PdxMan

Oye ... let me spell it out for you ... Go back and re-read the thread ... you are bullying the new person and the person researching WLS into thinking they are required to share their procedure if they are asked. If they don't they could end up like your friend. IMO, you are attempting to bully people into doing something they may not want to do by not respecting how she has chosen to to deal with others regarding this issue. I'm sure there are aspects of my decisions in my life you would find objectionable and there are decisions in your life I would find objectionable. Love and tolerance is what I would want from you as my friend. I promise to love and be tolerant of you and your life's choices whether or not you are tolerant of mine. ** hugs **

Well, as one of the earliest people to have joined this forum on this thread, I'm guessing I am lumped into being one of the "vets" attacking the "newbies", and you would be correct. I will take ownership of that. Sorry ... it is just my opinion that some newbies just post some of the most remarkable things. This thread being a perfect example. That is not true. She straight out says if you do not tell people you had the surgery, then you are a liar. I really take exception to that. I don't think people should be bullied into doing something they don't feel comfortable doing. Most morbidly obese people have been bullied in their lives and to be told they are handling their personal lives incorrectly is just wrong. Here is one of my greatest fears when people post something like this. Someone who has been researching WLS reads a thread like this. They have been shamed by their obesity their entire life. They have circumstances in their life which make them feel uncomfortable sharing this decision with others and now they are being shamed for not telling people. This all compounds to the point where they decide they would rather live with the shame of being overweight than live with the shame this thread implies by having WLS. I just find threads like this very irresponsible. I would think the last place I would be shamed about my WLS is a WLS support forum. I'm not a fan of censorship, but I would love to see this whole thread deleted. What would the new person researching WLS think ...

My first lunch with workers was at about 3 weeks post op. I ordered a cup of Soup. After I ordered, I excused myself to the bathroom and asked the waitress to have the soup pureed. The person next to me asked if that was all I was going to eat and I just responded that I was having dinner with my wife and didn't want to spoil it. Since then, I have been out several times and always ask for a to-go box when my food arrives. If asked, I comment that I am just trying to reduce my portion sizes and eat less. Usually a couple others agree that we all should try eating less and will join me in getting a to-go box prior to eating.

I was given something intravenously which held me fine, but if you are prone to having nausea with meds or anesthesia, I have heard the patches are a godsend.

All you have to say is, "Wow, this is really a personal issue. If you really are concerned about her, you really need to discuss this with her." It is not your business, so don't make it your business.

When I am asked how I did it and I say I eat smaller portion sizes and exercise more, that is a lie by your moral standards ... right? So, if your friend does not live by your moral compass, then she is somehow less of a person? Tell me, are you ready to live by my moral compass? How about the drug-dealing child pornographer? Could you live by the moral compass of a hasidic jew? Why do you get to set what constitutes a lie for your friend or anyone else here?

Welcome! Just remember to listen to your body and take it slow. Be sure to get your walking in, too. It will help you feel better.

Oh, for everyone who is going to climb all over me and send me PMs saying I should be more supportive to the newbies, maybe I can suggest the newbies be more supportive of everyone else.

So ... you are concerned about what another person says and thinks about someone who has had a surgery and has chosen to keep the details private? And even though they divulged they have changed their diet and exercise more, you are still calling them a lier ... right? I hope one day you can find it in your heart to be more supportive of your fellow WLS folks. You traveled your journey and they have traveled theirs. I have been judged my entire life regarding my weight and my ability/inability to control it. Now that I have done something about it, I am still being judged. Talk about the definition of not winning for losing ... I can't even do that right ... Is that what you are saying? Thanks for the support, BTW ... How about you keep your side of the street clean and I'll worry about mine? Deal?

It tells me your stomach can't handle 3 oz. Cut it back to 2 oz for awhile and eat more often.

I couldn't agree more. I think in one of the other threads along this line I posted a similar thought. Really ... everyone is not standing at the Water cooler talking about you. It is all in your head. It really isn't all about you. Really ... I mean it ... it's not ... And if you really think it is, then it tells me that you are the kind of person who goes to the water cooler to talk about everyone else. You are projecting your own issues onto everyone else. If you got this sleeve to get a new life, then get one ...

