Still Waiting After All These Months

Hello everyone , I've been off-line for a few months. I have missed you all, and your support and encouragement. I've had some ups and downs, and at times even started wondering if I should still pursue the surgery. I've regained my senses and know that I need this surgery and here's why: At one point, I had lost 16 lbs., in my efforts to reach the 11 pound goal set by my surgeon. I had begun exercising at a gym 2-3 times a week, and was actually starting to enjoy it. Then I had a muscle injury and haven't been back in the gym for about 6 weeks. I'm still having muscular problems, including spasms, and so I'm not too excited about getting back to the gym. But at the same time, I ended up regaining 5 lbs. Frankly, I am getting a little anxious as Christmas approaches because I am the family baker (dinner rolls, cinnamon buns, cakes, pies, etc.) and I know I enjoy baking for my family and friends. But the thought of not being locked in to the process has me nervous about the damage I could do during the holidays. I have now finished all the expectations of the screening process set by Dr. A. I am just waiting for my primary to submit a letter documenting medical need for the surgery, and for my cardiologist to release me for surgery. I am tired of waiting, and wish this was all behind me. If you are a praying person, I solicit your prayers for me as I try to get to the operating table and to my new life. Peace, Ken P.

Hi Ken, I'll keep you in my prayers and pray that things go smoothly from here on out. It is a difficult season to be trying to lose weight. Keep in mind that these are only days. Even if you slip up and eat something you shouldn't, just get back on track for the next day ( or the next meal if possible). If you find yourself sampling some of your baked goodies, just say "stop it"....say it out loud....so that you realize what you're doing. I know its difficult and we're all here to help you out. God bless you! Kelly

Hey buddy, Keep positive and stay focused. You will do just fine. Your doing so good right now with reaching that goal for preop. Congrats on that. I am glad you enjoyed the Thanksgiving Ecard. I thought it was so funny. Your always in my thoughts and prayers, both you and your wife and family. Just think you will be on your journey to the losing side too like the rest of us here at the OH Family. Keep your chin up and don't worry about all that baking stuff, you will get through it, just focus on your future goal of reaching the wls journey and you will get through it. This will be my first holiday since my surgery and I know baking the annual cookies will be tough too. I am trying to think of how far I have gotten and how far I will get too. If you ever feel that urge, just contact one of us and we will be your rocks. I know, I have alot of support here, and they have helped me through alot of rough rodes. Take care and god bless. Hugs KimC

Hey Ken, You will be in my prayers as well. I am the person who cooks in my house and on weekends help out at my friends Italin bakery. As you are the primary baker this may just work out in your favor. As I have adjusted the meals in my home to more healthful, you can pick thinks to bake that may not be as harmful. Crack those cookbooks open and look what you can make that will help you on your goal. Know the family will support you. Lots of great recepies out there using splenda and other things so look into it. Be well Julio

Ken, Ditto on all these posts! Will keep you in my prayers!! phyllis

Hi everybody, You guys/gals are the most compassionate, sensitive, and understanding group of strangers that I have ever had the pleasure of knowing. In so many ways, while being "strangers" you have responded to my anxiety better than close friends. Thanks for being there for me. I was obviously feeling a little low this AM, and each of you have offered encouragement and suggestions that have uplifted my thoughts and feelings. I'm back on the wagon today, and doing fairly well. Thank you ever so much, I hope that I can one day be uniquely helpful to you. Ken

HI KEN, HANG IN THERE. I WILL KEEP YOU IN MY PRAYERS. I KNOW IT IS NOT EASY. HOLIDAYS ARE ESPECIALY HARD, BUT YOU GET THROUGH IT AND IT IS WORTH THE SACRIFICE. AFTER SURGERY HEAD HUNGER CAN DRIVE YOU CRAZY. SO LEARNING TO DEAL WITH YOUR WEAK POINT (MINE WAS CAKE) NOW WILL PREPARE YOU FOR LATER. HOW ABOUT CHANGING A FEW INGRIDIANTS IN YOUR BAKING SO THAT THE STUFF YOU BAKE WILL HAVE LESS CALORIES ETC ... EXAMPLE: I AM NOT MUCH OF A BAKER BUT BEFORE I WOULD ADD MILK EGGS AND OIL TO MY BOX CAKE MIX. NOW I CUT THE EGGS BY ONE, DON'T ADD OIL AND USE WATER INSTEAD OF MILK. MY CAKES ARE FLUFFIER NOW TOO. YOU CAN DO THIS!! DO NOT GIVE UP!! BLESSINGS SPPLENDALICIOUS

I'll try, but I am a bake-by-recipe baker, I don't have a clue how to switch ingredients, and I hate to do something and end up with a finished product that not even our dog would want to eat. So, I'll take a few chances and see if I can change the ingredients, but I must admit I'm a little anxious about making a mess of a good recipe. Ken

I HEAR YOU. DON'T GIVE UP. DO YOUR THING FOR THE HOLIDAYS AND GO ONE DAY AT A TIME. IF YOU REALLY CAN'T RESIST AND HAVE A LITTLE SOMETHING EXTRA DON'T KILL YOURSELF OVER IT. JUST PICK RIGHT UP THE NEXT DAY. BLESSINGS S.T.

Hello, seems like you are where we all were at one time. The weight gain and losing is part of the process. Don't give up. Yes pursue the surgery , it is well worth it. I know what those collars, cakes, mac and cheese, and other "sould food" things add up for the Holidays, I barely got through Thanksgiving. The surgery is well worth wahtever you have to go through beleive me. I was not that big, but I had co -morbidity problems that were cured with the surgery, no more insulin and my heart is doing better. If I can be of assistance, let me know and e-mail me. Best of luck and don't give up. lean on the support group! Jannie