WLSResources/ClothingExch

Especially the ones sitting forward.

There's no reason not to explore surgery. Lots of people have surgery at 60 and later. Unless a maple tree or a statue of Dylan Thomas falls on you before Thursday, you've got plenty of time to enjoy better health and dance the night away. Two years or 40, it's all the same: Living.

It bloody well matters very much.

P.S. to my note above.
If you're going to go from rectum to vagina, peel off the condom first.
If you insist on not using condoms, at least never go from rectum to vagina without a good penis wash first.

Gentlemen, after posting earlier, I ran it by other people and have decided to withdraw from your topic, leave you t your discussion and unfollow the topic.
But I think that before & after pics are a great idea. Nothing wrong with a boast about a super accomplishment and, at the same time, encourage people who are at earlier stages of their journeys.
Best to all you. Adieu.

The purpose of getting clearance or having a "psychological evaluation," required by most insurance plans and some surgeons, is to show that:
- you understand the risks of surgery (every surgery has risks, by the way)
- that you understand that surgery doesn't guarantee weight loss, but rather is a tool to aid you in eating properly to lose weight
- that you're capable of understanding guidelines for eating properly and following other instructions from the surgeon and others in the practice, e.g., the RD
- if your insurance plan is aware that you're in treatment for mental illness, it wants to know that your meds do what you want and need of them, i.e., that you're stable and functioning
That's the extent of what I'm able to say right now. I'm not a medical or mental health professional, nor do I work in a surgery practice of insurance company.
P.S. Lots of people on the site talk about having to fill in pages and pages of questionnaires for an evaluation with a psychologist to whom they're referred by their surgery practices. It seems a load of horsepucky, a new "industry" mining the pockets of patients. A few people have mentioned that the surgery offices insist that they see the psychologists they refer them to. If this happens to you, be firm. I hope some of the site members stop in here to tell you more.
Nothing to get nervous about unless and until something happens that is nervous-making.

Gentlemen, after posting earlier, I ran it by other people and have decided to withdraw from your topic, leave you t your discussion and unfollow the topic.
But I think that before & after pics are a great idea. Nothing wrong with a boast about a super accomplishment and, at the same time, encourage people who are at earlier stages of their journeys.
Best to all you. Adieu.

P.S. to my note above.
If you're going to go from rectum to vagina, peel off the condom first.
If you insist on not using condoms, at least never go from rectum to vagina without a good penis wash first.

@@Steph0625, one other thing.
If you come across someone who sounds meetable, but there is any geographic distance, he's the one to make the trip. This is a subsection under "choose a meeting place that is comfortable for you." If you're in Houston and Mr. Fortunate is in LaGrange, let him make the trip. Your comfort level and peace of mind when meeting strangers come before anything else.
Have a good night.
Signed,
Your doting mother hen

Dear Shocked,
You had me nervous for a moment, thinking you were about to come out as made of synthetic stuff. What a relief to know you were referring only to polyamorousness and polyamory. Your mother is cool. She didn't scream and run away. She merely expressed concern for your heart. Do me a favor and don't be surprised by her on account of her age. Anything else, fine, but not her age. As I'm closer to it than to yours, I can say that 72 is not the same as clueless.
Go forth and polyply. Or something.

@@Steph0625, one other thing.
If you come across someone who sounds meetable, but there is any geographic distance, he's the one to make the trip. This is a subsection under "choose a meeting place that is comfortable for you." If you're in Houston and Mr. Fortunate is in LaGrange, let him make the trip. Your comfort level and peace of mind when meeting strangers come before anything else.
Have a good night.
Signed,
Your doting mother hen

@@Monigirl76
Now that you've gotten your serious answers, I'm starting over with my serious answer to your title question: I hope so.

