Re: New to the journey

[Guest guest]

--BRAVO< BRAVO

patients , " musil321 " wrote:

> 5 months post op and down 101 lbs to a FABULOUS 175. Thank you very

> much.

>

> gina takes a bow.

>

>

> > > > Hello all. I would like to introduce myself to the group. I

> am

> > > > Tamara, and I am new to the process. I have been through

> > orientation

> > > > and lifestyle 1, ans meet tomorrow with Beth Goodridge for my

> > > > nuttition/dietian class. I am hoping that I can use this

site

> > > to " pick

> > > > your brains " and get some insight as to what to expect,

> > especially

> > > time

> > > > wise. I also saw a post from someone named Uncle Timmy about

> a

> > > Cherry

> > > > Vanilla flavored protein shake. Anyone have any information

> for

> > me?

> > > > Thanks so much, and look forward to chatting with you all

soon.

[Guest guest]

--BRAVO< BRAVO

patients , " musil321 " wrote:

> 5 months post op and down 101 lbs to a FABULOUS 175. Thank you very

> much.

>

> gina takes a bow.

>

>

> > > > Hello all. I would like to introduce myself to the group. I

> am

> > > > Tamara, and I am new to the process. I have been through

> > orientation

> > > > and lifestyle 1, ans meet tomorrow with Beth Goodridge for my

> > > > nuttition/dietian class. I am hoping that I can use this

site

> > > to " pick

> > > > your brains " and get some insight as to what to expect,

> > especially

> > > time

> > > > wise. I also saw a post from someone named Uncle Timmy about

> a

> > > Cherry

> > > > Vanilla flavored protein shake. Anyone have any information

> for

> > me?

> > > > Thanks so much, and look forward to chatting with you all

soon.

[Guest guest]

--BRAVO< BRAVO

patients , " musil321 " wrote:

> 5 months post op and down 101 lbs to a FABULOUS 175. Thank you very

> much.

>

> gina takes a bow.

>

>

> > > > Hello all. I would like to introduce myself to the group. I

> am

> > > > Tamara, and I am new to the process. I have been through

> > orientation

> > > > and lifestyle 1, ans meet tomorrow with Beth Goodridge for my

> > > > nuttition/dietian class. I am hoping that I can use this

site

> > > to " pick

> > > > your brains " and get some insight as to what to expect,

> > especially

> > > time

> > > > wise. I also saw a post from someone named Uncle Timmy about

> a

> > > Cherry

> > > > Vanilla flavored protein shake. Anyone have any information

> for

> > me?

> > > > Thanks so much, and look forward to chatting with you all

soon.

[Guest guest]

Tamara...that was Tim, and I was the woman there with him...with the red hair who had just had the surgery six days before. He gave a little spiel at Dr. Gitty's request.

RobynnTamara wrote:

--Uncle Timmy: Thank you very much for the info. Tell me, were you there in the orientation/lifestyle class last week on Tuesday June 14th in South San Fran? There was a gentleman there that had lost a similar amount of weight and was just beginning the plastic surgery aspect of the journey. I am so thrilled to be this close to having my goals and dreams of life at a normal weight realized. Again, I sincerely thank you for providing me with the information I requested. Tamara- In gastric-bypass-support-kaiser-patients , "Uncle Timmy" <n01un0@e...> wrote:> Welcome Tamara! My surgery was 07/30/03, and I've lost 236 pounds. > The Cherry Vanilla proptein powder is a brand called Isopure Zero > Carb, from Nature's Best. I also like their Alpine

Punch flavor. I > haven't tries the Apple Melon yet. GNC stores carry it, but you can > get a better price on-line. Just Google Isopure Zero Carb. > > Robynn turned me on to something called Iso-Kool, which is also very > good. It comes in individual packets, so it's super convenient to > always have a meal's worth of protein on you. (22g per packet) It > comes in six flavors. > > UNcle Timmy -236> > > > Hello all. I would like to introduce myself to the group. I am > > Tamara, and I am new to the process. I have been through > orientation > > and lifestyle 1, ans meet tomorrow with Beth Goodridge for my > > nuttition/dietian class. I am hoping that I can

use this site > to "pick > > your brains" and get some insight as to what to expect, especially > time > > wise. I also saw a post from someone named Uncle Timmy about a > Cherry > > Vanilla flavored protein shake. Anyone have any information for > me? > > Thanks so much, and look forward to chatting with you all soon.

[Guest guest]

Tamara...that was Tim, and I was the woman there with him...with the red hair who had just had the surgery six days before. He gave a little spiel at Dr. Gitty's request.

RobynnTamara wrote:

--Uncle Timmy: Thank you very much for the info. Tell me, were you there in the orientation/lifestyle class last week on Tuesday June 14th in South San Fran? There was a gentleman there that had lost a similar amount of weight and was just beginning the plastic surgery aspect of the journey. I am so thrilled to be this close to having my goals and dreams of life at a normal weight realized. Again, I sincerely thank you for providing me with the information I requested. Tamara- In gastric-bypass-support-kaiser-patients , "Uncle Timmy" <n01un0@e...> wrote:> Welcome Tamara! My surgery was 07/30/03, and I've lost 236 pounds. > The Cherry Vanilla proptein powder is a brand called Isopure Zero > Carb, from Nature's Best. I also like their Alpine

Punch flavor. I > haven't tries the Apple Melon yet. GNC stores carry it, but you can > get a better price on-line. Just Google Isopure Zero Carb. > > Robynn turned me on to something called Iso-Kool, which is also very > good. It comes in individual packets, so it's super convenient to > always have a meal's worth of protein on you. (22g per packet) It > comes in six flavors. > > UNcle Timmy -236> > > > Hello all. I would like to introduce myself to the group. I am > > Tamara, and I am new to the process. I have been through > orientation > > and lifestyle 1, ans meet tomorrow with Beth Goodridge for my > > nuttition/dietian class. I am hoping that I can

use this site > to "pick > > your brains" and get some insight as to what to expect, especially > time > > wise. I also saw a post from someone named Uncle Timmy about a > Cherry > > Vanilla flavored protein shake. Anyone have any information for > me? > > Thanks so much, and look forward to chatting with you all soon.

[Guest guest]

Tamara...that was Tim, and I was the woman there with him...with the red hair who had just had the surgery six days before. He gave a little spiel at Dr. Gitty's request.

RobynnTamara wrote:

--Uncle Timmy: Thank you very much for the info. Tell me, were you there in the orientation/lifestyle class last week on Tuesday June 14th in South San Fran? There was a gentleman there that had lost a similar amount of weight and was just beginning the plastic surgery aspect of the journey. I am so thrilled to be this close to having my goals and dreams of life at a normal weight realized. Again, I sincerely thank you for providing me with the information I requested. Tamara- In gastric-bypass-support-kaiser-patients , "Uncle Timmy" <n01un0@e...> wrote:> Welcome Tamara! My surgery was 07/30/03, and I've lost 236 pounds. > The Cherry Vanilla proptein powder is a brand called Isopure Zero > Carb, from Nature's Best. I also like their Alpine

Punch flavor. I > haven't tries the Apple Melon yet. GNC stores carry it, but you can > get a better price on-line. Just Google Isopure Zero Carb. > > Robynn turned me on to something called Iso-Kool, which is also very > good. It comes in individual packets, so it's super convenient to > always have a meal's worth of protein on you. (22g per packet) It > comes in six flavors. > > UNcle Timmy -236> > > > Hello all. I would like to introduce myself to the group. I am > > Tamara, and I am new to the process. I have been through > orientation > > and lifestyle 1, ans meet tomorrow with Beth Goodridge for my > > nuttition/dietian class. I am hoping that I can

use this site > to "pick > > your brains" and get some insight as to what to expect, especially > time > > wise. I also saw a post from someone named Uncle Timmy about a > Cherry > > Vanilla flavored protein shake. Anyone have any information for > me? > > Thanks so much, and look forward to chatting with you all soon.

[Guest guest]

--Robynn: Thank you so much for being gracious enough to share with

me. I am going out of the SOuth San Francisco facility, and I have

also heard that Richmond is far more strict. I have been researching

this for 3 years, and have been to consults outside of Kaiser. I

have read 5 different books that detail almost every kind of gastric

surgery, and have read my Kaiser book 4 times front to back since

last Tuesday. I don't know if Lifestyles is also a nutrition class,

but it was taught by Beth Goodridge, who is the registered dietian.

The questions that I have pertain mainly to the time frame from

orientation to surgery. I understand that it is mainly based upon

your goal wiehg tprior to surgery, and I have begun to lose. I was

placed on the 1200 calorie diet last week on Tuesday, and have lost 9

pounds as of this morning. I think I will be required to lose 30

pounds, so I am a third of the way there. I joined Curves gym, and

work out for 1 hour everyday, except for weekends, when I garden and

walk with my children. I am drinking betwen 96 and 128 ounces of

water a day, so much so that I pee clear. I feel like a camel!! I

have already had my bloodwork completed, as well as my EKG and my

chest X-ray. AS far as support people goes, my mom is taking 10 days

off from work to come and stay with me, my hubby has a weeks worth of

vacation time saved up, and my best buddy/neighbor is a fellow GBS

patient, 3 years post, and has been thru the whole kit and kaboodle.

I feel exteremly fortunate to have her as my friend and support

person, because she has been thru it herself. I also have lined up

for my kids to be at grandma's for 1 week after surgery, so I can

come home to a quiet environment for at least a few days. So how

long did it take you to get your surgery date once you called them

and told them that you were at goal? Was it a long time? How long

were you in the hospital afer surgery? The surgeon told us at

orientation that if things go well, it is possible to go home the

next day. That seems kinda fast to me, but what do I know? I have

never felt so ready for something in my life. I can honestly say

that I am approaching this with a surreal sense of calm. It is as if

my very being knows that this what I need to have done to make my

body well, and my mind is right there, ready to go. I know that

probably sounds strange, but I never knew that your body could

experience that sense of right. Does that make any sense at all?

Anyway, I am at the point now where I have read all that I can, and

am visiting numerous sites to chat and get first hand expereince from

real people who have been thru this. That is why I thank you again

sincerely for sharing with me. If you would be kind enough to answer

my questions as they come, I would be ever grateful. Thanks for

welcoming me as a new friend. It means alot. Tamara

- In gastric-bypass-support-kaiser-patients , Robynn

VanPatten wrote:

> Yahoo, Miss . Hey there Tamara. I went through Richmond,

too. I just had the surgery 12 days ago. Lost 26 lbs. prior to, and

14 lbs. so far...for a total of 40 lbs. So, my current weight is

221, and I'm 5'6 " .

>

> What kind of info are looking for...or are you at the place

where " you don't even know what you don't know " ? The best thing to

do is read, read and read...and when you think of a question, throw

it out there.

>

> You will probably be asked to do a second psych eval with the staff

psychologist who is assigned to Richmond. (I'm blanking on the

Lifestyle class...is that a new requirement, or was I just thinking

of it as something else? Is that the Nutrition class?)

>

> You'll meet witha surgeon for your first surgery consult at some

point. If you are lucky, you may be at goal at the time (I wasn't,

because I got my surgery consult within a few weeks of my

orientation). If you are at goal, they will schedule you for your

surgery. You will then have to take a pre-op class which they'll

schedule for you, you'll have to take various tests, meet with an

anesthesiologist, and keep your weight down.

>

> At Richmond, they are very very strict about the weight, so keep it

down. Don't let up, don't slack off.

>

> If you don't make goal at your first, assigned surgery consult,

they will wait for you to call them when you are at goal. At that

point, they schedule you to see the surgeon, and all of the steps I

outlined above will be undertaken.

>

> So, read your book a gazillion times. Try and get a caregiver on

board to help you post-surgery (way before, so they are on

notice)...work on your water intake, try to exercise to get in as

good physical shape as you can before the surgery, it will aid in

your recovery...get the 10 percent off...and fasten your seatbelt.

>

> In the meantime, try to go to some support groups...frequently

you'll get a reminder from this board about the upcoming ones...and

then, partake of the knowledge and frivolity you'll gain from this

board.

>

> Welcome, our new friend.

> Robynn

>

> musil321 wrote:

> 5 months post op and down 101 lbs to a FABULOUS 175. Thank you very

> much.

>

> gina takes a bow.

>

>

> > > > Hello all. I would like to introduce myself to the group. I

> am

> > > > Tamara, and I am new to the process. I have been through

> > orientation

> > > > and lifestyle 1, ans meet tomorrow with Beth Goodridge for my

> > > > nuttition/dietian class. I am hoping that I can use this

site

> > > to " pick

> > > > your brains " and get some insight as to what to expect,

> > especially

> > > time

> > > > wise. I also saw a post from someone named Uncle Timmy about

> a

> > > Cherry

> > > > Vanilla flavored protein shake. Anyone have any information

> for

> > me?

> > > > Thanks so much, and look forward to chatting with you all

soon.

>

>

>

>

>

> ---------------------------------

>

[Guest guest]

--Robynn: Thank you so much for being gracious enough to share with

me. I am going out of the SOuth San Francisco facility, and I have

also heard that Richmond is far more strict. I have been researching

this for 3 years, and have been to consults outside of Kaiser. I

have read 5 different books that detail almost every kind of gastric

surgery, and have read my Kaiser book 4 times front to back since

last Tuesday. I don't know if Lifestyles is also a nutrition class,

but it was taught by Beth Goodridge, who is the registered dietian.

The questions that I have pertain mainly to the time frame from

orientation to surgery. I understand that it is mainly based upon

your goal wiehg tprior to surgery, and I have begun to lose. I was

placed on the 1200 calorie diet last week on Tuesday, and have lost 9

pounds as of this morning. I think I will be required to lose 30

pounds, so I am a third of the way there. I joined Curves gym, and

work out for 1 hour everyday, except for weekends, when I garden and

walk with my children. I am drinking betwen 96 and 128 ounces of

water a day, so much so that I pee clear. I feel like a camel!! I

have already had my bloodwork completed, as well as my EKG and my

chest X-ray. AS far as support people goes, my mom is taking 10 days

off from work to come and stay with me, my hubby has a weeks worth of

vacation time saved up, and my best buddy/neighbor is a fellow GBS

patient, 3 years post, and has been thru the whole kit and kaboodle.

I feel exteremly fortunate to have her as my friend and support

person, because she has been thru it herself. I also have lined up

for my kids to be at grandma's for 1 week after surgery, so I can

come home to a quiet environment for at least a few days. So how

long did it take you to get your surgery date once you called them

and told them that you were at goal? Was it a long time? How long

were you in the hospital afer surgery? The surgeon told us at

orientation that if things go well, it is possible to go home the

next day. That seems kinda fast to me, but what do I know? I have

never felt so ready for something in my life. I can honestly say

that I am approaching this with a surreal sense of calm. It is as if

my very being knows that this what I need to have done to make my

body well, and my mind is right there, ready to go. I know that

probably sounds strange, but I never knew that your body could

experience that sense of right. Does that make any sense at all?

Anyway, I am at the point now where I have read all that I can, and

am visiting numerous sites to chat and get first hand expereince from

real people who have been thru this. That is why I thank you again

sincerely for sharing with me. If you would be kind enough to answer

my questions as they come, I would be ever grateful. Thanks for

welcoming me as a new friend. It means alot. Tamara

- In gastric-bypass-support-kaiser-patients , Robynn

VanPatten wrote:

> Yahoo, Miss . Hey there Tamara. I went through Richmond,

too. I just had the surgery 12 days ago. Lost 26 lbs. prior to, and

14 lbs. so far...for a total of 40 lbs. So, my current weight is

221, and I'm 5'6 " .

>

> What kind of info are looking for...or are you at the place

where " you don't even know what you don't know " ? The best thing to

do is read, read and read...and when you think of a question, throw

it out there.

>

> You will probably be asked to do a second psych eval with the staff

psychologist who is assigned to Richmond. (I'm blanking on the

Lifestyle class...is that a new requirement, or was I just thinking

of it as something else? Is that the Nutrition class?)

>

> You'll meet witha surgeon for your first surgery consult at some

point. If you are lucky, you may be at goal at the time (I wasn't,

because I got my surgery consult within a few weeks of my

orientation). If you are at goal, they will schedule you for your

surgery. You will then have to take a pre-op class which they'll

schedule for you, you'll have to take various tests, meet with an

anesthesiologist, and keep your weight down.

>

> At Richmond, they are very very strict about the weight, so keep it

down. Don't let up, don't slack off.

>

> If you don't make goal at your first, assigned surgery consult,

they will wait for you to call them when you are at goal. At that

point, they schedule you to see the surgeon, and all of the steps I

outlined above will be undertaken.

>

> So, read your book a gazillion times. Try and get a caregiver on

board to help you post-surgery (way before, so they are on

notice)...work on your water intake, try to exercise to get in as

good physical shape as you can before the surgery, it will aid in

your recovery...get the 10 percent off...and fasten your seatbelt.

>

> In the meantime, try to go to some support groups...frequently

you'll get a reminder from this board about the upcoming ones...and

then, partake of the knowledge and frivolity you'll gain from this

board.

>

> Welcome, our new friend.

> Robynn

>

> musil321 wrote:

> 5 months post op and down 101 lbs to a FABULOUS 175. Thank you very

> much.

>

> gina takes a bow.

>

>

> > > > Hello all. I would like to introduce myself to the group. I

> am

> > > > Tamara, and I am new to the process. I have been through

> > orientation

> > > > and lifestyle 1, ans meet tomorrow with Beth Goodridge for my

> > > > nuttition/dietian class. I am hoping that I can use this

site

> > > to " pick

> > > > your brains " and get some insight as to what to expect,

> > especially

> > > time

> > > > wise. I also saw a post from someone named Uncle Timmy about

> a

> > > Cherry

> > > > Vanilla flavored protein shake. Anyone have any information

> for

> > me?

> > > > Thanks so much, and look forward to chatting with you all

soon.

>

>

>

>

>

> ---------------------------------

>

[Guest guest]

--Robynn: Thank you so much for being gracious enough to share with

me. I am going out of the SOuth San Francisco facility, and I have

also heard that Richmond is far more strict. I have been researching

this for 3 years, and have been to consults outside of Kaiser. I

have read 5 different books that detail almost every kind of gastric

surgery, and have read my Kaiser book 4 times front to back since

last Tuesday. I don't know if Lifestyles is also a nutrition class,

but it was taught by Beth Goodridge, who is the registered dietian.

The questions that I have pertain mainly to the time frame from

orientation to surgery. I understand that it is mainly based upon

your goal wiehg tprior to surgery, and I have begun to lose. I was

placed on the 1200 calorie diet last week on Tuesday, and have lost 9

pounds as of this morning. I think I will be required to lose 30

pounds, so I am a third of the way there. I joined Curves gym, and

work out for 1 hour everyday, except for weekends, when I garden and

walk with my children. I am drinking betwen 96 and 128 ounces of

water a day, so much so that I pee clear. I feel like a camel!! I

have already had my bloodwork completed, as well as my EKG and my

chest X-ray. AS far as support people goes, my mom is taking 10 days

off from work to come and stay with me, my hubby has a weeks worth of

vacation time saved up, and my best buddy/neighbor is a fellow GBS

patient, 3 years post, and has been thru the whole kit and kaboodle.

