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Venti Decaf iced skinny vanilla latte...even in the winter

geez, been going through this myself. Came and went one day a little over a month ago. Then it came back and has lasted several days two weeks ago. I was having numbness along with the "drop". Although it has improved, it's certainly not back to normal.
Saw my ortho yesterday. He said it was the peroneal nerve (injury/compression of some sort). But since it has been improving, he wants to regroup in 4 weeks before subjecting me to tests. I'm ok with that. But if it gets worse again, I won't wait.
It's interesting that there seems to be a link to WLS. Not sure what this all really means.

For me, it only takes a phone call for my NP to record that I have a rash. I've all ready been prescribed the ointment. I've been told this will suffuce for the justification for insurance (which covers it).
I don't think you have to actually go to the dr. Worth checking in to :-)

I use a ninja. The one that's like the bullet.
It'll be 2 years old in April. So far it's doing great. I use it every day.
If you are worried about "air" in your shake, just let it sit for a bit first.

First of all, congratulations!! You've done amazing, and you DO look awesome.
But wow - you sound just like me! But we tend to be our worst critics.
When I started this "journey", I didn't think I'd care about loose skin. Boy, I was wrong! And it isn't just that it was loose skin, it was the way it looked...like the skin of a 100 year old woman. It was awful! So I did end up having plastics. I'd like to say I'm done, but I know that I want my face done. Hey, the skin sags EVERYWHERE.
So far I've had arms, tummy (upper and lower), extended mini thigh lift, and excess skin from under my arms (extending down my sides), belt lift (completed the 360 lift separately) and breast implants. Three plastic surgeries since December 2015.
As far as the face, I'm going to get a consult in the near future. Not sure if its just fillers and botox needed or what and maybe/probably live with the neck...or just stop. I'm really unsure. And the there's my butt...seriously...WTF happened. No fair.
I wish insurance did *something* (mine did cover the panni after documenting rashes). It really is repairing our largest organ (our skin) and addressing our mental health. I'm not a "give me this, I deserve it" kind of person. So I struggle a bit over the insurance issue - but the system is so screwed up, I just happen to think there's a stigma against it being "cosmetic" and weight loss related.
Do I feel a little silly doing all of this at 53? Sure, a little. But then I get over it. I've been overweight to some degree as long as I can remember until my VSG. It's been a new life, and there's no reason the next 10, 20, or even 30+ years I may have left can't be flipping awesome.
Good luck with what you decide. Just remember how much better off you are now!!

I just had my NP document rashes at follow ups. Just had to be noted. It was covered, BCBS.
Good luck!

I weaned to Decaf in the couple of weeks before surgery (I know. crazy but at least I kept the comfort of the habit) and then as soon as I was allowed regular coffee (4 weeks in my case) I was back on the full juice. During my liquid diet post op I had decaf in my vanilla Protein shake sometimes to flavor it up. I used to take mine with half and half and sugar. do NOT give me any fake Creamer. but I am now on 2/3 fairlife milk 1/3 half and half. half a cup in my 12 ounce coffee mug and stevia most of the time. my Daddy called it my baby coffee because he always took his dark, rich and black.
*edited to clarify - half a cup of the milk combo, not half the coffee mug.

Ok. Now that I'm done snarfing and choking.... :-)
I'm so thankful for my boob job. No. More. Underwire!! (bra's optional now) Mwahahaaa

First of all, congratulations!! You've done amazing, and you DO look awesome.
But wow - you sound just like me! But we tend to be our worst critics.
When I started this "journey", I didn't think I'd care about loose skin. Boy, I was wrong! And it isn't just that it was loose skin, it was the way it looked...like the skin of a 100 year old woman. It was awful! So I did end up having plastics. I'd like to say I'm done, but I know that I want my face done. Hey, the skin sags EVERYWHERE.
So far I've had arms, tummy (upper and lower), extended mini thigh lift, and excess skin from under my arms (extending down my sides), belt lift (completed the 360 lift separately) and breast implants. Three plastic surgeries since December 2015.
As far as the face, I'm going to get a consult in the near future. Not sure if its just fillers and botox needed or what and maybe/probably live with the neck...or just stop. I'm really unsure. And the there's my butt...seriously...WTF happened. No fair.
I wish insurance did *something* (mine did cover the panni after documenting rashes). It really is repairing our largest organ (our skin) and addressing our mental health. I'm not a "give me this, I deserve it" kind of person. So I struggle a bit over the insurance issue - but the system is so screwed up, I just happen to think there's a stigma against it being "cosmetic" and weight loss related.
Do I feel a little silly doing all of this at 53? Sure, a little. But then I get over it. I've been overweight to some degree as long as I can remember until my VSG. It's been a new life, and there's no reason the next 10, 20, or even 30+ years I may have left can't be flipping awesome.
Good luck with what you decide. Just remember how much better off you are now!!

