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Kaiser Options Classes Completed:

 

Well we've completed our final Kaiser Options Class #12 today, and the discussion this week was just an overview of what we’ve learned, what we’ve accomplished, and what comes next.  As we’ve already had our physicals, and lab work, the next step is we’re to call and make an appointment with Kaiser Preventive Medicine and let them know we’ve completed our classes, and other prerequisites on obtaining referral to see the surgeon.  They said they would review our charts and make sure everything has been done, schedule any remaining labs, tests, or studies they feel we need, and then write the surgeon referral.  They said this could take anywhere from a month or two.  Well as I was leaving the class at 11 AM, I was already on the phone with them to make the appointment for both my wife and I.  They said we have one opening at 2:00 PM today, I was ecstatic, but they couldn’t take us both.  I asked if she could check and make sure they couldn’t do us both at the same time, and after a few minutes she came back and apologized and said the doctor would need time to review everything, so the soonest appointment they had was January 28^th, and that they could do both of us at the same time then. We’ll that’s only 24 days away, which I’m sure will fly by.  She said once we get the referral to see the surgeon, it normally goes fairly fast.  I’m going to guess that means another two months, so maybe we’ll have a surgery date sometime in April.  I’m hoping to have surgery and be recovered before our deep sea fishing trip to Mexico at the end of June.  I don’t want to get a hernia or rip a stitch reeling in a 150 lb Striped Marlin, or a 60 lb Yellowtail Tuna or Wahoo. One thing that is really going to be nice is to fit comfortably into the seat of the airplane.  The key thing now is to keep working as hard as I have since September, use the “Skill Power” I’ve learned, exercise daily, drink (sip, sip, sip) 64+ oz water a day, have a protein snack between meals, don’t let stress get me down, don’t fall back in old habits, cut small bites, chew slowly, set fork down between bites, always eat at the table, continue to lose, and get the referral at the end of the month.  My new goal is to lose another 20 lbs (52 lbs total) before surgery.  The last three months have been very educational, and I’ve learned a lot, and really appreciate everyone on OH for sharing their experiences. I still need to get a list of some questions together for the surgeon, but the list has really shrunk.

 

Shopping List: (any suggestions welcome)

I also plan on doing some shopping for some items such as a mini blender (any suggestions?), electronic food scale, make sure to stock up on protein drinks, soups, diet pop sickles, an inexpensive food log book (any suggestions?), order a month supply of Bariatric Advantage Multi Formula (RNY/VSG) Chewable vitamins, and a month supply of Unjury Opurity Bypass Optimized Chewable vitamins.  I’m leaning towards the Unjury Opurity as it contains Iron and Bariatric Advantage doesn’t, but I also hear your taste can change after surgery, so something that tastes ok now, might not later.  I figure if I get both, I’ll be safe and will like at least one of them.  Of course get the hospital bag ready, health care proxy, list of current medications, ear plugs and eye covering for sleeping, chap stick, deodorant, robe, pajamas (that’ll be a first), slippers (not the pink fluffy ones either), pillow, disposable camera, couple recent Super Chevy magazines, loose sweat pants and tee shirt for ride home, cell phone charger, and maybe a walk man radio.

 

Other NSV’s (Non Surgical Victories)

When I received my referral from my doctor on September 30th I weighed in at 335 lbs, at the initial class orientation on October 5^th I weighed 328.4 lbs, and today I finished at 302.6 lbs, 2.4 lbs this week, a total of 25.8 lbs since orientation, and 32.4 lbs since referral. My BMI has gone from 45.4 at referral, 45.1 orientation, to 40.9 currently. I was very happy with the results. I wish I had taken my measurements back in September, but didn’t take them until November 7^th (see photos).  Since then in the last two months my neck has gone from 21” to 19.5”, Chest 59” to 54”, Waist 59” to 56”, Hips 48.5” to 48”, Thigh 23.5” to 22”, Calf 19.5” to 18”, Bicep 15” to 14”, Forearm 13” to 12.5”, all measurements taken relaxed. With the weight I’ve lost my hip pain is nearly gone, my energy level is rising, and I feel like walking again.  In addition, my blood sugars are in the normal range 90% of the time, and I’ve gone from 4 insulin injections a day to only 2, and the amount of those is less than half of what it used to be.  I’m really looking forward to my RNY putting my diabetes in remission.

