cjmcneff

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 I am now 6 months out from my gastrectomy and down a total of 95 lbs from the beginning of my journey!  I feel AWESOME!! And don't look so bad either!!  I do have some saggy skin in my tummy and thigh area.  How can I not??  I need to exercise LOTS more then I do.  I have figured out that if I eat too many carbs I do not lose weight as fast, the minute I ramp up the protein I lose at a steady pace again!!  I have been losing hair at a decent rate.  I am using a special shampoo and treatment to help that.   My hair is long enough now though I can pull it back in a ponytail and go.   I  have more energy then I have had in YEARS!!   It is really nice to fit in "regular" size clothes again.  I am now wearing 12 and 14 size clothes.  Been looking for a swimming suit and that has been irritating!!  LOL  I need support on top, because they "girls" haven't gone down too much and need to cover up the saggy skin in the bottom area!!  But Hey!  At least it isn't plus size!! :)  I will post a "after" pic on here soon. Anyone interested in surgery please feel free to contact me.  I do not get on here much but you can email me at [email protected] and I would be happy to try to answer any questions you may have.  Have a Great Journey!! CJ

 Wow!! Where do I start?? First of all my surgery date has been moved to Nov.3,2009.  A week later than originally but I'm good with that!!  Went for my preop visit with Dr Salimath and while there he talked to me about the sleeve gastrectomy.  He said I had done so well losing weight preoperatively that he would do the VSG on me instead of the RNY!!  AWESOME!! No worries about the malabsorption issues, no dumping!! I'm thrilled.  I have been on my liquid diet for a week now and won't lie, those first couple days were HARD!!!  Protein shakes, jello, broth and popsicles aren't alot!!  But, I have made it through the first week, one left then surgery!!  I am now trying to learn everything I can about the sleeve gastrectomy!!

 My surgery is scheduled for October 27, 2009 at 7:30 AM.  I go see Dr salimath the 14th for my preop appt.  So for now I study up on my Go-To Workbook...decide which protein drink I will use and drink lots of water and get lots of exercise!!!

 What a way to start September!!  I have been approved by insurance!! Looks like I'll be scheduled end of October, first of Novemeber....waiting for my call back from Dr Salimath's office to get a date....

Back to Peoria today... had to meet with nutritionist and exercise specialist to see how I've been doing on my goals.  I got the ok from both of them..I lost 10 lbs these last 4 weeks following their advice.  They encourage me to continue exercising and eating right and the more weight I lose prior to surgery the better...Less to lose afterwards!! :) I am now patiently (or sometimes impatiently)  waiting for approval... In the meantime I continue walking everyday and consume no soda or any other sugary beverage.  I try to pick protein and veggies/fruits over carbs and drink water, water, water!!!

Well, I'm another step closer to surgery!!  I have finished my pre-op testing and had my consultations with the Exercise specialist, nutitionist, and phsychiatrist.  I am taking my vitamins every day, following the advice from the nutritionist, exercising and counting my steps...I was told yesterday that the phsych report was on my doctor's desk waiting for him to see....SOoooo, I wait for Dr.'s final ok.....Just waiting for the next step.... 

 Well, It's been almost a year since I have been on here!!  I am getting things in order to restart the process... After a year of grandbabies, surgeries and more, I am finally ready to do this thing!! I have my seminar and first appt. with Dr Salimath on June 10, 2009.  I live several hours away so they scheduled me both on the same day.  Monica has been GREAT!!  I am excited to get this going!!!

Well, I got a call from Dr's office and had to be rescheduled to July 2,2008 for my seminar and first appt .  Gee, I don't know what he was thinking having a personal life and all!! Things happen and all that is meant to be will be!!  I look forward to July though!!  It has been nice to get on here and talk to others that are going through the same things.  Everyone has been sooo helpful.  Thanks!!  

I attend my mandatory seminar next week.  I have decided to go to Dr J. Salimath in Peoria, IL for my surgery.  I will decide which surgery to proceed with after talking with the Dr.   Originally I was leaning toward the LAP band, but am now considering the Vertical banded gastroplasty.  I look forward to attending the seminar mext week!