Ok. Now that I'm done snarfing and choking.... :-)
I'm so thankful for my boob job. No. More. Underwire!! (bra's optional now) Mwahahaaa

The count down as begun! The OR is booked, my final surgical consult is on Tuesday and I hand over my money. (I'm SO broke, but it's been worth it)
I've healed well from my breast augmentation that was on 4/25. It looks like there may be one more procedure in my future, but that won't be until the winter. The girls may still need a nipple lift - but waiting to see. That will be NC.
Any how...The belt lift will essentially complete a 360 lift. I understand the thigh lift recovery is the tough one. My husband has taken the week off to help me out. I'll be off work for two weeks. I'm really looking forward to it overall - just like with the panilectomy...having that loose/hanging skin gone will be awesome. Just have to get past the recovery.
One thing I have learned is that my skin did not survive obesity well. The elasticity is SHOT. I will NOT be running around in a bikini when I'm done, lol. But I'm much better off and it's still worth it.
I'll post updates/pics as I go. I always appreciate folks that do that :-)
Previous PS: 12/9/15 Brachioplasty, panilectomy, abdomiplasty
4/25/16 Breast augmentation

I had my vsg at 51. I'm. That was now 2 years ago. I'm the fittest and healthiest I think I've ever been in my life. At 53!!
You can rock it! . It's just a number.

Eat to live, don't live to eat.
I went to Vegas (MGM) for a week the beginning of August for a business convention. I ate a half bacon, egg, cheeese on an English muffin (top removed) for breakfastt, the other half for lunchh, a proteen bar as a snack, and a few pieces of jerrky for dinnerr. I did drink, but I saved a TON of money, walked 20k steps per day, never felt deprived and came home 6 pounds lighter.
I'm three years out. Take advantage of this time to retrain your brain. It's an awesome thing.
Edit. I can spell. My errors are so my words don't link to the store.

I suppose I'm just looking to share with others in my shoes. I'm 6 wks out today. I hit the dreaded 3 week stall I assume because the scale hasn't moved in 3 weeks. That's a long ass stall!
I just got home from a business trip in Vegas. My plan allows for crab meat and baked fish at this point and I figured I could share with my husband. It was SO much harder than I anticipated. I had the expected difficulties with wanting to eat steak and all the other wonderful things that got me to bariatric surgery. I did not expect that I couldn't eat anything!! My stomach is not ready for fish or crab. I tried two bites, chewed well and hurt for hours. I was so discouraged. I had Protein Bars packed and ate those, but I really struggled to get any significant Protein or calories in. I wanted to cry. I was so mad at myself for having this surgery! All this and the damn scale hasn't moved in 3 weeks! How do you not lose weight on 600 calories a day max?
Then I went to the spa for a massage. And for the first time in years, I was able to wear the regular robe out the locker. The attending didn't have to discreetly get me a "different robe." Such a small thing, but it made such a big difference in my attitude.
I wish my sleeve was healing faster. I wish I could tolerate a larger variety of foods. But, I know its going to get better. And it's going to be worth it.

I am getting better daily. Finely tolerating the Vitamins most of the time. Still not doing too well with Water. Getting the Protein in. Down about 27 pounds. weight-loss has slowed way down.
Sent from my iPad using the BariatricPal App

Have posted on this forum many many times, but I still get the notices and I still feel compelled to tell everyone that I had my surgery at 58 and now almost 5 years out. I was at goal (lost over 80lbs) until this last spring when I had a TT. They removed almost 3 lbs but for some reason, I gained it back plus 5. So I am about 5-10 lbs over what I would like to be. (I'm 5'3" and now at 145. But, my life has never been more incredible, bordering on a fairy tale. I wrote a book about my first year (kept a blog every Sunday) it's called Queen of Crop for anyone who wants some inspiration. But I should seriously write a book about the years after. It's been surreal.
Sounds like it's mostly positive for all.

