Valentina

"Sometimes, hopefully, maybe, in most cases, many times, probably, etc. etc" are all wonderful and sensible words, but when all is said and done, they are just that----words. In order for words to make sense, they have to be "heard". When a SO or friend is not at a place where they are capable of hearing them, the words might as well be spit into the wind. One thing that I am absolutely convinced of is that WLS changes people. EVERYONE who has WLS changes. That's what it all about, isn't it? MHO? One should NOT have WLS until their main support (SO, spouse, bbf,) has had every opportunity to come to terms with all of the ramifications. I strongly suggest therapy---separately, and then together. "They" don't "always come around". I have been obese since the third grade. Waiting a year while having therapy would be a exercise of great joy , understanding and acceptance of me "changing". Given the choice of twenty less years but with John in my life or living longer alone, there would not be a nano second's hesitation. More understanding on MY part and NOT listening to those who said, "Go ahead---he'll come around", and maybe, just maybe John would not have swallowed 120 Vicodins while I was on the operating table. Maybe. Just maybe. Just think, pray, consult, talk, discuss and then repeat a thousand times if need be. Take a deep breath and consider all of the consequences.

The Quest chips taste like salted cardboard. Yuck. IMO I am severely allergic to anything soy, so there goes the "Kays". Other than parmesan chips, I am still missing my crunch cracker.

Sometimes, especially with our own health care issues, we have to be our own advocates. I was told the same thing about my knee----I was too young to have it replaced. I finally convinces my orthopod that I would rather have a knee replaced twice (a knee replacement is supposed to last about 10yrs) than to live one more week with the excruciating pain that I was in. I had my knee replacement two weeks later. Oh yes, I had the cortisone shots. I even had the injections that are made from cocks' combs. They all helped short term. I don't know what others do, but I don't live my life "short term". If you honestly are convinced that you have given the alternative treatments a fair shot, then get out there and fight for what you feel you need. I did and have not regretted having my left knee replaced for one minute. Good luck and please posting on your progress.

When the day came when the "Hawaiian" could no longer keep the pain demons at bay from my crumbling knee, I knew it was time for a replacement. It worked for about 6years, then the replacement. I have been pain free from knee pain ever since. I don't regret doing either---not for a second. Thank you for the articles.

Thank you.

It will probably come down to your surgeon's wishes. The surgeons that I have worked with---way back in the day---would make you remove them. You'll find out tomorrow. Wishing you the best and most joyful journey. Meet you on the, "Losers' Bench", my friend. You'll like it there..

For me, different varieties of lettuce are a treat for me. I will eat the yucky chicken just so I can crunch into the escarole! YUM! If I'm a good girl and drink my sickly sweet shake in the morning, I can look forward to some endive with a sprinkle of nutritional yeast and balsamic vinegar on it later in the day. When your program allows varieties of lettuce, just PLAN for it. Work it into your requirements --then ENJOY THE CRUNCH!

Am I alone in my belief that surgeons are creations of God on a day when He had a migraine?? ---AND--- There is a reason why surgeons exhibit their best patient to doctor skills when their patient is asleep. Seriously, I really do believe that surgeons have a different mind set than general practitioners. Maybe it's the need for a more separation personally with the patient--the same theory of a PCP not treating or prescribing drugs for his/her own family. The connection is too close to be objective. I feel that a highly successful "Bariatric Team" should not only include a surgeon, a nutritionist, a therapist and a well trained supporting staff, but should also include a general practitioner who would be primary provider for all aspects of the bariatric journey except the surgery itself. Release the surgeons to do what they do best--surgery-- while releasing them from the "best side manners", which most of them are just plain lousy at. A monthly post op check with the PCP, the nutritionist, and the therapist should be part of the package with no added fees for six months, then every three months for the remainder of the first year and then twice a year thereafter--also with no added charge (other than routine co--pays). I also believe that seeing a therapist just once for clearance falls way short of ensuring a solid mental foundation that is imperative for successful WLS journey. A monthly therapy session during the six month pre-op should be required--in my opinion. After reading posts here and talking with other WLS patients, I believe that our minds take longer to get on track than our mouths ever will. Great thought provoking posting. Thank you!

Wonderful! I've reread it several times and it becomes more relevant each time.

I woke up from surgery with a backache and still have it. Walking intensifies it. My surgeon told me that the position of sugery aggrivates Fibromyalgia and Arthritis--both of which I have. I start PT next week, so I hope to "work it out". Let us know what YOU find out. Information is always good to have. Valentina

Above all: REMEMBER TO BREATH!!!! :whistle: Take a deep breath and breath. Sometimes we all just forget to do that. It's called a cleansing breath. Doing so sometimes will bring us back to focus and on track. We all at times are heading straight for a train wreck. You will get through this. You know that. In the beginning it's a challenge. I'm with you having my own surgery on 6/6. You're up to the challeng or you wouldn't have had the hutzpah to have the surgery in the first place.:boxing: Look toward your goal and follow the rainbow to get there. When you begin to have self doubts: STOP, :hand: AND REMEMBER TO BREATH!!!!.:whistle: Keep in touch, :ranger: so we can nag you some more,:boink: :director: Valentina :grouphug:

Call your surgeon. It is probably nothing, but why take the chance? You haven't come this far to be foolishly shy now. CALL!!! KEEP IN TOUCH, Valentina

I craved it, made it as "full liquidy" as I could possibly make it and took about an hour to drink it. It was wonderful! Now, however I will be able to wait another week until I am pureed foods. That is where my salad drink probably should be. You are right--it was a healthy drink! Thanks for your input. Valentina

I was sick of the Jello the first night! It just doesn't taste as good as it did pre-op. I don't know why there is such a difference when it comes to post-op diet stages.--and the differences are severe. There's one member here who reports having to be on full liquids for 5 wks. Yikes! All I can tell you is that my "summer salad" shake was full liquid--if only in my own mind. The flavors just exploded in my mouth!!! Of course I thnk I am addicted to fresh garden tomatoes, so I guess I needed a "fix". Now hopefully I can obstain until next weekend when I can go onto pureed. Then there won't be any question about my 'tomato shake". Keep in touch, and take care, Valentina :grouphug: