Tiffykins
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Everything posted by Tiffykins
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Putting the brakes on!!
Tiffykins replied to wizard200jrc's topic in POST-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
It is pretty crazy. I have had a couple of sodas this last week without any issues, and I feel pretty good when I drink them. I also just had fabulous these mongolian grill noodles, ya know the big egg noodles that are supposed to be a big "no no", well not only did they taste amazing, I felt like a new person after eating them. I just had to start getting in more calories even if that meant eating more carbs, and enjoying foods that most steer clear of for months. I gor burnt out on beef jerky because it was a staple in my daily diet a couple of months ago. Ritz bits crackers have been my go-to snack this week. I only eat 5-7 little crackers, but I figure it's better than not eating anything at all. I burned out on so many of the "right" foods that I had to change it up, and start incorporating things that made my tummy happy, and made me feel good. I've only tried a tiny (1/4 size) sandwich made with super thin white bread and ham only. It went down great, and I didn't get nauseated. But, I was full for several hours. I've found barbque beef (chopped or shredded brisket) to be a go-to food as well. A lot of people have told me I'm lucky to be losing so fast, so quickly, but I know my surgeon is going to come back from deployment in April and blow his top. I have never hit a true stall either. The most I've ever gone is about 5-6 days without losing then I'll step on the scale and 3-4lbs is gone. It's a slippery slope, and luckily I have portion control on my side with the sleeve. -
Putting the brakes on!!
Tiffykins replied to wizard200jrc's topic in POST-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
I am struggling with the same issue. I started at 263 on June 3rd, and today I'm at 170. That's 93lbs in 5 months. I spoke to my surgeon in September at a follow up, and he advised me to quit counting calories and carbs, and to eat whatever my body would tolerate. I only had 48lbs to goal when I saw him, and he told me it should take me another 4-6 months to get to goal. Least to say, I'm only 20lbs from goal at this point. I eat more carbs than I used to, and I try to eat foods with higher calorie counts. Least to say, I'm still losing 2-3lbs per week. I am not eating a bunch of junk food items, but I do eat Pasta, mashed potatoes, more veggies, and meats. My appetite is still sub-par, and I'm never hungry. So, I can completely empathize with you on that aspect of this surgery. -
Question about sleeping
Tiffykins replied to Gingin33's topic in POST-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
I am a side sleeper, and had to sleep in my recliner for a couple of weeks because it was just too uncomfortable to even attempt sleeping in my bed. Getting up and down out of posed a problem for me as well. The recliner helped with not having to use my abdominal muscles to get up and moving. -
So last night, I decided we would venture out to the local chinese/mongolian grill place. I haven't had noodles/chinese noodles in what seems like forever. Anyways, since I know that mac-n-cheese is not a problem, I assumed I would not have any issues with these noodles either. And, guess what I was in pure heaven last night. I had a small portion of noodles, chewed well, 1/2 spring roll, and 1/2 of a tiny dumpling. I couldn't eat the beef with my noodles because the grill master overcooked the beef, and it was too tough for me to chew. I had 2 bites of watermelon, 1 piece of pineapple and 2 bites of cantaloupe. The fruit is where I took one too many steps off a slippery slope. I knew I should not of eaten high sugary foods after those carby noodles, but I felt really great afterwards. The 15 minute car ride was fine, but 10 minutes after hitting the front door, my hiney was glued to the toilet. I didn't feel sick or nauseated, but I can only assume it was the fruit that did me in. I didn't have any cramping or discomfort even though I was full and satisfied, I should of never skimmed the fruit off the husband's plate. The noodles were fabulous. I felt like I was on cloud 9, and thanked my husband several times for going out for Chinese when I know he isn't a big fan of any of it. For me this is the very best aspect of the sleeve, I can still eat my favorites, but I'm not wanting to, nor have the desire to make 6 trips through the buffet lines. I was able to have a variety, and get a taste of anything I wanted. I felt so good and in control last night. I seriouly love my sleeve ! ! !
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I have the chat window up tonight.
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VSG while staying crunchy. Is it possible?
