WL WARRIOR

If I wait around for self motivation or someone else to motivate me, then I may end up waiting around forever. Motivation usually doesn't begin until I'm 5-10 minutes in the workout. Try to find an exercise that is fun, so it doesn't feel so much like a chore. Good luck!

If I had to go back teaching Kindergarten full time, I would give myself at least two weeks of because you won't have enough energy until then. I taught Kindergarten for one year and remember that I hardly ever sat down during the day. It may be hard the first few days, but you will slowly regain energy once you get back into the swing of things. I still teach, but work in the school district as a reading specialist. I only have 6 students or less at one time and can sit down when I want to.

Same here! I kept holding my breath because the pain in my stomach, chest, and head was so bad. The narcotic gave me a migraine and didn't work like it was suppose to, which really wasn't a surprise. The meds they sent me home with were the only thing that provided some relief. The hospital staff commented that every bariatric patient is surprised about how painful the first day turns out to be. I thought there was something wrong with me because I was in (initially) so much pain. I kept repeating to myself, "this too shall pass". Which, is true because you do feel so much better in time. I was in the hospital for two nights and then went home alone. The first two days alone, I found it impossible to get up from laying down. I would roll myself off the coach onto the floor and walk on my hands and knees to the bathroom. The third day home I slept sitting up and made sure to take a pain reliever before trying to get up. Thanks to being a teacher, I can hold my bladder for a good 4 hours.

I already take these two medications seperately and have for the past year. I don't understand how they do that much for appetite control. I still needed surgery. Maybe my dose is just low.

Cystic acne can scar even if you don't touch it. They are painful and are mostly caused by hormones. I would get one on my chin almost every month a few days before my period during my early 20's. I was put on Accutane and didn't get another one for 15 years. Guess when that was? Two days before surgery! It would hurt every time I talked or smiled. After surgery, I got a few on my back, which has never happened before. Since there is nothing over the counter that will prevent or control cystic acne, I made the trip to the dermatologist. I was put on a hormone pill and strong retinoid cream. I had to fight my insurance company a little to get the cream because the price tag on it was $300. Anyhow, I haven't had an outbreak since. The cream is drying out my skin, but I'd rather have that than another cyst.

If you had diabetes, should you stop taking your insulin? No. Well, the same goes with your methadone. How dare a psychiatrist tell you something like that. I hate it when a health professional has bias against past addicts. Addiction is a disease even though many people don't see it that way. There will always be ignorant people. There are only two things about Methadone that may complicate this weight surgery process: 1. It is going to be near impossible to find a non-narcotic to help relieve your pain right out of surgery. Maybe the Methadone will be enough to help that pain, but I would definitely bring this up with your doctor so you have a plan. Plus, taking a weeks worth of oxycodone (or other narcotic) after surgery could lead to a relapse. They may want you to stop taking the methadone three days before surgery, take the narcotics right after surgery, and then return to your methadone a week later. 2. Past addicts have a high chance of relapsing after surgery. Your tolerance changes after surgery and there is a chance of reoccurring depression. Those two factors lead some past addicts to relapse. Here is the most important thing to remember: You are not a statistic. Stay strong and keep taking your methadone (if you feel like you need it) to help you persevere through the pre op and post op stages. It is stressful and you want to stay on track. That is what your methadone is suppose to help you do right? Is there a support group you can attend for people on Methadone? I know there is NA, but they look down on those that take Methadone and Suboxone. By the way, I have been on Suboxone for 11 years and have not relapsed the whole time. It never interfered with my pre op process. I couldn't tolerate any narcotic pain medication post op. They didn't work and the pain subsided by day 5 after surgery. One last suggestion, you could get your addiction counselor or doctor to write a letter if you think it might help. I wish you luck!

My device will not let me edit or re-read what I have typed. (came instead of camp). (grouch instead of groach). Sorry!

I started to have food dreams during my two week liquid pre op phase. I still get them sometimes now and I am six weeks post op. The last dream was like a Twilight Zone episode. This huge five tiered chocolate cake appeared on the kitchen counter out of nowhere. I plunked it into the garbage bin outside and it camp back mysteriously in my bedroom, looking even more magnificent. I kept thinking of creative ways to destroy it and it always came back looking more magnificent and tempting. I woke up a real groach that morning. People who try to stay off drugs experience something similar, except they call it "drug dreams.". It's interesting how giving up sugar can be so similar to someone giving up a narcotic.

