Mariew24

Way to go on the great losses. Since October 22nd, I've lost 90 lbs and my knees feel great!

I've been thinking a lot about this lately as well. Bottom line is that I wanted to improve my health and quality of life. But, I also wanted to look good. I set what I considered a first goal at 165. However, I was just at my 6mos appt and my PA said my first goal should be more around 175 and a second goal around 160ish. Before that appt, I was thinking that 165 was not low enough and that I should really go for something like 125. But, what I'm told is that my body will give me an indication of where it is happiest. Like others, I do not want to spend the rest of my life obsessed with maintaining a weight that ends up being all consuming and for me wouldn't be realistic. So, I too will be Fluid with this. It is funny how well meaning friends and family are also obsessed with my losing weight. "You look good now" "Don't lose too much weight." Seriously, at 5'4" and 198 pounds, I don't look overweight? I agree with the point about working with your doctor on it. What a great topic!

That is so awesome. Way to go and congrats. Only those who have gone through this understand the hard work it takes. I just hit onederland myself and I can identify with the tears of joy.

Such a successful group. It doesn't seem like it was that long ago when I joined you all back in October. I was super excited about surgery and the new possibilities and I was petrified because it was major surgery. I haven't been much of a poster here, but I've been reading posts almost everyday and it is what has gotten me to where I am today. So, thank you all! I am very excited. This morning I hit a major milestone and made it to onederland. I'm down 87 pounds. I'm having trouble comprehending that. Happy Tuesday!

Thanks for posting this, Alex. First, 26 is a pretty small sample size to draw conclusions from. I would be interested in knowing if the choice of 13 Biggest Loser contestants is truly randomized. I suspect that the quality of the evidence in this particular study would be considered low. I'm trying to figure out how I would be able to commute and work and still be able to exercise or even watch TV 4-6 hours per day (which I don't). If I needed to do that under the supervision of a Biggest Loser trainer, I certainly would have to work to afford it. I find it really funny that Dr. H is, in essence recommending one surgery over another in the form of an orthopedic surgery when the participant becomes injured.

Congrats on getting here and on getting close to your date. I had my surgery in October at Fairview Southdale. Best wishes to you.

I too, recognized that I need to do something different to help myself. My exercise and activity routines have been less than optimal, so, I have stepped up my workouts (Beni, you are so right, it is soooo much easier to move now) and my walking routine. I hate that my job is more sedentary, but, I have a lot of space to walk inside, so that is what I will do. I do feel like I'm doing battle right now, but I also feel strong. Go gladiators!

I shared this on another forum as well and thought you all might want to see it. I've been pretty silently following you all and you all have been a major inspiration to me. ASMBS (American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery) posted a really nicely done video that I believe provides some awareness to the use of bariatric surgery. I am a Registered Nurse who, in late October had Lap RNY done. Best thing I could have done for myself. Six weeks after my surgery, I became a Bariatric Program Coordinator to help others on their journey and to quite honestly live and work this journey myself. I've also become a health coach for the same reason. This video is one of the better ones that I've seen. Please share it: http://asmbs.org/video-it-starts-today-obesity-surgery-helps-people-reclaim-their-lives

ASMBS (American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery) posted a really nicely done video that I believe provides some awareness to the use of bariatric surgery. I am a Registered Nurse who, in late October had Lap RNY done. Best thing I could have done for myself. Six weeks after my surgery, I became a Bariatric Program Coordinator to help others on their journey and to quite honestly live and work this journey myself. I've also become a health coach for the same reason. This video is one of the better ones that I've seen. Please share it: http://asmbs.org/video-it-starts-today-obesity-surgery-helps-people-reclaim-their-lives

My nose will start to run when I am full and I too will sneeze. It took me a bit to understand what was happening because in the beginning, I would keep eating and get into trouble. This past weekend I bought my first set of non-plus size clothes. It is a rush. I went to an upscale consignment shop and got a new winter coat, jeans, pants, tops and a suit jacket for work. I have a pretty bare closet right now, but I know that it is temporary and the clothes come and go. I've been trying to keep on top of getting the old big clothes out. You all are an inspiration. Congrats to those who have made their 1/2 way point. I have 8.5 pounds to go to get to that milestone.

