Geminidrive

I agree! I really can't get my head around why all the shenangan's some go through, hiding what you eat, the concocted stories about what surgery you had. Any time you have to put that much effort into something to benefit others it is in my opinion unnecessary stress. Oh, Snapper is a very tasty fish.

Cmon now......Hmmmm, are you eating for yourself or the strangers? The healthy portion is what your sleeve can handle, don't worry about the strangers.

Vietnam Veterans and Lupus foundation.
Both will pick up from your home and provide you with a tax receipt. Links below:
http://www.scheduleapickup.com/
http://www.lupus.org/webmodules/webarticlesnet/templates/new_donateotherways.aspx?articleid=1190&zoneid=47

do you have any regrets? NO
Anything you wish you would have done before surgery? NO
Do you regret getting the surgery? NO
What about afterward? NO
Also, did you tell people beforehand that you were getting it done? I told only a few people because it was very busy at work and I didn't have time to field/answer questions.
But if you had people that were not supportive, how did you deal with it? My circle both professionally and personally are phenomenal, thankfully I did not have to worry about that.

do you have any regrets? NO
Anything you wish you would have done before surgery? NO
Do you regret getting the surgery? NO
What about afterward? NO
Also, did you tell people beforehand that you were getting it done? I told only a few people because it was very busy at work and I didn't have time to field/answer questions.
But if you had people that were not supportive, how did you deal with it? My circle both professionally and personally are phenomenal, thankfully I did not have to worry about that.

I am a very open book and will tell everyone who asks what I did - I'm pre sleeve right now. I think the only way to change the stigma about WLS is for those who have it to speak up about it- and be very honest about the benefits and challenges. In my experience, if you don't experience something personally, you really don't understand it or know how it feels- whether it's obesity, infertility, death of a parent, sibling, cancer, a chronic illness, etc. I don't want to assume or demand that a person be educated about something that they are not personally involved in. They will just pick up what they know from people around them and the media- no in depth knowledge. For example, I struggle with infertility too, for four years I've had to deal with comments from my Grandmother about when we are going to start a family, don't we want kids, etc. From my cousin I got the typical "well just relax and it'll happen" line. I opened up and told her how I was feeling, how long we'd been trying, what infertility involves, what tests (emotional and physical pain & humilation) we had to go through, what a miracle it is to get pregnant in the first place- everything has to go right at exactly the right time...etc. She was flabbergasted and had no idea some people had that problem...she popped out three kids right in a row. The more we tell people about our surgery- those who want to listen and really want to know, the faster the true face of WLS can be seen in public! Be patient with people and understand that there are a lot of misperceptions out there! Educate them!

Hocus Pocus Focus!!! LOL
.....and this too will pass.

Hocus Pocus Focus!!! LOL
.....and this too will pass.

I have been open but I had my surgery 6 days ago and you be surprised about how many ppl has had it locally when I was doing my pre op testing the lady that was taking blood from me had it and she look amazing then when I went to the hospital to pay my copay the cashier said she had it and it was the best thing that ever happens to her then the day if surgery the chaplain who came to see me said he had the surgery and it was the best thing he's ever done last but less my case manager after surgery came in my room to explain my post op care and she said she had it and had nothing put good things to say its no reason to lie its becoming more normal then not to see and kno that ppl are resulting to weightloss surgery it sure help me knowing these ppl had had it done

I'm not one to over-share, and like you I believe privacy is very important. On the other hand, I also feel that lying and concocting fabricated stories takes too much energy. I don't believe in lying. I won't/don't let others opinions of me and my life choices bother me, but then again I'm not the type that will cower and allow others to humiliate me either. I get it that others may not have to strength or courage to stand up for themselves, not me. I guess I'm just a confident person and refuse to be anything else. Oh, and no worries I didn't take your post as confrontational.
Nobody can make you feel inferior without your consent - Eleanor Roosevelt

Honesty is such a lonely word
Everyone is so untrue
Honesty is hardly ever heard
And mostly what I need from you
Billy Joel

I still love food, I just make different choices now, and of course smaller portions. I see where the majority of people say this is hard, but I haven't found this to be the case for me. Perhaps it will get harder.....if so, I'm up for the challenge.

She is just stating her opinion and everyone does not have to agree with the choices that you make. I would thank her and advise her that I made my decision. They are physicians and are helpful, but the choice is yours. If she is a good physician I would continue to see her.

Say THANK YOU, smile and keep going.

Mental preparation is key

FABULOUS!

Pole dancing. I've always wanted to take the classes but knew I was too big for the pole. I heard it is a phenomenal exercise, it may look easy but it isn't.

Say THANK YOU, smile and keep going.

Say THANK YOU, smile and keep going.

Say THANK YOU, smile and keep going.

Thanks Suzanne. Appreciate that you understand we all have choices. So important we question our surgeons on hows & whys & be aware of most up to date proven techniques/options available for Vertical Sleeve surgery.
Since I didn't stay in a US hospital, rates of infection did not concern me. But by going home that night you could say my infection rate was ZERO since I didn't get an infection.
Curious, Googled worlds top ranked weight loss surgeons and NOTHING came up. How do you come up with Aceves being in top 25 in world? Understand I am not saying he isn't...one of my SoCal buddies was happy with her experience, but I want facts, not just statements. (My career is showing)
Need you provide a link to independent (not published by hospital or surgery center Aceves is associated with in any way) national articles/news reports (as I cited three sources above) that lists Aceves being top 25 in world as stated. Yes, I trust you, but verify your information so others here have content not just opinions. So many surgeons bio's state how they are weight loss pioneers...but do we as patients ever question how they are the best...the top.
Throwing out statistics without facts is unacceptable. Please back up statements with sources or state that your statements are opinions...not facts. It is acceptable to say your surgeon is best in your opinion. I like that you are proud. I am proud of your results and help to others.
Can you provide any other links from outside sources that list Aceves as pioneer? (as I sited with my surgeon) What ongoing education does he take to improve his skills or is he stagnate and not up on latest VSG techniques?
I self paid for my surgery, insurance did not cover it.
Outpatient surgery is not for those who have no support. As you can see by the video, lady in video is mid-50's, not that much younger than you and she had an amazing recovery as you view her 2 days after VSG. For people researching WLS they need to understand that many surgeons, not just mine, are doing outpatient surgery with same results as seen in nationally televised show about VSG surgery.
Me too. I would recommend my surgeon...if you can get an appointment. Many people here have had success with his partner though.
Looking forward to reading all of the outside articles, outside ratings & medical research firms who seek out Aceves advice. Thanks in advance to for all of your time!
Hugs - I love my sleeve and have no regrets.

Not dry mouth, but my lips get dry and coated. Not pretty.

Hi Miss Lady, Unlike many people, I told EVERYONE that I would be having the surgery!! I felt accountable that way. That includes my 20 and 14 year old daughters. I did not ask for their opinion. I only asked that thy support and respect my decision. When the naysayers would have their say I would smile and except the challenge to prove them wrong. Our decisions about our weight and health are very personal and I was not about to let anyone still the opportunity for me to do what was best for me and something just for me. While I totally understand the emotional roller coaster that comes with this journey, it has been sooo worth it. Walk in faith and get ready to be blessed with a HAPPIER, HEALTHIER life. 4 months later and 50 pounds lighter, now they all love the new me and they want to know more about the surgery. Heck, my BFF is on board and embarking on the journey. All the best to you... the New Healthier YOU!!

Nothing surprises me, some aren't ready for the commitment.

Chinese food can be torture. I stick with the chicken satays, and maybe some steamed veggies. I hope you feel better. Have you had your post-op lab check up yet?