   

I probably won’t update my blog until after the appointment on January 28^th, but will keep sending support messages and comments to my OH friends, some which are having some stressful events in their lives presently.  I really enjoy seeing the successes everyone is having on their journey to a healthier life, so keep uploading those photos, you all look so great!

 

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 before the end of the 2011. 

 

Martin

One Week Left of Kaiser Options Classes:  
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

Cancer Scare. . .
My wife Gerry had thyroid cancer back in 2002, and had her thyroid removed at that time. Every six months she goes in for checkups, and once a year they do lab work, an iodine scan and an ultra-sound. Well about a year ago, they discovered a pea sized lump or nodule and have been keeping an eye on it. Recently she had another round of tests, and of course the nodule was still there, but didn’t show up on the iodine scan as cancer. Suddenly, she’s scheduled for an appointment with the neck and throat surgeon, for possible cancer. Needless to say, the last two weeks waiting for the appointment had her on pins and needles not knowing why she’d suddenly been scheduled. Today was her appointment, and the surgeon just want to go over all of the recent tests with her, and let her know that it was just scar tissue, and they would just continue to check it every six months. Apparently when they remove a thyroid it’s attached to a nerve that goes to the vocal cords, so when they remove it, they leave a very small piece of the thyroid attached to the nerve, or you could lose your speech. Anyway, the stress is over, everyone is happy, and we can put our focus back on preparing for WLS, and a happier and healthier future together.
  Thanks, Martin

Two week post update. . . Well we've completed our Kaiser Options Class #9 today, and the discussion this week was on vitamins and minerals as it relates to WLS. The timing was perfect to go along with all of the research I’d been doing on potential hair loss that occurs with most after surgery. Last week Class #8 was on meal plan review and guidelines, for both before and after WLS. Another thing that was covered was food exchange lists (what is a serving), and a variety of sample meal plans. One of our home work items was to actually follow a post WLS meal plan for half of a day. We chose one where we had to drink 2 oz when we woke up, then not eat for 30 minutes, have a ¼ cup of cream of wheat, with a little nonfat milk in it, and of course nothing to drink with it. I’ll have to admit we were clearly still hungry afterwards, but told ourselves, after WLS, that would have filled us up. We then had to wait 30 minutes and resume 2 oz water every 15 minutes regime again. For lunch we repeated but with ¼ cup refried beans with a little cheese. We had the same feelings afterwards as with breakfast. The drinking 2 oz water every 15 minutes was the toughest part, so I feel for all of you that have gone through WLS. In the afternoon, I worked hard in the property clearing brush for about 4 hours, and didn’t have a snack or water with me. It was nearly 90 degrees out, and I was sweating pretty good.  When I came in later that afternoon, I felt dehydrated, and my blood sugar was very low (65mg). I think the post surgery diet will be easy at the office, but hard physical work at home will require more planning such as carrying a canteen and a belt pack with a protein bar or snack with me. I still say I can do it, but really appreciate what all of my OH friends are going through. On weight loss, I actually gained .4 lbs last week, but lost 2.4 lbs the week earlier, so I’m not going to beat myself up over it, as I’ve lost 25.6 lbs so far. My wife Gerry is doing pretty well, and has lost a total of 10 lbs since we started the classes. I have been under extreme pressure and stress at work, which has been causing my blood sugars to rise, but I’m exercising which is helping reduce my stress and blood sugar. Emotional eating was always one of my problems, but I’m using my newly learned “Skillpower” to not eat when I’m stressed or depressed about something, and exercise instead. Exercise is getting easier, my hips don’t hurt quite as bad when walking, but I know it will get even better. A couple weeks ago we went to Disneyland and walked around for 9 hours, we had a good time, but I was hurting by the end of the night and was ready to go home. This last weekend I had to stock up on bird seed, and was carrying 50 lb sacks over each shoulder from the truck to the aviaries. I tell myself that at 309 lbs, when I lose 100 lbs it will be like dropping two 50 lbs bags of bird food.  I can only imagine the increase in energy levels one would have after such a weight loss. We have 3 more weeks of classes to attend before being scheduled to speak with the surgeon, but 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.   