I feel exteremly fortunate to have her as my friend and support

person, because she has been thru it herself. I also have lined up

for my kids to be at grandma's for 1 week after surgery, so I can

come home to a quiet environment for at least a few days. So how

long did it take you to get your surgery date once you called them

and told them that you were at goal? Was it a long time? How long

were you in the hospital afer surgery? The surgeon told us at

orientation that if things go well, it is possible to go home the

next day. That seems kinda fast to me, but what do I know? I have

never felt so ready for something in my life. I can honestly say

that I am approaching this with a surreal sense of calm. It is as if

my very being knows that this what I need to have done to make my

body well, and my mind is right there, ready to go. I know that

probably sounds strange, but I never knew that your body could

experience that sense of right. Does that make any sense at all?

Anyway, I am at the point now where I have read all that I can, and

am visiting numerous sites to chat and get first hand expereince from

real people who have been thru this. That is why I thank you again

sincerely for sharing with me. If you would be kind enough to answer

my questions as they come, I would be ever grateful. Thanks for

welcoming me as a new friend. It means alot. Tamara

- In gastric-bypass-support-kaiser-patients , Robynn

VanPatten wrote:

> Yahoo, Miss . Hey there Tamara. I went through Richmond,

too. I just had the surgery 12 days ago. Lost 26 lbs. prior to, and

14 lbs. so far...for a total of 40 lbs. So, my current weight is

221, and I'm 5'6 " .

>

> What kind of info are looking for...or are you at the place

where " you don't even know what you don't know " ? The best thing to

do is read, read and read...and when you think of a question, throw

it out there.

>

> You will probably be asked to do a second psych eval with the staff

psychologist who is assigned to Richmond. (I'm blanking on the

Lifestyle class...is that a new requirement, or was I just thinking

of it as something else? Is that the Nutrition class?)

>

> You'll meet witha surgeon for your first surgery consult at some

point. If you are lucky, you may be at goal at the time (I wasn't,

because I got my surgery consult within a few weeks of my

orientation). If you are at goal, they will schedule you for your

surgery. You will then have to take a pre-op class which they'll

schedule for you, you'll have to take various tests, meet with an

anesthesiologist, and keep your weight down.

>

> At Richmond, they are very very strict about the weight, so keep it

down. Don't let up, don't slack off.

>

> If you don't make goal at your first, assigned surgery consult,

they will wait for you to call them when you are at goal. At that

point, they schedule you to see the surgeon, and all of the steps I

outlined above will be undertaken.

>

> So, read your book a gazillion times. Try and get a caregiver on

board to help you post-surgery (way before, so they are on

notice)...work on your water intake, try to exercise to get in as

good physical shape as you can before the surgery, it will aid in

your recovery...get the 10 percent off...and fasten your seatbelt.

>

> In the meantime, try to go to some support groups...frequently

you'll get a reminder from this board about the upcoming ones...and

then, partake of the knowledge and frivolity you'll gain from this

board.

>

> Welcome, our new friend.

> Robynn

>

> musil321 wrote:

> 5 months post op and down 101 lbs to a FABULOUS 175. Thank you very

> much.

>

> gina takes a bow.

>

>

> > > > Hello all. I would like to introduce myself to the group. I

> am

> > > > Tamara, and I am new to the process. I have been through

> > orientation

> > > > and lifestyle 1, ans meet tomorrow with Beth Goodridge for my

> > > > nuttition/dietian class. I am hoping that I can use this

site

> > > to " pick

> > > > your brains " and get some insight as to what to expect,

> > especially

> > > time

> > > > wise. I also saw a post from someone named Uncle Timmy about

> a

> > > Cherry

> > > > Vanilla flavored protein shake. Anyone have any information

> for

> > me?

> > > > Thanks so much, and look forward to chatting with you all

soon.

>

>

>

>

>

> ---------------------------------

>

[Guest guest]

-You were the woman that we were all absolutely amazed at that was up

looking FABULOUS after only 6 days?? I bow to you. Is it really to

be expected to be up and mobile after only six days? I mean to the

point of being dressed and out of the house attending meetings? That

is fantastic!!! What has been the hardest thing for you since the

surgery? Tamara

-- In gastric-bypass-support-kaiser-patients , Robynn

VanPatten wrote:

> Tamara...that was Tim, and I was the woman there with him...with

the red hair who had just had the surgery six days before. He gave a

little spiel at Dr. Gitty's request.

>

> Robynn

>

> Tamara wrote:

> --Uncle Timmy: Thank you very much for the info. Tell me, were

you

> there in the orientation/lifestyle class last week on Tuesday June

> 14th in South San Fran? There was a gentleman there that had lost

a

> similar amount of weight and was just beginning the plastic surgery

> aspect of the journey. I am so thrilled to be this close to having

> my goals and dreams of life at a normal weight realized. Again, I

> sincerely thank you for providing me with the information I

> requested. Tamara

>

> - In gastric-bypass-support-kaiser-patients , " Uncle

> Timmy " wrote:

> > Welcome Tamara! My surgery was 07/30/03, and I've lost 236

> pounds.

> > The Cherry Vanilla proptein powder is a brand called Isopure Zero

> > Carb, from Nature's Best. I also like their Alpine Punch

flavor.

> I

> > haven't tries the Apple Melon yet. GNC stores carry it, but you

> can

> > get a better price on-line. Just Google Isopure Zero Carb.

> >

> > Robynn turned me on to something called Iso-Kool, which is also

> very

> > good. It comes in individual packets, so it's super convenient

to

> > always have a meal's worth of protein on you. (22g per packet)

It

> > comes in six flavors.

> >

> > UNcle Timmy -236

> >

> >

> > > Hello all. I would like to introduce myself to the group. I

am

> > > Tamara, and I am new to the process. I have been through

> > orientation

> > > and lifestyle 1, ans meet tomorrow with Beth Goodridge for my

> > > nuttition/dietian class. I am hoping that I can use this site

> > to " pick

> > > your brains " and get some insight as to what to expect,

> especially

> > time

> > > wise. I also saw a post from someone named Uncle Timmy about a

> > Cherry

> > > Vanilla flavored protein shake. Anyone have any information

for

> > me?

> > > Thanks so much, and look forward to chatting with you all soon.

>

>

>

>

> ---------------------------------

>

[Guest guest]

-You were the woman that we were all absolutely amazed at that was up

looking FABULOUS after only 6 days?? I bow to you. Is it really to

be expected to be up and mobile after only six days? I mean to the

point of being dressed and out of the house attending meetings? That

is fantastic!!! What has been the hardest thing for you since the

surgery? Tamara

-- In gastric-bypass-support-kaiser-patients , Robynn

VanPatten wrote:

> Tamara...that was Tim, and I was the woman there with him...with

the red hair who had just had the surgery six days before. He gave a

little spiel at Dr. Gitty's request.

>

> Robynn

>

> Tamara wrote:

> --Uncle Timmy: Thank you very much for the info. Tell me, were

you

> there in the orientation/lifestyle class last week on Tuesday June

> 14th in South San Fran? There was a gentleman there that had lost

a

> similar amount of weight and was just beginning the plastic surgery

> aspect of the journey. I am so thrilled to be this close to having

> my goals and dreams of life at a normal weight realized. Again, I

> sincerely thank you for providing me with the information I

> requested. Tamara

>

> - In gastric-bypass-support-kaiser-patients , " Uncle

> Timmy " wrote:

> > Welcome Tamara! My surgery was 07/30/03, and I've lost 236

> pounds.

> > The Cherry Vanilla proptein powder is a brand called Isopure Zero

> > Carb, from Nature's Best. I also like their Alpine Punch

flavor.

> I

> > haven't tries the Apple Melon yet. GNC stores carry it, but you

> can

> > get a better price on-line. Just Google Isopure Zero Carb.

> >

> > Robynn turned me on to something called Iso-Kool, which is also

> very

> > good. It comes in individual packets, so it's super convenient

to

> > always have a meal's worth of protein on you. (22g per packet)

It

> > comes in six flavors.

> >

> > UNcle Timmy -236

> >

> >

> > > Hello all. I would like to introduce myself to the group. I

am

> > > Tamara, and I am new to the process. I have been through

> > orientation

> > > and lifestyle 1, ans meet tomorrow with Beth Goodridge for my

> > > nuttition/dietian class. I am hoping that I can use this site

> > to " pick

> > > your brains " and get some insight as to what to expect,

> especially

> > time

> > > wise. I also saw a post from someone named Uncle Timmy about a

> > Cherry

> > > Vanilla flavored protein shake. Anyone have any information

for

> > me?

> > > Thanks so much, and look forward to chatting with you all soon.

>

>

>

>

> ---------------------------------

>

[Guest guest]

-You were the woman that we were all absolutely amazed at that was up

looking FABULOUS after only 6 days?? I bow to you. Is it really to

be expected to be up and mobile after only six days? I mean to the

point of being dressed and out of the house attending meetings? That

is fantastic!!! What has been the hardest thing for you since the

surgery? Tamara

-- In gastric-bypass-support-kaiser-patients , Robynn

VanPatten wrote:

> Tamara...that was Tim, and I was the woman there with him...with

the red hair who had just had the surgery six days before. He gave a

little spiel at Dr. Gitty's request.

