Algae

I'm pre-op but for the last year or so I've used an app on my android phone called Body Tracker. Each week I take a photo, weigh, and measure myself. Then it shows me a mini-video of all my photos from oldest to most recent, plus I can look at specific measurements like left bicep and see on a graph the inches lost over time. I don't know if this will help anyone but sometimes I don't see any change and then I look at the video of the photos and realize all the little changes over time make a big difference. It's actually inspired me to take a photo every week of my 4 daughters. It's awesome to go through photos and see the gradual changes as they grow up!

The psychologist asked me what I wanted out of this surgery and I told her my goal is to be healthy enough to compete in a kayak race one day. I do have a goal weight that is within my BMI, but I also know that I could be that weight and still be too weak to compete and paddle 18 hours a day. I agree with @@DLCoggin, I think our bodies will naturally know where we should be based on activity level and caloric intake.

@@Cheshire I love geocacheing! Have you ever heard of letterboxing? It's similar and fun.

My "relationship" with coffee is very special... it's been a good 5 year affair. Since I am pre-op I have to stop, but distance makes the heart grow fonder and I assume that when I open my life to caffeine once more I'll have a greater appreciation and really savor our time together.

so he joined a dating website

I can respect that many people don't want to be the public voice for WLS, even as recipients of this surgery. But I also see the value in those who are an "open book." It seems that there are many layers of middle ground between those who decide to keep this surgery private and those who want to make the public aware of WLS and use their own life as an example. As a child I was sexually abused for many years. I didn't choose that for my self or my life, but it happened. As I've worked through the trauma I experienced as a child, there are many times when I've sworn I would never, ever let anyone know what happened to me. Shame, embarrassment, denial, anger... I've felt them all. Even though each person who reads this would probably respond that those experiences aren't my fault and that their hearts go out to me, I still feel dirty and shameful. No one shouts these things from the rooftop joyfully, thankfully. But it takes someone who has been through this hell to change things in society. While I may not want to be the poster child for sexual abuse, I'm also thankful that there are people who champion this cause. I just wanted to use this as an illustration. There will be many reasons for WLS and not everyone will travel the same path to get there. Whether I prefer to stay private about my surgery or if I'm loud and proud, I think the following sentiments apply to everyone. I'm thankful for the people who have gone before us and paved a way for us to have these surgeries. I'm also thankful for the people who feel comfortable and open to share their journey on here to help others. And I'm thankful for those of you who are actively working to lessen the stigma of WLS.

Ladies and gent, I too am a Bailey patient in the Owasso area! I know this thread is forever old but I wanted to chime in and see if any of you were still around and see if you could post updates on how you're doing? I'm about halfway through my appointments now and could probably have a November/ December date for RNY.

And he made $14 selling water

and he agreed if he could sell water along the way

That's awesome! I love to read and will check out her book! I've also read several books on what I would consider endurance training. One about kayaking around the whole Florida peninsula, one about a lady who hiked the whole Pacific Northwest Trail alone, a few about marathon runners, and some about people who decided to live off the grid in pretty rigid conditions. The common thread was that each of them talked about the mental part, the part that believes you CAN do this and the part that inevitably wants to give up at some point. I'm tired of believing that I can't do this, I'm tired of giving up before I even try. That's why a race this outrageous is so desirable to me. I know it's going to be hard. I know that once I started to tell people about it they would keep me accountable to something that takes lots of effort. And I also know it will be a powerful memory for me once I complete it!

For me, a gym is the only way to go because mine has this wonderful thing called "childcare." So after I get the school kiddos off in the morning, I haul my toddler off to the gym with me. For me it's nice to get the opportunity to work out, have some "me" time, and know that my little one is being cared for.

This is a FABULOUS thread. I love reading all the different responses, the thought processes, and the outcomes. I too live in a smaller community. I "got" pregnant with twin girls when I was 15 and delivered when I was 16. For years it felt like everyone in town knew my business before I did and it made me a little wary of sharing anything that had the potential to hurt me... I'm an extrovert so people assumed that since I'm friendly and "open" that they knew the whole story and whatever was shared at church, in the community, or from my own lips was pretty much all that was going on in my life. About 7 years ago I went through one of those life changing series of events that good memoirs are written about and my life radically changed. I moved to another state and had some really real life experiences and then a year later moved back home. When I came back, everyone knew things were different. At first I was really closed off, I fed people information here and there but no one knew what exactly happened from start to finish. Until I started teaching a girls youth group. About half way through the year we had a lock-in and I decided to share some of my experiences. And when I prayed for courage to tell my story that I KNEW would impact these young ladies, I felt like I needed to start my talk off with something I never dreamed of saying: "This is MY story. I'm choosing to share it with YOU because I care about you. Please don't tell my story for me. If you think someone in your life needs to hear my story, tell them to talk to me or me to talk to them." Months afterwords I realized how drastically things had changed. Some people knew my story and it wasn't spread around town. I think that by giving my story value and asking other people to respect that value, it kept it from being common gossip. As I get ready for my WLS, I am seeing over again that if I think this process is a valuable teaching tool and I communicate that to others when I share, they will respect my wish to let me tell my own story. Also, I noticed that many of the girls I shared my story with felt special, that I would share something so personal with them and trust them to handle it with dignity. Anyway, I know that was lengthy but maybe it helped someone.

