Roll Call

Hi Mary! Welcome and congrats on your recent surgery. Isn't it a kick to be able to do things fairly quickly that you haven't done in ages?? I guess because of the initial multiple pound weight loss that one doesn't usually see with other diets the change seems so dramatic. Enjoy the good weather and get out there and walk walk walk!!! I have not tried any of the protein powders in my foods however I do have some unflavored powders that I purchased for that reason. I find that I have no problem getting in all my protien in fact I probably am getting too much protein. I did use the Propelete Gold from Bariatriceating.com for the first couple of months. I really liked the taste and you mixed a scoop in 6 or 8oz of water and got 30 grams of Protein (if memory serves me correctly) or the Cafe au Lait premixed Atkins drink is kind of a replacement for morning coffee.... Good luck and hope you won't be a stranger!! Linda

Hi Mary I have tried putting protein powder in sugar free fat free pudding and it works pretty good. I actually have to do that tonight as I haven't gotten in enough protein today. Give it a whirl and let me know if it works for you. Darlene

Hi, Hope I'm not too late for roll call. I haven't been on the board in a couple of days, I have been really busy. and I have been missing it, like withdrawal! My pre-op testing is all done, and I see my surgeon on Wednesday, 4/28!! I will hopefully get my surgery date this week or next! I am hoping the first week of June. I am getting so excited to start my new life! Anne Pre-op

Hey Anne, We've missed you too!! . Please let us know how your meeting with your surgeon goes on Wed. We will be waiting to hear your good new. There are a bunch of surgeries coming up really soon and I think we may have to have a !!! Busy is good though, keeps your mind off of the wait somewhat. Keeping my fingers and toes crossed for you. Linda

Hi Linda.... I'm sorry to hear about your sleep situation, hopefully you will get that cleared up soon and get some rest. Yes, I do still have a pulse. I have been staying away from obesityhelp.com because I became very discouraged and down. I told everyone how I lost my job at the gathering but just needed to take a test for the psychologist then all is done. The psychologist called and said she was concerned with the results and surgery would not be ok'd unless i go back to her. I guess some of my answers pointed to depression. If I wasn't depressed before this I was now... I thought I was doing very well considering my cir****tances and what I have been through in the past 6 months or so. I mean I did just lose my job a few days prior to taking the test. My other issue is I am retaining so much fluid it's not showing I have lost weight. I went to the dietician this morning and I gained weight in the last six weeks so I told her I dont know how that could be because I lost 22 Inches and have been following my diet to a T. When I went to the support meeting tonight we weighed me again and I had lost 5 lbs since this morning...Isn't that awfull? Fluid retention sucks. Now, I am back and going to focus on having my surgery. I even started exercising at home with my sister and friends so I am at least getting somewhere even if the scale doesnt show it. I will say I do miss all of your posts and I feel very out of the loop right now but I won't be going anywhere anytime soon. So I am going to the psychologist tomorrow to hash things out with her and then wednesday to my Primary Doc to see if he will be changing my fluid pill and also putting me on something for my underactiove thyroid. Well, that is all for now. I am so glad to read everyones update since I have been gone. Happy thoughts to all. Hugs ~Julie~ Pre-Op 374

Hi Julie, So sorry to hear that you are having more struggles. I know that losing your job came at a very bad time for you (as if there is a good time) but you are strong and you will get it together. The psych person is just being cautious and rightfully so. It can't hurt to discuss these issues and let the person know that you are aware of what's going on and aware of your committment to work toward being healthy. You can and will do this!!! Don't be afraid to come here and vent or look for a shoulder......we are here!! Linda

Hi Julie, Sorry to hear you're running into road blocks. Remember, these are obstacles, not the end of the road. Keep up the good fight and before you know it you'll be over these hurdles and a stronger, more determined woman for it. I'm right in New Britain so if you need to chat or vent, email me and I'll send you my number. This battle is worth it, never give up! Glad to see you back on the site, we all missed you! -Deb

Dear Julie, I just wanted to let you know, you are not alone. I was on pills for depression for a year and have gotten it under control. You have a lot of things going on around you. Stay on the board so we can all help and encourage you. I know I always feel better after being on the board. Good luck with everything. I am sure it will all work out for you, just be patient. Lots of luck! Christine

WOW! This is a great idea, and its so nice to hear from everyone! I've been very busy, and I've hardly had time to get on the computer I'm still catching up on the posts, etc. This weekend was my husband's birthday, and my youngest son has had a fever - so it was hectic and I'm pretty tired. Last weekend my husband and I went to Newport - the weather was great! We walked and walked and walked along the cliff walk behind the mansions. It was great - in fact, he tired out before I did! Last year when we were there I wouldn't even attempt the cliff walk - I was too tired from touring the mansions! I'm down to a size 16, and I think I might be able to squeeze into a 14 now. My daughter and I have been shopping lots (she's lost almost 90 lbs. on Weigh****chers - I'm very proud of her), so we go out together and try on new sizes! Its lots of fun and a new addiction! I'm going to have to see if I can change my plans and make the meeting tomorrow night. My husband is a minister and he teaches the Bible study on Wednesday nights - so its tough for me to miss, but there seems like a lot of folks will be at the L&M meeting tomorrow - it could be a lot of fun. I guess it will also depend on how my little one is doing - he's still not feeling well. Hope everyone has a great week! God Bless, Kathy Bilodeau Lap RNY 12/3/03 -82 lbs.

Hi Kathy! We've missed you!!! GREAT new PIC!!!! Hope to see you Wed night! Hugs, Carla