Are you wealthy and can afford a new coat that may be too big next winter?

My stomach was one huge purple bruise three days after surgery. It was even a darker purple on the lower right side. I think my surgeon was especially rough during my procedure because he was in a huge hurry. My surgery was delayed because of some troubles I was having and it seemed to rush the actual surgery process. I had terrible pain that I think may have been worse than others because all the roughness. Two weeks later, my belly was still blue and yellow. Three weeks later, there was just yellow left.

So true, I was going to put in fat free mayonnaise on my tuna yesterday. I watched this new documentary called "Fed Up" (released earlier this year) which highlights how much sugar and extra processed ingredients are in fat free or low fat foods. Its more of an attack on Big food for sweetening us to death. I had no idea how much corporate influence there was over school lunches. I will not let my child drink chocolate milk again (or at least not everyday during school lunch), that is for sure. Anyway, the film does get you into the practice of looking at food labels. And yes, the fat free mayonnaise was loaded with sugar! sure.

I guess I didn't put up much resistance because I wasn't tenured and didn't want to "rock the boat.". In small, rural schools it is important to have good working relationships because collaboration is so important. Favoritism among administration was a problem. It doesn't matter, I work in a different district now. I still live close to my old school and see past coworkers in town frequently. I'll probably move soon.

A few years ago, the teachers at the elementary school I work at decided to start a Biggest Loser contest. I did not want to participate at the time. My fiance had recently died and I was battling depression. My therapist actually suggested not participating or going on a diet because I was under so much stress and had just started a new psych med. Even though I made my disinterest known about the competition, someone signed my name up without my permission or knowledge. I was placed on a team with three other teachers in my department and apologized to them because I was not going to be a part of it. Thinking that it was taken care of, I went on with my regular routine. Two weeks later, I was called on my classroom loud speaker to go weigh in. Thinking someone made a mistake, I ignored it and continued teaching the lesson. Twenty minutes later, a para came to takeover class so they could make me do it. Annoyed beyond hell, I put my calm face on and scurried to the nurse's office and hopped on the scale so that I could get back and continue. This exact scenario started happening every Friday. I didn't appreciate what was happening since I never wanted to participate in the first place. I wasn't dieting, but lost 12 pounds the first two weeks without trying (probably stress related) and gained it back the following month. There was a group of teachers from K-2 that won the contest. They took it seriously and lost a lot of weight. I was happy for them. One of these teachers came to tell me over lunch that she was giving me all her fat clothes. The way she told me was like she was doing me this great favor or giving me a X-Mas present. I said that I didn't need anymore clothes, but thanks anyway. I worked late that day and noticed my car was stuffed with large boxes and garbage bags full of clothes (rural area, left car unlocked). I was insulted. I actually didn't look in the boxes/bags until weeks later and noticed that the clothes were ugly and 1-2 sizes too big. They ALL went to goodwill. I was confused and hurt by this whole fiasco. I guess it made me look at my physical appearance more in-depth, which led to self loathing and disgust. Maybe I was being overly sensitive? My sister thought so, however, she wanted nothing to do with the clothes either. Fast forward to the present, and all the teachers in the winning group have gained their weight back and then some (especially the teacher that gave me lots of unwanted fat clothes). Although I empathize, I can't help but think of one thing: GIVING BACK THE FAT CLOTHES. Even though I'm no where near my goal weight, I have lost 45 pounds and am down 2 sizes. Wouldn't it be sweet revenge to pack up my fat clothes and put them in her car? Would you do it? It's interesting and funny to think about, but I probably won't do it. I would never want anyone to feel the way I did when I was given those unwanted fat clothes two years ago. Even if they do deserve it. Sorry for the long rant. I don't like to leave out details.

Only two days before surgery? There is a three month requirement at my clinic. I quit 8 months before surgery before all that crazy and stressful pre op stuff was going on. You are suppose to quit smoking for life if you have bariatric surgery. It just makes sense to quit smoking if you are also committing to this whole new healthy way of living. If I am going to committee to be more active, it just makes sense to also give up smoking. I can't run a mile and then smoke when I'm done. At least not since I've hit my upper 30's. I would be curious how many bariatric surgery veterans are still sucessful , but continually smoke?

