy forum for weight loss surgery patients. en Sat, 21 Nov 2009 00:22:11 GMT vBulletin 60 http://www.thinnertimesforum.com/images/misc/rss.jpg http://www.thinnertimesforum.com/blogs/ http://www.thinnertimesforum.com/blogs/hychap2009/1348-game.html Fri, 20 Nov 2009 22:49:55 GMT Gran daughter came home from the hospital last night full of beans. What a difference, wow. Apparently they gave a shot of Nurophen, and some antibiotics. Today she was still not quite herself, a little quite. She still not eating though. Had my pre-assessment today. In sort, AJ nearly... Gran daughter came home from the hospital last night full of beans. What a difference, wow. Apparently they gave a shot of Nurophen, and some antibiotics. Today she was still not quite herself, a little quite. She still not eating though.

Had my pre-assessment today. In sort, AJ nearly made the decision to cancel my surgery for the 30th. When he examined my chest he found very little wheezing; but said there was a slight crackling to the base of my lungs. After much discussion he agreed to wait and see what my test result were. If there was no sign of infection, then I will remain scheduled for 30th.

Well late this evening I got a call from AJ and he confirms that my test results are looking normal. Yeap those little white cells look good.
So based on those results and that my cold does not develop any further it's a yes.

So for now I'm going to continue with my self help medication, try and steer clear of anyone with a cold and see how I go. So anyone readiing this, your prayers would be welcomed, and if you don't believe in the Almighty, then cross your fingers for me. lol. ]]> Hychap2009 http://www.thinnertimesforum.com/blogs/hychap2009/1348-game.html http://www.thinnertimesforum.com/blogs/ryan/1347-exciting-news.html Fri, 20 Nov 2009 15:27:14 GMT After finally completing all of the blood work, exams…etc…I called my doctor Monday to confirm that all my test results & appointments were complete & ready to be shipped to my insurance for approval! Rather than harass my surgeon one more time with “have you heard anything yet???”(It’s only been 5 days…lol!) I decided to just call my insurance company! I give them enough money every year to call every hour on the hour if I like! Ha! So “Lydia” from Blue Cross just informed me that my insurance has in fact approved my surgery & they will be sending an authorization number to my surgeon today or Monday! WHOO HOOO! =)

I’m torn between throwing up from nervousness & jumping up & down with excitement!
Say a little prayer for me!...& if you’re not religious…wish me luck! I’ll take either or! =) ]]> ~*RyaN*~ http://www.thinnertimesforum.com/blogs/ryan/1347-exciting-news.html http://www.thinnertimesforum.com/blogs/hychap2009/1346-2nd-pre-assessment-tomorrow-gran-baby-gone-hospital-worried.html Thu, 19 Nov 2009 23:19:32 GMT Hi, i've stayed at home all week. Pre-assessment tomorrow morning. It's been a struggle with this cold. At the moment sometimes my chest feels tight and at other times it feels fine. Nasal congestion, on and off with a little drip drip drip to the back of the throat.

My sweet little grand daughter has been poorly all week, running a high fever. We have been giving her Calpal to keep her fever down and for the past day and half I've kind of tried to lock myself away from her. She keeps crying for her grangran, tug, tug, tug on my hear strings. This evening when I heard her crying, I went in to her and held her in my arms, she stopped crying immediately, boy was she hot. Her mother had gone to the late night supermarket to see if she could get some gluecose because she was not eating, for 3 days actually. During that time the decision was made to take my little gran daughter to the hospital, so I called my husband at work and he decided to come straight home - so they've all gone off to the hospital (Mum, grand dad and auntie).

They've been gone about an hour now, I've already phoned twice to hear any news, they were examining her the last time I called, so I'm going to call again.

Oh I also made the decision to miss my god daughters birthday celebration tonight, I didn't want to go out into the cold night air. She was understanding of this but we spoke tonight.

