Hi Everyone!

Hello, hello!  Got an email from a fellow NC'er this morning that was just approved for her DS, so I couldn't wait to take a few minutes to catch up here and see how everyone is doing! 

(Psssttt...fellow NC'er...you have got to announce your news on this forum so we can celebrate with you!)

I had a glorious number pop up on the scale for me this morning.  It was Week 20 and I lost 3.8 pounds!  I had not lost that much in one week since Week 5!  Also, it put me right at losing almost 10 whole BMI points and almost 60 whole pounds!  (*Almost.*..but who's counting!  lol)  WOOOOOOOOOOHOOOOOOOOOO!  (That's dedicated to my fellow woohoo buddy right there!  lol)

The past several weeks I've really been thinking a lot about where I'm at now with my life after WLS and how much things are improving all the time.  I was so afraid I wouldn't be able to drink and I can drink just fine!  I was so afraid I would miss my drug, Ben & Jerry's, and I don't!  (I've tried, don't dump, but it just tastes so ick!)  I can eat just about anything I want to, in moderation.  Barb told me when I had my last pre-op hurrah at Olive Garden...Ravioli de Portabella...that I would be able to enjoy it again, just not so much.  And she was right!  We recently went to Olive Garden and I had a small serving of salad with 1/2 a breadstick, followed by 3 pieces of Ravioli de Portabella and the other 1/2 of the breadstick.  I was sooo satisfied with the flavors and the fullness!  Hubby and I got a laugh when I reminded him that it was just almost 5 months ago that I didn't know when I'd be able to do Olive Garden again.  hehe

I have been under a ton of stress lately and am having my tummy attacks about twice a week now (disclaimer:  they are not WLS-related).  They are so draining!  I'm really keying in on my diet, trying to do better about my eating because when I'm stressed I tend to make bad choices and graze.  The result this week was a higher loss though, so maybe I needed those calories?! 

My CT came back showing the hernia, but everything else looked good.  Next stop, colonoscopy.  I'm trying not to think about that!  I want to know:  Can I be put fully under for the colonoscopy?  How will they repair my umbilical hernia?  What kind of scar does that leave?  What is the hospital stay and recovery time afterwards?  I'll also be having my prolapsed colon repaired at the same time...so does my RNY/hernia surgeon do that, or does he call in another specialist for that part of the operation?  (An OBGYN did it for me last time.)  I also want to know if I could have some of this panni taken off at the same time and can my RNY/hernia surgeon do that, or does it have to be a plastic surgeon?  If they did remove the panni, would that affect my ability to have a lower body lift at some point in time?  If anyone has knowledge or experience with any of this, please, say the word! 

Little man just finished up all of the curriculum I had bought him yesterday so I'm thankful it's spring break time.  That will give me a week to buy some more and get him started again afterwards.  We are hoping for beautiful weather this weekend so we can work outside.  Can't wait to spend this afternoon with a friend.  Need to get my booty in gear and tidy up around here! 

Hope everyone has a wonderful weekend!  Love 'n hugs to all!

I certainly don't have all the answers but I know that you can be completely under for the colonoscopy because I was when I had mine and I don't remember a thing. Unfortunately the clean out the day before I was fully alert for. YUCKY but survivable.

I am sooo relieved to hear that, Ann, thank you for your reply.  I spoke with a friend yesterday that had it done also and she said the same thing. 

The clean out...ugh.  That's what it seems like I'm doing twice a week when I have those attacks.  If I can get through the self-induced prep one without vomiting or passing out, it will be a miracle!  Keep your fingers crossed for me! 

Your new avatar is totally adorable, btw!  You are looking healthy and happy...hope life is treating you good!  {{{Hugs}}}

Hi Shauna,
I had the panni removed after the first 300lbs was gone was it a mistake? No and yes.
They removed 21lbs they cut me fom hip to hip made me a new belly button BUT>>>>>>>>
they did not fix my mons so if you are looking into this make sure you address this area too.
Still no word on PS for me but I am really okay with that but I promise you one day I am going to get somethings fixed.
                                                      Annie

Annie,  I have so many areas to address.  It's really sad what an aftermath obesity leaves our body's in.  I will need EVERYTHING addressed in my lower body.  Thighs, mons, tummy, hips, butt...so I'll definitely need a total lower body lift eventually.  Right now I was thinking it would just be nice to have some of the panni removed since it causes me circulation problems in my legs and trouble buying clothing.  I do a good job disguising it with a girdle and longer shirts, I think, but it would be so much more comfortable just having that gone!  I guess I will just have to ask Dr. Cook about it when I see him next. 

I can't wait to hear the day you are scheduled for your PS!  You've worked so hard and come so far, you truly, truly deserve it.  I have heard many times that it takes 2 whole years after a person reaches and maintains their goal weight for the body to fully recuperate as much as it is going to on it's own after a large weight-loss, so just think about it that way!  :)  Give birdy-kisses to Zenny for me!

Hi Shauna,

   I am finally having my VSG surgery on 27 April! My doctor T.Ryan Heider in Mooresville found a large hiatal hernia and reflux when he did my upper endoscopy.

He will be utilizing the same instruments,trocars and anesthesia.So he will take care of the hernia while doing the VSG surgery.

I had the colonoscopy and it was an experience for me.Make sure you get someone who is "very firm" to take you to the colonoscopy and bring you home.
I was still under and my sister let me drive while under the anesthetic. She said that I threatened her.That should have told her that it wasn't me. If you drive the RN said they can get you for DWI! 

For my colonoscopy they gave me "Miralax" to take and it was great because it did not taste bad nor was it painful cramps involved.Just take it easy afterwards because your back will hurt and you will have bad gas afterwards.Just get plently of rest the next day.

It still wasn't as bad as I thought it would be.Good luck with everything ok?

P.S. My sister had her RNY done by Dr Monty Cox. Ruth

Hi Ruth!  Congratulations on your sugery date...wow, just 2 weeks from today!  I bet you are sooo ready and excited.  :)  How lucky you are to have the hernia taken care of during your VSG.  Boy, I really wish that had been the case with me. 

Oh my goodness about your colonoscopy experience!  My hubby will be taking me and I know for a fact there is no way he'll be listening to me, for probably a couple of days after I am sedated.  lol  I am not myself for at least that long, if not longer! 

Wow, Miralax, huh?  I take 2 doses of that a day so I'm already very familiar with it.  I am very nervous about painful cramps during a prep because that's what sends me into my attacks of vomiting, black out, and even seizure-like episodes.  Ugh!  I did get the call this morning and they are setting my appointment up for the 29th and I'll begin my prep on the 27th, which they are mailing instructions for.  I should have asked them what the prep consists of when I had them on the phone but I figured I'll know soon enough. 

The following day on my calendar is empty and I'll hope that it remains that way.  Thanks so much for the advice and the good luck!

Hope your sister has been happy with her Hickory Surgical experience.  I have been so very happy with mine! 

Good luck and best wishes to you!  Can't wait for your first post-op posts!  :)