Bariatric Buddy
Good morning!
Wow, I join the group one day and the next day I receive a message that I've been missed. Too cute!
So here, let me introduce myself... hi! I am hoping to have surgery in late winter / early spring if all goes well, and I am THIRSTY for information! Let me share with you what I just shared with a friend:
I had my first appointment with the surgeon and we went over medical history, diet history, family history, and surgery choices. I haven't seen him since. I did not know I was supposed to be changing my eating habits right from the get-go. I had my initial appointment with the dietician, and we discussed behavior modifications; what I would need to change, and what I should focus on for the first month. So I wasn't dieting - in fact, I was approaching some things with the attitude of "Enjoy it now, because in a few months you won't be able to tolerate this any more!". That attitude, combined with quitting smoking (yay, I quit smoking!), caused me to come back in August a few pounds heavier. Even after my second appointment I was not real clear that YES, I need to be watching what I eat NOW. Needless to say, I showed up last week a couple pounds heavier yet! I never considered that you should diet pre-op. I assumed that if you dieted beforehand, you would lose weight and they would tell you "See, you CAN do it on your own, you don't need surgical help!". It wasn't until sometime in September that it clicked, that I was supposed to diet. The dietician mentioned anything about it, and I just thought it was normal.
Then, I had my appointment with the internist. But for some reason I was lead to believe that my appointment with the internist was the psych eval! His office was running very behind that day; apparently someone in the office was retiring, and they had a celebratory lunch for her that day. I can truly understand that. But before I knew this, I figured keeping me in the waiting room more than an hour after my scheduled appointment was a "test". Then about 10 minutes into the appointment he disappeared again, looking for some records. This time he was gone about 40 minutes - long enough for me to talk to my husband on the phone (twice) and to read 2 magazine articles. I couldn't figure out why he was examining me physically the way he was, either. It wasn't until the very end of the appointment that I realized my error, and I'm really sorry about that because I didn't go into as much detail on some issues as I might have otherwise. I guess I didn't realize there was an internist appointment, I thought the only doctor aside from the surgeon that I'd be seeing would be for my psych eval!
At any rate, these are two VERY HUGE misconceptions. I think this is why I am so anxious to compare notes with others in the pre-op stage; what else am I missing? How are others faring? How am I doing compared to others? What are the fears, and motivators?
As I said before, I managed to maintain - to the quarter pound! - between my Sept. and Oct. appointments. I didn't gain, so I am calling it a success. I am trying to keep a "food diary", but I struggle with it. Not sure why, but I do! I have been trying to be a little more active, but that's been difficult too... since March I have been dealing with plantar fasciatis. If you don't know what that is, it's basically an inflammation of the tendons running from the heels to the balls of the feet. This creates a sensation of spikes being thrust up your heels when ANY weight is placed on them! Like a lot of muscle and tendon issues, as they "warm up" the pain lessens. But those first steps in the morning are torture. If you sit too long, it's painful when you get up. If you put your feet up, as in a recliner, or laying on the couch, it's painful when you get up. And the more you're up, and the more you exercise, walk, use steps, etc., the more painful it is in the morning, or when you get up from sitting or laying. I went to the foot doctor. I had cortisone injections, I had ultrasound therapy 3 times a week, I had orthotics. Multiple doctor bills later I was no better, so I quit going. I am FINALLY seeing the light at the end of the tunnel, and I can now do short walks if I walk slowly without any adverse reactions. This has been really hard on me too, we have 2 Labrador retrievers who LOVE their walks. My husband and my son have walked them, but I used to walk them daily, unless it was bitter cold out, so we've all struggled! Now I'm starting to feel better, and the winter months are setting in.... why couldn't this happen over the colder months?? lol
That's it for now. Hello! And have a great Sunday :)
So here, let me introduce myself... hi! I am hoping to have surgery in late winter / early spring if all goes well, and I am THIRSTY for information! Let me share with you what I just shared with a friend:
I had my first appointment with the surgeon and we went over medical history, diet history, family history, and surgery choices. I haven't seen him since. I did not know I was supposed to be changing my eating habits right from the get-go. I had my initial appointment with the dietician, and we discussed behavior modifications; what I would need to change, and what I should focus on for the first month. So I wasn't dieting - in fact, I was approaching some things with the attitude of "Enjoy it now, because in a few months you won't be able to tolerate this any more!". That attitude, combined with quitting smoking (yay, I quit smoking!), caused me to come back in August a few pounds heavier. Even after my second appointment I was not real clear that YES, I need to be watching what I eat NOW. Needless to say, I showed up last week a couple pounds heavier yet! I never considered that you should diet pre-op. I assumed that if you dieted beforehand, you would lose weight and they would tell you "See, you CAN do it on your own, you don't need surgical help!". It wasn't until sometime in September that it clicked, that I was supposed to diet. The dietician mentioned anything about it, and I just thought it was normal.
Then, I had my appointment with the internist. But for some reason I was lead to believe that my appointment with the internist was the psych eval! His office was running very behind that day; apparently someone in the office was retiring, and they had a celebratory lunch for her that day. I can truly understand that. But before I knew this, I figured keeping me in the waiting room more than an hour after my scheduled appointment was a "test". Then about 10 minutes into the appointment he disappeared again, looking for some records. This time he was gone about 40 minutes - long enough for me to talk to my husband on the phone (twice) and to read 2 magazine articles. I couldn't figure out why he was examining me physically the way he was, either. It wasn't until the very end of the appointment that I realized my error, and I'm really sorry about that because I didn't go into as much detail on some issues as I might have otherwise. I guess I didn't realize there was an internist appointment, I thought the only doctor aside from the surgeon that I'd be seeing would be for my psych eval!
At any rate, these are two VERY HUGE misconceptions. I think this is why I am so anxious to compare notes with others in the pre-op stage; what else am I missing? How are others faring? How am I doing compared to others? What are the fears, and motivators?
As I said before, I managed to maintain - to the quarter pound! - between my Sept. and Oct. appointments. I didn't gain, so I am calling it a success. I am trying to keep a "food diary", but I struggle with it. Not sure why, but I do! I have been trying to be a little more active, but that's been difficult too... since March I have been dealing with plantar fasciatis. If you don't know what that is, it's basically an inflammation of the tendons running from the heels to the balls of the feet. This creates a sensation of spikes being thrust up your heels when ANY weight is placed on them! Like a lot of muscle and tendon issues, as they "warm up" the pain lessens. But those first steps in the morning are torture. If you sit too long, it's painful when you get up. If you put your feet up, as in a recliner, or laying on the couch, it's painful when you get up. And the more you're up, and the more you exercise, walk, use steps, etc., the more painful it is in the morning, or when you get up from sitting or laying. I went to the foot doctor. I had cortisone injections, I had ultrasound therapy 3 times a week, I had orthotics. Multiple doctor bills later I was no better, so I quit going. I am FINALLY seeing the light at the end of the tunnel, and I can now do short walks if I walk slowly without any adverse reactions. This has been really hard on me too, we have 2 Labrador retrievers who LOVE their walks. My husband and my son have walked them, but I used to walk them daily, unless it was bitter cold out, so we've all struggled! Now I'm starting to feel better, and the winter months are setting in.... why couldn't this happen over the colder months?? lol
That's it for now. Hello! And have a great Sunday :)
294/302.5/287/177.8/195/175 - consult/highest/surgery morn/now/dr goal/my goal
Hi Darlene, we did miss you 
and I am so happy you shared a little of your story. Also glad that the light bulb went off and you are starting to work on ha*****anges. Stopping the smoking is a tough one, the rest will be just hurdles in your path. I used the 6 monthly diet visits to work on retraining myself in the practices I would need for after. Stopped drinking soda, wasn't much of a caffeine user, separated liquids from my meals (that was one of the tougher things to accomplish), started increasing my activity, logging foods also helped. If you need a quick place to log your foods, check your page, look under health tracker, there is also a place to log activity.
Nice story about the supposed psych visit. Did you have the real one yet?
I am just over 8 weeks out from my surgery and living life as well as I can. Happy to report that I am off insulin as of surgery. You talked about winter months, which area to you call home. I am in northern MN, snow on the rooftops across the street, it's been there a few days already. The trick and treater's were dressed warmly last evening.
I also have 2 dogs, they are not much on winter walking, at 6# and 11.5#, they chill easily. Photos of them on my page. The discomfort you describe sounds like the same thing I deal with when the weather changes. Feels like I should never step on that foot again for the first few steps, the longer I am up and around, the pain lessens, with a repeat performance after having my feet up. I just chalked it up to one of those things, not having it formally diagnosed. I wear orthotics for other reasons.
Hugs, Kathy
and I am so happy you shared a little of your story. Also glad that the light bulb went off and you are starting to work on ha*****anges. Stopping the smoking is a tough one, the rest will be just hurdles in your path. I used the 6 monthly diet visits to work on retraining myself in the practices I would need for after. Stopped drinking soda, wasn't much of a caffeine user, separated liquids from my meals (that was one of the tougher things to accomplish), started increasing my activity, logging foods also helped. If you need a quick place to log your foods, check your page, look under health tracker, there is also a place to log activity.Nice story about the supposed psych visit. Did you have the real one yet?
