Mindful

Hey Everyone: Sorry I've been out of commission. Had some surgical complications and in the hospital the past few days here in Columbus (wish so much I could have made them transfer me or something down to Dr. Sch). Things are better and I'm on the soft food phase. AnnieM and Nurse T: Thanks for the Protein drink suggestions. I'm now on eggs and yogurts so I should be able to avoid the supplements. I like the regular supplements (higher sugars) and my dietician said I can have them since I'm taking in such little nutrition right now. Barbara: So sorry about the heart fiasco. I'm so glad everything is okay. I would love to meet on Monday. How about 12:45p at a restaurant of your choosing near Dr. Sch's office? I have to leave Dayton no later than 2:45 for a 4p appt in Columbus. I'm really glad you chose to check things out with your heart. Email me: mindfulpea@yahoo.com Lisann: Glad you are getting back on track with the grazing. I'm still on such little intake that grazing is a good thing for me just to get some calories in. But, if you want to personally email me for accountability, please feel free (i.e. the number of times one day versus another) and I'll give you lots of encouragement (see above email). How did the tile job end? Impersons: I just want to keep encouraging you. Hey, look - the month is already half over! I'll be thinking of you as Feb arrives! DiscoDiva: Welcome to Ohio. I absolutely love Dr. S. He did steri-strips on me with internal (dissolve-type) sutures, not staples. For the band, I've not heard of anyone who uses staples because the incisions are so small. Oh Rain Tree - Where are you? We miss you! I'll probably be coming to the support group next month. I'm still trying to find one that is for band patients only. I'm a little frustrated that "we" get lumped into one group when the struggles and diets are radically different. I am just not sure I want to drive all the way to Dayton for a mixed group. There is a group here in Columbus that focuses on the emotions around eating that is free, sponsored thru the Center for Eating Disorders that I've been going to and I like it so far. Maybe as soon as my schedule settles, I'll start one for band only, one where you can come from any practice. Cincy Weight Loss has one but they won't allow people they didn't cut in - Okay, well talk later! Paige

Well, nothing against the hospital. They really were very against it. It was kind of confusing because one set of people I talked to were okay with my plan of getting a hotel room for the first night. One set were okay as long as 24 hours had passed and by the time the surgery had happened and the floor nurses were in charge, they were against letting me go alone at any time. So, it took a lot of convincing but, fortunately, I did get to come home. I am so grateful that several of you would have been willing to let me stay there but really the shame should be placed on my folks who were too busy to help. I'm feeling much better today. One problem, I really am not too pleased with the taste of the supplements. I love the Soups but the supplements give me my Protein. I've used Boost Glucose Control and Slim-Fast Low Carb. Any suggestions? Can't believe I've dropped 8 pounds in 3 days. WOW!

Thanks Barbara: I was going to get a hotel room but kept wishing for my own bed since I hadn't slept the night before. I have learned a valuable lesson though - NEVER NEVER AGAIN WILL I DRIVE ON PAIN MEDS. Now that I'm home, I'm having some discomfort still. I haven't taken the pain meds all day b/c I'm trying to stay awake for a good portion of the day. I did manage to get outside and walk twice around the parking lot. The gas is uncomfortable. The worst part is how little support I feel I'm getting from my family. I know I'm not supposed to have any expectations from people so dysfunctional...but sometimes it's hard. My parents actually asked me to come there for the weekend to let them take care of me. When I asked them to come get me, "I can't possibly on Friday, I have to work all day (that's my dad's (he's a doctor) response but apparently he saw all his patients and went to see a movie later". My mom's response: "I have errands to do on Friday, my hair appointment and a workout". But, "feel free to come up here for the weekend". UGH!! Anyway, I'm resting still. I've managed to get one Slim Fast down, one can made with milk of cream of potato Soup and 8oz Cappuccino. I"m getting ready to try for some chicken broth. I also managed to get down (one at a time) three pills last night. So, I think I'm mending just fine so far. Needless to say, I'm not going out of town so I"m here all weekend. Barbara, thanks for giving me your email address again on the INtro thread - I saved it. BTW, the support groups (from what I heard) are switching in February. The one on the 2nd Wed is going to now be for banders only and the 4th Monday one is for the RNY's. I'm going to be in Dayton for my f/u appointment on January 22 - let's meet for early soft food lunch. Later, Paige

Hey Ohio: Well, this will be short/sweet. I did make it and I did wake up. Thanks so much to Barbara for coming. Barbara: I can't really remember much at all. Since my surgery was pushed back, I will still very groggy when you came, as if you didn't notice. But, it was still nice to meet you and I appreciate the thought. I was a mess until late Thursday morning. Well, guys - the hardest was just moving at all. Once I was standing and walking, I felt better. It was just getting to the lie down vs. stand up position. That part was excruciating. It really does feel that someone has kicked you square in the gut and it IS sore. I definitely feel the gas but it's manageable. I've already advanced to full liquids and I'm doing that for a week. You guys should have seen me try to drive home - I'm so grateful to God because it was rough. I really wish now I had stayed there one more day or something. But, fortunately nothing happened and the other drivers were scarce. Well, I'm going to my folks' for the weekend so I'll see you all back on line next week. Linadu: don't even think twice about not coming. I truly wasn't even coherent until around 1p Thursday afternoon. OhRainTree: Thanks for the well wishes. Impersons: February will be here before you know it!