Oh I've my pre-assessment in the morning at 9.30am. I not sure I'm well enough or wheather I'm going to pass the medical and keep my Nov. 30th surgery date, but HEY!!! what to do. ]]> Hychap2009 http://www.thinnertimesforum.com/blogs/hychap2009/1346-2nd-pre-assessment-tomorrow-gran-baby-gone-hospital-worried.html http://www.thinnertimesforum.com/blogs/everleigh/1345-sleeve-dream-setback.html Thu, 19 Nov 2009 19:45:01 GMT :confused: I went to my endocrinologist a day ago. This is the same endocrinologist who explained to me in August that the only long term proven weight loss method is bariatric intervention (i.e. surgery.) He HAD said that I could diet and exercise and lose the weight without surgery but I would... :confused:

I went to my endocrinologist a day ago. This is the same endocrinologist who explained to me in August that the only long term proven weight loss method is bariatric intervention (i.e. surgery.) He HAD said that I could diet and exercise and lose the weight without surgery but I would have to resign to the fact that I would feel hungry most of the time and would HAVE to maintain a very regimented and organized life (whereas with the surgery, it gives you that extra tool.. like instead of hand washing the dishes, I can run them in the dishwasher.)

I agreed with him then and agree with him now, however, in the appointment I just had I told him that I had gotten most of what I needed to do done in preparation for wls. He flipped through my paperwork nodding and saying, "right, the lapband, I think you are going to do well with that."

"Uh no," I interjected, "I've changed my mind. After doing research I think I am better suited for the Gastric Sleeve."

He started shaking his head slightly and said "I thought we talked about the Lapband only. You should not be getting anything close to a RYN or Bypass."

I was slightly confused because I'm one of those morons who forgets that even though someone may have "DR' in their title doesn't mean they know about every medical speciality.

"Well, it's not bypass and it's not the band, it's in between" I countered cautiously.

He sighed and said that he DID have 4 or 5 patients who have had the sleeve and who have been very happy with it- most losing the majority of their weight in 7 months.

I jumped in "well, it's not that I'm most concerned with losing it quickly. It's more about the maintenance aspect of fills with the band, the absence or reduction of ghrelin hormone with the sleeve.. well, and a handful of other reasons I've come up with." (I wasn't expecting him not to be on board with the sleeve so I hadn't brought my pro/con list with me.)

"Everleigh, it's a one time surgery. It is irreversible. There's no going back once you get this and due to the fact you want more children, I really feel like the band is a safer choice" he said.

"Actually, it's part one of the duodenal switch surgery, so if necessary, I could have that second part at some point" (after saying I briefly thought-where in the heck did I know that from??? Oh! Thinnertimes.com!!!)

"Yes, but duodenal switch patients have their own set of long term problems." He was NOT budging.

"Well, the ghrelin hormone..." I started while he immediately started shaking his head no.

"No, I don't think so. That remains to be seen. There's no long term ghrelin studies and it's not concrete. If it were true, people who have had these surgeries and specifically the sleeve would not regain weight" he explained.

Ah, crap. (Sigh.) (Frown.)

I'm smart, but my little Bachelor Degree education vs. his PhD wasn't much of a match in a medical debate.

I told him that I wasn't about to have a surgery that my doctors didn't think I should so I was taking his opinion to heart. I pressed him for more specific to me reasons why not. I also asked about the pregnancy thing. (It's an endocrine office but they actually also deal with reproductive issues- although they don't see me for that.)

He is a very smart knowledgable man but I didn't feel he had a whole lot of firm reasons to back up his concern. We didn't argue but I didn't feel like he was jumping on the sleeve bandwagon either.

He finally said he felt it was very crucial for me to speak in depth with the surgeon about my medical history and desire for more children before choosing sleeve (which, truly, I would do anyway.) I don't see him for 3 months and he patted me on the back and said, "well, either way, wls is going to change your life and I'm excited to see the health effects for you with that."

Arghh...

I didn't think at this point (after 4 months of exploring and planning for wls) that it mattered to me anymore when I faced opposition on wls but I'm finding that as the possible date of surgery becomes more real and closer in time, ANY tiny negativity turns into a combination of anger and anxiety for me.