>

> Robynn

>

> Tamara wrote:

> --Uncle Timmy: Thank you very much for the info. Tell me, were

you

> there in the orientation/lifestyle class last week on Tuesday June

> 14th in South San Fran? There was a gentleman there that had lost

a

> similar amount of weight and was just beginning the plastic surgery

> aspect of the journey. I am so thrilled to be this close to having

> my goals and dreams of life at a normal weight realized. Again, I

> sincerely thank you for providing me with the information I

> requested. Tamara

>

> - In gastric-bypass-support-kaiser-patients , " Uncle

> Timmy " wrote:

> > Welcome Tamara! My surgery was 07/30/03, and I've lost 236

> pounds.

> > The Cherry Vanilla proptein powder is a brand called Isopure Zero

> > Carb, from Nature's Best. I also like their Alpine Punch

flavor.

> I

> > haven't tries the Apple Melon yet. GNC stores carry it, but you

> can

> > get a better price on-line. Just Google Isopure Zero Carb.

> >

> > Robynn turned me on to something called Iso-Kool, which is also

> very

> > good. It comes in individual packets, so it's super convenient

to

> > always have a meal's worth of protein on you. (22g per packet)

It

> > comes in six flavors.

> >

> > UNcle Timmy -236

> >

> >

> > > Hello all. I would like to introduce myself to the group. I

am

> > > Tamara, and I am new to the process. I have been through

> > orientation

> > > and lifestyle 1, ans meet tomorrow with Beth Goodridge for my

> > > nuttition/dietian class. I am hoping that I can use this site

> > to " pick

> > > your brains " and get some insight as to what to expect,

> especially

> > time

> > > wise. I also saw a post from someone named Uncle Timmy about a

> > Cherry

> > > Vanilla flavored protein shake. Anyone have any information

for

> > me?

> > > Thanks so much, and look forward to chatting with you all soon.

>

>

>

>

> ---------------------------------

>

[Guest guest]

Hi Tamara

I went through SSF and i had my orientation on about 10/26 started my 1200 calorie an got from 283 to 251 the day of my sugery, i met with dr stiles the week of thanksgiving and was

told i was good to go and that i could have surgery as early as dec, as it happened due to my job i couldnt take time off until Feb. It went pretty fast, i hope it does for you, sounds like you are very on top of things ! be proud of yourself !

ColleenTamara wrote:

--Robynn: Thank you so much for being gracious enough to share with me. I am going out of the SOuth San Francisco facility, and I have also heard that Richmond is far more strict. I have been researching this for 3 years, and have been to consults outside of Kaiser. I have read 5 different books that detail almost every kind of gastric surgery, and have read my Kaiser book 4 times front to back since last Tuesday. I don't know if Lifestyles is also a nutrition class, but it was taught by Beth Goodridge, who is the registered dietian. The questions that I have pertain mainly to the time frame from orientation to surgery. I understand that it is mainly based upon your goal wiehg tprior to surgery, and I have begun to lose. I was placed on the 1200 calorie diet last week on Tuesday, and have lost 9 pounds as of this morning. I think I will

be required to lose 30 pounds, so I am a third of the way there. I joined Curves gym, and work out for 1 hour everyday, except for weekends, when I garden and walk with my children. I am drinking betwen 96 and 128 ounces of water a day, so much so that I pee clear. I feel like a camel!! I have already had my bloodwork completed, as well as my EKG and my chest X-ray. AS far as support people goes, my mom is taking 10 days off from work to come and stay with me, my hubby has a weeks worth of vacation time saved up, and my best buddy/neighbor is a fellow GBS patient, 3 years post, and has been thru the whole kit and kaboodle. I feel exteremly fortunate to have her as my friend and support person, because she has been thru it herself. I also have lined up for my kids to be at grandma's for 1 week after surgery, so I can come home to a quiet environment for at least a few days. So how long did it take you to get your surgery date

once you called them and told them that you were at goal? Was it a long time? How long were you in the hospital afer surgery? The surgeon told us at orientation that if things go well, it is possible to go home the next day. That seems kinda fast to me, but what do I know? I have never felt so ready for something in my life. I can honestly say that I am approaching this with a surreal sense of calm. It is as if my very being knows that this what I need to have done to make my body well, and my mind is right there, ready to go. I know that probably sounds strange, but I never knew that your body could experience that sense of right. Does that make any sense at all? Anyway, I am at the point now where I have read all that I can, and am visiting numerous sites to chat and get first hand expereince from real people who have been thru this. That is why I thank you again sincerely for sharing with me. If you would be kind enough to

answer my questions as they come, I would be ever grateful. Thanks for welcoming me as a new friend. It means alot. Tamara- In gastric-bypass-support-kaiser-patients , Robynn VanPatten wrote:> Yahoo, Miss . Hey there Tamara. I went through Richmond, too. I just had the surgery 12 days ago. Lost 26 lbs. prior to, and 14 lbs. so far...for a total of 40 lbs. So, my current weight is 221, and I'm 5'6".> > What kind of info are looking for...or are you at the place where "you don't even know what you don't know"? The best thing to do is read, read and read...and when you think of a question, throw it out there.> > You will probably be asked to do a second psych eval with the staff psychologist who is assigned to Richmond. (I'm blanking on the Lifestyle class...is that a new requirement, or was I just thinking of it as something else? Is that the Nutrition

class?)> > You'll meet witha surgeon for your first surgery consult at some point. If you are lucky, you may be at goal at the time (I wasn't, because I got my surgery consult within a few weeks of my orientation). If you are at goal, they will schedule you for your surgery. You will then have to take a pre-op class which they'll schedule for you, you'll have to take various tests, meet with an anesthesiologist, and keep your weight down.> > At Richmond, they are very very strict about the weight, so keep it down. Don't let up, don't slack off.> > If you don't make goal at your first, assigned surgery consult, they will wait for you to call them when you are at goal. At that point, they schedule you to see the surgeon, and all of the steps I outlined above will be undertaken.> > So, read your book a gazillion times. Try and get a caregiver on board to help you post-surgery (way

before, so they are on notice)...work on your water intake, try to exercise to get in as good physical shape as you can before the surgery, it will aid in your recovery...get the 10 percent off...and fasten your seatbelt.> > In the meantime, try to go to some support groups...frequently you'll get a reminder from this board about the upcoming ones...and then, partake of the knowledge and frivolity you'll gain from this board.> > Welcome, our new friend.> Robynn> > musil321 wrote:> 5 months post op and down 101 lbs to a FABULOUS 175. Thank you very > much. > > gina takes a bow. > > > > > > Hello all. I would like to introduce myself to the group. I > am > > > > Tamara, and I am new to the process. I have been through > > orientation > > > > and lifestyle 1, ans meet

tomorrow with Beth Goodridge for my > > > > nuttition/dietian class. I am hoping that I can use this site > > > to "pick > > > > your brains" and get some insight as to what to expect, > > especially > > > time > > > > wise. I also saw a post from someone named Uncle Timmy about > a > > > Cherry > > > > Vanilla flavored protein shake. Anyone have any information > for > > me? > > > > Thanks so much, and look forward to chatting with you all soon.> > > > > > --------------------------------->

[Guest guest]

Hi Tamara

I went through SSF and i had my orientation on about 10/26 started my 1200 calorie an got from 283 to 251 the day of my sugery, i met with dr stiles the week of thanksgiving and was

told i was good to go and that i could have surgery as early as dec, as it happened due to my job i couldnt take time off until Feb. It went pretty fast, i hope it does for you, sounds like you are very on top of things ! be proud of yourself !

ColleenTamara wrote:

--Robynn: Thank you so much for being gracious enough to share with me. I am going out of the SOuth San Francisco facility, and I have also heard that Richmond is far more strict. I have been researching this for 3 years, and have been to consults outside of Kaiser. I have read 5 different books that detail almost every kind of gastric surgery, and have read my Kaiser book 4 times front to back since last Tuesday. I don't know if Lifestyles is also a nutrition class, but it was taught by Beth Goodridge, who is the registered dietian. The questions that I have pertain mainly to the time frame from orientation to surgery. I understand that it is mainly based upon your goal wiehg tprior to surgery, and I have begun to lose. I was placed on the 1200 calorie diet last week on Tuesday, and have lost 9 pounds as of this morning. I think I will

be required to lose 30 pounds, so I am a third of the way there. I joined Curves gym, and work out for 1 hour everyday, except for weekends, when I garden and walk with my children. I am drinking betwen 96 and 128 ounces of water a day, so much so that I pee clear. I feel like a camel!! I have already had my bloodwork completed, as well as my EKG and my chest X-ray. AS far as support people goes, my mom is taking 10 days off from work to come and stay with me, my hubby has a weeks worth of vacation time saved up, and my best buddy/neighbor is a fellow GBS patient, 3 years post, and has been thru the whole kit and kaboodle. I feel exteremly fortunate to have her as my friend and support person, because she has been thru it herself. I also have lined up for my kids to be at grandma's for 1 week after surgery, so I can come home to a quiet environment for at least a few days. So how long did it take you to get your surgery date

once you called them and told them that you were at goal? Was it a long time? How long were you in the hospital afer surgery? The surgeon told us at orientation that if things go well, it is possible to go home the next day. That seems kinda fast to me, but what do I know? I have never felt so ready for something in my life. I can honestly say that I am approaching this with a surreal sense of calm. It is as if my very being knows that this what I need to have done to make my body well, and my mind is right there, ready to go. I know that probably sounds strange, but I never knew that your body could experience that sense of right. Does that make any sense at all? Anyway, I am at the point now where I have read all that I can, and am visiting numerous sites to chat and get first hand expereince from real people who have been thru this. That is why I thank you again sincerely for sharing with me. If you would be kind enough to