You are so sweet, Lisa I know I said in some post somewhere that if OSU lost the game tonight, I wouldn't have my surgery because I figured the loss would just kill me anyway. But, since OSU did lose :angry :welldone: :faint: :cool: :sick I am still having my surgery. I'm not going to let some stupid game loss keep me away. So, just kidding. Congrats to the Gators....they killed us! I am getting quite nervous. But, staying close to the goal. Can't believe I leave for the hospital in 33 hours! And, I have to my clear liquid diet by 6pm Tuesday night. So, almost all my difficult foods are gone. I've got my supplements and I"ve been doing my homework. I am hopeful that I'll feel well enough to go to class the next day but I'm sort of doubting that. So, where is everybody? Later, Paige

I agree with Annie in partn about always talking to your doctor-communication with your team is essential. I also think it's great to take all the feedback you get here too. The forums are extremely supportive and people who post have nothing to gain by feeding you bad information either. And, IMHO, the people who post here are extremely satisfied and post simply to help others who are struggling, to give each other nudges, to kick them in the butt, to answer questions faster than responses they may get from their doctors, and for friendship. There are so many great doctors out there. I also believe that information you get from the forums should not be your SOLE source for making decisions - part of making informed decisions is to weigh out everything. I believe each patient is always positively biased toward their own doctor. For me, I love Dr. Schumacher but I couldn't stand OSU in Columbus. But, any time someone has negative feedback, it could be reasons unrelated to the surgeon. For example, my negativity towards OSU had NOTHING to do with the surgeons - it had to do with the lack of responsiveness from the office staff and nurses. Anyway, I hope this also helps and I also hope you continue to gain support and friendship from this forum.

Hey Everybody: I can't believe how much this thread is growing. Yipee! :clap2: imsusie: Welcome and I'm glad to hear you'll come to a get-together as soon as we can get it organized. lavette tye: I'm so sorry you are having so many troubles. :sick It must feel awful to be sick all the time. I'm no veteran yet but I hope others can give you advice on how to deal and I hope your doctor finally figures out how to stop it. Keep your chin up. MISS Banster: What kind of cream soups? I went shopping yesterday for my post-op liquids. I didn't see too many soups that sounded good. I got cream of potato (figured I would strain out the potatoes) and cream of chicken. I also bought beef and chicken broth. Other than that, I bought Boost High Protein and Glucose Control as well as juices, milk and Carnation. Let me know any more ideas you have. Thanks ralheit: Welcome to the board. I've heard such wonderful things about Dr. Ben-Meir. I fully believe you are in wonderful hands. BTW, those of you who haven't posted yet in the INTRO thread, please feel free to tell us more about you. Okay, here's my update. I'm getting banded on Wednesday. I've been trying to remember everyone who is interested in getting together. Based on everyone I've talked to, the location is going to be somewhere central to Cincinnati, Columbus, and Dayton. I'm thinking Springfield for now. However, we have a couple of new people from Cleveland area, so if we start getting more from further north, we'll move the location a little further north. But, for now, most interested parties are from Dayton area. :update: Okay, since I have to keep scrolling back to remember who's interested in coming, let's do this: Send me an email to this address: mindfulpea@yahoo.com In the email, list the following: Your screen name, your real name, and a phone number (optional). Then, tell me what time you ABSOLUTELY could NOT come. If you work nights, let me know if weekends are okay. Be as flexible as possible so that we can find a day/time that works for everyone. We'll get together once every 3 months. I know that's a little less often than some had hoped for, but since we're getting more people, that seems the most practical. Most of us have support groups we can utilize in addition. This will be a "fun" thing and we can each take turns taking the lead for planning the event, i.e. treat it like a baby shower with no baby and no presents. We can make up lap band games (course, I'm just throwing cheesy things out). We can, drink (before eating!) and just plain be merry too. Once I get everyone's email, I'll post a list of who's coming (their screen name and first name) and when/where with an RSVP requirement. Okay, how does that sound? Please Please let me know if you have other suggestions or if I'm full of *^(&)! Have a great day! :update:

Vanessa was wanting to know what prompted you to start communicating on the forum. She said she hadn't been on the site for a while and then when she came back, she saw your name all over the place. She was happy to read your posts. She's your patient. Hope that clarifies. I'm not your patient but I am impressed that a doctor is participating - that shows such dedication and concern. Thanks

If you do decide to delay, Kettering Bariatrics saw me initially on 12/21/07 and I'm scheduled for surgery on 1/10/07. I had a letter from the psychologist and was seeing a dietician so they waived all the pre-op requirements. Good Luck.