I've become so sensitive about it now (inside, not to anyone outwardly I don't think.) It pisses me off actually. It's like, "if there isn't a good reason to tell me no, then don't inject your pessimism into my life change."

Then I think, "why the heck am I so defensive?? I'm not an angry, "chip-on-my-shoulder" kind of person."

Anyway, the endocrinologist told me that he will stand back and allow the surgeon to decide if the Sleeve was safe and good for me. Now that I've felt strongly for the sleeve, I don't want the choice taken away.

I have another friend of my family (who doesn't know about my wls journey) who got the band a week ago and who's in "bandster hell" right now. She hasn't lost any weight (which I know that's not uncommon as there's not a fill/restriction) and she's already cheated on her post op diet because as she told another family member of mine, "I'm starving and I cannot take it!"

This coupled with my doctors comments, I'm uneasy about the Lapband. I know I could do it. I could face it head on and do what I was supposed to do.

Not that the Sleeve would be easier, (my surgeon commands a liquid diet for a month post op), but I just think it would suit me better.

Why can't this WLS be sunshine and flowers??? :p ]]> everleigh http://www.thinnertimesforum.com/blogs/everleigh/1345-sleeve-dream-setback.html http://www.thinnertimesforum.com/blogs/kaly/1344-so-starts-new-part-my-journey.html Thu, 19 Nov 2009 18:16:31 GMT I sent in my final pages of paperwork in to my surgeon today. Hopefully they'll get them sent in to my insurance ASAP and I'll get a surgery date soon. I wanted to do this before the end of the year. So I could start the new year off on the right foot- so to speak.

I know that this surgery isn't a surgery to be taken lightly- none are really. But this is serious business. Our health is the one thing that we can never get back once it's gone... and can't live without...

I like most people on TT have tried and lost and tried and gained the same weight over and over again - plus some. I'm ready for a permanent change. I need this tool to help me be the me that I'm supposed to be once and for all.

I pray that the answer from the insurance company is God's will for my life and that the surgery goes soon and well. I plan to be a good patient as I usually am and do as instructed. If I'm not willing to do my part it's all for nothing anyway, right? ]]> Kaly http://www.thinnertimesforum.com/blogs/kaly/1344-so-starts-new-part-my-journey.html http://www.thinnertimesforum.com/blogs/everleigh/1343-cup-life.html Thu, 19 Nov 2009 03:43:27 GMT I know I was aware of portion size before. Through all my diets and more importantly when I wasn't dieting, portion size was always important. Usually I know how much I'm eating I just get to a point where I don't care anymore. Well, not always, but you know, being big I sometimes rationalize with "well, what's a couple more pounds from this meal really gonna do anyway? I'm already overweight."

Of course later, there's a "buyer's remorse" and the wish I could take back about half of the meal I ate.

So thinking about my nutrition appointment I have to say that I'm still shocked about the one cup size meals for life after surgery. I know how much that is (although she handed me a cup size measuring cup to really bring the point home.)

Having young child, I'm aware of amounts of food I give her (after the bottle stage I can usually guess with scary accuracy how many ounces are in something.) At two, she's eating about a cup a meal. Whether I put more on her plate or not, she's usually only taking in the cup amount.

I sat tonight at dinner watching my two year old eat and thinking, "will I be happy only eating that much?" Dh broke me out of the trance concerned there was something wrong with our daughter- "why do you keep checking her eating?" I mumbled something about her starting to eat more a variety of stuff and he shrugged. (I'm not about to tell him that I'm ambivalent about the cup size portions for life.)

Wow. Freaky. Time to mourn the pasta plates and whole loaf of garlic bread. No more "half a pizza." No more take out chinese food that feels like it's the weight of a full grocery bag. I'm excited and happy to give up the food but still trying to believe that it's going to be this way- forever!

