nurse1sue

Yes we do things we haven't done in years- zip line, hike.. One of my fav sports is snowmobiling and I was about to give that up pre surgery now I wouldn't think of giving that up. I can walk for miles on excursions & had pretty much given up working in EMS which now Im thinking about it just because Im getting older... :D Just the other day I was in a store and someone was looking for something and the girl said over there next to the skinny man in the red shirt.. I looked around and oh that's me:eek:. I still don't think of my 30" waist as skinny I still see my 50+ " waist. I tell people surgery is not a magic bullet or the easy way out as it is difficult but boy has it been a life changer for us. And a big congrats on approaching goal!!! Funny my goal was breaking 250!! Are you a nurse I assume?

Yes a nurse for 27 yrs my entire career was in long term care specializing in psych wards and Alzheimer's. Because of rheumatoid arth and degenerative osteo arth in can no longer work the floor. Have had both knees replaced. Once I'm recovered from this hernia surgery I want to do volunteer work at the local domestic abuse center and hospice. I was a victim of violent domestic abuse in my 5 yr marriage to my first husband. I feel I can help. My husband is an ophthalmologist who's always on call lol. Last night got home at 8:30. Why do people wait to go to the ER or call answering service right AFTER the office closes at 5? If they had called the OFFICE 30 MIN EARLIER THE COULD HAVE SAVED THEMSELVES THE ER COST!!!!!!ugh!!!!! It does help that I am a nurse and understand better (I used to be the one waking Drs up at 2a lol) but some people are just plain stupid. Them you get the creepy crawlers after 12a who are looking for drugs. For some reason "I can't see seems to be very popular right now. Such is our life lol. As you can tell it's a livid subject with me.

I have my bucket list. One of bill's patients has a horse riding school I want to do. I also want to zip line, para sail, and skydive. I'm starting to get more active with my new knees. The left one was done on feb, which also entailed shaving and reshaping my leg bones. It of course stayed sore much longer than the other one. With my right I was out shopping,no walker or cane, 10 days post op. It was done while we lived in KY. AnYway I am doing much better and increasing my activity. We both want to start walking more but live on a dangerous curvy road in the country so would have to go to the near by nature walk area. Hard for bill to do when he doesn't get home till 7 or 8.

If you're looking for a fun cruise we are going on the vision of the seas nov 6 for a 9 night repo cruise. There is a very large group of us that have been talking for months and have become close. Two are coming down this weekend from Ottawa to spend the day. It is going to be an epic cruise with this group. We are talking about all doing another next fall. Think about it.

Norma, it is short for biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch. In a nut shell it is the sleeve as described then they by pass 2/3 your small intestine. So yes you are malabsorptive and on vitamins for the rest of your life but I feel this is better than the medical issues I had and the meds I was on. We both are very pleased we did it as it got us off the meds that made us obese (Insulin, Actose etc)

Here is a little better pic of b4 & after...

 

You both look wonderful!! I have about 50 more to go for my goal. I still can't handle sugar. I still refuse to eat it though I have tried a bite or two of sugary things. It really made me nauseated. Can not eat spaghetti though other pastas are good. Avoid bread, I make it, smells wonderful , but when I eat I still skip it.

Can't wait for our nov repo cruise. My hubby is taking me on the trikes tour in Aruba. I could have never dreamed of doing that at 312 lbs.

Congratulations Shirley. So sorry about the thyroid problems, but sounds like you have a good handle on it now.

 

Thanks for the hope about the hair loss!!!!

 

Norma

My husband is a dr and he had me take biotin. It took a few days for me to notice a difference, but it did help.

I had my hernia surgery which was the size of a small watermelon. I hated it because it made me look like I hadn't even list weight. Still pretty sore and have had very little appetite since I got home. Am really pushing to have another 30 off by the time I leave on my repo cruise nov 6. Looking forward to the new clothes. We went to a meeting at the four seasons in vail co. I did very well with the eating, my husband asks what I'm ordering, he'll order something small, then he'll eat what I don't of mine. Works out well and saves money.

Wishing you all happy losing!!

