ProjectMe

Worse how?
If you're not ready, you're not ready.
But if you wanted people to give you reasons to have the surgery I think there have been several.
Ultimately it's up to you.

Honestly, it just sounds like you are not ready. My head was where yours is. I have always considered myself to be a beautiful full figured healthy woman. I was an all American athlete even though I was heavier than the other athletes. I took the attitude of, "yeah, I may be big, but I'm still better than you, prettier than you, and healthier than you" from those years and applied it for the pas 20 years.
What a complete crock of ****. I believed my own lies. And in the process, lost years off my life, that I may never get back, because of my narcissism and truly unhealthy lifestyle. And guess what, I was once a vegetarian and actually believed that just because I didn't consume meat products, I was still healthier than other people....meanwhile I outweighed others by 100+ pounds.
looking back on things, I often ask myself, "how could I have been so stupid?" Why and when did I brainwash myself into thinking that being 100+ lbs overweight was healthy or sexy." I woke up after learning all the cancers and diseases obese people develop and through surviving thyroid cancer. You have yet to face your own "Come to Jesus" moment. And that is okay as all of us are on our own journeys. I just hope your moment is sooner rather than later.

Honestly, it just sounds like you are not ready. My head was where yours is. I have always considered myself to be a beautiful full figured healthy woman. I was an all American athlete even though I was heavier than the other athletes. I took the attitude of, "yeah, I may be big, but I'm still better than you, prettier than you, and healthier than you" from those years and applied it for the pas 20 years.
What a complete crock of ****. I believed my own lies. And in the process, lost years off my life, that I may never get back, because of my narcissism and truly unhealthy lifestyle. And guess what, I was once a vegetarian and actually believed that just because I didn't consume meat products, I was still healthier than other people....meanwhile I outweighed others by 100+ pounds.
looking back on things, I often ask myself, "how could I have been so stupid?" Why and when did I brainwash myself into thinking that being 100+ lbs overweight was healthy or sexy." I woke up after learning all the cancers and diseases obese people develop and through surviving thyroid cancer. You have yet to face your own "Come to Jesus" moment. And that is okay as all of us are on our own journeys. I just hope your moment is sooner rather than later.

Namaste I love yoga! Modify, modify, modify! Soon you will find that your stretches are longer and that you are able to do more. Yoga begins wherever you are.

I worked as a Child Life Specialist. Part of our philosophy was to explain things to children in the most simple yet honest way possible.
So you say:
"Mommy's going to see a doctor who going to fix her tummy." If he ask if it will hurt, you tell him, "No because the doctor will give me special medicine to make me go to sleep so I won't feel anything and hen he's done, he'll wake me up." If he doesn't ask, don't volunteer it. Explain he's going to stay with grandmom for a few days while you are visiting the doctor. Let him know when you go home you won't be able to ___________ (whatever you call it when your rough house) because your tummy will be sore for a while. Let him know you can do other things like read books together some other less physical activity. Remind him it was like when he got his boo-boo_______ and for a few days it was fun to touch that boo-boo. Keep it all matter of fact and non scary. Children pick up non verbal cues. If your scared and nervous, he will sense it.
You may need to have this conversation more than once. In fact I recommend it. Post op whenever he want to initiate rough play remind him that you can't do _____ right now, but you can do _____ offer reading or an alternate non physical activity.

Honestly, it just sounds like you are not ready. My head was where yours is. I have always considered myself to be a beautiful full figured healthy woman. I was an all American athlete even though I was heavier than the other athletes. I took the attitude of, "yeah, I may be big, but I'm still better than you, prettier than you, and healthier than you" from those years and applied it for the pas 20 years.
What a complete crock of ****. I believed my own lies. And in the process, lost years off my life, that I may never get back, because of my narcissism and truly unhealthy lifestyle. And guess what, I was once a vegetarian and actually believed that just because I didn't consume meat products, I was still healthier than other people....meanwhile I outweighed others by 100+ pounds.
looking back on things, I often ask myself, "how could I have been so stupid?" Why and when did I brainwash myself into thinking that being 100+ lbs overweight was healthy or sexy." I woke up after learning all the cancers and diseases obese people develop and through surviving thyroid cancer. You have yet to face your own "Come to Jesus" moment. And that is okay as all of us are on our own journeys. I just hope your moment is sooner rather than later.

I'll get real with you too ... and believe me, I'm being realistic, not mean.
PCOS makes it much harder to lose weight, but not impossible. I lost 70 lbs at one point through diet and exercise. It can be done. I went through early menopause so my symptoms are pretty much nonexistent now, but women with PCOS can lose weight. It's harder and slower than the average person, but I did it and I didn't have superpowers. Don't use PCOS as your catch-all excuse. Lots of women with PCOS have the surgery.
I've been a vegetarian for 30+ years and I have to tell you, as far as weight loss and real nutrition, your diet is crap. Bagel with butter? Skipping a meal? Chickpeas (btw, I love them) have 45 carbs in a cup and close to 300 calories. 1/4 cup of feta is loaded with sodium. A cup of quinoa has 39 carbs. Where's the Protein? You think you are eating a lot healthier than you are.
You're not in "great health". You're 5' 4" and almost 300 lbs. You are a morbidly obese woman who is used to walking. Not having a heart attack at this very moment doesn't mean you are in "great health". What you are is someone whose body hasn't started showing the signs of breaking down yet. The key phrase is started showing. It's breaking down. You can walk? Great. We're SUPPOSED to be able to walk without effort. You're not getting the Gold Star of Health because you can still walk and you don't have obesity hypoventilation syndrome ... yet.
I weighed 268 and was 52 when I decided to look into surgery, and I could actually sprint, touch my toes, run up the subway stairs, walk for miles, you name it. I also had a family history of people dying in their 40's and 50's, and if they made it to 60, it wasn't for long. I really didn't want to die. That was the tipping point for me. I was in my genetic "dead zone". I was 53 when I had the surgery, and I'm 54 now. I'm confident I'll live to see 74.
Have you seen any 5' 4" 300 lb women in their 70's and 80's walking around? No. Do you know why that is? It's because there are aren't any. They are all dead.
If you aren't ready for surgery or just plain don't want it, there is nothing wrong with that. It's not for everyone. If you want making it up the stairs to your house to be your personal best, go for it (and I'm not being sarcastic). Sometimes people are happy with the way things are and don't adapt well to change. I had this sort-of uncle who lived in his mother's basement his entire adult life. He had a pool table, a full bar, a dart board, state of the art (for the 1960's) stereo, color tv (a big deal back then), fridge, some type of velour sofa and a bed. The only time he would leave was to buy beer and Slim Jims. He was truly happy. His whole life was spent in that basement. He loved being down there until the day he died.
I personally am so grateful for my surgery. Every day I wake up and think about what I was this time last year. I ate clean before, but now proper nutrition is a priority. So is exercise and making the best possible choices for me at all times. What I put in my mouth, what I do with my time, what I will accept from myself. My personal standards for myself and my goals are a thousand times higher and it really shows.
Is there something you are afraid of? There are some downsides (like sagging skin), but it's small potatoes compared to all the health and personal benefits. I don't pray to not die in my sleep every night before I go to bed any more. I'm not jonesing for Bagels any more. I get excited about working out. When stuff happens, I have to deal with it instead of eat. The happy switch has been turned on for me. I wish I had done this years ago.

Honestly, it just sounds like you are not ready. My head was where yours is. I have always considered myself to be a beautiful full figured healthy woman. I was an all American athlete even though I was heavier than the other athletes. I took the attitude of, "yeah, I may be big, but I'm still better than you, prettier than you, and healthier than you" from those years and applied it for the pas 20 years.
What a complete crock of ****. I believed my own lies. And in the process, lost years off my life, that I may never get back, because of my narcissism and truly unhealthy lifestyle. And guess what, I was once a vegetarian and actually believed that just because I didn't consume meat products, I was still healthier than other people....meanwhile I outweighed others by 100+ pounds.
looking back on things, I often ask myself, "how could I have been so stupid?" Why and when did I brainwash myself into thinking that being 100+ lbs overweight was healthy or sexy." I woke up after learning all the cancers and diseases obese people develop and through surviving thyroid cancer. You have yet to face your own "Come to Jesus" moment. And that is okay as all of us are on our own journeys. I just hope your moment is sooner rather than later.

