Borrowed from: National Association for Weight Loss Surgery (NAWLS-http://www.nawls.com/)
While weight loss surgery (WLS) is considered the most successful treatment for morbid obesity, it is just the first step toward a fresh start. Weight regain is a common phenomenon, as is illness when weight loss surgery patients do not follow recommended guidelines.
Breaking old patterns, establishing an effective post-WLS lifestyle, and addressing the emotional issues that often complicate obesity takes more than commitment; it takes support, information, and resources.
The National Association for Weight Loss Surgery (NAWLS) helps WLS patients shape new lives. We teach people what they need to know and help them makes the changes they need to make to achieve long-term WLS success -- physically, mentally, and spiritually.
In a November 2005 poll conducted by NAWLS, the following were identified as the top 10 mistakes WLS patients make:
1st Mistake: Not Taking Vitamins, Supplements, or Minerals
Every WLS patient has specific nutritional needs depending on the type of surgery you have had. Not only is it a good idea to ask your surgeon for guidelines, but also consult with an experienced WLS nutritionist. Understand there is not a standard practice that all surgeons and nutritionists follow in guiding WLS patients. So, it is important to do your own research, get your lab tests done regularly, and learn how to read the results.
Some conditions and symptoms that can occur when you are deficient in vitamins, supplements, or minerals include:
Osteoporosis; pernicious anemia; muscle spasms; high blood pressure; burning tongue; fatigue; loss of appetite; weakness; constipation and diarrhea; numbness and tingling in the hands and feet; being tired, lethargic, or dizzy; forgetfulness, and lowered immune functioning.
Keep in mind, too, that some conditions caused by not taking your vitamins, supplements, or minerals are irreversible. For example, a vitamin B-1 deficiency can result in permanent neurological deficits, including the loss of the ability to walk.
2nd Mistake: Assuming You Have Been Cured of Your Obesity
A "pink cloud" or honeymoon experience is common following WLS. When you are feeling better than you have in years, and the weight is coming off easily, it's hard to imagine you will ever struggle again. But unfortunately, it is very common for WLS patients to not lose to their goal weight or to regain some of their weight back.
A small weight regain may be normal, but huge gains usually can be avoided with support, education, effort, and careful attention to living a healthy WLS lifestyle. For most WLSers, if you don't change what you've always done, you're going to keep getting what you've always gotten -- even after weight loss surgery.
3rd Mistake: Drinking with Meals
Yes, it's hard for some people to avoid drinking with meals, but the tool of not drinking with meals is a critical key to long-term success. If you drink while you eat, your food washes out of your stomach much more quickly, you can eat more, you get hungry sooner, and you are at more risk for snacking. Being too hungry is much more likely to lead to poor food choices and/or overeating.
4th Mistake: Not Eating Right
Of course everyone should eat right, but in this society eating right is a challenge. You have to make it as easy on yourself as possible. Eat all your meals--don't skip. Don't keep unhealthy food in sight where it will call to you all the time. Try to feed yourself at regular intervals so that you aren't as tempted to make a poor choice.
And consider having a couple of absolutes: for example, avoid fried foods completely, avoid sugary foods, always use low-fat options, or only eat in a restaurant once a week. Choose your "absolutes" based on your trigger foods and your self knowledge about what foods and/or situations are problematic for you.
5th Mistake: Not Drinking Enough Water
Most WLS patients are at risk for dehydration. Drinking a minimum of 64 oz. of water per day will help you avoid this risk. Adequate water intake will also help you flush out your system as you lose weight and avoid kidney stones. Drinking enough water helps with your weight loss, too.
6th Mistake: Grazing
Many people who have had WLS regret that they ever started grazing, which is nibbling small amounts here and there over the course of the day. It's one thing to eat the three to five small meals you and your doctor agree you need. It's something else altogether when you start to graze, eating any number of unplanned snacks. Grazing can easily make your weight creep up. Eating enough at meal time, and eating planned snacks when necessary, will help you resist grazing.
Make a plan for what you will do when you crave food, but are not truly hungry. For example, take up a hobby to keep your hands busy or call on someone in your support group for encouragement.