Tiffykins replied to joon's topic in Tell Your Weight Loss Surgery Story
I'm not Cajun or Daisy, but I know some people swear that the body shapers, and girdle type undergarments are great for helping the skin rebound. I wear compression shorts when I work out to help hold my tummy up and tight. I'm going to invest in a couple of pair of UnderArmour shorts because they help keep moisture away from your body. And, I've heard of "crunchy" just because I had a few friends in Texas who led a "crunchy" lifestyle. -
Ohhhhhhhhh Norma that stinks. I've had 2 ACL surgeries on my left knee, and only have a portion of my meniscus left in there. I feel your pain. I had a great DonJoy knee brace that did great for stabilization during my recovery, and in between surgeries. I hope your appointment goes well. Keep us posted.
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I know a lot of self-employed/business owners that are able to claim their out of pocket medical cost and insurance premiums as a type of deduction. I found this, and it may help some. Personal Tax Planning | Suite101.com_ Tax Topics - Topic 502 Medical and Dental Expenses
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I need some help from anyone with information on San Antonio surgeons. John is putting in for a job at Lackland AFB, and we could be there as early as next spring. I know it's a bit early, but my main concerns with moving will be having to find a new surgeon. I have already checked out OH, and their surgeon profiles, but I want to see if there is anyone out here that I can get some information from directly. My surgeon saved my life, and has a very special place in my heart. We have a unique bond, and I am quite heartbroken with having to even consider someone else. I knew it would be inevitable at some point, I just didn't think it would be happening within the first 12 months of my surgery. There are several benefits for us moving. This is really the only "con" we can come up with, it's a big one. I do plan on talking to my secondary surgeon (my surgeon is currently deployed until April '09) in December when I have my 6 month follow up to see if he can research someone for me through the military hospital at Lackland.
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It varies by base. Here in Florida, I have a civilian PCM, had a civilian for my band, but then requested to go through the MTF(military hospital for the revision). I will have to wait and see what "rules" are set up down there. I hope we can have a civilian PCM, and I can have some leniency with choosing a surgeon. With my complications, I'm not willing to settle for just any "joe schmoe" surgeon. Plus, we'll be trying to conceive next year, so I have to have a high risk ob/gyn as well as a surgeon who can monitor my pregnancy. Our insurance is a good ole' HMO. I can make a change to the standard Tricare which is a PPO of sorts that doesn't require referrals, and I can see whoever I want with little out of pocket expense. The HMO version of Tricare called, Tricare Prime, is fabulous, and I have learned how to work the system to get referrals and approvals very quickly. I hoping to find a very skilled surgeon that can accomodate all my needs.
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Hi Jane, and welcome to the board. The burping does subside in due time. Congrats on your loss, and best wishes on your continued progress. Keep us posted with your journey.
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Question to people that have lost a lot of weight
Tiffykins replied to Gingin33's topic in Gastric Sleeve Surgery Forums
It's a Bare Minerals toner. I don't think they make it anymore. I also use Loreal Revitalift on my neck occasionally. -
Thank you so very much. We'll be driving from Florida so we won't make all the way to El Paso. I've heard mixed reviews on the surgeons at Lackland's Wilford Hall. Plus, with military surgeons, they always end up getting orders to somewhere else, or they deploy. My surgeon is seriously the 3rd most important man in my life next to my husband and son so leaving him is going to be extraordinarily difficult. Thank you for your help, I really appreciate it.
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This brought a big smile to my face. I'm so proud of you, and it's great to see your BP coming down. Hopefully, you'll get that December date.
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Cathryn,
Thank you so very much for the kind words. I am pretty much glued to CNN and FoxNews. It is a sad time for everyone. I have a very dear friend who is stationed there. She could not get in touch with her husband for over 7.5 hours, it was driving me insane. I am saddened by this horrific tragedy, and it heightens my concerns every day when my husband walks out the door.
As for how he is doing, he is back to his normal, stubborn self. We've been doing good recently, and enjoying our time together. He's been really supportive, and it's great to have him home.
Thanks again.
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protein shakes-I'm going to starve!
