trudie74

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I got a call from Joy at Dr. Ganta's office yesterday saying that all we need now is my medical clearance from the family physician.  I have an appointment for that tomorrow!  I get my blood work done, and a physical.  they should also send me to have the xrays, etc.  Hopefully they can get the info back fast and get me cleared by the beginning of next week, but who knows.

I have been trying to exercise some, and have done pretty well.  I would have done better if my foot didn't hurt to walk so much.  I also started eating a little more WLS friendly.  I am not snacking, and working on finding more protein, less carbs/sugar/fat.  No desserts this week, and that in itself is unusual for me.  Easter is Sunday, so I won't worry about it too much for a moment.

I really want to learn new eating habits and change the way I see food.  otherwise I will fail even with the surgery.  That fear is greater than any surgical complications.  Go figure.

1^st Mistake:  Not Taking Vitamins, Supplements, or Minerals

 Every WLS patient has specific nutritional needs depending on the type of surgery you have had. Not only is it a good idea to ask your surgeon for guidelines, but also consult with an experienced WLS nutritionist. Understand there is not a standard practice that all surgeons and nutritionists follow in guiding WLS patients. So, it is important to do your own research, get your lab tests done regularly, and learn how to read the results.  Some conditions and symptoms that can occur when you are deficient in vitamins, supplements, or minerals include:

Osteoporosis; pernicious anemia; muscle spasms; high blood pressure; burning tongue; fatigue; loss of appetite; weakness; constipation and diarrhea; numbness and tingling in the hands and feet; being tired, lethargic, or dizzy; forgetfulness, and lowered immune functioning.

Keep in mind, too, that some conditions caused by not taking your vitamins, supplements, or minerals are irreversible.

2^nd Mistake:  Assuming You Have Been Cured of Your Obesity

A "pink cloud" or honeymoon experience is common following WLS. When you are feeling better than you have in years, and the weight is coming off easily, it's hard to imagine you will ever struggle again. But unfortunately, it is very common for WLS patients to not lose to their goal weight or to regain some of their weight back.

A small weight regain may be normal, but huge gains usually can be avoided with support, education, effort, and careful attention to living a healthy WLS lifestyle. For most WLSers, if you don't change what you've always done, you're going to keep getting what you've always gotten -- even after weight loss surgery.

3rd Mistake:  Drinking with Meals

Yes, it's hard for some people to avoid drinking with meals, but the tool of not drinking with meals is a critical key to long-term success. If you drink while you eat, your food washes out of your stomach much more quickly, you can eat more, you get hungry sooner, and you are at more risk for snacking. Being too hungry is much more likely to lead to poor food choices and/or overeating.

4^th Mistake:  Not Eating Right

Of course everyone should eat right, but in this society eating right is a challenge. You have to make it as easy on yourself as possible. Eat all your meals--don't skip. Don't keep unhealthy food in sight where it will call to you all the time. Try to feed yourself at regular intervals so that you aren't as tempted to make a poor choice.  And consider having a couple of absolutes: for example, avoid fried foods completely, avoid sugary foods, always use low-fat options, or only eat in a restaurant once a week. Choose your "absolutes" based on your trigger foods and your self knowledge about what foods and/or situations are problematic for you.

5^th Mistake:  Not Drinking Enough Water

Most WLS patients are at risk for dehydration. Drinking a minimum of 64 oz. of water per day will help you avoid this risk. Adequate water intake will also help you flush out your system as you lose weight and avoid kidney stones. Drinking enough water helps with your weight loss, too.

6^th Mistake:  Grazing

Many people who have had WLS regret that they ever started grazing, which is nibbling small amounts here and there over the course of the day. It's one thing to eat the three to five small meals you and your doctor agree you need. It's something else altogether when you start to graze, eating any number of unplanned snacks. Grazing can easily make your weight creep up. Eating enough at meal time, and eating planned snacks when necessary, will help you resist grazing.   Make a plan for what you will do when you crave food, but are not truly hungry. For example, take up a hobby to keep your hands busy or call on someone in your support group for encouragement.

 7^th Mistake:  Not Exercising Regularly

Exercise is one of the best weapons a WLS patient has to fight weight regain. Not only does exercise boost your spirits, it is a great way to keep your metabolism running strong. When you exercise, you build muscle. The more muscle you have, the more calories your body will burn, even at rest!

 8^th Mistake:  Eating the Wrong Carbs (or Eating Too Much)

 Let's face it, refined carbohydrates are addictive. If you eat refined carbohydrates they will make you crave more refined carbohydrates. There are plenty of complex carbohydrates to choose from, which have beneficial vitamins. For example, if you can handle pastas, try whole grain Kamut pasta--in moderation, of course. (Kamut pasta doesn't have the flavor some people find unpleasant in the whole wheat pastas.) Try using your complex carbohydrates as "condiments," rather than as the center point of your meal. Try sprinkling a tablespoon of brown rice on your stir-fried meat and veggies.

9^th Mistake:  Going Back to Drinking Soda

Drinking soda is controversial in WLS circles. Some people claim soda stretches your stomach or pouch. What we know it does is keep you from getting the hydration your body requires after WLS--because when you're drinking soda, you're not drinking water! In addition, diet soda has been connected to weight gain in the general population. The best thing you can do is find other, healthier drinks to fall in love with. They are out there.

