FibroDiva

In 2012, long before I had made the decision to have surgery, I had pre-paid for a conference in Las Vegas that took place September 2013. I had surgery August 2013 and told my doctor about my planned trip [i live in Chicago]. He would not release me to fly or drive for exactly 30 days. Luckily 30 days was 2 days before my trip. I had to take blood thinner shots for 4 weeks post-op and that led to the risk of bleeding. Be careful and make sure you talk with all your doctors and even try to get a second opinion about flying after surgery.

Thank you. I was able to update my ticker. Now that you ask, I can't remember if it was on the blog or not.

I can see my tickers when a post in topics but I cannot see them on my blog or update them. :-(

Hey ladies, are you able to update your tickers? Can you see them on other areas of the site? I can see my ticker when I post comments but I cannot see it on my blog and I cannot update it.

I've been posting handouts that my personal trainer gave me when I was preop. I started an album that you can see by clicking here. If you cannot view and/or download the items just let me know and I can send you the PDFs.

I'm very pleased that my Fibromyalgia doctor insisted that I go to physical therapy. After about 3 weeks of Fibro oriented PT, my physical therapist then began working in the exercises that my personal trainer suggested. I do see that I am gaining strength and toning. However I can not get rid of the Bat Wings and cottage cheese thighs. They are not as bad as I had feared but they are there.

I've been posting handouts that my personal trainer gave me when I was preop. I started an album that you can see by clicking here. If you cannot view and/or download the items just let me know and I can send you the PDFs.

You're welcome. And Holly Clare if you can think of any, please feel free to add to the list.

Sometimes we [people with Fibromyalgia, women in general, parents, grandparents, older alduts] have to remind ourselves to STOP. We are so use to doing things for others, to putting others first, that we neglect our own needs and health. It has been difficult for me to do this in the past, but since my surgery I have begun to practice putting myself first. Sometimes I have to remind myself of the flight attendants speech, "in case of an emergency, put your oxygen mask on first and then turn to help children and others around you". Here is a list of 10 things we should type up and put on our mirrors or frig to remind us that we need to stop doing in order to take care of ourselves. The following list is from an article written by Adrienne Dellwo for about.com Today I will stop: 1. Overdoing it. 2. Criticizing myself. 3. Blaming myself. 4. Believing other people's negative opinions about me, Fibromyalgia, and weight loss surgery. 5. Having unrealistic positive expectations. 6. Having unrealistic negative expectations. 7. Putting myself last. 8. Giving up on new treatment options and/or lifestyle changes for my Fibro too soon. 9. Letting stress overwhelm my life. 10. Asking why. Click here to read to complete article

When I finally made the decision to go ahead with WLS, the first person I talked to was my Fibro Doctor. He did a work up on me to make sure that my thyroid was working probably and even now, 3 months post-op, still monitors my thyroid. He explained to me that as a person with Fibromyalgia I have a risk of developing thyroid problems and this would counteract any benefits I reap from WLS. Here is a great article on Fibromyalgia's affects on weight.

When I finally made the decision to go ahead with WLS, the first person I talked to was my Fibro Doctor. He did a work up on me to make sure that my thyroid was working probably and even now, 3 months post-op, still monitors my thyroid. He explained to me that as a person with Fibromyalgia I have a risk of developing thyroid problems and this would counteract any benefits I reap from WLS. Here is a great article on Fibromyalgia's affects on weight.

The Food and Drug Administration [FDA] is presenting an opportunity for our voices to be heard. On December 10, 2013, FDA is conducting a public meeting on Fibromyalgia Patient-Focused Drug Development. FDA is interested in obtaining patient input on the impact of fibromyalgia on daily life (topic 1) and currently available therapies to treat the condition (topic 2). The questions for discussion on these topics are located at the bottom of this page. For each of these topics, a panel of patients and patient representatives/advocates will present comments to begin the dialogue and will be followed by a facilitated discussion inviting comments from other patients and patient representatives. If you are interested in providing comments as part of the initial panel discussion, indicate so during the registration process. Participants for the panel discussions will be confirmed prior to the meeting. There will also be an opportunity for patients, patient representatives and others to provide comments on issues other than topics 1 and 2 during an Open Public Comment session. Sign up for Open Public Comment will take place the day of the meeting. Don't worry if you cannot physically attend the meeting in Maryland, you can attend via webcast also. click here for more information.