Tiffykins replied to lucygoose's topic in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
Optimum whey has been the only Protein powder I could tolerate the taste. My biggest issue with the powders or ready to drink is the smell and texture. If there is a hint of "protein" smell, I will dry heave. Optimum whey tastes just like hot cocoa to me. Unfortunately, I don't think my body likes any of the protein drinks so I quit trying them. I posted a thread on here on where to order the Optimum whey, but you can also purchase it at GNC. The one great thing about GNC is that if you do not like a product, you can take it back even if it's open and partially used. -
Just wanted to see if anyone out there was up for chatting tonight ! ! ! I'll be up for a bit.
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Ohhhhhhh how I feel your pain with the mom issue. My mom was banded 2 years ago, and I now weigh less than her. Sometimes, her comments cut right through me. I don't even know how to react so I'm glad y'all were able to talk about it. My mom's latest rant is that if I don't stop losing "I'll wither away to nothing." Plus, her band is a typical fickle band, she can't get to a sweet spot and she's 2 years post op, so she just deals with the stalls, and pretty much diets all the time to maintain. She told me "I'd give anything to lose like you are, but I'm not going to do something wreckless like have 3/4 of my stomach removed." I just sat there dumbstruck. I know you'll get to that size 8 DeeDee.
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Question to people that have lost a lot of weight
Tiffykins replied to Gingin33's topic in Gastric Sleeve Surgery Forums
I'm 32, and people have told me I look like I'm in my early to mid-20's. I've been carded for cigarettes on several occasions. I moisturize twice daily with Olay regenerist, and use Bare Minerals foundation/well rested and a Bare Minerals Face primer to help cover up the tiny lines. I am 5 months out, down 90lbs, and don't notice any extra wrinkles with the exception of some on my neck. I use a toner and tightener on my neck that lasts all day so I only notice a little loose skin on my neck in the mornings. All of my friends and family have commented that I look several years younger. My husband is 6 years younger, and he told me just yesterday, "you are starting to look younger than me". Even if I did age a little more/faster, I wouldn't trade how I feel to have less wrinkles and fine lines. -
Super Stressed about Self-Pay and Medicare. Help Please.
Tiffykins replied to FreeToBeMe's topic in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
The only thing I've heard about Medicare covering the sleeve (here in Florida) is that they require an 18 month pre-op supervised diet just like the require for the lapband or RNY surgeries. I have not seen any articles or notifications on Medicare covering the sleeve. I checked on OH, but didn't find anything either. I hope someone else can pipe in and give you a better idea on if they are truly going to approve the sleeve. -
Ohhhh icky, I hope you start feeling better real soon. I'll keep you in my thoughts for a complete, speedy recovery.
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Really stressing about the hair loss aspect of this...
Tiffykins replied to twobluecats's topic in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
I started losing my hair about 2 months ago. I have really coarse, thick hair so it isn't noticeable at this time. But, it does come out in handfuls, and it does bother me to an extent, but being fat bothered me more. I can tell a difference in my hair, and have been using Folicure shampoo, and have noticed just this past week some new hairs growing in. I will probably start taking one of the hair/nail supplements. The hairloss is temporary, and my surgeon said it would probably last 3-6 months. It's the one side effect that was really upsetting at first, but I just have to remember, it's temporary, the other benefits of the surgery are permanent. -
I truly believe in positive thinking. I knew that I had to surround myself, my mind and my spirit with nothing but positive. I had to keep reminding myself of the things I wanted to do when I lost the weight. No one can convince you that surgery is the route that is for you and your lifestyle, but I decided that I was ready live. I felt so trapped in the fat, and misery that came with the fatness. I was a happy person because of the life afforded to me, but today, my life is even more grand.
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I was amazed that doctors have been doing these surgeries for decades upon decades, and it is just within the last 5-7 years that it is being used for a WLS. I know it's scary, but dying early, and not enjoying my life to the fullest like an average sized person scared me more. I was not really bothered with losing the big portion of my stomach. I figured, "do I really need it?" All I could keep saying is NO, all it did was allow me to continue to volume eat, and be huge. I could of lost the weight on my own, but I could never keep it off. It didn't matter what method I used. I probably lost and gained over 200lbs over the last 10 years, and it all came back.