 10^th Mistake:  Drinking Alcohol

If you drank alcohol before surgery, you are likely to want to resume drinking alcohol following surgery. Most surgeons recommend waiting one year after surgery. And it is in your best interest to understand the consequences of drinking alcohol before you do it.

Alcohol is connected with weight regain, because alcohol has 7 calories per gram, while protein and vegetables have 4 calories per gram. Also, some people develop an addiction to alcohol after WLS, so be very cautious. Depending on your type of WLS, you may get drunker, quicker after surgery, which can cause health problems and put you in dangerous situations.

If you think you have a drinking problem, get help right away. Putting off stopping drinking doesn't make it any easier, and could make you a lot sicker.

BCBS sent a reply requesting a bunch of stuff...psych test, exercise eval, nutritionist, another doctor's ok, etc.  I go tomorrow for the exercise and nutritionist.  I am working on finding an in-network psychologist.  I go Friday to the familt doctor.  Hopefully all of this will move quickly.  Hubby is looking at possibly getting a job offer, and would no longer have the insurance I am working under.  I am getting very nervous.

I finally confirmed that the prior approval is on file and pending at my insurance company.  I pray they approve it fast so I can breathe a sigh of relief.  It will not be in time for Spring Break, as that is next week, but at least I know it is happening!

Things are depressing and stressful.  Almost TAKS at work, hubby is still in an unhealthy tango with me.  I am hoping that if I give counseling time, it will change.  He really doesn't want to in my opinion though.  He keeps figthting nasty, and is not very responsible financially.  He disagrees of course.  He thinks it is ok to work 38 hrs a week and still live at our standard of living.  It isn't working, and money out is more than money in.  We are both bad about eating out, but we don't spedn alot on extras...it just bothers me that he is ok with not working more to provide for the family.  Hell, I am a teacher and I work 50 hrs a week.  Most adults work more than 40 hrs!  He often puts ion 38 and plays WOW the rest of the time.  He needs a second job, but he would say I only care about money and not the time he would lose spending with the family.  As far as my perspective, our family time isn't great because we have no money and lots of issues have cropped up because we have no money.  So, yes, I'd rather him go get more so when we do have time it is less stressful and we can actually enjoy that time.  I spend plenty of time with the family working 50 hrs.

Money is not even the big issue haha, but it is one of many.  I fear these issues will lead to our break up, and surgery will be blamed. 

I found out that my primary insurance has denied the pre-approval, so we can finally file with my secondary insurance (the one that will pay for it if I qualify).  I am nervous now that there will be a problem qualifying, although on paper I meet the requirements.  I was hoping to have an answer in time to do this over Spring Break, but it doesn't look like that will happen.  So, it looks like summer.  I wish I could get started losing weight now.  I am so uncomfortable, but I seem to have this mind set that these are the last days of eating whatever.  I need to get this under control soon.  Spring weather usually helps with this, so maybe I will get control!  Hubby and I are trying to do what the counselor tells us, but it is hard not to fall back on old habits.  The kids don't seem to believe that we really are making changes, so we have to keep proving to them we are.  Things are ok atm, but we are sick...feels like flu but the doctor told hubby it was viral.  Guess it will take time.

Well after a near separation this weekend, we have both agreed to commit to long term counseling to try to save our marraige.  I also mentioned the added strain  a life change like WLS could bring to the table.  I think that even if we can't function in a healthy relationship together, the counseling might make for peace in some ways and will also give me a place to cope with all the changes coming my way.  The sleep doctor called and said NO SLEEP APNEA!  While that is good, I still don't understand why I get such poor rest?  I always feel tired no matter how much sleep I get.  Maybe the weight is a contributing factor.  I wonder if the office sent off for the approval yet?  They said it takes 1-3 weeks.  It has been 2....

Well, I should be feeling good about getting that out of the way, but once again problems at home make me unhappy.  The sleep study sucked...it was soo uncomfortable.  I feel drained today.  Hubby and I aren't working well.  I think this is a bad road and unless something changes drastically we will fall apart. 

The appointment went well.  he seemed to think I would qualify without any problems other than awaiting my primary insurance to deny me so my secondary can approve me.  I was really hoping to get approved quick enough to snag a spring break surgery date, but it probably won't happen that way.  I really liked him, and feel comfortable about what is to come.  I am trying to eat better without a full blown diet until I talk to the nutritionist.  Hopefully I will dorp a few pounds in the meanwhile.  The waiting is gonna kill me.

I had planned on using Dr. Faulkenberry until someone referred me to Dr. Ganta.  When I researched him I was torn because they both look like such good doctors.  So, I contacted Dr. Ganta's office on Friday and told them I had my long awaited intial appt with Faulkenberry on Tuesday...could they check my benefits and get me in without starting the wait for an appt all over again?  They were AWESOME!  They got my ins info processed within3 hours and even though they only see new patients on Mon and Fri...made room for me on Thursday!  So, I onyl had to push back my first appt 2 days.  I will be calling Dr. Faulkenberry's offcie on Monday and cancelling my appt.  I am going to make a list right now of all the things I need to ask...woo hoo!