TheBestIsYetToCome

Cyn, Congratulations! I had surgery on Monday. I know exactly how you are feeling right now. I wanted to know more about the abdominal belt. Much success to you.

Skeebo, I can sense your frustration with where you are following your surgery. My surgery is tomorrow (1/3) so I cannot offer any specific information to help you with your situation; however, what I can say is that I have found this forum to be extremely helpful and as you can see by the responses you did get that you at least have more food for thought. Do you know if your doctor checked for any other medical conditions such as Thyroid condition? From your post, it's obvious your weight gain is not from eating, so it has to be something. Much success to you as you work with your medical team to figure out what is going on with your body. Light~ Theresa

Natalie, What a spectacular list. I'm sure you will be in those pictures in no time. I am already a picture nut, so once I'm smaller I'm sure it will still be on. One of my male friends called me Theresa Fierce today. All I could do was laugh. Keep up the great work.

Wow! My doctor put me on a 1200 calorie per day meal plan but left the decision how I would accomplish that task up to me. In 2 and a 1/2 weeks I lost 8 pounds. I just have to keep it going.

I am the last person that I thought would be here sharing my trials and tribulations of weight loss; however, here I am. After much internal wrestling, I decided that WLS was the way to go. Initially, my insurance company said I had to weight 6 months and jump t hrough many hoops, but 4 months in, the policy changed and I was eligible to have the surgery at any time. Between getting that news and now many things have occurred that have stalled my decision to move forward. In addition to working full time in the area of child protective service in a large urban area on the east coast, I am a full time doctoral student. If that isn't enough, I have a partner that I have been with for the past 8 years. He and I went through a really rough spot back in July and so I left. That was really hard on me, but eventually we worked it out and are now back together. He is even on board with me having surgery. In November I had surgery to repair an upper respiratory problem and two days after tht my father died. I could have allowed all those things to derail my decision to make this significant change in my life, but I didn't. At 46 years-old, I feel like I have many good years ahead of me and I want to do everything I can to make sure they are just that. I have only told a handfull of people about my surgery. I asked for the first two weeks off at the first of the year so that I can start off on the right track. If I need to take longer, I will, but I am trusting and believing in the procoess and know that I am going to do fine. Any tips or suggestions on how to navigate this process is greatly appreciated.

I was told by my dietitian, that for the first two weeks I would be on liquid Protein shakes, then soft foods, then reintroduction of regular foods. Foods that I am aware of that are high in protein are chicken breast, fish (especially tuna), eggs, Beans, peas, and nuts. I am sure there are other foods, but this is mostly what I eat. Hope this helps. Theresa

As I meditate on the days events, my mind can't help but shift to tomorrow because it is my last pre-opp appointment before my surgery scheduled for January 3, 2011. I'm super excited. I have come from behind the vail and want to use my journey to help others. I have been exercising and even started some lighter foods in hopes that my system will not go into food shock when I have to do the liquids and soft foods for the first three or four weeks. I know that surgery is not the only answet, but rather it is part and parcel of a much larger picture, one that has me focusing on my eating, exercise, emotional, and psychological health. I wil post how the doctor's visit goes tomorrow. I'm already claiming the victory. Happily Theresa

Lucill, Thanks for replying to my post. We can make it t hrough this journey together. I am originlly from Kentucky, so I am only a transplant in New Jersey. My roots are midwestern. What part of the midwest do you live? Theresa

Congratulations. It's good you feel like walking around. Your journey has begun. Theresa

Lucill, It is good to make your acquaintance. Any support I can provide just ask. What part of the Midwest are you from? I am from Kentucky but now live in New Jersey.

Lucill, It is good to make your acquaintance. Any support I can provide just ask. What part of the Midwest are you from? I am from Kentucky but now live in New Jersey.

Follow me as I embark on this WL journey. Don't get used to seeing the before me, because she won't be around too long.

Keshia, My name is Theresa initially I was going to get the Lap Band; however, since changed my mind and am prepared to have the Sleeve. My surgery date is scheduled for January 3, 2011. I hope the insurance doesn't give me any problems, but so far, I haven't heard anything negative. My current weight flucutates between 226 and 231. My smallest weight was probably in middle school some 25+ years ago. One of the main reasons for deciding to go the WLS route was to reduce the havoc obesity plays on your body. I currently have high blood pressure, asthma, allergies, and have family pre-dispositions for cancer, and diabetes. At 46, it's not too late for me to make the changes needed to reduce some of the risks associated with each of these conditions. I just wanted to introduce myself. I'm new here, so it will take me a minute to acclimate, but once I do, I'm sure we will interact again in the future. Much success to you and this process. When I began the process, I titled it, Reseructing T., and it is in full effect. Peace~