Aloha from your Maui Sistah!
Good morning OFF friends and family,
I know I am bad at checking in regularly, but I always do read and follow what is happening with you all. This really is a FAMILY who talks about much more than just weight loss. I deeply appreciate the sharing that goes on in here.
So many friends are facing physical challenges lately in my life, and it sounds like in many of yours, too. Sometimes I think what gets us through is knowing that we are not alone, that many just like us are dealing with things out of our control.
My job at the Maui Memorial Hospital as a newborn hearing screener puts a very special perspective on life. Every day I get to see new little souls just arriving and I get to cuddle and talk to them before testing. It is life affirming. Happily I can say that MOST babies are wanted, and the few that are not, I just have to hope and pray that they will find loving homes. This morning I had 9 babies born yesterday on Maui!! If you multiply that by 365, you can see what a baby boom we are having on this small island. I can only imagine what it's like in all the big hospitals on the mainland!!
For those who are new here, my story is that I have been with OFF for around 7 years. Started well over 300lbs. Now around 150. These wonderful people helped me through pre-surgery, surgery, and all the challenges of AFTER Surgery!! I cherish that help, and feel guilty when I don't contribute to those newcomers who are where I was at 6 years ago. This IS a surgery that will save your lives........do not be afraid. Come here and you will find someone who knows exactly what you are feeling and going through.
Aloha nui loa,
Maui Karen
I know I am bad at checking in regularly, but I always do read and follow what is happening with you all. This really is a FAMILY who talks about much more than just weight loss. I deeply appreciate the sharing that goes on in here.
So many friends are facing physical challenges lately in my life, and it sounds like in many of yours, too. Sometimes I think what gets us through is knowing that we are not alone, that many just like us are dealing with things out of our control.
My job at the Maui Memorial Hospital as a newborn hearing screener puts a very special perspective on life. Every day I get to see new little souls just arriving and I get to cuddle and talk to them before testing. It is life affirming. Happily I can say that MOST babies are wanted, and the few that are not, I just have to hope and pray that they will find loving homes. This morning I had 9 babies born yesterday on Maui!! If you multiply that by 365, you can see what a baby boom we are having on this small island. I can only imagine what it's like in all the big hospitals on the mainland!!
For those who are new here, my story is that I have been with OFF for around 7 years. Started well over 300lbs. Now around 150. These wonderful people helped me through pre-surgery, surgery, and all the challenges of AFTER Surgery!! I cherish that help, and feel guilty when I don't contribute to those newcomers who are where I was at 6 years ago. This IS a surgery that will save your lives........do not be afraid. Come here and you will find someone who knows exactly what you are feeling and going through.
Aloha nui loa,
Maui Karen
Aloha dear Judy........I love following your life. It's like a soap opera....Ha!! Imagine doing all that you do at your highest weight!!
Sometimes I forget to be thankful for the little things.....like being able to get into and out of a car easily, laying on the floor with my two little kitties (Nicki and Poki) and getting up in a flash, buying clothes from the SMALL rack....oh my!! I still sometimes SEE myself as a fat person...it's in my head. Today I can wear size 8 jeans!! OMG! As you know, though, getting smaller doesn't take away all our problems. It just helps to make us more physically able to "be there" when before so many things just couldn't be done at our size.
Always wishing you smooth sailing......you are a love!!
Aloha nui loa,
Maui Karen
Sometimes I forget to be thankful for the little things.....like being able to get into and out of a car easily, laying on the floor with my two little kitties (Nicki and Poki) and getting up in a flash, buying clothes from the SMALL rack....oh my!! I still sometimes SEE myself as a fat person...it's in my head. Today I can wear size 8 jeans!! OMG! As you know, though, getting smaller doesn't take away all our problems. It just helps to make us more physically able to "be there" when before so many things just couldn't be done at our size.
Always wishing you smooth sailing......you are a love!!
Aloha nui loa,
Maui Karen
LOL Karen!!! I bet I NEVER would have made the move to Ohio if I was still FAT!!! IF I DID make the move to Ohio and I was still FAT, I bet I never would have gotten the job I have now....so many IF's!! My goodness I don't think I would even be alive IF I was still FAT like before!!! Dr told me in a few short years I would be dead IF I didn't do something soon about my weight!!
Yes I am thankful for all the little things I can now do be it so humble!!!
LOL my life IS a soap opera....LOL
HUGS
Hi. I'm new and pre op. Had my first appt on June 29--have 3 months and bunches of hoops to jump through for insurance approval. I am 53 and just posted in the main wls forum because I saw wls for 20s, 30s, 40s and didn't see 50s. Made me scared and worried, thinking it was too late. I'm glad I kept searching and found this forum. Any suggestions on what to do NOW --almost 3 months before to make things easier. I'm reading all I can, trying all kinds of protein shakes to see what I like--ordered a bunch of samples. I guess I should try to learn to not drink with meals----that will be very hard for me. Any help is most appreciated.
Don't buy a lot of drinks please wait and in the end you will save money.
Why?
Because your taste buds change after surgery. What might taste good to you now might not after surgery.
You wouldn't believe all the freebies I got from fresh post ops b/c they couldn't stand the brand anymore.
Things you can do now to help prepare yourself for a new life style change:
1. Stop drinking with meals. This is very hard to do at first. My suggestion is to eat fresh fruit at the end of your meal to give moisten your mouth or to just suck on a small ice cube if your really thirsty. To this date that is one rule I never break, I don't drink with my meals...ever.