@@ZombieQueen --
The "Run!!!!!" and "Run fast!!!!!" say it all very well, but here are my two six cents.
If his wife doesn't know he's been communicating with you the past few days, he's already cheating. For him to be married and telling you -- out of nowhere -- that he's always had feelings for you is a big, fat line.
The guy has nothing to offer anyone. In fact, he's offering nothing.
You want better than that from anyone you get close to, whether as a boyfriend or a pal.

Sadly, it can take a while to get to an ideal place. It seems to me, however, that your experience is out of the ordinary.
Bands neither lose nor gain weight. Your weight gain is most likely because of your own food choices and, if applicable, sedentary living. If you have been eating properly for weight-loss, it's probably time for a general physical exam. Also to consider is that some medications contribute to weight gain either by stimulating appetite or affecting metabolism.
Assuming that you know understand what to expect from a band that's finely-tuned to you and your 'responsibility' as the band owner/user , I can only suggest that you make an appt to speak with the NP about your band's behavior.
Yikes -- I'll leave all the above where it is, but it occurs to me that 3.5cc after 7 fills sounds especially odd. You may have a leak somewhere in the apparatus. Make an appt to discuss the possibility and what to expect when working with a band -- what's called the "green zone" where all is good.

I'm stuck at #8. It's not a medical question and, unless you can answer it for yourself, you'll do well to work on it until you can. There's more than a chance that challenges will always be lurking. Not caving in depends on making smart food choices, taking responsibility for the choices (we "choose," we don't "cheat") and learning skills to cope with the devil that may dance on our shoulders now and then.

@@LipstickLady sez "%^&." Spell that.
Someone wrote in one of the recent flying fish-fry topics that it's a wonder that some people pass the psych evaluation. I wrote the same a while back, but more to the point, that some IQ and reading comprehension testing might be better indicators. The resistance and tantrums are frustrating to vets and others who have a grasp of reality. Magic-seeking seems to be an organized sport. WLS and life overall have always been this way and will remain so. Ain't much to be done about it. That's why it's necessary to walk away from time to time. At least regroup and re-energize before the next attempt to help.
Rx: Fresh air.

I absolutely get your former and lingering discomfort in front of the camera. Internalizing and reconciling the before & after women isn't easy. Having pored over my photos got me nowhere. Instead I began to suspect that reviewing and making notes, whether written or mental, about who I was before, who I was after (I say "was" here because I've regained much of the weight I'd lost) and where they converge now is the way to go. Looking at photos just yet is confusing for me. As I grasp all my stages better, the photos will make better sense. I think.
Daisee, your recent photo shows a woman confident, proud and welcoming of the lens. If you felt uneasy, no one would guess it. There is more confidence in the older photo than you may know. You looked directly at the camera rather than off to the side or at the person sitting next to you.
You do look wonderful.

It doesn't apply to me now, @@Inner Surfer Girl, but I do think your philosophy is right up there with the greats of the 18th Century. I always told people to keep doing the work and it would all catch up down the line.

I just want to throw a few thoughts out. Whether you find them worth considering is up to you.
It seems odd to me for an age-appropriate man to ask a young woman why she's single. I don't do dating websites, but have been told that many phrases are code. "Why are you single?" may be another way of asking "What's wrong with you?," which leaves the same question for the male to answer. Regardless of that, I do believe that "Why are you single?" has one result only: To put the party being asked on the defensive in one way or another. My point is that you don't have to turn cartwheels for anyone; you don't have to pass anyone's test.
It sounds as though you have male friends. Why not ask for input from the one or two who are most sensible and comfortable to talk with about this?
As far as how to "act," pretty much as you do in other social situations. If you're hoping to feel a pitter-pat in your chest or butterflies in your tum, well, that often is part of the process. Those feelings do tend to diminish over time as the people learn each other better and don't feel the pressure of "first date syndrome." A good relationship always has a spark, but some time along the way, there still is laundry that needs to be done.
Honesty, a good thing in general, but timing is everything. It's healthy that you feel no shame about surgery or having been obese. When it comes to meeting someone after some talks, however, it seems to me that to reveal your weight/surgery history up front is, in effect, preparing or apologizing to the new person, as though there is something shameful. You have nothing to explain or apologize for.
It's not as rare for a 22-year old not to have dated as you may think. The others just aren't as open as you or haven't found a non-threatening venue to discuss it.
Excellent suggestions. If you put yourself in places doing what you enjoy, you'll be among people who share the interest. It's the old "two birds with one stone." At worst, you'll have had a good time.
I'm sure you know all the caveats, but they bear repeating.
- Meet only in public places that are well-populated
- You pick the place, one familiar and comfortable for you
- Suggest first get-togethers that will offer maximum options for conversation, e.g., a bike ride or hike (again, in a populated park) has built-in topics. Bars and restaurants aren't all that conducive unless the people really are comfortable and have much to say to each other.
- When meeting someone for the first or third time, let a reliable friend know who, where and when. Be sure your cellphone is fully charged before you start out. Check in with your friend when you head back home and maybe even once you arrive.
- This last tip is from a man. When it's time to go, be sure that he drives off first so that you can feel reasonably confident that you won't be followed. For someone to follow out of curiosity but no ill intent is ill in and of itself.

