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Surgeon TestimonialJeffrey Friedman M.D. I originally started my journey towards weight loss surgery with a different local surgeon. I didn't get to meet the surgeon, but for my insurance I met monthly with the nutritionist / dietician. The first visit with him had me leaving embarassed and angry... with only a few paper handouts to show for the visit. His assumptions and comments were what I expected from the general public, not a weight loss professional. I decided it was a "standard 1st visit speech" so I went back again the 2nd month. I received another fistful of handouts and instructions to cut out "all those deep fried foods" - even though he never reviewed the carefully documented food log I had in hand (which did not list any fried foods). Again, the 5-10 minutes he spent with me left me feeling humiliated and unsure.
I decided I would rather go through life struggling with my weight on my own than to deal with the frustration and embarassment.
And then a friend suggested I visit Dr. Friedman. WOW. What a difference.
The instant I walked in the office door I was greeted with a pleasant waiting room and an even more pleasant lady at the desk, Betty. Dr. Friedman came to the waiting room to get me and I had a consultation with him before even meeting the nutritionist. He was very friendly and down to earth. I wasn't even sure I wanted to go through with surgery, so Dr. Friedman reviewed all of the potential complications, risks and benefits. He sketched out the surgery on a piece of paper and wrote down the various medications and vitamins he would be requiring of me. When I left HIS office, I felt confident in my new decision to have RNY Gastric Bypass, and confident in my decision to have Dr. Friedman as my surgeon.
Throughout the remaining months of my insurance required visits, every visit was pleasant and reassuring. There was no rushing through and no "handout only" consultations. Every time I met with the nutritionist she explained her expectations, why she had them and how I could meet them. The nurse was WONDERFUL about making sure my anxiety and claustrophobia was addressed and made known to the entire team who would be involved in my surgery.
The morning of my surgery I expected to be frantic... but I was very calm and confident that I was placing my life in the hands of a great surgeon who had genuine concern for me as an individual, a friendly and thorough OR team who would see to my needs (especially the anxiety and claustrophobia, if the need arose) and I had advocates in both my surgeon and his nurse.
I woke up from surgery with mild pain, but mostly wanted something to moisten my mouth. I had very little pain throughout my stay (Tuesday morning - Thursday afternoon) and it was always addressed with reasonable quickness by the nurses on the floor. The nurses and techs were caring and attentive. Even the housekeeping staff seemed like my own personal cheer squad as I took my walks in the middle of the night.
Dr. Friedman visited me each day and checked on how I was feeling. He never made me feel like my questions were dumb or insignifcant.
I am only a week post-op and I feel great! I had my first post op visit and everyone in the office was happy and proud for me. It was like celebrating with friends instead of the usual feeling you get in a doctor's office. There is a 5yr aftercare program, so I feel good knowing I have resources available to me for the "long haul."
I adore Dr. Friedman and his staff.... and I feel like they are sincerely interested in playing a part in my success so that I can really LIVE life
Member Interests
- Animal Rescue - I foster horses that are seized by the county
- Cats - 4 of them inside - Diva , Leroy, Boots and Lil
- Dogs - I have a 110lb yellow Lab named Rio. He means more than this line lets me write.
- Horses - 2 horses - 29yr old Skye and 2yr old Buddy
- Gardening - LOVE my garden! Even at my highest weight I was out there in the Florida sun
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New Approach
posted on 8/13/12 9:00 pm
So I am taking a new approach to an old destination - protein heavy days, tightening the reins on carbs. Last night I got stuck at work until 0030 (vs 0000) so the security guy came by and chatted with me. He recently opened his own gym and is doing quite well. He used to do body building stuff before he was shot on the job (former law enforcement). Anyway, I was telling him I don't know if I am in a stall, or if I am slowing down /s topping weight loss since I am a year out this week. He challenged me to drop my carb intake to 30g or less per day for 5 days, then have a high carb day and do another 5 low. Sure no problem, I say.
He also suggested after a hard workout to have a small (4-6oz) protein shake and just 2-3 gummy bears, starbursts or candy corns. Said the protein and sugar combo would prevent insulin spikes and crashes, etc. Ok.
I finally left work, helped my mom and tended my rabbits. I was exhausted so expected to sleep soundly. It was well after 0100 before I went to bed and I woke up 3 different times between then and 0830, when I finally gave up and stayed awake. A little after 9 I went down to help my mom up for her doctor appointment. Once they were on their way I had breakfast, put on green beans and squash to cook, went out to feed my horses and walked up to my house to feed the chickens.
It seems I never watch anything on TV anymore, since my mom is now in their den and "owns" the TV. I suppose I could watch in another room, but usually I have to watch online. Anyway, all of that to say, while they were gone I watched "Extreme Makeover: Weight loss edition" online. Usually those shows inspire me, this one was lacking something. Or maybe I am already exercising and pushing myself, I have my own trainer, so it doesn't effect me the same? who knows
After lunch and helping my mom into her recliner it was time to get ready for work. I'd hoped for a nap but I was to restless to sleep on their couch while waiting for them.