7th Mistake: Not Exercising Regularly
Exercise is one of the best weapons a WLS patient has to fight weight regain. Not only does exercise boost your spirits, it is a great way to keep your metabolism running strong. When you exercise, you build muscle. The more muscle you have, the more calories your body will burn, even at rest!
8th Mistake: Eating the Wrong Carbs (or Eating Too Much)
Let's face it, refined carbohydrates are addictive. If you eat refined carbohydrates they will make you crave more refined carbohydrates. There are plenty of complex carbohydrates to choose from, which have beneficial vitamins. For example, if you can handle pastas, try whole grain Kamut pasta--in moderation, of course. (Kamut pasta doesn't have the flavor some people find unpleasant in the whole wheat pastas.) Try using your complex carbohydrates as "condiments," rather than as the center point of your meal. Try sprinkling a tablespoon of brown rice on your stir-fried meat and veggies.
9th Mistake: Going Back to Drinking Soda
Drinking soda is controversial in WLS circles. Some people claim soda stretches your stomach or pouch. What we know it does is keep you from getting the hydration your body requires after WLS--because when you're drinking soda, you're not drinking water! In addition, diet soda has been connected to weight gain in the general population. The best thing you can do is find other, healthier drinks to fall in love with. They are out there.
10th Mistake: Drinking Alcohol
If you drank alcohol before surgery, you are likely to want to resume drinking alcohol following surgery. Most surgeons recommend waiting one year after surgery. And it is in your best interest to understand the consequences of drinking alcohol before you do it.
Alcohol is connected with weight regain, because alcohol has 7 calories per gram, while protein and vegetables have 4 calories per gram. Also, some people develop an addiction to alcohol after WLS, so be very cautious. Depending on your type of WLS, you may get drunker, quicker after surgery, which can cause health problems and put you in dangerous situations.
If you think you have a drinking problem, get help right away. Putting off stopping drinking doesn't make it any easier, and could make you a lot sicker.
Thursday, December 11, 2008
Information on Nutritional and Vitamin guidelines after Gastric Bypass
I have listed a few links on the nutritional guidelines for those of us who have had WLS. Of coarse, work with your doctor as a team.
http://www.hopkinsbayview.org/bariatrics/docs/nutrition_bypass.pdf
http://www.celebratevitamins.com/
http://www.vitalady.com
http://www.kaysbariatric.com/shopping/
http://www.bariatricadvantage.com/catalog
http://www.bbvitamins.com/
http://www.bariatriceating.com/
http://www.syrup2u.com
http://www.hopkinsbayview.org/bariatrics/docs/nutrition_bypass.pdf
http://www.celebratevitamins.com/
http://www.vitalady.com
http://www.kaysbariatric.com/shopping/
http://www.bariatricadvantage.com/catalog
http://www.bbvitamins.com/
http://www.bariatriceating.com/
http://www.syrup2u.com
Pouch Rules (For Dummies)
I'm posting the link to the entire article including credits at the bottom.
IDEAL MEAL PROCESS (rules of the pouch):
1. The patient must time meals five hours apart or the patient will get too hungry in between.
2. The patient needs to eat finely cut meat and raw or slightly cooked veggies with each meal.
3. The patient must eat the entire meal in 5-15 minutes. A 30-45 minute meal will cause failure.
4. No liquids for 1 ½ hours to 2 hours after each meal.
5. After 1 ½ to 2 hours, begin sipping water and over the next three hours slowly increase water intake.
6. 3 hours after last meal, begin drinking LOTS of water/fluids.
7. 15 minutes before the next meal, drink as much as possible as fast as possible. This is called "water loading," IF YOU HAVEN'T BEEN DRINKING OVER THE LAST FEW HOURS, THIS 'WATER LOADING' WILL NOT WORK.
