lindabalseca

Chicago

It's not for practice, its to shrink your liver so the drs can do the surgery without your liver being in the way.

What does it matter if I've had the surgery or not, if I'm pre op or not?! As if I've never dieted in my entire life????? As if I've never had health issues due to my weight? As if I can't read online or in books what to expect and use critical thinking?
I'm fine with discussion until it gets personal. I expressed an opinion not directed at post ops in general or any one person but based off something I observed in the forums. I'm sorry that rubs you wrong. I'm still entitled to expressing a very real feeling. This forum is for everybody to open and invite discussion. Sadly a lot of people lack the skills to think critically and not make it about them.
If you can't handle it, I suggest you don't read my thread. Honestly, you're incredibly rude, as are many of the people who have replied to my thread. The rudeness doesn't just extend to myself but others who replied as well.
I'm fine with opposing views but not when they fly from the fingers of big babies who can't handle an opposing or different opinion than their own.
You're incredibly rude.
My apologies to anybody who has been attacked on here, my intent was to open a discussion, not invite stupidity and hatred. Or take the discussion off topic.

Right!
This discussion has happened here so often and so many scientific studies and links have been cited.
I only responded and posted because I am procrastinating on a work project but I am promising myself today I am never going to post more than one sentence about sleeve stretching again. "Properly formed sleeves don't stretch"
If people are comforted by thinking that sleeves stretch so they have an excuse for regaining and failing, hug that blankie tight Linus van Pelt, may it comfort you in hard times,
I'm done.

What I was wanting to know though is where did you get this information from? Modified sleeves aside, I have a hard time believing that highly regarded US surgeons who have performed thousands of bariatric surgeries can't properly form a sleeve. I personally know two people whose sleeves were ineffective because they refused to change their dietary patterns and they no longer feel any restriction. I know other people who used the exact same surgeon and have had great results.

Also the stomach is elastic. It does relax and expand when we eat, and just like with most things if you continuously stretch anything to its max it's eventually not going to snap all the way back. Maybe the proper term isn't stretched, but becomes more elastic? Able to hold more?

I do not see how a stretched sleeve is a cop out for surgeons. With that logic if you're not eating proper portions is it the surgeons fault that you're able to eat bigger portions? Are you saying that anyone who does not have success with Bariatric surgery is a victim of medical malpractice? I don't think so. Any surgeon will tell you the sleeve is a tool and it will not work if you don't work with it. The stomach does expand to hold more food over time. If it didn't then we would physically be unable to eat more as time passes without experiencing dumping syndrome.

A couple of things I found from a quick google search:

"If you continually overeat, the stomach may stretch. If your stomach stretches, you will not benefit from your surgery." http://www.northwestdavinci.com/health-library/hw-view.php?DOCHWID=hw252781

"However, when we prepare to eat, our brain sends a signal to our stomach that food is on the way. In anticipation, the stomach muscles relax and the stomach gets ready to be filled with food—a process known as "gastric accommodation." While eating, the average human stomach can stretch up to five times its normal fasting state. "The human stomach can actually hold 48 ounces, or roughly one liter, at its full capacity," says Leslie Bonci, a registered dietitian who works with the Pittsburgh Pirates and Kansas City Chiefs."

"Rather, eating patterns change the amount of food the stomach can expand to hold. Think of it more as "increasing stomach elasticity" than "permanently stretching your stomach." The scientific term for this is "distensibility"—defined as "the ability of something to become stretched."

http://www.stack.com/a/does-overeating-actually-stretch-your-stomach-the-answer-might-surprise-you

A stopped clock is also right 2x a day.

Eating fast food is not healthy at all... to me it's comparable to smoking. It's awful for you. Success is measured per individual from what their standards are set.... so it they have low standards not knowing, they will think they are achieving great things but could be doing better. It pains me to hear people getting this surgery and right away want to put the naughty foods back into their system. It scares me to my core. I don't want those cravings ever again. I don't want to be this person I am now before surgery. I want to be the best version of me making healthy decisions that don't include crap food. I know I'll loose faster and my skin and appearance will look good! I just love myself too much to get the sleeve surgery and dare think to put crap in my system. [emoji171]

How do I know they are addicts?
Jump around and read other posts by the people posting questions, I'm not the only one who notices that some people will post several times about things they want to eat, that are unhealthy, or that they complain again and again how they want to eat this or that food that's bad for them.
Just because someone is eating junk food and fat food - and still losing doesn't make them healthy or successful.
Far from it.
Not all thin people are healthy. Eventually making poor choices in food catches up to a person and takes it toll, no matter how big or small they are.

Wait... question and this is a question I've posed for myself... why would you go to extremes of getting this gift... this wonderful tool to keep eating the same things that got you to needing surgery in the first place? It scares me that I might. To make that conscious decision to eat those awful foods even in moderation... and make the same mistakes I make now. It doesn't make sense to eat those nasty foods regardless of you're loosing weight. It's the health part you should be focusing on. You're better than fast food even if it's once in a while. You're better than ice cream and candy. I wish you well and much success! Xo

You took offense and made this post about you. How unfortunate. If that's the truth, then you wouldn't feel so crummy about someone voicing there isn't enough healthy advice on this forum. It's not about how much we can screw up to stay on course, it's about beating bad habits that got us fat to begin with and may potentially get us fat again.

I totally agree, when you are maintenance it is definitely important. But when you are a few weeks out, I think it is critical to follow your surgeon directions and eat the strict list of foods recommended.

