Alex Brecher

It's really great hearing this from an actual Aspire Assist patient! Thank you very much for sharing this info with our community.

Anyone who has struggled with weight can have low self-esteem and feel insecure at times. So why must you face “fat shaming,” too? Nobody should be forced to experience fat shaming, but unfortunately, it is a reality. It is a way of making people feel bad about their weight, often through subtle or less subtle passively aggressive words or actions. Here is some information about what it is and how you can fight it Why It Hurts Fat shaming hurts emotionally. It involved people judging you negatively for your appearance. Worse, they feel that you have no right to be at peace with who you are. Having others let you know day after day that you should feel inferior can drag you down, and that’s unfair. Think about an experience so many of us have had, and often on a weekly or even daily basis. When you order in a restaurant or check out at the grocery store, have you ever suspected that the server is thinking, “Why is this lady ordering a salad? She clearly eats way more than that at home.” Or do you see the skinny person in line behind you at the supermarket look at your cart and think, “She’d be better off skipping the Froot Loops and sticking to lettuce” (never mind that the cereal is for your kids). The fat shaming may be less subtle. “Excuse me, ma’am, but are you sure you should be buying that pasta? Should you stock up on celery sticks instead?” What nerve! Fat shaming can even hurt in practical ways. Take jobs, for example. Have you ever walked into a job interview only to see the interviewer look at you with disdain, so you know you’re not going to get the job because of your weight? How Bad It’s Gotten (Hint: There’s an App for That) Fat shaming is pervasive in our society. People don’t even realize it’s there. It’s just accepted that fat people are somewhat subhuman. Even doctors often assume that your obesity is your fault. “Just stop eating,” people say. No matter what they see you do in public – order broiled fish and broccoli at lunch, hit the gym every day, and faithfully chug your 8 glasses of water – they assume you’re ordering a couple of value meals at the drive-through on the way home, and curling up with a box of doughnuts every night. Fat shaming is so accepted in our society that there are even apps to promote it. They may show you what someone looks like when they’re a few pounds heavier (oh, the horror!), just to scare you away. The thing is, these shame campaigns don’t work. In fact, they even lead people to eat more because they feel inadequate. People who experience fat shaming are more likely to gain weight. And, if their doctors are doing it – which happens with shocking frequency – they may not seek or receive the medical care they deserve and need. The Obesity Action Coalition (OAC) is calling for tech giants to remove these apps from the market. What Leads to Fat Shaming? Fat shaming comes from the assumption that overweight people are not people. Fat shamers believe overweight people do not deserve respect. They just eat too much because they’re too lazy to eat right and exercise. Fat shaming can also come up out of a sense of insecurity on the part of the fat shamer. It’s a lot easier to point out the flaws of someone who’s overweight than to acknowledge one’s own shortcomings. Fat shaming is hurtful, and it needs to stop now! Pledge to Join the Fight You can sign up to join the growing movement against fat shaming. The Weight Loss Surgery Foundation of America (WLSFA) is sponsoring a challenge to fight fat shaming. You can sign up to post videos, pledge to stand up against fat shaming, and join the growing movement. You can get more information and resources from WLSFA Be the Change You can also work every day on your own to fight fat shaming. The WLSFA suggests vowing to fight ignorance with education and speaking up for others who are facing fat shaming. You can also vow to treat all people with respect because you know what it is to be treated disrespectfully for no reason. Fat shaming is deeply rooted in our society, and it hurts. You can fight this unfair practice by pledging with the WLSFA or taking your own steps to embrace your body, stand up for anyone who needs it, and love others, no matter who they are or what they look like.

PM sent Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App FaceBook login is coming shortly. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Just curious as how staples "expire" - it's not something I ever thought about. All staples have an expiration date. They have a much higher chance of misfiring if they're expired.

You need to be logged in to the app in order to make a post. Are you positive you're logged in?

There have been some great posts to this topic. I think it'll be in everyone's best interest if it's locked for further discussion. Let's try to all get along, please!!! Click

I just read a pretty balanced point of view at http://conscienhealth.org/2016/06/obesity-drain-device-approved-by-fda/ "But here’s the thing. Once you get past the yuck factor, people who use this drain device are generally quite happy with it. Physicians and surgeons who were initially skeptical are surprised by how satisfied many of their patients are with their results. Compared to other procedures and devices, it appears to be very safe and pretty easy to reverse. And people lose about 12% of their total body weight with it on average. That’s more than the average response to drugs and lifestyle therapy. It’s less than the typical response to a gastric sleeve or bypass surgery. The manufacturer claims that the costs will be significantly less than for bariatric surgeries. Finally, though, because it’s new, the long term outcomes are not yet fully known. So you can expect to hear lots of jokes about this drain device, just as many people are still derisive about bariatric surgery. Be careful about dismissing it prematurely, though. It may turn out to be quite helpful for a significant segment of people living with obesity. Long-term data will tell us much more." Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

it's different because you aren't doing it three times a day (or more) 7 times a week. The port limits you to 3 aspirations per day. After 30 Aspirations you need a new port and must return to your surgeon for follow up in order to get another. This limits abuse. You can't get around that. Not taking a side. Just want the right information out there.

I felt very angry and upset when first exposed to this technology a few years ago....I even wrote an article about how abhorrent the concept was. Every time I get this angry, I start doubting my feelings. So I started researching the procedure and device and talked to a few patients that are using it. I got to know the procedure a little better, understood their expectations, needs, and results. What I see are patients benefiting from this method with an outstanding safety profile... Sometimes our mind tricks us with hate and anger.... I don't like this so I turn it into something more rational for me. I recently heard a very moving presentation from one of the investigators and a patient. I personally don't know that I'd recommend it, but the truth is that now that it's approved doctors and patients will decide if this succeeds or fails.

I'll add it to our todo list once we roll out our new site in a few weeks. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Congrats on your decision to lead a healthier lifestyle! Please keep us updated on your journey. It's super helpful to others that are contemplating getting the ReShape or Orbera Intragstric balloon (my dad included!) Curious, what made you go with the ReShape vs. the Orbera balloon? Was ReShape what your surgeon offered or was it a choice you made on your own?

Great article! This is from 2012. I was just reading about a few Endoluminal Devices and other non-surgical procedures in Bariatric Times that aren't very far from reaching the US. Here are a few: Endobarrier TransPyloric Shuttle Full Sense Device Overstitch POSE Duodenal Mucosal Resurfacing Self-assembling Magnets Aspiration Therapy Intragastric Botox injection You can read about some of them here.

Most of us go into weight loss surgery with some expectations: we’ll lose weight, get a little healthier, gain energy, feel more attractive, and lose several clothing sizes. But there are tons of other possible benefits, like no longer needing to wait for elevators because you now take the stairs. For me, one of the most surprising benefits was how much more tolerant I became. When I got weight loss surgery, I was admitting that I had a problem and I was dealing with it. I was very sensitive to anyone who seemed like they were judging me – either before WLS for being obese or after WLS for having gotten my band – and I resented that. Still, the experience made me realize that everyone (like me!) has problems. I may not understand or even recognize their problem, and I may not like what they are doing to address or not address their problem, but I can’t let it bother me and I need to be respectful towards them. This realization has really made me more patient and tolerant, which makes me feel more peaceful. That definitely wasn’t something I had thought of when I was deciding to get the lap-band! I bet a lot of you have had similar experiences. What unexpected benefits of WLS have you found?

We already have a WLS Veteran's Forum ..... don't think we really need another at this point.

I am sorry to need to post this, but I don’t have much of a choice. This issue has come up too frequently in recent weeks. Many BariatricPal members have let me know that have been multiple complaints from members that posts are rude, disrespectful, or arrogant. That is unacceptable. I started BariatricPal to help weight loss surgery patients. It is a place where anyone should feel comfortable gathering information about weight loss surgery and getting support. There is no room here for negativity. Your use of the forums means you agree to the Forum Rules. In particular, “Disrespectful and hurtful posts are forbidden.” It is unacceptable to bash individuals for their choices or questions. These tips might help you stick to the guidelines. Not everyone has the same weight loss surgery journey. A member may post a problem or question that he or she has that you did not find to be a concern. That doesn’t mean that member is doing anything wrong in his or her weight loss surgery journey. You do not need to answer posts. There may be times when newer – or even veteran – members ask questions that have been discussed a million times. If you don’t think the question is worth answer for the million-and-first time, don’t answer it. Please don’t post something nasty telling the poster that they didn’t do their homework and should have found the answer themselves. It can be difficult to get emotions across in writing. You may write something as a joke, but a reader may not realize it. Before you post, try to read your post from the point of view of another member. Could your post accidentally be taken as rude or disrespectful? Try to assume the best in people. We are all here to lose weight, get healthy, and succeed in the weight loss surgery journey. Assume members are here because they need the support. Assume members are doing their best in their own way, even if it’s not the same way you would handle things. Please report any posts you feel are inappropriate. I will address them. Consequences range from editing/removal of the offensive post to temporary or permanent suspension of the member’s membership. I know that the vast majority of members are doing a phenomenal job being helpful, being positive, and sticking to the forum guidelines. I thank you for that. There are only a few members who are causing these hurtful situations, and I hope to take care of it. Thanks to everyone who keeps these forums as positive as they are.

Amen. @@Alex Brecher -- please? Good idea! I will work on putting something together.

I deleted it. Stop posting these negative posts asap or your account will be suspended.

With Father’s Day coming up next Sunday, I’ve been thinking about how we’re going to Celebrate, and wondering how all of you celebrate! I’ll probably end up with my kids and parents eating – thankfully – a healthy meal from the grill. I’m sure my dad will cook up some burgers and my mom will serve a nice spread of sides and desserts, but my parents know I’ll fend for myself when it comes to healthy eating. They won’t mind when I show up with some chicken breast or ground turkey patties and a salad, so that is what I will do. What are you planning to do for Father’s Day? How will you keep your eating clean? And, do you have any great recipes to share that everyone at the party will love?

@@achappex3, Can you think of any reasons why you might have gained those 3 lbs.? Is it possible to go back to some of the diets you tried in the past, even if they only helped you lose 10-15 lbs., just to make sure you don’t gain more weight? I tend to agree with the other, though: relax! I bet your nutritionist was just trying to make sure you’re taking this seriously. Panicking about it won’t help. It’ll just throw your hormones off and make you gain weight. Is it possible for you to find out the requirements for surgery, including the weight requirements? Get them in writing! There’s no way it’s fair if you don’t know what the requirements are. Good luck, and don’t worry. Just do your best!

@@s.thompson, I don’t think you can have crackers on the pureed foods diet. Are they listed among the approved foods that you have a list of? Generally, like @@Inner Surfer Girl says, you want to keep your pureed foods foods that you can eat with a spoon. They should be perfectly smooth. Crackers can be sharp and bother the wounds of your sleeve – remember, you’re still healing.

Pureed cooked oatmeal, smooth applesauce, mashed potatoes, mashed sweet potatoes, and pureed winter squash; try them out and you may need to water them down with water, broth for flavor, or milk for protein or almond milk for taste. Yogurt is a good one, too. You can also puree canned foods like green beans, carrots, tuna, and chicken. The foods that aren’t high in protein (like cream of wheat or oatmeal) you can add unflavored protein powder to. Pureed canned beans are good if you can tolerate them; some people can't.

@migok, I think your question has the answer in it…you’re only 16 days post-op! You are doing really well, so congratulations! Good job sticking to the small amounts and worrying about your Protein intake. I think very few (if any) sleeve patients can get their protein in this quickly after surgery using only solid foods if they are following the diet rules and their sleeve is working right. I don’t know how your nutritionist expects you to get your protein in without shakes – have you asked? I know long-term, eventually, maybe after months or even a year down the road, you shouldn’t be having liquid calories like Protein Shakes, but for now, I can’t see how you would avoid them. Adding more meals/snacks could help, too, if you have the room for it, but you may just need to add two 20 or 30-gram shakes to your day for now. 16 days post-op is still really, really early – many patients aren’t even eating the foods you mentioned yet; they’re still on pureed foods. Good luck!

@@thomas1984, I am sorry you are afraid your surgeon messed up. If you want to address it with him, I would not start by accusing him. I would start by expressing your concerns. There’s a small chance your surgeon may have a reasonable explanation for the things that are making you doubt. Your surgeon may even have some advice for getting more out of your sleeve. If you are still convinced that your surgeon messed up, you can definitely do what @@AvaFern says. Finding out exactly what size your sleeve is will give you a definite answer, and you can go from there. And, definitely get your patient records. They’re yours, and maybe seeing them will put your fears to rest or confirm them. I would definitely go the route of gathering information before making accusations. You can accomplish the same thing, but won’t risk looking silly or making an enemy. Good luck! The important thing, no matter how you go about it, is that this works out to make you healthy and help you lose weight.

Thanks to everyone who has been contributing to this discussion in a positive way. I am sorry this discussion needs to happen at all. I try very hard to maintain a positive environment at BariatricPal. I do see the overly frequent negative posts, often by veterans. I understand that veterans may not have had the exact same challenges and questions as the current newbies, or that veterans feel they handled those challenges better and got their “own” answers to their questions. Maybe the veterans have (yep, it’s possible!) forgotten the minute to minute anxieties (“Can I eat this?” “Should I feel this?” “What if I didn’t hit my protein?” “Do I need to call my doctor?”) surrounding weight loss surgery. Maybe veterans didn’t have those particular anxieties and questions. Maybe veterans are simply sick of seeing and answering the same questions a million times. Guess what: you don’t have to answer! Please don’t, if you don’t have a constructive answer to add to the conversation. If you feel a question is “too stupid” for you to answer politely, don’t answer it. You’ll save yourself some time, and you won’t hurt anyone’s feelings. Someone who does feel it’s worth the time to write a helpful, positive answer will get to it eventually. And I know it’s not just veterans who can be rude. Please, everyone, we are all here for the same reason: to live healthier with whatever support we can get from each other. So what if there are already 105 posts on "can I eat pizza?" If you don't want to answer the 106th post, don't. Don't be rude about it. Please do report any posts you see as negative or hostile. I won’t tolerate them, and you shouldn’t have to, either.

Thanks for the answers…they’re uplifting and encouraging! @@Sophie74656, while of course I am sorry about your toxic marriage, I am so proud of you that you gained the strength to leave it. A lot of us (yes, me, too) gained energy post-op. It doesn’t take much weight loss to start to feel the benefits, as @@Icantbelieveit said, but they’re sure worth it! Gaining energy and being able to enjoy what life has to offer really motivate you to keep going. @@jess9395, LOL! We get complimented in the strangest ways! @@Dub, great observations! Life really is more fun when you’re able to accept and embrace change, and I think succeeding at WLS can give the necessary confidence to do just that. Good luck figuring out which changes are best for you and how you can make them happen.