8. You can water load at any time 2-3 hours before your next meal if you get hungry, which will cause a strong feeling of fullness.
http://www.amylhwilliams.com/pouchrulesfordummies.html
IDEAL MEAL PROCESS (rules of the pouch):
1. The patient must time meals five hours apart or the patient will get too hungry in between.
2. The patient needs to eat finely cut meat and raw or slightly cooked veggies with each meal.
3. The patient must eat the entire meal in 5-15 minutes. A 30-45 minute meal will cause failure.
4. No liquids for 1 ½ hours to 2 hours after each meal.
5. After 1 ½ to 2 hours, begin sipping water and over the next three hours slowly increase water intake.
6. 3 hours after last meal, begin drinking LOTS of water/fluids.
7. 15 minutes before the next meal, drink as much as possible as fast as possible. This is called "water loading," IF YOU HAVEN'T BEEN DRINKING OVER THE LAST FEW HOURS, THIS 'WATER LOADING' WILL NOT WORK.
8. You can water load at any time 2-3 hours before your next meal if you get hungry, which will cause a strong feeling of fullness.
http://www.amylhwilliams.com/pouchrulesfordummies.html
Bariatric Nutrition: Suggestions for the Surgical Weight Loss Patient
This is an article on nutrition for Weight Loss patients. It tells what normal blood levels are, and what things to look for in vitamin deficiencies.
http://ullberg.us/Andrea/SOARD_Bariatric_Nutrition.pdf
http://ullberg.us/Andrea/SOARD_Bariatric_Nutrition.pdf
Good Ideas for the days following surgery...
This was written and sent to me by Seagrace, one of my online friends from ObesityHelp.com. I thought it had a lot of good ideas for the first few days after surgery, and she has a wonderful sense of humor! Enjoy!
Hi Mrs. Scarlett, I wrote this a few days after my surgery. Keep in mind that everyone's experience is different, but maybe my views can be of help to you and/or your husband. Most importantly - after surgery keep stress to a minimum to speed your healing.
Things I Wish I Had Known * Things I Wish I Had Done Before My WLS Surgery
Before I begin, I wish to hereby acknowledge my diva status. I am hugely concerned with aesthetics and if my environment isn't pleasing, my mood will be reflected. I like to be surrounded by beauty, both organic and functional.
Not Everyone Sails Through This Operation - Maybe it's my selective memory at work, but in talking with people who had already had this operation, I don't remember anyone saying they had a difficult time with pain, nausea and regret. I had all three in major doses. Though it was horrible the first few days, every new day is better than the last.
Photos - I wish I had seen photos of what my stomach would (might) look like after surgery. It was a shock. OMG! Purples, greens, reds - bruises in technicolor. The doctor said it was caused by large doses of heparin (six shots to the stomach, pre and post surgery - ouch) that caused the bruising, not because he pounded the crap out of me. He also said that due to my C-section scaring, he had to cut through lots of scar tissue to reach my intestines, causing the massive lower abdomen bruising.
Clean house - I wish I had hired someone to come in to clean my house top to bottom while I was in the hospital. Coming home to a dirty, smelly house was hugely upsetting. I was very conscious of my open, wounded body being exposed to dirt and germs. Demoralizing and stressful. I would have had the inside of the refrigerator and freezer emptied and cleaned. Food with any odor (or calories) would have been tossed.
Dishes - I wish I had accumulated some specific dishes and containers for the variety of liquids that I would need the first two weeks. Small Rubbermaid containers are great. Would love to have had a set of empty baby juice containers - easy to pour.
Instead of the small plastic 1 oz. cups, I wish I had more decorative, pleasing containers to sip from. Anything to lighten the mood and make taking those sips, sips, sips, more enjoyable.
Examples:
A. Child's tea set
B. Demitasse (espresso) cups and saucers
C. Aperitif glasses
D. Decorative shot glasses
E. Small crystal or other decorative pitchers holding a cup or less liquid
A small thermal container that keeps hot liquids warm for more than a couple of minutes is wonderful. When it takes 15 minutes to sip one ounce, it is usually stone cold by the time you are finished. Some hours cold foods were more soothing, some hours I needed hot liquids.
Candles - I wish I had purchased a variety of votive candles to scent the air and create an aura of calm. Many different scents would have been great because what is pleasing/appetizing changes nearly hourly.
Comfy, yet sexy - I wish I had purchased a beautiful, loose-fitting cotton nightgown and had it ready to change into when I got home and was able to shower.