Great big welcome to you Miss Banster! We are trying to arrange a get together for Ohio people. Would you be interested? This would be for pre-banders or veterans - let us all know on the Ohio Let's get started forum! Thanks for your intro. I can relate big time to the eating disorders in college. I was anorexic and bulimic before I got fat too. Now, I'm excited because I get banded on Wed 1/10 and I need the band to help with the overeating. Look forward to talking with you more. Paige

Thanks for the encouragement, Wolfmom. I hope it goes easy - I would really like to go to class the next evening if possible. And, to everyone: How about if we met on Saturday or Sunday during the late afternoon (to accommodate the night shifters who need to sleep) once every 2 months. I was thinking Springfield would be about halfway for everyone - any takers? Anyone in Springfield who could pick location? Take it easy, all.

I live about 45 minutes northwest of Columbus with my husband, step daughter who is 10 and my son who just turned 2 in November. I have decided that by having this surgery will not only help me it will help my step daughter, who is already way over weight and help my son with healthier eating habits. Hi Danielle: Nice to meet you. Whereabouts in Northwest Columbus. I grew up in Ashland. That direction sounds like Mansfield or Wooster, yes? Anyway, welcome to the gang here. Congrats on starting the process. My process was short and sweet but others have had to wait a while so don't get discouraged along the way - and when/if you do, we'll be here to throw you cheers.

I wanted to say hi to AnnieM. Welcome to the Ohio peoples! Don't stress about the loss - holidays are really hard. Most people gain and you've managed to continue creeping down - way to go!:clap2: Keep your chin up - do you want to join us for an exercise goal? Good to meet you.

Hey All Sorry I've been slacking. I've been checking posts but not typing much. I started classes this week and my hands are a bit sore from laptop use. Anyway, then I typed this long post and forgot to send the reply. Such is life in this great big merry world! Can't believe I have only 5.5 days left till the big day. My dietician went over every last concern she has and I've gone thru all the normal second thoughts and doubts. But, I"m still doing it. Anyway, big question here: how do you get in enough calories? The class said we eat around 600-800 kcals per day. That is impossible for me to sustain any energy. My RMR is 1720 WITHOUT exercise. If I eat that little I'll drop weight WAY TOO fast. So, my dietician tells me I'll have to do several small meals instead of only 3. Does that seem right to you guys? How do you get enough in? I want to lose my weight slowly (i.e. around 2 pounds per week) so I don't screw with my RMR. If it drops you do your body no good at all. So, I"m interested to hear veterans' thoughts. Thanks to Barbara and Lisann - how blessed I am to have two people I've not yet met in person volunterr to come give me cheers after my surgery. Here's the laugh of the day: I spent the day at the vet today with my little feline named Snickers. He apparently swallowed one of my Prozac's. He must have been feeling depressed....Well, I noticed him getting more :notagree than usual and his eyes were really dilated . He was higher than a kite. :sick I take him to the vet and we call Poison Control - the human dose was a little too much but thankfully not lethal. However, when I paid the bill, I :faint: Thanks be to the lord almighty for credit cards. Okay, one last thing: did any of you sort of eat up the things you had in the house before surgery that you knew you couldn't have later, i.e. popcorn, soda, etc. I've been doing that and I just wanted to know if that is being practical or just continuing a bad habit of eating too much and the wrong junk. or BOTH? Have a great week - see you later. Paige

Welcome Lisa: Keep viewing the OH board - I hope we'll be selecting the date soon for us all to meet and get together. Also, are you going to come to the support groups in Kettering? I think one is on the 2nd Wed of each month and the 4th Mon of each month. The first one is 1/10 - I won't be there because that's my surgery day but I will be for later ones. Thanks for sharing and have a great day

