Calling all Lurkers!!!

Hi Jody, I am in Ann Arbor Michigan! It's totally nice to see another Michigander  Thanks for welcoming me. I hope to have a surgery date in the next week or 2 but we shall see?

Ahh - you're right down the highway!  Where are you having your surgery?  Dr?

Hi, my name is Jennifer and I am on here daily reading all. I have posted a few times though. I got the RNY on August 12th. My HW 242, my SW 220 and my current weight is 205. I have been in a bit of a stall these last couple of weeks. My body is trying to hold out longer than me but not gonna let that happen this time. I walk daily and just started back to the gym. This forum is been extremely helpful and supportive. The first place I head to in the morning everyday and I check throughout the day as well!!!

Welcome Jennifer.  Sounds like you are right on track for a lightweight.  We will lose the same % of excess weight but it will be fewer pounds than our heavier friends.  Exercising will help, good for you.  Now to just keep on keeping on and let the magic happen. 

Welcome Jennifer.  Congratulations on your surgery.  

Sounds like you are doing a great job.

Linda

Hi, my name is Barrie (female) and I am a lurker too.  I have been reading this site for a while as I research my decision to have surgery.  I started the process about 2 yrs ago and then chickened out.  Thought I could really apply myself and lose some weight again on my own. (Boy was I wrong).LOL.  I have been overweight most of my life.  Just turned 50 on August 29th and decided now is the time.  I am hoping to have VSG in January.  2 yrs ago I went all the way to pre-op, but since I chickened out I have to start again.  My passion is cooking (I'm a foodie)and entertaining.  I have to get my head around the fact that I will still be able to cook for others, but I will have to learn to cook and eat differently for me.  My husband is so supportive of my decision I know that he will also help me keep on track and be my rock.  When I eat now I think about only being to eat a few ounces of what I am consuming and that freaks me out.

What about alcohol consumption after surgery?  I love my Jack Daniels on the rocks. Don't want to give it up altogether. lol.   Just looking for some cold hard truth about want I am going to go through.  I appreciate everything that those on this site share.  It is very helpful and everyone is so nice.  I will post again soon and not be just a lurker.  :-)

Barrie

Welcome Barrie.

It is a big decision and one that you live with for the rest of your life.  For me, I just wanted my life back.  Losing was more important than any of the changes that I knew I would have to make.  When you get to that point, you will be ready to do whatever it takes.

Alcohol.  Most Drs don't want you drinking for 6 months to a year.  Then you need to go slow.  Your whole absorption and body weight changes probably will mean you are a cheap drunk for a while.  I used to enjoy a glass of wine or a mixed drink, now, I won't waste the calories very often.  Plus I find that my inhibitions get loose and I eat more if I drink.  So I just don't more often than not. 

Otherwise, being a foodie is great.  You will learn to enjoy every tiny bite.  There is nothing I can not eat but there is lots I choose not to eat.  Some folks do have issues with certain foods early out and some even further out but that is the exception instead of the rule.

but don't kid yourself.  Any surgery can be eaten around and you can gain back every pound that you lose.  You will have a tool for life, but you have to chose to use it.

Lots to think about, I know.  It's a big decision but it is the best thing I have ever done for myself. 

Like Price said - be very careful with alcohol.  At almost 6 years out 1 beer puts me "over the limit".  There's also transfer addiction related to alcohol.  You may want to read up on that too. 

Congrats on your upcoming surgery!  Don't fear food - I've learned a whole different eating.  There's SO many good, low carb recipes and sites out there now.  I now enjoy cooking whereas I never did before.  It's a HUGE bonus your hubby is supportive - that will make the journey that much easier. 

Welcome Barrie.  I could lose weight, just couldn't keep it off-LOL!!  I love to cook also, you will still be able to cook.  Lots of the foods that you change will be foods your family can eat also.  My DH is picky sometimes, but most of the time he eats what I cook and likes it.

Like the others have said, be careful with the alcohol.  If you read some of the boards, you will see that some have a real problem with the transfer addiction and alcohol hits them really hard.

Keep us updated.

Linda

Hello!  I was lurker back in 2006-2007 when I had Lap-band surgery.  I've been lurking again for the last couple months because I am having RNY surgery on Nov 21st.  I love being able to come here and read about people's experiences.