Hormones run amok - I wish my husband had known that my emotions were going to be ridiculously volatile. He should have been briefed on what to expect and prepared with a list of appropriate responses such as:
A. Poor baby, I'm so sorry (universal response, extremely useful.)
B. Would you like me to rub your back (head, feet, hands, etc.) to help take your mind off the pain?
C. Can I get you ANYTHING (must be said with extreme sincerity and affection - sarcasm not allowed) Suggest that she might like another pillow, another magazine, another hug.
D. You are absolutely right (other universal response.) It doesn't matter what she says - above all, do not argue. You are dealing with a person who is essentially out of their mind. They are in pain, their hormones are whacked, regular medications have been interrupted and other, unfamiliar drugs are coursing through her body. You wouldn't try to argue with a crazy person, would you?
These expressions of love must be given hourly for the first three days home from the hospital and only discontinued temporarily if your wife tells you that you are bugging her to death. Resume within two hours.
B.O. and bad breath - I wish my husband had known how sensitive I would be to smells and take extreme measures not to offend olfactory. Like, take showers twice a day. DO NOT use cologne or scented aftershave, deodorant, etc. Brush teeth frequently and spray mouth with freshener in between brushing. I wish I had taken my dog to the groomer and had him bathed and teeth cleaned just before my surgery. I wanted to cuddle with him, but just his normal smell was too much.
Food - I wish I had made it plain that under no circumstances should food be cooked or consumed in the house for the first few days. The first morning home from the hospital my husband made coffee (a smell I, unlike the majority of the population, absolutely abhor) and to make matters infinitely worse, the coffee spilled on the burner and I had the smell of burnt coffee to make me gag. Then he made himself fried eggs in butter and ate them while I was walking around the house dealing with pain and nausea. Justifiable homicide, I say.
Water - I wish I had purchased a variety of bottled waters, not just one brand. For some reason, our usual bottled water tasted like dish soap the first couple of days. I had my husband search all over town for more than the usual two brands of water carried by our local grocery store. Again, my tastes buds were changing hourly and while the water might be okay one hour, it was vile bilge the next.
Hi Mrs. Scarlett, I wrote this a few days after my surgery. Keep in mind that everyone's experience is different, but maybe my views can be of help to you and/or your husband. Most importantly - after surgery keep stress to a minimum to speed your healing.
Things I Wish I Had Known * Things I Wish I Had Done Before My WLS Surgery
Before I begin, I wish to hereby acknowledge my diva status. I am hugely concerned with aesthetics and if my environment isn't pleasing, my mood will be reflected. I like to be surrounded by beauty, both organic and functional.
Not Everyone Sails Through This Operation - Maybe it's my selective memory at work, but in talking with people who had already had this operation, I don't remember anyone saying they had a difficult time with pain, nausea and regret. I had all three in major doses. Though it was horrible the first few days, every new day is better than the last.
Photos - I wish I had seen photos of what my stomach would (might) look like after surgery. It was a shock. OMG! Purples, greens, reds - bruises in technicolor. The doctor said it was caused by large doses of heparin (six shots to the stomach, pre and post surgery - ouch) that caused the bruising, not because he pounded the crap out of me. He also said that due to my C-section scaring, he had to cut through lots of scar tissue to reach my intestines, causing the massive lower abdomen bruising.
Clean house - I wish I had hired someone to come in to clean my house top to bottom while I was in the hospital. Coming home to a dirty, smelly house was hugely upsetting. I was very conscious of my open, wounded body being exposed to dirt and germs. Demoralizing and stressful. I would have had the inside of the refrigerator and freezer emptied and cleaned. Food with any odor (or calories) would have been tossed.
Dishes - I wish I had accumulated some specific dishes and containers for the variety of liquids that I would need the first two weeks. Small Rubbermaid containers are great. Would love to have had a set of empty baby juice containers - easy to pour.
Instead of the small plastic 1 oz. cups, I wish I had more decorative, pleasing containers to sip from. Anything to lighten the mood and make taking those sips, sips, sips, more enjoyable.