answer my questions as they come, I would be ever grateful. Thanks for welcoming me as a new friend. It means alot. Tamara- In gastric-bypass-support-kaiser-patients , Robynn VanPatten wrote:> Yahoo, Miss . Hey there Tamara. I went through Richmond, too. I just had the surgery 12 days ago. Lost 26 lbs. prior to, and 14 lbs. so far...for a total of 40 lbs. So, my current weight is 221, and I'm 5'6".> > What kind of info are looking for...or are you at the place where "you don't even know what you don't know"? The best thing to do is read, read and read...and when you think of a question, throw it out there.> > You will probably be asked to do a second psych eval with the staff psychologist who is assigned to Richmond. (I'm blanking on the Lifestyle class...is that a new requirement, or was I just thinking of it as something else? Is that the Nutrition

class?)> > You'll meet witha surgeon for your first surgery consult at some point. If you are lucky, you may be at goal at the time (I wasn't, because I got my surgery consult within a few weeks of my orientation). If you are at goal, they will schedule you for your surgery. You will then have to take a pre-op class which they'll schedule for you, you'll have to take various tests, meet with an anesthesiologist, and keep your weight down.> > At Richmond, they are very very strict about the weight, so keep it down. Don't let up, don't slack off.> > If you don't make goal at your first, assigned surgery consult, they will wait for you to call them when you are at goal. At that point, they schedule you to see the surgeon, and all of the steps I outlined above will be undertaken.> > So, read your book a gazillion times. Try and get a caregiver on board to help you post-surgery (way

before, so they are on notice)...work on your water intake, try to exercise to get in as good physical shape as you can before the surgery, it will aid in your recovery...get the 10 percent off...and fasten your seatbelt.> > In the meantime, try to go to some support groups...frequently you'll get a reminder from this board about the upcoming ones...and then, partake of the knowledge and frivolity you'll gain from this board.> > Welcome, our new friend.> Robynn> > musil321 wrote:> 5 months post op and down 101 lbs to a FABULOUS 175. Thank you very > much. > > gina takes a bow. > > > > > > Hello all. I would like to introduce myself to the group. I > am > > > > Tamara, and I am new to the process. I have been through > > orientation > > > > and lifestyle 1, ans meet

tomorrow with Beth Goodridge for my > > > > nuttition/dietian class. I am hoping that I can use this site > > > to "pick > > > > your brains" and get some insight as to what to expect, > > especially > > > time > > > > wise. I also saw a post from someone named Uncle Timmy about > a > > > Cherry > > > > Vanilla flavored protein shake. Anyone have any information > for > > me? > > > > Thanks so much, and look forward to chatting with you all soon.> > > > > > --------------------------------->

[Guest guest]

Hi Tamara

I went through SSF and i had my orientation on about 10/26 started my 1200 calorie an got from 283 to 251 the day of my sugery, i met with dr stiles the week of thanksgiving and was

told i was good to go and that i could have surgery as early as dec, as it happened due to my job i couldnt take time off until Feb. It went pretty fast, i hope it does for you, sounds like you are very on top of things ! be proud of yourself !

ColleenTamara wrote:

--Robynn: Thank you so much for being gracious enough to share with me. I am going out of the SOuth San Francisco facility, and I have also heard that Richmond is far more strict. I have been researching this for 3 years, and have been to consults outside of Kaiser. I have read 5 different books that detail almost every kind of gastric surgery, and have read my Kaiser book 4 times front to back since last Tuesday. I don't know if Lifestyles is also a nutrition class, but it was taught by Beth Goodridge, who is the registered dietian. The questions that I have pertain mainly to the time frame from orientation to surgery. I understand that it is mainly based upon your goal wiehg tprior to surgery, and I have begun to lose. I was placed on the 1200 calorie diet last week on Tuesday, and have lost 9 pounds as of this morning. I think I will

be required to lose 30 pounds, so I am a third of the way there. I joined Curves gym, and work out for 1 hour everyday, except for weekends, when I garden and walk with my children. I am drinking betwen 96 and 128 ounces of water a day, so much so that I pee clear. I feel like a camel!! I have already had my bloodwork completed, as well as my EKG and my chest X-ray. AS far as support people goes, my mom is taking 10 days off from work to come and stay with me, my hubby has a weeks worth of vacation time saved up, and my best buddy/neighbor is a fellow GBS patient, 3 years post, and has been thru the whole kit and kaboodle. I feel exteremly fortunate to have her as my friend and support person, because she has been thru it herself. I also have lined up for my kids to be at grandma's for 1 week after surgery, so I can come home to a quiet environment for at least a few days. So how long did it take you to get your surgery date

once you called them and told them that you were at goal? Was it a long time? How long were you in the hospital afer surgery? The surgeon told us at orientation that if things go well, it is possible to go home the next day. That seems kinda fast to me, but what do I know? I have never felt so ready for something in my life. I can honestly say that I am approaching this with a surreal sense of calm. It is as if my very being knows that this what I need to have done to make my body well, and my mind is right there, ready to go. I know that probably sounds strange, but I never knew that your body could experience that sense of right. Does that make any sense at all? Anyway, I am at the point now where I have read all that I can, and am visiting numerous sites to chat and get first hand expereince from real people who have been thru this. That is why I thank you again sincerely for sharing with me. If you would be kind enough to

answer my questions as they come, I would be ever grateful. Thanks for welcoming me as a new friend. It means alot. Tamara- In gastric-bypass-support-kaiser-patients , Robynn VanPatten wrote:> Yahoo, Miss . Hey there Tamara. I went through Richmond, too. I just had the surgery 12 days ago. Lost 26 lbs. prior to, and 14 lbs. so far...for a total of 40 lbs. So, my current weight is 221, and I'm 5'6".> > What kind of info are looking for...or are you at the place where "you don't even know what you don't know"? The best thing to do is read, read and read...and when you think of a question, throw it out there.> > You will probably be asked to do a second psych eval with the staff psychologist who is assigned to Richmond. (I'm blanking on the Lifestyle class...is that a new requirement, or was I just thinking of it as something else? Is that the Nutrition

class?)> > You'll meet witha surgeon for your first surgery consult at some point. If you are lucky, you may be at goal at the time (I wasn't, because I got my surgery consult within a few weeks of my orientation). If you are at goal, they will schedule you for your surgery. You will then have to take a pre-op class which they'll schedule for you, you'll have to take various tests, meet with an anesthesiologist, and keep your weight down.> > At Richmond, they are very very strict about the weight, so keep it down. Don't let up, don't slack off.> > If you don't make goal at your first, assigned surgery consult, they will wait for you to call them when you are at goal. At that point, they schedule you to see the surgeon, and all of the steps I outlined above will be undertaken.> > So, read your book a gazillion times. Try and get a caregiver on board to help you post-surgery (way

before, so they are on notice)...work on your water intake, try to exercise to get in as good physical shape as you can before the surgery, it will aid in your recovery...get the 10 percent off...and fasten your seatbelt.> > In the meantime, try to go to some support groups...frequently you'll get a reminder from this board about the upcoming ones...and then, partake of the knowledge and frivolity you'll gain from this board.> > Welcome, our new friend.> Robynn> > musil321 wrote:> 5 months post op and down 101 lbs to a FABULOUS 175. Thank you very > much. > > gina takes a bow. > > > > > > Hello all. I would like to introduce myself to the group. I > am > > > > Tamara, and I am new to the process. I have been through > > orientation > > > > and lifestyle 1, ans meet

tomorrow with Beth Goodridge for my > > > > nuttition/dietian class. I am hoping that I can use this site > > > to "pick > > > > your brains" and get some insight as to what to expect, > > especially > > > time > > > > wise. I also saw a post from someone named Uncle Timmy about > a > > > Cherry > > > > Vanilla flavored protein shake. Anyone have any information > for > > me? > > > > Thanks so much, and look forward to chatting with you all soon.> > > > > > --------------------------------->

[Guest guest]

Hey Tamera...to answer your questions:

I had orientation in January (late). As I mentioned, my first surgery consult was only a few weeks later (in mid-February), and I had lost about 12 of the 26 lbs. I needed to lose. March and April were extraordinarily stressful times at work: three times I worked more than 24 hours straight. Didn't go home. One time, i was there for close to 73 hours straight, with no sleep. Needless to say, that threw a wrench into me working out...and the stress causes me to gain.

Fortunately, I didn't...but the weight loss slowed down as i could not put my full attention into it. Finally, in mid-May, when I had 3 stubborn lbs. left to lose, I just really buckled down and did the kind of things you are describing. I called on a Tuesday to say that I was at goal. They had me come in on Thursday to meet with the surgeon, and to weigh in. They scheduled me (to my shock) for surgery less than two weeks out. So, from the day I reached goal (Tuesday) to my surgery was two weeks and one day.

I was the first one up the morning of the 8th. So, I was scheduled to be there at 7 a.m. The surgery itself started at 8, and lasted until 10:30. It was LAP. I was in recovery for a couple of hours (absolutely no recollection of that...I must have come to consciousness or they wouldn't have taken me out of recovery, but really...no recollection.) They wheeled me into my room. A few hours later, they had me walking around. My first time walking I went twice around the inside of the hospital ward. (a very long lap). Once they took my foley catheter out, I upped it to five times, than 10 than 15. I walked fast, I drank water (to the extent I could), I peed like a racehorse. i breathed into this breathing machine thingy (you'll get it at the pre-op class) every few minutes...and did everything to code. They released me from the hospital the next day at around 1. I was actually free to go (if I wanted to)

at about 11...but I was tired, and stuck around until 1. I could have stayed longer if need be...but I was fine for the ride home (bumpy and painful). They sent me home with pain medication, and I was glad to be home so that I could sleep uninterrupted!