One of my new OH friends Annessa_of_Flourish has a really neat website www.flourishyourlife.com   with lots of seasonal recipes and videos on healthy eating. We tried several this week, one was a video making Butternut Squash French Fries, where you peel and slice it into French fries, spray a little Pam, sprinkle with a little salt, and bake it at 400 for about 30 – 40 minutes to get it as crispy as you like. Ummmm, it was fantastic.  Check out the site to get some neat ideas for healthy meals for both you and your families.  

Thanks, Martin

One week post update. . . Well we've completed our Kaiser Options Class #7 today, and the discussion was on embracing change, stages of readiness for change, goal setting, affirmations, traits of optimist and pessimists, changing negative beliefs, and personal change from the inside out.  I was very pleased that even with Thanksgiving, planning paid off and I lost another 1.8 lbs. I’m doing good with drinking my water and getting in at least 20 to 40 minutes of exercise each day, and I’m trying to keep a positive attitude, even though there have been some challenges this week. We have five more classes to go and hopefully will be scheduled to see a surgeon shortly afterwards. I asked again today, is there really a 3 month waiting period to be scheduled, and they said the VSG was, but the RNY is getting done quicker. That made my day, and my goal is to have the RNY, to put my diabetes in remission, as well as it being one of the WLS with the highest success rate from what my research has shown. Another thing that I’ve been researching and asking people questions about is hair loss that a lot of people experience, normally around month 3 to 6, that lasts for about a year. I still don’t know exactly what causes the hair loss, I’ve heard lack of protein, and that’s one of the reasons why you need to consume like 70 to 90 grams of protein a day. Others say it’s because of the surgery anesthesia, others say because the high weight loss causes a shock on the body, and others say it’s a vitamin deficiency. Again, I’m not really sure which is correct, so that’s why I’ve been trying to find answers, so hopefully my wife won’t experience it so bad.  So far I’ve learned that Biotin can help with the hair loss and thinning, so I’m going to do more checking on it.  Everyone says the hair grows back after about a year, and I would say it is much better for our health and longevity to be trim and fit, that to have thinning hair for awhile.   I really enjoy watching all of my new friends, and most are experiencing such fantastic results. Everyone, just keep up the good work, you’re all doing so well.    Thanks, Martin

Tuesday November 23, 2010 Two week post update. . . Well we've completed our Kaiser Options Class #4 and #5 yesterday, and the discussion was on exercise, and pre-op diets, food choices, eating meals out, meal planning, and more on reading labels.  I was really bummed last week as I was really working out more than before on my home gym (twice a day), but yet gained .8 lbs. Our instructor told me I was being too hard on myself, just keep working and it’ll drop. We’ll I dropped the .8 lbs this last week, so I’m feeling a little better. Seriously, what I think is happening is that I’m losing fat, and toning muscle at the same time. I know my clothes are fitting better, and I just feel better overall. One thing I did recently was to take and record all of my measurements so even if I have weeks that I don’t lose, I can check measurements to see what’s really happening. I really enjoy watching all of my new friends, and so many have just had their surgeries this month, and I sincerely wish you all the best. Some of my new friends had surgeries just a few months back, and are experiencing such fantastic results, and their photos really show it. Everyone, just keep up the good work, you’re all doing so well. I did come across one person that was experiencing an image problem, and I had read about this in my research for WLS, so know it can happen. This one lady had said that when she looks in the mirror, she knows she’s lost weight, but still sees a fat person staring back. We’ll, I came across a picture that someone had sent me years ago called, “Love This Mirror” and if I had my wish, every person that’s had or are hoping to have WLS should see themselves this way. (except for the men, sorry I don’t have a men in the mirror)   



Lastly, I want to wish everyone a Happy Thanksgiving, and we all have so much to be thankful for, living in a free country, our health that is improving, our family and loved ones, and all of our OH friends. Let’s also remember those that are serving in our armed forces that are away from us, and keep them in our prayers.  

