gmanbat

I went from 210 back to 260. I reverted to old habits. Back on medications that I had shed before. Not the sleeves fault. My head is the culprit. It stops now. Eating right, exercising right. It shall be done!

It is disappointing that folks can't see the big picture. We are not rival soccer team fans beating each other up after the game like empty headed barbarians. We are human beings, many of us hurting very badly, on a journey to freedom. We have quite enough abuse from the ignorant world that casts aspersions on bariatric surgery in any form. We need each other. I pledge never to degrade anyone's choice of surgery. That said, I will respectfully give my viewpoint if asked. All I have is my viewpoint. I have no definitive answers. I believe answering questions can be done in such a way as to not put down the other roads. That is not to say that undeserved slander and vilification will not be read into such replies. Let us encourage one another and pull together as a team. I admire in sincerity all who have had wls whether lap band, sleeve, bypass, or other. In such a large forum there will be immature people who seek to elevate self by pulling down others. Hopefully the good will generated by the vast majority will drown out the negativity.

Well said, Alex. First rule of war...know the enemy. We are all piling up on obesity, not each other. No friendly fire.

Wonderful! Don't mess with your own brain. Don't lie to yourself. Build a solid wall and don't make holes in it. This is war!

Excellent, Alex! I also find I have to prepare myself for other environments. The big one is....the grocery store! My RNY wife and I need to prepare our minds before we go. Thinking out a list at home..right after eating helps, not going in hungry, go for the things on the list and don't just go up and down all of the isles...especially avoid the end stuff. It seems like an army preparing to go into battle. Awareness of the enemy and having tactics to combat the psychological warfare saves us from Cheetos.

Well written and wonderful! In studies I have been involved in it was stated that at a certain stage in life, leaving things behind for others moves to the forefront. My heart's desire now is to give what I have gained to those I will leave behind. Along with that desire is the passion to know that what I am leaving will be valuable to them and make a positive difference in their lives. I want to live a good life...and contribute to a good life for those who carry on.

Started at 340, at 215 now. I wake up many mornings and feel my ribs and realize, yes, I really did lose the fat. I am slim, not a fantasy, not a dream. It is real, my friend! Life IS good!

Great article. The word resolution comes from resolve. Resolve requires a made up mind and that is demonstrated by consistency more than in any other way. One can be adamant and emotional on January 1 but lose momentum by January 2. Resolve needs to be visited every day, kept alive by attention, effort and clear thinking. My change came when I kicked out the temporary promises and settled on a permanent condition. I deemed myself worthy of the best body I could obtain. I saw what I wanted to be and made that become a reality. I was determined to do it or die trying. Lifelong athlete, healthy eater. That's it. The sleeve gave me the boost, I won't let it down.

http://www.livinghealthy360.com/index.php/causes-of-orange-stool-color-82065/ Forums yielded stories about nuts and fish/fish oil causing it. You should ask doc. Don't assume that it is something serious, it just is a question that needs the right answer. I once looked down before flushing and saw what I thought was a stool full of blood. I got pretty concerned until I remembered the Harvard beets my wife had fixed which I devoured in abundance .

I have both. I'm a year and a half out.

So sorry to hear that. My wife has the bypass and is doing very well. She has lost all of her excess weight and has the energy of a race horse. I understand the sustaining power of faith in Jesus Christ in a crisis. He has brought me through many a storm. God bless you.

I am slarthing some natty peanut butter on em. Good find.

This surgery is a test...for you having the guts to get it and for those who know about it: how they are going to deal with you? Ignorance of this operation is a given unless they have extensive medical training or have had experience personally or with someone they are involved with. Ignorance is easily forgiven and remedied. Cruelty and outright disrespect are another thing. Sometimes something like this surfaces what has been hidden all along. Having you along leveraged their ego, made them feel superior. Now you are looking better than them, (in their neurotic mind), and their tool is broken. They've switched places and don't like it. Apparently the affection that you thought they had for you was phony. It was only skin plus a fat layer deep. If you have friends that rode this out with you and still love you...you have real friends.