@@Steph0625, one other thing.
If you come across someone who sounds meetable, but there is any geographic distance, he's the one to make the trip. This is a subsection under "choose a meeting place that is comfortable for you." If you're in Houston and Mr. Fortunate is in LaGrange, let him make the trip. Your comfort level and peace of mind when meeting strangers come before anything else.
Have a good night.
Signed,
Your doting mother hen

I just want to throw a few thoughts out. Whether you find them worth considering is up to you.
It seems odd to me for an age-appropriate man to ask a young woman why she's single. I don't do dating websites, but have been told that many phrases are code. "Why are you single?" may be another way of asking "What's wrong with you?," which leaves the same question for the male to answer. Regardless of that, I do believe that "Why are you single?" has one result only: To put the party being asked on the defensive in one way or another. My point is that you don't have to turn cartwheels for anyone; you don't have to pass anyone's test.
It sounds as though you have male friends. Why not ask for input from the one or two who are most sensible and comfortable to talk with about this?
As far as how to "act," pretty much as you do in other social situations. If you're hoping to feel a pitter-pat in your chest or butterflies in your tum, well, that often is part of the process. Those feelings do tend to diminish over time as the people learn each other better and don't feel the pressure of "first date syndrome." A good relationship always has a spark, but some time along the way, there still is laundry that needs to be done.
Honesty, a good thing in general, but timing is everything. It's healthy that you feel no shame about surgery or having been obese. When it comes to meeting someone after some talks, however, it seems to me that to reveal your weight/surgery history up front is, in effect, preparing or apologizing to the new person, as though there is something shameful. You have nothing to explain or apologize for.
It's not as rare for a 22-year old not to have dated as you may think. The others just aren't as open as you or haven't found a non-threatening venue to discuss it.
Excellent suggestions. If you put yourself in places doing what you enjoy, you'll be among people who share the interest. It's the old "two birds with one stone." At worst, you'll have had a good time.
I'm sure you know all the caveats, but they bear repeating.
- Meet only in public places that are well-populated
- You pick the place, one familiar and comfortable for you
- Suggest first get-togethers that will offer maximum options for conversation, e.g., a bike ride or hike (again, in a populated park) has built-in topics. Bars and restaurants aren't all that conducive unless the people really are comfortable and have much to say to each other.
- When meeting someone for the first or third time, let a reliable friend know who, where and when. Be sure your cellphone is fully charged before you start out. Check in with your friend when you head back home and maybe even once you arrive.
- This last tip is from a man. When it's time to go, be sure that he drives off first so that you can feel reasonably confident that you won't be followed. For someone to follow out of curiosity but no ill intent is ill in and of itself.

