Recent Posts

Diamond Girl
on 12/5/11 2:01 am - Ham Lake, MN
Topic: RE: Finaly hit 70 lbs off!
12 is totally do-able, Julie! Just do what you can that is within your control (protein firs****er, exercise, etc.) and your body will do the rest.

Keep on and you will be standing back in amazement soon enough!

WTG!
        
Diamond Girl
on 12/5/11 1:58 am - Ham Lake, MN
Topic: RE: Don't be afraid of the Big Bad Doc
I always knew you were going to be a WLS success! And it shows.
Slight re-gain happens. Happens to everyone. Normal or surgically altered. It happens. What we do about it having been previously MO, though, that is what makes the difference.

I am glad you are taking action. Those insulin shots are no fun - I remember those days all to well, also. Never want to go back there either!

HUGS my friend! WTG!
        
Diamond Girl
on 12/5/11 12:32 am - Ham Lake, MN
Topic: Starting to Re-build Me
Almost 3 years post-op from my DS...Most of it has seemed so effortless to be honest. The work, to me, has been to be mindful each day about protein and water, and to keep my carb count in check. I still step on the scale every day so that I do not lose sight of it. Even more than that, it has been harder work keeping my brain in check. How many times have we heard that this is more of a brain game than a tummy game, right?

But now we get to the re-building part. At least for me.
I lost my breast volume considerably after all my weight loss. A typical "downfall" of this massive weight loss journey for so many.

I never thought I'd be interested in PS or be able to afford it to be perfectly honest, but where there is a will there is a way I guess. I found my self questioning it more and more over the past year. After many discussions with my husband and I even checked in with a therapist on the topic, I made a decision to move forward with a BA. I thought I would need a BL as well, but my surgeon is hopeful that between the size of implant and just a small crescent lift on one, we should be able to avoid a full lift.

I would much rather have a LBL completed first, but due to recovery time, that just is not an option for me right now with my work schedule. So, this is a start. Sort of like putting the pieces of a jigsaw puzzle together, I'm starting to locate the pieces and fit them where they need to go.

If you've had a BA, do you feel like sharing the good/bad/ugly with me?
My surgeon will be Dr. Jennifer Harrington. I met with 4 surgeons and out of all of them, loved her and her approach best. Surgery is 12/22.
        
rjsams
on 12/5/11 12:30 am - Eagan, MN
Topic: Monday morning weigh-in--Stay on track this holiday!
It's the holiday season--parties, eggnog, buffets, etc.  I am working hard to maintain and not gain the proverbial 5-10 lbs that most Americans gain during the holiday season.  What are your best techniques for staying on track during the holidays?  Let's share ideas!

I try to make sure I eat something high protein before a party, if it's a buffet-table sort of shindig.  Then I troll the buffet, prioritize the things I really want to have, and space those out over the course of the night.  And then I walk away and spend the time doing what parties are about--socializing.  At least that's what I try to do.  Some parties work better than others.  I have a harder time if I drink more alcohol--then I throw caution to the winds and just munch.  It's a bad thing.

This week's weigh-in report:
Starting weight: 298.4 lbs
Last week: 139.8 lbs
This week: 139.9 lbs (I was 138.8 after my run this morning, though!)
Gain of 0.1 lbs
        
rjsams
on 12/5/11 12:21 am - Eagan, MN
Topic: RE: Charlie horses in ankles and feet?
I used to get them in my calves all the time, and that's when I knew I needed to eat a banana.  For me it is potassium deficiency, but everyone is different.  I feel your pain, hope you get it figured out!
        
Diamond Girl
on 12/5/11 12:00 am - Ham Lake, MN
Topic: RE: Dr. Baker? Dr. Ikramuddin? Dr. Buchwald?
Either surgery, I'd pick Dr. B. but I am biased. I interviewed 8 surgeons & programs (including Unity and Dr. Baker) in MN when I was making my decision, and I adored Dr. B. out of all of them. He was honest, compassionate, understands morbid obesity for the disease it is, and is a true pioneer, especially with the Duodenal Switch.

I had my open DS with him almost 3 years ago, and I have not regretted a single moment! Best decision ever. And I never worried about my open scar or the healing. Dr. B's team did such a beautiful job, I have been to various medical appointments since and they have all commented on what a "beautiful" scar it is and always have asked who the surgeon was. They've almost always heard of Dr. Buchwald, too. Makes me feel re-assured that I made a good decision.

Any specific DS questions, please feel free to PM me!
        
Diamond Girl
on 12/4/11 11:54 pm - Ham Lake, MN
Topic: RE: Charlie horses in ankles and feet?
I feel your pain!!!

I get them something fierce as well! And they are not mild - they are crippling! Toes, feet, calves. Ouch! And the only thing I can try and do is carefully walk it out and talk through relaxation.

Having labs drawn later this week, but previously, no deficiencies noted so cannot pin them to that. We'll see if that story changes after new labs.
        
DragonGirl
on 12/4/11 4:14 am - MN
Topic: RE: It's been awhile...
Congrats!!!
  Age 49 Height 5'5" HW/280 SW/250 CW/157  
Behind every success is effort...Behind every effort is passion...Behind every passion is someone with the courage to try.
DragonGirl
on 12/4/11 4:10 am - MN
Topic: RE: Dr. Baker? Dr. Ikramuddin? Dr. Buchwald?
Hi Jennifer,
I had my VSG with Dr. July, Dr. Bakers associate. I love the program at Unity, and can't speak for other hospitals programs. Unit is a Bariatric Center of Excellence. The nurses at Unity are wonderful! I just like all the support I get there and I really feel encouraged to stay active in the many ways I can get help. I'm part of the team that speaks to potential patients in the Tuesday informational meetings. I was the 12th Sleeve performed at Unity, but the actual mechanics of performing the Sleeve uses the same method they use to close a RnY or DS. My surgery was orthoscopic.

If you have any questions concerning the VSG, I'd be happy to share my experiences with you and answer what I can.

Good luck on your journey, no matter what surgery you chosse!
Heidi
  Age 49 Height 5'5" HW/280 SW/250 CW/157  
Behind every success is effort...Behind every effort is passion...Behind every passion is someone with the courage to try.
DragonGirl
on 12/4/11 3:56 am - MN
Topic: RE: Finaly hit 70 lbs off!
Congrats Julie! Those last pounds are a killer eh?? As long as they still come off!!
Heidi
  Age 49 Height 5'5" HW/280 SW/250 CW/157  
Behind every success is effort...Behind every effort is passion...Behind every passion is someone with the courage to try.
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