First of all, congratulations!! You've done amazing, and you DO look awesome.
But wow - you sound just like me! But we tend to be our worst critics.
When I started this "journey", I didn't think I'd care about loose skin. Boy, I was wrong! And it isn't just that it was loose skin, it was the way it looked...like the skin of a 100 year old woman. It was awful! So I did end up having plastics. I'd like to say I'm done, but I know that I want my face done. Hey, the skin sags EVERYWHERE.
So far I've had arms, tummy (upper and lower), extended mini thigh lift, and excess skin from under my arms (extending down my sides), belt lift (completed the 360 lift separately) and breast implants. Three plastic surgeries since December 2015.
As far as the face, I'm going to get a consult in the near future. Not sure if its just fillers and botox needed or what and maybe/probably live with the neck...or just stop. I'm really unsure. And the there's my butt...seriously...WTF happened. No fair.
I wish insurance did *something* (mine did cover the panni after documenting rashes). It really is repairing our largest organ (our skin) and addressing our mental health. I'm not a "give me this, I deserve it" kind of person. So I struggle a bit over the insurance issue - but the system is so screwed up, I just happen to think there's a stigma against it being "cosmetic" and weight loss related.
Do I feel a little silly doing all of this at 53? Sure, a little. But then I get over it. I've been overweight to some degree as long as I can remember until my VSG. It's been a new life, and there's no reason the next 10, 20, or even 30+ years I may have left can't be flipping awesome.
Good luck with what you decide. Just remember how much better off you are now!!

I had a desk job and took two weeks off. I was definitely tired when I got home, and think I napped, lol. But two weeks was manageable for me. It takes a while to get back to "normal".

I had a desk job and took two weeks off. I was definitely tired when I got home, and think I napped, lol. But two weeks was manageable for me. It takes a while to get back to "normal".

Hi
I don't have celiac's, but I'm intolerant to gluten (belly ache, bloating, potty issues - not pretty!). Celiac's is in my family. I also have Grave's disease. So I live GF.
I've been living GF for a for almost 4 years now. I just had my 2 year "surgerversary" (yay me!) on Monday. I think being GF in advance of the WLS was helpful. I had all ready started to tackle some of my food issues. But living GF after WLS has been pretty simple. Sure, I still have to watch labels. But I eat so "clean" that I know what I'm eating 90% of the time. The other times are because it might be prepared food...When you eat out, most places are really good at handing you a GF menu.
I'm sorry that you've been dealt that card. But it's not as bad as you may think - at least in my opinion. The consumer market has come a long way to accommodate the GF people out there.
I've also not heard of the sleeve making celiac's any worse. I'd wonder why seeing that they don't touch any of the intestines. Getting on the proper diet, I would hope that if the damage was minimal, your intestines would recover, no?
Keep us posted - Good luck!!

Hello to my friends in their 50's! I hit my goal weight today (160 down from 287, in 14 months) and I have so many thoughts running through my head that I would love to be able to share, if you'll indulge me.
Let me start by saying, I AM NOT COMPLAINING!!!!! I couldn't be happier about this much weight loss, which I never dreamed would happen. Wearing clothes that I never expected to wear again in my life. The road has not always been easy, as you well know. But I am not sorry I started this journey.
HOWEVER........
I must speak about the person I see in the mirror everyday. Before surgery, everyone knows all about the extra fat that will remain unless of course you have a cosmetic procedure done. But I was not remotely prepared for what I would look like 14 months after. No, I did not dream of being able to look like I am in my 20's anymore. I'm smarter than that. But when I look in the mirror now, I also didn't expect to see what I see. Of course, my stomach is the worst, but my thighs and arms are very wrinkled and saggy also. I think the arms bother me the most cause I can't/won't wear any of the cute little sleeveless shirts that I COULD fit into now because I would be too embarrassed. If I stood next to a person of the same build, same height, same clothing who was just a "normal" person of 160 lbs, you would never be able to say that I also weighed the same. Yes, there is an incredible difference between my before and after pictures, but I get so frustrated that I have worked so hard, been through so much but still don't look like that other person standing next to me. I get feelings of it being so unfair. I know some one out there has read this to this point and said to themselves, "Why doesn't she shut up and just be happy to have lost that much"? I did say at the beginning, that this is not complaining in the literal term. I just wonder if there are others out there who feel like I do. I have spent so much money on wrinkle "erasers", tightening creams etc. and they are all a joke. (though if you have found a "miracle" one, please pass it along!) Insurance companies should be willing to help people complete their process by just assisting in the costs (not paying 100%) of cosmetic surgery if a person chooses that option. But, we well know insurance companies couldn't care less about our happiness or state of mind. You want the whole process to have a beginning and an end. When I see myself, I don't feel "finished". Like a painting only half complete. Just a few more brush strokes here and there and I could be a work of art (OK, that may be overstating). I try to laugh and say the very deep wrinkles that I now have on my face are lines of wisdom. Again, I AM wise enough to know how untrue that is. I'm hoping these "down" feelings will pass in time. But now, they are with me almost every hour of everyday. It's odd to be joyful and depressed at the same time.
I thank from the bottom of my heart anyone who took the time to read through this. I do have a helpful, loving husband who tries to understand, but deep down I know he thinks I not only worry about this too much, but also that I am fine just the way I am. God bless him, he's biased. If anyone out there would like to comment or share a similar situation, please don't hesitate to do so. Thanks again.
Grateful but sad.......
Cassie

Hi
I don't have celiac's, but I'm intolerant to gluten (belly ache, bloating, potty issues - not pretty!). Celiac's is in my family. I also have Grave's disease. So I live GF.
I've been living GF for a for almost 4 years now. I just had my 2 year "surgerversary" (yay me!) on Monday. I think being GF in advance of the WLS was helpful. I had all ready started to tackle some of my food issues. But living GF after WLS has been pretty simple. Sure, I still have to watch labels. But I eat so "clean" that I know what I'm eating 90% of the time. The other times are because it might be prepared food...When you eat out, most places are really good at handing you a GF menu.
I'm sorry that you've been dealt that card. But it's not as bad as you may think - at least in my opinion. The consumer market has come a long way to accommodate the GF people out there.
I've also not heard of the sleeve making celiac's any worse. I'd wonder why seeing that they don't touch any of the intestines. Getting on the proper diet, I would hope that if the damage was minimal, your intestines would recover, no?
Keep us posted - Good luck!!

Had my post op appt yesterday (3 days post op) and two drains were removed (back drains). Didn't feel a thing!
There is almost no swelling and no bruising at all. My dr. is quite impressed with how mobile I am. I'm pretty surprised how good I feel.
Even though output wise the leg drains could be pulled, we are going to wait until my next appt on Tuesday. She feels that drainage could increase as I become more active. So far it's not the case, but will see. It will be nice to be free of drains. But the best part is no drains = shower!!
I'm out of the "girdle" pictured above and in 3/4 length running leggings. They are providing good compression. I have gauze pads over my back and side incisions. I am also in a surgical bra. That's going to change to a front opening sports bra as soon as. It arrives
The compression garments are required for a minimum of six weeks.
I'll try and get some pics.

I am scared for some of these newbies and the lurkers who are reading. This fear is probably a huge part of why I don't just log off permanently.

Is it just me or does the trend seem to be "I'll eat what I want when I want no matter what my surgeon says" with other people actually coddling/recommending/applauding/defending that viewpoint?
When I joined this site, I had my @ss handed to me several times (THANK GOD!!) because I wondered why (out loud) my diet was so restrictive. I wanted permission to break some rules because it was damn hard to follow them. I never did test those waters (with the exception of a Hershey's Kiss one week post op -- it tasted like I imagine licking an ashtray would) because the experienced people scared the **** out of me with talks of leaks, tears, vomiting, and the worst? BEING A FAILURE AT WLS.
Maybe because I had my surgery in my 40s -- after decades of being fat and ready for a change -- I didn't take those words as "ganging up", "bullies", or "mean girls". Maybe it was because I knew in my head that I was being a dumbass every time I whined about wanted something salty instead of sweet. Maybe because I had the self realization that "listening to my body" put me in a place where I needed WLS, so clearly listening to me was a horrible idea...

