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Author Topic: 1 week down, 5 to go...liquid diet update 9/3  (Read 842 times)
Heatherama
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« on: August 22, 2008, 06:44:40 PM »

Well, it's for a good cause...my impending lap band surgery on october 8th.  This monday, I start my optifast diet.  5 wonderful paotein shakes a day!  Oh joy....I'm gonna need a LOT of encouragement.  I'm not afraid of failing, I know I can do it...it's just going to be very difficult.  I'm going to become some sort of super cranky hair trigger screaming banshee woman.  It'll be like quitting smoking, drinking, and everything else bad for you at the same time.  I told my husband I was going to become Trevor Resnik / The Machinist...lol.  Just take a look at Christian Bale in that movie and you'll know why it's funny.  Totally off subject, but that is an awesome movie.  Just don't expect to see a hot Christian Bale in it.   Lips Sealed

I've been working on this surgery for over a year and a half now, and it amazes me that this has finally started going somewhere.  Finally some progress!

I was put on prednisone in 1997, it's a steroid that makes you gain a lot of weight.  I was on really high doses for 9 years.  It took me 3 years to taper off of it.  I took the last one about a year ago.  I gained over 100 lbs very quickly, probably 3 months.  I was up to 330 lbs at my high...I managed to lose some of that getting down to 280...but I just stopped.  No matter what I do now, I can't lose anymore.  So I joined a gym and now I'm taking the final step and getting the lap band surgery.  I'll be sure to get some "before" pics.  It's gonna be hard though, I really hate pics of myself.  But my extreme low self esteem is a different thread entirely.   Undecided
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« Reply #1 on: August 22, 2008, 06:57:09 PM »

Good luck!  Why the Pred?  Auto-immune?  I did Pred for 6 months for an auto-immune and yeah, you don't even have to eat to gain weight on that. 

http://www.goosemoose.com/component/option,com_smf/Itemid,118/forum,rat/topic,4028905.0

check out that thread for a girl here who did gastric bypass; she had diabetes also so really needed to lose weight.  She DID take pictures; you should too.  She was glad she did!
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« Reply #2 on: August 22, 2008, 07:01:29 PM »

I am so proud of you!  At least you are doing something about it instead of sitting around just getting depressed over your weight and making it worse.  Just remember that you took the next step and that you are brave for going through with it.  A lot of people don't even get that far!

Hopefully the protein shakes will help and you won't feel like you're starving for the next few months! 
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« Reply #3 on: August 22, 2008, 07:08:17 PM »

Good luck!  Why the Pred?  Auto-immune?  I did Pred for 6 months for an auto-immune and yeah, you don't even have to eat to gain weight on that. 

http://www.goosemoose.com/component/option,com_smf/Itemid,118/forum,rat/topic,4028905.0

check out that thread for a girl here who did gastric bypass; she had diabetes also so really needed to lose weight.  She DID take pictures; you should too.  She was glad she did!

I've seen that thread, she did an amazing job with her weight loss.  And yes, I have an autoimmume disease.  Systemic Lupus, along with a whole plethora of other things including a clotting disorder, diabetes, too much pressure in my spinal and brain fluid, kidney disease which I was on chemo for 5 years for...really the list is huge and there isn't an organ in my body that hasn't been effected by the lupus.   Embarrassed

The reason I need to lose weight is my health.  The lupus has calmed down, but all the issues that are weight related are worse.  Terrible sleep apnea, I sleep with a mask and machine, high blood pressure, diabetes, pseudotumor cerebri (high pressure in spinal fluid), and a whole lot of pain in my feet due to osteoporosis in my leg and foot bones.  Thanks prednisone.  I could really care less about my visual appearance, I'm covered in scars from surgeries, I just want to FEEL better.  I want to breathe easier, walk easier, and not have to monitor my blood and sleep with a mask on.  It just stinks. 

I have a web page if anyone's interested, that has some of my ordeal over the last 11 years with lupus.

http://www.heatherslupus.com/index.html
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« Reply #4 on: August 22, 2008, 10:20:26 PM »

As a fellow Loopy    I'm kinda curious about what your rheumi and gp think of the possible effects of the surgery on your kidneys and whatnot.  I'm a lot fatter than I'm about a hundred pounds overweight at this point, but I don't have private insurance and I don't have any money, so I haven't even brought it up with my docs, so I'm kinda curious.
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« Reply #5 on: August 23, 2008, 12:07:09 AM »

Oh my kidneys have already played the "nah, we don't wanna work" game with me.  From 2000 to 2005 I was on Cytoxan chemotherapy.  Didn't work alone, so they upped the prednisone to 120 mg a day, didn't work, so they added Imuran, didn't work, so they added Cyclosporin....what they finally came up with that kept the lupus at least in check was cytoxan every 3 weeks, along with a bolus of 500mg solumedrol every 3 weeks.  Eventually in  2004, I did 6 months of Rituxan along with the other chemo and steroids.  I had my last scary flare in jan. 06 when I was admitted to Hershey and told I would start dialysis in the morning.  My Nepnrologist told them to wait because I was only 31 at the time and he didn't want it to be a permanent thing.  Heavy heavy doses of meds and after a week, my kidney numbers were normal, and they have been ever since.  Even after stopping prednisone about a year ago.  It took a looooong time to taper from the dose I was on. 