I am now 9 months post surgery. I've lost 105 lbs and can get into a size 18/XL. I leave with my husband tomorrow for Colorado and went to salvation at for a few new clothes. Found an almost new pr of jeans, a couple of dresses, (which I never wore before) and some accessories. I only have about 55-60 more to lose and so I think these will get me through about half of that , then I'll need a few more things.

The only negative is....I have a very large hernia from when I got sick on Percocet in March after my knee replacement. Couldn't keep anything down. This has been gradually getting worse so aug 7 I go for surgery. Ugh! This is surgery #7 in a yr! I had lap band removed, bypass, knee replacement, oral surgery, cataract surg both eyes, then this! Despite this little set back, I couldn't be happier. I am 9 months with NO sugar! It's been getting harder but I just won't do it. Once I do there's no going back. My blood work was perfect last week so I have finally found the right balance of vit D and vit B12. My only real struggle is the protein shakes. After 9 months I am sooooooo tired of those things. I can tell when I need them if a skip a few days and then I'll get back on them.

Can't wait for our cruise in November. I should be almost to my goal and feeling wonderful.

My husbands medical practice got a body sculpting laser, and it's wonderful. I've lost 1 3/4 inches off my upper arms in 2 sessions. Next we'll do my hips and very upper thighs, then abdomen. It's a good alternative to surgery. Will I ever look perfect, no but I'm happy with a few inches gone. But...the neck tightening is amazing. I look 20 yrs younger. A facelift with

no surgery.

Everyone, just hang in there. Remember we are all in this together. No one else can ever understand this unless you've had it done.

Keep posting the positive stories and weight loss stories. It helps us all!

Do any of you all use the Protein Tracker app? It's been a great tool for me to make sure I get all my protein every day. I have it on iPhone but assume it's available on other formats. You preload your list of foods and their protein values, then each day you click on the items throughout the day as you eat. Highly recommend it!

Since I basically eat protein I don't keep track of the amount. I always eat my protein first , other stuff later. Even my favorite thing,salad, gets plenty of protein. Sometimes I skip meals if I'm busy and that's not good. That's when I eat more than I should because I've gone 20 hrs without food. Bought my old reliable protein shake stuff yesterday. Love to make it like hot chocolate. I hate milk to it helps me to get it down.

I'll look up the app though. I'm sure I fall short a lot. My last bloodwork my husband ordered for me and when it came back he just said, drink more protein shakes. Lol

What a wonderfully dedicated Dr - not enough out here that way, for sure.

 

We are going on RCCL Serenade & it leaves from Barcelona, goes to a couple of stops in Spain & Canary Islands & one Caribbean stop and then ends up in New Orleans.

 

I needed to time my surgery so that I would be far enough in the weight loss to justify buying clothes and also hopefully have my stomach ( and self:p) adjusted to new eating/ food habits. I really need to be very used to listening & obeying the "switch" :D

 

Norma

After 7 1/2 months I still have to tell myself it's ok to not finish those last few bites on my plate. I just hand my plate to bill and tell him to just take it away, get it away from me. That works best. He usually finishes it lol. Over the past 4 yrs he's gained 40 lbs and the worst has been recently, finishing my plates.

Your cruise sounds wonderful. I know I can't wait to get new clothes for mine in nov. I really need to exercise more. Maybe I'll go to the park today and walk. Hummmm, I just hate exercise!!!

Sounds like a very fun cruise. Good for you on that bathing suit & sundress - you will look wonderful!

 

We would have loved to come along, but we are doing our 40th anniversary cruise in November - our first TA - very excited. Hopefully we can sail another time!

 

Norma

Oh, a TA! How exciting. We'd both love to but Bill feels guilty shutting down for 10-12 days. He's not your typical Dr. He really does care about his patients. Sat night he met 2 at the office for emergencies and was there for 3 hrs.

Where are you going? Oh with the weight loss you will have such a wonderful time! What cruise line?

