firelle

Since the "ONE post" thing keeps getting brought up as a negative thing for some reason.... I guess I'd have to ask what other posts you guys think the OP should have made before this, and why? It's not like they're interested in Protein shake reviews, or want to ask questions or post recipe ideas for crying out loud.
When I did a google search for "vertical sleeve gastrectomy", this forum is the second search result after a medical encyclopedia definition page. This forum is huge and states that it's the #1 place to talk about this surgery.
Now I may be jumping out on a limb here, but this seems to be the perfect place for someone to be who wants to get their sister's story heard. The OP came here, made an account, and posted their sister's story. That only takes 1 post to accomplish.

I'm still pre-op as well and my first dream went like this...
I am in my hospital room and I've already had surgery. My cousin, who has always been a beanpole was there and she had also had the surgery. Since we were awake, we decided we should start walking to help with the gas. We made our way downstairs and found ourselves in the hospital cafeteria. We thought we felt well enough so we both got a cup of Water to start sipping. Next thing I know my cousin is looking at me with her mouth gaping open in horror. I say, "what?". She shouts, "Why are you drinking BEER?!" I looked down at my hands on the table and in one hand was my cup of Water, but in the other I held a half-drank bottle of Michelob Ultra. I was angry at her for calling me out on this and snarled back, "Well it IS a clear liquid!" We sat in silence and finished our drinks, then decided we had been gone from our rooms long enough and better get back. Next thing I know I'm lying in my hospital bed with my stomach hugely swollen up and hurting and the Doctor standing over me shaking his head. He said, "This is not normal, we will have to re-operate immediately." I felt so ashamed of myself that I actually woke up!
Next up, only a few weeks ago, I dreamed this....
I was at the airport waiting on my flight. It was dark and uncomfortable, and very crowded. Everyone was impatient. When I went to check my bag it had fallen open some how and I noticed that everything in my bag was wrong!! I had my husband's leather jacket, my son's tattered blanket...but nothing that I needed for my trip! I was holding up the line, so stuffed it all back in as best I could and decided I would have to just make do without it. Next up was the ticket counter. I handed over my ticket and the lady asked for my picture ID. It was then that I realized I had forgotten my wallet at home so no ID, no debit cards, no passport...I was screwed!! I was stressing out over what to do, how was i going to fix this?? Why did I forget something so important?? The ticket counter lady suggested a later flight, but that would mean driving 3 hours round trip to get my wallet and for some reason that meant I would be making everyone else LATE as well. I was devastated.
Needless to say, since having these dreams I haven't had a beer since new years eve, and my bag is already packed WITH my passport card and ID a month early! LOL

Since the "ONE post" thing keeps getting brought up as a negative thing for some reason.... I guess I'd have to ask what other posts you guys think the OP should have made before this, and why? It's not like they're interested in Protein shake reviews, or want to ask questions or post recipe ideas for crying out loud.
When I did a google search for "vertical sleeve gastrectomy", this forum is the second search result after a medical encyclopedia definition page. This forum is huge and states that it's the #1 place to talk about this surgery.
Now I may be jumping out on a limb here, but this seems to be the perfect place for someone to be who wants to get their sister's story heard. The OP came here, made an account, and posted their sister's story. That only takes 1 post to accomplish.

Since the "ONE post" thing keeps getting brought up as a negative thing for some reason.... I guess I'd have to ask what other posts you guys think the OP should have made before this, and why? It's not like they're interested in Protein shake reviews, or want to ask questions or post recipe ideas for crying out loud.
When I did a google search for "vertical sleeve gastrectomy", this forum is the second search result after a medical encyclopedia definition page. This forum is huge and states that it's the #1 place to talk about this surgery.
Now I may be jumping out on a limb here, but this seems to be the perfect place for someone to be who wants to get their sister's story heard. The OP came here, made an account, and posted their sister's story. That only takes 1 post to accomplish.

They said "In the month after her May surgery" but did not state which May, nor that it was last year, etc. Why on earth would people decide that was this May? Those would not be the "facts" it would actually be supposition, and an incorrect one at that.