By the way, given that it was Thursday afternoon when they told me my surgery date...I had Friday, and the next work week, plus the following Monday to get everything squared away at work. In addition, I went in on Tuesday for my ECG, my meeting with the anesthesiologist, and my meeting with the nurse practitioner. On Thursday, I had to go in to meet with the case manager and have my pre-op class. I wound up paying extra to get my bariatric vitamins sent to me so that they would be available from my first day home from the hospital. You may want to go ahead and just order them now, to be prepared. Finally, I had to come back on Friday because I forgot to turn in my advanced directive. So...I was a busy girl for those few days.

But, everything went well. I'm still at home. I'll probably need another week (for a total of three) because I'm very tired. It's possible that by the end of next week, I may be able to do a little work from home. we'll see how I feel.

So that's all of the detail...hope it helps.

Robynn

Colleen Garner wrote:

Hi Tamara

I went through SSF and i had my orientation on about 10/26 started my 1200 calorie an got from 283 to 251 the day of my sugery, i met with dr stiles the week of thanksgiving and was

told i was good to go and that i could have surgery as early as dec, as it happened due to my job i couldnt take time off until Feb. It went pretty fast, i hope it does for you, sounds like you are very on top of things ! be proud of yourself !

ColleenTamara wrote:

--Robynn: Thank you so much for being gracious enough to share with me. I am going out of the SOuth San Francisco facility, and I have also heard that Richmond is far more strict. I have been researching this for 3 years, and have been to consults outside of Kaiser. I have read 5 different books that detail almost every kind of gastric surgery, and have read my Kaiser book 4 times front to back since last Tuesday. I don't know if Lifestyles is also a nutrition class, but it was taught by Beth Goodridge, who is the registered dietian. The questions that I have pertain mainly to the time frame from orientation to surgery. I understand that it is mainly based upon your goal wiehg tprior to surgery, and I have begun to lose. I was placed on the 1200 calorie diet last week on Tuesday, and have lost 9 pounds as of this morning. I think I will

be required to lose 30 pounds, so I am a third of the way there. I joined Curves gym, and work out for 1 hour everyday, except for weekends, when I garden and walk with my children. I am drinking betwen 96 and 128 ounces of water a day, so much so that I pee clear. I feel like a camel!! I have already had my bloodwork completed, as well as my EKG and my chest X-ray. AS far as support people goes, my mom is taking 10 days off from work to come and stay with me, my hubby has a weeks worth of vacation time saved up, and my best buddy/neighbor is a fellow GBS patient, 3 years post, and has been thru the whole kit and kaboodle. I feel exteremly fortunate to have her as my friend and support person, because she has been thru it herself. I also have lined up for my kids to be at grandma's for 1 week after surgery, so I can come home to a quiet environment for at least a few days. So how long did it take you to get your surgery date

once you called them and told them that you were at goal? Was it a long time? How long were you in the hospital afer surgery? The surgeon told us at orientation that if things go well, it is possible to go home the next day. That seems kinda fast to me, but what do I know? I have never felt so ready for something in my life. I can honestly say that I am approaching this with a surreal sense of calm. It is as if my very being knows that this what I need to have done to make my body well, and my mind is right there, ready to go. I know that probably sounds strange, but I never knew that your body could experience that sense of right. Does that make any sense at all? Anyway, I am at the point now where I have read all that I can, and am visiting numerous sites to chat and get first hand expereince from real people who have been thru this. That is why I thank you again sincerely for sharing with me. If you would be kind enough to

answer my questions as they come, I would be ever grateful. Thanks for welcoming me as a new friend. It means alot. Tamara- In gastric-bypass-support-kaiser-patients , Robynn VanPatten wrote:> Yahoo, Miss . Hey there Tamara. I went through Richmond, too. I just had the surgery 12 days ago. Lost 26 lbs. prior to, and 14 lbs. so far...for a total of 40 lbs. So, my current weight is 221, and I'm 5'6".> > What kind of info are looking for...or are you at the place where "you don't even know what you don't know"? The best thing to do is read, read and read...and when you think of a question, throw it out there.> > You will probably be asked to do a second psych eval with the staff psychologist who is assigned to Richmond. (I'm blanking on the Lifestyle class...is that a new requirement, or was I just thinking of it as something else? Is that the Nutrition

class?)> > You'll meet witha surgeon for your first surgery consult at some point. If you are lucky, you may be at goal at the time (I wasn't, because I got my surgery consult within a few weeks of my orientation). If you are at goal, they will schedule you for your surgery. You will then have to take a pre-op class which they'll schedule for you, you'll have to take various tests, meet with an anesthesiologist, and keep your weight down.> > At Richmond, they are very very strict about the weight, so keep it down. Don't let up, don't slack off.> > If you don't make goal at your first, assigned surgery consult, they will wait for you to call them when you are at goal. At that point, they schedule you to see the surgeon, and all of the steps I outlined above will be undertaken.> > So, read your book a gazillion times. Try and get a caregiver on board to help you post-surgery (way

before, so they are on notice)...work on your water intake, try to exercise to get in as good physical shape as you can before the surgery, it will aid in your recovery...get the 10 percent off...and fasten your seatbelt.> > In the meantime, try to go to some support groups...frequently you'll get a reminder from this board about the upcoming ones...and then, partake of the knowledge and frivolity you'll gain from this board.> > Welcome, our new friend.> Robynn> > musil321 wrote:> 5 months post op and down 101 lbs to a FABULOUS 175. Thank you very > much. > > gina takes a bow. > > > > > > Hello all. I would like to introduce myself to the group. I > am > > > > Tamara, and I am new to the process. I have been through > > orientation > > > > and lifestyle 1, ans meet

tomorrow with Beth Goodridge for my > > > > nuttition/dietian class. I am hoping that I can use this site > > > to "pick > > > > your brains" and get some insight as to what to expect, > > especially > > > time > > > > wise. I also saw a post from someone named Uncle Timmy about > a > > > Cherry > > > > Vanilla flavored protein shake. Anyone have any information > for > > me? > > > > Thanks so much, and look forward to chatting with you all soon.> > > > > > --------------------------------->

[Guest guest]

Hey Tamera...to answer your questions:

I had orientation in January (late). As I mentioned, my first surgery consult was only a few weeks later (in mid-February), and I had lost about 12 of the 26 lbs. I needed to lose. March and April were extraordinarily stressful times at work: three times I worked more than 24 hours straight. Didn't go home. One time, i was there for close to 73 hours straight, with no sleep. Needless to say, that threw a wrench into me working out...and the stress causes me to gain.

Fortunately, I didn't...but the weight loss slowed down as i could not put my full attention into it. Finally, in mid-May, when I had 3 stubborn lbs. left to lose, I just really buckled down and did the kind of things you are describing. I called on a Tuesday to say that I was at goal. They had me come in on Thursday to meet with the surgeon, and to weigh in. They scheduled me (to my shock) for surgery less than two weeks out. So, from the day I reached goal (Tuesday) to my surgery was two weeks and one day.

I was the first one up the morning of the 8th. So, I was scheduled to be there at 7 a.m. The surgery itself started at 8, and lasted until 10:30. It was LAP. I was in recovery for a couple of hours (absolutely no recollection of that...I must have come to consciousness or they wouldn't have taken me out of recovery, but really...no recollection.) They wheeled me into my room. A few hours later, they had me walking around. My first time walking I went twice around the inside of the hospital ward. (a very long lap). Once they took my foley catheter out, I upped it to five times, than 10 than 15. I walked fast, I drank water (to the extent I could), I peed like a racehorse. i breathed into this breathing machine thingy (you'll get it at the pre-op class) every few minutes...and did everything to code. They released me from the hospital the next day at around 1. I was actually free to go (if I wanted to)

at about 11...but I was tired, and stuck around until 1. I could have stayed longer if need be...but I was fine for the ride home (bumpy and painful). They sent me home with pain medication, and I was glad to be home so that I could sleep uninterrupted!

By the way, given that it was Thursday afternoon when they told me my surgery date...I had Friday, and the next work week, plus the following Monday to get everything squared away at work. In addition, I went in on Tuesday for my ECG, my meeting with the anesthesiologist, and my meeting with the nurse practitioner. On Thursday, I had to go in to meet with the case manager and have my pre-op class. I wound up paying extra to get my bariatric vitamins sent to me so that they would be available from my first day home from the hospital. You may want to go ahead and just order them now, to be prepared. Finally, I had to come back on Friday because I forgot to turn in my advanced directive. So...I was a busy girl for those few days.

But, everything went well. I'm still at home. I'll probably need another week (for a total of three) because I'm very tired. It's possible that by the end of next week, I may be able to do a little work from home. we'll see how I feel.

So that's all of the detail...hope it helps.

Robynn

Colleen Garner wrote:

Hi Tamara

I went through SSF and i had my orientation on about 10/26 started my 1200 calorie an got from 283 to 251 the day of my sugery, i met with dr stiles the week of thanksgiving and was

told i was good to go and that i could have surgery as early as dec, as it happened due to my job i couldnt take time off until Feb. It went pretty fast, i hope it does for you, sounds like you are very on top of things ! be proud of yourself !