Thanks, Martin

Well we've completed our Kaiser Options Class #4 today, and the discussion was on foods, carbs, fats, sodium, proteins, and reading labels.  Fortunately I lost another 4.8 lbs this week, for a total of 22.2 since referral, or 15.6 lbs since the orientation class. I’ve got a routine now to make sure I drink all my water each day, as Wal-Mart had a 2.2 Liter bottle that holds 8 glasses of water. I just make sure I drink all of it at work, plus additional while at home. I’m working out every day on a Wielder exercise machine I purchased at Sears, and my wife is using a treadmill. I’m still having hip pain when walking, but it’s getting better. My results from a Bone Scan came back this week, and my “t” rating is -0.1 which I think is normal??? We have eight more classes to go so we can get with the surgeon for scheduling, but I heard today that Kaiser is about 3 months out backlog after we finish our classes. Bummer Even so I'm sure it'll go very fast, and I’m really looking forward to my new healthy life.  I really enjoy watching all of my new friends, and so many are having surgery this month, and wish you all the best. Thanks, Martin

Well we've completed our Kaiser Options Class #3 today, and the discussion was on stress and how to reduce stress.  Fortunately I lost another 4.4 lbs this week, for a total of 17.4 since referral, or 10.8 lbs since the orientation class.  Drinking water, and exercising is helping.  Nine more classes to go so we can get with the surgeon for scheduling.  It seems like  it will take forever, but I'm sure it'll go very fast.  Thanks, Martin

We'll had another Options class today, and lost another 2.2 lbs this week, down 13.5 lbs since my referral.  I really tried hard this last week drinking 8 to 10 glasses of water every day.  My goal this week is to exercise at least every other day.  My knees and hip joints are still hurting, so I'm working on my upper body for now, and as soon as I lose another 15 lbs or so feel I can begin walking easier.  I'm having protein drinks with a banana or strawberries once or twice a day, usually for breakfast and lunch, a protein bar as a snack in the middle of the afternoon, and doing the best I can on portion control for dinner.  I used to take 95 units of insulin at bedtime, and 85 units at breakfast, but have tapered back to 40 units each.  I'm probably going to have to cut back further, as I'm experiencing insulin reactions several times a day.  I look forward to having the RNY as it should end the need to take insulin altogether.  I had a full physical Tuesday afternoon as well, and it was nice to see my regular doctor is very supportive of my decision of having an RNY, and agreed it will probably put my diabetes in remission.  He's ordered labs, but said the surgeon will probably order more just before I'm actually scheduled for surgery.  I also had a bone density test to check my joints that have been aching.  (The labs will also be checking for other deficiencies.)  My wife and I are practicing what the future will be like, chewing every bite 20 to 30 times, much smaller portions, but we're still drinking water, crystal light and ice tea with our meals.  We're also doing food and activity logs, which helps keep us in check as well.  January or February seems like such a long time away for the surgery, but I'm sure it will be here before we know it.  Another nice thing about this year, is that normally I'd put on 10 or 15 lbs during the holidays, but that's just not going to happen this year.  

We'll, both my wife and I attended our 1st of 12 Kaiser Options classes preparing us for bariatric surgery hopefully next January or February.  In the 14 days since our orientation class we both lost 4 lbs each.  I was down to 328.4 lbs from 335 lbs initially.  I've been doing lots of research on various surgeries, and feel pretty confident that as a diabetic I'll be scheduled for the RNY, as there is a 96% that it'll put my diabetes in remission.  I've also been researching and purchasing various Whey Protein drinks, including GNC Total Lean, Unjury, Super Fortress, and Six Star Professional, and comparing them.  So far it looks like Super Fortress is the best bang for the buck, but I'll see what the dietitian has to say next week.  If anyone wants a copy of the Excel spreadsheet that I've tracked all of them on, my email is [email protected] and I'd be happy for forward you a copy.  My wife just purchased a treadmill from Sears, and I set it up for her, but I can't use it yet as it has a 300 lb max capacity.  Give me a few more weeks, and I'll be down to that.