Given that I was unfortunate enough to go through much of what this person's sister has gone through I certainly feel they have a right to their opinion. Just because you disagree with it does not mean they shouldn't be given the same level of respect that someone who is gung ho for this surgery gets.
I am no idiot. I researched my surgery and physician quite well and I am a strong advocate for my care, and yet, when you are the person dying you might be in a position where you just can't fight. You're too weak, drugged up, whatever, it's hard and for anyone to question a person's ability at that time that has never experienced that level of suffering...well that's not fair and should be apologized for.
While this case is extreme, and thank god mine wasn't that bad, I also faced the future without being able to eat again due to the decay of my tissues and the difficulty in repairing them. It's a very real issue. If this is a troll it's a troll who has experienced something of this because they understand the process that the damage can take. I doubt it's a troll. Likely it's someone who's heart has been broken by what has happened to their family member who just wants to see no one else suffer like this. To be beat up for that is really kind of crappy. One post or one hundred...they deserve some respect.
OP I'm so sorry about your sister's condition. I and many others here have been down that road, though not to the extent she has been. I'm sorry for your pain, and actually agree with you in many cases. This surgery is preformed far too often and we see more and more stories like this because of it. I think about a third of the people who have the surgery should. Write your local media and representatives. This story should be told. I'd love to see people like me NOT be able to have this surgery. Not because I'm an idiot or didn't research, but because it's not a good choice for many. There are other options that should be exhausted first.

I'm really dissapointed to see the way you're acting on this topic. Despite the fact that the story may be false, it's just not appropriate to repeatedly attack someone like you're doing.
To the OP: I'm very sorry to hear about your sister. This is a very dangerous surgery and it's also taken very seriously. That is why psych evaluations and nutritionist meetings are required for almost every insurance.
Thank you for outlining how important it is to research this surgery, not only to make sure it's right for you but also to know what is happening to your body. It's also very important to sit and talk to your surgeon about their procedures and ensure that testing is done prior to the surgeon sending you home. Every surgeon should do a leak test before they close up after surgery. My surgeon submerges the sleeve and checks for air leaks and there's also a swallow test and x-ray the day after surgery before I got to drink anything.
This is the very reason so many of us are so serious about this surgery. It has real consequences and not getting proper care can be devestating.

While you may strongly disagree with the OP, there is no need to resort to name calling. The name caller is the one put in an unfavorable light, and it is against the forum policies.

What a tragic story. So sorry to hear about her unfortunate post op. we are all made aware of the risks involved, including death. This is just a choice we decide on to improve our quality of life. I'm sure that was what your sister was planning on as well. It's very obvious how much you love your sister and how knowledgable you are with the medical terms and equipment. I'm a nurse and I can tell you care. However, on that note it is important not to judge others on what they choose to do with their bodies. Who are we to judge how a person lives, eats, dresses, etc. you can only be there as a loving support to your fellow man. I will pray for you and your sister for improved healing both physically and emotionally. Praying goes a long way. Also counseling is helpful to deal with the anger, confusion and sadness associated with this tragic event. God bless you and to everyone else who feels trapped in a big body. It's not fun but there are solutions.

I'm sorry to hear about your sister. I can't imagine how difficult and scary it's been for her and your whole family. Thanks for sharing her story, and I'm glad you did. I know surgery has its risks, but it's easy to look at a piece of paper that lists the risks, and not really think about it too deeply. It's easy for me to just think about the end result of being thin and healthy, and never give a second thought to any complications that might happen. Your sister's story definitely forced me to get my head out of the clouds. While I am still going the route of surgery, I appreciate you making a serious complication very real for me, and wish your sister and family the best.
You certainly don't sound like an idiot or "mentally challenged" to me, you sound like someone who loves her sister very much and has endured a lot of pain and scares, and wants other people to know her story. I'm sorry the other poster didn't see things that way and had to resort to name calling.

I'm sorry to hear about your sister. I can't imagine how difficult and scary it's been for her and your whole family. Thanks for sharing her story, and I'm glad you did. I know surgery has its risks, but it's easy to look at a piece of paper that lists the risks, and not really think about it too deeply. It's easy for me to just think about the end result of being thin and healthy, and never give a second thought to any complications that might happen. Your sister's story definitely forced me to get my head out of the clouds. While I am still going the route of surgery, I appreciate you making a serious complication very real for me, and wish your sister and family the best.
You certainly don't sound like an idiot or "mentally challenged" to me, you sound like someone who loves her sister very much and has endured a lot of pain and scares, and wants other people to know her story. I'm sorry the other poster didn't see things that way and had to resort to name calling.

