Karazona

I got a surprise call today saying I received insurance approved and ready to go! I was even more surprised to hear that I could have my surgery Monday, March 6th! That's 4 days from now!!! I started this process with mixed emotions, mostly feeling blah, but now I'm excited!! I just can't believe this is all happing. So now I need to find the post that said March surgeries. Any direct links would be great in the event I can't find it. I think I read somewhere that they have Facebook groups as well? Let me know what you guys know!!! Thank you so much!!!!!!!!!!

Thank you!

Well, here in the caffeine-free land 'No Carbville', during February vacation which always allows for peace and harmony from the kids, it's whatever damn day I say it is! ? Had you not pointed that out to me, I would have looked like such a dink in front of my doctor ?. Though I'm not sure how reassuring it is to look like a dink to thousands on here either. Either way, I appreciate the heads up and the chuckle!! When I spoke with the woman booking the surgery today, she just kept referencing Monday, not next Monday. So without looking at a calendar, I just assumed she meant (this) Monday. I'm a hot mess ???? *I did find the March group, btw. I think I'll go back and make sure it's March 2017!

When you join a "Closed Group", I know the posts aren't visible by friends, but does it still show up in the notifications that Jane Doe has joined March 2017 Advice and Support?

Just found out today that my surgery's on March 6th! WAHOO!!!!!!!!!

Hey Guys, I'm new to this website, but VERY happy to see so much info and support. I see so much excitement from people to receive their surgery date, but are/were any of you ho hum about it all? Maybe it's the pre-op diet lacking carbs, caffeine, and yummy foods or perhaps depression getting in the way, but I'm not as excited as others are for the surgery. This is something I know I HAVE TO DO to gain my life back, but it's not exactly something I'm thrilled with. I'm trucking along through the diet just fine I guess, but I keep thinking I should be more excited. More excitement means more motivation, right?

Hey! Is everybody just picking their dream goal weight or have you actually discussed a realistic goal with your physicians? I'm asking because I feel so lost and uninformed. I've done all my pre-op testing, seen a nutritionist twice, lost nearly 20 lbs and just waiting on insurance approval. With all this said, I have received absolutely no info about anything it seems. Maybe my expectations are skewed. All I know is that the surgeon (who I met once and told me I'm a perfect candidate for bypass) told me most bypass patients lose about 100 pounds. I'm 300 pounds overweight. Should I enter 200 pounds as my goal weight even though I should and dream to be about 100-110? I just feel so discouraged by this. Part of me knows that any weight lost is awesome and that I should be so thankful for that, but at 200lbs for my height 5'1, I'll still be facing most the problems I am now. Also, did any of you get the nutritional breakdown per meal post-op? I was just wondering if they give you a guide for fat, calorie, carb, allowance for each of your meals or do you just stop when your full. Does any have the breakdown? All I've been told is to make sure I get 60g of protein a day. Well, I can definitely get the protein in AND everything else too. If I was regulated, it would be so much better. Thank you all so much for reading this and hopefully adding something below!!

You are very welcome!! I absolutely LOVE pizza and this definitely satisfies that need 100%. It truly is a pizza lovers saving grace! If you're familiar with making your own pizza and like a special blend of seasonings added to your sauce (I always add a little extra garlic and oregano) than don't forget to do so or any other tweaks! This recipe is really for the crust. =) =) =) While I'm still pre-op, I've been trying out a lot of different healthy recipes for things I can't live without (pizza, Asian, Italian) post-op. Nobody should live without pizza LOL!

I tried making this chicken crust pizza: http://www.bariatriceating.com/2015/08/more-bariatric-chicken-crust-pizza/ I left out the pepper and basil. It wasn't too bad. Definitely bake until the "crust" has been browned or it'll have a weird rubbery consistency. The rubbery consistency doesn't taste bad, but it's not pizza crust. If it's truly baked long enough and browned, you absolutely WILL NOT know the difference!!!!!!!!!!!!! The recipe I linked makes a very large pizza, so it's perfect for freezing slices! Below are my personal nutritional stats for a plain cheese pizza using Hunts No Sugar Added Sauce and Part Skim Mozzarella as 2 of the ingredients that may be different person-to-person. Of course you could add all kinds of toppings, but the values may change. Anyway, here are mine. For 1 pizza cut into 6 even slices One slice= 171 calories, 2 carbs, 22 Protein *Again, bake that crust until it lightly browns and "crusts". You can also toast leftovers in a toaster oven.* So freaking good! If somebody starts a recipe post, please let me know!!!!!! I'd love to share and receive some awesome recipes!

