looking_forward

Can I just rant about stupid people in general? Particularly in the workplace?
Why can't you read and understand an email? If the email says to schedule a monthly meeting in place of a weekly meeting, cancel the original meeting and make a new monthly one! If I remind you that I sent you an email with information you need, search your inbox for it instead of telling me you didn't get it! C'mon - I know you got it. And speaking of email, what's with people not responding to email? When I've sent my coworkers 3+ "follow up" emails over the span of a month and haven't received a single reply - THAT'S JUST RUDE.
/rant (for now)

My rant for today.....Why as women do we have to lose our boobs as we lose weight? It's bad enough that I noticed those being the first to go, but I swear I came close to cutting a nipple while shaving my legs this morning. Anyone else? No? Ok never mind then.
On a serious note.....If my boobs touch the floor before my hands, can I count that as a toe touch?!?!?

I absolutely cannot stand clickbait articles. You know, the whole "she prayed all day and this ONE wacky thing happened! click here to find out!" It drives me completely bonkers. Want to know what the best way to make me flat-out refuse to read your stupid, pointless drivel and give your worthless, mindless site traffic? Give me a bullshit clickbait title! Irritating beyond belief!

i told everyone, but that is just my personality. I respond to stress by oversharing and refusing to shut up about it! I have a two-week pre-op diet and my goal is to not make every conversation about Protein shakes! There is not any one way to respond, every person needs different things.
I'm lucky cause I work with a lot of nurses and they are mostly currious about the medical stuff whithout much judging. Sounds like your co-workers need a lesson boundries. Maybe find a good comeback for the jokes?

I tell the truth to anyone that asks me. I guess I have been fortunate. I've only had positive comments.

@@Kindle that is very similar to my approach to telling folks.
I'd targeted losing almost half my bodyweight. There was no cover story that I cared to use to explain it. Telling them that I'd had VSG surgery and following the low-carb way of eating has been what I've shared when asked.
I work in a manufacturing plant with 2,000+ employees. This conversation comes up almost every day.
Some of the questions, I've found, are from folks considering the surgery for themselves or family members. Always fun to speak with them and answer anything they ask in a direct and no bs way.

I don't post it on social media or anything, but whenever anyone asked how I was losing weight, I told them I had surgery and eat a high protein/low carb diet. I usually had to explain VSG because most people only know about lapband and bypass. But I'd answer any questions they had and then move on. Since I see dozens of clients/day, I've had this WLS conversation a couple hundred times. I am not ashamed of my surgery and have gotten nothing but support and well wishes. Three people have actually had WLS after seeing and hearing about my success. The fact is I did not lose weight through "diet and excercise", I lost it because I had 85% of my stomach removed. I just would not have felt comfortable lying to everyone I know. But that's just me.

I don't care who I tell. It's a personal decision that you made that you should feel good about. People will talk about you if you are overweight and even when you start losing weight. I feel like if I have to be ashamed, stressed, or even lie about having WLS, then maybe it's something I shouldn't do. Our weight loss story could potentially help someone else who is battling obesity

I'm 7 weeks out and have lost 39 pounds so far! I stalled at weeks 3 & 4 but the weight is flying off now!!! I wish I had this surgery sooner!!! I have been 100 percent on plan with counting Protein, taking Vitamins and getting fluids. Thank the lord for this miraculous surgery. I couldn't lose an ounce before this!!
Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Okay for the sitting part, I had to relearn how to sit. My physical therapist helped me with this. When we are fat with all the padding we learn to sit in a way that accommodates that. Once we get skinny if we continue to sit that way we hit all the wrong bones and it hurts. Basically if you push your butt back to the back of the chair and sit forward onto the backs of your thighs (on the "sitz bones" as my yoga teacher calls them) and reclaim the natural curvature of the lumbar spine the weight doesn't go on the bones anymore.
Kinda hard to explain, she had to help me by adjusting my body, but I drew a picture to kind of explain. Hope it helps someone!

Here is one I forgot and just realized this weekend - I was so looking forward to my shirts being small enough that they would stop falling off hangers! I have achieved that and just realized this weekend that my now size "large" shirts (not 22/24 or 2X/3X) actually fit the hangers!

Walking and biking all day without getting sore feet, worn out, or miserable. I love to walk and explore, but have felt limited because of my weight. I'm one month post op and 40 lbs down, and kept up with my partner without getting too out of breath. When it came time to climb a small mountain, I ran up the steep path without fear of slipping. In this last week I've ridden a bike around an island, walked all day around Toronto, walked up several flights of stairs, and taken on challenges I'd normally hesitate about. I feel so liberated at 253! I nearly come to tears thinking about how I'll feel when I'm another 50 lbs down. So exciting!!

