Am trying so hard to stick with the pre-op diet and am doing okay, but I really miss crunchy foods - the weather is playing a role.  I enjoy a good movie, air popped popcorn (no butter) and relaxing.  I took a two mile walk, and while tired, I'm also chilled.  I was pre-warned about blues, but how do some of you deal with it?

I've lost six pounds this week and I am using that as an incentive - but it is difficult - especially when somebody wants to take me out for dinner/dessert.  Any ideas on a cheer up that is emotional that has worked for you?
Thanks - at least I could vent.
Kathy

Hi MaryAnne,
Yes, Rockwood is a center of excellence and yes it does mean that they have a high success rate and do a lot of these surgeries, per the ASBMS and all their requirements to be a center of excellence.  I was with UMP as well and was able to lose my 5% in a couple days short of 4 weeks.  I can't say enough good about Accomplish and all their help and encouragement and my UMP coordinator has been excellent as well.  One thing my coordinator told me to do was when I finally got approval to see the surgeon, schedule that appt with the psych evaluation so you only have to go up to Spokane once and the psych eval seems to take forever getting their results to the surgeons office.  Once that was done and I was given approval for surgery, I did all my pre-op testing here in the Tri-Cities.  My surgeon is Dr. Spitz and I just love him.  He's got a very caring manner as well as a good sense of humor and I really clicked with him and have a great deal of confidence in him.  I am scheduled for my surgery on June 2nd and so at the moment I am doing the 2 week liquid protein pre-surgery to shrink my liver some more for surgery.  Let me tell you the first 3 days were hell, headache, exhausted, just felt awful and today, is the 4th day and I feel like myself again, thank god.
If I can give you any advice it would be to keep working at losing weight even after you've lost the 5% and keep exercising, I've continued to lose weight and lost a total of 42 pounds, I am on my treadmill 6 days a week for 40 minutes and that will only help you be more fit and ready for surgery.  Also the book Weight Loss Surgery for Dummies is a fabulous book and choke full of great information.  Give up soda, coffee/caffeine, etc now, it makes life a lot easier, and learn to slow your eating down and drink tons of water - in the end it will all help you a lot.  Also, check out this site:  http://bariatrictv.com/  They have great informational shows and an awesome forum with very wonderful and kind and caring people that will answer your questions and cheer you on in your journey.  I wish you all kinds of luck and success in your journey.

Tammy

I found a flavorless soy protein drink the other day - not too bad.  It has the same grams of protein as the whey and instead of a scoop, you only need two teaspoons.  I've added it to yogurt, sugar free pudding, jello (more of a juice than jello), tomato juice, and even room temp broth - so far I am tolerating that one far better than I did the whey.  Hope that helps - I purchased it at Bi-Mart for under $11.  It was a one pound can.
Kathy

How are you going to handle these situations? Stay home so no one will notice you don't eat the cake? Overeat? Excuse yourself and run every time someone says "you sure aren't eating very much..."?? Come to the Thru Thick N' Thin Support Group meeting on Monday, May 24th, and get answers, ideas and quick comebacks for these and many other situations. We meet from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at the Summit Branch of the Pierce County Library, this, and every 4th Monday of the month. All surgery types, pre- and post op. are welcome, along with your support person. Please leave children under 18 with a loving caregiver, and remember to silence your cell phone. Please click on the link under my signature for more info. See you there!

Kathy, I hope you are doing well and will be able to attend "group" on Monday. Sorry I have been "OC" (off computer) for almost a month, so didn't reply earlier. Hope you are really zipping along by now! Hugs!!