This is awesome! Congrats! I know training for anything takes a lot of time and energy, plus there is the mental aspect that no amount of training your body can prepare you for. What made you decide you wanted to try a triathlon? I personally have my sights set on the Missouri River 340 in July, 2015. It's a 340 miles kayak race over the span of 88 hours (4 days.) I've wanted to do it for 4 or 5 years but always felt I could never get fit enough. As I talked it over with the exercise physiologist, I realized I don't have a "goal" weight in mind but rather some awesome physical goals. And the fact that she thought it was attainable for me really fuels me... the same me that right now has a BMI of almost 43 will paddle for 18 hours a day for 4 days 8 months from not. How crazy awesome is that???

I think this is a very good topic for ALL of us, @@ready2B! This time of year our celebrating revolves around food, which is something that we each need to deal with no matter where we are in our journey. Whether it's stress about the food itself (what can I eat?) to how other's might view our new eating habits to feelings of missing out on "being part of the tradition." I'm sure there are even aspects I've failed to think about yet. I'm pre-op and I hope to have surgery mid-November but it could be December before I see the OR. Here's what's on my mind, maybe some of you have suggestions or ideas for me too! I have a big family and we have lots of young kids and we focus on making memories for them. Our home is usually the hub of all the activities and it's usually a pretty laid back time. I know I can't eat regular food post-op but I'm already wondering how I'll feel engaging in food-related activities that are special to me. Baking bread with my teenage daughters, enjoying a slice of pumpkin pie from one plate and feeding lots of hungry toddlers that gather round with their mouths open like little birds, taking my 10% fee of Halloween candy from the little ones, making gingerbread houses and cuddling up with hot cocoa in front of the fire, making sausage balls for Christmas Breakfast... The dietician and psychologist were both surprised when I told them the degree food has in my life. I make 3 full meals a day and feed 7 people at each meal. Since I'm the kind that really enjoys being a homemaker, I'm already thinking about how I can still make the meals I enjoy serving my family and still be part of the traditions of the season without putting myself in a bind. I'm afraid the truth will be that we will forgo a lot of the activities (especially if I'm not feeling 100%) and my family might be let down.

which made her the darling of the WLS world

First off, I'll say that coffee saves lives every day. If I don't get coffee, someone will get hurt. When I first entered the program, I went from 4 cups of coffee down to now, just 1/4th of a cup a day. (golf clap for me!) Here is the list of people I've asked about coffee so far: 3 people from the post-op support group who all said they now drink coffee 1 year post-op the exercise physiologist who told me caffeine is her drug of choice and so she just asks that I quit pre-op the nutritionist gave me some tips on post-op coffee: use truvia or liquid stevia and skim milk cardiologist just asked me if it made my heart race (no.) I'm all about following the rules and making healthy changes... but I also really, really love me some coffee.

Don't let others run you off! I've found this to be a very good resource. I've noticed that it takes all kinds of people to make the world turn and it's the same with these forums. Find some people you like, friend them, follow their posts! I'm so excited you are losing weight and can't wait to read your FULL story one day.

And she became an internet celebrity

I saw the psychologist this last week and it was a 1 hour appointment, basic life story. But at the end she said I would need to come back and do a test that is about medical professionals and I how I deal with them and perceive them, she said it would help the surgeon. Any idea what she's talking about?

One thing I learned through the military and Tricare is the "Hurry up and wait" mentality. Here's a skill I've learned to walk through when I can't get answers I feel like I need. First, think about this as a business call. I know it's hard to keep your cool when you don't feel well or when you have concerns of being ill-treated. But I also know that most of the people who answer the phones aren't going to go out of their way if they feel attacked. Remember, you need answers, not enemies! So I'd start off by writing out a script with your basic concerns that you need addressed. I do this so I don't get off topic or forget to ask something important. Then, when you get someone (anyone) on the phone, read them the script. Some times I've found a helpful person who can answer one question but not the rest. Then ask them if there is anyone they can refer you to that is above them or in another department who might be able to help you with your concerns. I personally take notes on who I talk to, the date and time, and anything they said that's relevant. My last bit of advice might seem cliche, but it's proved true in my life over and over again. Right now there are people in your life who are watching how you deal with this situation and it will shape them and influence them. This can either be a "poor me" story or a great, inspiring story of overcoming obstacles, especially unfair and complex obstacles. But just remember, people are watching how you act and react! I'm praying for you!

Bennie and X decided to go to Vegas and start their own show on the strip

a Richard Simmons Sweatin' to the Oldies VHS

So she ran and whistled

I'm about half way through the tons of pre-op clearance appointments for a December surgery. It's a tough place: both of hope and fears. But... today, I am celebrating baby steps and a few pre-op non-surgery victories. I have 4 kiddos: twins that are 15, a 5 year old, and a 3 year old. All girls. Where's my gold star for that alone? Anyway, I'm currently sharing plates, bowls, and utensils with my toddler. I did not get upset today when I had to have green instead of pink. I cut up her food before I diced mine to pencil-eraser size. I tried not to be jealous of her cute sippy cup sitting next to her plate. Tried. Seriously, not drinking before, during and after a meal is rough! So woot woot for me! Anyone else?

Dear, I wish I could lie to you but I'm going to tell you the straight up truth. I've been "gifted" with a few Protein powders for the last few weeks. Not one of them has been flavored. I honestly thought it was a coincidence until I began to try them. They aren't amazing. Or good. They were a stellar disappointment. I mean, all that free protein powder! Useless! Now I know why they gave me half full containers! When I put some in flavored greek yogurt it changed the texture and had some gummy clumps. I also put it in apple cinnamon oatmeal. Both the oatmeal and the yogurt had a very distinct protein taste. I think it's something I can overcome and learn to eat, but I don't think I will learn to enjoy it.