I will never forget my first WLS seminar. There was a young girl a few rows in front of me who was scheduled for surgery the next week. When we were going over the dietary stages post op, she raised her hand and told the NUT she has a bachelorette party a week after her surgery. She TOLD this woman that she WOULD be eating wings and drinking, no matter what. It was, after all, her body and her right. I would love to know what happened to her. Ideally, they took her off the surgery schedule. Most likely, she had surgery and is still obese 3 years later.

I wish great success to anyone and everyone who has WLS. The quality of life this procedure has given back to me is worth all the coookies (sic) and crackers and french fries in the world. (Even McD's -- fresh out of the fryer!!) I hope everyone gets to experience everything they want to experience in a thinner, healthier body. I would love to hear less and less stories of people who never lost or gained it all back but I fear that those stories are just going to multiply with this new mindset.

It's a shame. It's a great big DAMN shame.

Haven't posted since last Wednesday night—my head was spinning post-Pacific Bariatric required seminar.
I attempted to throw out a bit of dark humor that night with the off-key T/F question on our written exam Scripps requires, and it was hugely concerning to a few people—but overall, I've been dreadfully uncomfortable since the seminar, and tonight in my class was totally validated.
Check it out—
I travel frequently, and had to attend this particular seminar, and not a future date "field trip" with my entire class. I'm in the Kaiser SoCal program...in addition to six months of classes we have to meet with Scripps/Pacific Bariatric as well, since they perform the surgery contractually--last week was my chance to attend the seminar, and no one knew me in the auditorium (most classes go together as support groups and knew each other), and there were about 300 people in attendance.
After the presentation, the floor was open to questions.
Something I've been very concerned about is having a baby post-surgery, because I want ALL of the babies (even if that realistically means adoption), so I thought this was an excellent time to inquire as 1) this was the point of the seminar, and 2) I couldn't be the only woman thinking about this in the world.
When I raised my hand, this was the exchange between the surgeon (male) doing the presentation and me:
"You, in the back."
"Hi. I have a question about pregnancy post-surg—"
"Well, I can't tell you. I've never been pregnant, next question." (Laughter)
"No, excuse me—you need to answer this question please; I am here for information. What is the impact of this surgery on becoming pregnant and nourishing a baby during the pregnan—"
"Look, just wait 1-2 years and then talk to your doctor after the surgery. What I can tell you is that when you lose weight you'll be able to play with your children and that will be rewarding."
"No, you're not listening—I don't HAVE childr—"
"Next question, you, over there."
There was a murmur in the audience, but I just ducked low, embarrassed, thinking it perhaps WAS a dumb question. Went home. Did the exam and physical. Mailed off the paperwork yesterday certified delivery; haven't felt good about the entire experience. Thought it was "just me" overreacting...
Well.
In class tonight? The physiologist asked how the seminar went; told her it felt a bit off, and didn't elaborate further. She said,
"Yeah, that's what all of the classes have been reporting and we are having a meeting about it internally—apparently the surgeon was difficult, which is a shame, because he's considered one of the very best in the field. Did you notice anything? Did you ask any questions?"
"Yeah, we didn't click. I asked about post-surgery pregnancy and he just—"
"OH MY G-D, YOU ARE THE ONE EVERYONE IS TALKING ABOUT—I don't believe it! We are meeting because of this issue——all the students are talking and all of the doctors and counselors know! First, know that this won't happen again, and secondly, we are going to work as a team to put together information on post-surgery pregnancy because there really isn't much out there, and we think it is an incredible area of opportunity to cover since more than half of the population receiving this surgery are women, and women of childbearing age are becoming a normalcy (...)."
a) I don't feel like so much of a dolt now,
wasn't overreacting, and
c) now the Bariatric department is working on gathering information about post-surgery family planning for future patients.
Super stoked that a lot of sweetness is coming out of a sour situation. It means so much that enough of our peers; peers that don't even KNOW me, came back to KP and spoke up that what happened at the seminar was a problem in a big way. It wasn't a question they had, they didn't know if I was in KP or self-funded, the question may have not even been applicable to them...but there were people in that room who stepped up to the plate to make sure this didn't happen again, and suggested that the information should be integrated into the program.
#yas.
Anyway, that's the follow-up.
Onward.
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