Renkoss

Alright, you have all twisted my arm... Here's a little bit about me: I am currently married to the same hunka-hunka-burning love for the past 26 years, but have been together for 32 years. We have two beautiful daughters; one is 24 and working on her Master's in Psychology and Applied Behavioral Analysis and works full time at a school for Autistic children. My youngest is 21 and is currently working on her Bachelor's in Fashion Merchandising. I'm very proud of both my daughters, and they are my best friends as well. I have two black lab girlie-girls who are 12 years old. They are litter mates, and I've had them since they were 8 weeks old. Almost 3 years ago, I got my daughters two lab/collie mix litter mates (male and female). The male grew to be rather large (like a huge wolf size!) and the girl is pretty much normal size. They are a riot, and I love when they come over to visit or stay the weekend. I think I've come to like animals better than people as I age. The animals are so loyal, friendly, and loving. More than I can say about a lot of people in this day and age. I have a wonderful extended family including my two sisters (I'm a middle child), one brother-in-law, two nieces, one great niece, two nephews and one great nephew, and a nephew-in-law. My Dad is still around (he's 78) and absolutely love when we all get together for whatever reason. We always have a loud, obnoxious time together. I became diabetic with my first pregnancy. After the second it didn't go away, so I have been battling with it for over 21 years now. WLS was mentioned to me years ago, but I always felt llike that was the "easy" way out...hahahaha. I will NEVER say that again! I still wear an insulin pump, but I only use it for my background (basal) insulin now. I've lowered that amount once already. As more weight comes off, I should be able to lower it more until I don't need it. That is my ultimate goal. When I was younger, I played the clarinet, and then progressed to the bass clarinet. I could also play the flute and the saxophone, oboe and bassoon. Sadly I don't play anymore. At one time I could type on a typewriter (not a computer keyboard) at 130 wpm with no mistakes. I hated to read slow and made my fingers keep up with my eyes and brain. I work for a Neuropsychologist as Chief Cook and Bottle Washer...just kidding....I'm the office manager and medical billing specialist. I work with insurance companies all the time. They are horrid. I've been at this job for the past 11-1/2 years, and will probably retire from it. I went back to work after being a stay at home Mom until my youngest was 10. That is all I can think of right now. I guess I'm rather boring in comparison, but I like the life I have. Thanks for reading!!! Oh, p.s., just to make sure you were reading this, I've also been told I'm pretty good in bed as well

Lipstick Lady, and the rest of you, I find your posts refreshing, uplifting, and downright hilarious! The reason I still come here and read the posts is because sometimes you just need a good laugh, or sometimes support. Either way, I find both here. Don't ever allow the Debbie Downers to spoil your fun. I'd love to meet you in person. I could sit and talk about nothing with you all day! Hugs to all of you.

I take a sublingual 1000mcg's per day. I've taken this for a long time; even prior to making decision t have WLS.

I'm no doctor, but I really don't think going vegetarian is necessarily a good idea. Protein will help you lose weight, as well as keep your body strong for surgery. When given the 6 month diet through the insurance, the nutritionists all recommended Protein drinks, and getting in at least 60-80 grams of protein daily. Again, I'm not a doctor, but I would do as much research as you can. Also, I would listen to my doctor unless I found out anything contrary to what he/she told me. In that case I question it. Good Luck!

Just keep trying to eat pureed or soft foods. Try some refried Beans, yogurt, SF Jello, strained Soups, Protein shakes, gatorade...Just do an ounce or two every couple hours. Things will continue to improve. The first month it is a bit tough. Around week 5 you begin to really feel better.

Glad everything is better now. That had to be scary.

Gina, I had RNY and I don't believe I had a difficult time healing or with the surgery or immediately afterward. I am 2 months out from surgery and feel fantastic. As far as taking Vitamins the rest of my life, I was doing that anyway, so it was no big deal to me. I have had situations with eating a bit too fast and vomiting, and also with eating just a bite more than I should have and felt sick, but as far as "dumping"? I don't know that I've experienced that completely. I've never gotten diarrhea from anything since liquid diet phase, and I really don't recall the rapid heartrate, or shaking, or anything like that. Just a horrible pain in the chest from being too full and then vomiting which resolved the pain in the chest. With that said, I chose RNY because of difficulty with controlling my Type 2 diabetes. The RNY showed the best chance for control with the blood sugar. So far everything is working as it should and my blood sugars are very controlled. I think ultimately you need to be sure you are informed on both surgeries, what each pro and con are for each, and then apply that to your situation. Also, trust what the surgeon has to say. I hope you are able to choose. This is a life altering change. Choose wisely.

jccanada, I'm with pammieanne, it was constantly drilled no drinking anything 30 minutes before, or 30 minutes after, or during a meal. With that said, I am just over 8 weeks out from surgery, and my diet consists of mainly chicken, fish, ground meat (steak doesn't sit well yet), and pork. Fish I can do either fresh Water fish or shellfish. I do greek yogurt still, a Protein shake here and there, non-dairy ice cream (coconut milk or cashew milk), even though it has macaroni, Stouffer's Mac and cheese single serving cups, most cooked veggies. Things I still cannot eat: Steak, Lima Beans, Bread (by choice, not because I can't), Rice (again, by choice. I haven't tried either though), fries (fried food...nope!). You catch the drift. I stay away from those foods that I should not eat ever, and indulge in moderate type foods sparingly. Softer foods are ok. I can eat a few fruits now as well. I hope things improve for you.