Remember, what goes in, must come out. Your whole digestive system has just dramatically changed. Did you really have the expectation that wasn't going to be altered for awhile? 6 days out ... start taking Milk of Magnesia. Every day. Don't stop once things start moving. Continue for a week. The fun aint over yet ...

Wow ... this topic ... again ... Outside of the 3rd week stall thread, this has to be one of the most oft discussed thing here. HERE is the last one if anyone cares to read some history. I don't understand why people, both sleeved and those not sleeved, can't understand why this is a personal decision and if I choose to keep it personal, that is my choice. Please respect that. I don't directly lie to people about it, telling people I do Water aerobics or something, but for the most part, I tell them I have decreased my portion sizes and exercise more. All of which is true. I started out having a similar attitude as the OP, but after being knocked down a couple times, I was like, "What business is it of theirs anyway?" If I noticed a woman's bust line being different, would I ask them if they had a reduction or enhancement? Why am I obligated to divulge my life? As I have posted on this topic numerous times, I will copy and paste my theory on this: It's like we are supposed to have some obligation to society about our lives. As I explained in another thread along this very topic, I: Didn't tell anyone I was having a vasectomy to help me control my family size Didn't tell anyone I had lasik surgery to help me control my eyesight Didn't tell anyone I had hemorrhoidectomy to help my ... well, ya know ... Why do I have to tell them my life story? This is my life, gosh darn it!

I had outpatient in Las Vegas (baby!), so I started walking after a 4 hour nap all around the casino floors. The next day, I'm sure I got no less than 5 miles in walking around MGM, Venetian, Paris and all over downtown. The day after was the same thing. I just walked as often as I could. I don't think it is possible to walk too much. I know it helped my recovery.

If you use a web browser, not from a mobile device, you can easily use the search bar to find a member and send them a message. HERE is a link to send her a message. From her profile, you can find all of her threads she has started by selecting Topics over on the left panel, or any posts she has made on any thread. (select Find Content in the upper right) The mobil app is nice, but a bit limited (more likely my ability to use the mobile app is limited), but the web version is rich with features.

Many of us were denied here. I don't know an exact percentage of those who were covered by insurance, but I'm guessing the number might suprise you. Those who were denied either appealed or even after appealing, chose the self-pay route. I was self-pay and have easily offset the costs of my surgery by the savings in medical expenses and food. There are options in Mexico for around $5K and I had mine done in the US for just over $10K. It can be done.

Very Cool! We need a Portland Sleeve Support group, I think. I believe tonight there is a WLS support group out at Legacy that I think I might go to tonight. 6:30 - 8:00 I don't know, maybe. Congrats on making it to the other side!

Ah, you're a freshie! Yes, this is very normal. One week out your stomach is still quite swollen. Even swallowing saliva seems like an effort. Just keep trying to get your liquids in. This will pass soon.

Amy is correct. You are right where you are supposed to be. Have you read about the 3rd week stall on here? Search the site. This is probably the most commonly posted thread.

How far out are you, Pammie? Did you have a hiatal hernia repair? Slowing down, eating less and smaller bites is always good advice, BTW.

You can eat around the sleeve, no problem. Drink with your meals, high calorie coffees ... shakes ... When I was training hard for running, I was eating in excess of 2,000 calories daily and that was healthy, nutritious foods. If I stayed on the couch and substituted crappy foods and ice cream, it would be no problem to gain weight. But as my surgeon told me, it would take a real concerted effort to gain that kind of weight back. He did suggest therapy to deal with any food issues. I haven't done that, yet, but I could see where I do have my demons with food, for sure. I am coping with them for now, but if that were to change, I could be in real trouble, for sure.

...

I don't think it was terribly difficult. When you are early out and move off of purees to regular food, your restriction is so great, you are conscience of every bite you put in your mouth because they are so few and far in between compared to before. You'll be fine. It will happen.

One of the things I noticed on VST is a large percentage of folks who have some inoccuous picture for their avatar, but then, after a few months post op, they put in their real picture. It definately signals a change in attitude towards the camera.

Yeah, my wife would look at me with wild eyes. "Oye, when are you going to get out of ketosis?!!" Everything you eat tastes like $#!7. Even after brushing my teeth, it was like, "Oye! My mouth is gross!" Even your sweat smells ... used to shower twice a day. It will pass