Valentina

Some people are born with cysts on whatever. My daughter has one on her kidney. So far, it's there and that's it. It's just there and probably has been there since birth. It was only found when she had a kidney infection ultrasound. It was also discovered that she has an small extra kidney! Leave it to me to have children with spare parts!!! For the weekend, just try to remember to breath. That's all, just breath. You will get your answers on Monday. Don't let the "worms" get into your brain. Otherwise you will have yourself tortured and buried by Sunday. Keep in touch. Vent here when you want. We're here and we're listening. Valentina

Hi! You are only two days after me. Also, you are close to where I will have my surgery. I am in Orange county, NY. Welcom to the "Jewels of June", neighbor!!!!

Welcome, Melissa to the "necklace" of "The Jewels of June". I can't believe that our time to "sparkle" is almost here, can you? Sometimes I wonder how I can be so excited and so frightened at the same time. I know that with eachother's support all of use Jewels will come together on the other side of surgery and be as beautiful as an opera length strand of cultured pearls. Please, keep in touch. Valentina

My favorite is plain Greek yogurt with a dash of vanilla extract, one Equal and some blueberries . YUMMY!!

Hello, fellow "Jewel", Pre-op testing is routine bloodwork, speaking with a hospitalist about what of my daily medications should I take the morning of my surgery, probably an EKG and maybe a chest xray. It's just a last minute check up to make sure I am healthy enough to have surgery. Valentina

If a pill can be split, it can be crushed. Crush the sucker, mix it in some applesauce and down the hatch! No sense taking chances with sharp edges or even worrying about it. Crush it!!

Hello, Heather--fellow "Jewel of June". You and I will start toward our diamond destination together. I am scheduled for June 6th also. I'm with you on the emotional roller coaster. One thing is sure---I am determined!! I think the losers' bench had better have lots of room. MOVE OVER! THE JEWELS OF JUNE ARE COMING!!!! :car:

:cheer2: With a birthday on Valentine's Day, I will also go with amethyst. Since my SO is a jeweler, I will have to be amethyst surrounded by Kts. and Kts of diamonds!!! The more glitz,the better!!! I have my final consultation with my surgeon this morning. YIKES!!! Wish me well, fellow "JEWELS OF JUNE". :grouphug: [quote name='kwikwits' timestamp='1305865006' post='152882'] Woo woo!! Valentina -- you scored big with "Jewels of June"!!! I love it!!! I'm off this board for one day (getting an EKG & blood work from the PCP) and this is what I've missed! Okay -- as a "Jewel of June" I'm sticking with what I know...a deep, deep purple Amethyst! Its my birth stone & comes in a color that this 56 yr old hippie still finds very "groovy'! Just finished Day Two of pre-op diet -- Slim Fast Low Carb RTD shakes Vanilla & chocolate are drinkable...mixed with a little coffee -- not too shabby. My soon to be sleeved stomach isn't thrilled -- rumbling with gas and diarrhea. The big D is my arch nemesis -- I have it pretty often -- one of the many reasons I would never have bypass -- my intestines work too efficiently -- there are days I worry I won't ever leave the bathroom. Okay -- I know TMI! Does anyone know if you can take Imodium after surgery???

Loving it!!! I like to think that we "Jewels of June" are all "Diamonds in the Rough".:tea: Valentina

Me too! What "jewel" would you be??? Valentina 152743'] Jewels of June! I like that!

AAAAhhhhhh, yes. How sweet it is for: "The Jewels of June"!!!!! :grouphug: I start my pre-op this Sunday. I'm actually looking forward to a Fluid diet? Damn right, I am!! :humble: Valentina

I will edge in here and admit that I mostly agree with "To Be Thin 2011". Have you spoken to the mental evaluator yet?? It does not sound to me that you are mentally committed or ready for this life changing surgery. Yes, hair loss is a possibility. It does not happen to everyone, nor does it last for most people. That being said there are other for the most part unspoken nasty side effects that COULD happen after surgery. It is up to each of us to do our research, research, research and then ask ourselves the hard questions. Are you ready?? Maybe not. One has to remember that when asks a question or posts on opinion on this board, one is asking for responses from EVERYONE . That will and should include people who will say things that one does not agree with. That is what brainstorming is all about. Stay positive and search deep inside. Only there will you find the answers that are right for YOU. \ Valentina

