DoodlesMom

My fears are that I won't lose weight or that if I do, I'll regain a few years down the line. I also fear that extra/loose skin will cause rashes or just be uncomfortable.

The timer is a great idea! To stop procrastination, take meds at the same time (like you) and remember appointments, I use Alexa and have it send alerts to my phone in case I'm out. It's worked so well that I added my husband's and we're so on top of things now.

So sorry. I know this is really tough news. Hopefully, the Covid wave will let up and we can get back to performing elective surgeries. Until then, try to stay strong.

I'm the same. I get migraines a week before my period. I'm going to look into the B12. Thanks for sharing that.

I bet you look like a new man! You must be feeling so much better and it looks like you have just a few more pounds to go. Awesome!

That's so great to hear! I bet the compliments and questions will keep coming as you run into people who you haven't seen in a while. Nice Job!

It's nice to know I'm not the only one who kept their bras. My husband encouraged me to get rid of them a couple of years ago and now, I'm so glad I didn't. I have mostly Wacoals in lots of sizes and it'd be a small fortune to replace them all. Skipping sizes and missing out on the chance to wear certain tops is a good reminder for me to pull some of the sizes out before I skip over them too.

It does make sense congrats on your progress.

For my visit, I talked on the phone to a nurse and after met virtually with the physician's assistant and dietitian. I can post about my dietitian's visit later if anyone is interested. First, I spoke with the nurse over the phone for about 15 minutes. She asked the following questions: What type of surgery or intervention are you interested in? What is your current weight? What is your blood pressure? Tell me about any prior surgeries? Next, I met with the physicians assistant (PA-C), for about 50 minutes. She asked the following questions: What is your weight history? How long have you struggled with weight? What do you think is the cause of weight gain? What are your lifestyle habits? Have you taken weight loss medication? Did the weight loss medication work for you? How much weight have you gained in the last year? What is motivating you to lose weight? What type of exercise are you doing? What's your living situation like? Do you eat out? Who does the cooking in the household? Do you eat three meals a day? Do you snack? What are you snacking on? Do you struggle with emotional eating? Have you been diagnosed with a kidney stone? Do you have an irregular heart rhythm? Have you had an EKG? Any bleeding disorders or blood clots? Have you been diagnosed with an eating disorder? Have you met with a therapist? Do you have heartburn? Do you have a stomach ulcer? Do you use your CPAP? Multiple family planning questions. Next, we discussed my medical history. She gave a general overview of: Obesity Metabolic processes Emotional health Coping skills Lifestyle changes Weight loss medications Expectations The differences in surgery, benefits, and risks associated with the sleeve and RNY were discussed. She made a surgical recommendation. There is a 2-form of contraception requirement. I was given an outline of tasks to complete. Those were: scheduling a blood draw and contacting my sleep center to request my CPAP usage download. A scheduler will call to schedule a psychological assessment, physical therapy, and an appointment with the nurse clinician who'll act as my contact throughout the process. It was also encouraged that I attend the support group for bariatric and weight management patients. Lastly, I was given the clinic's late policy and the reminder that if I gain 10 pounds before surgery, I will be re-evaluated to be sure I'm a good surgical candidate. I had the blood draw and eight tubes were taken. I was tested for vitamin deficiencies including B1, B6, D. Also, calcium, iron, prediabetes, cholesterol, creatinine for kidney function, parathyroid hormone, and others. Hope this helps anyone curious about the first visit.

Yikes! I'll keep that in mind.

I'm so glad you asked this question. Loose skin isn't something I thought I'd worry about but now that surgery is moving closer... I'm in my 40s too. I've lost 60-80 pounds a few times in my 30s and I didn't end up with extra skin but did have some pretty bad stretch marks. Being older now, and much heavier, I worry about the apron belly and pancake boobies that will cause clothes to fit awkwardly and I don't want rashes and rubbing.

You look great! You really can see a difference! Your upper arm and tummy look smaller. It's got to feel so good to see those changes.

I haven't done a cleanout but now I'm thinking about it. 😫 That's going to be a lot of work. It's a great idea though. I'll add it to my to-do list.

I couldn't remember where I'd heard of Dr. Vuong until came across this post again. Thank you for sharing that you follow his blog. Because of you, I checked out his Youtube videos and have found them to be incredibly helpful. I like his sassy attitude and straightforward approach. He's posed some crucial questions to ask before surgery and dispelled some myths--that I was then able to validate. I know we're here to help each other, but wanted you to know that your post really did help guide me to a deeper understanding of the process. Thank you again and I hope things are turning around for you.

Tracking triggers is great advice! I used a journal to track mine and could easily see patterns in frequency and intensity. I'd typically get them after having ham, red wine, and the week before my period.

You look amazing! You made it! It's an incredible achievement. Congrats, congrats, congrats!!🎉

Oh, ok. That gives you a little more freedom to do it when you have time but it's also a little unclear. Good luck as you work through the process.😀

As you and others have said, I've donated many times as my weight has fluctuated and had to replace items. I'm a plus size petite with an apple-shaped body. It's difficult to find flattering options in tops, and bottoms but when I do, I buy multiples in different colors. I worked in retail for years and have a good sense of what works well for me. We had a 3-piece dress code rule that was a jacket/cardigan, conservative top, (no boobies), and pants/ skirts. I guess it stuck with me because I dress plainly and not trendy. I could easily pull out my old clothes as I size down and be ready to go. I usually wear straight-leg jeans, ponte knit pants, turtlenecks, (I have a neck scar) boatneck tops, long sleeve crew neck tees, and basic but well-fitting cardigans in neutrals like, black and gray. I've been grateful for those times when I've found barely worn tops in my size by someone who obviously just cleaned out their closet. When that happens, It feels like a gift. This time as I lose weight I will be donating because I'm optimistic and hopeful won't ever need those sizes again and it'll feel good to help someone else out.

Did your Dr. give you a schedule outlining when to have tests done? You could always give a call to confirm. If you're able to, It's helpful to schedule multiple appointments for the same day and clinic to save back and forth trips.

Ha! I'm not either.😃 She said the IUD is both hormonal and structural so it counts as the 2 forms. Another 2 form would be the pill with a condom or spermicidal lubricant. She said some choose more permanent methods like vasectomy or get tubes tied at the time of weight loss surgery. Depending on which way you go, it could be either not a big deal or a major decision. I'm not sure what I'll do yet.

"I feel better than I have in years."-- Congratulations on the weight loss and feeling better! You should be so proud of yourself 😁 and diabetes remission? Woot Woot! It's great to hear your recovery went smoothly. "I’m troubled sometimes by questions that I read on this board and it leads me to wonder about the quality (or lack of) preparation that other programs offer."-- It really is shocking and sad how some people feel abandoned, or mention a lack of support or resources from their programs/teams especially when you consider their teams know patients do better with an all-inclusive approach vs. a limited scope. Good luck! You're doing so great!

Oh good, you found one!

I'm with you about the broth. The vegetarian broths make me gag and I've tried plenty too. As a once vegan then vegetarian and now seafood, eggs, and sometimes pork eater, it's hard to find decent broth. SummerTimeGirl and kellym1220 both mentioned strained/straining soups. That could really save you if there are soups you do enjoy. If you find something you can stand let us know. Hope you make it through your last week. Good luck!

Good luck with your surgery!

Thanks for being so open. I learned a lot from your post. I'm the type of person who wants to know the specifics of every part of the process. It's so interesting to me to hear different experiences. Knowing lets me prepare and puts my mind at ease. Something that stands out is everyone's course is dependant on medical history, current disease, insurance, and your team's methods to get you to your goal.