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Post by Girlrocker on Jun 24, 2014 14:07:29 GMT -5
Historytracker, nursemelanie coming up in a week and I know there are a few more. How are you holding up, this is definitely the Emotions Run Wild time; so consider this your 'get your freak on' thread!
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Post by cherylbaker on Jun 24, 2014 15:29:56 GMT -5
Well I guess I qualify for being in the freak out period. My surgery is scheduled 7/8 2 weeks from today. Not that i haven't been freaking out already but I am soo afraid of sonething going wrong or not losing any weight or a zillion other things. I was giving 2 dates to choose from and I picked the later date to give my daughter time to have her baby and today happens to be the first date. . I could have been done already. . No sign of the baby so niw I am bummed I didn't pick today.. oh well 2 more weeks or worrying
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Post by Girlrocker on Jun 24, 2014 19:39:53 GMT -5
Well I guess I qualify for being in the freak out period. My surgery is scheduled 7/8 2 weeks from today. Not that i haven't been freaking out already but I am soo afraid of sonething going wrong or not losing any weight or a zillion other things. I was giving 2 dates to choose from and I picked the later date to give my daughter time to have her baby and today happens to be the first date. . I could have been done already. . No sign of the baby so niw I am bummed I didn't pick today.. oh well 2 more weeks or worrying WOW that's a whole lotta birthin' going on in one family! Are you a first-time grandmother? And then think, once you have surgery and get healthy how much energy you will have for your grandbaby and family. So yes, by all means, vent, rant, freak away and hopefully soon you'll have company
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Post by historytracker on Jun 25, 2014 0:39:50 GMT -5
Thanks Sharyl: I am holding up fine. I had a moment of aggravation. A little irritable having to cook dinner for my husband when I can't even eat it myself. He was complaining there was nothing to eat (freezer and pantry full). I wanted to take that skillet of chicken and just throw it at his head. But one Xanax did the trick and I really needed some sleep. So far that is the only one I have taken and I am sleeping pretty good. I hate the preop diet and I am so happy that I lost weight before surgery. I am doing my best and the shakes are yummy and really filling (thank heavens for my pouch). If I didn't have previous weight loss surgery - I would be starving. I will admit there are times I cheat and grab some protein. My last surgeon visit, Greenbaum didn't say anything about my weight so I am hoping what I lost is enough. On Saturday I want to do some spring cleaning. On Sunday, I have my clear liquid day and I plan on loading the kayak on roof rack and head for Bear Mountain with a thermos full of broth and some sugar free jello. I need a relaxing day on the water and do some hiking. I do not want to even be in my house. This past week I had the awards dinner and I am down to a size 20 from a 24. This week I am at the New York Stock Exchange for a conference and I am excited that tomorrow I will be on the trading floor! I love this program, but hate the 5 hour of commuting everyday. So I am keeping myself busy!
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Post by nursemelanie on Jun 25, 2014 13:32:23 GMT -5
Waiting to hear back from my surgeons office today, then I'll post an update.
VSG to DS 7-01-14/ Dr Boyce, Knoxville, TN /Age 40/5'8"/HW 287/CW 273.2
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Post by Girlrocker on Jun 25, 2014 14:53:22 GMT -5
Historytracker/Cindy - you're doing a great job. Can empathize with wanting to throw a skillet at hubby's head. What IS IT with them, such little boys the whining 'there's nothing to eat' when the fridge/pantry/cabinets are full! I'm sure your weight loss will be fine, and your gamplan for some quiet time sounds perfect. Very nice picture of you! And it's going to be sooo strange for you to have to sit still for awhile when you're recuperating.
Nursemelanie - look forward to your update, I hope you are finding some relief from feeling crappy, and that you get iron and infused with other things before surgery.
Excited for all of you, as two of you are also RNY revisions to DS like me, and Melanie, you're going to be so much happier having 'the full boat'!