A couple years before I was sleeved I had chemotherapy for prostate cancer. One of the side effects was a temporary loss of my sense of taste. With that I lost the joy of eating but I still had a big hunger. Now I have much less hunger but I have the joy of eating. Even though it's just a few bites, I rejoice in the taste. Plus I have a healthy, slim body to fuel with the food. And.... I am alive. I like now better.

Getting on "precious" will bring the Witch-king of Angmar down on ya with his discouragement. Throw that thing into the fires of Mount Doom!

The only way to overcome the ignorance in others is to educate them. Unfortunately, when folks are unteachable; think they already know it all, the only chance to change their prejudice is to demonstrate the truth. First, try sending them to articles that explain the procedure and the benefits. They might even spend some time looking at this forum. I was in their camp before I went to a meeting held by my wife's surgeon. But then, I listen to reason. Otherwise, you will be forced to show them what it is. It may take years. Be gentle with them now, don't hurt their pride, that just makes them more resistant. Let them know you could use their support but will proceed without it if need be. This surgery is absolutely not easy. It is, however, effective.

My wife, daughter, her 2 kids, and I came from Ohio to meet relatives from North Carolina in Orlando for a Christmas fun time. We rented a pool home and purchased 3 days at Universal Studios. We had a great time although my weight and weakness necessitated me being pushed in a wheelchair through much of the excursion. Most rides were not for me; no pulling the restraints down. Fat put a damper on what Grampa could do. It's a different story now. Grampa is in the game, giving his family great memories and celebrating life with a lot of laughter. We have moved to Florida and purchased platinum passes for Busch Gardens, SeaWorld, and various water parks. My granddaughter Katie in the pictures, who has no fear, is testing Grampa's grit to the limit. So far I'm holding up my image of tough guy. (I've been studying acting for many years). The sleeve was the right move for me. I consider it a gift from God. Tell me I took the easy way out and I'll agree. It IS MUCH EASIER! Easier than sitting back and watching life go by. Easier than feeling sorry for myself. Easier than giving my family half a man in a twice a man size. And fun IS FUN and worth having!

My wife had Roux-N-Y surgery before I got sleeved. My weight loss exceeded hers by a bit but when folks saw us they went on and on about her losing weight. She had to tell them that I have been losing weight, too. The normal response was, "Oh, really? Great!" and then back to raving about her new looks. Chopped liver am I. Happily, I have always been a guy that had no dire need for the approval of casual acquaintances. If they approve, great, if not..long walk off a short pier.

I know it is hard to accept, I know it was hard for me, but there is a great deal of stupidity in our species. I know that everything I say about other humans reflects back on me because I are one. It seems this operation stimulates people to display their ignorant, not having any idea what they are talking about, side. Happily, humans have good stuff too; compassion, self-sacrifice, etc. so I am not inclined to want to give up my human card and join the marsupials.

Yup, I put 6 pounds back on. Am I upset? Nope. I know what I've been doing: squats, push-ups, bodyblade: http://www.bodyblade.com/en/, 1 hour walking a day. No change in diet. My exercise routine had been put off long enough. I knew that I lost some muscle mass during my rapid loss and that getting it back would tip the scales. I anticipated gaining; muscles weigh more than fat but take up less space. I look good...actually better. Health and energy are the primary goals. Looking good sneaks in there too. I will not allow myself to be oppressed by the slandering, digital indicator under my feet!

Good news! Congratulations! I am 9 pounds from goal, lost over 100. It is a vast improvement! You're gonna love it!

I got that "easy way out" crack quite a few times. I am looking for an appropriate circumstance to pull up my shirt, show my scars, and say, "Does this look easy to you?!" When I decide that they deserve an explanation I tell them of my struggle with chemo, steroids, hormone shots, etc. from prostate cancer treatment al of which made losing weight next to impossible. Most of the time that brings them down from their lofty seat of judgement.