Momonanomo

I sadly agree.

I read a post by someone who was within a week post op who was having problem getting liquids in. I suggested sugar free popsicles, because that's what helped me. Pretty benign, right? Well I guess not!

Fairly quickly, someone went to the trouble to actually quote me, then say "No, no, no! Drink G2!" Now, either answer is reasonable advice; these are suggestions. I personally find G2 intolerable, but to each his or her own--- who cares? My point is there was neither a right nor a wrong. But why would someone feel the need to be so aggressive? The only thing I can think of is that this person gets validation from such behavior-- and probably this person is ONLY getting validation from being rude on the message boards. It was so absurd that I didn't bother to reply and honestly, it turned me off of the boards. It's not worth fussing over, but it was REALLY off-putting. I'm now just not as active on the boards as I used to be. I think to myself: if THIS is what makes you feel important -- then it's all yours, there ya go. Pretty sad really.

So, all I can say is, when people are bullies like that on here, I just consider what may be the source of it.

QUOTE:

I am strongly considering the Lap Band and I am trying to find out as much as I can about every aspect of the decision. I have done research on the good and the bad, one thing that I am not sure about right now is the loose skin issue, have you had much of a problem with that.

How funny, I almost included that my skin isn’t so bad and I never had hair loss (2 things many people are concerned about), but the blog entry was so long already! Btw, I did not have the lap band; I had the sleeve. I applaud you for doing the research – I did too and I felt that for ME, the sleeve was the answer. Turns out I was right!

But since you asked – I do not have a significant problem with loose skin. I am 42 so it’s certainly not perfect, but I’m not going for perfect --- besides that, it’s early & only time will tell the end result. I knew going into this that severely loose skin was a possibility, and there are so many variables (genetics being one of them). For me it’s not severe, but even if it was, I had decided that it was a small price to pay to get to a healthier weight where I physical felt better, could move more easily, could take some pressure off my knees, feet, and back. The risk of loose skin was worth it to me to improve my overall quality of life. I stopped snoring, so my husband and I both sleep better. I have more energy, and I have hope for the future. For me, the possibility of loose skin was not a determining factor when I thought about all the other reasons I needed to lose weight.

I have heard a theory that with lap band you lose more slowly and thus can possibly reduce the risk of loose skin? I have no idea if that’s true, and I don’t think there’s any way to prove that because like I said, genetics plays such a strong role in your skin’s condition. As does staying hydrated, keeping the skin moisturized, eating healthy fats (which I believe kept my hair from thinning), along with how long were you obese, how obese were you, and what is your age. See – so many factors it’s impossible to know until you get there. So, think about all the other benefits of getting to a healthy weight, and decide – is it worth it to have the possibility of loose skin? For me, it was.

Awesome awesome awesome! Your surgery was a couple of months before mine so we're in the same graduation class so to speak I am so stoked to hear you've reached (and passed!) goal!

You've done SO well and you're very inspiring to me & hope I can get to my goal as well You look gorgeous! And happy and healthy! All the hard work you've done has obviously paid off!

Congratulations!!!!!!!!!!!

my mother use to say when she was around 85 that she, my father and brother should go on a bus and let the bus go over the cliff. My SIL added her father (he is now 96)to the list and my husband added his mother (90) to the list. It is funny but not funny.

I have had the same thought -- but then I think about the people who would have to risk their lives just to recover the vehicle from the bottom of the cliff

I don't want to be morbid, but you might find interesting the story of Martin Manley. I applaud his philosophy and what he did is certainly very...well, thought provoking. Here's an article about him: http://news.msn.com/us/martin-manley-details-suicide-sets-off-treasure-hunt

Even now after all these months, his website gets so many hits that you can't usually get to it. But there is a mirror site that was set up (the link is in the article but here it is too: http://www.zeroshare.info/ )

It's really fascinating...and like I said, thought -provoking. He's kind of a hero I think. Not sure if I agree 100% with every thing he said/ did....but what he did he thoroughly thought out and was extremely practical about and ... wow.

Please don't anyone jump on me if you disagree with the subject of the article/website. I am merely sharing access to information.

And much love.

I am so sorry you are having to go through this, and I completely agree with you on your rant.

God bless. I'm sending you much love.

Omg L i just saw your post....like 7 months later You are so sweet to make that offer! Now dr comes to maui for my appts yes mary asked me a goal & i said 150....butimgoing to try to go for 145....

I'm not really going to comment on the "easy way out" stuff, because everyone here absolutely knows what that's about.

You are a wonderful, caring, compassionate woman to have those feelings about the others who are struggling. I guess it's like survivors guilt in a way. You can't be responsible for saving all these people. You can, however, be kind to them, and treat them as you wanted to be treated when you were in that condition. You can share your story if and when it's appropriate. I've chosen to keep my surgery private, but at work if one of the people here that I work with who are obese were to ask me what my "secret" is to losing weight I would tell them. It would be cruel not to I think. But, if they don't ask me, I will not give unsolicited testimony to them.