ColleenTamara wrote:

--Robynn: Thank you so much for being gracious enough to share with me. I am going out of the SOuth San Francisco facility, and I have also heard that Richmond is far more strict. I have been researching this for 3 years, and have been to consults outside of Kaiser. I have read 5 different books that detail almost every kind of gastric surgery, and have read my Kaiser book 4 times front to back since last Tuesday. I don't know if Lifestyles is also a nutrition class, but it was taught by Beth Goodridge, who is the registered dietian. The questions that I have pertain mainly to the time frame from orientation to surgery. I understand that it is mainly based upon your goal wiehg tprior to surgery, and I have begun to lose. I was placed on the 1200 calorie diet last week on Tuesday, and have lost 9 pounds as of this morning. I think I will

be required to lose 30 pounds, so I am a third of the way there. I joined Curves gym, and work out for 1 hour everyday, except for weekends, when I garden and walk with my children. I am drinking betwen 96 and 128 ounces of water a day, so much so that I pee clear. I feel like a camel!! I have already had my bloodwork completed, as well as my EKG and my chest X-ray. AS far as support people goes, my mom is taking 10 days off from work to come and stay with me, my hubby has a weeks worth of vacation time saved up, and my best buddy/neighbor is a fellow GBS patient, 3 years post, and has been thru the whole kit and kaboodle. I feel exteremly fortunate to have her as my friend and support person, because she has been thru it herself. I also have lined up for my kids to be at grandma's for 1 week after surgery, so I can come home to a quiet environment for at least a few days. So how long did it take you to get your surgery date

once you called them and told them that you were at goal? Was it a long time? How long were you in the hospital afer surgery? The surgeon told us at orientation that if things go well, it is possible to go home the next day. That seems kinda fast to me, but what do I know? I have never felt so ready for something in my life. I can honestly say that I am approaching this with a surreal sense of calm. It is as if my very being knows that this what I need to have done to make my body well, and my mind is right there, ready to go. I know that probably sounds strange, but I never knew that your body could experience that sense of right. Does that make any sense at all? Anyway, I am at the point now where I have read all that I can, and am visiting numerous sites to chat and get first hand expereince from real people who have been thru this. That is why I thank you again sincerely for sharing with me. If you would be kind enough to

answer my questions as they come, I would be ever grateful. Thanks for welcoming me as a new friend. It means alot. Tamara- In gastric-bypass-support-kaiser-patients , Robynn VanPatten wrote:> Yahoo, Miss . Hey there Tamara. I went through Richmond, too. I just had the surgery 12 days ago. Lost 26 lbs. prior to, and 14 lbs. so far...for a total of 40 lbs. So, my current weight is 221, and I'm 5'6".> > What kind of info are looking for...or are you at the place where "you don't even know what you don't know"? The best thing to do is read, read and read...and when you think of a question, throw it out there.> > You will probably be asked to do a second psych eval with the staff psychologist who is assigned to Richmond. (I'm blanking on the Lifestyle class...is that a new requirement, or was I just thinking of it as something else? Is that the Nutrition

class?)> > You'll meet witha surgeon for your first surgery consult at some point. If you are lucky, you may be at goal at the time (I wasn't, because I got my surgery consult within a few weeks of my orientation). If you are at goal, they will schedule you for your surgery. You will then have to take a pre-op class which they'll schedule for you, you'll have to take various tests, meet with an anesthesiologist, and keep your weight down.> > At Richmond, they are very very strict about the weight, so keep it down. Don't let up, don't slack off.> > If you don't make goal at your first, assigned surgery consult, they will wait for you to call them when you are at goal. At that point, they schedule you to see the surgeon, and all of the steps I outlined above will be undertaken.> > So, read your book a gazillion times. Try and get a caregiver on board to help you post-surgery (way

before, so they are on notice)...work on your water intake, try to exercise to get in as good physical shape as you can before the surgery, it will aid in your recovery...get the 10 percent off...and fasten your seatbelt.> > In the meantime, try to go to some support groups...frequently you'll get a reminder from this board about the upcoming ones...and then, partake of the knowledge and frivolity you'll gain from this board.> > Welcome, our new friend.> Robynn> > musil321 wrote:> 5 months post op and down 101 lbs to a FABULOUS 175. Thank you very > much. > > gina takes a bow. > > > > > > Hello all. I would like to introduce myself to the group. I > am > > > > Tamara, and I am new to the process. I have been through > > orientation > > > > and lifestyle 1, ans meet

tomorrow with Beth Goodridge for my > > > > nuttition/dietian class. I am hoping that I can use this site > > > to "pick > > > > your brains" and get some insight as to what to expect, > > especially > > > time > > > > wise. I also saw a post from someone named Uncle Timmy about > a > > > Cherry > > > > Vanilla flavored protein shake. Anyone have any information > for > > me? > > > > Thanks so much, and look forward to chatting with you all soon.> > > > > > --------------------------------->

[Guest guest]

Why, thanks. The hardest thing...probably the ebbs and flows of energy. That day took a lot out of me, because I was up and out for too many hours at a time (a total of four, I think). So, I go for periods of time with lots of energy...and then I completely crash. Really bone tired.

As far as the expectation of being up and adam after six days...I mean it really depends upon the person. I'm very athletic, and in very good shape cardiovascularly. I have consistently exercised for years, but have had a real metabolic problem that has been an albatross around my neck. So, I have very low blood pressure, cholesterol, etc...and I'm quite healthy and strong. I work out with weights three times a week, do Pilates twice a week, do the elliptical for an hour at level 9 (out of 10) three times a week, walk, hike, sail, ski, bike...you name it. That really helps you to heal. that's why the more working out you can do, the better. Your lungs are stronger, so you can deal with the anesthesia better. Your body is stronger, so you can walk more.

Right now, I only walk about 40 minutes a day (partly because I live on the fourth floor of a no elevator apartment...so just getting down to the street level is a bit fatiguing). I was worried about that, but the surgeon said that was absolutely great, no problem, particularly right now in the first few weeks. So, you see...energy. That's the biggest thing.

I have had no nausea, no real pain...except some tummy cramps and a period from hell that started two days afterwards (even though I had just had one!) Apparently, that's pretty common.

I was certainly a bit sore. My tummy felt like I had done a hundred crunches after having not worked out for awhile...that deep muscle ache. But all in all, it wasn't that bad. I was surprised that the pain wasn't more, really. So, I was lucky...and to date (knock on wood) no complications. I seem to be tolerating stage III just fine so far (just started it today).

So...that's about all...let me know if you have other questions.

RobynnTamara wrote:

-You were the woman that we were all absolutely amazed at that was up looking FABULOUS after only 6 days?? I bow to you. Is it really to be expected to be up and mobile after only six days? I mean to the point of being dressed and out of the house attending meetings? That is fantastic!!! What has been the hardest thing for you since the surgery? Tamara-- In gastric-bypass-support-kaiser-patients , Robynn VanPatten <robynnsf@s...> wrote:> Tamara...that was Tim, and I was the woman there with him...with the red hair who had just had the surgery six days before. He gave a little spiel at Dr. Gitty's request.> > Robynn> > Tamara <tamarakeller1@y...> wrote:> --Uncle Timmy: Thank you very much for the info. Tell me, were

you > there in the orientation/lifestyle class last week on Tuesday June > 14th in South San Fran? There was a gentleman there that had lost a > similar amount of weight and was just beginning the plastic surgery > aspect of the journey. I am so thrilled to be this close to having > my goals and dreams of life at a normal weight realized. Again, I > sincerely thank you for providing me with the information I > requested. Tamara> > - In gastric-bypass-support-kaiser-patients , "Uncle > Timmy" <n01un0@e...> wrote:> > Welcome Tamara! My surgery was 07/30/03, and I've lost 236 > pounds. > > The Cherry Vanilla proptein powder is a brand called Isopure Zero > > Carb, from Nature's Best. I also like their Alpine Punch flavor. > I > > haven't tries the Apple Melon yet. GNC stores

carry it, but you > can > > get a better price on-line. Just Google Isopure Zero Carb. > > > > Robynn turned me on to something called Iso-Kool, which is also > very > > good. It comes in individual packets, so it's super convenient to > > always have a meal's worth of protein on you. (22g per packet) It > > comes in six flavors. > > > > UNcle Timmy -236> > > > > > > Hello all. I would like to introduce myself to the group. I am > > > Tamara, and I am new to the process. I have been through > > orientation > > > and lifestyle 1, ans meet tomorrow with Beth Goodridge for my > > > nuttition/dietian class. I

am hoping that I can use this site > > to "pick > > > your brains" and get some insight as to what to expect, > especially > > time > > > wise. I also saw a post from someone named Uncle Timmy about a > > Cherry > > > Vanilla flavored protein shake. Anyone have any information for > > me? > > > Thanks so much, and look forward to chatting with you all soon.> > > > > --------------------------------->

[Guest guest]

Why, thanks. The hardest thing...probably the ebbs and flows of energy. That day took a lot out of me, because I was up and out for too many hours at a time (a total of four, I think). So, I go for periods of time with lots of energy...and then I completely crash. Really bone tired.

As far as the expectation of being up and adam after six days...I mean it really depends upon the person. I'm very athletic, and in very good shape cardiovascularly. I have consistently exercised for years, but have had a real metabolic problem that has been an albatross around my neck. So, I have very low blood pressure, cholesterol, etc...and I'm quite healthy and strong. I work out with weights three times a week, do Pilates twice a week, do the elliptical for an hour at level 9 (out of 10) three times a week, walk, hike, sail, ski, bike...you name it. That really helps you to heal. that's why the more working out you can do, the better. Your lungs are stronger, so you can deal with the anesthesia better. Your body is stronger, so you can walk more.