Congratulatoins Daisee!!! So happy for you. I can't wait until I am further out and closer to goal. You are the people that inspire me to know it can be done!!!

I can understand your excitement. Once you make the decision, you just want it all to happen! I felt that way too. But, calm yourself down! You've got a bit of a ways to go before that surgery can even happen. Have you found a Center of Excellence for bariatric surgery any where near you? I would also check with your insurance company to see if they have any places they can refer you to that is covered by your plan. Work with the insurance, your doctor, and whomever else (specialists?) can help you. I wish you a world of luck. This is quite a process, but the benefits are a much healthier life.

When I had my one month check up with my surgeon, I told him about the first night home from surgery and being so cold I was chattering and shivering. He said it is normal after surgery and has a lot to do with hormones. I'm not complaining; I'd rather have to put a sweater on than not be able to take more clothes off (you get to a point where you are naked and still sweating!!!).

I was just curious as to the greater risk with bypass over sleeve. To each his own with what choice you make for your situation. The research showed that bypass seemed to work best for diabetic patients. So far so good for me. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that it continues. Good Luck.

I was always a hot sweaty mess too. I remember my first night home after surgery I woke up in the middle of the night freezing to the point of chattering teeth and shivering. I had to get an extra blanket to put on my bed. Since then I've been more on the cool side rather than hot. The only time I'm hot and sweaty now is if there is a lot of humidity.

Tagyourit, those will taste different after surgery; trust me. Your taste changes a lot after surgery. It will return to normal, but things that tasted good prior may not taste as good after. Just thought I'd warn you!

Jaxmom, the xanax necklace.....OMG.....I'm dying right now......

WitchySar, what kind of severe side effects did your friends have with bypass? I have had bypass and so far I'm down 38 lbs, feeling really good, and no problems (other than learning to eat slower after overeating a few times). With less weight will come less insulin resistance. My blood sugars are phenomenal now, compared to before surgery when they were out of control, even on an insulin pump and eating low carb. My resistance was extreme, and it is now improving (Thank the Lord for that). This was the whole reason I had the surgery. The weight loss is a bonus.

Although it's been 2 yrs since quitting, I can say that there are times when I do still have a small crave for a smoke. It is easily dismissed, but I think that will happen the rest of my life. I smoked for almost 40 years, and yes, it is a difficult habit to quit. But, make sure that you are in the right mindset and that should make it much easier. I quit because I didn't want to lose my eyesight from diabetes, and just the combination of smoking with diabetes was bad. I knew if I wanted to live a longer, healthier life then the cigarettes had to go.

Smoking certainly does bother ulcers, and can even be part of the cause of them. I quit smoking two years ago, and I have never looked back. I used an e-cig to quit, and started with nicotine juice and within 6 months went to no nicotine. I vaped until last October and then that was all she wrote. I wasn't even planning on having surgery at the time I quit. Good Luck.

Part of it can also be the size of the Vitamin. I bought the Calcium Citrate prior to surgery and after surgery it was difficult to swallow them, and also they can cause problems with the new opening from your pouch. I also take a pill for diabetes called Metformin, and I had to break them in half to take them. I got a chewable calcium citrate for the first month or so, and now I'm able to use the Citracel pills I originally bought with no problem. Keep in mind after your surgery, your system will need time to adjust. I had the bypass, and the size of my stomach is now the size of an egg, so a big pill can occupy quite a bit of space in there!

I am a diabetic on an insulin pump, and my bra is my carrier for my pump. Luckily it has a clip so I just tuck it into the cleavage and onto my bra. I can honestly say I've never used my girls or the boulder holder as a "purse". For the OP, they have a waist strap that they've been advertising that can carry all kind of stuff and you can hide it under your shirt on your waist. I can't think of the name of it now, but it's kind of like a stretchy fanny pack, but it's really thin. I have one from a few years ago that has one pocket and stretches. I use it when the bra isn't a good choice (like with a dress and such). It is called a Spi Belt and works really well for the purpose I need it for. This one being advertised on the TV has 2 zippered compartments, an adjustable belt, and you can literally fit lots of stuff (including your phone) in it. I'll post the name if I see it again.

OMG, I thought the same thing!!!!! Luckily I didn't have a breath mint, so no snorting it out my nose! HAHAHAHAHA

Check with Medicaid. They may actually provide transportation for you to the appointments if you qualify.

Today marks 8 weeks post-op, and all I can offer as a word of advise to those who are 2-3 weeks post-op is to not rush things with food. Take your time and allow your new pouch and intestinal system to adapt. Try to eat just a couple ounces and then wait 2 to 2-1/2 hrs and eat a little bit more. This way you will not push the boundaries of your system. I know it gets boring eating the same kind of food over and over again, but trust me, when you get back to regular food, you will be testing the boundaries again. I found out that steak makes me nauseous, and I will put it aside for now for another couple of months and try again. But that's okay; I'm adding new things back into my diet every day and some things don't taste the same anymore and are not as appealing as they used to be, and other things are just "eh". I just started feeling hunger again, but it's not like it used to be at all. Give it time, be kind to your system, and you will be at 8 weeks before you know it!

Yay! Everyone has broken their stall!!! Awesome Ambernicole! 4.5 lbs! Nice! So happy everything is working as it should for all of us who had surgery 4/11!

Yay! Yay! Yay! I just weighed myself and the stall has broken!!! Down 3 more lbs. 2 more lbs and I'll hit 40 lbs lost since Pre-Op Diet began back on March 28!!!! Just had to do a snoopy dance somewhere other than the office!