I sure hope that I will be able to be a success story and get to that cup for life and find it comforting. ]]> everleigh http://www.thinnertimesforum.com/blogs/everleigh/1343-cup-life.html http://www.thinnertimesforum.com/blogs/brooketotman/1342-little-about-me.html Wed, 18 Nov 2009 17:55:08 GMT My name is Brooke Totman. I am 27 with two beautiful children and a great husband. I decided to have the gastric bypass around Sept.2009. A few friends of mine who had the surgery have done great with it. So in Sept. I started the program at Tuft's in Boston and my surgery date is now 12-01-09. I cant wait. I am ready to be healthy for my family and myself. I have been overweight for most of my life and I am done with it. I am ready to stop being tired all the time and enjoy life. I am ready to look forward to social occasion's and of course feel and look great!!:p;)
]]> BrookeTotman http://www.thinnertimesforum.com/blogs/brooketotman/1342-little-about-me.html http://www.thinnertimesforum.com/blogs/denmomlt/1341-so-waiting-begins.html Wed, 18 Nov 2009 16:52:08 GMT I've been conscious of my weight most of my life. I grew up in a "good Dutch family" and have "good Dutch bones" which translates to being the heaviest kid in the class in spite of my athletic and very active body.

Fast forward a few years (okay, more like 20) and I'm a full-time working mom, wife and 290 pounds. When did it happen? How did it happen? I gradually started losing weight once I got to college...never quite felt satisfied and just kept on eating/grazing/munching/tasting...you get the picture. Got married, got pregnant, and have spent the last 6 years working with my PCP on a weight loss program. I've lost and gained the same 60-70 pounds (and more) for the better part of 6 years. I have worked with a lifestyle coach, counselor, and nutritionist. I know WHAT to do to lose the weight, just seems that I can't make my body and my brain work together.
I asked my PCP about WLS at a visit in May. I'd been thinking about it for a few months, researching it, praying about it. Decided that I would ask her opinion and see where it led. She thought it was a great idea...commented that she'd thought WLS would be a great tool for me. She referred me to Dr. Callery's office.
I attended the WLS educational seminar and liked what I heard. I prayed about it. My prayer was, "if this is the direction that You want me to go/explore, then please open the doors for me. I do not want to have to CHASE this." Well, God answered my prayer and doors have been opening.
I've met with Dr. Callery's office at a one-on-one consultation. I've done the EKG, gall bladder ultrasound, all the blood work, sleep study, psych consult (two of them...that will be another blog entry), nutritionist and quit smoking. I've attended the pre-op support group and the dietary support group. I meet with the nurse practitioner again on Friday and we'll see where I'm at with all the required tasks. I am hopeful that the approval process with Aetna will go smoothly. I've got more than 3 years of documented weight loss supervision with my PCP that shows my BMI of 43+ for more than 6 years. I trust that God's got all of this in His hands and whatever happens is supposed to happen.
Looking forward to the journey. Thanks for sharing it with me. :) ]]> DenMomLT http://www.thinnertimesforum.com/blogs/denmomlt/1341-so-waiting-begins.html http://www.thinnertimesforum.com/blogs/everleigh/1340-nut.html Wed, 18 Nov 2009 16:27:31 GMT Nut appointment- COMPLETE! :D I had to bring my toddler with me (my very fussy little girl) and arrived a few minutes late due to traffic. I spent the first 3 or 4 minutes apologizing over and over again for being late, for having to bring my little one, I felt bad. The nutritionist was a... Nut appointment- COMPLETE! :D

I had to bring my toddler with me (my very fussy little girl) and arrived a few minutes late due to traffic. I spent the first 3 or 4 minutes apologizing over and over again for being late, for having to bring my little one, I felt bad.

The nutritionist was a really great lady. Like the psych, I felt comfortable with the nut and she is someone I could see being friends with (or reminds me of my other friends, rather.)

She gave me a notebook full of info.. specifically the food plan for all stages post surgery. She gave me specific names of things (Unjury, beneprotein, etc.) She gave me samples of vitamins and protein bars.

She didn't have a specific checklist of what I needed to have for the hospital or when I first come home. (If you can't tell, I'm usually a meticulous planner. ) She said she was working on that and would let me know once she finished posting the list online.

