GOOD, BAD and the UGLY

The GOOD...? My endoscopy is over. The doctor took a biopsy that he said was "consistant with gastritis" so when the lab results are back late next week, I might have to take an antibiotic, but other wise, it was uneventful. I was also able to sustain 20 minutes on the treadmill today at 2.5 MPH. I admit to cheating by using analgesic patches on my lower back before getting on. It's lower back pain that usually prevents me from staying on for long. Hopefully it will let up after a while. The BAD...? I gained weight instead of losing it! The doctor told me some people gain weight when they go on Lantus (which I recently did). So, as luck would have it, instead of losing like I need to in order to have the surgery, I'm going in the opposite direction! I'll never get the surgery at this rate! That brings me to the ugly... The UGLY...? My mood lately! I gained weight while sticking to my diet so, out of frustration, I allowed myself to cheat by having Goober's when my husband and I went to a movie. HOW STUPID WAS THAT???!!! Now I'll probably gain another pound! I'm going to put together a list of my most vulnerable dieting situations and come up with several opposing behaviors for each so I'll be ready when something like this happens again. I would like to know what triggers others have and how others cope during their time of weakness. Thanks in advance, Deb

Hi Deb, I just read the note from you. It's going ok here. I had my appt. this past thurs. at the nutrition clinic. She was very impressed with all the knowledge I had. She asked me where I learned so much,, I told her here at OH. Next week I go for my psych eval. I already sent the letter to my PCP, as Dr. Bells office wants information from my medical chart which concerns my weight, diabetes, high blood pressure and things that will inform him about my basic health issues. I'm also taking lantus. But I've been told that once they get the results from the psych eval, I'll actually get an appt. to meet with the surgeon. It's looking good so far. Also being that I broke or cracked one of my "chewing" teeth, I've not been able to chew., so I bought a box of the protein powder, and have been experimenting with different shakes,, they are great. So getting lots of info now,, that will help me in the future. Mary Anne

Oh my GOODNESS!!! MAJOR TOOTH PAIN??? Totally the WORST!!! And here I've been whining about needing a lousy filling in one of my chewing teeth! I hope you'll be able to get it taken care of soon....oooooooh, I REALLY feel for you.... you poor thing!!! Great idea to start checking out the protein powders! What have you found that you like? I'm planning to use Carnation Instant Breakfast for some of my meals, but I'm not sure what other brand to use. I know Carnation isn't actually a protein powder, but it IS a tasty meal supplement with a lot of the nutrition we'll need post-op. I already know I like it, so why not? I might have to add a tiny bit of extra protein powder to it, but hey, what ever works, right? Again, keep us posted on your progress. This group has been EXTREMELY SUPPORTIVE for me and they can give you a boost when you need it too, I'm sure! Take care and Lots-o-Love, Deb

How much weight does Dr Aranow want you to lose pre-op? I was reading your blog on the Lantus. I really don't knwo why some people are am administration and some are pm administration- not really sure how much it matters since the point of Lantus is a consistent steady absorption over 24 hours. The important thing is consistent timing on giving it and rotating sites - and not using the same site for regular insulin administration. Perhaps with Dr Aranow the most important factor in determining your readiness for surgery will be the HgbA1c numbers. After all, the lowering of that number will also reduce liver size, and that is the goal of weight loss as well. Why worried about your psych eval? Are you able to use Cynthia Wirth instead of Middlesex (she's a private therapist in Glastonbury and his only other qualified therapist other than Middlesex/Kim Daniels.) She's very very good. There is nothing to worry about unless you are really really a binger. A true binge eater....then you may need to work on behaviors pre-op. Next time you go to the movies- bring some sugar free candy with you- it still has calories but at least it won't sabotage your blood sugars. Goobers are actually one of the better choices you could have made- the peanuts are a protein source and therefore slow up the sugar in the chocolate absorbing thus having less of an impact on your blood sugars. Continue really working on the diet- and the blood sugars, and trying to get what activity your pain level will allow in, and the weight loss will naturally follow as the blood sugars come down- it has to- really it does!!! LOL- keep pluggin away - you are doing well- come to support group, meet with Liz a few extra times for support as well, and consider getting a little extra therapy support from whomever you see for the psych eval- I saw Dr Wirth a few extra times pre-op not because I had to but becasue I wanted to and it was worth it.

Hi Deb, Well, we all have obstacles at times....it'll make you stronger! Don't sweat the weight gain...call Lois tomorrow and tell her about this....maybe she can talk to Dr A and he can give you some input on the matter...what does your PCP say about it? Who prescribed it for you? I'm glad the endoscopy is over...I love the meds they give for those, so they're not a problem for me...the stress test was always hard for me to stay on long when I was so heavy. I'd quit early on. So, you had a weak moment with the candy. You won't do that after surgery, so, make it one of your last times now. Keep us all posted. I like to hear of your progress... Have a good week. Paula

Yeah hun, Just think of it as some protein instead of all junk.