I just want to throw a few thoughts out. Whether you find them worth considering is up to you.
It seems odd to me for an age-appropriate man to ask a young woman why she's single. I don't do dating websites, but have been told that many phrases are code. "Why are you single?" may be another way of asking "What's wrong with you?," which leaves the same question for the male to answer. Regardless of that, I do believe that "Why are you single?" has one result only: To put the party being asked on the defensive in one way or another. My point is that you don't have to turn cartwheels for anyone; you don't have to pass anyone's test.
It sounds as though you have male friends. Why not ask for input from the one or two who are most sensible and comfortable to talk with about this?
As far as how to "act," pretty much as you do in other social situations. If you're hoping to feel a pitter-pat in your chest or butterflies in your tum, well, that often is part of the process. Those feelings do tend to diminish over time as the people learn each other better and don't feel the pressure of "first date syndrome." A good relationship always has a spark, but some time along the way, there still is laundry that needs to be done.
Honesty, a good thing in general, but timing is everything. It's healthy that you feel no shame about surgery or having been obese. When it comes to meeting someone after some talks, however, it seems to me that to reveal your weight/surgery history up front is, in effect, preparing or apologizing to the new person, as though there is something shameful. You have nothing to explain or apologize for.
It's not as rare for a 22-year old not to have dated as you may think. The others just aren't as open as you or haven't found a non-threatening venue to discuss it.
Excellent suggestions. If you put yourself in places doing what you enjoy, you'll be among people who share the interest. It's the old "two birds with one stone." At worst, you'll have had a good time.
I'm sure you know all the caveats, but they bear repeating.
- Meet only in public places that are well-populated
- You pick the place, one familiar and comfortable for you
- Suggest first get-togethers that will offer maximum options for conversation, e.g., a bike ride or hike (again, in a populated park) has built-in topics. Bars and restaurants aren't all that conducive unless the people really are comfortable and have much to say to each other.
- When meeting someone for the first or third time, let a reliable friend know who, where and when. Be sure your cellphone is fully charged before you start out. Check in with your friend when you head back home and maybe even once you arrive.
- This last tip is from a man. When it's time to go, be sure that he drives off first so that you can feel reasonably confident that you won't be followed. For someone to follow out of curiosity but no ill intent is ill in and of itself.

@@LipstickLady sez "%^&." Spell that.
Someone wrote in one of the recent flying fish-fry topics that it's a wonder that some people pass the psych evaluation. I wrote the same a while back, but more to the point, that some IQ and reading comprehension testing might be better indicators. The resistance and tantrums are frustrating to vets and others who have a grasp of reality. Magic-seeking seems to be an organized sport. WLS and life overall have always been this way and will remain so. Ain't much to be done about it. That's why it's necessary to walk away from time to time. At least regroup and re-energize before the next attempt to help.
Rx: Fresh air.

Age may slow the process for some "grown-ups," but you'll see that so many lose weight at a fast rate. No matter, you will lose weight at a surprising rate barring very unusual circumstances.
A better question to yourself might be "What do I want from surgery?" If it is to lose weight and have a better chance at maintaining the weight loss than you've had in the past, you'll be way ahead of the game. It's too easy, given expected stalls and the possibility of behaving as a mere mortal, to be unthrilled if you include specific numbers in your goal. Follow the guidelines given to you by your surgery practice and you'll be in good shape.
That maintenance is not a given bears mention. The sleeve will greatly minimize your capacity to overeat, which, in turn, helps maintenance. Maintaining, however, requires wise choices forever after. Too many people go in expecting no-effort maintenance because they know only what they want to know or believe; this, regardless of what they've been told and read along the way.
Best wishes.

@@4MRB4PHOTO I take issue with "Simon." This Brooklyn girl finds several of his "You Know You're..." items to be incorrect. One of the more egregious errors is the last. Above all Christmas is The Big Day for hitting the Chinese restaurant.
Shipping or shlepping Bagels back to Peoria? Be sure of the source. Even in NYC some makers steam rather than boil the shaped dough, yielding a mockery that is inauthentic in texture and spirit.
I'll leave it there.
Laurie