PonyUp

Hello, Spring, Summer and late Fall I am actively riding my horse (trail riding, some trotting and loping, some cattle work--but mostly trail), but I am wondering those of you that ride how soon your were able to ride, how many hours and saddle lifting, etc...your overall experience. I am not sure how I am going to get away without riding with friends for a month or more (ONLY my husband knows)...but I can blame it on other activities going on for maybe several weeks. Anyhow, please share your experience. Thanks.

I am not going to tell ANYONE and if I could get away with not telling husband I would (I fear he will tell one person and then the whole town will know!). In fact, I have not told him yet. Trying to work up the nerve. I plan on telling people starting out that I am walking, and eating very carefully and working my way up to more intense exercise...then they will see me at the gym. All my friends are in shape (they do work at it) and look great...I don't want their opinions. Plus I live in "very small town USA" and it is no exaggeration if one person knows your business than everyone is likely to know your business! However, I do plan on getting plastic surgery (boob and face lift) once I lose the weight and I have no problem sharing that information (probably because half of my friends have and half of the town has! So...there is less stigma). Thank goodness for the support of other forum members...it has helped me, since I cannot vent or express to friends or family.

At the pre-op stage, with surgery date of April 10th, so question....what does IU stand for? So, some people are just taking one pill a week of 50,000mg? Some are taking x amount daily ....hmmm....I have no idea what my Vit d level is.

I can't wait until I lose enough weight to easily get up on my horse and into the saddle---rather than wallering onto him, which he is so kind and patient because it definitely is NOT comfortable for him either. To think he will lose eventually around 80-90 pounds off of his back to pack...I will be happy for us both. Yes, I am looking forward to sexy panties and bras too...but I might have to have a breast lift and implants once I lose the weight! I am looking forward to clothes shopping and looking stylish again.

I too decided on Dr. Aceves and I am scheduled for April 10th for the vsg. I have all sorts of pre-jitters, but none in concerns to the Dr. I chose. I am worried about how I will handle drinking all the time, i am worried about my hair falling out along with my weight and looking sickly. i also wonder if my expectations of feeling overall better within a month or two of the surgery are fantasy or will come to fruition. this weight has me feeling sluggish, tired all the time. i read in some posts how tired people still are afterwards, but others seem to feel physically (not just emotionally because they look better) more energetic. i hope the weight loss will help me feel better and inspire me to work out.

I have yet to have my surgery (scheduled April 10! Dr. Aceves), but like most I have done a lot of research. Originally, I was going to go with Dr. Kelly--many patients just rave about him and I personally spoke to a few patients of his--all good, but because of some recent controversy on this forum on Dr. Kelly, unfortunatley, whether true or not I just was not comfortable with it. I have also read nothing but good about Dr. Garcia--the only near negative comment or info I saw on this forum was his total lenghth of practice time on his own in comparison to all the other top/most popular Doctors mentioned on this forum (Dr. Almanza, Alvarez, Kelly, Garcia, Aceves). Just keep digging and you will find a decision you are comfortable with!

So, I have done the IMPORTANT research and think I will be choosing Dr. Aceves, but now I am onto some of the vanity questions...It appears not all doctors are the same when it comes to incisions--size and whether they suture or glue. Of course, I prefer smaller incisions and it appears the glue works better for looks than stitches. I would prefer not to have a drain but will discuss with Dr. Any comments or comparison of Doctors would be interesting. Thanks,

where do you get a compression garment? are there different styles? any brands better than others?

The best information and studies I have seen on sleeve size and the short and long term results. Some studies indicate a 36f, 40f minimize GERD and that the weight loss long term is as successful as 32f. Also, the technique of over sewing the sleeve reduces size. Also, there are other informative links in this article http://www.obesityhelp.com/member/carmelita/blog/2011/03/31/-2/ More studies on large sleeves (THIS IS ONLY an ABSTRACT. Also, rarely do you see the larger size ever used or discussed nowadays—as discussed in the article above); http://www.soard.org/article/S1550-7289%2808%2900358-4/abstract Any additional comments, or links are greatly appreciated as I am trying to determine if I want a 40f (which will be oversewn to a 38f). Or if I will go with the 36f which will be oversewn to a 34.

The best information and studies I have seen on sleeve size and the short and long term results. Some studies indicate a 36f, 40f minimize GERD and that the weight loss long term is as successful as 32f. Also, the technique of over sewing the sleeve reduces size. http://www.obesityhelp.com/member/carmelita/blog/2011/03/31/-2/ More studies on large sleeves (THIS IS ONLY an ABSTRACT. Also, rarely do you see the larger size ever used or discussed nowadays—as discussed in the article above); http://www.soard.org/article/S1550-7289%2808%2900358-4/abstract

Unfortunately, I have dealt with this chronically since 15 and having a child did not help. And I am glad you brought this up, because I think it could be an even bigger problem for me after the WLS surgery I have yet to have. I do not think, for me it is all about diet, but some other issue--perhaps hereditary (since I know of two men in my family--all healthy eaters and active that have also had) I would like to get them cut out, but I might have to wait and go back to Mexico for that, which I plan on doing several months after my WLS surgery in Mexico . But for you it probably is just going to be an adjustment in diet, sitz baths, drinking liquids.

I realize 32f is now the standard, but I was wondering if anyone has gotten the 40f and if so by what Dr. and why did you decide that? Also, what were your short and long term results (food intake, restriction, weight-loss). Thanks!