IsaacsGram

Every time I started a new diet! Back in 1988 I reached 200lbs and said, "Enough!" and joined weight watchers-lost 30lbs, then in 1994, after college and gaining those 30 plus 20 more I said, "Enough!" and bought every book on Atkins and followed it to the letter, and lost 40 lbs. Then in 2002 while my first son was in Iraq I was disgusted with myself for reaching 240lbs, so I joined the gym and started the South Beach diet, and lost 40lbs. Then 2009 I reached 276lbs and knew if my husband and I went to Hawaii for our 10th anniversary I would be humiliated to get on the helicopter tour-so I said , "Enough!" and joined JennyCraig, and lost 60lbs. Now 2012, I have gained it all back again, and sitting at 280-I want this to be my FINAL ENOUGH! And I went to Dr.Joyce in New Lenox, Illinois and just this week got approved through my insurance for the VSG! Can't wait to feel better (bad knees, plantar fascitiis, back pain), and breath better (asthma, hiatal hernia), and be able to get on the floor and play with my young grandsons and not need help getting up! It is just pitiful when a 2 year old is trying to help Grammy get to the chair to stand up! ;-(

I hope to get my date in October, we should keep in touch-I'm L&D also, and also in school for my BSN! Such a small world! Good luck with your journey! Brigitte

MissKatie I just went through the website (www.bcbsil.com) and went through the "contact us" link.

I was really worried about hair loss (I'm still pre-op), but now I'm embracing the possibility. I plan on getting a really cool, modern hair cut & color - something along the lines of Ellen Degeneres. I've had long hair all my life, I used it to cover my fat face/neck/double chin. So if I lose this 100 lbs, I will gladly give up my hair! I watched my sister lose all of her hair to cancer, and I really learned alot from her courage and sense of humor. Losing your hair is not the worst thing that can happen to you.

I also had a most uncomfortable sleep study. The bed was hard as a rock! My leads also kept coming off my leg and I swear I did not sleep one bit. But the pulmonologist "interpreted" the study and said I had "mild sleep apnea", he said i do not require CPAP yet, but he was glad i was getting WLS as it should help a lot. That was reassuring! My insurance does not require pulmonology clearance, but my surgeon does, so I'm glad my doc felt my case was mild enough to to give his blessing!

I'm Expecting an October date too!

Hi fellow L&D nurse! I am still pre-op so do you mind if I ask some questions? How long are you taking leave for? I'm torn between 4-6 weeks. I have the PTO time saved, but our small unit will really suffer if I'm gone too long. I agree with you about the need to plan what you'll eat-we don't get regular breaks either, I plan on protein shakes during work as I certainly won't have time to chew as long as I should! I'm afraid it will be the hardest part of this-learning to slow down! Have you told any co-workers? Do you have any fatigue issues? Thanks for your patience-I hope your recovery continues to go well! And congratulations on your surgery! Best wishes, Brigitte

First off I must confess I am a bit of a "control freak". However, my employer (a hospital), requires at least 3 months notice for any "elective" procedures needing time off. So I have inquired of my surgeon a couple times when I might expect to have surgery. The surgeon said I had many things to get done first before he would know when or if surgery could be done. Ok, I understand that. But since then I have asked the coordinator at his office, that since I have seen the pulmonologist, had the sleep study, met with the psych, and only have the cardiologist and 3 hour class left, could she give me a ballpark idea of when I might have surgery. She replied, not yet, as they needed clearance from all 3 MD's, completion of the class, and then approval from BCBS before they could schedule me. Good Grief! I know there are steps to be taken, but surely they could APPROXIMATE how long the process SHOULD take! I just fear they will give me a date and I will not be able to take it as work will not allow me to be off. It does make me laugh (a little), as it reminds me of many of my patients and their families (I'm a labor/delivery nurse) when they ask "when will the baby arrive?". I try to explain all the variables, and that we really have no way of knowing for sure. :-/ Patience is not one of my virtues, I suppose.

Thanks, LindaS, that's a good idea, I will bring it up at my visit next week.

Hi Jana, I live in the South Chicago 'burbs, I've been an RN for 18 years, 3 in Med/Surg, 15 in Labor/Delivery. I'm currently finishing my BSN while I'm also preparing for my sleeve! I don't have a surgery date yet, and I'm still working on getting my pre-op tests/consults done. I saw the cardiologist today-and despite no previous history and a clean EKG he wants a nuclear stress echo. The next available appointment for that is August 13! Oh well, one step at a time! Good luck on your journey! Brigitte

I saw an advertisement for "slimpressions" that have arm spandex-looked really good!

Well, I have a hiatal hernia so the plan, if anyone asks is I had hiatal hernia repair-which is true! I may end up "fessing up" if people become overly worried about my excessive weight loss. I believe most of my co-workers would be supportive, but there are a couple who can be just downright rude. After I've had the surgery I may feel free to discuss it-we'll just have to see. Kind of the same thing applies to most of my family.

I bought 10 sample sizes of several flavors from vitalady.com. The packets each have 28-30gms protein. So far the chocolate fudge is my fav. I am trying out shakes for pre & post uses.

Wow! I pray my recovery is as good as yours! My doc promises me I will ready to return to work as a labor/delivery nurse in just 2 weeks-I thought he was pulling my leg! I plan on requesting 6 weeks just in case. I also don't want anyone, other than my director to know about my surgery-so I want to go back 100%. Thanks for sharing!@

All of these are great bucket list ideas! I want to be able to get down on the floor and play with my grandbabies and be able to get up without making "old lady" noises! I want to wear cute high heeled sandals with a nice dress, instead of a colorful tent and flats! I want to shop at Victoria's Secret for a sexy, cute bra that actually fits! And I can't wait to be able to fit in a airplane's seat comfortably so I can go see my son in Alaska!

You look fantastic! congratulations! You even look younger!

I, for one, appreciate good humor, we laugh so we don't have to cry. Keep the jokes coming!

I know this sounds weird, but as a labor and delivery nurse I was thinking (during a patient's cesarean section) why couldn't they do VSG under spinal anesthesia? I did think about how high the spinal would have to be, but it is below the diaphragm. I think it would be very interesting and educational to be able to view on the monitor as the surgeon performed the surgery and maybe talked through it as he went. Crazy idea? Probably. I've just got too much time on my hands waiting for my day.

Yes, I suppose that would ruin the whole experience (LOL), I was just thinking outloud. I may ask my surgeon if he has any DVD of his procedure. He advertises that he uses mesh to decrease leak incidents-I have not found that anywhere else. B

Wowwie!! You look amazing! You ARE an inspiration! Thanks for the pics!

Wow! This Tuesday, eh? Best wishes!! Can't wait till I can join you!

Once upon a time I did lose 60 lbs on jenny craig's diet, and my hubby was absolutely annoying with all his compliments and flirtiness. I look forward to that again, believe it or not! LOL! When you feel attractive, others will find you more attractive-I truly believe this!