Jazzy4Health

Hi Mary Petunia, Kathryn Rose and any others I have yet to know! It took me all this time to find this "group". Anyway, loved the meeting last week. It was very inspiring. Most of my questions and info I think are pretty much in the bag for me, but as I said that night, it was actually speaking with a BANDER that was missing. Nothing has changed my mind about band v. bypass. I am definitely in favor of banding for myself. My exercise is going very well. Four miles a day on my walks with a little jogging sprinkled in (VERY LITTLE). Seeing so many people with weight-related issues, etc. was a first for me. The feeling of support and well-wishing was awesome. I have not been able to stop thinking about the group. I shall do my best to attend on a monthly basis. Next month my friend is to accompany me. My next appt is the 15th (behavioral) and then on the 3rd of Oct. (nutritional). I eagerly await both. A question I do have since you had your surgery through UMASS: When does the request go into the insurance company for surgery approval? Did you do that yourself or do they tell you when to do it? I just want all my ducks in a row. While I know Dr. Gitkind mentioned it could be 6 months out (February), I just want to be as prepared as is possible. "Mary" I know you mentioned that you were not required to go on an extensive liquid diet prior to surgery, but I was wondering whether there was anything you were required to do or eat in particular. I am so excited I just want to start filling my freezer up with stuff! Totally unreasonable, but that is how psyched I feel. PLUS, I AM CERTAIN PART OF ME IS HOPING THAT IT CAN BE A LITTLE SOONER, LIKE BEFORE THE END OF THE YEAR...IT DOES NOT HURT TO DREAM A BIT!! One thing I forgot to add, so I am squeezing it in: Was there a specific amount of Protein grams suggested pre or post op? What type of protein supplements were suggested? How are you doing in your healthy lifestyle? What do you feel aids your success? My husband is being so supportive of me it is awesome. Also, I definitely feel that really thinking about what my issues have been has made it easy to be steadfast. I think the comment made at the meeting that it is best to think of it in terms of black and white was really helpful. Coming to the realization that it is imperative to want to do things for the sake of one's health and making those decisions based upon oneself as opposed to listening to others' input is crucial. Kathryn Rose, how are you doing on your Quest? It is very encouraging to see you taking control of your life and supporting others. I look forward to hearing from you fellow UMASS banders!

MissWilde, Hello. Did you take any supplements or protein shakes, etc. during that time? Why apple juice? Was that what was recommended? Any info you can share. Thanks

Hey there Ebony Rose: I am a February "babe" also. I will be 49, so my goal is to simply turn 50 at a healthy weight and continue with my good habits and add others along the way. Taking care of myself is prime. I know my husband is just so happy for me and supportive of my journey.

Wow! Amazing how fast everything went. I can hardly wait to hear how it goes for you on Friday. You will definitely be in my thoughts. I shall send you message over the weekend to check in on you. Was it suggested that you take Biotin? It is a regular supplement that I take, but I was curious. Thanks also for the heads up on the vitamin. How many grams of protein was it suggested that you take in?Best of success!!

Congratulations. I am in the process of planning for my surgery. So far I have had my medical intake which was really wonderful. Loved the doc and staff. Very comfortable with them. My behavioral intake is on the 15th and my appt w/ the nutritionist is Oct 3rd. The doc told me about six months out, so that would be February most likely. I am fine with that. I have been losing weight and exercising which I love. So, a little patience will not kill me. What kind of pre-op dieting did you do? I hear so many different things, so I am curious. Did you do liquids only? How long? Were you drinking protein supplements during that time? Whatever you wish to share that you feel would be helpful I would appreciate. Hope to hear from you soon. Best of success in your quest for a healthy lifestyle!

Hi there, Von from Woonsocket RI. On the road to WLS. I go to UMASS Weight Center in Worcester. Great doctors and staff. Had the privilege of having my medical eval/intake by a wonderful doc - Mitch Gitkind. Went to a group discussion which was simply wonderful. They meet approx. the last Thurs of the month at 6pm. Well worth it if you have not been able to really chat with persons who have already gone through surgery and are post-op for a couple of years at least. Quite an eye opener. Sept 15th is my behavioral intake and Oct 3rd by Nutrition specialist meets with me. I have been very active. I walk 4 mi. a day and am eating healthy. I have even attempted to adopt some of the things I have read are necessary for surgery. i.e., no caffeine or carbonated drinks, no drinking 1/2 hr B4 or after eating, etc. Any suggestions or input appreciate. Look forward to hearing from you.

Hello there, What did you preop diet consist of, if you even had one? So many people have different instructions. Some have mentioned 30 days full liquid prior to surgery, others only a week or so. Just curious. How is your road to a healthier you going?

Hello, My name is Yvonne. It sounds as if you and I may be at about the same point. I went to the initial seminar in early summer. Had my medical evaluation/intake and my behavioral and nutrition intake are 9/15 and 10/3, respectively. I also attended a discussion group Thursday evening with so many people who had had WLS. It was VERY informative and motivating. I would recommend the same to anyone even considering surgery. Similar to someone else's comment to you, right at the seminars they mentioned about a 6 month timeframe from intake. It gives time to have the needed intakes, prep time and the group I am going through (UMASS Weight Center, Worcester, MA) also has exercise "classes" if you will. I already go to the gym and walk 4 miles a day, but I shall still go to the classes which are included in the program fee. It is truly a wonderful program. I wish you the best and hope we can chat in the future. Any input would be appreciated.

Hello Elaine Are you pre or post op? I was uncertain. Either way, you will make it. I went to a discussion group on Thursday and one of things they mentioned is: We should view things as black and white! I took that to heart. No gray areas allowed. It is either good or bad for our continued success. I think no matter what we choose (a wise or unwise act) we should realize that and be willing to accept the consequences. I think that mentality in the weight loss forum - especially anyone considering WLS is imporant. So, tell me more about yourself and where you are on your journey to better health! By the way, cool pic! Have a great day. Yvonne

Hello shaversd! Congratulations...a .5 loss is better than a gain any day of the week! How long ago did you have your surgery? How have you felt things have been going in general. Oh, my name is Yvonne. I am not yet scheduled for surgery, but have had my medical intake and am going for my behavioral and nutrition in the next few weeks.

Hello there "tigerlilyhair" - Thanks for the reply. You are actually my first, so it is very appreciated. It sounds as if you are doing quite well. The emotional stuff is truly the biggest hurdle of all. I went to the discussion group at UMASS Weight Center last week. It was really quite encouraging and informative. Many of the people have been around for quite some time and seem to all know the same slogan. It is 90% behavoir and 10% weight. I really do believe that. You are most likely shifting weight and body mass, etc. On your way to a new, healthy and slimmer you! Feel free to email me whenever you like. Yivee_hp1960@yahoo.com I will continue trying this blogging and forum. A few women in class told me that there is a way to get to a "local" group as well, but I have yet to discover it. C'est la vie! Best of success. Enjoy your 30s - they are a very rewarding time in one's life. Then again, I think the 40s are awesome too. After all, it is was my 40s that I got married for the first time and am loving it! Two years on the 16th of this month.

Wow! Good for you. My name is Yvonne. My surgery is not yet scheduled and apparently will not be for 4-6 months, but that is okay. I am thrilled to hear of your success. So, you were banded just two weeks ago and lost 17 already! Awesome for you. How long were you in the hospital. By the way, if you feel like sharing, were you on any type of special diet prior to the surgery? A friend told me that a woman she worked with told her that it was only liquids for one month prior to surgery. Just curious. It does not really matter to me.

Very informative and helpful. Question: what restrictive effect does the fill have (i.e., are you out of commission for any period of time)? Thanks.