tcrehm

No advice but if your bradycardia persist and you can't get in to see the doctor, I would head to the ER.

I met someone out dancing...we are going to dinner later this week. I never get asked out, it's a Seattle thing, so this is a good thing to experience!

I thought alot about how/if I wanted to respond to this post.
I wasn't married, but had a long term partner (over 10 years) who accepted me no matter what weight. Problem was, we lived like roommates/cousins/brother-sister. I am not just talking about sex, I am talking about the very nature of our relationship. It left a hole in my heart the size of the Grand Canyon.
I had lost about 125# and I was feeling so alive... i just wanted to share that with him. I tried so many ways, but in the end, i was overtly rejected.
One of the most difficult things I have done was end that relationship. My siblings were astounded, because he is the all around great guy, first one to help out in a pinch... but what they didn't know is I was never touched, kissed, looked at or cared for in a way that I expect in a loving relationship. and, there were some other issues too.
That was several years ago and in terms of fun factor since being single - epic. I am not talking about men being interested - I am talking about learning to dance, finding out the kind of live music I like, going to fun events "with the girls" and just having the freedom to do what I want, when I want.
We ended things very amicably, and in the end, he is probably my best friend although I rarely see him. Who was there when it was time to put down the family dog? him. Who was there when I needed someone to drive me to/from a recent surgery? him
Two of my girlfriends have since left their husbands (they were already skinny - not weight loss related) and mentioned that I inspired them to find a better life in middle age. It broke my heart to hear that.
As recently as like 3 months ago, I seriously thought about asking him to come back. I miss him. I miss having a whole family.
Luckily, I talked to my counselor and she said something that helped ease my 'doubts' - he is a better friend than life partner, isn't he? I have to admit she is right. (there were other issues I haven't disclosed that fit into this)
Anyway, none of us know your situation, the entire life picture. I just encourage people to thing really really hard about what they are giving up. Did I make the right decision to end things? yes I did, because I can't stand living with someone who doesn't want to hug or kiss me or talk to me about daily life.. like I just can't stand it and it made me feel horrible about myself. When losing weight didn't change anything (oh, and I had tried many other things too!) I realized that there was nothing i could do to fix things.
Even so, i still believe that it is worth trying to fix things.

7-10 was all I was able to muster this past weekend. Tomorrow starts another round. I'm going for full length runs this time.
Surgeon's visit went well this morning and I was released to try new soft Proteins for 5 small meals per day. I think this will help my energy so long as I get my Water in, too.
I apprettiate your confidence. I'm really wanting to get things right this time in regards to my weight and overall health.
I'm trying to be patient and not take on too much, but I'm ready to get rolling along.
Yep. Those are indeed the ones.
I went by the sleep Number store today and this came up.
I may reserve a room and stay on one first to see.

@@Dub I am almost 7 weeks post surgery and last week my energy levels were terrible despite the week before feeling fine. (BP was fine so that was not the reason). I don't think I am ready that I could try to work 13 hour days at this point with or without a lot of walking and I am a little further out than you. Take it easy and let your body guide you as to how much you can do.
Best of luck! I can tell you will be successful at this battle of the bulge!

I finally met someone who got me out of the dating pool. It is interesting that this wasn't some crazy hormonal charged ubber romantic chance meeting thing. It has grown slowly from someone I was attracted to someone I want to grow a relationship with. We have a tenancy to define intimacy as sex. I think it is much more than that. While sex is important, its a servant to intimacy not the master.
What I am finding as this grows is finding the right person was vital. Duh? Well what I didn't realize was how important it was to find someone who was really emotionally healthy. For me it turned out that it was important to find someone who had suffered trauma and overcame it. This is why I'm posting this insight here.
For many of us who have undergone major transformation via WLS we had issues with food and the weight literally and spiritually blocked us from people for years. If your goal is true intimacy, I think this a consideration you might want to put on your list. In the back of your mind when you are getting to know them, listen to their stories of how they overcame bad things. It might be the point of connection that might lead to the deep intimacy we all crave.
So what I am hoping to start is a conversation on growing truly intimate with another human being.
What were the things that made you comfortable enough to be vulnerable? Can you do it too quickly? What are the joys and risks? How do you nurture it? I think negative experiences and lessons learned are just as important as the positives.
While I have posted a great deal on dating and finding the right person, there was always a goal. I am sure I have crossed that goal line, now its taking it to the next level, so veteran or newbie I'm curious about how you see intimacy and how you grew it, or blew it.

I too was weak from the pre-op liquid diet and didn't drive because I was afraid I would have a wreck. My NUT had me increase my calories up to 800 to 1000 with addition of milk. That really seemed to help.