I've had a few minor flares, my lupus is always active.  My medical chart is like a rollercoaster and I've come awfully close to biting the big one about 7 times in the last 11 years.  But, the Gods want me alive, so here I am!   Blue Dumbo Smile  My rheumy, nephroligist, gp, neurosurgeon, and even my therapist think this surgery is a good idea.  They have seen how hard I have worked to lose the weight I already have lost, and they know the health benefits will be great.  Most of my issues now are weight related. 

It certainly won't be easy though.  I have to monitor my sugar and blood pressure twice a day, go in every week for blood work to check my blood thinner level among other things.  Have to drive 5 hours out and 5 hours back every 2 weeks to Pittsburgh so the docs there can monitor everything including lupus numbers, kidney numbers and stomach issues...it's going to be about 10 times more work and more difficult than a healthy person getting the surgery, but for me, it's still worth it.  I just want to feel human again.  I used to be in the US Air Force traveling the workd 3 weeks or every month and loading the largest airplane the military has...now, now I fight to get out of bed.   Undecided

I go to the VA hospital, so I can't tell you how insurance would cover this...but I know that if you can show the health effects, they might pay for it for you.
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« Reply #6 on: August 23, 2008, 05:56:57 AM »

The thought of being on Pred. that long sends shivers up my back, and the doses you were taking daily  Puppy Dog Eyes:  Man.... I would have been a raving lunatic for those years - but probably you adjust mentally.  I have been on/off pred. for severe allergies (allergic to benedryl!!) and the longest I have ever been on it was 2 weeks and I thought that was bad.  The osteoperosis is caused by the pred. isn't it? Or at least that didn't help.  I rememeber whenever I was put on it the dr's. were very adament about me taking my calcium and D vitamins for that.

Sounds like the surgery will do you a lot of good physically and mentally - good luck with everything!  Oh, and I gained weight when I was on pred. for those 2 weeks.  Post baby weight is easier to get off than post pred. weight.  I can't even imagine a 3 year taper off the stuff.  Though, definitely not a drug to cold turkey.
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« Reply #7 on: August 23, 2008, 07:16:27 AM »

Good luck!!    You can do it, I have the utmost faith in you  Smiley  Many people that need/want the surgery aren't nearly as brave to actually go through with it, so you should be extremely proud of yourself for even just getting this far.  It'll be hard with the wonky dieting before/after the surgery, but you know it'll be well worth it in the end when the pounds are just melting off of you!

Definitely keep us updated, and before pics are fun!  Sure, they suck when you take them, but they're awful nice to look back on when you're thinner (and healthier)  Grin 
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« Reply #8 on: August 23, 2008, 02:53:04 PM »

The thought of being on Pred. that long sends shivers up my back, and the doses you were taking daily  Puppy Dog Eyes:  Man.... I would have been a raving lunatic for those years - but probably you adjust mentally.  I have been on/off pred. for severe allergies (allergic to benedryl!!) and the longest I have ever been on it was 2 weeks and I thought that was bad.  The osteoperosis is caused by the pred. isn't it? Or at least that didn't help.  I rememeber whenever I was put on it the dr's. were very adament about me taking my calcium and D vitamins for that.

Sounds like the surgery will do you a lot of good physically and mentally - good luck with everything!  Oh, and I gained weight when I was on pred. for those 2 weeks.  Post baby weight is easier to get off than post pred. weight.  I can't even imagine a 3 year taper off the stuff.  Though, definitely not a drug to cold turkey.

Oh believe me...I am as shocked as anyone that I'm still married after that many years of prednisone.   Yellow Cute Laugh  My husband is VERY understanding though, even went with me to therapy.  He always knew that it was the meds and not me... Grin  We met when I was still in the military, so he knew who I really was.  During the "prednisone decade" I was on nearly every combo of antidepressants and anxiety meds you can think of, also was on many many sleep meds and still couldn't sleep.  Still can't.  I was even on thorazine...a horse tranquilizer, and I couldn't sleep.  Now my night time regimen is 50mg benadryl, 200 mg trazodone, 2 hydrocodone extra strength, 5 mg ambien, and 2 melatonin.  Enough to probably put most people in a nice long coma, but not me.   Undecided
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« Reply #9 on: August 25, 2008, 12:08:12 AM »

Why do you have to go on a liquid diet BEFORE surgery?
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« Reply #10 on: August 25, 2008, 07:30:44 PM »

