Good evening everyone... trying to get back on track with the food and exercise.  Went to the gym twice last week so I feel good about that.  Stocked up on regular protein powders (not just Click) and trying to cut back on the caffeine and add water back into my routine.  

Some friends I met on a FB group created a healthy and positive group to support others trying to get back into a healthy lifestyle.  From what I can tell so far, nobody else in the group had surgery and that's ok.  It's all about people trying to be healthy and supporting each other in the process.  They are all very nice and supportive and we have a "resident trainer" who has lost weight and gotten himself fit through diet and exercise.  He is going to give us exercise and nutrition tips as requested or as he comes up with stuff.  Neil is in the group, too, so we are doing this together.  

I am going to try to post here daily, as well..  If not daily, then at least weekly.  

Hi Laureen;

Doing well here.  The house is still annoying.  Lawyers, court, depositions, experts, etc.....  Work is good.  I'm getting ready to move into a new position as a Supervisor.  Not bad to have been offered this position 6 months after receiving my MBA.  This is the second position that has been offered to me this year, the other position was not management - I figure if the MBA is going to pay off Management is the direction I want to go in. 

Gene's practice is doing well.  We have the home office open, an office in Willow Grove, and he also sees clients at a group practice in Center City.  Now that the house is winding down as far as the completion of the actual construction goes, he'll be able to take on more clients and add more days to his practice.  In addition to Gene's  private practice, he also fills in and preaches at church when our pastor is out of town, when Gene preaches I take the role of Worship Leader.  That makes for a very interesting week, Gene researching and planning his sermon and me researching and planning the scripture and prayers that will enhance his service.  I have a lot of prep and writing on during those weeks, I'm not someone that can pray on the fly I have to write out everything or I'm so nervous I would never be able to get up there.  Gene is totally opposite me, he doesn't write anything including his sermon - amazes me. 

The kitties are also keeping us busy.  Ez is so much fun to have around, Hider has been found to have not only a thyroid problem but also is now experiencing heart problems.  Her vet is trying to decide if putting her on kitty prozac is a good idea with the heart condition, because the stress level she's experiencing seems to be detrimental to her as well.  Yesterday she bit the vet assistant when trying to get blood to run her blood tests.  She's never been a problem at the vet - they actually had to muzzle her and could not get the amount of blood needed for the entire panel they wanted to run.  Could not stress her anymore so we had to settle for what they could get. 

Hope you all have a great day....hoping to one of these Saturday's or Wed evenings make a meeting....we shall see...

Ida

Lisa,

     Thank you so much for taking the time to let everyone know what happened and how you are doing.  As someone who is 3.5 years out I don't think about possible complications down the line.  I also am without health insurance but try very hard to stay on top of my vitamins and iron.  Found out the hard way last year that ignoring them made my depression a lot worse.

     I am glad that you have some answers and have found a bariatric surgeon who will work with you.  Can't imagine the anxiety you have been having over this.  I pray that 2013 will be a better year for you health wise.  Please continue to keep us posted on your journey.  Take care.

Donna

I am having surgery on Jan 9th I am on the pre op liquid diet. Just looking for ideas on how to get through this as I am ABSOLUTELY starving right now. lol. Also wondering about the "thin" cream soup as well. And if I did it from the can would I have to strain it also. and how much am I allowed. All my Dr.s offices are closed so I can't call and ask . But I have another 4 days to go and I feel like I'm losing it.. haha

Thanks for the well wishes, Laureen, and thank you for adding your good advice here also.  I'm glad you are well now and sorry you are still dealing with pain.  

Yes, that's the heart of the matter: our bodies are not normal.  We are different.  We must remember this and educate our care givers - because, often, nobody else has!

Hugs,

Lisa