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Post by cherylbaker on Jun 25, 2014 15:10:04 GMT -5
Well I guess I qualify for being in the freak out period. My surgery is scheduled 7/8 2 weeks from today. Not that i haven't been freaking out already but I am soo afraid of sonething going wrong or not losing any weight or a zillion other things. I was giving 2 dates to choose from and I picked the later date to give my daughter time to have her baby and today happens to be the first date. . I could have been done already. . No sign of the baby so niw I am bummed I didn't pick today.. oh well 2 more weeks or worrying WOW that's a whole lotta birthin' going on in one family! Are you a first-time grandmother? And then think, once you have surgery and get healthy how much energy you will have for your grandbaby and family. So yes, by all means, vent, rant, freak away and hopefully soon you'll have company Nope this will be my 6th grandkid.. BUT the first one where mom invited me in delivery room plus this is my youngest daughter and her first. I am soooo excited. . Once I recooperate and she goes back to work it will be gramma daycare time again.. My.main concern is my husband like others have posted here he just can't do anything by himself. I'm gonna have to find something soft to throw at hi. Cause if he irritates me when I'm In pain OMG I WILL GO CRAZY
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Misty
Junior Member
Posts: 60
Surgery Type: DS
Surgery Date: 07/22/2014
Surgeon: Dr. Hazem Elariny
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Post by Misty on Jun 25, 2014 15:46:53 GMT -5
Twenty-seven days until surgery (OR scheduling pushed it back by 4 days) and I've had a real case of the nerves this week! I have no idea why I've suddenly decided to worry about every stinking aspect of the surgery. It has really been wreaking havoc on my sleeping. Basically, I head to bed at night, have a quick thought about some aspect of the surgery going wrong and then I lay awake until I finally get up, research until my brain can take no more (usually just as the sun comes up) and then I'm just too tired to worry any longer and then I crash in the bed for a few hours before the kids are up and moving and then it's up and at it for mommy life! One night this week my husband followed me out of bed and sat with me, reassuring me, researching with me and generally just showing his support by being with. He literally went to bed with me at 5:30am and called in a vacation day. I'm so thankful for his level headed, calm, reassurances. My worries have run the gamut including but not limited to: Cancer! Oh no! Will I get cancer from not eating enough fruits, veggies, antioxidants and eating so much protein?!?! I'm in my late 30's can I really get 40 years out of this surgery?!?! Who is out there with the longest time with the DS? I want to live long enough to see my grand kids come and grow up. All the the surgery scaries such as blood clots, anesthesia, and such. Can my kidneys and liver hold up to this diet. No, I don't have any problems with either but heck there's no logic to my stressing. Why can't I lose this weight and keep it off myself? Maybe I should try again?!?! Spend a night researching "fat camps" and other alternatives. What if something bad happens, I have to live with this being my choice! I know I want this surgery, I know I need it but dang, this cycle of emotions is screwing with my head! I never thought I would be stressing like this. On a good note, after having some follow up X-ray's due to findings on my Dexa my hips are deemed fine! I passed my echo today and am almost done with preop tests. I ordered my vits and have begun receiving and trying samples of protein powders. I donated my big girl winter coat (I refuse to wear that thing one more time!). So there it is-all my stressing is stressing me out!
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angelise
New Member
Posts: 28
Surgery Type: DS
Surgery Date: 5/29/2014
Surgeon: Dr. Mitchell Roslin
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Post by angelise on Jun 25, 2014 17:52:38 GMT -5
Good luck all! Worries seem to be normal and you all will be ok.
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Post by nursemelanie on Jun 25, 2014 18:16:10 GMT -5
I finally got the call back from surgeon's office and they said (since he was out of town when I went for my final preop with the NP last week) he wants to see me himself and evaluate me to decide if surgery should go as planned for Tuesday July 1st or if it will be postponed. So I'm feeling quite frustrated and stressed, but what good would it do me to throw a fit and freak out?! So I will be robbing peter to pay Paul to make another 5 hr drive there and 5 hr drive back in my SUV. I know he's just making sure I'm healthy enough to proceed, but the circumstances surrounding it are maddening.