The food and Drug Administration [FDA] is presenting an opportunity for our voices to be heard. On December 10, 2013, FDA is conducting a public meeting on Fibromyalgia Patient-Focused Drug Development. FDA is interested in obtaining patient input on the impact of fibromyalgia on daily life (topic 1) and currently available therapies to treat the condition (topic 2). The questions for discussion on these topics are located at the bottom of this page. For each of these topics, a panel of patients and patient representatives/advocates will present comments to begin the dialogue and will be followed by a facilitated discussion inviting comments from other patients and patient representatives. If you are interested in providing comments as part of the initial panel discussion, indicate so during the registration process. Participants for the panel discussions will be confirmed prior to the meeting. There will also be an opportunity for patients, patient representatives and others to provide comments on issues other than topics 1 and 2 during an Open Public Comment session. Sign up for Open Public Comment will take place the day of the meeting. Don't worry if you cannot physically attend the meeting in Maryland, you can attend via webcast also. click here for more information.

I am glad to see the new site is up and running. For a moment I was having withdrawal thinking I would not be able to see inspirational posts from the groups I enjoy, Where are the Over 50s, African American Sleevers, Chicago Sleevers and of course Fibromyalgia/chronic pain Sleevers.

I am glad to see the new site is up and running. For a moment I was having withdrawal thinking I would not be able to see inspirational posts from the groups I enjoy, Where are the Over 50s, African American Sleevers, Chicago Sleevers and of course Fibromyalgia/chronic pain Sleevers.

I use to wear sew-ins. Make sure the stylist does not use synthetic hair to braid the tracks.

I'm having enough trouble with Gluten Free/Nightshade free since my family is from New Orleans, I don't think I'm strong enough to go Paleo.

And good luck to you Goslin. I was doing great before the weather changed. I do not do so good when it gets cold and snowy. If you can, ask your Fibro Doctor to prescribe physical therapy about 1 month or so post op. PT helps manage flare ups and fight flab as you begin losing weight. Make sure to ask for liquid, chewable, or dissolveable versions of any pre-op Fibro medications you might be taking.

My Fibro symptoms initially reduced quite a bit after surgery, I think that might be because I started physical therapy immediately [about 1 month]. However, now that it is getting cold I am going into a flare. I always had problems with my hips and with each pound lost I do see gradual improvement. Yes, as you get rid of toxins you will at first feel worse then things get better. Whenever you move back to food try to avoid wheat gluten and nightshades. I found as I began eating these categories of food, they caused flare ups. Good luck

I went to IHOP yesterday with my daughter, son-in-law, and granddaughter. While they ordered regular items, all I ordered was a slice of baked ham. I also tipped as if I had ordered a full meal.

I recently attended a retreat where all kinds of goodies were served nonstop. A waiter asked why I wasn't endulging like all the other attendees. I responded, "I have a rare physical deformity, I don't have a stomach". He replied, "you know when you go out to eat, if you quietly tell your waiter about that, most times you can be accommodated with smaller portions. Don't be embarrassed to speak up and ask for what you need". I've been following his advice. I find if you say you had bariatric surgery, some people don't know what you're talking about.

For once I can say that I am happy to be an over 50 person with Fibromyalgia. My Fibro doc has been after me to get into physical therapy. My insurance required me to see a personal trainer prior to my surgery. The personal trainer gave me a list of exercises that smack of physical therapy so I gave in and started PT about a month after surgery. I've been gradually increasing my activity level and can see improved strength and stamina, and, others say I am winning the battle of the flab. I will work to upload the handouts that the personal trainer and physical therapist pass onto me. Hope they will be of assistance to others here.

Make it 14 things never to say. Here's one my son-in-law said yesterday . . . 14. You have to eat like this for the rest of your life, sucks to be you!

Recently I attended a Fibromyalgia Health and Healing Retreat with my sister and a close friend [both have Fibro and my sister is in the pre-op stage]. Well my friend, who experienced a drastic unplanned weight loss and won't go to the doctor to find out why, was driving me crazy with the following statements. Feel free to add your own statements. 13 Things You Should Never Say to A Sleever You had Bariatric Surgery, you’re losing weight the cheating way!!! I would never have that surgery, I can lose weight whenever I want the natural and real way! You know people who have that surgery all die. How do you drink those nasty shakes? You need to eat more, you’re going to die of malnutrition. OMG, you look like you’re sick now. You didn’t need that surgery, all you had to do was eat less and exercise more. Come on, eat some more, you’re making me look like a pig. Try this, try this, one little bit can’t hurt! Clean your plate, you know it’s wasteful and disrespectful to leave food on your plate. I told a friend about your surgery and showed her your picture, she said she thought you would have been humungous but you weren't so why did you have the surgery. Are you sure having the surgery was the best thing for your health? I can't be seen with you anymore because you're looking better than me.

Fibromyalgia affects each person differently, thus each Fibromyalgia/Chronic Pain Sleever will experience post-op pain and Fibro Flares differently. Hopefully understanding the different types of pre-op FM pain will help you determine your best post-op coping strategies.