BackSpin81

I has gastric sleeve surgery March 30, 2015 and have not told many people. Medical professionals know, my parents know, my aunt, 1 cousin, and 2 close friends. Most others do not know unless they have speculated. I lived across country when I had surgery and only came home to Boston once a year for Christmas. So this has kept my "secret" safe. I am not ashamed of having surgery. However, I did not want to tell the world then run the risk of failing afterward. I didn't want others to watch everything that I eat with "no-no" eyes shaming me for having a drink, a cookie, or something they assumed I should not have. I did not want to be judged for doing well, or poorly, or for regaining any weight afterward. My poor cousin had gastric bypass surgery in 2013, lost over 100 lbs, and toned his body and looked marvelous. As his marriage started to crumble and fail, he slowly gained weight then quickly gained some more. He is now much larger than he was before. It hurts to see how hard he worked to have his progress erased. His surgery and weight gain are no secret and has been the subject of chitter amongst family. And that is exactly what I do not want for myself. As awful as it is, I must admit that my weight has become a complete OBSESSION for me. I truly do not want to be the cause of my own death. I do not want to be a size 2. I just want to be healthy. And I get there and stay there is my journey, and battle. Sent from my SM-G920P using the BariatricPal App

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Surgical tape was placed over my piercings by the nurse before surgery. I don't believe the tongue piercing will be a problem as your mouth is closed/covered during surgery. But then again, I'm not a doctor. I say check in with your surgeon for the final word. Sent from my SM-G920P using the BariatricPal App

If you're unsure, wait. Don't do it now. Wait until you are 100% sure. Because once it's done, it's done. I was sleeved 3/31/15. My insurance did not cover any part of the surgery. I took it upon myself to fund my surgery. Therefore I was not stipulated to do any intensive pre-surgery diets, counseling, etc. I met with my surgeon once, attended a nutrition class once, and a financing meeting to discuss my payment. Then had surgery 2 weeks later. Though it was a very quick turnaround, I was sure and ready. This was the surgery that was meant to save my life. And in a lot of ways, it has. However, there are often significant underlying internal struggles that are far more permanent than the weight and weight loss ever will be. For example, despite my weight loss I still battle with slight bouts of depression, random crying, occasional low esteem and obsess over any weight loss/gain. I'm not saying the "nagging feeling" you are having is doubt. However, I am saying that you should be 100% sure before having surgery. It has helped me get a "reset" on my health for sure. But it also exposed deep rooted, unaddressed issues within me as well. Good luck with your decision. Sent from my SM-G920P using the BariatricPal App

Onederland is still a goal for me. I was 13bs away... then 18... then 15... etc, etc. I'll get there one of these days. I haven't lost all hope (just a little though, to be honest). Ugh! Sent from my SM-G920P using the BariatricPal App

I'm definitely in! Sent from my SM-G920P using the BariatricPal App

OK, I am 1 year post and still burp like a monster! Especially when I eat something that I shouldn't ????. I have no idea when or if this will stop. I would suggest speaking to your nutritionist to get a better understanding of the cause. Sent from my SM-G920P using the BariatricPal App

Chewing gum and carbonated beverages. I was never a big soda fan. But champagne or sparkling alcohol was always a joy. But thankfully I've managed to stay off carbonate drinks post surgery along with chewing gum as well. I surprisingly don't miss the gum, the alcohol is painful! Lol. Sent from my SM-G920P using the BariatricPal App

sugar free syrup help. I added sugar free chocolate and caramel flavored coffee/tea syrups to spice up my shakes. Sent from my SM-G920P using the BariatricPal App

Very true. It seems as if the pre-diet varies dramatically from location to location. My surgeon only required 3 days of Clear liquids. But the NUT scared the hell out of me and my pre-op class saying that if the liver was not shrunk down enough, that surgery would and could be canceled. So to be sure to ONLY have clear liquids and absolutely no food or liquid at all after 10 PM on the night before surgery! I didn't question but I was definitely terrified. Lol. Sent from my SM-G920P using the BariatricPal App

You are on it! I had my 1 year anniversary as well and hit a wall. Going back to basics and studying old photos has refocused my mind. Still struggling but working through it. As for the OP, you are not alone! Never feel that you are. I suggest and am also working on finding a support group near me. WE have come too far for self-sabotage. Remember why you started this journey and where you started. Trust me, I know where you are coming from. We've got this! And we will NOT let the weight win. It will ALWAYS lose Sent from my SM-G920P using the BariatricPal App

Lol! Time for a makeover

I have a hard time believing it's real. Before surgery, I thought I would fail at this. I really did. I would read through all the NSV threads and never thought I'd be posting here!I completely agree with you! I kept my surgery a secret for exactly this reason. But I'm proud of what I have done for myself and my life.