time is just flying by.........

hi everybody, its me, jen. i been in and outta here for the past few months, lurking and reading about how well everyone is doing. im so happy for you all. anyway, i have a tentative date set for my surgery. 11/17. i will be going to oahu on 8/20 to see the diet/nut and move on from there. after that i think i just have to do the pre-op visit w/ dr f and the nurses at the hospital. for those that know me, its been almost a year since i joined this site, and i was SUPPOSED to have my surgery last dec. but that was not possible, and i remember getting so depressed and kinda giving up on myself, and back slided on everything like an idiot. stopped taking my meds, started drinking soda like crazy, eating anykine stuff. i am back on track since april and i am proud to say i have not had 1 soda since april 24th. (to me, thats a BIG deal, seeing as how i could drink almost a whole case of soda by myself in a day), but anyway, yeah, i am now back on track and i remember thinking back to last november when i found out i would have to wait 6mos before being able to move forward again, how LOOOOOOOOOOONG 6 mos was. then april came around and still (this time due to a combination of finances and the backsliding) i was unable to go forward i was beating myself up because of my weaknesses.  but now, the time is just flying by and i still have a couple more stuff i need to do to be ready, and i hope and pray that i can cause come hell or high water, i am determined to have this surgery before the year is out!


so actually, the REAL reason i am posting, is i need to know what i will need when going into the hospital, (suggestions?) and food wise, what kind of stuff did you guys buy or have set up for you when you came home from surgery? money is going to be really tight for me for a cpl mos after surgery so i  want to start getting stuff a little before my surgery (well, once it is OFFICIAL) i have read past blogs on some of my friends and other people regarding what they ate (during the first 2 wks or so), but i just wanted to know what other options are there? 

also , whats your best form of protein?  drinks, food, etc.,
tips on hairloss ( i am TERRIFIED of this, as i have kinda thin hair already)
how hard was it to walk around after the surgery? pain, scale of 1-10?
and other stuff. anything you think i should know so i can prepare myself a little better

thank you very much for reading my NOVEL. lol............

jen

i am so glad to see u r doing good jen..we miss u here

Hi Jen,
Wow!  You've been on quite a journey!  It's been my experience that looking at this process as a journey works really well.  There are days I do really well, eat the right things and exercise, and others, well...I don't do the above.  My goal is to turn the good days into every day, and this will take some time.  You've already made some really good changes and it will help you in this transition.  Try to remember to be gentle and forgiving to yourself.  This is one of the hardest things that we go through.  If you aren't already, I highly recommend keeping a journal.  It will really help you get your feelings, fears, hopes, and dreams out in front of you and help you commit to your health.

I've used several different protein powders.  Nectar is pretty good and Unjury, which has to be ordered.  You'll need some that are clear for the day before surgery and a couple of days post.  Several of the Nectar flavors fill that criteria.  If you know of anyone else who has had WLS, ask them if they would give you some samples for you to try.  When you go to Oahu, Mary (one of the nutritionists at Castle) will go over everything with you and will also have some samples for you.  She'll be able to make suggestions for you so you can start stocking up.  

Use this website as much as you want because we are all going through the same things you are.  You aren't alone and this is such an important thing to know.  

Take care and keep us posted.

Aloha,
Barb

I will be spending the month in hawaii in November, let me know exactly when and where you will be and I will visit you in the hospital.....................I will keep my lap top with me while I am  there....also I get the month bus pass so I can get around....cheap.....lol...   good luck and you will do good. and be very happy...............
Lois

thanks a lot you guys. i love this site, because of all the support you get! thanks for the info barb, i will definitely be asking mary a lot of questions. and lois, thank you so much for the offer! i am shooting for a surgery date of 11/17, so yeah, once i know for sure, i will definitely take you up on that and let you know. take care everyone.

aloha,
jen