I've been spying on you!

Hello, I have been spying on you annonymously for about a year now. I have been fighting insurance companies and doctors for the past 5 years. I got up to 710 pounds and am now down to 619. I just received an acceptance from Kaiser and a referral to OHSU for surgery. I go in monday to talk with the nurse and nutritionist. I hope to set a date in the next few months. I am attending the kaiser support group next saturday. So I am looking for insight, support and answers to questions. So I hope you will bestow me with all your wisdom. 1. What is the best process or product to work with excess skin without more surgery. 2. What is the best tasting liquid supplement so I don't waste money on bad stuff. 3. What do I need to prepare for my surgery before and after that the doctors and nurses don't tell you. Here is a little about me. My name is Michel I run a childcare in Vancouver, I have been married for 21 years and have two teenage daughters. I have three college degrees and teach adult education in the evenings and weekends. I train child care providers, assistants and teachers. I also own an indoor heated swim spa that is open to the public if anyone is in my neighborhood and need a private place to work out. Well that should be enough for now. Thanks Michel

Hi Michel! Congratulations and welcome aboard! I'm glad you found the courage to finally post ... and what great news that you got a referral! I imagine that you are so full of excitement now! I don't have any answers to your questions because I'm pre-op as well. But I'm anxious to read any responses you might get ... good questions! Anyway, just wanted to wish you well and I'm so happy for you! Deanna

Welcome Michel!!!!! Is your support group in Calackamus through the Sunnyside Kaiser? If so, I look forward to meeting you tomorrow! Good job on your weight loss. I wish I could answer all your questions, but I can only give you my experience. 1. Geez, if someone knows of anything that truly works, I want to know, too! I no longer look like my picture. I look more like a Sharpei dog! I hope that you will recognize me on Saturday. I am older, so the elasticity has left my skin and I'm a wrinkled mess. I tried the Avon creams, but they did nothing for me. 2. I used the Unjury protein supplement and it worked best for me. You can order it online. 3. Prepare for the possibility that you might have "buyers remorse" and doubt your decision. Many people do, but it soon passes. It's also common to feel a little depressed. Talk to your surgeon, if you do. Best wishes to you. This will be an amazing journey! Joy

Joy, thanks for writing back. Yes it is at clackamus at 10 am I think. If I don't search you out, please introduce yourself. Thanks michel

MIchel, The post-op group starts at 8:45 (YAWN!) then the pre-op/post-op group starts at ... Hmmm... maybe it is 10 am? Not sure, but everything ends at about noon. I will be there with my husband. I'll look for you! Joy

Michel, I missed seeing you today. Hope you're okay and that I see you next time. Joy

Michel: I am 20 months out and have lost all my weight--110 pounds. I was actually called a "light weight" in the WLS world, but it didn't feel light to me. My doctor thought that statistically I would lose about 75 pounds. I've been fortunate to lose a lot more. As you can see, I live in Vancouver too. If you ever want to talk, let me know and I'll send you my phone number. Now to answer your questions: 1. What is the best process or product to work with excess skin without more surgery. I am actually considerting plastic surgery because I, too, am older and the elasticity is gone from my skin. I always say that the tops of my legs look like prunes. They make me very self-conscious--not as bad as when peopled looked at me when I was heavy, but still don't wear shorts or a bathing suit in public. 2. What is the best tasting liquid supplement so I don't waste money on bad stuff. Quite honestly, I went and stocked up before surgery and my tastes totally changed and I couldn't stand any of it! I now use Nectar Brand and use Fuzzy Naval and Kiwi Strawberry. I mix the two so they are not too strong. I was ordering them online, but now I've found them across the river in Jantzen Beach at The Vitamin Shoppe. (Which reminds me, I have to go there tomorrow and buy some.) Anyway, I drink one of those in the morning on the way to work then I try to get the rest of my protein through food. If I don't make it, I have another protein drink at night. 3. What do I need to prepare for my surgery before and after that the doctors and nurses don't tell you. Everyone is so different who gets this surgery. What happens to one person another person will have no problem with. My problem was anesthesia. I am an avid crossword puzzler and I could not think clearly enough for about four weeks to even do the easiest crossword puzzles. I took four weeks off work (I had a lot of sick leave stored up--I could have gone back in three) and I was worried about going back because I couldn't think clearly. I am a paralegal in a law firm and it's important to be on your toes. Well, going back to work forced me to use my brain and I was fine in a few days. Anyway, hope this helps. Good luck in your journey. It is so worth it. Pam