Examples:
A. Child's tea set
B. Demitasse (espresso) cups and saucers
C. Aperitif glasses
D. Decorative shot glasses
E. Small crystal or other decorative pitchers holding a cup or less liquid
A small thermal container that keeps hot liquids warm for more than a couple of minutes is wonderful. When it takes 15 minutes to sip one ounce, it is usually stone cold by the time you are finished. Some hours cold foods were more soothing, some hours I needed hot liquids.
Candles - I wish I had purchased a variety of votive candles to scent the air and create an aura of calm. Many different scents would have been great because what is pleasing/appetizing changes nearly hourly.
Comfy, yet sexy - I wish I had purchased a beautiful, loose-fitting cotton nightgown and had it ready to change into when I got home and was able to shower.
Hormones run amok - I wish my husband had known that my emotions were going to be ridiculously volatile. He should have been briefed on what to expect and prepared with a list of appropriate responses such as:
A. Poor baby, I'm so sorry (universal response, extremely useful.)
B. Would you like me to rub your back (head, feet, hands, etc.) to help take your mind off the pain?
C. Can I get you ANYTHING (must be said with extreme sincerity and affection - sarcasm not allowed) Suggest that she might like another pillow, another magazine, another hug.
D. You are absolutely right (other universal response.) It doesn't matter what she says - above all, do not argue. You are dealing with a person who is essentially out of their mind. They are in pain, their hormones are whacked, regular medications have been interrupted and other, unfamiliar drugs are coursing through her body. You wouldn't try to argue with a crazy person, would you?
These expressions of love must be given hourly for the first three days home from the hospital and only discontinued temporarily if your wife tells you that you are bugging her to death. Resume within two hours.
B.O. and bad breath - I wish my husband had known how sensitive I would be to smells and take extreme measures not to offend olfactory. Like, take showers twice a day. DO NOT use cologne or scented aftershave, deodorant, etc. Brush teeth frequently and spray mouth with freshener in between brushing. I wish I had taken my dog to the groomer and had him bathed and teeth cleaned just before my surgery. I wanted to cuddle with him, but just his normal smell was too much.
Food - I wish I had made it plain that under no circumstances should food be cooked or consumed in the house for the first few days. The first morning home from the hospital my husband made coffee (a smell I, unlike the majority of the population, absolutely abhor) and to make matters infinitely worse, the coffee spilled on the burner and I had the smell of burnt coffee to make me gag. Then he made himself fried eggs in butter and ate them while I was walking around the house dealing with pain and nausea. Justifiable homicide, I say.
Water - I wish I had purchased a variety of bottled waters, not just one brand. For some reason, our usual bottled water tasted like dish soap the first couple of days. I had my husband search all over town for more than the usual two brands of water carried by our local grocery store. Again, my tastes buds were changing hourly and while the water might be okay one hour, it was vile bilge the next.
Sunday, November 9, 2008
High Protein Food Sites.
List of high protein foods sites. Check back often, I will add more when I find them.
http://www.highproteinfoods.net/
http://www.criticalbench.com/recipes.htm
http://www.revivalsoy.com/products/index.html
http://www.highproteinfoods.net/
http://www.criticalbench.com/recipes.htm
http://www.revivalsoy.com/products/index.html
Saturday, November 8, 2008
Personality test.
I came across this site, and you might be suprised what you find out about yourself. Have fun!
http://www.humanmetrics.com/cgi-win/JTypes2.asp
http://www.humanmetrics.com/cgi-win/JTypes2.asp
Friday, November 7, 2008
MY PERSONAL WEIGHT LOSS JOURNEY.
My Thoughts and Reasons:
I have been thinking about what I have thought throughout my life in terms of my size. Hopefully someday I can look back at this and chuckle, or cry in relief. I'm sure the list won’t be complete, but it a good start.
