Dr-Patient

Lyn, speaking of Lane Bryant: I got a coupon-thingy from them the other day and i thought I won't need these any time soon! You won't either. Yeahh.

It's not that you won't physically be 'able' to drink alcohol. For some, no problem at all. But, re: alcohol: 1) Is empty calories. Plus the alcohol sugars interfere with weight loss; 2) Surgeons feel that people with obesity (especially if due to food addictions) might substitute one addiction for another. That may develop, even without noticing it; 3) With less stomach, etc., the alcohol can go straight through you, you may not grasp how much you're taking in and can potentially get drunk faster (especially women); 4) As someone else said, it can irritate your stomach--what's left of it. I had wine recently; and 2 weeks ago, I had two sips of a martini. But no more than that. I've yet to have a full regular drink, though the thought of one makes me smile on this Sunday morning. Oh well.

Wow. Arm pits are actually that--pits!! They are actually concave, they dip inward, not poofed outward. LOL. When applying deodorant this morning, I said well, look at that. It's amazing what near-40 pounds will show you. Plus I see my clavicles (collar bones), etc. BUT... What I've called "back titties": Mine have gotten a lot smaller; they're more like collapsed sacks now. And they've never been literally on my back. They are more like 'saddle bags' that overhang the side of bras; like a smaller boob behind the main attraction. [Do you know what I'm talking about?] I hate these areas. Anyone with advice about these saddle bags? Did they flatten out for anyone after losing 50-100 pounds? [i'm stalled at just under 40 pounds, but, just thinking ahead.] Thanks.

I found the info so helpful to me, as I decided which procedure to have and what to expect afterwards. I still look at the handouts for ongoing info, which is why I think I'd like to share some of it. Thanks, Shersun.

I was just thinking...isn't it amazing how universal/international the issue of obesity is these days? If you look at the locations of people on this board; also on youtube, etc., it shows how extensive the issue of weight control and obesity really is across the world. I like that this board spans continental boundaries. When I attended an Obesity Week conference last year, I was amazed to see bariatric surgeons (and psych professionals, nutritionists) from all over the world, literally. Docs from the USA of course; but also Canada, Africa, India, New Zealand, Australia, the Netherlands, the UK, the Caribbean, South America, Sweden--that has a big obesity society! who knew!? Folks came from everywhere. [and alas, there were NO doughnuts/pastries at break time!!! Geez!!] Just an observation. PS: Even though I'm on this board purely as a VSG patient, if okay with some/others, I might periodically share info/links that was presented at that conference. I attended it to get 'the good, the bad and the ugly' about all the surgeries before I had mine two weeks later (Dec. 4th). But despite anything I might share...always follow your doctor's recommendation for you. Have a great weekend, all.

I had my first bites of lettuce/salad ~8 weeks post-op. I don't have it dry, though. I put salad dressing on it, even overnight, so it's moist. I actually like my salad leaves moistened anyway, so that works for me.

Green-eyed, you want the sleeve; he will do the sleeve. Great. You never want to enter a surgery that you, as the patient, are reluctant to have. Glad it's all in order. You are (only) 250 pounds. You will lose plenty weight with the VSG. Oh, I may email you to find out if your doc is a certain person, because at a recent obesity conference (with docs from around the world!!), there was one guy from the UK that was an absolute butcher (from the video he showed). It made many of us cringe!! I'll check my materials, pull his name and get back to you. Good luck and congratulations in advance. [PS: I just checked; the surgeon of whom I speak has the initials "Ja..... H." Hope that's not your doctor.]

I, too, am walking with so much more confidence. My boobs aren't as heavy now, so I'm more upright. I can feel that I walk more upright. My commentator-friends really are friends; they don't mean to hurt me, I'm sure. I think, as many here have said, they are so used to my butterball face, that any weight loss would freak them out. Those who know of my VSG are concerned I might lose too much over time. But, hey, I am still over 200 pounds (218 pounds, and stalled x 5 days), so I am nowhere near being finished. I want to reach 175, then maybe 150 (since I'll probably gain some back after 2-3 years anyway). It is amazing how just these near-40 pounds gone can boost one's spirit, approach, outlook, energy, self-confidence. etc. My friends will just have to buckle up and hold on for what they might feel is a bumpy ride, but for me, it'll be smooth sailing into midlife, AARP-card-carrying Sexy-ville (I'm 58). I will return to "breathtaking!" For those of you who haven't heard it/don't know it, youtube "She's a Bad Mama Jama" song. That was my theme song (to work out to years ago); I've been playing it lately, this time, to embrace the words!! (I was too 'churchy' before). Also, in Blurred Lines..." You're the hottest B**** in this place" --my, my, my. Soon, Robin Thicke; soon. ha ha!!

If I may chime in...you should get a second opinion. People can lose weight with either procedure, and regain with either procedure. But with the RYGB, as others have said, malabsorption, etc., can happen. I can give more info later, but...get a second/third opinion. And still, in the end, it is YOUR choice for this elective procedure...especially since you are self-pay. Don't pay for an elective procedure that you really don't want.

I anticipate something similar; I'm not quite sure how I'll work it. But I have time. I've gone from a 22 (or 2x) to, already back in some 18s, and L tops. I think I'll wait till I'm a good size 16. But I'm gathering the pieces. They range from Target to St. John's. Anyone else had these clothing sales?

Great job! Encouraging!