I understand how you feel. I was just attacked for "bullying". Supposedly I was wrong for voicing my opinion about people who post about when they can eat pizza or eat normal again, when the truth is, if you follow your new way of eating, you will never eat "normal" again. Normal for someone who is obese is not normal eating for anyone after surgery. But supposedly me stating this, which is a fact, was critizing people. Of course we all treat ourselves here and there, but if you are a week post op or asking for guidance, I am going to provide support..whether its what you want to hear or not...we all need tough love at some point. I know, I been there!
I left this forum before for this same reason, and now I see why a lot other Vets left and have not returned. It really is ridiculous, and if you speak any type of "truth", be prepared for someone to attack you.

I'm going to have surgery in June with the likelihood my date is moved up. I had joined a Facebook bariatric group thinking I'd find support and possibly friends there, but unfortunately left the group due to the outrageous number of posts regarding how soon people could eat pizza, drink alcohol, eat I cream or drink soda pop, etc., etc. then the myriad of unhealthy recipes that were posted was upsetting, even as I scrolled past them. Then, I came here. It's the same difference. The people who have knowledge are vastly outnumbered by the addicts and self indulgent. What's worse is if anybody speaks the truth, which is that the vast majority of people here are seeking a quick fix, don't want to put in the work, are food addicts and compulsive over eaters, and even lazy, then they risk the wrath of people who disagree and want to mess up for their own ignorant and selfish reasons. Stupidly and indulgence win out the day.
I'm always from the school of thought if I know something or have information I ought to impart that to others. Knowledge is power and the truth is always better.
It pisses me off to have to keep my mouth shut so that stupid or misinformed people win out the day spreading their crap all over these forums and ruining it for those of us who actually can use the encouragement and not use this site as a crutch for our self indulging.
I was thinking of leaving.
Then I realized I'm not alone after reading a post on here expressing the same outrage. Plus, I'll stick around for the few people who actually can use the help and viable info, not to mention have real issues with support outside these forums for reasons beyond what is normal, either they have limited net access and funds, or get a doctor that isn't up to par, plus I feel it's my duty to give out the correct information. And yes, there is actually correct information about this stuff. It's really easy to find and a great doctor will give it.
Some of what I read is preposterous. Reading stupid crap such as it's okay to drink soda or pop because the stomach muscle left over from the surgery won't stretch - B.S! NOT TRUE, and if that isn't the worst if it, not acknowledging what sugar and fake sweeteners do to our bodies is the icing on the cake. Nobody is that daft in 2017.
Rather than attack and change the nature of the addictions, people seek any excuse to indulge them. It's tiresome and boring. Have some guts, and stop spreading stupidity to others.
Believe it or not, some of us want to be healthy and actually live longer by correcting the habits that got us here in the first place.
If you don't like it, fine. It's not my job to encourage bad behavior, not for myself or anyone else. Leave a rude comment or not, that's your bit. At the end of the day it's about adding years to our lives and making the best out of a tool that not everybody has an opportunity out to use.

The hospital I'm at is super restrictive so what I'm gonna do is bring two bags: first, a duffle bag full of condoms, sex toys, and whiskey shot packets so when they look in the second bag, stuff I actually want to bring, they'll be like.. well this isn't half as bad. I think it would satisfy the intake nurses of their desire to have power over someone to be able to tell me no to the duffle bag, but not fight with me afterwards about the phone, tablet, pillow, anti-fart strips, etc.

I ratherdo full liquid diet pre op. Thank way you don't have to think about it. Just drink it.

South suburbs Illinois

Chicago, I used to live in Aurora.

Chicago, but I work out in Naperville.

Sent from my Nexus 6P using the BariatricPal App

I am beyond ecstatic. I am now below 300 pounds! I started at 540 pounds on October 29, 2015 when I started this whole journey. I had surgery on May 29, 2016 at 480 pounds and Now, 10 1/2 months later I weigh 297.8! I have not had a 2 in the front of my weight in FOREVER. I only have 98 pounds to go until I hit my goal! (Which may change, I'm more going for a clothing size goal now more than a number goal )

I used to have to be on oxygen all the time because I was so fat I could not breathe properly. Now I can walk for over an hour with no break and not be out of breath! I am so extremely happy with my progress!

I used to HATE getting my picture taken, it was the WORST. Now I love getting in front of the camera, I ASK for pictures to be taken! This is the craziest thing for me. I feel pretty for the first time in a very very long time.

I started out at a size 6x (36-38) and now wear a an 18/20 on top and 22 on bottom. I even wear leggings now!

I have a large hanging skin on my stomach which I am having removed on June 5th! I will need a revision surgery when I get to goal but I am very excited for the surgery and the relief it will give me.

Here are some before and after pics for you guys!

Congratulations! Thank you for sharing your story and you look amazing!

Sent from my SM-N910V using BariatricPal mobile app

I went through the process by myself. Here are some of the things that I did:
- Prior to surgery I exercised on a daily basis to get in the best physical condition that I could.
- I looked at what foods I would be eating for the first few weeks after surgery (the RD provided a list of foods) and I bought enough food for about a month.
- I got rid of food that would not be appropriate after surgery - refined carbs, fried foods, etc.
- Arranged for a ride to and from the hospital.
- Arranged for some one to walk my large dog for a few days after surgery.
- Attend WLS support group meetings sponsored by my doctor/hospital.
- Hang out on this forum.
- Log all food in My Fitness Pal.
- Exercise daily.
You can do it.

You are the best dresser! You have great style!......of course your weight loss is amazing as well, but you just look great all the time, lol.

You are missing the point...my response had nothing to do with the critique or unsolicited opinions.....it was the statement saying they are not worthy of their time or experience. Read it carefully before agreeing to something that is ridiculous. We are all human and we all fall short....

Where in Illinois? I grew up in Moline! ????

I'm from Illinois.