Sue

I am sooo glad to find this thread! Thank you Tootts for starting it! I had gastric bypass April 17, so I'm still on a fairly restricted diet (up to chicken and turkey) and as of my 1 month check up, I had lost 25lb. Am starting to have to "retire" some of my pants and start shopping my closet for previously-outgrown things! :D

 

 

Glad to hear that so many of you, besides having fabulous weight loss success, have had an easy time cruising post surgery. Now that I have learned that feeling that's like a light switch, that means put the fork down NOW, I'm feeling pretty confident about handling it. Our next cruise is coming up in January, so I've got a ways to go before I start buying cruise clothing....although I have started thinking of where I can purchase a new bathing suit in the winter if I need to!!

 

Looking forward to following you all through your journeys - both your personal journeys and your cruise journeys!

I'll bet you felt like jumping up and down with that first 25 loss. It's so true this is not a miracle cure, it's a lot of work and sacrifice, but in some ways for all of us, it is OUR miracle. I'm a nurse, I worked for several years in a bariatric unit, watching these patients on these super restrictive diets, some for up to 4 yrs. it was predestined they were going to cheat. I know myself, you can not expect someone to live on salad chicken and turkey, for life. Epically when they would only lose a pound a month for all the sacrifice !

I them worked a post bariatric surgery unit for those that had complications. Some were there for up to 2 months, mainly they had major prior health issues. That happiness and excitement when they would see 25-40 pound losses in the first month or two actually made their complications resolve themselves faster. These people wanted to dance a jig! Most were 500+ lbs, but for the first time, they were really losing weight and really didn't feel hungry!!!! So in a way for us who have struggled our whole lives, it is our own miracle.

I still occasionally forget the off switch and pay for it!

Yesterday my husband found me these wonderful wafer cookies that don't taste like cardboard. Completely sugar free. I'll post the name later after I go downstairs. Now when everyone else has some night time snack I let myself have 2 of these. If you don't find something like that, my dr said then you will eventually start back to real sweets. He said you will eventually want the sweetness so find a sugar free product ( Edys, Bryers make good sugar free ice cream) and let yourself have a little bit. I only let myself have 1/2 c ice cream 3 nights a week when I have it. I refuse to let myself fall back to old habits!

My husband practice has a medi spa and they just got a new laser that melts fat cells. They are going to try it on my arms first. If it does what it should I can get a sleeveless size 16 dress for a party the end of July!!!!! Not bad when I started in a 32-34!

My name is sue (lol) and if you'd like to stay in touch my email is nurse1sue@yahoo.com.

Sue

I too had gastric bypass in August of last year and we are cruising in August a surprise party for our 16 year old so today my nsf is I got to buy me a new dress for formal night I am so excited not to have to go to the plus size section for clothes I have lost 125 lbs since surgery and feel fabulous.. :)

Congratulations on you'd fabulous weight loss. You'll look smashing in a dress now. I got into an XL tee shirt and strutted like uhuh, look at me! Going to vail CO next month for a meeting and the wives are all so snobby. Even though i still have about another 50 to lose , I'll still look an FEEL great.

Sue

Congratulations on both the Cataract surgery and the terrific weight loss!!! Where are you going in November?

 

I had my 3 month check up yesterday. 41 pounds down!! I'm starting to get that bounce:D

 

Norma

Oh and in November, we are doing a Royal Caribbean 9 night repo from Fort Lauderdale to Tampa. It goes to labadee, Curaçao, Aruba, and Grand Caymans. Lots of sea days. If you're looking for a fall cruise think about it! There's quite a group of us that met on here that has become close. Prices just soared but they should come down again. They usually go up during the sales. I will be in a bathing suit, saggy skin and all !!! I can even wear a sun dress!!!!!! Yeah!!!!

Congratulations on both the Cataract surgery and the terrific weight loss!!! Where are you going in November?

 

I had my 3 month check up yesterday. 41 pounds down!! I'm starting to get that bounce:D

 

Norma

Congrats to you! I laugh because we have to be the only people that get excited about being weighed. Don't you get the feeling of "uh ha, yep, look at me!" It's exhilarating. Next summer is my 40th class reunion. I'm going! I weighed 250 through high school. The only reason the "in" crowd gave me the time of day was because my mom taught there and they all loved her.

Keep doing what you're doing. I was told 10 lbs a mount is outstanding, 5 lbs a month is expected. You are doing fantastic. Go ahead and put that bounce in your step girlfriend, you are fabulous!!!!

