Hello - I am new here.

Hello everyone -  I am pretty new to this group.  My RNY surgery is scheduled for April 20 at 11:15 am.  I am very excited and pretty nervous as well.  I am 56 been married for 32 years and have 2 grown sons.  My husband and sons are very supportivie and understand my reasoning for wanting the surgery.  I am a type II diabetic (which I hope to have resolved with the surgery) have high blood pressure and high cholesterol.  My PCP is also on board and supportive of this surgery as he and the surgeon will be working closely together watching my labs while in the hospital.  I have yet to tell my mother (she is very judgemental) but know it is the right thing to do.  I have praying for the right words and to be strong because the surgery is going to happen with or without her in my support group.  The surgeon also suggested having my gallbladder out because there are some small gall stones and from what he said they could get worse and then I would be back for another surgery.  I live in the West Bend, WI area.  Hope everyone is doing well and for the person having her surgery tomorrow, my thoughts and prayers are with you.

Cindy

Cindy, you will do fine.  I was 61 when i had mine. I also had high blood pressure and cholesterol.  I am now off all my meds and down 78 pounds since june 15,2009.   You will feel so much better.   You have to do what is right for you.   My prayers are with you.

Welcome to the group Cindy.  You will be on the loser's bench in less than a month, yeeeehawwwwwww...  Keep your support group intact.  I had a time with some of my family members and let some know about it after the surgery and losing was taking place. 

I also have type II diabetes and took my last insulin shot the day before surgery.  Still on medications, but that is OK.  There is a strong history of diabetes, both types in my family.  Trying to prevent complications as long as possible.  There is so much of life to live yet.  Is there anything we can do to help you?  Questions to address?  Looking forward to reading more of your posts along the way.  Hugs

Thanks Kathy - I think I am going to like this group, I can tell already just be reading other posts and the welcoming & helpful responses to them .

I do have a few questions right off the top of my head.  When I start my high protein liquid diet (which is not far off now) should I be mixing the protein powder with skim milk or water?  I know the skim milk will add add'l protein.  Another question I am wondering about, once I am allowed soft mushy foods and cream of wheat would be one should I consider making the cream of wheat with milk?  Has anyone ever tried coco wheats as a substitute for the cream of wheat? 

Thanks.

Which high protein liquid diet has your MD got you on?  The milk would add extra protein and satisfaction.  Depends on MD directions. 

I was told to mix 5 packets of sugar free carnation instant breakfast with 5 cups 2% (for the needed fat) and 1 scoop of protein powder for each day.  Divide the mix into 5 meal/snacks per day.

As far as the cream of wheat.  I would mix it with water and add powdered milk to the water for increased protein.  I use 1 par****er to 1 part powdered milk powder.  Example, 1/2 cup water with 1/2 cup pwd milk pwd and follow the rest of the cereal recipe.  I eat my cereal with a dab of butter and cinnamon and splenda for flavor instead of milk.  You should start out with thinner hot cereal, mix with a little milk.  I wouldn't see much difference which hot cereal you choose, just no added sugar.  I prefer malt o meal over cream of wheat and use that.  Hits the spot when I want something warm in the morning.  It does "stick to your ribs" and keep me satisfied.

Good questions Cindy.

Congrats Cindy on your soon to be surgery! You must be excited, nervous, and feeling a bit lost too.  Post often and let us help you through your transition.
Best of luck in the pre-op diet. One the days it is hard, just remember how bad you want this, and how important it is to your wellbeing!

Maybe you could tell your Mom right before or right after surgery, so she doesn't have time to be a negative infuence on you pre-op? I know if my mom had been alive when i did mine, I would have told her after. Maybe even had my husband call her right after and he knew how it went. She would have criticised me to the ends of the earth and one everything in her power to make me change my mind or doubt my decision on this. There too were many who did not know until after i had my surgery. Just didn't want the flack. Good luck with this situation. I feel for you. Its a hard call on what the best approach is.

cindy, welcome to our little family (it is growing everyday though).  bet  you are extra excited with your surgery coming up.  sounds like you made the right decision not to tell your mom.  also a wise idea to have your gallbladder out at the same time.  my surgeon removes the gallbladder as a matter of standard practice.  i would do what my doc says as far as whether to add milk or not. i do know though that you shouldn't use milk the diet right before the surgery (usually a day or so).  just keep on posting and let us get to know you, that way we can help you more and more.  no question is too stupid. also, if you are feeling up or down or just normal, share with us, that is how we become friends.  take care of yourself and good luck to you. vick

Cindy,

Welcome!!  I am about 4 weeks post surgery.  I am 52 and also type II diabetic, hypertension, etc.  I am so glad that I did the surgery.  For the last two weeks, I have been off all insulins and diabetic medications (10 mcg symilin pen, 200 units Lantus, 240 units Humalog, 2000 mg metformin). 

My cholesterol is comig back into range and I think I will be able to get off hypertension medication. 

I can't guarantee this for you, but I know for me it was not possible without this surgery.  If you follow the doctors plan and make a committment to sticking to it, you will have great success.  Please let us know how it is going. 

Steve

Hi Cindy. Welcome and congratulations on your upcoming surgery. I'm glad your husband and sons are supportive. Sorry that your Mother will not be that way! I had gallstones and they removed my gall bladder during my surgery, I've not had any problems. April 20th will be here before you know it, so post often and let everyone get to know you.
Take care,
Rhonda