I think the fact we were meeting at the end of the day sort of took it's toll too. It was dark outside and I was exhausted (I think she was too.) The reason I say that is because the nut kept forgetting I'm a vegetarian and reiterated over and over about blending meats, eating meat options, etc etc. I told her I was vegetarian in my paperwork and then once while we spoke but after that I just politely nodded. It's not a big deal. I got the idea of what I should and shouldn't eat.

About this time, my toddler started to meltdown. I had a portable dvd player set up (which she usually will zone out to), I had three medium bags full of toys, dolls, puzzles, and books. I had snacks and juice. I even brought a pacifier as a last resort. We got to the pacifier stage quickly and it's apparently lost it's appeal. The nut gave her the plastic/rubber fake food to play with, and later the plastic measuring cups. She proceeded to bang the two biggest measuring cups together loudly while standing in between me and the nut and yelling (singing?) "LA YA LA YA!!!!" Over and over and over again. For like 30 minutes.

I can't stand it when people let their kids act a fool and do nothing so although the nut kept telling me, "it's fine," I HAD to keep pulling her to me and trying to get her to stop.

Funny how sometimes, it doesn't matter what you bribe them with, what time they got their nap, etc etc... they just have to act up.

I didn't get angry with her, but I did continue to try to stop the behavior and apologizing to the nut. :(

The only "nutty" thing I think the nut did was suggest I start eating the 5 small meals beginning now.

"But I might not be having surgery for months" I said.
"Yes but you'll need to practice the habit" she advised.

I didn't argue but already decided I may not follow this advice.

My position is that whenever I do a diet, I fail. I have the best intentions and attitude but for whatever reason, I discontinue or fail. I know that if/when I start this 5 small meals thing without surgery, I likely will fail because I'm gonna be starving. I can definitely do the sipping of water all day- that's no problem. But the meals.. if I could do 5 small meals I already would be.

When you practice doing something wrong, you're more likely to do it again wrong. I am one of those creatures of memory. I don't want a basis of failure on my post op diet BEFORE I even get the surgery.

I understand the suggestion but I don't feel it'll work for me.

In any case, the nut appointment was over, she was a saint for dealing with all my chaos :) and I feel good I'm one step closer! ]]> everleigh http://www.thinnertimesforum.com/blogs/everleigh/1340-nut.html http://www.thinnertimesforum.com/blogs/peg/1339-anyone-else-have-previous-fundoplication.html Wed, 18 Nov 2009 04:16:28 GMT I am having gastric bypass on 11-30. Fourteen years ago I had a Nissen Fundoplication for severe reflux. For the fundo, they basically wrap the top of the stomach around the esophagus creating a new valve between the two . That surgery has now failed and will need to be un-done before the gastric... I am having gastric bypass on 11-30. Fourteen years ago I had a Nissen Fundoplication for severe reflux. For the fundo, they basically wrap the top of the stomach around the esophagus creating a new valve between the two . That surgery has now failed and will need to be un-done before the gastric bypass. The surgeon tells me he's only done this twice. Odds of having open vs. lap is about 50/50. They won't know much more until surgery; there could be issues with adhesions or blood supply problems to the stomach. ]]> Peg http://www.thinnertimesforum.com/blogs/peg/1339-anyone-else-have-previous-fundoplication.html http://www.thinnertimesforum.com/blogs/mint-e/1338-pre-surgery-blip.html Tue, 17 Nov 2009 22:26:14 GMT December 7th. In just about 20 days away, my life is going to change. Not like a haircut or shopping change. A real change, A Oh-my-god what is happening change.

I am terrified. I am plagued with what-if's. Am I still going to be hungry? How do I deal with the after surgery stuff? Most important, What if I don't wake up?

Reminding myself to breathe.

Nerves I know. I am trying to throw myself into anything distracting, Half way through an x-box session, Game controller in hand I find myself staring at the screen. My mind begins to go, like a washing machine stuck on the spin cycle.

