ItsTheNewMe

Hi All... Got this text from my hubby today. So fun after so much hard work and years of failed diets and challenges...and I've just gotten started after WLS revision a month ago. Just thought I'd share to inspire all of us as we search to change and get healthy and to realize the positive effects on those around us. Let's go do all those things we couldn't do before and include family and friends in the journey. "I cannot tell you how excited I am right now about our journey and path forward. From our house and life at home to your health and our family's health. Being more active and moving our center of focus from eating to doing... It's great! It's an adjustment but a good one. It will open so much for us. We can do ski trips and hike and swim and snorkel and bike and ... On and on for fun getaways or around our neighborhood. Just think, you will be able to walk up the mountain with me in Aspen or where ever. Then at home, we are able to work on the house together... I love that. Before, it was daunting, but yesterday showed me how great it will be now. Tackling a closet or a room is nothing. We can organize and decorate together. It will make our house so extra warm (it already was, but now it will be even more so). THANK YOU for tackling this health monster. I'm so proud of you. I will do the same in my life. You're inspiring. Thank you. Love you." Question: What are you doing or going to do that may drive you and possibly inspire your loved ones? (Me-I've now joined a gym. Your turn...)

It's true my hubby totally rocks. This whole thing is putting a new spring in his step. Mom26…Sounds like you are totally kicking this diet's A**! )) Congrats!!! And it sounds like your hubby is crazy excited, too! Love it.

Hi PurpleJazz, Like you I was a nervous wreck. I met with a dear friend who went down this road a couple years ago and laughed at how freaked out I was. If you've done all the steps with the surgeon's office, your head knows what is in store. Just sit back, breathe, and know you are going to be great. Don't take any meds not approved by your doc. I only took my phone, Chapstick and toothbrush/toothpaste to the hospital as well. The hospital will have you covered for everything else. Wishing you all the best. I'm so unbelievably thankful I took this step on Sept. 9. You will, too. Breathe and take a relaxing bubble bath as baths will be out during your recovery. ????

I purchased a couple Crystal Light Water enhancers to jazz up my water. I love them! A few drops, 5 calories, and BAM! Instant strawberry lemonade or some other great flavor. They can easily be carried in a purse, backpack, briefcase (does anyone even carry a briefcase anymore?) - okay, a man purse. You get my point. There are several brands and flavors to chose from. I found them in the coffee aisle of my grocery store. Yum! Give them a shot!

One more thing - hubby just got me a Yeti 20 oz. tumbler. OMGosh. This thing really is amazing. Stays cold all day - ice melts forever slowly if you like ice. Wirth the investment since all we drink is water and need it to stay interesting!!

It's called "Custodial Care," and I'll explain... In this first month of recovery I've hit a few weird bumps in the road. My insurance company called me to give me ideas to help me in my healing process. They suggested I consider "custodial care." While not covered by insurance, it is worth the small investment for me, and I wanted to share with you. Custodial care involves bringing in someone to help you do light work around the house: cook, light cleaning, transportation, errands. This will be so beneficial as I found myself in full Mom-mode: up early getting Breakfast ready all the way through dinner and extra-curricular taxi-ing until late in the day. Seemed as time to recover hasn't been possible. But custodial care now allows me a couple days a week to just concentrating on healing myself. Groceries are purchased. Meals are prepared for the week. The kitchen and house are tidied up. Doctor follow-ups are easier as custodial care involves taking me to my appointments. Prescriptions can be picked up by the one caring for me. This is not an excuse to stay in bed 24/7. But, it truly is a service that helps me care for my family while caring for myself. Look up "custodial care" or call United Way at 211 to get names of companies in your area. Some are strictly for senior citizens and some will help those recovering from surgery regardless of your age. Again…this is an out of pocket expense, just FYI. So glad the insurance company told me about this service, and I couldn't help but share it with you.

Anyone else been floored by a doctor or someone else close to you who isn't supportive? It's truly shocking. Right? Holy cow! Please tell me I'm not alone.

Pardon the length, but, Y'all…I cannot seem to figure this out and get in the groove of things. Ugh!! I have lost 24 lbs in less than a month. I am pleased with that; however, I have been in the ER two times this week. The first time, I was deficient in magnesium, potassium, electrolytes, and Calcium. They fixed me up and sent me home. The second time, my blood work came back normal, but I felt..and still feel…completely exhausted and nauseated. My sister found the sleeve support online and suggested I visit to gain support myself. I am soooo hopeful that you all can help me! I am 3 weeks post op... Here is my cycle: - Wake up early to get kids off to school. Vacillate between drinking and eating…not sure which to do first. Finally decide to do whichever I need more at the time. - Wait the obligatory minutes between eating and drinking, while not being satisfied with the first decision I made….usually nauseated so I don't eat much. (Drinking is 2-3 oz. at a time, and eating is 3-4 spoonfuls at a time.) - sleep to regain my energy level. This means I miss out on precious time needed to hydrate myself. - Get up and try to eat because I know my body needs it. Eat only a few bites. Nauseated. Not hungry. - Try to drink a bit after waiting for some time. All the while, I question if I'm drinking enough. Grab Pedialyte and drink up. - Feel totally weak. - Go back to bed wondering when I'll strike the balance and this will become less of a job/effort. - Lose my desire to eat and drink. It's the middle of the night right now. I am up..wide awake…because the hunger pains are sooooo strong. So, I am up drinking a Protein, low cal drink and here comes the nausea. Zofran isn't my friend as it's not doing the job. Pushing through and drinking it anyway..but, man... Surgeon's office is overbooked, and they cannot see me for a week. They say it's just weakness and, therefore, I must wait. They contribute the weakness to the weight loss, which I understand. Nutritionist isn't available to ensure that I am on the right track. So, I am seeing my primary doctor tomorrow. Hoping I can get in with the nutritionist in that office. (I love my surgeon…this isn't a slam on him or his office…) Any advice or eating/drinking schedule recommendations are incredibly welcome. Thank you so much!