The reason for all the concern is due to the new NP's concern over my preop labs. Without getting into all the range #'s here's the short version:
Prealbumin - low, 19 MG/DL T4 - high, 13.9 UG/DL TSH - high, 6.480 uU/ML Iron - low, 27 MCG/DL Iron saturation - low, 9% Chloride blood - low, 96 MMOL/L Sodium - low, 133 MMOL/L C-reactive protein - high, 25.9 MG/L Vitamin D - low, 18.9 NG/ML WBC - high, 16.9 MM3 PTH - high, 99 PG/ML Vitamin K1 - low, 0.24
All other labs were normal. The RN(been with him for years) in his office that I talked to explain what she thought of my labs... that my parathyroid was high due to my low vit D so I need a 2nd injection, infusion would take care of iron saturation, wbc would be taken care if with the antibiotic my pcp gave me for my tooth infection, regular thyroid and inflammation are up due to the my suspected thyroid condition.....so I guess. I'll see what he says tomorrow afternoon.
VSG to DS 7-01-14/ Dr Boyce, Knoxville, TN /Age 40/5'8"/HW 287/CW 273.2
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Post by Girlrocker on Jun 25, 2014 18:51:05 GMT -5
Well, there's this cherylbaker - WOW, 6 grandkids, you WILL need your energy for gramma daycare! And wonderful about being in the delivery room! If you have questions that are specific to the RNY to DS revision and would like to communicate further, PM or message me here. Misty, good to hear from you! And I'd say your list of questions probably covers a lot of everyone's ground! Some thoughts to try to help relieve your mind: I've been eating a protein focused/moderate carb lifestyle for 18 years now (well before my DS and my RNY!) and so far, so good. You can/do eat carbs, we basically follow an Atkins like lifestyle, just focus the carbs on the good complex kind instead of white flour/simple sugars (but not eliminate forever!) And then there's the fat you'll be able to eat, buh-bye low/no/fat, fat free, lite! Cancer! Oh no! Will I get cancer from not eating enough fruits, veggies, antioxidants and eating so much protein?!?! I'm in my late 30's can I really get 40 years out of this surgery?!?! Who is out there with the longest time with the DS? I want to live long enough to see my grand kids come and grow up. I can tell you that we have some people on this site who are 10-14 years out. There's a good chance you'd have serious, life threatening health problems from morbid obesity first! All the the surgery scaries such as blood clots, anesthesia, and such; Can my kidneys and liver hold up to this diet. No, I don't have any problems with either but heck there's no logic to my stressing. Well, the possibility of complications are a reality with any major surgery, that's for sure; the percentage of people who have no issues vs. the people who do is very favorable, as in VERY. We know the problems can happen and we all just hope they don't happen to us. Future complications - liver, bowel obstruction, hernias...yes, a risk, but again I would ask, but look at the risks involved in morbid obesity. This is taking a step to get healthy for the rest of your life. Why can't I lose this weight and keep it off myself? Maybe I should try again?!?! Spend a night researching "fat camps" and other alternatives. What if something bad happens, I have to live with this being my choice! Losing the weight is hard to impossible, only to be rivaled by actually keeping it off. There is a tendency for us to think of this surgery from a vanity, elective perspective rather than a health one. If we could lose weight and keep it off on our own we wouldn't need surgical intervention. It is true we all have to determine what we can and can't live with - eating lifestyle, life-long vitamin supplementation are non-negotiable. But we have nothing to be ashamed or feel guilty about. Morbid obesity is an illness and this surgery is a treatment for that illness. I did several 'one more time' diets before I had my RNY and all I can say is my only regret so far is that I didn't have the DS in the first place! Emotions running amok pretty on target, and pretty common immediately post-op too, hormones gone wild for a bit. Hang in there and vent all you want/need here!
