Lots of Topics

I'm going to hit a lot of recent posts with this, so I don't have to start a million threads. Mammogram update: I went in for my second "check" regarding the mammogram.  This time they used the bb's on the nipples...very cool, if you ask me (I'm entertained easily).  As it turns out, the mass they "thought" they saw was just my nipple that had folded under while they were doing the first mammogram, so I'm 100% okay. My gaining: I appreciate all the responses that you guys wrote on here.  I'm aware that this is merely a "tool" and that I need to do the work.  However, at this point, I don't even recognize that I have a tool.  I feel absolutely no different than I did prior to meeting Dr. Gornichec.  I'm not doubting his skills as a bariatric surgeon...I still think he's the best...I'm just saying that I've not found my "sweet spot" or "green zone" or whatever you want to call it.  So, until I'm in my zone, I'm who I was prior to surgery...a fat gal who can't succeed with diets on her own.   That's not meant to be pitiful...it's the truth...and I imagine it's where we've all been at some point in our life to have to do something as drastic as surgery to help us lose weight.  That being said, I'm not wanting to write down everything I eat or chart my progress.  I'm wanting to use my "tool", which at this point, I don't have.  However, until I get to my proper fill, I'm just not going to be successful...I couldn't do it before surgery, so I don't think it's fair to expect that I can do it after surgery. Support Group: As much as I want to go, I have to work that night (at my new job).  As much as I love the job, I really could use the support of the group this month, too.  So, sorry that I'll have to miss out. New Job: I love working at Homeland.  Granted, I miss the kids in the evenings, but I find that standing on my feet for four hours in the evenings is much better than sitting on my bum watching TV.  Not to mention, I'm making money doing it so Christmas will come a little easier. Bloodwork: FINALLY!!!!  Third time's a charm!  My blood work was FINALLY submitted to the lab and the results made it back okay.  Therefore, I'm on my new meds.  However, due to these meds working in my bone marrow, I was told it would be about 2-3 mos before they interacted with my body.  Wow. Prednisone: Almost over.  Tomorrow is my last day of 10 mg/day and then I'll go on 5 mg for one week and then I'm done.  So, by the time I see Dr. G for my next fill, I will be off of the Prednisone.  I'm hopeful that I'll start losing weight once I get another fill AND I'm off these damn steroids. Centennial: I missed out on the parade in Guthrie.  I had to work.  I was glad the kids were out of school to celebrate.  Can you believe that Stillwater Public Schools had to attend school that day?  I would've been so upset if my kids had to miss out. Recent Surgeries: Congrats to Sandy, Pattye, Luanne on making it to the Loser's Bench!  I'm so happy for each of you.  If I missed mentioning anyone, I apologize.  I've not been reading much, as I've been busy juggling both jobs and my family. Hope everyone is well.  I miss being as active on OH as I was before...but life gets 'oh so busy' when the holidays are near. Love, Cathy  

You are such a busy, busy, busy girl! I'm so thankful that your mammogram is okay.  Whew !!! You'll hit the zone - it's in God's time! You are such a go getter - and tough!  I've thought about adding an extra job, but don't know if I would be capable. I'm so glad the blood work was finally done.  What type of medicine works with the bone marrow?  That must be some major medicine! I'm so glad that the Prednisone end is finally here.  That is so awesome and I know you will be so relieved! The Centennial parade was awesome.  I really enjoyed it! I wish you could have been at the "Make it a Lifestyle" expo today.  It was so awesome!  I look forward to sharing the info with you! Just know you are missed and loved!!! Tonja

It's a cancer drug.  6-mp (Purinethol) is what it's called.  I don't have cancer, but because my other meds aren't controlling my Crohn's very well, it's the next step. I forgot about the expo today.  I can't wait to get with you to learn about the info.  I'm sure it was wonderful. Thanks for the love and support. Cathy

I'm still not convinced the bb story isn't to get me to ask the nurse if they are going to do that just to see her giggle.  I go in December. I'm actually going to write down what I eat and look it up to see how much protein, etc. I'm getting in.  I strongly suspect I'm going to come up with a few vitamin defieciencies next week when I get my blood results and I want to be able to say "Ok, this is what I'm doing".  I don't want to do it for the rest of my life (been WW, done that and done that) but unless I do, I won't have anything to talk about with Dr. E.  Part of this is for his education too-he doesn't have that many (if any) other bandster patients, and he seems really interested, so I'll be a happy little guinea pig for him. Even with retriction, there is still that old nutritional thing....darn it.

I, too, thought it was a joke, until I went in this second time.  I asked the woman what she was doing, as she taped this bb to my nipple.  She stated because the "mass" was near my nipple, this would show definitively where my nipple is in comparison to the mass. I kept it, Deb.  Next time we have a get together, I'll show you my bb  Anyway, if I'd had the bb on the first time, there probably wouldn't have been any confusion. I try to keep on top of my protein, but my doc is really concerned with my fiber intake.  He wants me to get 25 mg per day of fiber.  I'm sure my iron is still low (I'm always anemic), but I hate what iron does to my stomach, so I just deal with the anemia. Thanks for being so great! Cathy

I nibble on those fruit flavored fiber wafers when I watch TV.  I have a bottle of fiber wafers where most people have a candy jar.  I am not like the other girls!  Still working on the rest of the vitamins. I'm going to look at the bariatric advantage B's, cause I remember back in the day the stinking B vitamin shot hurt like a big dog but my spider sense tells me I'll be getting one on Wednesday.

Cathy: I have been anemic for years.  I regulated quite well after the hysterectomy, but since my GI bleed in late September, my surgeon has had be taking 29mg Iron four times per day.  You might want to check out the Weightwise.com store.  All of the products are bariatric friendly.  You can even go up to the store at Weightwise if it is convenient.  All of my vitamins are chewable and taste pretty darn good.  The iron is a passion fruit flavor. There are two flavors of multi-vitamins and 3 flavors of calcium.   Keep up the good work and you will be rewarded!