SpecialK1960

You know something has gone terribly wrong in your life when getting to eat "mushies" and "slushies" is something to look forward to...LOL Before you know it your current problem will be gone .... "water under the bridge" as they say.... Okay, bad cliche. But you get my drift. Each stage seems an eternity, but each one passes before you know it. I got to eat real, non-blendered beef today. Of course it was "pot roasted" to oblivion, but was not technically put in a blender, so I am still celebrating. You will be too soon.

Another thing to remember is the woman's sizes vary tremendously from store to store. I have been shopping with my wife when she went to try on some outfit and even though it was the right size, it was way too small. I also note that some stores on-line state that there sizes "run small" and to order one size larger. Why? As if it is not hard enough to find the time and money to shop, now we have brands that are adding a degree of difficulty as well. As a man I think sizes that "run small" or "run large" are a ridiculous marketing ploy that in the end serves no one. If a size 12 is not a size 12 everywhere, then there is no such thing. I will admit to happily pondering what my sizes will be .... I am hoping for a 36x32 - so I guess I will be about a size 12 LOL!!!

When I checked out of the hospital I did a survey (everyone wants a survey now adays). But one of the questions it asked was something like "Did the hospital have everything you needed in an appropriate size for a bariatric patient?" The gowns were big, as was everything else. So at least at Medical City Dallas they have what you need. It is good to see that they are aware of the issue and track it.

And it works for the men too. My wife says I am sexy. I am a hunk, not a chunk. And we have been making the dogs leave the bedroom a whole lot more often - Hey, no one needs an audience that can not appreciate my best moves!!

Always looking at the lighter side.... 12 grams of Protein powder is 36-60 calories. Most likely around 38 calories for an unflavored powder. In order to burn 38 calories you would have to play cards for about 24 minutes (no the most strenuous activity) or write for 18 minutes... Bottom line is that although all calories matter. 40 calories of extremely nutritious calories are not going to be the problem. Besides you are so upset, I bet you have burned off more calories that he accidentely slipped you. Hence, you are probably even or maybe ahead. Stay really mad for about 1 more hour just to be sure. THEN thank your lucky stars you have a husband that is willing to be a part of your journey. Who has loved you when you were big and is hand and hand (allbeit an incompetent one) with you on your difficulty road to a new slimmer you. So call him a chucklehead - hit him with a pillow (above the waist please) and then hug him. That's just my advice, I could be wrong.

I am right there with you. Division 1 track and swimming, 30 marathons, 25 triathlons.... and now 110 pounds overweight. I got some great news though. I am losing weight at a rate that is beyond belief. I am working out again like an animal and the losses are unbelievable. All that old time strength and training know how comes back. I am down 42 pounds. And happier than I have been in 15 years.

I would suggest using a vanilla protein powder rather than an unflavored version. It will not overpower the fruit, but seems a bit more refined and not so raw tasting. I also agree if possible use a blender. It makes it so much smoother. Because we all want smoothies - not lumpies.

I would try to call the doctor's office first and let them know, so you do not have to say it in front of your husband - "you wait here!". On the other hand, if he is supportive and you have made the decision to go ahead and change your life.... why not let him know what you are BOTH leaving behind. - Just a thought.

I stayed off coffee until I went back to work. Then I just had a small cup without even thinking. No problems at all. I drink the decaf whenever I feel like it. For my pre-op diet I did the Bariatric Advantage Mocha protein shakes and they were pretty good. I added a bit of sugarfree hot chocolate mix and it was really darn good. I think that is why I did not really miss the coffee.