@@Kathleen568 My NUT said that is normal because we are eating such low amount of calories per day.

Sorry I haven't been doing very well posting updates, too much going on at home and work, but I'm still on track, 388lbs in January, 342lbs on June 10th surgery date, and down to 269lbs last week, only 75 more to goal weight, also been making great strides at the gym, more definition and muscle, have had to miss a few times due to my wife's schedule and appointments, I think I'm able to fit into 2x clothing now, but I'm not satisfied about the fit so I'm sticking to 3x Til next year, also planning another mini vacation with my wife in December, gotta get back on track with my vitamins(ran out) but otherwise healthier and stronger, I've missed some of you guys and I hope your doing well, no more stalls so I would like to hit goal weight within the next 6 months and begin my next phase of maintenance.........

A list of abbreviations was just posted. It looks as though the poster will ask that it be pinned. It could probably be include in FAQ when the time comes.
Another suggestion from me: Ask new participants at least to put their chosen surgery procedure and the date/expected date in profile. The info is often pertinent when trying to give useful responses. This would be part of the "welcome, here are tips for getting started" communication from BP, but highlighting it elsewhere would help. Many leave blanks.

I just want to thank you all for your suggestions and help through this hardship I'm having. No joke! We all know this isn't easy and if it is for you God bless. I have a lot of eyes on me so to speak and I don't want to let them down but more than that I don't any to let ME down. There are times in your life when you will be called "selfish" well I am, I will own that when it comes to this body and my health for once in my life I will be selfish and I won't fell sorry for it!! You guys are a true blessing and I am now and forever thankful for each and every one of you!

This is a list of some of the Abbreviations used on the Bariatric Pal website:
ACL = Anterior cruciate ligament AMRAP = As Many Rounds As Possible (crossfit) BB = belly button bc = because BCBS = Blue Cross/Blue Shield BED = Binge Eating Disorder bf = best friend BM = bowel movement BMI = Body Mass Index bp = blood pressure BPD = Borderline Personality Disorder or Biliopancreatic Diversion (Scopinaro procedure) bs = blood sugar btw = by the way CBT = cognitive-behavioral therapy CC = common channel c diff = clostridium difficile cos or cuz = because CPAP = continuous positive airway pressure CRNP = certified registered nurse practitioners cw = current weight CXR = Chest X-Ray Dr. = doctor DS = Dumping Syndrome or Duodenal Switch EGD = Esophagogastroduodenoscopy EKG = Electrocardiography ff = fat free GERD = gastroesophageal reflux disease GI = gastrointestinal GNC = General Nutrition Corporation store GP = general practitioner or family doctor HBP = high blood pressure hr = heart rate hw = highest weight ICU = Intensive Care Unit Idk = I don’t know IMHO = in my humble (honest) opinion IMO = in my opinion IUI = Intrauterine insemination LAP Band = Laparoscopic Adjustable Gastric Band lol = laughing out loud LSG = Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy med = medicine msg = message NASH = Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis nf = non fat NG = Nasogastric NP = nurse practitioner NSAIDS = Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug NSV = non-scale victory (“scale” means “weight scale”) NUT = nutritionist OA = Overeaters Anonymous Onederland = a magical place or destination for those trying to lose weight. It might correspond to attaining a weight in the hundreds or losing a hundred pounds. op = operation OSA = Obstructive sleep Apnea Oz = Australia PB = Productive Burps PCOS = Polycystic Ovary Syndrome PCP = Primary Care Physician PM = private message (email) PMS = premenstrual syndrome POSE = Primary Obesity Surgery Endolumenal postop or post–op = post-operation or post-surgery PPI = Proton Pump Inhibitors ppl = people preop or pre-op = pre-operation or pre-surgery PTSD = Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder PVC = Premature ventricular contractions RA = Rheumatoid arthritis RTD = ready to drink RN = registered nurse RNY = Roux-en-Y s/f or sf = sugar free smh = shaking my head, scratching my head SOB = shortness of breath sw = weight at surgery tmi = too much information TPN = total parenteral nutrition TT = tummy tuck u = You UGI = Upper Gastrointestinal VSG = Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy Vit = Vitamin wks = weeks WLS = Weight Loss Surgery WOD = Workout of the Day w/o = without wt = weight or :-) = ☺ = smiley face or :-( = ☹ = sad face

@@Desmond Longbottom It's surprising how far down those underwear that are too big will creep!

Hey guys! I posted new pictures of my 6 week post op belly. I regret nothing. I am the happiest I've ever been!
www.phatchances.wordpress.com
Thank you for all of your continued support!