Sue

Sounds wonderful. Thank you. Have you been successful in your weight management?

 

Where is H-town?

 

Norma

So excited. Had cataract surgery Monday. Got weighed and I've now lost 96 pounds in 7 1/2 months! Can't wait for our cruise in November. The great clothes I can buy! When you see the results of your hard work and sacrifice, it just makes your heart sing!!! Puts a real bounce in your step'!!!

Glad I came here to read this thread...will be having the sleeve in late June and one of our cruises will be Sept 13, and the other in Dec.

 

All this advice is helping me learn about what options I may be able to handle on the cruise.

 

Good Job to All Of Ya'll and Thank You for sharing your knowledge.

Good luck and best wishes! This is the start of am new life! My main advise, DRINK YOUR PROTEIN SHAKES!!!! First for the protein and second, you'll lose better. Every time I start to slack on them I don't lose as much. Take it slow, the first few months are the hardest. I'm 6 months post op, lost 90 lbs. feel wonderful but still learning what I can handle. I still haven't eaten any sugar, I was told not to so I don't. I don't miss it!!! There is some really good sugar free ice cream out there which I allow myself 3 evenings a week, trying not to get in to my bad habits again, even of it is sugar free.

Mainly, just do what they tell you. As far as your cruise, you really won't be hungry anyway. Take stuff for your shakes and the ship will make them up for you. Check with them and they may even supply them. Also take the little packets of Crystal light to drink since their lemonade has sugar. I always keep some in my purse.

It's not easy or a miracle cure but you'll be so happy you did it!!

Sue

Another thing to watch out for is alcohol. For many people this is a essential part of their cruise experience but after gastric surgery you become VERY sensitive to alcohol and because it passes into your blood stream so fast you can put yourself at risk of alcohol poisoning.

 

http://bariatrictimes.com/alcohol-and-the-gastric-bypass-patient/

 

Also, avoid anything rich or fatty unless you want to experience the joy that is gastric dumping. People vary in what counts as rich...I can't drink smoothies or undiluted juices. If I do then I really regret it! :(

 

And just be careful about your meat intake. Around the time you go, you will be able to eat a wider variety of foods but if you eat meat that is too dry it can be flipping painful for hours. Adding gravy can help a lot. And the type of meat matters. Most people seem to find chicken easier to manage than steak. Three years out, I still can't eat more than a few mouthfuls of steak. Seafood is an excellent option.

 

And definitely take protein shake or bars as a back up in case you do over do things and need to revert to easier food for a day or two.

I allowed myself a total of 4 daquaries in 5 days our last cruise. They were great but drinking one hits like drinking 4. That's why I only did one a day. I agree steak is rough. I had one in a restaurant that was tender like butter and I did ok but it has to be cut with a fork tender and you don't find that often. Chicken is the best. I had a lap band prior to the by pass and I lived on mainly chicken for 7 years. Good thing I like it!! The past few days I have found myself eating more and so today after my cataract surgery I think is the perfect time to do a protein shake day. Maybe tomorrow too. Get back on track.

Sue

Thank you all so much!!!

 

I am now 7 weeks post surgery and doing good. Some foods are still intolerable, some getting better. Have learned the very important task of listening to that pre-full feeling and by all means, not drinking for an hour after the meal! Nice part about cruising is the number of protein choices.

 

Sounds like you all are dong terrific - a great example for newbies like me:)

 

Thanks,

Norma

Congrats on your surgery! A few times I have not stopped when I should have and oh I was miserable. I still struggle with stopping when there are only a couple of bites left on the plate. I guess my aunts "clean platter club" from childhood had more of an affect on me than I thought. Keep in contact with me. It's good to have support and I really want to know how you're doing!!keep up the good work!

Sue

Looking for experienced completed bypass cruisers and how you survive and enjoy the cruises after surgery. Upcoming surgery with an upcoming TA in November. Would appreciate all suggestions.

 

Thanks,

Norma

Had my roux and y oct. 22, did a quick Bahamas cruise in dec. stuck to eggs, mashed potatoes and took packs of protein shakes. The ship always supplied me with fat free milk.

