Dr-Patient

Okay...this topic is a joke, right? :-) I'm with Pepper and my girl, VSGAnn...hell no!!!!!!!

You could also "rip" your esophagus from a lot of vomiting. It's called a 'Mallory-Weiss' tear. Sounds like you really need to S--L--O--W D--O--W--N. Sip a little. wait. wait. wait. sip again. We all had to learn that, and (if like me), am still needing to be reminded to s.l.o.w. d.o.w.n. I'm surprised you didn't do Clear Liquids first.

For early exercise during the first few weeks post-op, I drove to "big box stores" like Sam's, Wal-Mart and Target. Holding the cart, and pacing myself, I slowly walked most/all the aisles. Easy. Supported by the cart, in case I got tired. Just don't see it as a shopping excursion; you'll end up broke. Just walk. Have fun. PS: Take a bottle of Water, etc. to sip, sip, sip.

Hot da**, girl! You look fantastic!

Pride is not your friend. Go see your doctor.

What does your surgeon say about your stomach--size? ghrelin? Any innervation damage [nerve damage], maybe after the band? Did you have erosion into your stomach or anything? What size bougie did he/she use? Was it too big, maybe, and didn't give you enough restriction?

I'm not using the word "strugging" for what I'm doing. I'm just not doing what I know I should do, and hence, have actually gained 6 pounds. [in fact, I signed in to change my ticker, because in honesty, I am NOT '184' anymore. Groan.] Like you, I'm just over a year post-VSG; mine, Dec. 4, 2013. But I admit I got lazy after I hit Onederland in May. I DO want to get to ~165-170 by April, so...after I whittle down this food I cooked for Super Bowl guests [ribs.chicken salad. chili. pizza [toppings]--mostly stuff I can eat without too much guilt], I will get back on the high protein-only regimen and start moving again. I'm not beating myself up too much since I KNOW it's ME, not the VSG "not working." I don't have the LB experience, so I hope that someone who did the LB-->VSG switch can share their advice with you. Just know you're not alone with some of the fluctuations (of weight and mental energy) we experience. Let us carry on!

Not one complication. None at all, thank God.

I'm shocked every time that I can now park in the lot outside the main floor of the mall--where the regular sizes are--instead of parking on the upper level--where the Shop for Women is located. I don't have to go to that department anymore. I'm still surprised that I am no longer a 22, 20, 18, 16 [even 14, for some items]. But if I don't get my butt in gear (and avoid those dang potato chips), ... I've been stuck at 185-190 for 4 months now. Pray for me!!

Check out the Jan. 26 issue of PEOPLE magazine, pgs 80-86. Deborah Voight once lost her gig due to her weight. Had GBS, lost 100 pounds, had skin removal, slipped into alcoholism but is now doing well. Just an FYI.

Can you dipstick your urine? Your ketones might be crazy high. Some folks get cranky. Or, are you lamenting re: food?

I'm NOT a professional chef; but one of my greatest fears was not being able to cook for others, cook a lot of food and if I was going to be despondent that I couldn't eat a lot of food, etc. I can cook for others, etc. That all worked out fine. Initially, you will (or should be) so focused on not doing anything to violate your surgery, or to stretch out your stomach. That 'fear' [commitment] alone will give you the discipline to not do wrong. Let them eat cake, etc. You'll learn how to carry that glass [champagne flute] of Water and make it last the whole night, etc. Pick the proteins--shrimp cocktails, crab cakes, etc. Later, you'll still get to eat some of that stuff, but be careful....one you get started with those carbs, it's hard to stop. It will be nice to hear if there are any caterers here, to see their advice. ALSO read about some popular TV chef who had the sleeve. I forgot his name. he was on the TODAY Show. Google 'TV Chef Sleeve surgery Today' or something like that. Natalie M interviewed him. Good luck.

EVERY year [heck, every darn week!!] I used to wonder, should I try this one or that one [diet plan, gym, etc] NOW...Those commercials don't bother me a BIT! Last year this time, I was only 4 weeks or so post-op. NOW--one year later--I hear them and say, THANK GOD I don't have to worry about ANY of that anymore!!!!!!!!!" And I want to tell everyone, "free yourself of all that angst. WLS worked fine for me and it likely will for you, too." The ads will be a part of life, so don't even trip about them. They are no longer your personal concern. Don't trip out about things you cannot change. Also, as others said, they'll die down soon. PS: If you need something to focus on, pray for me that I can get off these last 20 pounds! I admit I got comfortable and complacent after I reached Onederland in May; and into the 180s after that. But I want to get to ~160-165 by the end of March, perhaps.