@@tcrehm
I was told to wait at least one year after GOAL before having PS
just in case things/wrinkles do improve
that's what MY doc said
other docs might say different
my tushy/skin was hanging way down south during and after surgery
what a mess
lost my rear end!!!
(not gonna look for it!! LOL)
as time passed within the next year+
rear end end started to firm/tighten
not perfect, - good enough not to need PS
and i am still "cute as a button"!!
i agree with @@VSGAnn2014
PS shouldn't be done immediately after WLS
this is what my doc told me - OP might be different
"you" waited a long time to get rid of your excess weight"
wait a little longer with PS til your body is ready
God Grant Me Patience Just Hurry Up About It"
@@Victoria Mora @@Mountaingal @@Wendyfm
you both spoke earlier of your neck/chin area
i had my face/double chin plastic surgery end of June
i had a small, faint, light scar under my neck area PO
i was aware of it, but no one else probably noticed
3.5 months later - i know the scar is there
scar is so light, faded - i doubt OP can see it
scarring "probably" is more visible in larger area (my thoughts)
good luck
kathy

How about calling it "The Top 50 from Vets to you... with a bow on it"
or
"VAQs" Veterans Answer Questions
My personal fav is "I am 2 1/2 weeks out and have stopped losing weight!".... followed by the 3 week stall talk. Prefaced by the admonishment of "Listen to your Doc and Nut" of course.

There are some old FAQs as stickies that I read when I first joined. Maybe just add on? There are also suggestions of what to add on those threads...
http://www.bariatricpal.com/topic/205249-frequently-asked-questions/

Thanks ladies, cheers to happiness. .guess i cant hide or be to proud for help.

I got the meds and saw my therapist today

Suggestions for the FAQ portion that gives tips for making the most of BP:
1) Write a subject line that gives a clue to the subject matter.
Because, and not necessary in this order:
a) It saves other users time on clicking in to topics they can't help with or that don't interest them.
It will attract those who can make good contributions.
c) It will attract those who may learn something along with the OP.
d) It will not lose the people [like me] who ignore "A Question" or "Hi, I'm New," et al., expecting a pointless message and are rarely disappointed in that regard.
2) Write messages that clearly communicate what it is that you're asking.
Readers will not have to second guess. They'll be saving time if they understand you and can respond in a helpful way the first time.
(P.S. I did not put that stupid doodad in there. It forced its way through the door.)

Me, again, with another suggestion. The maneuver is old and it works. People I've given it to through the years have been happy to know it. it's basic post-op and comes up often enough in one way or another in BP that it's worth including.
While incisions remain sore, firmly press a bed pillow against your midsection if you need to cough, sneeze, laugh or do anything else that will jar you. The pillow will brace you and minimize discomfort.

Its funny to read "trust your gut" on these forums

How about the perennial "I just got my period. Will the surgeon postpone my procedure?"

@@Cape Crooner --
I've seen only FAQ's that are "b&w" references since browsing my first. One BP member [sorry, your name is on the tip of my tongue] suggested above that it have a different title, which may come to pass. The understanding here is that BP's section, too, will be factual, not a collection of personal opinions and experiences. @@tcrehm proposed the new section to end or at least cut down on endlessly-repeated questions to spare vets and help newcomers. Some aspects will be tricky to compile, given that not all bariatric practices give identical instructions, but it can be done. The chief route around the difficulty will be the disclaimer to follow the "rules" of one's own practice.

Side effects ????
Sorta like the side effect horror stories we hear about with wls ????
I'd submit the ongoing battles with obesity and/or depression could be much worse than a side effect that you may never encounter.
I'm not a guy who likes taking meds and loading up on stuff in my system. Guess what......when my back went out and I couldn't take a step without screaming out......the surgeon prescribed meds. I took them and profited. My quality of life improved. It lead me to the wls and gaining the benefits from this have helped heal my back and get me off the meds.
My wife's family.......every single one of them, I've discovered, struggle with depression and anxiety. Some of them are too proud to discuss it.....and some are fearful of pursuing treatment.
Our teenage son, we found out, shares this disease. We quickly sought treatment for him and he was a new kid once it occurred. He can live a normal life and be free from the "side effects" of non-treatment.....so long as we monitor this and keep him following up with his psychiatrist. It has been a blessing to witness. I can't tell you how grateful I am for those in her family that were willing to share their experience and their advice. There are others that struggle with denial. I pray for them.
Please don't struggle needlessly if you feel that you may be helped by a professional. It's 2015 and there are new meds and new treatments that can be miraculous in terms of what they can do for you.
You had wls for improving your quality of life, right ? All I'm saying is don't leave a stone unturned. You are looking for total health and it's achievable.
Best wishes to you.