Tuesday Coffee Everyone !!!!

Maybe if we went outside in the cold more we wouldn't have such crappy attitudes?  Just a thought....

Um, I've lived in MI all but 3 years of my life.  I've been outside in the cold enough to know I DON'T LIKE IT!!!!  Crappy attitude or not!  Blah!  

I used to do the "glass is half full thing" and say the cold made me appreciate summer more....yeah, that theory only works so long.  I may have to join my sis in AZ or my mom in TN, someday!  LOL!  

Only if you guys go with me!  

Had my protein hot chai tea this morning, like normal.  Then followed that up with way too much coffee this morning. 

QOTD -- Education is my big pet peeve.  Those of us here on OH who learn from each other about nutrition, vitamin interaction, staying on track and how to tweak the things that go wrong... we are the MINORITY when it comes to everyone who has WLS.  The vast majority of people do not have access to the knowledge we can find here on OH, in support group meetings and other resources online. 

I think I remember hearing that only about 15% of people are involved in any type of post-op support system.  So that leaves 85% of patients out there struggling to do this on their own.  Yes, bariatric centers have after-care programs, but a follow up appointment every 3 months is not nearly enough. 

I think every person who has WLS should be required to have intensive nutrition classes AFTER surgery and be required to attend pscyhological therapy (group therapy or one-on-one) afterwards.  Any information we are given before surgery is buried in the rush to the operating room... it's not until patients reach the 6 week or 3 month mark that they realize how lost they are.  I think clinics really need to step up their game with aftercare and education to help ensure a more successful patient.

I guess that's why I have so few complaints, I can go daily and do to my weight center. There are classes and support meetings almost everyday and the gym and therapy center is open weekdays. I never have to wait 3 months or so for an appointment either. If I need to see a doctor or nutritionist, etc I have just walked in in the am or called and said when can you fit me in. Usually its within hours, if it's been urgent or semi urgent it's been right then. I did do my homework for 3 years before I picked Beaumont's program.
Nick

Nick -

That's great that you have that type of relationship with Beaumont.  But what about all the other patients who go through their program?  Do they have the same drive for "staying connected" as you do?  Most people don't ... that's why I was suggesting mandatory ongoing education for those patients who don't bother keeping in touch with their support system. 

I'm glad Beaumont has an outstanding aftercare program.  I've had some people ask me about their center and never had any insider information.  So now I can recommend them with confidence based on their support system.

Pam

I really appreciate this eye opener.  I had been told Beaumont was a stack and hack center but that apparently isn't true.  I wish we had the available to us at Hurley.

Everyone is different and has different perceptions.  I chose Hurley over Beaumont.  I was not impressed with their program at all.  I got the run around from the get go, at Beaumont, but know others that have had GREAT experiences. 

I think it's important to remember that no matter what center you go through for surgery, it's only as good as you make it!  I do not utilize Hurley's program like I should, but mostly because I live over an hour from Flint, as I did from Beaumont.  However, the things that Hurley offered for support, I made sure I found my own resources (gym, support groups, etc).  It's all in what you make of it.....for the most part!  

Morning all,

I personally have not slept well the last week or so.  I have had alot of stress in my personal life and it if overflowing everwhere.  I need to shake it off and get back on track.  I didn't even track my goals last week or set new ones for this week.   I want to curl up in a ball and hide somewhere. 

My cup this morning is too much coffee.  My boss decided instead of paczki's he bought us latte's instead.  So I had a skinny latte, but I had already had my allotment of coffee.  I am feeling buzz of the expresso.  Maybe that will kick my butt back into gear.

I have been researching my summer activies too.  Toledo Zoo is on the top of the list.  I also plan on doing 4 5k's this summer.  My problem is, I have found 8 local, and need to narrow it down.  I guess I will see how the first one goes next month.  The Loons pennant race is on April 18 in Midland.  Maybe one a month won't be bad.

QFTD - good one Randy.  Personally, I feel I was undereducated on both my end and my clinic's end.   I was told I had to have bariatric surgery or face knee replacement before 45.  My insurance company had me processed in 3 weeks from my initial appt.   For me it was way to easy to get the approval.  I see the people who struggle to get the surgery, and I would say the appreciate it more.  I also think that having surgery 2.5 hours from home hinders me greatly.  Barix probably has a great support program, if your in their area.   I will actually say that I didn't find great support in a group until I started attending Pam T support group.  I have learned so much under six month of attending.   I have found a couple individuals that are great support.  I am actually surprized by the amount and caliber of the hospitals in the Tri City area, that there isn't a bariatric program triving here. 

Pam

 

 

Didn't sleep well at all.  Our guard dog was barking all night at the coyotes that have moved in to close for comfort.

I have been ready for summer for months.  I have stayed in the area this winter for this surgery and a legal issue.  I hope to spend much more time with my sister in Tampa next year and hopefully to cruise more.

Today is the clear liquid day so, I'm drinking only the wildberry drink I have to drink seven of.  I'm so cold I think I'll make a pot of herbal tea to drink between the cold ones.