Just call your surgeon and ask him/her. I take a tsp of Miracle Fiber from the Vitaminn Shoppe, and will right up to the day of surgery and then after. My surgeon knows and agrees. Just give yours a call. Then you will have the answer that is right for you. Good luck! Valentina

I would call your husband's surgeon and have HIM/HER deal with your husband. That, afterall is what you and your husband have contracted him/her to do, is it not?? Then I would tell your husband what you have done, so there are no nasty surprises when the surgeon addresses the issue with him. Valentina

I think it depends on what program and what surgeon one uses. I have to do a 2 shakes (one for Breakfast and one for lunch) and a light/high Protein dinner for two weeks. Everyone that I know of who is using the same surgeon and goes to my support group is doing the same. Valentina

I wouldn't be spraying anything onto open skin. Not only, "Ouch!" but potentially not healthy and could make matters worse. Of course the right answer is, CALL YOUR DOCTOR. The answer could be as simple as fresh air and sunlight. Who knows? But once again, if you are concerned enough to post it here, then you should, CALL YOUR DOCTOR. Valentina :phone2:

I had a total left knee replacement on March 4th and came home from the hospital septic. You talk about a slow, painful recovery and P.T.!!! Anyway, I learned many years ago from my mother ,the nurse, that one never goes into the hospital without a supply of their favorite pain reliever (the one that they know works for them) within arms' reach. You found out the hard way that it takes forever for the nursing staff to get an order of anything that is not on the standing orders. You can be the North Forty that when I have my surgery on June 6th, my Percocet will be close. If I don't need it, but if I do... :wink_smile:

I'll be sure to let you know. I am aquiring quite a collection of extracts/flavorings. I use them in my Protein shakes as well as my greek yogurts. I have everything from lollipop to rootbeer. It makes all of this almost fun, but definitely yummy! :hungry: Valentina

My program won't allow that many Carbs, but I did order some of the flavorings. Thanx. Valentina

I have Aqua P.T. for my knee replacement twice a week now. I asked my surgeon when could I get back into the pool after my sleeve surgery. He told me 2 weeks. I guess that might be because I am not aggressively swimming, but rather doing leg exercises. Anyway the sooner the better for me. I have no pain when in the salt Water pool. :bathbaby: Valentina

YaaaaaaHHHHOooooo!!!! I've always considered a dirty martini a complete meal! First there is the vodka (one rotten potato), then the vermouth (pickled grapes), and olives (pickled veggie). There is a restaurant here in Warwick, NY that makes the BEST dirty martinis I have ever had and believe me I've had a more than a few in my 58yrs.:wink_smile: We will have to "discuss" this issue in detail . We have a wonderful support group in Middletown, but as you said the sleevers are way outnumbered. In fact, as far as I can tell it's just myself and another woman. PLEASE save me room on the NY Losers' Bench. I'll be the one holding the martini glass!!! :martini_shaken: Good health, Valentina PS: Stay in touch!!!!!!

Did you go to the meeting at Crystal Run?? I was there. Hello!!! I know---a wee bit late, but Hello anyway!! I will have to miss the next meeting. Hopefully I will be asleep recovering my surgery on that day! I'll see you at the meeting in July I hope.

Three weeks until surgery. All I want to know right this very minute is how much Protein does a double dirty martini have???????

When those little doubts set in, just close your eyes. You will "see" of us nags here on this site rooting for you. We'll "get you through"...

Don't let those mental demons get to you! Try to think of nothing but positive things. I know sometimes that is easier said than done, but try to stay super busy, read a racey book, go for a brisk walk, pack, unpack, and pack again, get naked and lay in a pile with your hubby,call your best friend and make up gossip about yourselves...try anything to stay happy and positve. That being said, my surgery is three weeks away. PLEASE, try to remember to send this post back to me when I have my 11th hour panic, OK? I will include you when I chit chat with God tonight. Be sure to let us all know how you're doing on the Losers' Bench--and save me a space. I hope to be there soon!