Have you met with your nutritionist yet? They'll tell you what kind of pre-op diet you need since everybody is different. I'm allowed 1 fruit (combined with a protein) per day if needed as a nightly snack, otherwise, I stick to 4 oz lean meat, 1/3-2/3c starch, and 1c non-starchy veg for lunch and dinner. I have a Protein shake for Breakfast. Maybe others will chime in with their dietary plans so you can see the variation if any.

Maybe he couldn't think of anything better to get you or found himself in a last minute rut. For food centered holidays like Valentine's Day and very soon Easter (if celebrated), I'd make him a list of very much treasured food products like Torani Syrups, your favorite Protein powder, your favorite Water Enhancer, etc. Tell him you know that he loves you and would like to get you some sweet treats during these holidays, but you'd hate to have to get rid of another box of chocolates because you can't have them. Make this the last time you spell it out for him unless in the future he wants an updated list or can't remember the name of one of your specialty products, which shows he's at least trying. Just remember that a person who's not able to understand your lifestyle needs regardless of what it applies to (health, job, religious, etc), should not be somebody you allow in your everyday life, never mind on a more personal level. These are just my opinions. Take em' or leave em', just know that you'll have my support no matter what

P.S. I just updated my stats, made a Ticker, and mentally gave myself a realistic goal and pep talk. Thank you so much!

This is unbelievably informative, James. I can't thank you enough for taking the time to breakdown and explain my questions. If you think of anything else to add or books you could recommend, I'd be very appreciative. Again, this has been a tremendous help! Thank you!

What do you mean "obsessing over food"? I'm asking because I haven't had surgery yet and feel like I'm battling food addiction hard core. Nights are the absolute worst. I do just fine throughout the day on my current diet, but night rolls around and I turn into a freaking food werewolf. I don't know how to fix this, but if I can't get it under control, I'm never going to be successful after surgery! So I'm not sure if we're in the same boat, but I'd definitely look into MMJ or anything else somebody recommends to help me out.

I've done all my pre requisites and started a diet to lose 14lbs before surgery. I'm down 10 so far and hoping for a date soon! We sound like we're in the same boat!! P.S. I LOVE your shirt!

This is extremely worrisome for me. My hair is already VERY thin. I already made the choice to go "short" and work a comb over. Yes, a female with a comb over. I'm truly afraid of going completely bald. I haven't had surgery yet. Maybe I should start looking into scarfs. Wigs are really expensive!

Things you could due to keep your mind and fingers moving: -Learn macrame. It's cheap and looks nice. Watching a youtube video and following along keeps you mind busy. -Make paracord keychains and lanyards and sell them on your local Facebook yard sale site. -Make fire starters. Again, youtube comes in handy. Also, these sell in camping seasons. The effort of making them, thinking about them, and selling them, definitely takes your mind off of other things. -Channel your inner Bob Ross and paint or get a "paint by numbers". -Buy of make a loom and whip up a blanket, hat, socks, etc. They make awesome gifts! -Learn calligraphy. I think the key is to find something that engages your mind by learning something new, but not too over-the-top as to cause frustration.

I know I'm a couple days late to this post, but I'm REALLY hoping you haven't given in to a cigarette. For the love of all things holy do whatever it takes not to go back. Here's one of the biggest reasons why: EVERYBODY GAINS WEIGHT when they quit. Everybody. Right now, you're being forced not to gain weight with a surgical tool and special diet. How much would it suck if you started back up and decided to quit 2 years from now causing you to gain weight. Sometimes, quite a bit! I quit smoking before I had my son, but decided to have just one almost a year after he was born. I figured one wasn't a big deal and I just wanted to feel like my old self (postpartum depression played a role in this decision process). I wished I never done that. It came right back. Clearly, one cannot simply have "just one". Everyday for several years I regretted that decision. Once I quit again, I knew to NEVER due that shit again. Plain and simple. I have no idea if Chantix is allowed after surgery, but it's something to check out. Even if you've already quit, it truly works wonders on those cravings. You can only be on it for a few months if allowed, but it sure helps get through that time. It's still difficult after that. It's been 2 years and I can finally say I truly have zero cravings, but it has been a long 2 years.

I sent you a request. I'm using Instagram from a computer so I don't think I can upload pictures of my own, but I can comment and "like" unless you know of a way I can use Instagram like phone users. Anyway, my name's porcupine kisses.