Kiddles

My surgeon's office (the psychiatrist) told me about this book, I bought it and read it- I am sure others have as well- it's called Emotional First Aid Kit. I liked it, usually I start these books (anything self help) and about 2 chapters in I get bored and never go back- but I read this cover to cover, and did the little exercises/lists she suggests. I really liked it, so I thought I would share. https://www.amazon.com/Emotional-First-Aid-Kit-Practical/dp/0976852659/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr=

I love my surgeon, but the office is so crazy busy I feel like I get blown off a lot. I have tests, never get the results (this is for my EKG, MRSA test *and* my Endoscopy... when I brought it up they said the nutritionist would go through the results with me at my next medically supervised weight loss appt). I get appointments with the wrong people, there are items on my online checklist in their system that they say I haven't completed that I have. Not life and death but um- surgery IS and if they can't manage my care now, how can they do it after surgery? Anyhow, there's an insurance issue (it's a good one actually, I can get approved sooner than expected) and they literally won't believe me. I have a NOTE from insurance telling them why they can submit now, and I talked to no less than 4 people who keep telling me what insurance requires. So today I just got mad, and called and asked to talk to my surgeon. They asked why, and I said that I think they're being terrible and I want someone to listen. I got the clinic manager. She's looking into it now. I am sure she's mad (she gave me several reasons things have gone the way they have- staff changes, etc) but I really don't care. It's time to start taking care of ME and I am not going to 3 more months of appointments if I don't need to just because someone wants to ignore me. It actually feels kind of good to stand up for myself. We'll see what happens, hopefully I won't get screwed over. But my surgeon talked a lot about patient rights and support, and I feel I deserve that.

Hi, I am about to have my final visit (after all supervised weight loss appts, psych, bloodwork, etc) so they can submit my insurance paperwork. Just waiting for the phone to ring so I can schedule that. I am hoping to be approved in Dec and surgery in Jan but if somehow it happens sooner and I can get in this month (ha- dreaming) I am all for it. I've completed everything else from labs, EKG, psych eval, endoscopy, etc. My surgeon is Dr Sung at Swedish Hospital in Seattle, WA. I am 48 years old, mom of two college age kids. 5'7 and 252 lbs so my BMI is like 38.1. I've got type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, sleep apnea and high cholesterol. Yuck, that is not fun to write. I had a lap band about 10 or so years ago (why can I no longer remember when anything happened!) and had it removed in 2011. It worked initially but then caused so much pain, esp the port I decided to go on without it. I gained 50 lbs after taking it out. I didn't grow up overweight, I had a hysterectomy when I was 29 and about mid 30's I had put on 40 lbs. I started increased efforts to lose and every time regained or couldn't lose until now I have 100 lbs to lose. This last 50 lbs has been the worst for me- I avoid anything social, I don't want anyone to see me, I am uncomfortable and it was really the breaking point for me being to even 'tough it out' and do a long walk or be more active. It's like I got even more sedentary. So one of my goals right now is moving more, getting stronger. Pre Op diet is going okay- fighting the food funerals but I really think of this as a trade. I have thought so many times "I'd give up X or Y to be a healthy weight" or "I'd do ANYTHING" and now comes time to remind myself- here's your chance. You'll have the tool to take the weight off and a 'partner' in keeping it off but ultimately, I have to make those choices. That's it for now- did I leave anything out? I thought I'd introduce myself even though I haven't had surgery yet

I think you’ll really be happy. And we’re all here going through it with you! Congrats! Surgery Date : TBD in Jan 2018 Status: final appts and insurance approval

I’d do whatever you can stick to. If shakes only makes you feel like you’re going to crack, why not do breakfast shake, lunch shake, snack shake and healthy dinner. You’ll still lose but it may be easier to stick with. Good luck, you can do it! Surgery Date : TBD in Jan 2018 Status: final appts and insurance approval

How did it go? Did you get a date? Surgery Date : TBD in Jan 2018 Status: final appts and insurance approval

That’s me exactly! I had to have a hysterectomy at 29, so that jumped in the mix. Surgery Date : TBD in Jan 2018 Status: final appts and insurance approval

I agree with this- I would say really consider whether you are scared or whether you really think you can/want to do it on your own. I, too have had a health spiral down as my weight has gone up progressively after every diet. I have Hashimotos and suffered endometriosis and a myriad of other things that affected my weight. You can feel good when first on thyroid meds but if it's like my thyroid it's up, down and all over the place and you are constantly battling exhaustion and weight gain. So if it were me, I'd probably lean towards doing it because I have lived the years since one of my besties did it - watching her get and stay healthy and me slowly getting bigger and more unhealthy. I wish I'd done it then. That said, if you don't do it I fully support that.

Headaches could be normal (no sugar, no caffeine- or reduced amounts) but dizzy seems odd. Are you diabetic? Are you getting enough carbs and calories to keep yourself going? I know it's easy to just want nothing when you can only have liquids but be sure you are getting the right nutrients

Oh for sure! I feel bad for them- I get what needs to happen but my heart just aches because it's hard no matter what!

I really don't think you will- I am feeling the same, but my surgeon was saying there is no evidence of a pre-surgery diet improving post-op success. And he's our state representative for healthcare as it relates to obesity. Now don't get me wrong, starting healthy habits is always good and my surgeon isn't saying you shouldn't do that- only that queueing up a person for a pre-op weight loss program can be just another diet failure... you don't yet have the tool of surgery. And for insurance they want proof of failure on diets, but so often I hear people say "they want you to prove you'll stick to it". Nope. Read the policy- the medically supervised weight loss is for failure evidence. (that doesn't relate to people who need to lose X amount before they can have surgery or have other issues). Anyhow, I say do your best- keep doing your best and be kind to yourself.

I like it a lot. I was looking at a couple others on Amazon, but this Psych said this was best so I let that make my decision

Oh for sure- head hunger is the worst. Training myself to not always be focused on what I get to eat next is a chore. (it does help a little when what is next is a darn protein shake.... LOL)

I have had a number of other surgeries, including lap band (and lap band removal) and I struggle with pain meds- you need them to get comfortable but they tend to give me nausea and they also make it hard for me to sleep. I am drugged, so I lay there but I really don't sleep well which makes things worse. Oh and they make me emotional LOL so that is not fun. All I read everywhere is sip and sip - maybe you can give yourself a goal. Every 15 minutes, take a sip. Or every 10 minutes. This is a thing I do when driving- I take along water and challenge myself to finish a water bottle before my destination (that will have to change when I can't drink it as fast!). Good luck, we're all cheering for you!

I’ve been struggling with food funerals- I think it’s part of the natural change process... Surgery Date : TBD in Jan 2018 Status: final appts and insurance approval

Congrats! I can’t wait for that day!! [emoji322][emoji322][emoji322][emoji323]

I’m finishing the insurance approval process but think I’m looking at Jan. Can’t wait until I get a surgery date. [emoji846][emoji846][emoji846]