There is a comedian that talks about how even as an adult he laughs everytime he squirts out the shampoo and it makes a PPHHFFLLTT sound. Well, I guess I am like that. There are two things I have seen on here that just made me think like a 12 year old... 1. In a perfectly serious and nice forum post one user posted "It is official, I am in a stall." Then she went on to describe her frustration at her weight not moving at all for like 2 weeks. Definitely a stall and a very frustrating one. Nothing to laugh at....... Well, all I could think of when I first read the headline was that she was stuck in a public bathroom somewhere. I can just see me stuck in a bathroom - and being the goof that I am - I would text something like....It's official, I'm in a stall!. Sorta had to be there, but I thought it was funny 2. The one thing that really cracks me up... and I am dying - literally dying - to be able to use this on some unsuspecting person. In this very specific subject website we have our own vocabulary that no one else uses (foamies, sliming, etc.) And we all know what we mean because there is such a fine and narrow context built into all of our posts. However, we fling around the terms pre-op and post-op like we own them. We do not own them. There is another very narrowly defined group that uses these very same words. And they are not talking about having your stomach cut off. They are aiming lower -much lower. I hope I can just drop in a conversation somewhere that I am 2 months post-op with no additional information. Then just watch to see how people treat me. We all know that big people are treated different. But I can only imagine that if people thought I had just gone through surgery to change my "accessories." That would be hilarious. I couls also probably answer questions honestly. Did it hurt? no. How long were you in the hospital? not long. Do you feel different? oh yes!! Do people treat you differently? yes. Was your family supportive? Yes, especially my wife and kids - that ought to get a look. Then go for the total freak out. Do you want to see my incisions?

Here is another thought. What if it were not you that you were deciding for??? Let's say you had to make the decision for your child, or a parent or husband (and if sometimes he makes you want to shoot him, and he has lots of insurance, then that is a bad example). But anyway. You have to make this decision for someone you love very much who is depending on you to make the right decision. Would the money even enter into the equation? Probably not. We would never think of cutting a cost when it comes to those we love. And yet when we make decisions about our selves.... for some reason, we look at factors such as money that really do not belong there. So my advice is take the money out of the question. Then make the decision based on the various pros and cons of each surgeon without regard to the money. Just like you would do for someone you loved. And then love yourself - figuratively - not being dirty (just silly)

I am just 4.5 weeks out. The idea of eating a hotdog again (season ticket holder for the Texas Rangers) makes me want to cry. Right now, as you guys know, there are no sandwhiches or hot dogs. Glad to know that there is a light at the end of the tunnel - or better yet, a hotdog with my name on it. GO RANGERS!

Try not weighing everyday. It is sort of like the watched pot that never boils. And do not underestimate the weight you are carrying as a result of 4 days with no BM. As much as you are excercising you should hopefully stay pretty regular. I would not go much longer before taking something that might get you "moving again." Good luck and remember often after a plateau there is a big drop that has been hiding for a while.

Always always always choose the experienced doctor. He is the one that will be taking your life and future into his hands. Great schools do not mean as much in the medical field as in other areas. The ciriculum and testing is somewhat standardized across the nation. What difference does it make what hospital you are in? They all have bad food, wake you up constantly, make you wear a gown so your tucus hangs out.... What amtters is the man with the knife. PERIOD. Hopefully with his experience all will go perfect. Also if something comes up, he is more likely to have seen it before and know what to do about it. There is no medical procedure that does not havea learning curve. If you have the option, do not be part of the curve, be the late comer that simply benfits from all the experience gained on procedures done before yours. I can not think of a better way to spend a few extra bucks. Life is too short not to get the best. I researched doctors and got one of the best in the country (luckily here in Dallas). His office waiting is long. But you know what? I am okay with that. I went to the best and others want that too.

It is funny how it really is the little things in life that make all the difference. And also how we take so many dumb little details for granted. If you are going to be in a chair for hours on end, it becomes important. It is not just a chair issue it is a "taking care of yourself issue." So glad you got what you wanted.

You have to admit we have been through some funny stuff. There are all kinds of indignities to being overweight. But the stuff we have gone through in our VSG journey - all in the name of beauty - are above and beyond the norm. I will do an entire post on the rope-down-the-nose test, but that was one of the weirdest things I have ever had to do. And I am convinced that the doctor knew what he was doing when he picked a cute, incredibly personable young lady for that job. 'Cause I'll tell you one thing, if she was not sweet, funny and personable, I would have strangled her with my slime covered nose rope. BLECH. Or when the nurse, in getting me up to walk around the hospital floor at 10:30 at night was having to fix my gown. I do not know what she was doing back there but (no pun intended) it seemed to take a long time and my fanny was cold. So, I will post here, as I am not sure that my silly humor is always appreciated by unsuspecting readers when I reply on the various forums.

