cherieinnv

Today is the first day I see a difference in my face since I started losing weight. I don't look puffy or as old. I'll admit, I stood and looked for a minute or two. I've spent so many years NOT looking. I look at my hair to brush it, my teeth to floss, my blouse to see if it is buttoned right. But I avoid the big (really big) picture. Today, I met my eyes in the mirror and saw someone I remember looking back. This is a good thing since I am a little worried about losing myself. I've been chubby, voluptuous, fat, and obese. If I was thin, I barely remember, so the thin me is a stranger. I worry that I may not like her... Sorry, just a little reflective tonight. One week from tomorrow, I get banded.

LOL! I went through that at first. It's called redirecting your energy from food to housework! I also went through a creative phase where I was painting Tshirts every night! After I am banded Friday and recover, I'm going to try to change my hobby from housework to workouts at the gym!

Don't feel bad. I work in the IT world and fought to the death to get the ticker to work, couldn't get my password to work the first time I tried to update it, and still snarl a little at the ticker site. But it's so cool! lol...I still haven't figured out how to start a new forum thread.

I didn't post yesterday because I went into some kind of downward spiral. I am supposed to be on the preop diet but my son wanted to go out to breakfast with me. He is 12 and I am happy whenever he wants to spend time with me. So we went to our favorite breakfast place and I had a very unhealthy breakfast, and I'll admit, I really enjoyed it. I found out my son loves US history and is a wealth of information about all wars. It was wonderful! But then I grocery shopped and bought things "the kids" would like. I did have a nice salad for lunch (fat free) but ate pizza (2 slices) and popcorn at night. I feel sick today and disgusted with myself, but read through all my hospital paperwork and through these forums and I think my head is on straight again. Nothing but protein shakes today and I'm giving the apartment a good scrubbing so it is clean when I go for surgery Friday. I only work 2 days this week and go to the hospital Wednesday for preadmittance tests. Thursday is my magnesium citrate day at home. The Friday is the big day. I'm having a hard time with my daughter, 16, who is my support person. She and I had a falling out and she is not speaking to me. Thank God for this forum. She did something wrong but I am the one suffering. Oh well, I screwed up but now I am ready to face the music. I was embarrassed to post this because there are so many inspiring people on this board and I would like to be one of them, but I am more of a "fall on your face and then get up again" personality. Luckily, I always get up, and that is where my strength lies. Perfection is for other people. Thanks to the people who comment on my blog. It means a lot to me.

I got denied on the first try but was approved the next day, thanks to my surgeon's office staff. I recommend getting to know the person who actually submits the application and make sure she (or he) knows your case well. I have Aetna insuranceand called Aetna to request their requirements for approval, then made sure everything was covered, but my PCP made skimpy notes during my visits, which almost got me denied and have to repeat 6 months. Luckily, the woman in the surgeon's office who handles the insurance took the time to walk the insurance company through my case and got me approved. I'm still trying to decide how to thank her. Flowers? A dinner-for-two somewhere? Good luck to you! Waiting is hard, but once you are approved, it flies by!

Unbelievable! :ohmy: I wish you had given him a piece of your mind! That man is in the wrong business and I hope you mention this to your surgeon. That's the last thing any of us needs to hear and it shows sheer ignorance on his part. I wouldn have said, "Which one? I've been on every diet ever invented!" Can you tell I'm outraged on your behalf?

Welcome and good luck! There's lotes of information here that should help you alot.

The good news is that I lost 2 more lbs! I had my last exam today and found out I have a hiatal hernia that needs to be repaired. I have my doubts since I have no reflux. The surgeon told me and another patient that we couldn't gain any weight between now and the surgery or he wouldn't operate. Or at least not more than 5 lbs. I don't plan to gain weight but I'll admit it was motivating. Oh, here's something funny. One of the tests on the list for the hospital is a pregnancy test! What a waste of time! I'm 50, my tubes were tied and burned, I'm done with menopause, and haven't had sex in 2 years! Immaculate conception is always a possibility, I guess! I took my prescriptions to be filled (1 for nausea, one for gas, one for pain). I still have to buy the two bottles of stuff that will clean me out the day before surgery (myoplex or something like that). It sounds like I will miss a third day of work next week for the hospital tests. Oh well, good thing I have sick time and vacation time. Well, I have to get ready for bed. Counting down is hard work!

My surgeon gave me a prescription for Prevacid and said I'd be taking it for at least 3 months.

I'm doing the preop diet but tomorrow it's one week from my surgery so I am just doing shakes now. I'm really not that hungry. I really like the Arizona Tea Company's diet peach tea. Also, since I am a reader, I am reading whenever I have a few minutes. The time is flying by!

Today is the first day I see a difference in my face since I started losing weight. I don't look puffy or as old. I'll admit, I stood and looked for a minute or two. I've spent so many years NOT looking. I look at my hair to brush it, my teeth to floss, my blouse to see if it is buttoned right. But I avoid the big (really big) picture. Today, I met my eyes in the mirror and saw someone I remember looking back. This is a good thing since I am a little worried about losing myself. I've been chubby, voluptuous, fat, and obese. If I was thin, I barely remember, so the thin me is a stranger. I worry that I may not like her... Sorry, just a little reflective tonight. One week from tomorrow, I get banded.

If they want pee, I'll give them pee. I don't think it's optional. ...I have lost 26 lbs and am trying for 30 before surgery. Rhe surgeon didn't give me a set amount. He just said not to gain any weight between now and the surgery next week. I'm gonna try my best!

Thanks! I think Zip Fizz counts as carbonated. I won't use it after surgery next week.

A friend bought a drink mix called Zip Fizz and gave me a few packets to flavor my disgusting vanilla protein drinks. I was sitting at my desk at work and put water, protein powder, and Zip Fizz in my shaker cup, gave it a dozen shakes, then started to unscrew the top. My pink drink fizzed out all over my hand and the carpet. Gee, I wonder if that's why they call it Zip FIZZ? The drink that was left tasted OK, but I still prefer Special K powder drink mix as an "additive" for flavor. Thanks to the people who read yesterday's blog and made comments. I was really excited that anyone read my blog. I thought this was kind of a "Dear Diary" thing that was keeping me from going crazy. I don't know how I would have gotten through this without this support board. My friends are supportive but we all work and barely have time to talk somedays. My daughter is 16 and can barely cope with being 16, and my son is 12 and I don't want to worry him. My co-workers says things like "People have heart attacks from not eating enough, you know...like Karen Carpenter!" The fact that she was anorexic over a long period of time...oh well, this is educational for everyone. I'm getting good at saying, "I'm sorry, but you're misinformed." I heard from the psychic surgeon's office again and they gave me my surgery time: 2:30 pm. June 27. I asked if they had anything earlier and they said they would move me up if anyone cancels. I assume I can't eat and, as a diabetic, I'll be running on fumes by noon. They may be able to skip the anesthesia! I'm just happy I lost 2 more lbs! Woo hoo! I have to go update my ticker now.:biggrin:

The good news is that I lost 2 more lbs! I had my last exam today and found out I have a hiatal hernia that needs to be repaired. I have my doubts since I have no reflux. The surgeon told me and another patient that we couldn't gain any weight between now and the surgery or he wouldn't operate. Or at least not more than 5 lbs. I don't plan to gain weight but I'll admit it was motivating. Oh, here's something funny. One of the tests on the list for the hospital is a pregnancy test! What a waste of time! I'm 50, my tubes were tied and burned, I'm done with menopause, and haven't had sex in 2 years! Immaculate conception is always a possibility, I guess! I took my prescriptions to be filled (1 for nausea, one for gas, one for pain). I still have to buy the two bottles of stuff that will clean me out the day before surgery (myoplex or something like that). It sounds like I will miss a third day of work next week for the hospital tests. Oh well, good thing I have sick time and vacation time. Well, I have to get ready for bed. Counting down is hard work!

