queenofall

Is there anything we can apply to the incision scars to make them less noticeable?

We missed meeting you three this month. The session was pretty good, it was on addiction transfer. Meaning if you use food to self soothe prior to surgery, you may be vulnerable to other addictions after surgery to self soothe when you are no longer physically able to turn to food. If you have addiction in your family history or if you feel that you have an addictive personality, you want to really pay attention to this because you could be more vulnerable to this. Be sure to process this with the psychologist pre and post surgery, and have a good plan in place to deal with this issue should it crop up for you. Looking forward to meeting you next month...wear the same red shirts?:smile:

I dug out my red Nebraska Huskers T-shirt...I am not really a fan, but my husband got it for me because it was the only sports t-shirt he could find at the time that had the #13 on it (our anniversary date, he was being cute). Not sure what I will be wearing on the bottom...I guess whatever fits and does not bother my incisions. See you there!

OK, great suggestion, I'll did out something red...does everyone have a red top?

OK, I definitely want to meet Thin2beme, Joanne, and Evelas5000 next Thursday in person...I recognize Jeanette and we chat, but I could not pick you other three out of a line up. Maybe we can agree to wear the same color shirt that day, so I can narrow down who to approach in person. I can get shy in large groups, and that's why I did not approach anyone last month except Jeanette. What do you gals think? Every day I get stronger, I actually got to sleep for a while on my side today while napping! Tomorrow will probably be the last day I use the pain meds. I got out yesterday twice, in the AM walked around Costco with a friend and in the PM sat at a coffee shop and walked around the grocery store with another friend. This evening I walked very slow on the treadmill for 30 minutes. Been getting in between 40-60 gram of protein, and had creamy soup today finally. No concerns with nausea or internal gas pain, no excessive burping for farting either. One small red rash under left boob, size of baby carrot, not itchy. Anyone else get a weird rash? Planning to call the doc tomorrow to inquire. It showed up as is on Friday, and has not changed in size or appearance.

Hi all, Well, just to grumble a little...I live downtown, and the noise from the planes has been going on for two days. These are the loud planes, practicing for the weekend airshow...UGH! Not what you want to listen to while recovering from surgery... The good news is, that my monthly friend came to visit last week, and was long gone before surgery. Thank goodness! It has been hard enough to wipe after peeing, there is no way I could have also dealt with having a period while recovering!!! TMI, I know, but we're all friends, right?

Quick question...when is the gassiness/belching supposed to start, or the internal gas pains? I am one day after surgery, and have not had these yet, but I have read about this from other's posted experiences...am I just lucky?:cursing:

next week, and I hope to be there....tonight is the monthly northland support group. I don't remember the location, but if you search recent posts, it should be somewhere on our listserv.

I am home from the hospital, doing fine, on the mend.

I am home from the hospital, doing fine, on the mend.

Well, it's 6:30 AM, definitely the wrong side of noon, and I am off to the hospital for surgery! I'll post something as soon as I am able to let you all know my status....Lisa:teeth_smile:

I read on a message board that the incisions can be closed with glue instead of staples, and that others wish they would have known this prior to surgery to ask...does anyone know if this is true, and if it would be less painful but have the same results? Thanks, Lisa

I am in the final countdown, seven days til surgery, and I have been reading all the literature and making a list of what to do in preparation. I am hoping that you all can share the things you did that were most helpful, as well as the things you wish you had done different. I am planning a trip too Manna Nutrition to get my starter packs of vitamins and supplements. I will stock up on the clear items for the days before and after surgery. I will go get a small spoon and fork, as well as small plate. I'll start the coughing and deep breathing exercises today. Fill me in on what I may be forgetting, and what you would do different if you could turn back time....thanks for sharing your wisdom!:biggrin: Lisa

Hey Jeanette, Did you survive the wedding??? And the return road trip from Jersey? I did one phone consult and one phone coaching session so far, and the nurse I am working with said we will do one more coaching this Friday and she will turn in the paperwork for final approval on my surgery. So Wed. the 20th is a go! I have started telling people in my life now that I know for sure. I have received an overwhelmingly positive response to my big news. I have been doing real well averaging my 10,000 steps per day, and I just got a Tai Chi video from the library to try. I am trying to figure out how to work on changing my body composition and increase muscle mass as the weight comes off, to help minimize loose skin. If anyone has some successful suggestions, please pass them on! Hope you all have a great week, and try to stay cool! Lisa

Hi JoannMarie, Welcome to the group! I'll look forward to meeting you at the Aug. support group. Excellent advice you gave Jeanette, you sound like a wise woman... Take care, Lisa

Keep close in your mind and heart your own October wedding, and how beautiful you want to be in your wedding dress that fits perfectly, and how you want to look at you wedding photos for many years to come and smile because you looked and felt the very best you ever had, with no regrets from choices made in New Jersey......... Stay strong girl, I know you can do it! "Don't exchange what we want the MOST, for what we want in the MOMENT"

Help! I know I saw somewhere a list compiled of tips for "pouch care and maintenance" after surgery...I have searched and searched this site and other internet sites, and I am going nuts trying to locate it. I remember it was a really helpful bit of information, and I am kicking myself for not printing it out when I stumbled across it months ago. Can anyone point me in the right direction? Thanks, Lisa

New Orleans was so much fun! And the conference was good too. We went to Emeril's restaurant, plus several local non-touristy restaurants. We did a carriage tour through the French Quarter. We went to the Mardi Gras museum. Walked all over town...ahhh, good times!

Erika, The meeting was about exercise, and the program was presented by three people who are post surgery. They shared what has worked for them to incorporate exercise into their lifestyle, and how they stay motivated. They also brought resources and equipment that they use on a regular basis and did some demonstrations. They allowed group members to try out the items they bought. The most interesting thing for me was a thing called a tryke. It was a cross between cross country skiing and roller blading. I tried it in the parking lot, and it seems like a real fun and different way to get in a great workout. They also gave us an exercise band and a catalogue for ordering some of the equipment they brought, like the exercise ball and exercise tubes. We were done by 6:45 PM and most people were gone by shortly after 7 PM. If I missed anything, others who attended feel free to add to my description!

August 20th, woop-dee-do-and-wow-wee! I have to jump through an additional hoop because my insurance is through JC Penney. I have to do some phone coaching pre and post surgery. My 1st phone session is next Tues., so I'll know more then how big this new hoop is. Erika, we'll miss you tomorrow...I'll take some notes and give you an update.

:thumbup: I heard from Cigna today, and they gave me medical approval for my surgery! YIPPEE! I will find out Monday when my date will be. See you next week for the support group.

Jeanette, Thanks for the recap on last month's meeting. I wish I had been there, but will be there for sure this month. I just RSVP'd to the Oct. Wedding! Sounds like much fun, and it is the day before my own 2 year anniversary. I think I have my hubby convinced to attend with me. Update on my surgery progress: after several mishaps, my request for approval is finally in the hands of the right department at Cigna, and is currently being reviewed! I am just waiting on the decision letter to arrive in the mail.:embaressed_smile: