PdxMan

I agree, I can't fathom what life is like for a 400, 500, 600 ... pound person. Whilst the physical stuggle differences may be miles apart, I do feel the mental struggles are quite similar. And that is where the forum has helped me.

Yeah, there are folks who have had complications OR their expectations far exceeded their reality. Some folk do think all they have to do is get the surgery, sit back and about two weeks later, they don't understand why they aren't loosing AT LEAST 2 pounds per day and can't understand why their stomach feels uncomfortable when they eat something 2 weeks post. I have found a lot of people with this mindset give the warnings you mention. This surgery is not for everyone, that is for sure. Each of us has to weigh the risks and decide what our tolerance is for that risk. We each have our own journeys and reasons to have the surgery. Some folks are looking to get skinny while others are looking to get off of meds and maybe lose a few pounds, but not all that much. I am on my own journey and have my own reasons for embarking on it. Whatever. WE all need to respect each other and not try to distinguish ourselves as being anything other than what we are ... and we are the only ones who get to do that. Try not to let other folks try to tell you what you should or shouldn't do ... who you are or aren't. Just like a$sh0l3s ... opinions are everywhere. Some are just smellier than others.

I need some help here ... why are you posting about your relatively 'low' BMI, then? What was your expectation? Here is the part that confuses me and I need some help on ... I am assuming 'low' BMI denotes a BMI lower than your insurance will cover and that is what you are seeking support about? Otherwise, is someone's journey, surgery-wise, different if they are a 33 BMI or a 53 BMI?? Don't we all have similar struggles? If it isn't about the insurance, then what is the motivation to point out the starting BMI? IMO, you were trying to separate yourself out from the 'fatties' by pointing out your low BMI, most likely looking to get the comments, "Oh, you're too skinny for this drastic of a move", although, you most likely aren't conscience of that ... IDK, when one starts trying to disect the mind, no good can ever come of it. If you seek support, you will find it. If you seek community, you will find it. If you seek confrontation, you will find it.

Jason, I am so happy to hear this. IMO, the key at this point is to be willing. Willing to listen to the similarities instead of listening for differences. Being willing to try something different. I remember after my first meeting someone told me that my best thinking got me there that day, so maybe it was time to try some different thinking. It has been working for me, one day at a time. p.s. Don't know where you are at on the whole higher power thing, but if it is an issue for you, just substitute the "AA" anytime you hear or read the word "God". PM me if you need my thoughts on this.

I'm guessing you have been focusing on doing the low-carb thing? Do you know what your carb intake is? This is a common falacy with new sleevers. We get sleeved and think we have to go on a diet. Huh? The sleeve restriction is going to do that for us. We need to focus on getting well balanced meals. Make sure you are getting enough Protein, fats and carbs. Get a good variety of foods. Don't diet, just eat smaller portions ... sleeved ... right?

I just want to echo what everyone has already said. Focus on your liquids and Protein, for now. The sleeve will take care of you. Just start getting in the habit of tracking everything in MFP or something of the like. I never was a BIG calorie counter. I knew my sleeve would restrict me and that is why I had the procedure. If I wanted to go on another diet, I probably wouldn't have gotten sleeved.

I think we just notice it more. We have undergone such a drastic change. I know when I am at a restaurant, I am constantly looking at everybody's plate. What they're eating, the portions and how quickly they shovel it down. I don't do it as much as I did early out, but I do still notice. Pre-op, I would have never given anyone's plate a second look.

I was able to eat chicken at 2 months, but steak was at 6 months, for me ... and that was a juicy tenderloin. Could only get about 2 ounces, but it was a start. Now, I can eat 4 oz with some veggies.

There is no food I have not been able to eat. That started at about 9 months post. I eat steak, fish, lobster, cauliflower, broccoli ... you name it. I choose not to eat breads, rices and pastas that often as I consider them nutritionally irrelevant. I have between 6 to 8 ounces of space in my stomach. These foods swell after eating, so am I really going to give that space away to a piece of bread when I can enjoy another bite of steak or ribs? Perhaps two more asparagus spears ... easy choice, for me.

9/3? Oh, you should be fine. As always, just make sure you chew well. Cashew butter, if you know what I mean.

...

** edit ** Forgot the quote from Laura, for effect. See below

I think it's about time we heard from , don't you?

Would you like me to leave? Do you find my honesty refreshing or threatening? I'm sorry you edited (deleted) your last post. I was quite suprised reading it as you seemed to be going against your own request. It is difficult to practice this, isn't it? Let's just all play nice and know that our disfunctional family is alive and well. If you don't want people's advice, don't ask the question. If you ask for people's advice, be ready for their truth, even though it may not resonate with you.

Man, I wish someone would be nice enough to send me to Hell. It's like this post: Is there any negativity in there? Or in the initial post this refers to? The bottom line is just like what I told my wife on our first date: Don't ask any question you don't want the answer to

As long as you are far out enough, that should be no problem. When was your surgery? I loves me some nuts. Mmmm ... goood ...

Thanks! You too. I hope you find the serenity you, and each of us, deserve.

Uh ... I don't know about being all up in your threads (I assume that is what you're talking about). I look at the recent threads on the right side of the webpage. I have many small intervals in my work day, so I come on here and see if I am able to share my experience, strength and hope. There are many folks on here who truly struggle with this journey who are not looking to validate poor behaviors, but rather looking to make a change in their lives. That was my case when I was new. I wasn't looking for the loopholes, but to make a change. The folks here helped me tremendously. Sometimes it was through tough-love, which is what I needed. I hope you find what you are needing here. Just know, it may not be necessarily what you want. There is a difference.

Oh, before this thread blows up, let's remind ourselves about THIS.

Instead of the PCP, if your insurance allows, make an appointment with the urologist.

Sometimes posts can be interpreted as being negative, but really are meant to be supportive. Soooo many people come on here looking to validate behaviors they know they shouldn't be doing. Then, when they don't get the answer they want, they get upset. There is an old saying, "People ask advice when they know the answer, but don't like it." ... and another, "Advice after mischief is like medicine after death." I recall a torrential thread about 15 months ago from someone who was a week post op and was asking what they could order at Dairy Queen. The thread blew up. Really? If someone posts something like this, it is just hard to sit back and watch them. I still get sad when I drive past car accidents.

I love NO NO cat. I've been watching that video for years and it makes me laugh every time.

Another question for you Miss Kitty. Do you think threads should be hijacked taking the attention away from the OP and focused on my sillyness?

Miss Kitty, do you think CAPS LOCK should be used on forum posts, even when we are really frustrated?

I guess she didn't like my reference.