I'm five weeks out. I am feeling really good and looking pretty good (according to family). I was cleared to advance my diet to hard foods. I can't eat much at a time but I've had some tasty meals. Today I had hot pork from my favorite buffet restaurant. I ordered off the menu. I was totally satisfied with the 1/4 cup I was able to eat. I had it for my supper too. At times I feel a little sad that I can't pig out like I did before but I remember how miserable I was after I would eat like that. From what I understand after some time, I'll be able to enjoy just about any thing just in much smaller quantities. I questioned whether I should have the surgery after losing about 50 lbs on my pre op diet. I have always lost in the past but couldn't reach goal and would gain it back plus more. I really thought maybe this time I could do it on my own. I remember feeling the same way the last two times I was on a weight loss plan. That feeling reminded me that I probably wouldn't reach goal and keep it off without some help.
It is hard. I hated the products i had to eat in the pro op diet and the post op diet. I hated the Protein shakes, I hated the broth. I hate sugar free anything. I'm not getting in the required Protein, calories or fluids yet (by a long shot) but I feel so much better. I was walking 70 minutes a day but my doc wants me to cut back till I get closer to 70 grams of protein and closer to 600-800 calories. It feels like it is a full time job trying to get everything in. I used to drink Coke or Water. Now Water has a bad taste. But that too is getting better.
I cried when I fit into a size 10 jean. I started at a size 20w. I never knew it had a name until I heard it on Jimmy Fallon, but my "front butt" is slowly going away. I have excess skin but it isn't as bad as I thought it would be.
It is a major decision. Not every one has a successful surgery. not everyone will keep the weight off. My husband's Aunt is one year out and has gained
a considerable amount of her weight back. If we don't follow our plan we all can be like his Aunt. Right now I have a great restriction and I'm not very hungry. I could not eat all day and I wouldn't feel hungry. I'm sure that will go away someday. That's when I will have to be diligent in following the plan. I won't deprive myself but I will try to eat mainly healthy. I just don't want to go back to eating the whole bag of candy after eating three plates at the buffet and 3 or 4 cokes. It is actually a relief not having to worry about having enough junk food in the pantry to get me through a night.
So long story short, although I'm sometimes sad, the benefit of the surgery far outweighs the sadness for me.
Good luck with your decision.

I massively overpacked, but the things I ended up using were:
Heating Pad- I was super sick after surgery for days and I was freezing. I brought the pad to put behind my shoulders to minimize the gas pain, which it did, but it also was nice to have when I was shivering.
Pajamas- I am so glad I had pajamas and a sports bra. They make you get up and walk as much as possible and this way you don't have to worry about flashing anyone.
Warm fuzzy socks with grippies on the bottom- the socks they give you are junky and as long as the socks you bring have the grips, you can wear them and have nice and warm tootsies
Pillow & Blanket- My own pillow and blanket made things so much better.
Gas-X Strips- Helps the pain in the shoulder
Phone Charger
A really good eye mask and possibly ear pieces- I didn't have a roomie so it was quiet but the blinking lights of the monitor would have bothered me without my mask
Otherwise, I brought Shampoo, my hair brush, tooth paste and brush, my computer, my kindle, ipad, changes of clothing- I didn't use any of it. I was like a blob laying in the bed and alternately stumbling a few paces down the hallway the entire time. I needed to complete a report on my computer, which I did the day after surgery but would not have if it didn't need to be done. I don't even remember doing it, but apparently I do good work when I'm high, lol.
Good luck!

I feel your pain and frustration. I have gone through something very similar and I also had difficulty speaking up for myself because in my family...respecting your elders and family is serious business. May I suggest a more respectful response? Is their an elder in your family that everyone respects? If so. That is the person you express your concerns with in PRIVATE. That person will take it from there and before you know it, your weight will not be mentioned anymore. in my opinion, public declarations and/or going off on family you love is not respectful nor will it result in a positive outcome in the long run.