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Post by Girlrocker on Jun 25, 2014 19:33:22 GMT -5
Well this is a whole bunch of stress on top of stress, so sorry, and considering your experience with the NP, can totally understand why you're super frustrated. I can appreciate that he'd like to see you to be really sure; but did he say which of these results is a 'flag' for surgery? I'm not entirely sure anything would be so serious to prevent surgery, but hopefully some of the others will weigh in. I remember what you went through with the canceled appointment at the last minute, this office doesn't always seem to take into consideration the difficult/hardship of the traveling and trying to minimize it when possible. I finally got the call back from surgeon's office and they said (since he was out of town when I went for my final preop with the NP last week) he wants to see me himself and evaluate me to decide if surgery should go as planned for Tuesday July 1st or if it will be postponed. So I'm feeling quite frustrated and stressed, but what good would it do me to throw a fit and freak out?! So I will be robbing peter to pay Paul to make another 5 hr drive there and 5 hr drive back in my SUV. I know he's just making sure I'm healthy enough to proceed, but the circumstances surrounding it are maddening. The reason for all the concern is due to the new NP's concern over my preop labs. Without getting into all the range #'s here's the short version: Prealbumin - low, 19 MG/DL T4 - high, 13.9 UG/DL TSH - high, 6.480 uU/ML Iron - low, 27 MCG/DL Iron saturation - low, 9% Chloride blood - low, 96 MMOL/L Sodium - low, 133 MMOL/L C-reactive protein - high, 25.9 MG/L Vitamin D - low, 18.9 NG/ML WBC - high, 16.9 MM3 PTH - high, 99 PG/ML Vitamin K1 - low, 0.24 All other labs were normal. The RN(been with him for years) in his office that I talked to explain what she thought of my labs... that my parathyroid was high due to my low vit D so I need a 2nd injection, infusion would take care of iron saturation, wbc would be taken care if with the antibiotic my pcp gave me for my tooth infection, regular thyroid and inflammation are up due to the my suspected thyroid condition.....so I guess. I'll see what he says tomorrow afternoon. VSG to DS 7-01-14/ Dr Boyce, Knoxville, TN /Age 40/5'8"/HW 287/CW 273.2
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Post by nursemelanie on Jun 25, 2014 19:52:24 GMT -5
No, they didn't specify which ones, but I had a STRONG feeling after my appointment with her that she would worry him enough to postpone my surgery. But I was hoping it would all blow over. I will be VERY surprised if he postpones my surgery after a face to face visit. IMHO most of the "off" labs will be addressed with surgery or shortly there after with an endocrinologist. But we shall see.
VSG to DS 7-01-14/ Dr Boyce, Knoxville, TN /Age 40/5'8"/HW 287/CW 273.2
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Post by Girlrocker on Jun 25, 2014 19:57:23 GMT -5
Well that's the part I don't quite understand; this is a vetted surgeon, he can read labs, not sure why a nurse practitioner is dictating the terms here!
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Misty
Junior Member
Posts: 60
Surgery Type: DS
Surgery Date: 07/22/2014
Surgeon: Dr. Hazem Elariny
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Post by Misty on Jun 25, 2014 20:01:07 GMT -5
Thanks Sharyl for the reply. I appreciate the time you took to help calm my case of nerves. I suspect I will cycle like this several times before the surgery. I appreciate having a place to vent these thoughts and worries. This surgery really is the first time that I've probably ever just done something for myself (even though it really benefits my whole family) and so that's really playing into my fears. I really feel solid about the surgery the vast majority of the time.
On the flip side, I've started looking at cute dresses, planning a solo trip with my wonderful husband and thinking about our vow renewal ceremony which we've always talked about doing since we never had a wedding, and hiking/camping with the kiddos. I'm excited to regain my health and livelihood!
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Post by nursemelanie on Jun 25, 2014 21:01:09 GMT -5
Misty- I've had most of the same worries. I do think it is just part of it for a lot of us. My eldest daughter(15) and spouse have also voiced their concerns about mortality. So I've had to spend a lot of time reassuring them. I basically said this week that I am more at risk of an early death with all the co-morbidities that will be improved or solved through surgery....than the surgery itself. And in the case that I am one of the very few unfortunate ones and it doesn't go well...to know that I wanted a healthy life so much that I went for it and risk it all to have one. I want my children to learn that sometimes life gives you tough decisions and you can sit around and be miserable or you can fight for the things that are important to you.