Think I'm out of the woods now. I took everyone's advice here. Took things slow. Sipping all day. Put up with the nausea …which did decrease with antacids. I have felt good for days now. Thanks again to everyone. Great support here for sure!!! So excited as I move out of purees. Which signals progress to me! Hugs to all.

It's quite astounding, actually. Aren't our PCP's supposed to be in favor of better health? Mine told me to just accept my weight and stop being so vain. Holy Smokes. What about keeping diabetes at bay and everything else? What about all the things I will now be able to do with my family instead of sending my hubby off to do all the fun activities while I wait? Where's the vanity in that? Grrr… Time for a new PCP. Sad but true.

Extended release meds are no longer an option for me. It was an easy fix - they simply changed to tablet vs capsule and increased from once a day to 2-3 times a day. I never missed a beat. Don't let your meds stop you. That worried me, too. But I'm so glad I moved ahead. I'm sure you will, too. Best of luck!!

Dance of Joy!!!! Congrats!!!

Yes. I promise it's worth the sacrifice. Stick with it!!! )))

Boy Howdy…Can I relate? Let me first just encourage you that the pre-surgery diet is the hardest part because your stomach hasn't been altered yet. So, just remember that and be encouraged that it will get easier. Try to pass the time with hobbies, visiting with friends, reading, going to bed early. Whatever you have to do. Do things you enjoy and help pass the time! I spent my time with friends and not alone. That really helped, and each day was fun because I was with new friends everyday. Best of luck!

Spoke too soon. Ate soup. Got totally nauseated. Again. Grrrrrrr...... Gotta figure this out. Glad I see the dr in a couple hours! I'll keep following your suggestions.

Great topic for discussion as this was on my mind last weekend. I'd love to get some ideas! I so enjoy cooking and entertaining. Ugh. I was frustrated last weekend as I realized I needed to focus my efforts elsewhere. I paint furniture and home furnishings and thought I'll just continue enjoying that. I am finding new projects to decorate/paint around my home for the days ahead! (I am new and have no idea how to attach a pic or two for y'all. Sorry.)

Okay. You guys totally ROCK. I honestly cannot thank you all enough for your input. I feel fabulous again. Yay!!!!!!! I needed antacids and one more Protein shake. That was 3 shakes (15-ish gr. of protein, 100 cal each) from 2:30 a.m.-6:30 a.m. and Maalox liquid plus my antacid pill. Don't normally drink that many shakes, but my body was aching for some food. I will continue to follow all of the suggestions you each made. You all have a fantastic weekend!! I certainly will. Ahhhhhhhh….

I love Gwynnie Bee!! You can exchange the clothes as often as you'd like. Wear something once or ten times or a million times. Exchange or purchase at a discounted price. Read reviews of others who have ordered a piece you are considering. Casual or dressy. I've been a member for a couple years. Love it!! Great suggestion.

First..I noticed that you are a revision patient. Me Too!! Lapband put in Sept. 2006. WORST mistake eva!! Believe you me, My eyes are on this prize. I am forever grateful that the sleeve is NOTHING close to the daily struggles I had with the lap band. I am incredibly positive and excited to be on the road to better health, attractive, and a great role model for my daughter and her health!! So…you are right. A great attitude is soooo imperative. I just have to get some traction after these past few days. )) Thank you soooo much!! Warm herbal tea. Yum!

OMGosh. I so appreciate all the input!! I returned to bed in the night having had two low cal Protein drinks and still hungry and nauseated. Two hours later I've awakened still hungry. I never eat/drink this much. think that's how nutritionally I've become. Yikes!! I do NOT want to go back to the hospital!! Okay...here's my new plan thanks to you all... - I love the idea of more Protein Drinks right now. Think I need them. Gonna do that. - Vitamins and supplements. I start my day with them. I forget my second calcium/vitamin D3 one at night. I will make this a priority - to get them in at night, too. - Acid Reducer. Ah Ha! I was given a prescription and stopped taking it. I believe I will take these regularly again. - Gonna send awesome hubby/caretaker out to get the Isopure ingredients to try that. - I will start walking again once I feel confident in my steps. I don't want to be stuck dragging even a block from home. Thank you for that!! I welcome any other ideas. I think this is a good start to get me over this hump. Still don't regret the sleeve one iota!! Going to pop open another Protein Drink and the medicine/vitamin bottles right away. Thank you!!