kiwiluver

Wow, this thread is old. Since I have last posted to it I have now picked up my 31 year medallion in Narcotics Anonymous. I think the reason so many here have trouble from this is they look at alcohol as a seperate problem. AA teaches that unfortunatly and I believe it kills manypeople. Addiction is a disease. It is not, "I have a problem with alcohol, ________ "fill in the blank. Alcohol, weed, sexual issues, herion, gambling, eating, pick your posion, is like switching seats on the Titanic. I am glad I am an NA member, we look at it all as addiction, an all encompassing disease and don't split them into categories. I laugh when I hear, "I'm clean and sober" that's like saying, "I'm sober and sober", or "I'm clean and clean", one disease. plain and simple. This is just my experience, and I am not trying to make light of anyone on here. I respect everyone's situation, I just think to seperate things into little boxes can be fatal for some people. God Bless everyone of you and I wish you well on your travel. PS I have gone from size 54 pants to size 40 pants since being banded, I do not weigh.

I am not sure of your reply ,my medications were health related, not mental health. Sorry if I upset you in anyway.

My exam was in-depth because I hold a graduate degree in psychology. Guy wanted me to review some research he did in a different area that I specialize in. Don't worry about it, do what ever they say. The surgery is worth it. My life has changed. I only have lost 70 lbs in about 14 months, but I have quit taking about 8 pills every morning, Went from a size 52 jean, to 44. Chicks check me out in stores (happily married, not blind) it is all good. Just do what they say NO MATTER WHAT.!

I would not be too concerned about your family hx during your evaluation. This is a small part of the equation. Most likely they are try to establish any family hx of addiction, and or eating disorders and to see who will be a part of your support network. They are not attempting to find out "where the bodies are buried". I had to go back twice after the initial visit. Testing was facilitated on my first visit as well as a psycho/social hx. I was asked to develop a list of my eating patterns (types, amounts, feeling associated with and so forth) after my first visit as well as a log, it was discussed during my second visit, I was given some suggestions (eat only at the table, write down feelings whilst eating, begin to eat breakfast ect). And reported them back on my third visit. The Psycholigist wanted to impart to me the seriousness of the step I was taking. Make no mistake about it, this is a serious change with major implications if you do not follow the plan laid out by your healthcare team. You have my best wishes while you travel this journey, I'm pulling for you.

I was told on m discharge orders to take some Milk of Magnisia (liquid) per directions on the bottle if I did not have a BM 7 days post surgery. I didn't, so I did, and it worked fine. I believe the other choice was Citrate? something or other.

03/29/10 just saw this.

Hey Mandie, Pete here from Greensboro. I worked 7 years of my career in Yanceyville before retirement. I have Blue Cross/Blue Shields Teachers and State Employees insurance and had no issues getting improved, but I have co-morbidities. I think this is important as well as a certain BMI. I do not know what that is, but your healthcare provider will. I also have another insurance policy from my wife's work. I know it is important to keep all appointments and to complete everything in a timely manner. I hope this helps, I was banded last Monda at Westley Long in Greensboro, so far so good. I have no idea what I have lost, but I have lost. I don't run to the scale every five minutes because I know if I haven't lost what I think I should in my mind's eye, I will be disapointed. Lotsa information on here, I take it all in, and if it fits within the parameters of what my healthcare team has told me, I use it, if not I don't. I am determined not to deviate from what they have told me. Me giving me advice about my weight is what got me in this position. The main thing is I get support here. Don't be scared, your not alone anymore, you can do it!

I have been clean in Narcotics Anonymous since 06/21/81. I attend at least 2 meetings a week. My sponsor was my model for doing this. He has been clean 37 years in NA and has been banded for some 3 years now with a high degree of success. He looks great. I will pick up 29 years in June. I was banded last Monday. I am facing this using the steps, as I do every other challenge life tosses my way. It is good to know others on here follow the 12 steps.

