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Everything posted by Vixynne
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tired of being lectured on here
Vixynne replied to ********'s topic in POST-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
I will never see that game the same way again. -
tired of being lectured on here
Vixynne replied to ********'s topic in POST-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
I wonder if other weight-loss surgeries have the broad and seemingly-random range of doctor's advice. Probably so, since each doctor is bound to have a slightly different take on what matters most and how to get optimum results for each patient. It would be nice if there was only one set of The Directions with no deviations and no substitutions, but that just isn't realistic--apart from general commonalities, like "eat protein first" and "make sure you get enough fluids". When we each get our set of The Directions from our NUT and our surgeon, we tend to grab 'em and hang on like grim death. If Our Doctor said we need to stand on our head every day between 3:00p.m. and 3:06p.m., then get up and do the hokey pokey in Swahili, most of us would jump right to it and be confused when another WLS patient said THEY do the chicken dance while blindfolded and never stand on their head, but practice existential yoga poses at dawn for 22 minutes exactly. We're so convinced that Our Doctor got The Directions right, that we can't help but look askance at someone else's set of do's and don'ts, if they aren't aligned with ours. It's not a character judgement, it's human nature. Most people don't mean any harm by it--they're trying to save you from following a flawed (in their eyes) set of The Directions. The trouble starts when we forget that "different" doesn't always mean "wrong". Hang in there, and just keep doing what your doctor tells you. He/she is the doctor, not us! -
Pre-op jitters. Suggestions?
Vixynne replied to miangr's topic in Tell Your Weight Loss Surgery Story
You're welcome! The pre-sleeve process is full of so many facts and "you must not forget to __________" pieces of info that it can be pretty brainscrambling. If you have nutrition questions, even if you're not scheduled to see your NUT again, don't be afraid to call her. She works for you, after all, and she's probably got lots more info that will help you feel less nervous. I'm seeing mine today, and I'm wracking my brain trying to remember all the things I wanted to ask at this visit but forgot to write down in advance! -
Are you using a blender-bottle to shake it up? I've found it helps a little to add the water first and then the powder. The froth dissolves pretty quickly for me, I just let the bottle sit on the counter for a couple of minutes and when I go back to it, a gentle shake makes sure the cookie bits (I have Double Stuffed Cookie at the moment) blend up from where they settled. A couple of my more amusing "blonde moments" have come from sipping at the nectar, then forgetting the bottle-top is open and giving the bottle a solid shake before my next sip. Oops.
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I'm back to my old eating habits ;-(
Vixynne replied to mocanitanj's topic in POST-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
This might be a powerful self-help for you! If you have to stop to track everything--and I recommend that you do that rather than waiting till the end of the day to track what you eat and drink, less chance of forgetting what you might have grazed on--it will really make you stop and think about whether you really WANT to eat or drink it. Do you have a phone that can use the My Fitness Pal app? Don't wait, grab that app! And remember, the only true failure would be to stop trying. This is an uphill battle for all of us, but there's no reason to think you've failed or that you can't dust yourself off and keep going. -
Teenage sweethearts forced apart, reunite 50 years later.
Vixynne replied to gmanbat's topic in The Lounge
Awwww, man...who's chopping up onions? *sniffle* That was so sweet! I'm happy for them--may they have many wonderful years together. -
keep having feelings of regrets
Vixynne replied to toy27's topic in Tell Your Weight Loss Surgery Story
For Laura-ven: Unicorns are cool. -
keep having feelings of regrets
Vixynne replied to toy27's topic in Tell Your Weight Loss Surgery Story
Luckysmomma, I don't feel like you opened any cans of worms. I'm a naturally-curious person; when I hear something (or, more accurately here--read something) that startles me or makes me wonder "why", I ask. Then I research for answers. Your data was startling, at least it was to me, and it's made me want to know more. There's no judgement in my curiosity, just a need-to-know-more feeling. -
keep having feelings of regrets
Vixynne replied to toy27's topic in Tell Your Weight Loss Surgery Story
Well, if they were destined to live to age 110, they can wait to settle their affairs till they hit 92. -
$25000 Surgery Cost, what did you pay?
Vixynne replied to NewYear'sSleeve's topic in POST-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
When I called my insurance company in April (Harvard Pilgrim Healthcare) I was told they would charge me a $150 deductible and that's all. So far, I haven't paid a single co-pay, and the only big ticket item has been for the 3-session psych workshop--which isn't covered by my insurance, so it doesn't take my deductible down at all. Just to make sure, I'm going to call the insurance company again and verify that I won't have any last-minute bills racking up either before or after my surgery! I don't want to look a gift horse in the mouth, but it would be just my luck to have missed a detail somewhere. I'll sleep better getting that information double-checked. -
keep having feelings of regrets
Vixynne replied to toy27's topic in Tell Your Weight Loss Surgery Story
Since I'm seeing my nutritionist tomorrow and my surgeon later this month, I'll definitely be asking some clarifying questions about whether WLS shortens anyone's life by a measurable amount. Since the sleeve is so new (comparative to the other two usual options), how do researchers really know? Curiouser and curiouser, Alice...I'll see if I can follow this trail down the rabbit hole! -
keep having feelings of regrets
Vixynne replied to toy27's topic in Tell Your Weight Loss Surgery Story
I'd like to know more about that, too, luckysmomma. Can you tell me where I can read about how the sleeve takes 18 years off people's lifespans? I did a quick browse of Google but couldn't find anything. The only thing I did find related to VSG was data on how obesity raises your chances of dying early by 50% or more. -
That would make sense. I'm at the ripe ol' age when calcium starts to become a concern. I still don't think I would want to take 8 tablets a day, LOL...that will practically be a meal for my sleeve! (And I'm just too dang forgetful to be trusted not to miss a couple.) I'll stick with my chewables, unless I end up hating the taste post-op.