I gained 65 pounds during my first (and only because of extreme complications) pregnancy and had a 4 1/2 pound baby. And he was born two months early. If I didn't gain so much weight he would have been smaller and may not have made it. That was 10 years ago. My goal weight (150) is my pre-pregnancy weight. I've got a long way to go. It is doable, I just have to be patient. I do fit into clothes from three years ago, so I guess that's something to be happy about.

I think you need to get a cardiologist to look at your echo cardiogram. You should be experiencing symptoms of an enlarged heart (cariomyopathy). It should feel like an elephant is sitting on your chest or constantly being out of breath for no reason. Is there anyway you can compare this recent echo to another one you have had in the past 5 years? This would be something that a cardiologist would naturally do to get an idea of the severity of your problem. Try to relax because anxiety and stress will only worsen symptoms of your condition. I know that's easier said than done. You may need to hold off on surgery to make sure that your heart can handle or not be initially worsened from surgery. There is more of a chance that you could have heart failure after or during surgery if your heart is enlarged. It's probably best to seek out a cardiologist's opinion so that you don't go into surgery so worried and doubtful.

I meant Abilify, not ability.

The only antidepressant that doesn't cause weight gain is Wellbutrin. Psychotropic drugs like Seraquil, Zyprexa, Depakote, and Lithium almost always cause weight gain. Ability, although a good drug, raises blood sugar. I've realized that less is more and just stuck to taking one antidepressant. I usually seasonal depression and take Seraquil during Nov-March. I've decided not to do it this year and try more natural approaches. Good luck!

Garage sales are great for finding nice, inexpensive clothing. Although garage sale season is almost over. There are still some that rent buildings and have them inside. Consignment shops are great as well. Some will let you trade gently used clothes. There is usually a dressing room at consignment shops, which is a plus.

You are so lucky to have access to a gym. I live in a rural area and the drive takes 30 minutes or more. I have been speed walking outside 3-6 miles a day. I did it yesterday during snow flurries and now my face is wind burned. Maybe I'll sign up to the gym after all.

In my experience, I had to separate from my child for a full week. My situation is different than yours because it is just my son and I living together in a house. I sent him away to live with his grandparents for a week and he was actually opposed to it. My son is much older than a toddler, but the point I'm going to touch on doesn't have much to do with age. It brings on more stress when your child is around and you are not well enough to play or even hold him. My own son did not understand how I could be sick when I looked fine on the outside. He ended up thinking he did something wrong, which broke my heart and made recuperation even more troublesome. My son did come over three times briefly during the week he was away so that he could see for himself that everything was going to be okay when he got back. I showed him my staples so that he better understood why I didn't feel well or get anymore incorrect notions about why he needed to go away for a week. I talked to him on the phone everyday, of course. I don't think it is a good idea to let your child see you in the hospital. This is just my opinion, and my situation is different than others. My own child had to deal with the death of his father at a young age and is a little more sensitive. I have worked with young children for 15 years (preschool director and public school teacher) and can tell you that they are more effected by a parent being sick or hurt than you may ever realize. It usually comes out in their paintings/drawings, dramatic play, or even aggressive behavior. Whatever you decide, just make sure that your young child is reassured that everything is okay. Any change in their normal routine could be confusing or upsetting and they need that reassurance and understanding. Good luck!

There is someone that posted a cookbook that is a free download (can't remember the name of the original poster). Since there is no copyright, you can print off the download at kinko's and punch-hole it into a binder or book. The web address that has the PDF download is below: www.chicoweightloss/cookbook Again, thanks to who originally posted this great resource!

Has anyone purchased or using the Hydracoach Intelligent Water Bottle. It has an alarm and timer on it to help remind you to drink your water and reach your daily liquid intake. I've read good and bad reviews.

One more thing, the Celebrate vitamin you listed seems to be missing iron.

I wouldn't buy bariatric vitamins ahead of time. Each surgeon seems to require something different. My surgeon requires ProCare Bariatric One-A-Day. This requirement was given a week before surgery, so I'm glad I didn't go out and buy various separate vitamins on my own. It would have been a big waste of money. I did take another posters suggestion and asked for free samples from wellesse.com. You get about five bottles of liquid samples and I am actually buying their Calcium citrate + D today. It is the only other vitamin besides the ProCare One-A-Day that I need in order to get in all my vitamin requirements.