I want to try to ride a bike. I know that seems simple enough and I know I have lost enough know that I can, but I still live in fear a lot of people staring at me! So silly. I need to get over it. I really wanted to swing in a swing at the children's playground. (Sort of a silly one.) I did that about a month ago and smiled from ear to ear!
Today I walked to the grocery store and picked up a couple of items and walked back home. It is only 1 mile to the store, but here in Texas, we drive EVERYWHERE! I kept thinking people would be staring at me since I was in workout clothes and had my earphones in but I just sucked it up and walked in. Funny thing is, I know that people are not quite as interested in looking at me as I think they are....

Wow.
I guess you should have opted for the upgrade to the instant gratification surgery package.
You know, the one where everything gets fixed and you are at goal in four days or less.
Give it some time.....which you haven't done, by the way.
Chill the heck out and get out of your own way.
You are simply in the healing phase and your current prescribed diet reflects that.
You'll be back in action soon enough.
You've had significant surgery to alter your weight through altering your association with food. You know this right? So start altering it and begin to enjoy the losing.

Nikki, I am sorry you feel so crummy physically. This is only going to be short term though, you won't be stuck on broth and Popsicles in a few weeks, and you will find a way to eat with your family.
You're certainly feeling the effect of fewer calories, and it's running in a deficit that's going to make the weight go away. But don't forget that you're also wiped out bc you had major surgery, and your body is working overtime on creating new tissue and knitting everything back together again.
sleep as much as you can, and give your mind a chance to catch up with your body. Give yourself a chance.
If I can ask.....what were some of the reasons you wanted to have the surgery?
Sent from my iPad using the BariatricPal App

So I haven't been on here in a really long time. I count that as a sign that I'm doing great! I'm going to try to log on more often to help others where I can.
I'm getting close to 2 yrs post VSG, I'm down 130 lbs, and well past my original goal. I too was a Pasta addict, carb junkie, pizza eating, overweight women. It's probably why I'm 2 yrs out instead of 5 years out. It stopped me from moving forward with this change many times. Thinking "would I have to live without pasta?" I'm Italian so the thought of never having pasta again, was kind of like imagining never breathing again - ok that sounds so funny to me now.
Pasta
Yes eventually you can eat pasta. But funny enough if you're anything like me, you won't really want to. I do eat pasta on rare occasions, in much smaller portions of course. Yes it still tastes good, but because I took total advantage of my VSG procedure and worked really hard to establish new healthy high Protein eating habits, I generally feel like crap after eating it. Not sick, I don't ever get sick, I just feel like garbage. So I don't want it like I used to. It's so empowering!!!
Pizza
I still love pizza, but I've found great low carb, high protein ways to make my own! (Think low carb tortilla pizza or portobello mushroom pizza). And yes on rare occasions my husband and I go out for our favorite pizza. Every time we laugh about how after 1 piece I'm totally satisfied, when I used to polish off an entire medium pie by myself.
So pasta lover, carb junkie, or pizza fan. YOU CAN DO THIS!!!! The fantastic new healthy life that is ahead of you is soooo worth it! My only regret is waiting so long. I've never been happier or prouder of myself! You can do it too!

allyrenee....take a deep breath. You might not like all of what I am saying, but I hope you will let yourself hear it, even a little bit.
There's probably some truth in what shaydi.lane said ... AND some truth in what you replied. Neither one of you are completely wrong, and that probably stings.
You're a little younger than my son, so I am going to say to you what I tell him: no matter what you have to do to get it, you need a cushion of what I call "God-Forbid-Money" .... an amount of money that YOU DO NOT TOUCH unless the situation warrants you gasping and muttering "God forbid..." (life and death, fire, safety, illness...). Money for a plane or train or bus ticket in case someone you love 1000 miles away dies (or is suddenly dying and you want to say goodbye before they pass), money in case the person who pays the rent suddenly can't bc of illness, money to cover the co-pay if you suddenly needed to pay for a medicine your life depended upon, money to pay for that same medicine for an infirm loved one, money to fix the furnace if it dies in the middle of a snowstorm, money if you break down driving in the middle of the night driving through a different state and you need a tow and a repair and a motel. Money for the things you don't plan on....like the situation you find yourself in, where someone on whom you were counting can't come through for you. You have to be able to come through for yourself. If you can't, you live in chains.
When you need to build up the funds for that "God-Forbid-Money", NO WORK IS BENEATH YOU IN THE SHORT TERM (babysit, cut lawns, go on care.com and sign up to run errands for people, drive for uber, clean houses, get a PT job anywhere, take care of kids after school for people who work, make telemarketing calls at night, clean office buildings at night, sign up at a temp agency...). Do anything short of selling your body or your integrity. Because the peace of mind that comes from having God-Forbid-Money is huge. If you have it, no one holds you (or your health) hostage.
For you, it might be $1000 in the bank or tucked under your mattress. Whatever you think your number is, increase it by another 50%. Because emergencies are always more expensive than you expect.
This is a big moment for you. You get to decide who you want to be, and how you want to be. You probably have more power to chart your own course than you realize. Dig deep. Show the world who you are.
Plus....you might want to start a little separate fund for supplements, Vitamins, and -- hooray -- the new clothes you will legitimately need on your way down the scale. Even if you shop at Goodwill, you're looking at $50 a month I bet, bc you will also need new underwear, bras, etc.
You're a young adult, too young to already feel burdened by bad credit and relying on other people this much. You deserve something different, and only you can make it happen. Get out of this mess, honorably. Straighten things out, fix the credit, save more money, get your surgery when you can on your own terms without relying on just an extra $1000 from your parents, channel your determination and anger positively. Let your real self out. Not a sassy, defensive version of yourself....let your REAL SELF out.
It takes a lot of work. It is scary to realize that once you are 22 years old, it really is all in your hands, it's all your responsibility now. But the beauty is, once you do this you will not only be charting your own course, you will have the ability to help those who truly have no options through no fault of their own. And help those who helped you on your way up.
You are too valuable to let $1000 hold your life in the balance. You are bigger than that.
So, LIVE bigger than that. And get yourself some God-Forbid-Money over the next few months.