Sharyl- I'm disgusted about the last minute trip, but I decided dragging my bottom lip won't make this surgery happen. So I will walk out of the office tomorrow with my surgery on green for Tuesday or a damn good reason not to. I expressed my feelings about this NP to the RN and office manager and will definitely do so with my surgeon tomorrow. I think she needed some deeper experience with bariatrics before she was on her own to influence major surgery decisions.
VSG to DS 7-01-14/ Dr Boyce, Knoxville, TN /Age 40/5'8"/HW 287/CW 273.2
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Post by goodkel on Jun 25, 2014 22:12:34 GMT -5
I finally got the call back from surgeon's office and they said (since he was out of town when I went for my final preop with the NP last week) he wants to see me himself and evaluate me to decide if surgery should go as planned for Tuesday July 1st or if it will be postponed. So I'm feeling quite frustrated and stressed, but what good would it do me to throw a fit and freak out?! So I will be robbing peter to pay Paul to make another 5 hr drive there and 5 hr drive back in my SUV. I know he's just making sure I'm healthy enough to proceed, but the circumstances surrounding it are maddening. The reason for all the concern is due to the new NP's concern over my preop labs. Without getting into all the range #'s here's the short version: Prealbumin - low, 19 MG/DL T4 - high, 13.9 UG/DL TSH - high, 6.480 uU/ML Iron - low, 27 MCG/DL Iron saturation - low, 9% Chloride blood - low, 96 MMOL/L Sodium - low, 133 MMOL/L C-reactive protein - high, 25.9 MG/L Vitamin D - low, 18.9 NG/ML WBC - high, 16.9 MM3 PTH - high, 99 PG/ML Vitamin K1 - low, 0.24 All other labs were normal. The RN(been with him for years) in his office that I talked to explain what she thought of my labs... that my parathyroid was high due to my low vit D so I need a 2nd injection, infusion would take care of iron saturation, wbc would be taken care if with the antibiotic my pcp gave me for my tooth infection, regular thyroid and inflammation are up due to the my suspected thyroid condition.....so I guess. I'll see what he says tomorrow afternoon. VSG to DS 7-01-14/ Dr Boyce, Knoxville, TN /Age 40/5'8"/HW 287/CW 273.2 Is there any reason why you can't have any labs or tests done locally and the results emailed or faxed to him? You can get the shots and infusion locally, too. I can't imagine that he wouldn't work with you on this if you explain the hardship that the ten hour drive represents, especially since HE was the one who didn't show for your last appointment. My DS was in Mexico and I had all my pre-op testing done locally. I can definitely see why he would want your iron higher prior to surgery, but nothings else stands out to me as a reason to postpone surgery. Granted, your levels aren't optimal but in my opinion nothing severe enough to restrict surgery.
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Post by nursemelanie on Jun 25, 2014 22:54:23 GMT -5
goodkel- He didn't miss my last appointment. It was only supposed to be with the NP. But with all the questions she'd had from being new and my labs in general...he was out of town so therefore not available during my appointment or till yesterday to confer with.
For me to arrive in Knoxville in time for the appointment tomorrow I have to leave a couple hrs before they open in the morning. So at this point, if I don't go, I'm looking at a very strong possibility of surgery being cancelled. Because of my time constraints, relocating, and finances...it is imperative that my date remain the same unless it would put my health in jeopardy. So for these reasons, I'm stuck.
His office managers words were,"He said he needs to see you in person and evaluate you himself in order to determine if your fit for surgery". This was an after hours call and my instinct just led me to agree and then we were off the phone before the irritation set in.
VSG to DS 7-01-14/ Dr Boyce, Knoxville, TN /Age 40/5'8"/HW 287/CW 273.2
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Post by goodkel on Jun 25, 2014 23:09:28 GMT -5
Oh, ok.
I just wish he had coordinated with you so you could have had all these tests taken care of locally and not so last minute. If there is a chance that he would be needed, especially considering your travel time, he should have fit you in when he would be in the office.