People know that WLS exists -- it's not a big secret in this day and age. Some choose not to go that route, and it is their choice. We made the choice that was best for us. There are a myriad of reasons the people you see haven't chosen surgery. You are not responsible for those reasons.

Try to enjoy your choice, your empowerment, your health. You might also consider talking with a counselor about these feelings -- just to help you sort through them. Extreme weight loss is not just about changing the body -- it can really do a number on your head as well.

Omg look how cute you are! Can totally tell you work out - your posture is nice & strong. Im sure thats also confidence! You've done such an amazing job!

You are going to do great. I can tell this by the way you are handling this. You have admitted what you did -- you are not in denial, you are not asking permission nor forgiveness. You have identified the reasons WHY you did it. You have created a strategy to keep it from happening again.

I too have issues with carbs - MAJOR ADDICTION. I can tell you that the time immediately after surgery will allow you to detox completely. After that you should think long and hard about reintroducing bread, etc. But find some comfort knowing that the sleeve will help you during the detox part.

I wish you success,and I believe you can conquer the Carb Monster!!!

Awesome Awesome Awesome! Good job!

I think you are a wonderful, sweet, thoughtful wife, and he will LOVE your surprise! Your post brought tears to my eyes. You have a wonderful husband, and you will be rewarding him for his love & devotion by becoming a healthier, happier you. Be honest with him about why you didn't want to have the rings up-sized, he'll understand and be glad you shared that with him.

There is every reason to believe that you will get to a healthy weight -- isn't this journey amazing? It has given hope to those of us who thought we were doomed. I wish you every bit of luck and an early "Happy Anniversary!"

Awww thank you!!

I sooooo look forward to being where you are!

This is a good one, that i had somehow missed. Thanks for reposting!

I agree with Mokee -- go ahead and get rid of them. Maybe take a QUICK paw through them and pull out a couple of special things, but get rid of the rest. As you progress on your weight loss journey, you will have earned the right to buy new things

as I read your post, I am sipping my green smoothie similar to what you're describing! Mine is: organic baby kale, local organic fresh pineapple, 1/4 small avocado, 1/2 oz raw almonds, and vanilla protein powder. I'm 2 months out from surgery & have been doing these nutriblasts for a few weeks. I have felt a LOT better since I started drinking them-- more energy, more 'regular', etc., and it's reassuring to me to know I'm getting my fruits & veggies in. At meals I pretty much only have room for the protein So I can say from experience that your plan is a good one!

Re #25: you have always motivated me You are the trail blazer!

I'm so happy for you girl!

awww thanks I'm blushing

LOL I may post pics soon......maybe.......

This is a really great blog entry! So true all those things that affect the scale --- very wise words. I'm blown away by how well you'e done -- 80 lbs! Gone! And it seems like just yesterday that you were going in for surgery Your hard work -- and I believe you ARE working hard to be spending all that time in the gym! -- it's all paying off and will for the rest of your life. Well done my friend very inspiring.

Hi ornurse as for the green smoothies -- I use a nutribullet blender to do a smoothie with 1/2 fruit and 1/2 green leafy vegetable (I've so far used kale, spinach, and chard) I add my protein shake powder to these. I had felt like my body was really missing fruits & vegetables since durign my meals I only eat protein -- that's all there's room for right now! I do feel a lot better since I started doing this, and I have more energy. I recommend it to anyone!

Thanks Angela! Good luck to you as well! My pre-op diet was very similar. I remember that it was easier than I had thought it was going to be, and I beleive it's because I was thinking of it as being preparation for surgery, not just any old diet. I am really glad that I practiced not drinking with meals at that time too, because now I'm used to it.

thanks! it's not a super steep hill ....but not flat either. Just beyond it there is a part that is much steeper -- that is my next challenge!

I've read here on VST some others experienced temporary blurred vision from the anestesia. I didn't, but i believe what you are experiencing is temporary so try not to worry.

As far as nausea & fluids....i was the exact same way. I had about 3 rough days & since then i am better every day. Just go slow and keep trying small, routine sips of your fluids. Try to also move around a bit as much of the bloated feeling is from the gas they use for laproscopy. Between sipping & walking like it is your job in life , stay as comfy as possible and rest.

Soon you will be able to get more protein and when that gets better you will be feeling tons better! Hang in there!

Yaaaaay! I know you had to go through a lot to get here! I am so happy for you and glad you kept your chin up through it all. I am certain it will be worth it!

Now I wish you a speedy recovery best of luck to you and welcome to the other side !

He seems to be doing well with it. I have made a special point to recognize what this all has meant to him and how it has affected him, and Ive tried to give lots of positive reinforcement. For example, I made a point to thank him profusely for the TLC he gave during my recovery, and I continue to show gratitude. I also acknowledged that him having to watch me go through surgery must have been really scary and nerve-racking, and I was sorry he had to go through that & see me in the hospital. Sometimes it means the world to just validate your loved one's feelings, ya know? But now that I seem to get better exponentially every single day....I believe he would agree this was the right decision.

You are SO funny!