@@Beni So sorry to hear you had so much trouble while on vacation. I've had this happen to me three times. My surgery was 10/22/14. About six weeks ago I tired salmon (previously I loved Salmon). For the rest of the evening, I spit up and could not keep anything down. That was the milder of the episodes I've had. About three weeks ago, I ate some turkey that must have been too dry. I spent the rest of the day spitting up Water that I had tried to sip on three hours after eating the turkey. I also had dry heaves. I know TMI. Just miserable. I could not take my meds etc. The next morning, I felt better. Two days ago, I made a really nice beef roast. I chewed and chewed and then spent the rest of the day really miserable and spitting up/heaving/vomiting every 1/2 an hour for the rest of the day. I guess my pouch is not ready for such food. It is disappointing. I hope you feel better.

Wow. I see that some surgeons do fast track the diet. Sounds like you are doing great with it. Congrats on your weight loss. I live in Eagan. Wow. Small world.

I'm doing great. I had trouble in the beginning with pain medication. I had terrible itching all over from it. I'm down a total of 31 pounds, so you're ahead of me on that even with me being a week longer out from surgery. I just moved from pureed food to soft and that is going well. Where did you have your surgery? I had mine at Fairview Southdale.

Hi, I am also from the Twin Cities area and I'm just a little over four weeks post-op. How are you doing?

Sitting in my hospital room at 5am. The plan is to get to go home. I'm really looking forward to that. So far recovery has been smooth. Sure, I've had pain and itching. But it has all been tolerable. I'm all stocked up on what I need for the next two weeks. My best to everyone with surgeries this wee and next. Keeping myself focused on my reasons and goals. Thanks for all of the great support!

I'm so glad to be thru. I'm doing really good. One of the best things I did was get the patch for nausea. I'm doing a lot better then I expected. Tip for tomorrow from my nurse...use warm blankets on abdomen to help move gas. I'm pretty loopy. Good night to all.

Okay. I leave for the hospital in 15 minutes. Thank you to all the previous gladiators! I feel informed and ready to go. See you on the other side.

amylynns - I'm glad you are doing better. Thanks for all of the posts and I hope things go smoothly for you during the rest of your recovery.

Okay. Starting the prep now. I have to be at the hospital at 5:15. I'm a little worried about all of the people who are saying that the morphine isn't covering the pain. I've had abdominal surgery before. I've had my gallbladder out (open incision) and a hysterectomy. Are there people out there that have had previous surgeries and is this worse?

I have my surgery date for Wed the 22nd. Less than 48 hours now for me. I'm excited and nervous as I watch this week's gladiators going in. I am also feeling really well prepared by all those who have gone before. I so look forward to getting on the other side of this. I've had surgeries before, but this is a whole different experience. I have preop class tomorrow morning and then Wed, I have to be at the hospital at 5:30am. I'm already having trouble sleeping. Can't wait to hear from all those who went in today.

@@AuriP I'm in MN too. I tried talking my husband into going south for at least part of the winter. Anyway, my surgery is scheduled for Wed, October 22nd. I have Dr. Bradley Pierce at FVS.

@@grammajake I'm wishing you all the best and I look forward to catching up with you after surgery. Take Care.

I'm scheduled for 7:30am and I have to be at the hosp by 5:30am.

Congratulations. So excited for you and I've got my date for October 22nd. I'm preparing and counting down.

Hi, I am on the journey to preparing for surgery. I've had dietician visits, psychiatrist visit and attended support groups. I will see the surgeon in a couple weeks and hope to set my surgery date for November 3rd, or somewhere around there. I am exploring food processers and small blenders etc for shakes and purees. What brands/types would you recommend? Also, I am extremely excited about the possibilities ahead of me and at the same time I am pretty anxious and nervious. How are you all managing your emotions as you lead up to surgery? Thanks, MarieW