1. Why does that girl call me marshmallow?
2. Do I have to go to gym class today?
3. Do I have to undress in front of all these girls?
4 Thank God I broke my ankle....No GYM!
5. Nothing fits right!
6. Didn't those jeans fit me last week?
7. Mom must have washed them in Hot water again.
8. Man this cake is good, think anyone will notice if I take another piece?
9. Don't eat too much in front of all these people, they might think your fat!
10. Will he like me?
11. Yes grandma, I know how unhealthy it is to be overweight.
12. OK, Ill go on a diet!
13. Only 2 pounds gone...what the hell??
14. Oh, I gained a pound today?
15. Well, since I already gained, I might as well eat some more.
16. Man! Its hard to breathe when I'm walking!
17. Oh, I wonder If I will fit on that plane seat?
18. I just know that woman that was looking at me thinks I'm fat. She must be a B****.
19. What are you looking at?
20. OK, so we've been dating for awhile, do I have to take my shirt off during S**?
21. I don't want to take my shirt off! You can't make me!
22. Oh, I don't think I will fit on that roller coaster!
23. Camera...Who has a Camera?? Well get it away from me!
24. You want to go swimming? OK, well I need to go at night because I burn easily..(I really thought that was a good cover story..lol)
25. What do you mean I can’t have a baby?
26. What do you mean the fertility treatments aren't working?
27. What do you mean my hormones are out of whack?
28. What is she looking at?
29. No I don't want to go to the mall, my feet hurt!
30. Clothes shopping? No thank you! I will just keep wearing what I have been for the last 5 years..who need new clothes anyway?
31. Good Lord! Getting down on the floor with my daughter is really uncomfortable.
32. I sure hope I will be able to keep up with her when she gets older!
33. Why can’t I loose this darn weight?
34. What do you mean I have insulin resistance?
35. What is this WLS I keep hearing about?
36. Wow, that scares me..I think it should be a last resort.
37. Why can't I loose this damn weight?
38. Last resort?? I may not make it long enough to GET to the last resort!
39. Do I really want to wait until I'm older to do this, or should I do it so I can enjoy my youth, and my daughter’s youth?
40. Did I wait 10 years to adopt a child, just so I can SIT and WATCH her grow up?
41. No Baby, mommy doesn't have two bellies.
42. Ah, No baby, you don't want to be just like mommy when you grow up!
43. Ok, where do I start for WLS?
My First Conversation with Tallgrass
I spoke with Rochelle at Tallgrass this week, and if you are on Medicare this is what you will probably need to get before they will even see you. I am on Medicare because of Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue, and have no other insurance. At Tallgrass in Topeka Ks you will need to attend a group meeting where they explain the different surgeries, risks etc. They also require you to read a book on Gastric Bypass or the Lap-band, that they will provide (at a cost, or I think you can get them on Amazon). The book they gave me to read was “A Complete Guide to Obesity Surgery” by Bryan G. Woodward, MPH, LCEP
This is a VERY good book, and it gave me a better understanding about the whole process. It goes over different surgeries including the Lap-Band, pre-op, post-op, what to expect during surgery, suggest foods and nutrition guidelines, etc. It is very thorough!! For Medicare I also need the following. (For the Tallgrass surgeons. I don’t know if it will be the same for you.)
1. Psychiatric evaluation with MMPI. The MMPI is a lot of 500 or so questions. When you go to set up your Psych evaluation, make sure that provider is able to do the MMPI part of the tests. I am in the process of finding another provider because when I had my evaluation done, he did not do the MMPI part of it, and I have to re-do it again. (Yea..I just LOVE having my brain picked!)
2. You will need three months IN A ROW of a CHARTED Dr. Supervised Diet. I know your thinking “this is just great. If diets freakin worked, I wouldn't be in this position!” But it's not that bad I promise. I was told by Rochelle at the clinic that your Primary Care Physician just needs to chart for three months that he talked to you about diet and exercise. Your physician needs to CHART that he talked to you about this.
3. You will need to show that you took PHENTERMINE or any other PRESCRIBED diet aide for a month. I have taken the stuff, and I might as well been prescribed crack. My body does not like the stuff, but I know people who have done just fine with it.
4. They will most likely require a sleep study. I have mine next week, and even though it’s a pain, if you have it (I think I probably do) it will increase your chances of getting approved for surgery because it is a co-morbidity.
5. You will need a letter of Clearance for surgery from you PC Doctor. A signed paper that states you are healthy enough to undergo surgery. BUT, even healthy people run the risk of complications or death during surgery. So don’t be one of those people who ignore the possible risks...because stranger things have happened, and people HAVE died from complications of having this and many other surgeries.