No, it's NOT a forever thing, thank God!! I LOVE guzzling Water (and milk), and at first, it was really the only thing irritating the poop out of me that I couldn't just drink water. It was making me angry and I'd rather not even 'sip' water at all if I couldn't really 'drink it. BUT... I am HAPPY to report that, as of the past 2 weeks (I'm now in week 9+), I can take four good swallows of whatever, put the glass down, wait 2 minutes, and then take four more good swallows. I ~measured it, and it's about 4 ozs. each (4-swallow) time, so each swallow is about an ounce. It DOES get a LOT better. Be patient with it.

Hi,all! For some reason, I didn't see the most recent posts. To ALL of you who posted since my last post, excuse my delay. I appreciate all of you. Sassy, you are sassy! Great idea, though! I may do that! LOL. I felt SO GOOD yesterday at my board meeting. I wore a knit skirt and a sweater that I actually forgot I had because it's been packed away in bins in my basement for years. I also wore control-top pantyhose--Berkshire--which I still had, and some heels. I looked good, was confident, didn't hide from folks. Damn, that was great--not feeling ashamed. Great. All your advice is helpful. I know what my situation was(especially my depression and self-induced isolation). So I do not regret my VSG . I'm early in this with months and pounds to go. They will all just finally see a normal-weight me!!!

I think that was Stephannie saying 'bless her heart' about the person who made a comment to her. Maybe I read it wrong. But, funny stuff. As I posted yesterday, folks are saying my face is "too thin" but I'm still 218 pounds and am just getting started. They'll just have to get used to not seeing a basketball face and blubber body. Oh yeah!

Thanks, you guys. I'm feeling better somewhat. And a friend who had the RYGB in Sept., said to tell them to "kiss your skinny ..... ... in a couple of months!" :-) I did this for me; they'll see the fly butterfly emerge from the cocoon and then they'll see the total package. They hear in my voice that I'm happier! It'll be fine. All is well. I have a board meeting tomorrow and am wearing a knit skirt and sweater I haven't worn in more than 7 years! Yes!

Sarah, thank you. I need to take more pics, and smile in the others. Also some full body shots. But I think you're right: just hold off on sharing them until I can show the full transition. In fact, most of them didn't see me at my highest weight because I was hiding from everyone! . But they've only known me to have a round face, not a more structured face with cheekbones, a jaw line ,etc.

Lynn, I haven't posted any pics here yet. But this makes me sad. But I have to remember I was 257 lbs! That's too much. I'm 5'5". My BP was up, my sugar became early abnormal. I was depressed and hiding from folks. I had to do this for me. Some know I had surgery, some don't. And they are supportive, but I'm a bit bummed that they think my face is too thin because I'm just getting started.

Dang. I sent a picture of me to some friends, and they think my (usually basketball) round face is "too thin!!" "don't lose any more weight, you'll look like calista Flockhart!" (not skin tone; skinny). I am still 218 pounds! I am happy with the changes. I want to get to 175 at least! I told them they will just have to get used to seeing a smaller face. But...hmmm. I'm a bit bummed. They even used the word "gaunt." Dang.

It doesn't seem that you'd need one; is he 'new' to doing laparoscopic procedures? But...surgeon's preference. They lube it up before inserting. Removal feels like a pulling thread, but no biggie and is quick. In short...don't sweat the small stuff. Aside from basic hygiene, no need to groom the area; in fact, doing so may lead to increased risk of infection. Just leave it alone :-)

Has anyone used Optifast shakes months after VSG? I have a few boxes left (from past weight loss attempts); I'd hate to waste them/that money. Has anyone used it and, if so, how were your results? Did it end your stalls? Advance your weight loss or cause a stall? Thanks.

The Black Tea is good. I also kinda like/can tolerate the grape and apple melon. Many like the coconut. They all have an aftertaste that I don't like. I like that they are clear, but I had to give em up because they have Splenda in them. Three bottles just sitting here. Oh well.

I'm only 9.5 weeks post-op, just under 40 pounds gone, and it already 'feels' great! I'm already wearing clothes I haven't worn in years. I see my clavicles!! I see veins in my wrists and ankles that I was always proud of. (I have nice dark skin so it's not like varicose veins, it's 'thin enough to access them if needed' veins.) There's less body surface to wash in the shower and I can reach everything without all those contortions I had to make. I already fell that I'm 'bringing sexy back' for myself and it feels great! I used to snore and sometimes wake myself up from it. I don't think I've snored in the past six weeks. It already feels great; I can't even imagine what 100 pounds down will feel like, but I pray I live to find out! You,too!

Well, I'm a woman, but a guy I know who had it says ... "If you're in your 50's, after the surgery, you'll feel like you're in your 40's...and will lose inches everywhere except one place, where you'll gain a couple." :-) Good luck. Look forward to a new life. I know I'm feeling a change for myself and I'm only 9 weeks post-op.

Yea, it should be okay for a day or two, I'd think. In the hot tea it will be less viscous. Also, there is a 'sugar-free' honey [??] at Wal-Mart: "HoneyTree's Imitation Honey." Also maybe suck on some Ricola or other sugar-free cough drops for moisture. Feel better.

PS: I'm looking at handouts and literature I received at the Obesity Week medical conference last Nov. Previously, many centers cut off WLS at age 65-70. But now, due to marked decrease in co-morbidities (other conditions like HBP, diabetes, arthritis, heart disease, etc), most centers are more likely to do the surgery to alleviate those conditions. BMI also a factor, if favorable For some patients, heart disease down 56%, type 2 DM down 92%(!!!) and cancer down 60%. Again, good for you.