I am just over 8 weeks out from my surgery and living life as well as I can. Happy to report that I am off insulin as of surgery. You talked about winter months, which area to you call home. I am in northern MN, snow on the rooftops across the street, it's been there a few days already. The trick and treater's were dressed warmly last evening.
I also have 2 dogs, they are not much on winter walking, at 6# and 11.5#, they chill easily. Photos of them on my page. The discomfort you describe sounds like the same thing I deal with when the weather changes. Feels like I should never step on that foot again for the first few steps, the longer I am up and around, the pain lessens, with a repeat performance after having my feet up. I just chalked it up to one of those things, not having it formally diagnosed. I wear orthotics for other reasons.
Hugs, Kathy
OH Support Group Leader
Come visit us at the bariatric buddy group http://www.obesityhelp.com/group/bariatricbuddy/welcome
Come visit us at the bariatric buddy group http://www.obesityhelp.com/group/bariatricbuddy/welcome
Hello again! 
In response to some of the things you mentioned:
1. Smoking
I smoked (about a pack a day) on and off for ... hmmm, since I was about 14, so.... 27 years or so. Wow! Anyway, I quit in October of 2007 using Chantix. It was so easy when I used that Rx, I recommend it to anyone who wants to quit! This past February we had a LOT of family issues (3 major ones) happen within one week. My stress level went through the roof! A good friend of mine smokes, so I began taking breaks with her so I could vent, cry on her shoulder... you know, things friends do for friends! Mind you, I did say February, and we live in northwest Ohio. Our winter last year was pretty brutal, and the smoking area at work, while somewhat protected, IS outside - that's how desperate I was for a shoulder to cry on! I asked her for a cigarette, and the first time she refused. The second time though she gave me one, and I found myself right back on the nail coffins. I refused to smoke in the house though! I knew I had to quit again, and after I went to the info session for the surgery I made an appt with the family doc and got the Chantix again. It's so weird, it just makes them not sound good, not taste good... you pick one up, look at it, and say "Nahh, I don't want it". Truly a miracle drug! I am leery of long-term effects, so I have yet to take the meds for more than 31 days, but heck, it sure worked for me.
2. Psych eval
Yep, I had it a couple of weeks ago. I can't wait to see what it says about me! lol But I have to say, they psychologist is Dr. Nicely - perfect name for a psychologist, don't you think?!
3. Insulin
A real fear of diabetes is one of my motivators for having this surgery. My dad is diabetic. HIS dad was diabetic. His sister was diabetic and insulin-dependent, but she had gastric bypass surgery 11 years ago and hasn't taken any since! So while there isn't a LOT of cancer in our family, what we DO have is thyroid disease, diabetes, heart disease, stroke... all of the illnesses exacerbated by excess weight. And yep, we're all overweight. I had my labs done and I came back pre-diabetic, so it appears I'm doing this surgery just in time.
4. Dogs
We actually have 3 dogs, but our German Short-haired Pointer is almost 15, and has never walked well on a leash. I am so glad to have the 2 labs, they will help keep me moving when I'd rather become one with the couch! I did check your pictures, your little ones are adorable! I'll post some of mine too.
5. Feet
I had plantar fasciatis once before, many years ago. I got orthotics and *poof* the pain was gone. This time it's been a real trial, so I'm glad that it's finally subsiding. I managed to walk the dogs 4 times last week, I haven't been able to do that since last winter! I too am hoping that it gets better with weight loss. Be sure to have yours checked out if you don't notice an improvement. Just because treatment didn't work for me doesn't mean it won't work for you. (Though I am guessing that since you're in what appears to be a hospital setting in one of your pictures that you know this already!)
6. Location
I'm in a small town in northwest Ohio called Genoa. It's about 20 miles southeast of Toledo. We have seen flurries once, but that's it - and that's enough! I'm not much of a snow bunny. I can't imagine living in a climate without spring, summer and fall though, so I guess I take the good with the bad. The fall colors here were stunning this year! I am dreading seeing nothing but brown and white...
That's all for now. Have a great day!