Most docs want you to lose some weight prior to surgery...that way, when you lose after the surgery you'll be closer to your goal, plus the weight loss shrinks your liver and that makes the surgery itself easier.  I have a fatty liver, so I need to lose about 30 lbs. beforehand so they can get around it.  PLUS, it's sort of a test.  If you can handle this, you can probably handle the surgery. 
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« Reply #11 on: August 25, 2008, 08:29:26 PM »

I did a liquid diet for two weeks once when I was in the hospital for my gall bladder, it is not easy. I wish you the best of luck Smiley
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« Reply #12 on: August 26, 2008, 05:55:46 PM »

Day 2...my husband is eating dinner next to me, and I'm crying.  This is pathetic...all this over food!  I feel sick and weak as a newborn...and I sure would like to stay out of the bathroom for more than 15 minutes.   Sad 2
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« Reply #13 on: August 26, 2008, 06:01:01 PM »

Sweetie, I did the same thing when my parents ate in front of me when I was forced on a liquid diet. I cried and glared at them  Cheeky  Eventually I couldn't even stand the smell of food. But at that point food wouldn't stay down for me, so it may be a bit different  Yellow Cute Laugh
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« Reply #14 on: August 26, 2008, 07:26:06 PM »

When my friend had a gastric bypass, she didn't have to go on a liquid diet before.  She lost the pre-op weight the traditional way.   Can you discuss alternatives with your doctor?
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« Reply #15 on: August 26, 2008, 07:41:26 PM »

When my friend had a gastric bypass, she didn't have to go on a liquid diet before.  She lost the pre-op weight the traditional way.   Can you discuss alternatives with your doctor?

I was curious about that too.  To be on a liquid diet for  6 weeks sounds a little extreme to me, but then again I'm no doctor. 


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« Reply #16 on: August 26, 2008, 07:46:21 PM »

I am getting this done at a Veteran's Hospital that has a 100% success rate...so they are covering their butts somewhat.  If I can do 6 weeks of this, I sure as heck can do the post op diet.  Plus, I need to lose about 30 lbs prior to surgery, and also need to shrink the liver so surgery will be easier.  I was looking at a lap band forum earlier, and I can't believe how EASY the process was for some.  I've been getting tests since march of last year, and I have to do this for 6 weeks, for most others, it was 2 weeks.  BUT, I'd prefer to be monitored by docs and specialists who are more involved and attentive.
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« Reply #17 on: August 27, 2008, 12:22:35 AM »

Good luck.  I can't even imagine being on all liquids.  Soon your body will get used to the liquid diet though.  I'm guessing it's just screaming right now thinking "You haven't fed us in two days, we're STARVING TO DEATH!" when really you're not.
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« Reply #18 on: September 03, 2008, 06:10:03 PM »

Weighed in yesterday at 267, that's 13 lbs. GONE!  Probably all water with the way I've been peeing lately.  Ugh.  Oh well, maybe my feet won't swell so much now.  It's getting a bit easier, but I still have those moments where I find myself pacing around the kitchen wondering what I can sneak without my husband noticing.  But I haven't cheated...mainly because I don't want to break ketosis.  It's the process where your liver breaks down the fat, in other words, you start burning fat...and I've started it and don't wanna stop!  Still got a whole lot to go!  It's actually getting difficult to cram 5 shakes a day in sometimes.  I've found some secrets to making them taste a bit better, but the vanilla is still HORRID!  I'll be returning some of those boxes and trading for chocolate.  I found a sugar and calorie free chocolate syrup I can add to make it better, plus I use Splenda coffee flavors.  Hazelnut was a bust, I haven't tried it before and thought I would...yucky.  I'm bringing the rest to the next meeting, maybe someone else will want them. 
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« Reply #19 on: September 04, 2008, 01:51:13 AM »

 Party  Yay!! Party

I'm glad everything is going good and that your body is adjusting. Congrats on the 13 lb lost! 

Keep us updated on your progress!
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« Reply #20 on: September 04, 2008, 11:05:01 AM »

Wow!  Congrats!  Is it getting easier now that you've got some incredible results going?
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« Reply #21 on: September 04, 2008, 11:40:58 AM »

Congratulations on your weightloss so far. I can't imagine how much of a pain it is being on a liquid diet so long, but if ever there was a reason to use such a diet it is to lose the weight before weightloss surgery. The lap band is a great system and it will definitely help you, but you must stay vigilant. Ultimately it will just be a tool to help you with the weight. The fact that your managing with this liquid diet shows you just how much fortitude you really have. It will serve you well after the Lap Band.

Food is an addiction just like any drug. Kicking the addiction is hard, but you are doing it! I for one this it's wonderful that you're taking charge of your health like this and wish you a safe surgery and lots of success! We're all here for you! *hugs*

BTW I can't fathom how you stayed on Pred for 9 years! I can hardly stand it for 10 days. It must feel great to be off it!
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« Reply #22 on: September 04, 2008, 12:23:18 PM »