Lester W.’s Posts
Post Date 5/12/04 6:54 pm
Topic: RE: Thanks and Answers

Questions are not a problem. My only snack is around 8:30 pm every evening. I have programmed myself from the beginning that it is the only snack that I allow myself. Yes I have cravings for food but ignore them by getting up and doing something-just anything to occupy the mind so the craving goes away. I also do cooking sometimes when a craving hits. I seem to be able to stop the craving by working with food-no, I do not taste test! I will sometimes go out to work in my shed/shop when I am bored. I try to find something to do. I have all kinds of energy compare to pre-surgery. So I try to stay busy most of the day. I am currently unemployed-had my own business till the medical problems got to be too much pre-surgery. Everyone has to find a solution to the head cravings-what works for one person might not work for another person. I just refuse to give in to the cravings because I will not go back to being fat again. Yes I could eat chips if I chose to but I do not chose to eat any 'junk' food. I have had no 'junk' food since pre-surgery. For meals I generally have scrambled egg (shared with my wife) for breakfast. For lunch I will have chicken strips or leftovers or soup. For supper I have meat and a vegetable. I do treat myself once in a while to some homemade habanero beef jerky (I make myself) although I do have a hard time with over indulging with the jerky. I also drink a V8 every couple of days. I do not eat a lot of fruits-never have. I do believe that the spicey foods that I eat does help raise my metabolism. For exercise I am able to do more than pre-surgery. I walk more. Try to ride bike with my wife every nite for about 20 minutes. No structured exercise other than the bike. I do keep busy-not a lot of sitting. Tonite I was fixing the doors on the shed so that it shuts better. As far as the head problems, you just got to remember that you control your head not the other way around. It is up to each of us to find the way to gain that control. I keep in the front of my mind that I never want to go back to the way I was before the surgery. It might work for you to think that way too. I will help in anyway I can. Might not be worded quite right. You can also ask my wife questions too. I have faith that you will make it to your goal. Lester
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Post Date 5/11/04 7:48 pm
Topic: Thanks and Answers

Thank you to every one that answered my post from yesterday. As for me and what I do; I do not eat any junk food anymore such as chips. I do not eat bread other than flavored pretzel pieces. I eat mixed nuts with the pretzels as a snack in the evening. I eat 3 times a day, approximately 3/4 of a cup at each meal. I use custard bowls (6 oz) to measure my food-then I eat till I am full even if there is food left in the bowl. No seconds. I really like very hot & spicey foods. I drink coffee and Crystal Lite and water. Have not had any soda/pop since 10/03. I do not drink milk but add extra dry milk to instant sugar free puddings, hot cocoa mix, or anything else that has milk in it. As for encouragement, I am a Type II diabetic and no longer require any medications to treat the diabetes. When I had the surgery I was on 2 different insulins twice a day and glucophage. I also have sleep apnea that I no longer require a machine to sleep with at nite. Pre-surgery the Bipap machine was almost at the top pressure level for my sleep apnea. I can take of my own basic needs now such as putting on my socks & boots in the morning. Being able to walk through stores without looks & comments from other people. I now have the energy to do everything I want to do. But anyway, I hope this gives somebody encouragement that the surgery is worth the pain. It is a lifestyle change-more good than bad. If I can help anyone just ask and I will do my best to help. Lester
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Post Date 5/10/04 8:42 pm
Topic: RE: Barf!

Hey, The bowel prep is nasty-my wife had to do it for her revision surgery. Wait till the laxative stuff kicks in-it is not fun (excep****ching my wife run for the stairs that day). Everyday will get better. Good luck with everything. Lester
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Post Date 5/10/04 8:28 pm
Topic: A Brag

I just have to share the good news-I am at 200 pounds today. A total loss of 154 pounds in 7 months. Am aiming to a weight of 185-190 so I am not done yet. Lester
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Post Date 4/21/04 8:29 pm
Topic: RE: Getting really worried!!!!!!!!!

Tina, I hope by now you might be feeling a little more confident about the surgery. I had the RNY done in 10/03 and it is the best decision I have made in a long time. At the time of the surgery I was taking 2 different insulins twice a day, taking other medication to control my diabetes, severe sleep apnea, no energy, etc. I have also had 4 back surgeries. As of today I no longer take any medication for my Type II diabetes, no longer need the Bi-pap machine for the sleep apnea, am up and going all day long and feel 100% better. I also look 100% better. My wife had the revision RNY last month. So far she has lost 40 pounds and already has more energy than before. She has hypertension but has been told by our PCP that she could possibly be off the medication for that in a few months. She also has arthiritis in her ankle but has needed no pain relief for it since the surgery. This surgery is not a magic bullet but if a person is willing to work with the surgery and do what is expected the results are fantastic. I hope for your sake your pain does go away afterwards. It should at least be less than now. Just think how good you will feel and how great you will look. Enjoy the process. Good luck
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