In response to some of the things you mentioned:
1. Smoking
I smoked (about a pack a day) on and off for ... hmmm, since I was about 14, so.... 27 years or so. Wow! Anyway, I quit in October of 2007 using Chantix. It was so easy when I used that Rx, I recommend it to anyone who wants to quit! This past February we had a LOT of family issues (3 major ones) happen within one week. My stress level went through the roof! A good friend of mine smokes, so I began taking breaks with her so I could vent, cry on her shoulder... you know, things friends do for friends! Mind you, I did say February, and we live in northwest Ohio. Our winter last year was pretty brutal, and the smoking area at work, while somewhat protected, IS outside - that's how desperate I was for a shoulder to cry on! I asked her for a cigarette, and the first time she refused. The second time though she gave me one, and I found myself right back on the nail coffins. I refused to smoke in the house though! I knew I had to quit again, and after I went to the info session for the surgery I made an appt with the family doc and got the Chantix again. It's so weird, it just makes them not sound good, not taste good... you pick one up, look at it, and say "Nahh, I don't want it". Truly a miracle drug! I am leery of long-term effects, so I have yet to take the meds for more than 31 days, but heck, it sure worked for me.
2. Psych eval
Yep, I had it a couple of weeks ago. I can't wait to see what it says about me! lol But I have to say, they psychologist is Dr. Nicely - perfect name for a psychologist, don't you think?!
3. Insulin
A real fear of diabetes is one of my motivators for having this surgery. My dad is diabetic. HIS dad was diabetic. His sister was diabetic and insulin-dependent, but she had gastric bypass surgery 11 years ago and hasn't taken any since! So while there isn't a LOT of cancer in our family, what we DO have is thyroid disease, diabetes, heart disease, stroke... all of the illnesses exacerbated by excess weight. And yep, we're all overweight. I had my labs done and I came back pre-diabetic, so it appears I'm doing this surgery just in time.
4. Dogs
We actually have 3 dogs, but our German Short-haired Pointer is almost 15, and has never walked well on a leash. I am so glad to have the 2 labs, they will help keep me moving when I'd rather become one with the couch! I did check your pictures, your little ones are adorable! I'll post some of mine too.
5. Feet
I had plantar fasciatis once before, many years ago. I got orthotics and *poof* the pain was gone. This time it's been a real trial, so I'm glad that it's finally subsiding. I managed to walk the dogs 4 times last week, I haven't been able to do that since last winter! I too am hoping that it gets better with weight loss. Be sure to have yours checked out if you don't notice an improvement. Just because treatment didn't work for me doesn't mean it won't work for you. (Though I am guessing that since you're in what appears to be a hospital setting in one of your pictures that you know this already!)
6. Location
I'm in a small town in northwest Ohio called Genoa. It's about 20 miles southeast of Toledo. We have seen flurries once, but that's it - and that's enough! I'm not much of a snow bunny. I can't imagine living in a climate without spring, summer and fall though, so I guess I take the good with the bad. The fall colors here were stunning this year! I am dreading seeing nothing but brown and white...
That's all for now. Have a great day!
294/302.5/287/177.8/195/175 - consult/highest/surgery morn/now/dr goal/my goal
Yayy for the Chantix. Whatever it takes to assist in getting off the cigs.
There is diabetes dotted across the family tree. I have a brother and a neice with type 1, both parent, sister, aunts, uncles, grandparents with type 2.
My little ankle biters draw attention when we are out and about. Kids point and giggle, adults twist their necks around, nearly to the point of causing accidents. The dogs love people in general and will stop for attention.
We definitely have the seasons up here in northern MN. My dad kids that there are really 2 seasons in MN. Road construction and winter. lol.... Fall colors stopped by an early frost, I travelled in CO about 3 weeks ago and the colors in the mountains were stunning.
Take care. Hugs, Kathy
There is diabetes dotted across the family tree. I have a brother and a neice with type 1, both parent, sister, aunts, uncles, grandparents with type 2.
My little ankle biters draw attention when we are out and about. Kids point and giggle, adults twist their necks around, nearly to the point of causing accidents. The dogs love people in general and will stop for attention.
We definitely have the seasons up here in northern MN. My dad kids that there are really 2 seasons in MN. Road construction and winter. lol.... Fall colors stopped by an early frost, I travelled in CO about 3 weeks ago and the colors in the mountains were stunning.
Take care. Hugs, Kathy
OH Support Group Leader
Come visit us at the bariatric buddy group http://www.obesityhelp.com/group/bariatricbuddy/welcome
Come visit us at the bariatric buddy group http://www.obesityhelp.com/group/bariatricbuddy/welcome
Hello and welcome! Thank you for taking the time to come and introduce yourself and share your journey!
I have to say.. the "psych eval" story was just toooo funny! I got a good laugh to start my day. You seemed to accept it with humor too.. thats great!
I am glad the pain in your foot is improving, but you are right, it would have been great if it happened while it was still warm out. BUT better late than not at all huh?
