Valentina

You've already done the hard part. You've recognized your obesity, you've taken responsibility for it, jumped through more hoops than you probably care to think about and are now coming to the end of the prep and about to enter, "the rest of your life". Hopefully you've ready everything there is to read. Watched all of the videos you could--gone to all of the seminars, support group meetings and pre-op classes. Now, until your surgery date: Be kind to yourself Take a deep breathe Relax as much as possible Stop listening to surgery "horror" stories Only let positive vibes into your head Rely on your research Don't overthink the surgery "Let it go" Everything from here until you wake up after your surgery is pretty much on auto pilot now. You have chosen a team of highly skilled professionals to guide you through to the other side of your WLS. Allow them to do just that. One step at a time. You will have a wonderfully joyful and successful WL journey, one step at a time. Afraid of "bump in the road"? Well, my friend, that's what WE are here for.

ahhhh, nay...

Great post, Friend. I've decided NOT to hold it against you just because you are a METS fan. (the METS do have one of my favorites with them now---Granderson). Enjoy your joyful journey!

I've always hated chewable Vitamins. They taste like sucking on pennies. (not that I actually do suck on pocket change. not on a regular basis anyway.) The metallic taste----yuck. I much prefer just to swallow them and have it done with. Just MHO.

"Thank you for your concern. You have a blessed day now. Good bye".

When quoting a post, let's please not take it out of context. Here is my entire post. Thank you. Hope you all are having a wonderful, and joyful day.

WTF are you talking about? Most "vets" agree it's a stupid rule. Let's not make something out of nothing. Since I'm more of a "Vet" than most, I was poking fun at myself. (sorry if you didn't get the joke. You can always "ignore" me)

You gunna keep "the color"???? Wonderful! I'm one week out. I still have all of my sutures, but was able to get rid of two drains yesterday. I'm having "nerve" pain that I was not expected. The surgical pain itself is tolerable, but the "nerve" pain is unexpected and unacceptable. By the way----I will NOT be posting pix of my new and "perdy lady bits". Sorry. PS: You look "Maaaavelous, Daaaaling".

I know we are "supposed" to say, "Follow your own plan--whatever YOUR bariatric team told you to do, then just do it." There I said it. Personally, I'm beginning to think that "The Great Straw Debate" is just something for the old timers to nip and pik at each other about. --Like sitting across a checker board discussing how Elvis' hip gyrations are ruining the younger generation's morality. Be informed. Get your team's input. Follow your common sense.

I am five years out as of last June. I still have my restriction and I'm lov'n it. I still have dumping syndrome and have come to appreciate it. I am one week post skin surgery and am cranky. What else would you like to know?

A few years ago--just before my WLS, John and I went to A.C. for a week. The first night there, we took a walk along the boardwalk and wondered into the huge candy store there. Taking up one entire section of the store was an "adult" section dedicated entirely to "The Legend of PopRocks". There were videos, posters, instructional books, and thousands upon thousands of packs of PopRocks. At the end of the week, we had lost very little money at the tables, but won countless riches from that candy store! We even won "PopRocks, I survived the Legend" T-shirts. It's nice to see folks are still taking the time ----just to have fun.

It's probably un-escaped gas from your WLS. It's saying, "out, out, out", and your body is saying, "nope, nope, nope. What you probably need to do it WALK, WALK, WALK and let the two of them argue it out! When you are not walking, start with ice, then alternate with heat---ending up using whatever relieves the pain. If your pain level is to the point where it is interfering with your ADLs (activities of daily life), give your team a call. They will be able to suggest other methods for getting rid of the gas. If it's not gas, they will be able to help with that too. Keep posting and letting us know how you're doing.

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Welcome to "The Boards", friend. You certainly have walked a twisted and complicated path so far. Ask any questions. Express your concerns/opinions There probably will be a member on this site that has experienced whatever you questions about. But: Please know ahead of time that is what we are offering to you. We can certainly offer our support. We can share with you our personal experiences. We can share our thoughts and opinions. We can not and certainly should not ever offer medical advice. Mostly, personally speaking I want to tell you that I am here and I am always willing to listen. Again, Welcome, Friend.

Could your throat problem stem from stomach acid eroding the lining of your throat?--GERD There is a study out now that is connecting long term use of PPIs to kidney disease. Maybe there's a connection to your problem as well. I will follow your thread to see what others have to offer. I believe some interesting research might be in order. In the meantime, feel better, Friend.

Many WLS folks head into surgery not having had caffeine for quite some time. Caffeine withdrawal can spark a migraine. It is always better to know going in if a patient will probably suffer caffeine withdrawal , therefore a migraine. There are meds that can be ordered to have ready ---before the migraine has time to settle in. Migraines are no fun on a good day. Waking up after WLS with one is torturous and unnecessary.

The post-op leak test--drinking toxic waste slug--is just one of the bumps in the WLS journey. There will be many more, "put your big girl/boy panties/briefs on" moments. The toxic slug is god awful, but since I wasn't allowed to leave until I did it---I did it. It's one of those, "just do it" things. Then, afterwards you get to share your horror leak test stories with all of the new newbies. It reminds me of going to a baby shower and all of the women exchanging "if you think YOUR labor and delivery was difficult, let me tell you about my labor and delivery. I really should be in the Guinnes.s Book of Records. My delivery was soooooo painful, soooo bloody, soooo everything". It's like a right of passage. Good luck --seriously. The leak test is not lethal, but at that moment it certainly will seem so. You can do it. You know it. Be sure to post about your experience, so we all can compare yours with ours!

I've drawn my own labs many times. Doing it the first time was a learning experience, but it was still a better option than letting someone stick me a 3rd or 4th time when she/he is already flustered. Years ago, I taught dog obedience classes at our local BOCES every Wednesday. That just happened to be the same day as the nursing students needed to practice and pass their blood draw skills. I had no problem volunteering. I came home looking like I had just waded through a school of piranhas! I still believe that if one is going to draw blood, one needs to practice on a real person----not a life size doll that has artificial veins that don't jump, flinch, cry or pull back. I actually learned a great deal of technique from an educational video. --And I had to review every six months. With your attitude, common sense (not to be assumed these days), and determination , you will be a fabulous success . You sound to me, like the bulletin board of what is needed to be 100% successful. You got this. I look forward to following your joyful journey.

I always say (I'm old so I can say such things ), "you get two sticks. After that I will draw my own blood for you." And I have. My suggestion? Have any blood draws drawn by anesthia personnel. They truly are wizards when it comes to drawing blood and/or starting IVs.

You got this, friend. And if you find that you aren't feeling like you think you should, don't settle. Keep searching until you find the right "mix" for you. I am impressed my your determination. You'll get there. I know it.

--And you WILL post on your progress, right?? --AND not give up until you are truly satisfied with how you feel, right?? I'll be waiting.

There is a reason why most surgeons do their best work while their patients are "asleep". Surgeons (if only in their own minds) seem to be in an upper class all onto themselves. Maybe that mindset keeps their emotions "aloof" so they don't get emotionally attached. Maybe it is "I have your life in my hands----you know---like God " attitude. That been said, I have to turn your question around onto you, Alex. "Why would you ever allow anyone to cut into you and alter the body that God gave you if you did not trust him 100%???" Surely something to ponder.

You're hurting. For that I am sooo sorry. It doesn't matter who did what to whom. You are hurting. Be kind to yourself. Allow yourself time to wrap your head and heart around your new life. It takes time---sometimes a great deal of time to mourn the loss of a marriage. Time doesn't always "heal" those wounds that cut so deeply. One can only hope to "calm" the hurt--leaving nothing in its place but a scar. It's the scars of such painful times that prove we were brave enough to give love a chance with an open heart. Just because your spouse did not honor his vows, does not dishonor you in any way. Your integrity is intact. Integrity is what should keep your head held high, shoulders straight and your dreams of finding love again shining bright. Until you are ready to love again, be kind to yourself. Learn to love yourself. Be your own best friend. Life and love will circle around and scoop you up again. I promise.

That is a question for your nutritionist/bariatric team. BUT: I would think ----NO Crackers are just too tempting with too many carbs with very little benefit. I am five years out and still treat crackers --especially Cheetos!---like the plague! Really though, give your team a call. They will be able to guide you on your specific plan.

Fingers crossed and candles lit. Let us know WHEN you get are enjoying you new cocktail---straight up!