This is what I know so far, and I will keep you all posted when I find out anything new!
I spoke with Rochelle at Tallgrass this week, and if you are on Medicare this is what you will probably need to get before they will even see you. I am on Medicare because of Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue, and have no other insurance. At Tallgrass in Topeka Ks you will need to attend a group meeting where they explain the different surgeries, risks etc. They also require you to read a book on Gastric Bypass or the Lap-band, that they will provide (at a cost, or I think you can get them on Amazon). The book they gave me to read was “A Complete Guide to Obesity Surgery” by Bryan G. Woodward, MPH, LCEP
This is a VERY good book, and it gave me a better understanding about the whole process. It goes over different surgeries including the Lap-Band, pre-op, post-op, what to expect during surgery, suggest foods and nutrition guidelines, etc. It is very thorough!! For Medicare I also need the following. (For the Tallgrass surgeons. I don’t know if it will be the same for you.)
1. Psychiatric evaluation with MMPI. The MMPI is a lot of 500 or so questions. When you go to set up your Psych evaluation, make sure that provider is able to do the MMPI part of the tests. I am in the process of finding another provider because when I had my evaluation done, he did not do the MMPI part of it, and I have to re-do it again. (Yea..I just LOVE having my brain picked!)
2. You will need three months IN A ROW of a CHARTED Dr. Supervised Diet. I know your thinking “this is just great. If diets freakin worked, I wouldn't be in this position!” But it's not that bad I promise. I was told by Rochelle at the clinic that your Primary Care Physician just needs to chart for three months that he talked to you about diet and exercise. Your physician needs to CHART that he talked to you about this.
3. You will need to show that you took PHENTERMINE or any other PRESCRIBED diet aide for a month. I have taken the stuff, and I might as well been prescribed crack. My body does not like the stuff, but I know people who have done just fine with it.
4. They will most likely require a sleep study. I have mine next week, and even though it’s a pain, if you have it (I think I probably do) it will increase your chances of getting approved for surgery because it is a co-morbidity.
5. You will need a letter of Clearance for surgery from you PC Doctor. A signed paper that states you are healthy enough to undergo surgery. BUT, even healthy people run the risk of complications or death during surgery. So don’t be one of those people who ignore the possible risks...because stranger things have happened, and people HAVE died from complications of having this and many other surgeries.
This is what I know so far, and I will keep you all posted when I find out anything new!
December the Magic month?
I have my MMPI next Tuesday, and on the 4Th of November...I get to talk to my surgeon and set a date!! We are hoping for December. But I will take it whenever they say I can have it! I'm nervous, excited, sure, second guessing, scared, thrilled....all wrapped into one. I know this is the best decision for me in the long run...It's just getting over all this NOW that's the problem!
I have my MMPI next Tuesday, and on the 4Th of November...I get to talk to my surgeon and set a date!! We are hoping for December. But I will take it whenever they say I can have it! I'm nervous, excited, sure, second guessing, scared, thrilled....all wrapped into one. I know this is the best decision for me in the long run...It's just getting over all this NOW that's the problem!
November 4, 2008. First pre-op Consultation
It’s official..I’m going with the RNY, and Dr. Steward is WONDERFUL! My husband and mother were with me, and today…he had a run for his money! He took his time with us, answered all of our questions. I left feeling secure, safe, and with a better understanding of what I will be going through. He did NOT try and feed me a bunch of BS, and tell me that all this will be easy. He was down to earth, honest, and obviously CARED about my concerns, thoughts and feelings. I am in good hands! I should get the call next week about my surgery date…keep your fingers crossed!
It’s official..I’m going with the RNY, and Dr. Steward is WONDERFUL! My husband and mother were with me, and today…he had a run for his money! He took his time with us, answered all of our questions. I left feeling secure, safe, and with a better understanding of what I will be going through. He did NOT try and feed me a bunch of BS, and tell me that all this will be easy. He was down to earth, honest, and obviously CARED about my concerns, thoughts and feelings. I am in good hands! I should get the call next week about my surgery date…keep your fingers crossed!
