VSGKirk

Yes ma'am - was totally just talking for myself! I'm pretty sure I'll never be in a "normal" BMI, but I'll consider being "overweight" a victory! I just want everyone to get to a place where food & weight become non-issues so they can live meaningful lives, without regrets.

It gets better everyone... in fact, it gets FANTASTIC!

I won't spend any more money on surgeries if I fail VSG. Those funds will go to intense psychotherapy to address my eating disorder that allowed me to eat around the restriction. My heart goes out to you and I hope you find something that works for you!

Focus on the social aspect of the cookout. Make each interaction you have a little deeper or meaningful. There is NOTHING at that cookout that is going to taste as good or better than you feeling in control.

Congrats and welcome to the loser's bench. I look forward to reading all about your journey!

Heating pads and recliners....ahhhhhhhhh! Now yer talkin' - Sounds like a lovely lovely time!

I've never felt better. I will take loose skin over a slow suicide any day! I've actually been sick less, no allergies, no asthma, no lower back pain! I was a little freaked out the day before surgery, but I knew I was about to do something that was going to be transformative and got through it - and I am so glad I did. By far the best decision I've ever made! Good luck to you!!!

I hope you at least will feel better with the band out and as your liver heals - that's good, right!? I believe everything happens for a reason, so if your surgeon said it was too risky, then good for him - you have a good/ethical surgeon. Trust his advice and be patient. July is merely weeks away - don't be discouraged, use this time to start preparing for your new life - you are going to have an AMAZING Christmas

I didn't experience the dreaded shoulder pain phenonomon - but I would imagine if Gas-X and walking don't help, it may just be something that you need to ride out like a bad cold. Sucky advice, I know - but I know you will feel better with each day that passes!!! Congrats and welcome to the Loser's Bench!

I agree with Butterfly - if I have any pressure or discomfort, walking is always the best remedy!

I've taken omeprazole daily since surgery date (prescribed) and I've not had any sour stomach or heartburn at all.

I say this with genuine sincerity and concern: Please get into intense psychotherapy to address your eating disorder.

I am horrible and going to hell for this, but... did it cross anybody's mind that the lap band device manufacturers might have perhaps offered him an "incentive" to use their product? That's the only reason that makes sense to me. I mean he is a high profile person and they might be trying to get a little more life ($$$) out of their dangerous, obsolete product. food for thought - don't shoot me!!

So.. what's wrong with a few dried out, mummified lost cats? I hear they make a great low carb/high Protein snack!

Auction off your red speedo shorts to the highest bidder and use those funds for fun treatments!

You look fantastic - great job buddy!!

The best thing - I have a lot of time to focus on other things now that I'm not constantly struggling with physical pain, food and/or guilt. The worst thing - I have a lot of time to focus on other things now that I'm not constantly struggling with physical pain, food and/or guilt. WLS is not the answer to life's problems...but it sure frees up a lot of time to work on the things that may have caused the problem to begin with. I feel more "normal" than I ever have in my entire adult life and wish this would have been an option for me decades ago. In regards to support - You could definitely make a case that this forum and the WLS YouTube community are a HUGE peer support/resource for you. I would turn to this board daily post op and found it to be much more helpful than a once a week or month in-person group. Your food addiction isn't going to disappear with WLS, in fact, it may make you even MORE miserable because you will not be able to satiate those compulsions/feelings. You will need a lot of professional support for sure. Good luck to you - and give yourself a pat on the back for already starting the process by reaching out and telling your story!

The video that corresponds to my post - plus a special dedication at the end!

Pinky!!! You're giving way too much power to a number on a scale!!! Take it back, get out of your head and back into your new, healthy, wonderful life and do something especially fun with your daughter!!

Greek yogurt - I never ate it before surgery and now love it! In your later stages, you can eat things like quinoa salads, cheese enchiladas, meatless chilis, lots of choices - you'll essentially eat whatever you did before, just in smaller (much smaller) portions. I dont restrict carbs, sugar, calories - I track and target protein and fluid intake only. It just so happens with just targeting protein and fluid, the carbs, sugar and calories stay naturally low! Your surgical center should have a nutritionist on staff that should provide you with a very detailed diet plan for both veg and non-vegetarian patients. If not? Yikes, that scares me - but I know this VST community will come to the rescue!

Wow, sounds like a rough start! I was on an acid reducer from day 1 - it may take a week or so for your new one to kick in. How much fluid are you getting in? That alone can make a HUGE difference in how you're feeling. Dehydration is easy and it's the worst feeling. I do yogurt everyday for breakfast (that might be really helpful for you after all of those antibiotics) and lots of homemade soups or chilis - even at 19 weeks out, I am ultra protective of my new stomach and just tend to gravitate to those items that will digest easily, provide me with protein, fluid and fiber. Hang in there, it gets easier!!!

I just got back from Disneyland and 2 cruises last week and lost 5 lbs. As long as you're going to be resting (a lot), you should be fine because there are always fresh yogurts to be found, nice pureed Soups at all of the meals and the wait staff will accommodate just about any request. I stocked my cabin's fridge with Protein drinks to supplement as well. Walking laps on a cruise ship can be quite nice!

Don't sweat the psych eval - they have a vested interest in you "passing". Just be yourself, be honest and remember, they aren't expecting a person who is in complete control of everything in their lives (including food) to walk-in. The more honest and upfront you are about your struggles, the more it will reflect insight and self-awareness which are all crucial to a successful WLS journey.

You're still healing. Your body could go through all kind of swings. Weigh yourself once a week and just stick to the plan. Then, come back to this post a year from now and laugh your skinny ass off!