Doctor visit recap

Had an appointment with my dietitian today. In the past 2 months I have given up beer, soda, fried food, and tea. Ive incorporated veggies I always said I'd never touch into meals. Her goal for me last month was to start practicing chewing slower and without any liquid, which I've since started doing. Today she told me that I have to be eating two snacks a day before "I meet indiciations." She wants me to stick to 1500-1700 calories/day, but in the next sentence says she doesn't want me to worry too much about calories. She says it's OK to have "treats" every now and then, but then scolds me when I have a Skinny Cow candy bar as a snack. I'm so overwhelmed, frustrated and confused. 

To make my bad morning worse, I also had an appointment with my Physician's Asst, and my EKG showed patterns of sleep apnea and pulmonary heart disease. I'm 29 years old. This new**** me like a ton of bricks. I immediately started blaming myself for all those years of smoking. It's been a pretty rough afternoon, but I already feel better after getting it off my chest on here. I have to get a sleep study next month and meet with a Pulmonologist soon after that. Trying to stay calm and not catastrophize. 

The dietician is right.  You shouldn't feel bad about treating yourself, but she was wrong to reprimand you when you told her that you did treat yourself.

I'm pretty sure that she is thinking that you should have a healthier snack twice a day.  I usually add a string cheese and some nuts or something that has plenty of protein.

As for the other news....that's scary, but you're in the right hands.  They've already set you up with a sleep study and a pulmonologist, so they're looking out for you!

I'm not sure there are many people here that will gush over how awesome their NUT is, ultimately. Most are people that have never had WLS, and they are only preaching the standards for the general population. Our needs are different... so learn to smile, nod your head, and pick and choose what you think it solid advice.

Of course, that's not to say that they don't also have good advice. You're just going to have to learn for yourself which advice is sound, and which advice sucks! LOL

I'm definitely learning this, hehe! My NUT just threw her cap in the air and I think still holds her degree during our meetings   so I try to to take into consideration that she's only been working there for 4 months and not to hang onto every word she says. 

SNORT!

Just so you quit blaming yourself so much - even if you hadn't smoked or had weight problems you still could have some heart abnormalities. My youngest son is 29 and has never smoked, and has been thin (under 175lbs at 6'1")  his entire life. He has high blood pressure and had ekg abnormalities due to uncontrolled hypertension which we seriously had no idea existed. So even if you had done everything right you still could have problems. The main thing is to do what is best for you health wise now that you know. As for the snacks, your NUT will probably be happier if you make them a little more health conscious, if you want sweet try a sugar free popsicle, she probably will be fine with that.

Keep up the hard work, it will be worth it.

Ceci

Thank you, Ceci! My grandpa was diagnosed when he was 42, so I always knew it was in my genes. Like I said, I'm trying not to play the what-if game or put myself down as I know that will only make things worse. The initial shock of it all just got me really emotional. Thank you for the encouragement!

Hang in there, you're on the right track. I honestly didn't quit drinking fluids with food before surgery. I tried but would cave. Since surgery it's so much easier because you really do get full of liquid or food. The combo is painful for me. Now, I always try my best to keep to that 30 minute rule. Good luck and God bless you on this journey

I think it is helpful to start working on bad habits like drinking after meals, and eliminating snacks that are not so healthy.  Also, adding good snacks like nuts and cheese... but that said don't pay so much attention to NUTs.  They have not walked in our shoes.  I pay much more attention to what the vets here say. They have walked the walk.  

I had undiagnosed sleep apnea, ended up with two sleep studies before surgery.  I have a cpap now and sleep very well.  I had high blood pressure, which is slowly resolving itself.  I had diabetes, which is resolved at this point.  The purpose of this surgery is to get you healthy!  And if you follow your guidelines, it can!

I feel so lucky: my practice (Frye in Hickory, NC) has a great dietitian. (Dietitians have more education than nutritionists, which may help.) That said, this whole process is a bewildering change, so don't beat up on yourself! Whatever missteps you might make or what health issues you may already have, you are doing something great for your health and should be proud of yourself. It's not easy, so think progress, not perfection. Here's an e-hug and wishes for good health news soon!