November 6, 2008 Talked to the therapist today. (Mental issues after surgery)
She is leaving next month. I am sad to see her go. Even though we started going to help him with his issues, she has helped our relationship and me personally. We have been talking about my surgery and what I can expect (general expectations) after surgery. She said that my hormones and glucose levels will be a mess for awhile, and she said to expect a lot of crying. Not only will I most likely go through several identity crises, but the added stress of the other stuff…it can get rough! She told Brett that he can help me by just being himself, and keep things as “normal” as possible. Why, you might ask.? Because when we loose that part of ourselves, it is TRULY a loss. NOT just the obvious weight loss, but the loss of our identity. Let’s face it, we have learned to adapt. We are who we are, and part of that is that we are overweight. And after surgery…that part disappears. I agree with her, and I hope that since I know these little identity crises may arise. I can work through them a little easier!
She is leaving next month. I am sad to see her go. Even though we started going to help him with his issues, she has helped our relationship and me personally. We have been talking about my surgery and what I can expect (general expectations) after surgery. She said that my hormones and glucose levels will be a mess for awhile, and she said to expect a lot of crying. Not only will I most likely go through several identity crises, but the added stress of the other stuff…it can get rough! She told Brett that he can help me by just being himself, and keep things as “normal” as possible. Why, you might ask.? Because when we loose that part of ourselves, it is TRULY a loss. NOT just the obvious weight loss, but the loss of our identity. Let’s face it, we have learned to adapt. We are who we are, and part of that is that we are overweight. And after surgery…that part disappears. I agree with her, and I hope that since I know these little identity crises may arise. I can work through them a little easier!
November 19,2008 Update.
I think I'm doing a little better with the Idea of WLS. I have learned that it's OK to be scared and apprehensive about this..I should be! I am choosing to go under the knife and possibly die in order to be a healthier person. Sounds strange huh. Possibly dying in the pursuit of healthiness. And on another note, I can't believe how many people have basically told me NOT to get this surgery. You would think, JUST based on our society and how it sees and reacts to Fat people, more would be asking why I haven't had it done a long time ago. But, I guess I should have expected this. It's OK for everyone to feel how they want, but I am still doing this for ME..and ONLY ME.
December 9, 2008
I had my two week pre-surgery appointment today, and it went pretty well. First stop was at St.Francis where they did all my blood work, EKG, Chest x-ray and what I would call "counseling". Basically on what and how I will be eating during my 10 day liquid diet, and after surgery. I'm not going to lie here, when I saw how big my new stomach actually will be...I cried. It was the uncontrollable type of crying too..I kept thinking how am I going to survive with a 2 OZ stomach?? But thousands of people do and the whole reason I'm doing this is because everything else I have tried, has failed. I can either accept that I will be fat my whole life, and continue to become more unhealthy, or I can use this tool I am choosing to get...and re-learn how to eat, and how to live. This is my Do-Over. This is my chance to have a shot at a healthier and more productive lifestyle...one that I couldn't obtain on my own, and not for lack of trying.
Then we went over to Tallgrass, and had the meeting with the doctor. I was VERY happy that I got to talk to him because he went over everything again, made sure I had my supplies and vitamins for after surgery etc. He also told me a important piece of information, and that was that after surgery a lot pf patients freak out and wonder why they would do something like this to themselves. The main reasons:
1. There will be pain. It's part of it, and IT WILL GET BETTER! Don't be afraid to ask for pain medication...it's there for a reason!
2. Our stomachs will be swollen, and we will not be able to drink or eat much of anything for awhile. THIS WILL PASS!
3. Once we are able to eat, we will NOT be able to eat the same way, or the same things. Yes I realize this sounds , well like "duh", but I don't think my mind gets it yet, and probably wont for awhile after surgery. And this WILL get better!
He also talked a lot more about the mental aspect of things after surgery, but not as much as I would have liked. I am still relying on my own brain power and research skills to find most of the information. And thank God for ObesityHelp.com! That place is full of nothing but people like me, and loved ones of people like me who have questions, concerns, rants , raves etc about WLS. The support is phenomenal!
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