Try to relax. For one, Eating a bunch of cheese, and not getting in good fluids...you're probably "full of it." Seriously! A good dump and those 2 pounds will easily be gone. Stalls happen. I find that cottage cheese (with sugar free sliced peaches) helped me have good BMs. Also Perdiem, oR just some Milk of Magnesia! Happy pooping!

Like @@LipstickLady and @@VSGAnn2014, I weigh every day, first thing in the morning after I pee, (and I write it down), unless I know I've had something I shouldn't have (like Lay's [or Golden Flake 'Hot'] potato chips--both, my nemesis). Then I won't write it down..but if I've been 'off program' a few days in a row, I will write it down and make 'sidebar' comments to myself. Not as a punishment, but a nudge; and also to look back at my overall progress. You will have periodic fluctuations, so just do what works for you and doesn't stress you out. The wls is to help free you, not burden you, or be stressful. If you can weigh, even see a slight gain and just say "ok, I ate... yesterday' and not stress, good. If you're the type to freak out and guilt trip yourself, weigh less often.

I suggest...first dig back through stuff you've packed away saying "I will wear this again." You'll be amazed at the store you have right in your storage bins or in the back of drawers. And doing this digging will be exciting and tedious--if you're like me and have a bunch of clothes you haven't worn. 'New with tags' for days! Some things are outdaited, but not all!! But again, it's fun. "Wow! Look at this! Wow. I can wear this now! Oh yeah!" I would NOT pay any big money. Wal-mart, $14 jeans was my first purchase, when I was 3 months post VSG.

Don't blame the physicians. The hospitals and insurance companies are so in cahoots with each other! Insurance companies will pay hospitals crazy fees, but if your surgeon has his own place, his own surgery center, etc, the insurance companies will give them hell to even pay $10K for the facility. I LOVE the noble, pure calling of physicians to practice medicine; there is nothing better than for a patient to entrust their very person to you, and you care for them and make your fellow man better/healthier than when they first presented. My God. But for the past 20years, the profession has been violated and invaded by big business. I'm an "old school, Marcus Welby-type " doc (female, though), so I'm terribly pained by all of what has happened to my very noble profession. On behalf of many, I say... sorry.

I'm old school R&B, hands down: Earth, Wind & Fire. Temptations, etc., OJays. Whitney, Stevie Wonder, etc. More recent tunes: Blurred Lines [Robin Thicke]; Treasure [bruno Mars]. The Way [Ariana Grande]. And I've got some great jazz tunes with great beats: Groove is in the Heart [Rick Braun]; others. Gospel: Fall Down [Tramaine Hawkins]; others.

Just sharing: Yesterday, the UPS delivery man brought boxes to my front door. I opened the garage door for him to stack them there, and he got to see me full-length. He said (hesitantly, but with big eyes), " Are you...the same lady who's been living here?" (I've lived in this house for 19 years) "Yes, it's me." "Oh my God. You look fantastic! I would not have recognized you!" [eyes and mouth open wide in awe.] I was actually wearing my old, oversized baggy (and raggedy) sweat pants and an old blouse (with a hole in it)--my 'cleaning the house' outfit. I held them out to show how baggy everything was, and said "I know I look a mess with this stuff on, but yea, 70 pounds gone," I said. He said, "I can only imagine how you look with other stuff on because you look fabulous." It was nice to hear that; and he obviously remembered me because he reminded me of some past deliveries he'd made to my home; he rememberd my line of work, etc. 'Twas a nice NSV on a rainy, foggy day.

In fact...you just had surgery. I'd say don't buy anything new. You can hide out under clothes, and use belts, since it's winter. Come spring, you can reveal a whole new you! You'd Probably wear some of your clothes you have, but you'll have great fun being able to wear sizes of which you'd only dreamed. Save your money for now.

It might depends how old your clothes are. It's been a JOB going through old clothes I'd packed away and hadn't worn in years. Some I can now wear, and are still in style. Others are dated, with major shoulder pads, etc. Others, I'm going to have altered., and may take them in myself. The few pieces I took to the tailor cost a bit of cash! Hell, I know how to sew. I need to alter these things myself. Ain't nobody got cash for all this taking in of clothes. :-) Before buying a bunch of stuff, I'd sort through old stuff and mix and match, trying to see what you can play with over the next few moths of weight-transition. Especially since it's winter. I have bought a few pieces, including some hot size 12 slacks. Showing my ass. Hot, sexy mama. Whoop, whoop! I have MANY nice, expensive clothes that I need to sell.

