The Candidate

I think it will probably take awhile before everyone figures out their place in your new life, including you. When you think about it your decision has greatly affected your family dynamic in ways that neither of you could have ever adequately prepared for. I think we're all in for a bit of a shock to discover how much our daily interactions with other people revolve around food. Give yourself a little more time to adapt and adjust. Once you feel comfortable within your own new world, better in control, it will be easier to acclimate those around you as well.

Wonderful progress! You look so different! Way to go!

Don't ever feel shy about asking questions. Better to get some advice than proceed blind. There are always very kind and understanding people here, ready and willing to offer a hand. Just like @@Daisee68 just did with her excellent response above! ????

I feel for you! Waiting is the worst! Especially after you've complied and completed all of their mandated requirements. I hope you hear back soon and good luck!

Thank you @ I've never tried crocs before so I'm going to check them out. I'm so glad they brought you relief!

Thank you @@padremama I will look into Birchenstock. Wow as a waitress I know you never get a chance to sit down! My hat is off to you. I have a desk job so I sit a lot in front of the computer. And every time I have to stand up after a prolonged period of sitting, it's like that intense first thing in the morning agony.

My mother gets cortisone shots frequently and so I know how painful they are! Ouch! I guess I just want to explore all other avenues of treatment before going that route. Plus I want to see if losing a significant amount of weight will improve it any. But I've lost 30 pounds already as a pre op and so far, there's been no improvement. Since I was required to lose 10% of my weight to meet my insurance's hurdles and maintain that loss until my surgery, which will be on 07/29, I've had no choice but to keep up with exercising despite the pain. So I'm sure that has only aggravated the matter. Thanks everyone for your suggestions. It's a big help!

Well number one would be to research like you have a test tomorrow morning and it will count for 100% of your grade. ???? But in this case it will affect 100% of your life. This will be a monumental life changer so give the decision the respect it deserves. Be sure you've considered every other option first too. The surgery will change your body and digestive system, but it's totally up to you to change your mindset, eating habits, physical activity, and lifestyle towards healthier living. People can gain the weight back if they don't make these changes. Never forget that. Good luck!

Sorry about the "I" post! My fingers have a mind of their own! I plan on taking six weeks. For healing and also to have a period to adjust to a whole new digestive system. If you can I recommend taking as much as you're able. You can always go back earlier if you feel up to it later.

I

@@wannabthin Too funny! Hey, maybe that's the real reason why they don't want us drinking alcohol post surgery. Without a big butt there'd be no place to set our drinks down!

Thanks @@Sharon1964 I'm going to get a bag of peas, great suggestion! At least they won't be tempting to cheat with. ???? I have it in both feet and they presented at the exact same time, which my doctor has told me is sort of unusual. I didn't learn until later that some people get it on only one foot. Either way it seriously impedes your ability to walk, or even stand in one place for an extended period of time. Strange the many ways our bodies find ways to retaliate against us.

I'm so sorry and hope that everything turns out well in the end. I know it was a terrible disappointment to weather.

Well, as I've already got a ginormous butt as it is, no worries there! Hmmm... maybe I should try balancing a glass of champagne on mine like she did. Probably good for a few laughs! ????

@@wannaBthinsoon I remember all the excitement about those shoes! They were very popular for awhile. That's good to know and I'm going to do some research on them. Anything that might help is a plus. Thanks so much!

Thank you @@Bufflehead @ @@CloserToFine for all the wonderful suggestions of exercises, stretches, information to read, and well wishes! ????. I'm definitely going to incorporate all of them into my daily routine. I'm keeping hope alive in my heart that after surgery I and everyone else who suffers from this disorder, will be given some modicum of relief. It's so encouraging to hear that it might well happen, at least to some extent. My shoe size has even increased in size in order to accommodate all the bulky inserts! That would be fantastic if I get to lose weight there too! You guys are the best. ????

@@no onions Yes, it helps immensely! I will also try halfing or quartering my larger Vitamins. I am currently taking some chewy calcium vitamins, along with liquid B 12, B 1, and Biotin, among others. The rest are in pill form. Thanks again!

I suffer from extreme plantar fasciitis and it strongly affects my mobility. Initially the flare ups were limited primarily to when I first put my feet on the floor in the morning. The pain is akin to having sharp needles stabbed into your feet. And if it isn't a stabbing sensation, than it's an intense throbbing, as though I'd been walking 24 hours straight. Over the last year it's gotten much worse too, and is pretty much continuous. I wear the standard orthopedic inserts, the wraps and night splints, went to physical therapy, was sent to pain management, and prescribed meds. I have even undergone a series of acupuncture treatments, which offered some relief, but only for about six months. So my question is, has your weight loss surgery helped any with your plantar fasciitis? And if so, to what degree?

@ You are radiant! And even without the faces of your family members seen, you would have still been the brightest light of all. The happiness in your stance and body language is unmistakeable. ????

@@Daisee68 Thanks so much! That gives me a lot to go on. I appreciate you writing all that out. I've always been a big Vitamin taker, but I never gave any thought to when I took them. I pretty much tend to take them all together at one time as a pre op. I figured that would have to change post op as we just won't be able to chug them like that. And I heard that the order you take them does matter. Thanks for the clarification, it helps a lot. ????

@@tjstark I so agree! Nothing inspires more than a positive, motivating attitude. There are so many here who I wish I could personally thank whose posts got me through the long waiting period! But it would take years! When it's our turn we will both live up to their stellar examples! And then come back and inspire the next generation! ????

@@Mandyctr The only thing you got wrong in your post is when you said "It's not because I'm amazing or anything." You're beyond amazing and it showed through with every word you shared! Definitely words to live by! Thank you!

I'm so sorry for what you're going through! It's hard when those close to you, or in this case, those who are close to those close to you, don't support your personal decision to have WLS surgery. But the fact that you say she and others in your boyfriend's family weren't exactly treating you nice before, by excluding you from functions and such, says a lot. You're dating her son and for some moms no one will ever be good enough for their son. And maybe others in the family are just following her lead. Which pretty much says she was bound and determined for you to fail from the moment you told her. The fact that she then had to repeat that belief to her son who then told you, is very sad. There are some people in life that you are just never going to please, or change the nature of their built in prejudices and biases. So stop trying, because you'll only going to make yourself miserable. You made this decision to change your life and health for the better, never stray from that resolve and you'll do fine! And if you really want to prove something to her, go on to lose the weight, and keep it off as you planned to do in the first place! One thing she'll never be able to get past is irrefutable proof that it worked! Bet she'll shut up about the matter after that! You hang in there! You deserve this and you are going to be spectacular!

Thank you @@coloradosnyder Good to know!

Can I ask a related question as I'm still post op? In regards to the loss of interest in food, changing taste buds, and sometimes difficulty getting in your Water and Protein quotas: how hard is it then to get in your Vitamins? And did you never stop taking vitamins going from a pre op to a post op, or did you stop vitamins just before surgery, and have or will at some point in the healing process, start taking them again? Thanks for your help!