For our cruise in March I had eggs, sausage patties, hash for breakfast. Still only get down about a cup. For lunch and dinner, potatoes chicken salad(which I do good with. Just lettuce and cheese no vegetables.) if the have something sugar free in dessert I'll let myself have 2-3 bites but I never eat sugar. I know eventually people get back in to it but not me. I didn't go through all this to screw it up!!

In the buffet it's easy to stick with things and by November you'll know what you can and cannot tolerate.

I got weighed Monday and I've lost 82 lbs in 6 months. Having the bypass was the best thing I ever did. It's not easy, you have to work at it everyday, but when you see results so quickly, it keeps you motivated and smiling !

Good luck!! You'll do great!!!!!

Wow! Congratulations on your impressive weight loss. Welcome aboard to our group.

I see you sail celebrity. I've been keepingy eye in an Oct 18, 2015 repo out of NJ. We have never sailed celebrity, always go with RCCL. I understand we would get our same perks as emerald on celebrity but the points would not carry over to move up to the next level. Not sure if I want to do that,or just stay with RCCL.

Because of my bypass I eat so little it's hard for me in the Buffet because everything looks good. I can't eat anything with sugar and haven't for 6 mon. The cruise lines are good about having a couple of sugar free dessert items. My husband on the other hand eats everything I can't lol. Our last cruise in March, he ate only stir fry, Indian food and fish. Good for him, until he had 2-3 HEEPING plates at each meal, and a sandwich or pizza in between! He's a Dr so he doesn't get much exercise during the day, a lot of sitting. Hope he'll start walking with me if we ever have nice weather here.

Sue

Was told about this group by a fellow cruiser. Had gastric bypass last October and have dropped 82 lbs in 6 months. Have a cruise on RCCL in November And want another 75-80 lbs off.

We only get inside cabins and we prefer sailing on smaller ships. We like the more intimate feeling and getting to know people more. For a 7 night prices usually bottom out for our cruises to $449-499. That's the most we'd pay.

I am totally with you. I filed a complaint with the BBB as well as a Ripoff report....however, the Rooneys are also part owners of the League so I don't think anything will be done. They should be ashamed of the way they let this get advertised.....7000.00 for this trip and not worth even half of that. The lies, deception to get people to sign up for the trip and the poor service from the League on the ship is beyond what I would have ever expected from this cruise. I'm in for a class action suit. Annie lied her face off to me.

I was so down after I got home. Haven't even looked at the towels to give people yet. Usually I get off a cruise kicking and screaming because I'm not ready to leave. This time I was more that ready to leave. We're just mainly upset for wasting all that money. Because of some extensive and expensive remodel on our house, we have to wait until later in the year to book next years cruises, and had to cancel going to England this year. That cruise money alone could have paid for the England trip.

Did anyone go to the art/sports auction? I did and won some beautiful art for the guess the Picasso. Anyway, I felt bad for the normal fans. The signed helmet went to some guy from Reno that was sitting in the front row with the Rooney's. I don't know if he knew them prior or not. You could tell the normal fans were willing to spend a few thousand for this thing. The guy outbid everyone. There was one person that also kept the bidding going but you could tell this guy could spend as much as he wanted and got it for $18,000. I hate people like that. He probably has a casino and will stick it in his office. It would have ment so much more to one of the normal, hard working fans who never got a chance.

I still have a lot of anger and disappointment with the league. Anyone who would go on another one with them in charge just gives them the fuel to be what they are. I still am happy I met everyone I did and appreciate the players that did mingle with us and cared about making us happy. I made new friends on this cruise that I've already hears from and that was a big plus!

Looking forward to our next normal cruise in November. A 9 night repo that is costing us half what this one did!

Sue

Correction: I know for a fact that 10-15 terrible towels were signed for your army captain friend by multiple players as promised. I volunteered in the players lounge and saw this poster and the touching description and I personally watched several players take the time to sign several terrible towels. Your comment about being blown off is simply not true. A fellow staff member hand delivered these to your cabin on Friday night and received not so much as a "thank you." It's simply unbelievable how ungrateful people can really be!