I am posting this here becuase i am really only looking for the ladies' opinions. And I know that if I toss up a good question, you ladies will hit it out of the park. Besides with a post title that has the word naughty in it... you know it will get lots of traffic. Here is the deal. I am married, happily, for 24 years. I am not looking to hook up. So why do I feel a bit guilty spending so much time on a web site chattin' with the girls? This site is mostly women. I am spending way too much time in the "Powder Room." (the forum site, not the restroom). Readng all of your secret little thoughts. Maybe one of you will let something slip and then I will be able to figure you women out. And I do go to all the other forums as well, I am not just hanging around this one. But I am spending a lot of time talking with girls - something I have not done in a long long time. So let me have it ladies ... is it wrong to be spending so much time chatting with my new lady friends? (PS- you are supposed to say no) Women cannot complain about men anymore until they start getting better taste in them.

I do agree with the distinction between tummy hunger and head hunger. Yesterday I was walking through a large parking lot. On the edge of the parking lot was a Kentucky Fried chicken - the wind was coming right at me.... the aroma of Nature's most perfect food - fried chicken - was all embracing. I closed my eyes and took in the sweet aroma of the forbidden delicacy.... I saw angels... but they had chicken wings, and little baskets with rolls and gravy... I am pretty sure I passed out. Da^^%, head hunger.

Gurgling Bubbly feeling..... oh yeah I got some of that. Right after eating, or when hungry, my stomach sounds like a Blue Man Group concert (or some nice tribal drums) - not particulalry loud all the time, but it is a bubbling. Feels pretty funny. It is pretty pronounced and when it decides to get loud - wow. I am not taking my daily Pepcid religiously, and I need to be more careful about doing it daily. I think that will help. In the mean time try to get your stomach to play show tunes. I am working on a complete musical myself. (all the songs kinda sound the same though)

With my insurance (United) they gave my Dr's office the pending authorization number. The doctor's office sent it to me so I could follow-it online with the insurance company. It also allowed me to push a bit and get a quick approval, which I needed for work scheduling. When I sent in e-mails stressing the need for a quick decision, I simply refered to my case number. All medical records and systems are now required to be electronic, if there was a pending claim, the doctor's office would have a claim number. My guess is that they never submitted. It is your health - be a little pushy. If you have any reason to doubt what they are telling you, ask to see a copy of the submission to the insurance company. Tell them to send a copy to you directly.

How awesome is that - to lose over 100 pounds. You should be so proud. You know the average horse racing jockey weighs about 112 pounds (we should all keep one of these little guys around for spare parts) - anyway, just think about how cool it is that you have come so far and you must feel so much better. The half way point - congratulations

I am about 4 weeks out and am having a problem with the SLIMES (we have got to get a better name, but I will admit it is perfectly descriptive). I guess as I am transitioning to more solids, I am eating too fast. It seems to hit me when I am reading or eating lunch at work. I think what happens is that I am distracted by what I am doing and not paying attention to eating slowly. I am taking little bits, but not paying attention to the speed. I do not eat too much because i am only putting a small portion on the plate. For me it feels like you have to burp, but can't. I have on 4 occasions thrown-up. But it is not really like throwing up, it is more like burping up a ton of siliva - sounds wicked gross - really not that bad. It is nothing like real throwing up where you feel out of control. And it feels like it is coming from the bottom of your feet. For me anyway, it is just like a ... bluuuuurp - and I am done. No food is coming up at all. And as soon as I have blorped (technical medical term) I feel instantly 100% back to normal. Weird, but sounds like it seldom lasts for more than a few months. I am not sure if it cures itself, or if blorping simply teaches us to eat slower and the cause is then eliminated.

I am sort of the opposite. Now just over 4 weeks out and trying to eat more regular food, I am finding that I am more hungry than I was just after surgery. I am having to really eat slow and in small portions, so I may not be eating enough at each meal. The supplements make sure I am getting everything I need, but I think I need to eat a little more at each sitting, or more often. The funny thing is that being a little bit hungry does not bother me at all anymore. I just ignore it for a while. In the past at the first sign of hunger I would have eaten a small wildebeast. Now, I am so pleased with my losses (and since I can not pig out like it was an Olympic sport anyway) it just does not bother me like it used to.

And remember the open part of the gown goes in the back...

Awesome, Good Luck. I am so glad I did it - I am sure you will be too!