Samantha L.

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Hey, everyone!  Ok, so as I had stated in my previous blog, I started my journey on 5/11 and things have just been moving right along since.  (I weighed in that day at 279.9... highest recorded weight by Kaiser is 282 and that is what they are listing as my starting weight.  My heaviest weight was actually 299.5).
  I have found out that my anemia is probably not low enough to interfere with surgery, but I am popping iron like mad (don't worry... I'm only doing exactly what the doctors said to do!) in hopes of getting that number up quite a bit.  
  My main problem, I think, is that I can't seem to drop any more weight!  I am hovering between 266 and 270.  Last time I weighed in at Kaiser, I was at 268.3. That was, I believe, on the 25th of last month.  This is now the 12th.   I need to be lower than that by this coming Friday.  That's 6 days.  I have been hitting the gym daily.  I don't mess around when I'm there, either.  I was just doing 45 minutes on the elliptical machine, but I am adding some strength training now, as well.  I have read a bit about Addiction Transfer and I couldn't imagine what I could possibly have left to be addicted to now that I have given up speed, cigarettes, fast food and coffee.  I think I have found the answer in the gym.  I am not yet showing any signs of obsessive behaviour, but I sure am enjoying it!! 
I think I have finally completely given up coffee.  I had another headache today, but they are becoming manageable.  I believe there are two things holding me up.  *TMI alert!*  Avert your eyes if you'd like.   1. I still haven't started my period.  It's about 8 days past due.  NO, I am not pregnant.  I had my tubes tied 16 years ago.  I feel completely bloated and miserable.  I used to take Midol, but the doctor says "No NSAIDS"... so, for now, I am just dealing with it.  2. I think I am going to have to take some fiber to get the old mail moving.  All that iron is keeping me from being able to .. uhh.. go to the bathroom.  It is, I'm sure, contributing to the bloated feeling.  I am considering switching to a liquid diet for a couple of days just to get things moving again.  I want to be healthy, though and not do anything drastic or without thinking through my options. 
  So, the good news is that I finally broke down and bought myself a scale!  I can stop driving over to the Dollar Tree to weigh myself!  (It was the only public scale I could find and it matched the scale at Kaiser).  
  I would love to hear any suggestions on the pre-op diet and your successes or lessons learned.    What worked for you?  What made you feel like you were satisfied and energetic? 
  Peace, luck and love to everyone!

  My highest weight was 299.5.  That was my wakeup call... I was standing there on the scale at the local Dollar Tree (don't ask...just go with it)  just staring at that number.... TWO NINETY NINE POINT FIVE??  How did that happen?  That was in January.  What did I do about it?  Nothing.  But, I did start thinking.  It wasn't until March sometime that I decided to look into options.  I joined Weight Watchers (not my first time, but I had to do something).  I joined a gym.  I talked to my doctor. 
  On May 11th, I went to the Orientation for Kaiser's South San Francisco Bariatric Surgery Program.  (Wow.. that really felt like it should have a [tm] after it.. )  I got my binder.  I read.  I watched who knows how many Diva Taunia videos on youtube.  Then I got started for real.  The other day I stepped on the scale (yes.. at the Dollar Tree) and it read 264.3.   That's quite a difference.  I would call that a step in the right direction.  Of course, today I stepped on the scale and I am back up to 270!  I believe (and hope) that this is because I am about to get my girly-girl.  (TMI, I know.  Sorry).  I have been going to the gym EVERY day.  I am up to 45 minutes on the elliptical machine keeping my heart rate at about 135.  Not quite cardio, but well into fat burning.   I have had my physical, my classes are done, I had my appointment with the nutritionist today and I get my psychiatric appointment the same day I meet with my surgeon.. the 18th of this month. Then, on the 25th I have a sleep apnea test.   They are saying that I could get my surgery as soon as July!  I am so blessed!  I have good friends.  A job that not only allows me 4 weeks off work paid, but also gives me great medical coverage.  (My surgery/hospital stay/everything will be a co-pay of $250.  The classes have been free. )  
  I was also very lucky to have found such a wonderful support group here.  I don't always log in, but I do read postings everyday!  It helps me stay focused. 
   Thank you, everyone for just being here and sharing your thoughts, stories and feelings. 

I'll try to keep you posted on my progress.  

Peace and love!