Hi. Just sharing new articles at the ASMBS: http://connect.asmbs.org/stories-of-the-week-01-05-15.html. Example: WLS is not the "easy way out"; and the risk of more alcoholism after gastric bypass [or, seemingly all WLS]. Click links: Experts: Weight-Loss Surgery Not an Easy Way Out (DelawareOnline) In a local Delaware story featuring two patients who had bariatric surgery after years of struggling with obesity and comorbidities, Dr. John Morton, president of the ASMBS, discusses the advancements in surgical techniques and laparoscopic technology that have made weight-loss surgery "a very safe procedure," Morton said. In Delaware, close to one-third of adults are considered obese and nearly 80,000 people live with diabetes and another 57,340 have heart disease. The article notes, “Unlike most states, Delaware's Obamacare plans do cover bariatric surgery, but candidates must go through screening before it is approved.” All hospitals in the state offer weight-loss management services ranging from nutrition help to performing most of the surgeries on site. It is also noted that, according to ASMBS, there are about 18 million people who qualify for surgery, but only one percent go through with it. And health officials say, a “lack of information and insurance issues have been a deterrence, even as the surgery itself has evolved during the last 50 years.” Dr. Morton comments, "Obesity is a disease and like any disease it deserves treatment… it is something that is really critical. Patients at that weight don't have a lot of options.” Alcoholism After Gastric Bypass: Is It In Your Mind Or Gut? (ScienceLine) In 2012, a large study published in the JAMA reported that the percentage of patients abusing alcohol increased by 2% after surgery, and other studies have corroborated the findings, even a decade after surgery. Since then, scientists have competing ideas for why gastric bypass patients show higher rates of alcohol abuse post-surgery. One early theory proposed addiction transference, suggesting people adopt new addictions after weight-loss in lieu of food. But more recent evidence suggests specific metabolic and hormonal changes triggered by gastric bypass may leave patients vulnerable to alcoholism, but not other addictions. “Whether it’s addiction transference or something else going on, we really don’t know at this point,” said James Mitchell, a doctor and professor of neuroscience at the University of North Dakota. What’s certain, he said, is that the high rates of alcoholism in patients who have had a gastric bypass operation cannot be attributed to chance.

PG, I think you're joking; but if not...I wouldn't push it. it's probably a scam and/or a virus. Don't be fooled. Your computer is probably saving you from a disaster. [in fact, I'm worried that I replied to this :-).]

Congrats. BUT...Don't do too much exercise, etc., too soon. There may be small incisions on the outside, but you had significant stuff done on the inside. Your body needs time to heal. Also don't get too bummed when you slow down or stall. It will happen, so just enjoy the ride when you're speeding along (like now), or when there's a stall.

My recommendations: 1. For stress and insomnia...Do you have a good man? Sex is good. :-) Great stress reliever. Good exercise: if done right, you can burn 200 calories and you'll get a good night's sleep. 2.To decrease anxiety, I recommend books that encourage calm: Some of my favorites: The Wonders of Solitude [Dale (somebody); blue cover...] How to Sit [Thich Nhat...] A Manual for Living [Epictetus. A small little book that I often reread] The Four Agreements 3. For sleep, I sometimes drink hot chocolate: ~ 6 oz. skim milk with unsweetened high % cacao dark chocolate [NOT milk chocolate]. I add a sweet & low, drink it ~ 10:30. Most times when I do that, I'm out all night. 4. Step away from the tech devices, especially at night in your bedroom. The gadgets, emails, texts, will be there in the morning. They are NOT that important. Rest your mind. 5. Set boundaries. I have one lawyer-friend (in the central time zone) who loves to pontificate and b**** about everything. I've asked him to NOT call me after 9 PM my time, cuz I don't need to hear all that crap as I'm winding down my evening. he doesn't like it, but too bad. 6. If you have someone you need to cuss out...maybe do it :-). Also write. Journal. Write poetry, etc. Make audio journals. Sometimes hearing yourself back weeks/months later can help you see that some stuff you might worry about isn't even worth it. 7. Music. Dance. Listen. Feel. Move to it. Not this modern-day mess. But some old R&B, etc., with words and beats you can "feel." Good luck.