What are you doing? What are you doing?

I try to remain calm despite starting to hyperventilate.

Taking a deep breath, I smile to myself and think of cute new clothes and nerdy knee high socks. Its going to be ok. I know it is. This was a momentary blip. A moment of sorts and a pre-surgery blur. I'll get through it.

A first of many moments between now and then.

I digress and back to scanning the forums. It puts a smile on my face. If you all can do it. So can I.

On that note, the next time I have a moment? I am going to think of all of you.

Thanks for being there for all of my so called blips ;) ]]> Mint.E http://www.thinnertimesforum.com/blogs/mint-e/1338-pre-surgery-blip.html http://www.thinnertimesforum.com/blogs/ryan/1337-hello-all.html Mon, 16 Nov 2009 16:28:52 GMT In a Nut Shell…

I joined this site to better educate myself about Gastric Bypass through those that have already had the surgery. I think it takes a lot of courage to go through with any weight loss surgery. I admire those that have gone through it already & those like myself who are waiting patiently for their date. After reading through some of the stories already, its impossible not to feel in some way moved by the words of encouragement & happiness coming from individuals. I am happy to be apart of this site!

A little extra about me...

I take great value in my close friends & family & spend most of my spare time visiting & going places with them. I consider myself a pretty well rounded gal! I’ve experienced a lot so far in my life & I am excited to see more! I am currently engaged to an incredible individual whom I grow more in love with every passing day! Our life together is simple & happy & I feel like the luckiest girl in the world to be with him! ]]> ~*RyaN*~ http://www.thinnertimesforum.com/blogs/ryan/1337-hello-all.html http://www.thinnertimesforum.com/blogs/sharonz/1336-discouraged.html Mon, 16 Nov 2009 04:05:47 GMT I was so hopeful when this all began. The military uses a number system. Mine is 304 so naturally when I saw that they were on 291, I was ecstatic. Yeah, well, that was over a month ago and it is still at 291. Unless there is a miraculous jump over night, I can see this is going to take a long... I was so hopeful when this all began. The military uses a number system. Mine is 304 so naturally when I saw that they were on 291, I was ecstatic. Yeah, well, that was over a month ago and it is still at 291. Unless there is a miraculous jump over night, I can see this is going to take a long time before I'll see surgery. At this rate, next spring isn't far fetched. Right now, I'm feeling the complete let down of that fact and almost depressed about it. I was hoping for a sooner than later surgical date. It doesn't look like it is going to happen that way. All I can do is push forward and keep working towards that day. Just bummed is all. ]]> Sharonz http://www.thinnertimesforum.com/blogs/sharonz/1336-discouraged.html http://www.thinnertimesforum.com/blogs/hychap2009/1335-thats-now-i-give-up.html Mon, 16 Nov 2009 00:40:28 GMT i don't know, maybe i'm not meant to have this surgery at all. i was starting to feel like I was turning the corner with the cold issue. However, at this very moment I feel like i'm going backwards. I don't feel like i've got a full on cold but that feeling of being on the verge. One minute my chest feels clear then the next I feel husky in my throat. What the hell!!

My pre-assement is on Friday at this rate - I can see my surgery being postponed again. I feel i've done everything to improve, i've stayed at home out of the cold; taken zinc, cold mixtures, allergy pills and home remedies. I give up, I truely do. ]]> Hychap2009 http://www.thinnertimesforum.com/blogs/hychap2009/1335-thats-now-i-give-up.html http://www.thinnertimesforum.com/blogs/derek-beauchamp/1334-date-set.html Sun, 15 Nov 2009 20:06:53 GMT My date for surgery has been set for 10 February 2010. I am on my diet and have lost 8Kg. Not looking forward to going through Christmas but I know I will do it:) My date for surgery has been set for 10 February 2010. I am on my diet and have lost 8Kg. Not looking forward to going through Christmas but I know I will do it:) ]]> Derek Beauchamp http://www.thinnertimesforum.com/blogs/derek-beauchamp/1334-date-set.html