I am originally from Northeast Ohio. Right in the snowbelt. I heard that got slammed last year too. Maybe you will be blessed with a milder winter this year. I know here in Colorado, it is looking like we are going to have a hard one this year. It has already snowed here 4 times, and usually we see little or none until late Nov to Mid decemeber and even then it isn't much... we shall see.
Good luck with your pre-op process! Keep us posted. And again... WELCOME!
I have to say.. the "psych eval" story was just toooo funny! I got a good laugh to start my day. You seemed to accept it with humor too.. thats great!
I am glad the pain in your foot is improving, but you are right, it would have been great if it happened while it was still warm out. BUT better late than not at all huh?
I am originally from Northeast Ohio. Right in the snowbelt. I heard that got slammed last year too. Maybe you will be blessed with a milder winter this year. I know here in Colorado, it is looking like we are going to have a hard one this year. It has already snowed here 4 times, and usually we see little or none until late Nov to Mid decemeber and even then it isn't much... we shall see.
Good luck with your pre-op process! Keep us posted. And again... WELCOME!
Patrece
JUST DO THE NEXT RIGHT THING!
Obesity Help Support Group Leader & Coach
http://www.obesityhelp.com/group/bariatricbuddy
Lost 114 lbs. working on getting rid of a recent 10 lb regain...and WILL succeed!
Congrats on quitting smoking. I had quit for quiet some time but then about a year ago I picked them back up. Happy to say that I have been smoke free now for a month yesterday. It was hard but it was worth it. I am with you on everything else though. I have done everything except my nutrition visit and i have not changed my eating habits, nor was I told to. No one has said a single word to me. I take that back. I am trying to eat smaller meals and cut out caffeine and sodas.
Just remember ladies.. it is easier to start learning and putting into practice the new habits now. Then there is less to adjust to after the surgery, and believe me, there is plenty! LOL. But you gals can do it! If I could, anyone can!
Patrece
JUST DO THE NEXT RIGHT THING!
Obesity Help Support Group Leader & Coach
http://www.obesityhelp.com/group/bariatricbuddy
Lost 114 lbs. working on getting rid of a recent 10 lb regain...and WILL succeed!
Patrece - I was born in Cleveland, the heart of the "snow belt", and still have family out there. Thankfully with the side of the lake we're on, the winters here aren't quite as brutal as the Cleveland area. If we get 2", they'll usually get 6".
Oh, and a side note: my doctor is an hour away, another aspect of the winter season I'm dreading!
MsManley21: First, CONGRATS ON ONE MONTH! I know it's not an easy habit to kick. A girl I work with quit also, about a year before me, and we've both decided that we're going to start back up once we're old and in a nursing home! lol
Now, I am told that any weight you lose pre-op helps put the body in a better condition for surgery. Maybe your doctor doesn't agree, but just repeating what I've been told! Caffeine has been harder for me to ditch than I thought it would be. I just love something warm to drink in the morning! I have tried using SF hot chocolate, but it just doesn't seem to fulfill the need. It's a work in progress. Carbonation has been easy to give up, and that's what I excpected top struggle with!
As for new habits, I am sip sip sipping my way through the day. I went to my last dr. appt., and when the appt was up I got up and left the room, water in hand. My purse was still in the chair, but I remembered my water!
It's funny how quickly the body adjusts to the constant supply of water. If I go more than 30 minutes without sipping now, my lips dry out! I also picked up some ****tail silverware to remind myself to take smaller bites.
Have a great evening everyone!
Oh, and a side note: my doctor is an hour away, another aspect of the winter season I'm dreading!
MsManley21: First, CONGRATS ON ONE MONTH! I know it's not an easy habit to kick. A girl I work with quit also, about a year before me, and we've both decided that we're going to start back up once we're old and in a nursing home! lol
Now, I am told that any weight you lose pre-op helps put the body in a better condition for surgery. Maybe your doctor doesn't agree, but just repeating what I've been told! Caffeine has been harder for me to ditch than I thought it would be. I just love something warm to drink in the morning! I have tried using SF hot chocolate, but it just doesn't seem to fulfill the need. It's a work in progress. Carbonation has been easy to give up, and that's what I excpected top struggle with!
As for new habits, I am sip sip sipping my way through the day. I went to my last dr. appt., and when the appt was up I got up and left the room, water in hand. My purse was still in the chair, but I remembered my water!
It's funny how quickly the body adjusts to the constant supply of water. If I go more than 30 minutes without sipping now, my lips dry out! I also picked up some ****tail silverware to remind myself to take smaller bites.Have a great evening everyone!
294/302.5/287/177.8/195/175 - consult/highest/surgery morn/now/dr goal/my goal
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Patrece S.
Group Leader
Kathy B.
Co- Leader