I am so sorry, Teacher! Please don't give up. Just to be sure, please get a second opinion from another surgeon. There may be bariatric surgeons who specialize in tougher cases. I, too, have scar tissue and netting from previous surgeries, and my surgeon says that worst case scenario is a full surgery (not laparascopic). You're still one of us!

You can do this! If you weren't nervous, you wouldn't be human. Best of luck!

1000 mcg equals 1 mg. There is no recommended daily dosage for biotin, but please don't overdo it. I blame it for triggering my psoriasis and have others say the same thing. A standard amount found in a multi should be fine. 1000 mcg/1 mg is plenty! I hate to say this, but some of us are losing hair because of our age.

Fabulous new look and great weight loss! You look maaahhvelous, dahling!

I, too, am finally just telling a few people my weight and no one is running away screaming. It is just a number. Much of my weight came on because of lifelong depression. I have tried every antidepressant on the market since I was 17. I am now on Effexor XR, which is working really well for me. Please don't give up on yourself, just keep going forward a little at a time! You'll get where you want to be.

A friend bought a drink mix called Zip Fizz and gave me a few packets to flavor my disgusting vanilla protein drinks. I was sitting at my desk at work and put water, protein powder, and Zip Fizz in my shaker cup, gave it a dozen shakes, then started to unscrew the top. My pink drink fizzed out all over my hand and the carpet. Gee, I wonder if that's why they call it Zip FIZZ? The drink that was left tasted OK, but I still prefer Special K powder drink mix as an "additive" for flavor. Thanks to the people who read yesterday's blog and made comments. I was really excited that anyone read my blog. I thought this was kind of a "Dear Diary" thing that was keeping me from going crazy. I don't know how I would have gotten through this without this support board. My friends are supportive but we all work and barely have time to talk somedays. My daughter is 16 and can barely cope with being 16, and my son is 12 and I don't want to worry him. My co-workers says things like "People have heart attacks from not eating enough, you know...like Karen Carpenter!" The fact that she was anorexic over a long period of time...oh well, this is educational for everyone. I'm getting good at saying, "I'm sorry, but you're misinformed." I heard from the psychic surgeon's office again and they gave me my surgery time: 2:30 pm. June 27. I asked if they had anything earlier and they said they would move me up if anyone cancels. I assume I can't eat and, as a diabetic, I'll be running on fumes by noon. They may be able to skip the anesthesia! I'm just happy I lost 2 more lbs! Woo hoo! I have to go update my ticker now.:cool:

I went to GNC today and found a liquid Amino protein that is going to help me get the protein I need after surgery. They also have herbal liquid iron, which claims not to constipate. I also bought the Trader Joe's soy protein powder in vanilla. Yuck! Chalky! I added Wyler's Lite fruit punch to make it easier to swallow. I may just stick to soy milk and add the amino protein. It HAS to taste better. I made a mistake today and tried to eat just protein drinks and ended up losing control and eating a big dinner. A huge salad, steak, veggies. Not exactly bonbons, but more than I meant to eat. I have my last exam with the surgeon Wednesday and want a loss, not a lecture. Here's a funny story, though: A woman I work with has a big candy bowl that I avoid. She must have filled it with new candy, because she put the old candy by the coffee pot, which I visit and walk past. I made it all morning and then at 2 p.m., I took 1 chocolate but left it on my desk. I even put a sticky note on it that said 12 Days! (until surgery). I finally cracked and opened it and took a small bite. The phone rang and I answered with the chocolate still in my mouth. It was the surgeon's office reminding me of my appointment! I had to talk around the chocolate because I suddenly didn't want it. As soon as I could, I spit it into the wrapper and threw it all away. What are they, the psychic hotline??:biggrin:

Best of luck to everyone tomorrow!

Good luck Apples2!