Namaste I love yoga! Modify, modify, modify! Soon you will find that your stretches are longer and that you are able to do more. Yoga begins wherever you are.

Namaste I love yoga! Modify, modify, modify! Soon you will find that your stretches are longer and that you are able to do more. Yoga begins wherever you are.

Namaste I love yoga! Modify, modify, modify! Soon you will find that your stretches are longer and that you are able to do more. Yoga begins wherever you are.

Namaste I love yoga! Modify, modify, modify! Soon you will find that your stretches are longer and that you are able to do more. Yoga begins wherever you are.

Well, your bariatric team is partially correct. Yes, "true" teas including black, green, and oolong do contain caffeine, but most herbal teas absolutely do not. The plants they are made from simply do not contain caffeine so the teas are naturally caffeine-free. They do not go through a decaffeination process. And there are dozens of herbal teas to choose from.....Rooibos, camomile, peppermint, blackberry, roasted chicory, sage, lemon balm, ginger, honey bush, and hibiscus, to name a few. I never drank tea before surgery, but have thoroughly enjoyed discovering the world of herbal teas. So much more variety than coffee.

With so many things going on in my life, the stress of being unemployed and ALL that comes with that, I am sooooooo ready to get this done! It's really one of the only things I'm looking forward to and still excited about. I have strong faith and today it was tested so much so that I almost lost it! I need some good news like ASAP!!!!! JESUS TAKE THE WHEEL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I'm alive!!! Yay! No cramping or anything crazy! I did "go" but just normal, there's not a whole lot in my belly anyway. So glad I could share all my TMI with everyone! Lol! So I think the tea is safe..I don't know if I will drink it again because I don't want to push my luck but I'm good: )

I feel your pain and frustration. I have gone through something very similar and I also had difficulty speaking up for myself because in my family...respecting your elders and family is serious business. May I suggest a more respectful response? Is their an elder in your family that everyone respects? If so. That is the person you express your concerns with in PRIVATE. That person will take it from there and before you know it, your weight will not be mentioned anymore. in my opinion, public declarations and/or going off on family you love is not respectful nor will it result in a positive outcome in the long run.

@@angewil60 Holy mother! Lol! You may need to type that up again....After you come off the pain meds!!!!

Good Luck! Sounds like you are ready!

Just wanted to let y'all know I have a blog you guys may be interested in reading! I also have a YouTube channel but I don't use it as much as the blog right now. The blog goes into great detail about pre op and post op life. I put all my stats on there and I'm super open about everything. The blog is meant to help answer questions and support other WLSer's. As a community, we are the only ones who truly understand each other. Hope you guys read and enjoy! -Dimand Girl
http://dimandgirl.wordpress.com
https://m.youtube.com/channel/UCoxON6VS58kjL1a8J3mXang

I'm just in awww. Looking at myself in the mirror knowing where I was a year ago, months ago. Im so excited I can't even show it as much as I would like to. No one understands your battle but you. However you guys can relate as we all are on the same journey here. I just want to scream odd times, burst out into tears of joy and stair at myself saying is this really real. Am I going to wake up and it be a dream. I know I may sound crazy but I'm so emotional right now. Understand, how I feel right now I haven't felt in so long and the best part is this is the beginning of an extraordinary new life for me. While nothing around me has changed much, but my mind has and that makes all the difference. To anyone that is newly postop hang in there on those tuff days and get ready to get excited and to anyone contemplating on what to do, just think of feeling so good you can't stand it. Trust me it's not the easiest no matter what folks say like you cheated blah blah they don't know what they are talking about. This takes work but it's so rewarding.......once again EXCITED!

Yes, I tried it and it did cramp up my stomach . It is a stimulant so it is not all that gentle in my opinion. Also, I read somewhere that it dyes your lower intestine a dark color...not sure if that's good or bad. LOL! So I am currently using milk of magnesia, as my flinstone Vitamins w/iron are causing me problems. Milk of magnesia is stimulant free, so no tummy ache, and it is working great so far!

Interesting question...Yoga, meditation, and targeted hypnosis are truly helping fill that void and are helping me become a more balanced person.