This is why I chose to go to MX rather than drive four hours away to the nearest DS surgeon. He wanted an in-person consultation and other in-person visits. It was more convenient for me, and less expensive, to take care of all of that from home and meet my surgeon in person when I checked into the hospital.
Safe trip tomorrow. I'll be sending good thoughts your way that nothing will delay your surgery.
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Post by nursemelanie on Jun 25, 2014 23:43:18 GMT -5
Thank you goodkel! I have had to go to Knoxville many more times than expected. I have a lot of experience with traveling long distances for the right surgeon. My 15 yr old Payton had 5 of her 9 orthopedic surgeries in Wilmington Delaware which was a 17hr drive one way, but we had things orchestrated perfectly then.
I pray to look back on this experience and laugh when I'm healthy and happy playing with my kids and Sharon. Despite the bumps, I do feel I choose a great cutter who will get the job done right. I will update as soon as I'm done tomorrow!
VSG to DS 7-01-14/ Dr Boyce, Knoxville, TN /Age 40/5'8"/HW 287/CW 273.2
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Post by goodkel on Jun 25, 2014 23:48:45 GMT -5
Nope this will be my 6th grandkid.. BUT the first one where mom invited me in delivery room plus this is my youngest daughter and her first. I am soooo excited. . Once I recooperate and she goes back to work it will be gramma daycare time again.. My.main concern is my husband like others have posted here he just can't do anything by himself. I'm gonna have to find something soft to throw at hi. Cause if he irritates me when I'm In pain OMG I WILL GO CRAZY I suggest you get a Super Soaker water gun and blast him.
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Post by cherylbaker on Jun 26, 2014 8:16:31 GMT -5
Ha ha ha good idea especially being summer and all
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Post by newyorkbitch on Jun 26, 2014 15:27:18 GMT -5
Great!!
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Post by goodkel on Jun 26, 2014 15:35:59 GMT -5
Saw Dr Boyce today and everything is a go for Tuesday morning July 1st!!! VSG to DS 7-01-14/ Dr Boyce, Knoxville, TN /Age 40/5'8"/HW 287/CW 273.2 YAY! That is a relief.
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Post by Girlrocker on Jun 26, 2014 17:33:51 GMT -5
YAYYYY nursemelanie, so glad you are a GO for July 1, I've got my pom poms fluffed!
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Post by historytracker on Jun 28, 2014 1:26:15 GMT -5
nursemelanie - so glad to hear that the surgery is back on! Sorry that I missed your posting. I had a crazy week and didn't log on. I hope your blood work returns to normal in time. Good luck on surgery and hope that you have a speedy recovery.
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Post by historytracker on Jun 28, 2014 1:33:46 GMT -5
Yes I am not looking forward to "recovery". I am not the person who likes to sit still. One good thing was this week I had to go into the attic and find the bag of old clothes. I dropped another pants size so my bottom half has caught up with my top half and now I am a size 20. At my lowest weight with RNY - I wore size 18/20. It is good getting into old clothes and I look forward to the shopping that I will do in the future.
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Post by OnMyWay2Thin on Jun 28, 2014 6:11:34 GMT -5
Good luck on Monday, Cindy! Good luck to everyone else, too!
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Post by nursemelanie on Jun 28, 2014 19:04:02 GMT -5
nursemelanie - so glad to hear that the surgery is back on! Sorry that I missed your posting. I had a crazy week and didn't log on. I hope your blood work returns to normal in time. Good luck on surgery and hope that you have a speedy recovery. Thank you Cindy! I wish you a speedy recovery as well. VSG to DS 7-01-14/ Dr Boyce, Knoxville, TN /Age 40/5'8"/HW 287/CW 273.2
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Post by Girlrocker on Jun 28, 2014 20:05:04 GMT -5
Yeah, not a fan of recovery, that's for sure! But I have to say, I was so excited to have a second chance, that I didn't care as much, I knew I'd be flatlined for awhile. Hard for me too because I'm a multi-tasker, always have a lot of 'plates spinning' and especially now as I'm in huge career/life overhaul and just starting to reap the benefits of throwing all the balls i the air. I dove into the recovery, re-set part. I'm so excited for everyone!
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