CanyonBaby

I actually have a little time today, as my husband is at another officer's funeral this morning. This officer was shot and killed by a "bad guy", and has left behind a wife and 2 young children. What a week. So between laundry loads, I will fill you in on the latest. The doctor has called yesterday with news that the cancer cells have NOT grouped together, which is (I think) good news. We cannot tell yet, even from the CT scan, if it has spread to any other system. He will have an MRI on Thursday, and another colonoscopy on Tuesday (for additional biopsies). They did see what appears to be a cyst on his pancreas, with what appears to be singular cancerous cells, but again, that should be good - that they have not grouped up. Hopefully these other tests will show all. Then he will have surgery to rescind the colon where the tumor is located. This is all in our Good Lord's hands, where we trust all will be attended to as He sees fit. Your prayers are greatly (GREATLY) appreciated, and the more, the better! My news is my stress test came out normal, (HA- THAT was stress?!), so this ordeal with hubs should really show me some stress! @@AvaFern, I thank you for your insight. I am hoping that what you have experienced, and what you have revealed, is what happened with this situation (my stress test). It must, indeed, be difficult to see such atrocities, especially without seeing positive results from treatment given. Or knowing what happens to these folks in the future. You have wakened me, and my eyes are now opened. Thank you. It is the reason I have tried to give all that see my scars a head's-up about what they are about to see, so the shock of it doesn't stun them. So they are prepared. What I didn't think of was how they must take all of this in, and try to process it without becoming emotionally overwhelmed. It IS overwhelming. It does me virtually everytime I look at myself. I try not to look so much anymore. People, you are amazing. In your own world of drastic change (for the good, I might add!) with WLS, you have taken time to comfort me, and give much needed (and heeded!) advice. I can never thank you enough. It gives hope in a world full of self-centeredness, and casual indifference. From my husband and myself, THANK YOU.

To All who have responded, so tenderly and caring, I thank you. I can't tell you what it means to have your support. Today was a day that made yesterday look pleasant. Today I found out my husband of 18 years probably has colon cancer. The Dr. who did the colonoscopy is pretty sure, and he did a CT scan. We won't find out the results of that for a while, so I am going to ask ALL of you to say a prayer for us, for my very brave husband who has spent the last 25+ years putting his life on the line as a law enforcement officer. He is only 53, and this tumor is about 3" in diameter. It doesn't look good. Right now what I experienced at ANOTHER hospital (yesterday), seems so trite and unimportant. What happened to me will NOT go unanswered, rest assured. Now I need to focus on hubs, he has been MY support for all these years, and all my surgeries, now the shoe is on the other foot. My primary focus must be on him, and with God's help, see him through this. I will try to post from time to time, answer posts form time to time, and keep you all in my prayers (this is a GIVEN!) But in the meantime, you probably won't read much from me for now. I cannot tell you enough how I thank you for all the support you have given me over the past several months, but believe me, you won't be forgotten, nor your kindnesses. Now, my dears, I wish you all the best of success on your journeys, and know that God will go with you on your way. Blessings to you ALL! Jenifer (aka CanyonBaby)

All the above answers are great, and I would add a white, lacy cardigan over a white silky tank, and possibly a blouse in the same background color, but with pindots all over it. A bright scarf (if you're into those) for a touch of color would be nice, as well. How fun is this conversation!!!

I don't know why not, but I would ask your surgical team for clearance if you are unsure. Let us know what you hear!

Ditto, above. Most people will respond IF they can, especially if they can relate, or if they have advice for your particular situation. I, personally, don't respond if I can't give what I think the person is looking for. Or maybe I get called away during the reading of the post, and I lose track. I actually try to respond to as many as I can, because no one, including yourself, wants to feel left out. I also know there are many others who like to respond, and I feel between ALL the folks on this site, someone is bound to answer. Sometimes it just doesn't happen. It doesn't mean you are singled out to be ignored. And I'm sorry you feel that way. Most of us have many other things to do with our day, and get to the posts on this site when we can, as a side activity. Sometimes we just don't have time to read them all, let alone answer them all. We do our best, and I'm sure there are lots of posts (mine included) who never get answered. Then there are those who don't answer posts, only ask questions on posts. Then there are the "newbies" who are focused on their own immediate needs, because they are new and scared and don't have the experience yet to answer others posts. And then there are those who have gotten to a point where they no longer feel the need to stay on the site, they have progressed in their journey and have sprouted wings to fly away on their way to life outside the forums. We all will end up doing that at some point, we just have other things we want to do. So don't take this personally, no one is deliberately ignoring you. Persist with your questions, maybe re-phrase them, if necessary. At some point, someone is bound to have the answer, or would be able to relate to your question.

VERY cute!!!! VERY!!!!

Unflavored means there is no flavor ADDED, but there IS a flavor in unflavored protein powder. Creamer-like is correct in my opinion, but pleasant-enough, and blends well with other things, taste-wise.

Get rid of the Snacks that are harming you, and replace them with good snacks (check out the post "What's in YOUR "snack bag"). Limit the number of snacks you eat each day, and replace some of those times with activity. DO something, ANYTHING to get your mind off it. Keep your hands busy with hobbies. If you don't have one, GET one! Go to a hobby store or craft shop and find what interests you - make it a very enjoyable one, something that is easy to pick up and do, something that intrigues you. And DO it! Any time you want to snack, go get your hobby/craft and work on it. This helps me tremendously. My husband loves N-scale trains, he loves gardening, woodworking, and making things. Hopefully this will help, I wish you luck!