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I just looked these up out of curiosity--the labels say they're 200mg per tablet. My NUT says she wants me on 1500mg (?!) a day, and I have to take them no more than 500mg at a time, 2 hours away from taking my Multivitamin. How many mg of calcium are you ladies taking--is it 1500, too? That would come out to 7 or 8 tablets a day, four times daily. *brainboggle* I just know I'd forget a dose...
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How do you keep your protien drink cold all day when you're away from home?
Vixynne replied to WeeWers's topic in POST-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
You could try re-usable plastic ice cubes. You would have to wash the cubes, but they're dishwashwer-safe and would keep it good and cold without watering down your shake. If your cup is on the smallish side and you don't want to use the cubes, here's a link for the freezer cup that aquitenonnymouse mentioned. This version is an open mug, but you can also buy them with lids and straws for travel (unless you never use a straw). -
I'm a sushi fan, too. Glad to know that post-op, I'll still be able to indulge! What's your favorite sashimi or roll? I love tuna sashimi, and tobiko maki rolls (the ones with fish roe on top), as well as the smoked eel rolls. Now I'm craving sushi...
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Count down... 16 hours, 37 minutes, and 19seconds
Vixynne replied to Itsmedani's topic in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
Everyone has second, third, or even hundredth thoughts--that just shows that you're taking the process seriously. If you went skipping merrily off to the pre-op exam room, I'd be worried. You're making a wonderful choice for your body and your future. Change can be nervewracking, but the results are going to make it all worthwhile. You'll do great; and you have plenty of people here pulling for you! -
These are great, Johnlatte--thanks!
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This is totally true--laughter is great for the body (not to mention the mind)! Here's proof: The Healing Power of Laughter
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LOL sorry--are you taking Prilosec or Prevacid, anything to reduce stomach acid? (Protein Pump Inhibitors)
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Are you on a PPI? They can cause dry mouth.
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Thank you for the motivation boost! I've been creating goal outfits as a "Weight Loss Rewards" wish list on Modcloth dot com all morning, LOL--one day, they shall be mine!!
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Have to start my Pre-Op diet 4 months in advance..but not because of surgery!
Vixynne replied to Heather Meyer's topic in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
It's going to be challenging, but if your doctor is demanding it, you just gotta follow through. It sounds like he must be really worried about your cholesterol levels--and that could definitely be dangerous. It's no good getting to October if you can't have the surgery due to serious cardiac issues caused by high cholesterol, for example. I'd be upset and bummed-out too. It might seem like you're being punished, but try to see the positive side; you're starting early, so there will be lots of opportunities to come up with "lean and green" meals that you actually enjoy. I'm willing to bet there's lots of people on the forums who could share recipes with you in that area! Your health is so important--you're the only YOU you've got--and this dietary change is going to help reset all the things that went a bit wonky. Before you know it, you'll be sleeved, and your headspace will already be prepared for the list of lifetime diet changes that come with the sleeve. You'll be that much more ready for post-op success; and that's definitely a good thing. Hang in there. Vent when you need to, you're only human after all, but stick to the doc's rules. You can do this! -
I'm from Massachusetts, being sleeved at Tobey Hospital in Wareham, MA. At my last surgeon consult, I was told to expect approval in late June/early July, with an official surgery date sometime in July...it's really happening! I'm itching to get that date set in stone, it's so hard to be a patient patient. So what is everyone doing to prepare? Are you neurotic like me and already thinking about what to take to the hospital? And did someone say there's a Facebook page for July sleevers? I'd love to be added to it!
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I'm using the Celebrate Calcium Plus 500 chewables--the berry flavor. They are 25 cal. per tablet, but I can burn 75 calories and 15g of carbs just walking briskly up and down three flights of stairs at work a few times, so I'll probably stick with them. I'm in my 40's, so calcium is important to my bones in general. A company named "NOW Foods" makes a powdered version of calcium citrate, which might work as a food additive, blended into juice or a protein shake. With that supplement option, you'd still need to add extra vitamin D for absorption. How much do the petite pills cost? The chewables I use now are right around $20/month, but I don't pay shipping since there's a nutrition center near me that carries 'em.