dilemma

I've been approved and my scheduled date is 7/31, however, I am stressing out because this Saturday, I'm going on an 8 night cruise with my brothers, their families and my parents. 18 of us in total, to celebrate my parents 50th Wedding Anniversary. My dilemma is that I have lost 4 of the required 5 lb minimum pre surgery, YIKES! What if I gain it back and thensome? Will my surgery date be postponed? Oh, yea, thanks to my daughter Giovanna, I now have a picture up. I will add more after my cruise, especially of her! Maryellen

Congrats on your date. Go with your family and just don't over indulge. Depending on when you have to weigh in, you will just have to work harder when you get back Enjoy, God Bless

Hi Maryellen As far as your surgery being postponed, I think once you have your approval, you should be okay provided you don't gain a ton of weight back. The last time we got weighed beforre surgery wa a week before. They don't weigh us the day of surgery. I wouldn't stress out. Just drink a lot of water to keep flushing yourself and you should be fine. Marie

Go and enjoy, I think worst case, you will gain that 4 lbs. back,I believe you still have enough time before surgery to lose 5 lbs. Just know when you get back you need to get real strict. Exercise on the cruse,walk,swim etc. you may be surprised at how well you can do.I'm so excited for you that you have your surgery date Good Luck, Tina

Go on the cruise and wish your parents a very happy 50th. Have a good time and just don't stuff yourself. You will be so active that I don't think you have to worry. Good luck on your surgery. I kknow you will do fine. Marcia

Maryellen: First congrats on your date! Next think about this: WLS is your decision/choice. With that comes hard work to change your lifestyle for longterm success/health. This can either be viewed (the cruise) as a opportunity to grow and practice new skills or as a difficulty. The best any of us can do is to practice preop the skills and habits we will need to use postop for success. Make the cruise about family, celebrate people, and your decision, keep it in focus that this has to be more important than anything else, even any temporary food item. I know of surgeons who will cancel surgeries if people do not lose their preop wt or gain it (the day of surgery) I do not know if your surgeon is one of them. I do know losing wt preop is not just to show motivation or committment it is FOR YOUR HEALTH! It can shrink that liver and decrease your risk of complications! So think about that when a sweet or goodie calls your name! I just lost a dear friend to postop complications 6 days out, so this is a sensitive issue, I hope all can do all they can to decrease thier risks postop. I know many friends who lose wt on a cruise because thier focus is activity and friends/family, NOT a food feast free for all. I am not saying it will not be w/o challenges and no one is perfect, as I tell everyone WLS will not make you change yoiur life, WLS will not make you a longterm success, it is YOU who can choose to change your life and you who can use your mind in a positve or negative manner. It can be a wonderful journey, see this just as the first steps! Remember holidays, celebrations, vacations will come and go, we can use them as excuses to not change what twe need to or as opportunities to no longer be victims and truly survive and thrive! I have all the faith you will meet this challenge head on, with some thoughtful meditation on the challenges and pre planning, how you will succeed! Do not fully deprive self but find balance instead! HUGS!!! Finding new joys and ways to celebrate is exciting! Take Care, Jamie Lap RNY 10/9/02 Dr. Singh 320/163 5'9'' (lost 45# before surgery) Plastics 6/9/04 & 11/11/2005 Dr. King http://www.obesityhelp.com/morbidobesity/members/profile.php?N=c1132518510 "Being happy doesn't mean everything's perfect, it just means you've decided to see beyond the imperfections!"

howdy ME! I'd go on that cruise and i'd walk and dance up a storm you show them who owns that dance floor girl!!!! If you gain you gain you're not on a cruise to lose weight you are on that cruise to enjoy your family and all the activities they have. Make sensible choices and don't pass up the chocolate (have some for me, I miss it!)

Thank you everybody for your advice! Maryellen

Go and have a wonderful time. Just be aware of what you are eating....And congrats on your date....Very exciting.... LisaMarie

Hi Maryellen, I was just on a cruise and I lost 2 pounds! My secret was going to the gym every morning to walk on the treadmill or the elyptical and then I'd take a stretching or aerobics class. It was great! If you let the cruise folks know that you have special dietary needs, like no sugar, they will accomodate. Enjoy! Patricia