2, Start a journal now. Measure yourself. Don't let the scale dictate to you b/c it never tells the whole truth. So measure yourself especially the days you don't lose or gain.
3. Exercise now. Walking is cheap. If you haven't joined a gym but are able to afford it, do so.
Why?
Because your taste buds change after surgery. What might taste good to you now might not after surgery.
You wouldn't believe all the freebies I got from fresh post ops b/c they couldn't stand the brand anymore.
Things you can do now to help prepare yourself for a new life style change:
1. Stop drinking with meals. This is very hard to do at first. My suggestion is to eat fresh fruit at the end of your meal to give moisten your mouth or to just suck on a small ice cube if your really thirsty. To this date that is one rule I never break, I don't drink with my meals...ever.
2, Start a journal now. Measure yourself. Don't let the scale dictate to you b/c it never tells the whole truth. So measure yourself especially the days you don't lose or gain.
3. Exercise now. Walking is cheap. If you haven't joined a gym but are able to afford it, do so.
I agree with everything Debbie said, plus cut down on caffeine now, rather than having to go cold turkey later. It's hell going cold turkey (I've done it and it's no fun).
I usually have one or two SF mints after a meal (Lifesavers, generally). I suck on those to keep my mouth moist and that way, I forget that I'm not drinking water.
Good luck .. your first appointment was eight years to the day I had my surgery.
I usually have one or two SF mints after a meal (Lifesavers, generally). I suck on those to keep my mouth moist and that way, I forget that I'm not drinking water.
Good luck .. your first appointment was eight years to the day I had my surgery.
Hello Mary and WELCOME to OFF!!!!
Oh how I remember those hoops!! Never give up keep on plugging through!
Others have given you good advice. Start walking now even a block at a time. You will be glad you did. I also agree. Start drinking lots of water, smaller food portions, cut out caffeine if you can...slowly!!
Hang on for the wild ride!!!
HUGS....connie d
Oh how I remember those hoops!! Never give up keep on plugging through!
Others have given you good advice. Start walking now even a block at a time. You will be glad you did. I also agree. Start drinking lots of water, smaller food portions, cut out caffeine if you can...slowly!!
Hang on for the wild ride!!!
HUGS....connie d
Hi Mary,
All that has been said is excellent advice. The most important things I did was to wean myself off of sugar and caffeine, and to exercise as much as possible, especially walking.
Also, I practiced deep breathing exercises to relax and prepare myself for the respiratory therapy times in and out of the hospital post-op. The breathing exercises are simply inhale through the nose as deeply as you can, and then blow out slowly and steadily like you're blowing out a candle. Also, the deep breathing helps with pain management post-op.
Keep feeling free to check in here, and ask questions.
Hugs,
Trish
All that has been said is excellent advice. The most important things I did was to wean myself off of sugar and caffeine, and to exercise as much as possible, especially walking.
Also, I practiced deep breathing exercises to relax and prepare myself for the respiratory therapy times in and out of the hospital post-op. The breathing exercises are simply inhale through the nose as deeply as you can, and then blow out slowly and steadily like you're blowing out a candle. Also, the deep breathing helps with pain management post-op.
Keep feeling free to check in here, and ask questions.
Hugs,
Trish
Seek always to do some good, somewhere. Every man has to seek in his own way to realize his true worth. You must give some time to your fellow man. For remember, you don't live in a world all your own. Your brothers are here too.
Albert Schweitzer
Albert Schweitzer
Aloha Mary......Oh my...you bring back memories of those months and months of classes, tests, instructions, etc. before they would do surgery on me. I had to wait a year before I was accepted into the program. Luckily they didn't require us to lose 30 or 40 lbs. before they would do surgery, because I weighed the same (325) before the year started and after!!
Let me assure you that life as you know it does NOT stop after WLS. For a few months, you will eat differently and hopefully keep close tabs of your intake......I had a journal in which I wrote daily calories, protein, carbs and good/bad selections. I kept those journals for around 3 years....finally gave them up. Today, six years later, I drink coffee, I can eat almost anything, and my tool helps keep me at my goal weight. I don't crave sugar anymore, thank heavens. But I do have the occasional piece of pie or ice cream.......just doesn't do it like it used to.
Before your surgery, be sure to take pictures!!! I have lost my
fat Karen pictures, and I deeply regret that. If you keep a journal, take a picture each month in the same place and watch the transformation. You will be amazed.
I am so happy for you. Your life is about to change dramatically. Don't worry about NEVER being able to eat the things you love again. You will....just not a whole bag of cookies......one or two!! Ha
Good luck and keep us informed.
Aloha nui loa,
Maui Karen
Let me assure you that life as you know it does NOT stop after WLS. For a few months, you will eat differently and hopefully keep close tabs of your intake......I had a journal in which I wrote daily calories, protein, carbs and good/bad selections. I kept those journals for around 3 years....finally gave them up. Today, six years later, I drink coffee, I can eat almost anything, and my tool helps keep me at my goal weight. I don't crave sugar anymore, thank heavens. But I do have the occasional piece of pie or ice cream.......just doesn't do it like it used to.
Before your surgery, be sure to take pictures!!! I have lost my
fat Karen pictures, and I deeply regret that. If you keep a journal, take a picture each month in the same place and watch the transformation. You will be amazed.
I am so happy for you. Your life is about to change dramatically. Don't worry about NEVER being able to eat the things you love again. You will....just not a whole bag of cookies......one or two!! Ha
Good luck and keep us informed.
Aloha nui loa,
Maui Karen
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