A couple of hours after getting to work I FLEX'd some time and went to Spinnerval class. My trainer didn't lead it today because she had to fill in for the Zumba instructor and the 3rd trainer isn't Zumba certified. So the 3rd trainer did Spinnerval. It was tough and awesome!!
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Spin for warm up
1 min spin, then 1 min station, 1 min spin, etc (2 rounds), 3rd round 1.5 minute each
sprint, bicycle kicks, 4 count jumps, reverse lunges, hill sprint, pushup/sideplank, hover, plank tilt, aero, 24lb dead lift row
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After class I showered and then stopped by to talk to my trainer. We talked about Tri training, my new bike and she gave me some tips for biking in such a way that my legs will handle the run. I am getting really excited and a little nervous - mostly the nerves are from having so many people interested in me doing well - I don't want to let them down.
When we were talking about my legs and such (because they fatigue so easily) it came up that I need to just push my legs through pain and exhaustion to the point of numbness. I told her I am not sure I ever reach "numb" lol. I did agree that the only way to build the endurance is to push past this fear of exhaustion. So we are going to spend one week really trashing my legs, and then the next just normal stuff and concentrating on upper body. She said we will start tomorrow and that we won't necessarily do treadmill but some ellipitcal as well so it will be easier on my knees and feet.
We also talked about me riding my bike to the gym next week. I am off work so there won't be any time pressures and I can take my time on the road. If I get nervous I can just get off and walk or call my dad to come get me in his truck. I mentioned doing 3 classes in one day - spin, ABSolute Glutes, and kickboxing. My trainer said she considers me on the same level as her and the other trainer, so yes, I should be fine doing all 3 classes on that day. High honor, big compliment, scary expectation to try to live up to!
Before the spinnerval class started, my trainer came over and said she heard there was a fashion show. I looked at her with a blank stare and she said another post-op told her that there was a before / after fashion show for WLS and when I went she wanted to be there , front and center. I don't think my surgeon does that, I think it is the other local surgeon -but it did give me an idea.
At some point this month or early September I am having photos done. We (the photographer and I) discussed doing location shots and studio shots. We also decided we would love to do a shoot in the gym of me doing a REAL workout, not posed. The trainer talking about a fashion show made me think maybe for the location and / or studio photos I can dress up. Not new jeans and nice shirt dress up - but a dress or skirt or whatever ladies where now. I would still want regular jeans pics as well, but I think the dress would really be awesome. And it would make a LOT of people faint to see the photos (in case you didn't gather - I haven't worn a dress in about 10yrs! and it was reluctant then!).
Work until 0100, home to help my mom, tend the animals, shower and bed. Tomorrow I HAVE to take my bike to get it tuned up. Ideally I will go out to the beach first to get a pic of it so I can get the thank you notes over and done with!
Also tomorrow I work out with the trainer - I am dreading it after today's "trash the legs" conversation!! I'll FLEX more time and go to the WLS support group. Dr. Friedman is on vacation so he won't be there. The nurse and dietitian lead the group and I think tomorrow is what I call "Free for all" - open forum / round table. Usually ends up being totally for any pre-ops, but at least I have the accountability of seeing the nurse and NUT every month.
Wednesday morning I plan to work OT 0500-0800, maybe swim, help my mom and then nap until time to work. Another 0100 shift.
Thursday is spin class, staff meeting and work until 0100.
Friday morning is trainer 0830-0930 (maybe measurements.. it is about time but I am nervous), help my mom, then counseling at 11, massage at 1250, pedicures and maybe shopping with friends before we go to dinner (either sushi or steak).
Saturday morning is OT 0400-0800 and then help my mom before going to "Dog Days of Summer" - dog event to benefit American Cancer Society. I will rest that day otherwise. Maybe go to the beach?
Sunday at Tri training we are supposed to do a big swim and then there is nothing else listed. Previously there was "SPECIAL TREAT" in bright red font. Now it just has the swim. No idea what is going on there. I'll work that evening and then I am OFF for a week. I'll still be at the gym most days, all day on Thursday. I will also be going to the beach, riding my bike, napping, swimming, cleaning my barn, cleaning my house, maybe going to get hay for the horses..... Then super early Friday morning I will leave with some friends and head to Atlanta. We are going to the zoo and the aquarium, then driving back Saturday night. I will get in crazy late and then have Tri training crazy early. Should be interesting.
As far as my low carb day... didn't get under 30 today. Actually ended up at 51. I had a Click with skim milk and that was 24g carbs right there! I am trying to plan lower tomorrow and it looks like maybe 43. Hopefully I can keep easing it down until I get below 30. I sure do love my fruits and veggies though :(
B - 1 egg, 2 egg whites, 2 turkey bacon
L - rotisserie chicken, green beans, squash
S - click / skim milk
- mint cookie protein / 2 starburst post gym
D - 1 egg, 1/4c egg whites, 2 turkey bacon
S- turkey pepperoni, lc cheese
- ww fajita tortilla, turkey bacon, tomato, mayo
Calories - 1230 (YAY)
Carbs - 43 ... eh
Fat - 74
Protein 109
Sugar - 14
Fiber - 5 oooh
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