theantichick
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Everything posted by theantichick
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When people tell you you're taking the easy way out......
theantichick replied to ALittleMe0914's topic in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
Thanks! I'm trying to get back in the habit of blogging regularly, I have a lot of writing pent up that wants to get out, but I'm out of practice with the mechanics of writing. It's going OK. I'm glad I don't have to do only liquids. I haven't been eating my "healthy" meal as clean as I could, but it's a vast improvement from where I was. I keep trying to do better each day, because I know this is just prep work for after, when "cheating" could be very dangerous. -
When people tell you you're taking the easy way out......
theantichick replied to ALittleMe0914's topic in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
Here's my response to that... http://www.theantichick.com/2016/08/05/the-easy-way-out/ -
Made it through the weekend on the pre-op diet without mucking it up too badly.
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I've lost about 3 lbs, looks like. I'm trying to be conservative because my scale seems to weigh 3-5 lbs lighter than the doctor's scales. My scales say I've lost about 5. I could be eating cleaner dinners, but it's a heck of a lot cleaner than the way I have been eating, so I know it's an improvement.
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Ugh. reached the point where I am hungry, but nothing sounds good.
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Question about blood pressure
theantichick replied to biglady904's topic in Gastric Sleeve Surgery Forums
My bottom number was the one that started out being high, then both numbers went high. My doc had to tweak my meds a couple of times to find the right mix to get both down. my pulse rate was also very high, and one of my meds has gotten it more normal. Luckily I'll be off of them in a few months after surgery. Keep your doc in the loop, it may take a bit to find the right med mix. -
Preop Day 3 was good. Managed to make good choices eating out even. Now for the weekend.
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Pre-op diet sabotage...
theantichick replied to theantichick's topic in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
I was on sulfasalazine with some relief. I had to stop it 3 weeks before. But we are moving to biologics as soon as I'm far enough post op. It's the PsA that prompted me to get serious about the surgery. If I did it after biologics started I'd be without treatment for over 6 months. Now it will only be 4 or so. My doc can also put me back on the sulfasalazine after a month until I'm clear for the biologics. sent from mobile device -
Pre-op diet sabotage...
theantichick replied to theantichick's topic in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
Heh. I forget that other places don't have Buenos. It's a fast food joint like Taco Bell, but better quality and better tasting food IMHO. I honestly didn't even think about something like fajitas, since I normally don't even look at their platter meals. I checked the online menu, and they have a fajita platter there, and the Mongol Horde that is my family (yes, two of them still constitutes a Horde) will happily eat anything from my plate that I can't. See, this is why I hang out at places like this. I tend to tunnel vision on stuff and fret about it. I'm glad that I did my fretting before the fact though, and got a plan in place. Thanks!! -
Anyone vlogging/blogging?
theantichick replied to gemigirl's topic in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
I've posted a few items the last week about WLS. http://theantichick.com Including one today about "the Easy Way Out". My blog also has a facebook page - https://www.facebook.com/theAntiChick -
Day 2 of the pre-op diet went much better than Day 1. Still got headachey and groggy, but it wasn't as bad. Now for Day 3 and the weekend challenge!!
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Ok so how bad is this gonna hurt?
theantichick replied to pixystix0116's topic in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
I survived my knee reconstruction, which for 3 days postop hurt worse than unmedicated childbirth and hydrocodone barely touched it. I've heard nothing from anyone here to indicate that this surgery is even remotely that bad. So I figure I'm good. -
New here! Pre and post without Aspartame?
theantichick replied to hats123's topic in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
I ordered sampler/variety packs from everyone... Bariatric Pal, Bariatric fusion, Syntrax, unjury, GoTein all had variety packs or samplers available (GoTein actually sent their three flavors for free). I went to Vitamin Shoppe and picked up several flavors of IsoPure to try. So far, I'm working my way through all of the samplers and rating the brands/flavors so I can figure out what to buy. However, I've read a lot of warnings that our tastes change after surgery, so I'm not stocking up on anything yet. I'm actually considering just getting another round of variety packs to taste-test after surgery again. Ordering from Bariatric Pal (their brand, Fusion, and Syntrax) and Unjury were both painless, they were prompt with the delivery and I had no issues. I'd order directly from them for those brands. And the Syntrax tastes so good that unless the IsoPure is significantly better, I'll just go with Syntrax because the IsoPure comes in glass bottles and I don't like getting those shipped, and don't want to have to go to the store for them. I have found that nonfat powdered milk is awesome for making the powdered shake mixes more portable, as some of the flavors don't taste right with just Water. That I'll probably just grab from Amazon. -
Water vs Fluids?
theantichick replied to LowBMISleever's topic in POST-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
I hated Water before I started on this journey. I used to quote W.C. Fields all the time (fish fornicate in it, if you've never heard the line). I lived and died by my Mio drops for months. Then I started finding that the taste was too strong, and started reducing how much I put in. Then I started drinking plain water most of the time. I still have to have highly filtered or bottled water if I'm drinking it "straight" and it has to be ice cold. But it's possible to go from a water hater to a water lover. And now that I'm on my pre-op diet, I'm trying out all the different Protein drink things. I am LOVING Syntrax Nectar!! It won't be my only water intake of course, but it will allow me to get my protein in and up my overall fluids. Good luck!! -
New here! Pre and post without Aspartame?