Right now, I only walk about 40 minutes a day (partly because I live on the fourth floor of a no elevator apartment...so just getting down to the street level is a bit fatiguing). I was worried about that, but the surgeon said that was absolutely great, no problem, particularly right now in the first few weeks. So, you see...energy. That's the biggest thing.

I have had no nausea, no real pain...except some tummy cramps and a period from hell that started two days afterwards (even though I had just had one!) Apparently, that's pretty common.

I was certainly a bit sore. My tummy felt like I had done a hundred crunches after having not worked out for awhile...that deep muscle ache. But all in all, it wasn't that bad. I was surprised that the pain wasn't more, really. So, I was lucky...and to date (knock on wood) no complications. I seem to be tolerating stage III just fine so far (just started it today).

So...that's about all...let me know if you have other questions.

RobynnTamara wrote:

-You were the woman that we were all absolutely amazed at that was up looking FABULOUS after only 6 days?? I bow to you. Is it really to be expected to be up and mobile after only six days? I mean to the point of being dressed and out of the house attending meetings? That is fantastic!!! What has been the hardest thing for you since the surgery? Tamara-- In gastric-bypass-support-kaiser-patients , Robynn VanPatten <robynnsf@s...> wrote:> Tamara...that was Tim, and I was the woman there with him...with the red hair who had just had the surgery six days before. He gave a little spiel at Dr. Gitty's request.> > Robynn> > Tamara <tamarakeller1@y...> wrote:> --Uncle Timmy: Thank you very much for the info. Tell me, were

you > there in the orientation/lifestyle class last week on Tuesday June > 14th in South San Fran? There was a gentleman there that had lost a > similar amount of weight and was just beginning the plastic surgery > aspect of the journey. I am so thrilled to be this close to having > my goals and dreams of life at a normal weight realized. Again, I > sincerely thank you for providing me with the information I > requested. Tamara> > - In gastric-bypass-support-kaiser-patients , "Uncle > Timmy" <n01un0@e...> wrote:> > Welcome Tamara! My surgery was 07/30/03, and I've lost 236 > pounds. > > The Cherry Vanilla proptein powder is a brand called Isopure Zero > > Carb, from Nature's Best. I also like their Alpine Punch flavor. > I > > haven't tries the Apple Melon yet. GNC stores

carry it, but you > can > > get a better price on-line. Just Google Isopure Zero Carb. > > > > Robynn turned me on to something called Iso-Kool, which is also > very > > good. It comes in individual packets, so it's super convenient to > > always have a meal's worth of protein on you. (22g per packet) It > > comes in six flavors. > > > > UNcle Timmy -236> > > > > > > Hello all. I would like to introduce myself to the group. I am > > > Tamara, and I am new to the process. I have been through > > orientation > > > and lifestyle 1, ans meet tomorrow with Beth Goodridge for my > > > nuttition/dietian class. I

am hoping that I can use this site > > to "pick > > > your brains" and get some insight as to what to expect, > especially > > time > > > wise. I also saw a post from someone named Uncle Timmy about a > > Cherry > > > Vanilla flavored protein shake. Anyone have any information for > > me? > > > Thanks so much, and look forward to chatting with you all soon.> > > > > --------------------------------->

[Guest guest]

Welcome to the group.

You can always look back into the old posts and read some of our

former words of wisdom. It may take a while, but you might find some

answers to your questions that we posted before.

I don't mean to discourage you from posting your questions, though.

Feel free to pipe up with any quesitons, answers, comments or

suggestions. The more the merrier in our discussions.

Welcome to the loosers club -- weight loosers, get it? ;-)

--Sandi H. (5 ft 1 inch tall and 50 years old)

I live in Citrus Heights (Sacramento County)

Dr. Leo – San Diego (Thru Kaiser)

315 at orientation (May '03)

285 at 3 pre-op appointments in San Diego (August 4, 2003)

252 at surgery (6/03/04)

Last weighed at 176.5 (06/11/2005)

Hopefully someday below 140

(yeah, I hope before Oct. 2nd when my daughter gets married!)

sandiantoytrain @ yahoo . com

> Hello all. I would like to introduce myself to the group. I am

> Tamara, and I am new to the process. I have been through

orientation

> and lifestyle 1, ans meet tomorrow with Beth Goodridge for my

> nuttition/dietian class. I am hoping that I can use this site

to " pick

> your brains " and get some insight as to what to expect, especially

time

> wise. I also saw a post from someone named Uncle Timmy about a

Cherry

> Vanilla flavored protein shake. Anyone have any information for

me?

> Thanks so much, and look forward to chatting with you all soon.

[Guest guest]

Welcome to the group.

You can always look back into the old posts and read some of our

former words of wisdom. It may take a while, but you might find some

answers to your questions that we posted before.

I don't mean to discourage you from posting your questions, though.

Feel free to pipe up with any quesitons, answers, comments or

suggestions. The more the merrier in our discussions.

Welcome to the loosers club -- weight loosers, get it? ;-)

--Sandi H. (5 ft 1 inch tall and 50 years old)

I live in Citrus Heights (Sacramento County)

Dr. Leo – San Diego (Thru Kaiser)

315 at orientation (May '03)

285 at 3 pre-op appointments in San Diego (August 4, 2003)

252 at surgery (6/03/04)

Last weighed at 176.5 (06/11/2005)

Hopefully someday below 140

(yeah, I hope before Oct. 2nd when my daughter gets married!)

sandiantoytrain @ yahoo . com

> Hello all. I would like to introduce myself to the group. I am

> Tamara, and I am new to the process. I have been through

orientation

> and lifestyle 1, ans meet tomorrow with Beth Goodridge for my

> nuttition/dietian class. I am hoping that I can use this site

to " pick

> your brains " and get some insight as to what to expect, especially

time

> wise. I also saw a post from someone named Uncle Timmy about a

Cherry

> Vanilla flavored protein shake. Anyone have any information for

me?

> Thanks so much, and look forward to chatting with you all soon.

[Guest guest]

Welcome Tamara!!

This is a great site, all of us here are very very caring and

supportive individuals!!! Feel free to post about anything and

everything.

Huggles

> Hello all. I would like to introduce myself to the group. I am

> Tamara, and I am new to the process. I have been through

orientation

> and lifestyle 1, ans meet tomorrow with Beth Goodridge for my

> nuttition/dietian class. I am hoping that I can use this site

to " pick

> your brains " and get some insight as to what to expect, especially

time

> wise. I also saw a post from someone named Uncle Timmy about a

Cherry

> Vanilla flavored protein shake. Anyone have any information for

me?

> Thanks so much, and look forward to chatting with you all soon.

[Guest guest]

Thanks Colleen. You are so good for my ego.

> > > > Hello all. I would like to introduce myself to the group. I

> am

> > > > Tamara, and I am new to the process. I have been through

> > orientation

> > > > and lifestyle 1, ans meet tomorrow with Beth Goodridge for my

> > > > nuttition/dietian class. I am hoping that I can use this site

> > > to " pick

> > > > your brains " and get some insight as to what to expect,

> > especially

> > > time

> > > > wise. I also saw a post from someone named Uncle Timmy about

> a

> > > Cherry

> > > > Vanilla flavored protein shake. Anyone have any information

> for

> > me?

> > > > Thanks so much, and look forward to chatting with you all

soon.

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

It seems like every 5 pounds is now a new thrill for me. I cried

when I hit 176 cause that was my 100 mark. It was a real event in my

house. I just can't stop smiling now.

I see my inlaws for the first time since Thanksgiving last year, this

weekend. I am a bit nervous. we haven't sent pictures or anything.

They knew me this weight before but for most of my time with them I

have been huge. I was down 7 lbs of my pre surgery weight when they

saw me last. I can't believe it has been so long. It feels like

just a couple months ago.

Thanks for the understanding and compliment.

> > > > > Hello all. I would like to introduce myself to the group.

I

> > am

> > > > > Tamara, and I am new to the process. I have been through

> > > orientation

> > > > > and lifestyle 1, ans meet tomorrow with Beth Goodridge for

my

> > > > > nuttition/dietian class. I am hoping that I can use this

> site

> > > > to " pick

> > > > > your brains " and get some insight as to what to expect,

> > > especially

> > > > time

> > > > > wise. I also saw a post from someone named Uncle Timmy

about

> > a

> > > > Cherry

> > > > > Vanilla flavored protein shake. Anyone have any

information

> > for

> > > me?

> > > > > Thanks so much, and look forward to chatting with you all

> soon.

[Guest guest]

It seems like every 5 pounds is now a new thrill for me. I cried

when I hit 176 cause that was my 100 mark. It was a real event in my

house. I just can't stop smiling now.

I see my inlaws for the first time since Thanksgiving last year, this

weekend. I am a bit nervous. we haven't sent pictures or anything.

They knew me this weight before but for most of my time with them I

have been huge. I was down 7 lbs of my pre surgery weight when they

saw me last. I can't believe it has been so long. It feels like

just a couple months ago.

Thanks for the understanding and compliment.

> > > > > Hello all. I would like to introduce myself to the group.

I

> > am

> > > > > Tamara, and I am new to the process. I have been through

> > > orientation

> > > > > and lifestyle 1, ans meet tomorrow with Beth Goodridge for

my

> > > > > nuttition/dietian class. I am hoping that I can use this

> site

> > > > to " pick

> > > > > your brains " and get some insight as to what to expect,

> > > especially

> > > > time

> > > > > wise. I also saw a post from someone named Uncle Timmy

about

> > a

> > > > Cherry

> > > > > Vanilla flavored protein shake. Anyone have any

information

> > for

> > > me?

> > > > > Thanks so much, and look forward to chatting with you all

> soon.