I'm sorry to hear about your sister. I can't imagine how difficult and scary it's been for her and your whole family. Thanks for sharing her story, and I'm glad you did. I know surgery has its risks, but it's easy to look at a piece of paper that lists the risks, and not really think about it too deeply. It's easy for me to just think about the end result of being thin and healthy, and never give a second thought to any complications that might happen. Your sister's story definitely forced me to get my head out of the clouds. While I am still going the route of surgery, I appreciate you making a serious complication very real for me, and wish your sister and family the best.
You certainly don't sound like an idiot or "mentally challenged" to me, you sound like someone who loves her sister very much and has endured a lot of pain and scares, and wants other people to know her story. I'm sorry the other poster didn't see things that way and had to resort to name calling.

I'm sorry to hear about your sister. I can't imagine how difficult and scary it's been for her and your whole family. Thanks for sharing her story, and I'm glad you did. I know surgery has its risks, but it's easy to look at a piece of paper that lists the risks, and not really think about it too deeply. It's easy for me to just think about the end result of being thin and healthy, and never give a second thought to any complications that might happen. Your sister's story definitely forced me to get my head out of the clouds. While I am still going the route of surgery, I appreciate you making a serious complication very real for me, and wish your sister and family the best.
You certainly don't sound like an idiot or "mentally challenged" to me, you sound like someone who loves her sister very much and has endured a lot of pain and scares, and wants other people to know her story. I'm sorry the other poster didn't see things that way and had to resort to name calling.

My mom is supportive of me getting surgery (I'm waiting for ins approval right now), but she is already going into preach mode, and it's driving me crazy. She keeps randomly telling me obvious things like that I'll need to exercise a lot and perhaps walk 15 minutes in the morning and 15 minutes after work, and that I'll need to "pay more attention" to nutrition labels and not eat out so often, etc. Yes, mother.

My mom is supportive of me getting surgery (I'm waiting for ins approval right now), but she is already going into preach mode, and it's driving me crazy. She keeps randomly telling me obvious things like that I'll need to exercise a lot and perhaps walk 15 minutes in the morning and 15 minutes after work, and that I'll need to "pay more attention" to nutrition labels and not eat out so often, etc. Yes, mother.

Thanks everyone... I really debated posting this thread - Because it's soooo deep and personal. But it was a release, I found it to be therapeutic! I must admit, I paused several times while writing because I was so emotional.
I'm thankful to have this forum to vent, and release. Not only my weight has weighed my down... Holding on to my feelings, and not being able to confide my experience to friends/family has been difficult.
(Only a few trusted people know of the affair & now my WLS)
I figure... Since my weight is coming off- I might as well lessen my mental load too. Feeling lighter Lol
Thanks <3

You are beautiful, brave, and strong!!

Watch out that the Water isn't too warm! I asked my NUT how hot I can make the water for Unjury chicken Soup Protein Powder, and she said the Protein starts to break down above 140f.

My mom is supportive of me getting surgery (I'm waiting for ins approval right now), but she is already going into preach mode, and it's driving me crazy. She keeps randomly telling me obvious things like that I'll need to exercise a lot and perhaps walk 15 minutes in the morning and 15 minutes after work, and that I'll need to "pay more attention" to nutrition labels and not eat out so often, etc. Yes, mother.

My mom is supportive of me getting surgery (I'm waiting for ins approval right now), but she is already going into preach mode, and it's driving me crazy. She keeps randomly telling me obvious things like that I'll need to exercise a lot and perhaps walk 15 minutes in the morning and 15 minutes after work, and that I'll need to "pay more attention" to nutrition labels and not eat out so often, etc. Yes, mother.

Thanks everyone! I don't know what I would do without this forum. I don't have one single person in my life that is supportive. I feel alone often. But this definitely helps in so many ways!!

I'm so glad I made the decision to have the gastric sleeve surgery. What a life changing experience. I'm still single but that's the least of my worries. I fit in any booth, any chair, from 26 jeans to a 14/16. Shoe size from a 10 to a 9 my foot looks cute and skinny. Size 11 ring to a 9. I finally rode on an airplane and didnt need any extension. I'm sooooo happy people. I'm living life now

I had my surgery 12/10/12. I was 351 when i started my journey. Today I am 295. I am beyond thrilled. I have lost 33 since the surgery date and I even had a 2 week stall.