He is Good, indeed!!!

Is it the surgeon your unhappy with? If not, why abandon him/her? I know office staff can drive you nuts, had that problem myself this week. Why not have a chat with whomever it is you are supposed to see at your appointment about the situations you have encountered? If people are not held accountable for their actions, things will never improve. If this is a no-go, I would highly suggest another bariatric professional, as they know what they are dealing with. I have found not all PCPs know about this particular subject. For example, a professor of biology may not know so much about elementary education, like a professor of early education would - see what I mean? Just because they are both professors, doesn't mean they know everything, or even a little about another subject! Be prepared, though, you may have quite a waiting period, depending on their current patient list. Good luck to you!

I'm sure a hug would be welcome right now, so here's one comin' at you...hug..... I can't tell you when your appetite will return. Like liannatx said, everyone has there own timing. So make sure you get the essentials, and your fluids, for sure. Don't overdo with the exercise, especially if you aren't getting in the Protein and fluids. But you know that. Nothing can rush the grieving period, you'll know the answer to that when it comes. Ask for peace, and you will have it. With that peace comes all you will need for the moment. Our prayers are with you, and you are NOT alone.....

My favorite is unflavored protein powder, added to water, with the addition of water-enhancer drops. You can adjust the sweetness/strength by the number of drops you use. I get my powder from Amazon.com (check ALL prices, they really vary!!). I find this to be very economical, and if you need more protein, just add more! Mix the flavor drops for your own favorite combo!

Me thinks you might need more fluids, too. And ditto what CowgirlJane said.....

Have you tried using unflavored Protein powder for your own, homemade "shakes"? If not, you may find you like them better. Get some unflavored Protein Powder, add it to cold Water, mix well. Then add some water-enhancer drops - any flavor, or mix them up! You can adjust the strength of the flavor/sweetness by adjusting how many drops you put in. For me, this is a whole lot better than pre-made shakes, and less expensive. I also add my Benefiber and Calcium citrate powder to the drink, so I get all the stuff I need. You can also add this powder to anything wet...soup, broth, scrambled eggs.....all kinds of things. Try to mix it with some cool water before adding it to hot things, so it doesn't clump. Good luck to you!

I imagine, like me - I had NO idea, there are a lot of folks out there who don't know this life-saving surgery exists, or don't think it can help them, in their particular situation. I think it would be great if we, as WLS patients could spread the word, a little here, a little there....it just might save someone's life. And just think of the impact that would have on so many OTHER people's lives.....

I had a lot of fun with the wound on my neck from my parathryroid surgery. It was 2 days before Halloween, and it looked like someone had slashed my throat! Man, did I get the looks!

You got it! And He hears.... Thank you for keeping us posted, I know this is very challenging for you. You are NOT alone in this. Give your wife a BIG hug, and here's one from us, too. Hang tight, my friend, hang tight.......

@@LousPeachy From the sounds coming from within, whoever they are must be having quite a party! Not sure I want to know what's going on in there.........................

@@wannaBthinsoon The scar closest to my belly button was about an inch to the left of it. Then the one to the right was about 3 inches. Then the 2 upper ones, and the exit wound (where the stomach was removed) is in the typical area, on the left, and it is the largest of the 5, at about an inch long. One of the tops scars is just above where the gallbladder was removed (also laproscopically removed). All are healing really well, and are happy to be with "the rest of the group"!!!! I'm thinking of naming them!!!!

Usually compliments are given by those who truly care. You can give an enormous smile and say your thanks, showing that you are pleased by their attention. You don't have to do anymore, until you are comfortable. You can do the same to those who aren't sincere (and we ALL know THOSE types), just make that smile even BIGGER!!! Remember, this is a whole heck-of-a-lot of awesomeness you just did, and you should show your pride in it!!!

Just a suggestion, why not use a measuring tape along side the scale, so when the scale says scary things, the measurements might just back your weight loss. Also adds a little encouragement!!!

8 abdominal surgeries prior to the sleeve was not even slightly daunting for my surgeon, however, he DID have to make 5 incisions to do it. Also, he couldn't use the belly button - too many others had been there before (4 surgeries through there already). But, no worries, he's a pro! And so is yours, I'd bet! I feel sorry for the coroner who deals with me down the line...he/she will have some questions, I'm sure!!!

@@JustWatchMe Ok. I'm not afraid! (I'm married to a cop...how scary can she be?!) Seriously, I noticed in the post "Question Regarding Cervical Spinal fusion & WLS" a response from MissMac who suggested a video by a David Stamps called "Exercise for the Bedfast", which may also help her. If you would like, I can write her a note via you, if you think it would help. I understand how she must feel. I learned from my aunt (now deceased) that if you don't use it, you will lose it. She had terrible rheumatoid arthritis which limited her ability to move. She always told me to keep moving no matter how painful it is. Because when you stop (with a disease like that) you more than likely won't get started again. She was a great lady, and I miss her. But I remember her pain, her words, and her encouragement. All was NOT lost! Let me know if I can assist! I'd be glad to!

@@JustWatchMe Do you think your mom could do "Sit and Be Fit"? It's a workout you do sitting in a chair, including "walking". It is on PBS here in Washington state, but I believe you can also get it on DVD. I did the workouts for my pre-op phase, since I couldn't get out then. And of course, you do it at your own pace. It is a great program!

Well, why not try doing a pre-pre-op diet, just to get you started, and show all involved how serious you are?! It can't hurt, and can get you excited for the next phase! Just an idea.......