MBowman189
Tuesday December 28, 2010
Dec 29, 2010
Well we've completed our Kaiser Options Class #11 today, and the discussion this week was on Communication, Choices and Taking Responsibility. It was interesting session that covered different communication styles, things taught at a young age that affect our communication and assertiveness, which can cause us to get victimized later in life. We have choices, rights, can decide what is best for us, and don’t have to be stepped on by others. We covered defensive and assertive communication styles, as well as assertive, aggressive, and passive. There was a lot covered, and then we practiced assertive communication and conflict resolution. We also learned the importance of just saying NO. We also covered Binge / Diet Cycle, emotional eating, and trigger foods and behaviors, and how to break the behavior chain. Lastly, lapses, relapse and collapses, and how to get back on track. We have one more week to go of classes, After reading another OH members blog, I asked the instructor today is that true it could take 6 months, and she said after the classes we will have appointments with Preventive Medicine and our physicals (which we already did), EKG, upper-Endoscopy, Psychological Evaluation, more labs. Once we finish all that, then we’ll have a consultation with a surgeon. She said that stage can take up to 3 months, and then the surgeon will give us a date, which might be another 3 months. I think the waiting is the hardest part for everyone hoping to have WLS. I think there should have been a class dedicated to the word wait, as that is what WLS patients are best at. First you wait for a referral, then for orientation, then for classes, then for all the other appointments, then for a surgeon consultation, then for insurance approval, and then for a surgery date. I guess it’s like the old saying goes “The best things in life come to those that wait”. I really can’t complain, the wait is actually pretty good for me as it is giving me lots of time to do WLS research, and learn from all my OH Friends experiences, which I’m very grateful. Speaking of research, I still think the RNY is the best surgery for myself, as it will put my diabetes in remission, and for my wife, we’re thinking the VSG would be best as the success rate is near that of the RNY, there isn’t dumping, or malabsorption issues, and I’m hoping maybe no hair loss issues. I’m still not sure if there would be getting stuck issues, but I don’t think so, and I’m not sure about constipation issues, still researching that one.
On weight loss, I lost 2.2 lbs this week which I feel is great for Christmas week, but I was careful, planned meals, made healthy food choices, and exercised regularly. To date I’ve lost 30.0 lbs, and my wife Gerry is doing pretty well, and has lost a total of 12 lbs since we started the classes 11 weeks ago. I also recommend that everyone takes their measurements before starting your journey, as I discovered that I’ve lost 4” from my chest, and 4” from my waist. Between the 30 lbs, and the inches lost, I’m a happy camper.
I have been under extreme pressure and stress at work, which I’ve just refused to let it get to me, do the best I can each day, exercise every day at lunch time, sip my water all day, eat a energy protein bar each afternoon, take a break, and go home almost on time. These efforts are paying off, and it’s been amazing that my blood sugars have been in complete control lately. Other changes that have finally become habits are I’ve given up soda, I only have one cup of coffee a day, I drink 64 + ounces of water each day, always eat at the table, cut my bites very small, set my fork down between bites, and count my chews to 20 or 30 before swallowing. One thing I haven’t given up yet is drinking ice tea when I go to a restaurant with my meal, but know that once I have WLS that’s over, actually going to restaurants period will be out for probably six months to a year.
I’m so looking forward to joining all my new OH friends on the loser bench, and get down to my goal of 185 lbs.
Best Wishes Everyone for a Happier and Healthier New Year.
Martin
4 Comments
About Me
Riverside, CA
Location
31.6
BMI
Surgery
04/20/2011
Surgery Date
Sep 30, 2010
Member Since
