Afternoon all just posting to say hello and update on the journey
(deactivated member)
on 10/24/06 2:41 am - silver spring, MD
on 10/24/06 2:41 am - silver spring, MD
Hello,
Well I saw the cardiologist yesterday, I have the group meeting on Wednesday, the Pulamary on Friday, the Followup with the surgeon on the 7th and the second group meeting and bloodwork on the 8th, then hopefully I will get a date. I keep focusing on the positive even set up a bag for the hospital. All of these posts, serve to educated me on what to expect, and how to actually go day to day making this part of ones lifestyle I thank you for all of that.
(deactivated member)
on 10/24/06 3:10 am - silver spring, MD
on 10/24/06 3:10 am - silver spring, MD
Thank Teresa, I have had you guys bookmarked for awhile, I come in and read but that has pretty much been it. Now that I am about to join all of you on the losing side, I have been preparing to hit all of you up on questions, about making this a life change. I keep thinking I will have to get something to crush all the pills I have, something to push down all the food that wont go down, but then think, hey no, I wont be eating more than a few spoonful of items, then I panic, but what items, no sugar to bread no milk no meat, it might get stuck. Then I think "OH MY GOD" If I dont choke and die, I will just waste away, thats how they do it!" LOL I have become insane
But it's a good kind of insane - a life-altering insanity! It seems that everyone's surgeon has different guidelines, so make sure you're compliant with the surgeon's and nutritionist's directives, it'll make life much easier.
You can buy a pill crusher at Wal-Mart or any drug store, you can also buy liquid vitamins, although I have to be honest, I don't advise it - the smell/taste made me gag.
As far as what you can/can't eat, how much, when, liquids, etc., again, it'll all boil down to your doc's guidelines. When I went for my pre-op info session about a month before my surgery, I was given a big binder that became my Bible for a while. I took it to the hospital with me, but by that time, I'd pretty much memorized it. I was on liquids for, I think, 3 weeks (a week of clear and two weeks of full, whi*****lude milk products), 2 weeks of pureed (anything I could puree I could have, but I did try to concentrate mostly on protein - I didn't bother with things like mashed potatoes, etc.), then on to soft foods. I found that the first 6 weeks were the hardest. It's a spin of the wheel - what disagrees with you one day may not the next, and vice versa. Af far as food getting stuck, just chew it to death. Believe me, the pain of stuck food is so incredible, you'll likely remember to chew forever after! Pushing the fluids is a must, too - you don't want to become dehydrated.
You're not going to choke, you're not going to die, you won't waste away, all you'll do is become a happier, healthier you. Just take it a day at a time because it can be overwhelming if you don't. I compare it to a roller coaster - up and down and you may want to puke, but ultimately an "E" Ticket ride - you'll be sorry you didn't do it sooner!
HTH,
Teresa
(deactivated member)
on 10/24/06 8:02 pm - silver spring, MD
on 10/24/06 8:02 pm - silver spring, MD
Alright, you and our fellow Marylanders can be a great help. I have tons of questions. Now, about this cofee thing, I hear you cant have it. If so, what does everyone do to get that extra jolt needed to get going in the morning? I hear sugar is out, well its in just about everything, what about that? I drink the crystal lite and water of course, so that fine for the cool drink, but what about warm drink, I figure tea, with sugar substitue. How does everyone cope with feeding their family and doing this? I have a 6'8 husband and a 3'7 3 year old. They need food, my husband is freaking that they will never eat another family meal again, and he worries about offending me when we go out thinking I wont be able to eat for a while. I working on the easiest transition for them. I am having my mom come and take care of them while I adust to all of this once its all down. Prepare ladies I will be one of your most inquisitive students. My doctor is fine, no comment on the nutritionist. I just want more real world advice from those of you living it. Have a great day all!
Sweetpea
Sweetpea,
I totally agree with the information Teresa (Tia) gave. Bottom line is follow your doc's orders/program and you'll be fine
Best wishes to you as you get ready to dive off the diving board into your WLS Journey! Oh, and don't hesitate to fire away with the questions, we're all in this together
Take Care,
Terry
(deactivated member)
on 10/24/06 7:50 pm - silver spring, MD
on 10/24/06 7:50 pm - silver spring, MD
I hear ya Nadine, I just collected all my son sippy cups, I already started using them.
I dont want to be dehydrated.