theantichick replied to hats123's topic in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
Aspartame is a migraine trigger for me. Most of the Protein shakes and drinks I've found do not have aspartame... Syntrax, unjury, Bariatric Pal, Bariatric fusion, Isopure. Just check the labels. Jello SF pudding and Gelatin are kinda hit and miss... I'm just always sure to check the label. However I've read that gelatin is actually pretty easy to make, you get the unflavored gelatin and add it to your favorite beverage. Haven't tried it yet, but I likely will this weekend. And the instructions say you can make pudding with the Protein shake mixes by using 1/2 of the milk. Again, haven't tried it but I will this weekend (first weekend on pre-op diet, lots of experimenting will be going on). Luckily there's a lot of options for us out there now, we just have to be vigilant about the labels. I've also found that Splenda leaves a nasty aftertaste for me, so I'm trying lots of different sweeteners. I have laid off the coffee, but I used to use monk fruit in it, and it's awesome. I'm going to try some koolaid and other things with the monk fruit and see how it goes. -
Day 2 pre-op. Yesterday went pretty good. Learned a lot, made some not-great-but-not-horrible choices. Today will be better.
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Racing heart and dizzy at times
theantichick replied to Megall9's topic in Gastric Sleeve Surgery Forums
Former ER nurse here - we would get a lot of patients with these symptoms and it would be due to one of a variety of problems from dehydration to electrolyte imbalances to low glucose to anxiety to heart problems. (Basically everything everyone said here.) Most of the time, it's not a heart problem. And lots of times even if it is a heart problem, it's a mild and treatable condition. DEFINITELY follow up with your GP, since this has happened several times. You absolutely need to rule out a heart problem. -
Post op regrets topics - not popular
theantichick replied to GinaCampbell's topic in Gastric Sleeve Surgery Forums
I absolutely agree that people need to hear the stories of people who have complications. The first place I came on this board after reading some of the FAQ posts was the complications board. I wanted to know what the worst case outcome potentially was, and get a feel for the types of complications people have, and if there are things I could learn about those complications that might reduce my risks. I applaud you for speaking out. If I were having the surgery with NHS, I would know some more things to ask and look for with the team before committing, only because you are sharing your experience. I have said that people need to keep in mind that these stories are not representative of the vast majority of people who have the surgery, and that negative experiences are in a higher concentration in an online forum, because it's the nature of people to speak up only if they need support or have a problem. This is NOT intended in any way to say that you shouldn't share your experience, or that your complications need to be minimized. It is only to remind people that may be worried about complications that the incidence is much lower than it may appear reading through an internet support board. -
1st day of 2 week pre-op diet today. Did "dry runs" Mon & Tues, and didn't make it through. I think I can, I think I can...
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Oh my gosh. This was a rough day. Headachey, brain foggy, tired, and hurting pretty badly. I did eat a protein bar instead of a protein shake for one meal. And my "sensible dinner" wasn't the best choice, but it also wasn't horrible. I did drink a huge amount of water (and had to pee constantly) and managed a whole heck of a lot better than I actually thought I would. Learned a bit about how I need to space my protein drinks through the day. Tomorrow will be better.
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Clothes shopping before surgery
theantichick replied to Typhanie85's topic in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
Yeah, and that's not something I'm inclined to buy used... :/ I figure I'll end up needing to buy a couple of decent but not high-end bras at several stages. I wish things like the Genie Bra didn't give me uniboob, because they *are* comfortable and with the stretch could probably see me through several size changes. -
Oh, I'm so glad it was only one visit. I already have a therapist (she doesn't like the surgery, we're working on other food issues, which is why I didn't just ask her for one) so I don't need to see someone else over and over. Just clear me for surgery and move along.
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I had to fill out a similar form, after a bunch of questions by the psych. It was pretty much what I expected, except for all the math and memory questions.
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Clothes shopping before surgery
theantichick replied to Typhanie85's topic in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
I'm planning to whip up several drawstring maxi style skirts to get me through the gaps. -
Oh, I hate insurance companies (reimbursement problem, not a problem with the surgery approval or anything... just terribly frustrating)
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Magnesium Citrate Day
theantichick replied to LoveAlwaysKia's topic in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
Your surgeon is having you do this as pre-op? Ugh. Not everyone has severe cramping, but some do. I would certainly expect loose stools with a lot of urgency. My instructions to patients in the ER we were sending it home with was to not get too far from a bathroom when drinking it because it hits fast and hard. Good luck!! -
Need Advice/Help Please
theantichick replied to vleesleeved's topic in Tell Your Weight Loss Surgery Story
Has your doc tried different nausea meds? Zofran can be a wonder drug, but it doesn't work for everyone. Some respond better to phenergan or some of the older anti-nausea drugs. I haven't had the surgery yet, but my surgeon told me that while some nausea with occasional vomiting is to be expected (hence the prescription for the nausea meds) but regularly vomiting is not. Unfortunately sometimes we have to advocate for our own health with our docs. I would call and talk to a nurse or someone in his office beyond the receptionist and insist on not continuing to wait.