HAPPY NEW YEAR, EVERYONE!! Well, I decided at the last minute to go to my sister's for the new year deal. It was nice and it was just her family - so not a lot of people. Really hate big parties with a lot of people. Maybe won't mind them after my surgery. I hope everyone had a good new year and that everyone made some awesome resolutions (ones you can actually achieve). I was thinking about what Lisa just wrote. I'm definitely for some accountability. My surgery is next week and I know I'd love to have an exercise challenge. Since I will be just post-op, my goal is to walk three times a day for only 10 minutes during the weeks of 1/14, 1/21 and 1/28. I'll check in weekly to let you all know how I'm doing. Thanks for all the feedback about getting together. Right now, I'm counting the following: Me (Paige), Linadu (Lisa), Juli (my friend), Carolyn, Barbara and Teresa. Both Teresa and Lisa must do a daytime meeting. So, here's my thoughts: Since Kettering will have the monthly support group on the 2nd Wed of each month in the evening and since it appears they will be separating out the RNY's from the Bands, that should cover us for any evening help we need (this and of course, the board). Since Linadu and Lisa can't attend the monthly group due to the hours, how about we all set a once per month lunch meeting at a restaurant for added support and friendship. First, I think we need to pick a day that EVERYONE can attend with the night-shifters being given first priority. Right now, I'm pretty flexible b/c I'm not working. So, post what days and times you can do. Then, I figure we'll decide location. Also post your city so that we can pick a central location (preferably not out in the country because we'll all be forced to eat crow!!!) I cannot attend the support group on 1/10 at Kettering because I'll be recoving at Sycamore that evening. For any of you who go to the support group, feel free to come over to visit since it's across the street. If you want to, let me know and I'll email you my full name so you'll know who to ask for. My surgery is at 1:45p that afternoon - YEAH!! Thanks for everyone's support. :gluck:

Hey Lisa: I read your intro - thanks for sharing. I found myself really relating to what you said regarding feeling so socially isolated. I know it's my own fault in many ways but somehow I feel so discriminated against even IF no one says anything. And, I seem to be a master at picking up people's looks. I'll be thinking about you tomorrow and I hope your numbers are where you want/need them to be. I'm getting nervous but also excited. Thanks for the feedback about pills and stuff - ever get that feeling that if something tastes nasty you would pb that up more so than if you took the risk and just swallowed without crushing? That's where I'm at on that subject. I now know of four of us who want to get together. There's me, you, Juli (she hasn't posted in this forum yet) and I think Teresa (the RN). We'll figure something out as more people say they would want to get together. From what I hear there IS a band-only support group here in Columbus sponsored by Cincinnati Weight Loss Center. Meets in Dublin. I'm going to go in January with Juli and I'll report back if it was decent. Have a great New Years EVERYONE! :clap2:

Hi Everyone: I'm getting banded on 1/10/07. I was wondering about how everyone has had to deal with pills. I need to take pills the night of my surgery and I'm getting a "yukky" feeling inside about crushing them. Can we swallow well enough to get pills down? If not, suggestions?

Hi Shutuplena~ I've got a pill cutter and I think most of my meds could be crushed if needed. I'm just trying to avoid it if possible. Are there folks that have tried to swallow them and been successful? Mine aren't huge and they would definitely be smaller than a bite of food but I wonder about it, especially during the liquid phase. Course, if you guys say so, I might just be forced to crush them but if I do that, what on earth do I mix them in? I could see (on a temporary basis) mixing them in a bite of pudding or Jello but mixing the powder in a liquid? Gross!

Hi Ladyleo! I know it really sucks to have to front that kind of money but sometimes when you have to put it up, you are that much more successful. And, UPMC is a great program. I've not met anyone yet who self-payed and stayed here in the US. Most I've met have gone down to Monterrey for less money and great results. Are you living in OH now and driving to UPMC? Great to meet you.

Congrats on getting a date, dotofoz. My surgery is on 1/10/07 and I'm really looking forward to it. I've also tried way too many times. I've heard wonderful things about Dr. Ben-Mir. :biggrin1:

Hi Teresa! Are you saying that you may be interested in a support group? Obviously, since you work nights, you would need one at night, right?:biggrin1:

I have Medicaid right now,so that probably isnt gonna help.So Im now starting to interview with some companies in hopes to get a job with great benefits.I did not want to work while in school,but its sounds like I have to now. Hey,how do you find out if an employer offers the Weight Loss Surgery benefit?without scarring them off.:paranoid Dear Shay: Just a suggestion because I don't know what you are qualified for. But, hospitals and banks almost always provide health benefits for part-time workers over 16 hours per week. As for asking about coverage for WLS, before you accept an offer, request to review the complete manual for that provider and you can say that you want to review the benefits as health coverage is very important. Good Luck!

Hey Guys: Since all of you are from OHIO, check out some new threads on the OHIO forum. There are some people who have questions about docs and I know many of you can help. See you there

Hi Everyone: I'm new to this site but I've been active on Bandsters for a little while. I'm getting banded on 1/10/07 and I'm really excited. I didn't have to wait a long time like I know others have because my insurance is pretty easy to deal with. I live in Columbus, Ohio and I'm getting the band in Dayton, Ohio. It took me a bit, but I love how the tickers work and, although I don't have exactly what my weight will be on 1/10, it's the best I can do as of today. I'm looking for support groups in the area that deal with banding only - I get tired of hearing about all the support for by bypass people and await the day when the banders outnumber them! Well, I've enjoyed reading some posts and hope to get a wealth of information from all your opinions and I wish each of you great success in your journey!