Yes 4 players signed multiple towels. The same 4. And I did say thank you to the girl that brought them, though she stuck it in my hand and ran. 4 of the older players signed everything. You guys can blame the fans for all of your short comings on this trip, we know how rude and unprofessional you were. I heard stories from fans about being accused of things they didn't do, having staff pushing fans, putting hands in front of cameras. It's in my emails too as a large group of us promised to keep in touch and have emailed each other several times. You were rude, unethical and unprofessional when dealing with us fans. From what I heard from others, nothing was ever your fault. Poor customer service for sure. Oh well you lied to get everyone on board, then didn't deliver on promises once we got going. You can't change that and as for the group that wants to sue, more power to them! My father in law is a lawyer and he thinks it's a sound case. We were lied to plain and simple.

We also returned from the cruise. I will say the players that came out amongst us fans were wonderful and Shamarko was my cruise MVP. What a wonderful young man! Wolf was also a blast! However, I saw Heath in a whole new light and not a good one. What a jerk. I felt like genuflecting after getting his autograph. We had refused to pay extra for anything from the beginning so when we were shut out of the extras, I didn't care. But the people that did pay were ripped off! Anne promised me autographs for a 4th tour army captain that she DID NOT deliver on and that was the worst in my book. How dare she blow off someone like that with a clear conscience. That company was completely unethical and unprofessional. They said what they wanted to get people on the ship, having no intention of delivering the goods. We would not do it again. The fans were great and we met wonderful people but everyone was upset about things all week.

RCCL was outstanding and the refurbished ship was stunning. I hope people realize it was the tour company and not RCCL that was to blame for the cruise. We are loyal to Royal and look forward to many more cruises, just not a steelers cruise!

We have always been "loyal to Royal" and are upper tier in the crown and anchor. Recently we have considered trying Norweigen mainly for price and convenience. We live in north country NY and travel out of Syracuse. To sail on the Gem out of NYC would be an easy amtrak ride or shuttle plane for us, and the ship is not huge which we prefer. RCCL has the Explorer there now which is too large for us, we just don't enjoy that many people or walking miles to get from one place to the next. They will be putting the new Quantum there and it's just as big and twice the cost!

We have always sailed from Florida. Our favorite ships will now be based in Tampa which for some reason has much higher airfare and hotel rates than other Florida ports. We just thought trying the NCL Gem would be more convienent and economical for us. As we try to cruise 2-3 times a year, preferring longer cruises, we have to consider cost.

We are both mid 50's, don't drink, enjoy just relaxing on ships, reading, I guess you could say we're NOT the life of the party types. We book our own shore excursions through private groups.

Any feedback would be appreciated. We will continue to sail RCCL, but would like an alternative.

Sue

Will be spending 2 nights post cruise in Tampa area. We would like a beach front hotel, not crazy expensive as we will priceline. Our question is Clearwater beach or st Pete's beach? Will be flying out of Tampa airport so looking at logistics. Any advice would be appreciated.

Keep bleeding! And we'll see you Monday night at Fed Ex Field. HTTR.

 

 

 

Just joking around with the good nurse sue above (half of the fun is in the ribbing back and forth)...and have no problems with the Steelers, even though those dang "terrible towels" are enough to push a sane person right over the edge...but I have had major, major problems with the Eagles fans at our games. They're all so...angry. And mean. Nobody from this neck of the woods goes up to Philly for the games and everyone who has, down to the last person, had problems--drinks thrown at them, food smeared on them, jerseys torn, threats, hats stolen, people squaring off with them in the parking lot. Doesn't matter if they're Dallas fans, Skins fans, Giants fans, or fans of somebody else. They are equal opportunity haters. The guy who sits behind us at the games went to an Eagles/Skins game in Philly several years ago, which we won, and the police came and told him they were escorting him out to his car for his own safety. :eek:

 

**edited to add that our first home game of the regular season is against Philly on a Monday. I expect it to be intense.

I had heard that about philly fans, my husband does not like philly! He did his residency and fellowship in KC back during the really lean years and he said they were the most pathetic fans lol. Nice they have something to cheer for now.

I don't have a problem with the Skins, just wish RG3 could stay healthy. Hopefully they'll get a new coach that can develop his greatness. If so he'll be one of the greatest ever!