Mr. Mom, I am glad you are also on this journey. It may be harder than the rest of us with two of you doing this at the same time, although there could be some advantages. Best of luck to you and your wife. HappyMom, I am jealous. I am on Clear liquids for two weeks. Today is my sixth day of broth, sugar free Jello, Vitamin Water Zero, Atkins shakes and 1 popsicle. I have had the plain yourgert, but it tastes like sour milk to me. I am not whining, I am happy with the results. I can fit into leather motorcycle coats I have paid 5-600 dollars for that have been on a hanger for years. My only real test will be tomorrow night at 8:00 PM EST, Yankees vs Red Sox. Opening Day, "Let's Go Red Sox" :bored: Stressful.

GMC, I agree with you. I wish there were a glossary of some type where us newbies could learn the language. I haven't a clue what PBing means.

I am very new here, but feel qualified to address your comment. I have fought a war, completed graduate school been a parent and this is the hardest thing I have ever done. I was honest and followed everything they have asked me to do, I am 4 days post op.Why would I do anything else? This is not for the weak or faint hearted. I know I am new at this and I may well stumble myself on my journey.I mean no disrespect to you or your wife. I would question her commitment to the surgery at this point. If one does not follow the advice layed out, it is well documented in these pages the pitfalls the WILL occur. Maybe she needs to postpone her surgery whilst she contemplates her options. I say this only because of the troubles that will undoubtedly follow by deviation from the blueprint layed out. From my understanding, this is not a magic wand that will instantly make you thin, like anything else in life worth while, you have to work hard to attain it. If I were you, I would try and not get put in situations where you are made responsible for her behaviors, it will only bring added stress to an already stressful situation. It is not too late to halt the process so she can gather her thoughts. After all life is a journey, not a destination. I am sending good thoughts y'all's way.

I also was banded on the 29th. I am on protien shakes, greek yougert, 1 sugar free popsicle per day and water, G2 or flavored, sugar free water.

The list I was given says asparagras was a no-no as well. It was one of the few veggies I liked pre-op.

Hello, My name is Pete. I am pre-op and have finished all the initial stuff prior to surgery except the 2nd psycholigist visit. I am awaiting a surgery date. I will need support in my journey, that is why I am here. I seeking advice at present, but just need to know I am not alone helps. Thanks. PS, I am married to a New Zealander hence the screen name.

Well I had my surgery Monday the 30th. I am at home now. I spent the night and was released yesterday afternoon. No major issues to report except I cannot get my blood sugars below 130, and last night I experienced a very strange event. I felt like I was freezing to death. I had to get into the bed and cover up with about four blankets and a heating pad. This was never mentioned in any literature I have read.I am not hungry whatsoever. I have drank protien drinks and vitamin water zero today. Last night the same and some boullion(sp?). My stomach looks like I have been shot with a scattergun as I have six incision sites. I take great strength from reading all your posts. Thank you so much. Pete

Mary, is Dr.Newman at CCS? Pete

taybjb I am from Mcleansville, right outside of Greensboro. I am scared of not getting it. I feel like I am near death. I do not have a date yet. I have done everything and am awaiting my date. I need to have another rotator cuff on my left arem (3rd) and my arm surgeon won't touch me until I loose some weight. I had my right arm done outpatient this summer and an outpatient proceedure turned into a 6 day hospital stay, I was rushed to the hospital by ambulance because my oxygen levels dropped so drastically. Good luck, this seems like a good place to get support. Nice folks!

Manda87, are you getting the surgery done in Greensboro, or Raleigh? Norcargal, I was wrong, the meeting is on 01/21. thebandedgirl thanks!

Thanks Diane, Dr.Earle is my Doctor. I really feel educated on the entire process. I have never been provided with so much information about any medical procedure, and frankly I find it refreshing. I actiually feel as if I am a partner in the process. I am going to the support group, I belive on the 27th. If I think of anything, I will take you up on your very generous offer. Thank you so much, Pete