Hmm let's see...

You're 22 years old with no money, no job, no insurance, bad credit, and your parents have decided not to help you because you won't get a job?

I hate to be a party pooper but just based on that little bit alone, I would have to side with them. I'm just guessing here, but it sounds to me like your folks might like to see you take some responsibility and perhaps grow up a little. And those are two things that I would highly recommend doing before having a surgery that will depend on you being accountable, responsible, and in charge. For the rest of your life.

Devastated isn't what you should be feeling, motivated is. If your parents wont help you unless you get a job, then get a job. That will solve your problem a lot faster than whining about it. Good luck!

#toughlove

Thanks for the comments and great suggestions.
I took a quick look for a crock pot and I'm intrigued by the smart crockpot, though it's probably for crackpots. -) ---http://www.crock-pot.com/slow-cookers/wemo-enabled-smart-slow-cooker/crock-pot-6-quart.-smart-slow-cooker-with-wemo/SCCPWM600-V1.html?source=igodigital
Like I said earlier, I know nothing about crockpots. What I like about this, though I don't know how necessary it is, is the ability to control it from anywhere. I spend up to 15 hours away from home sometimes at work and am wondering if being able to control it remotely would be a good idea. I'm all ears, and thanks again for the suggestions.

Then make simple dishes.
Get a Foreman Grill so that you can grill meats easily and quickly - and it drains the grease off. Then all you need is some plain meat and keep a small assortment of Condiments, herbs and spices. Really, just salt, pepper, minced garlc in the fridge, onion powder, paprika, cayenne if you like hot stuff you know the deal - just a few that you like more than others.
Do get a food processor, a crock pot, and a blender. Right now is the best time of year because every place has them on sale. You will not get a better price all year.
A processor makes small stuff out of big stuff and mixes stuff better than you can by hand.
A crock pot is great for people who are gone all day. Just throw a buch of stuff in, put it on low heat, and dinner is done when you get home. You will find a ton of recipes online for stews and casseroles.
I use my blender almost everyday to mix up smoothies.
Here is the principal on processed food: as much as possible, do not eat anything made in a factory. You can have quite a variety with grilled meats and fresh or frozen veggies.
If you can, pick one of your off days and make up a couple of batches of food you can pick all week on. If you want something like a roll-up made with deli turkey and swiss cheese, make several at one time, enough to last a few days.
Get a Betty Crocker or Good Housekeeping cookbook that has basics for beginners and learn to cook. It will be much more rewarding when you can function with some basic kitchen knowledge. This new way of eating is important enough to learn how to sustain it on your own. Besides, a man who can cook adds several points to his "sexy" quotient.
Now , it is just as easy to fall in love with a partner who cooks, as much as it is to fall in love with a partner who can't cook. I can cook, but my companion of nine years is a much better cook. So, we settled into an arrangement where he cooks and I clean up. Fair enough.
If you work in a full service restaurant where actual food is cooked from scratch and fresh ingredients, befriend the chef and pay attention to what they say.
Cooking is not that painful or scientific and can be an outstanding means of personal expression and creativity, but you gotta start somewhere. So....Basic small appliances, non-stick pots and skillets, and Betty Crocker.
My grown daughters (ages 38 and 40) still call me once in a while just to clarify favorite recipes from their childhood. My personal favorite resource on line is the website for Taste of Home.
Also, keep this in mind to make kitchen clean-up easir. It is the primary rule of custodial science: Get it before it dries!
Good luck. You can glean some usable knowlege from us kitchen veterans, too.

I had surgery 6 months ago, and the first 3 months were a little difficult for me. I was nauseous, I couldn't keep food down, it was basically trial and error and to be honest very frustrating.
I am still coping from time to time, rarely but it does happen. Sometimes I try new things, I like to play it safe, but little by little I've been trying new things or eating things I was used to.
Overall I am very happy. I have lost a significant amount of weight, it's coming a long and I couldn't be happier. I have been a big person my whole life, I never knew what it was to be thin, I know that at 202 lb I am not thin, but do I feel beautiful.
This Mother's Day I wore a dress, and I felt like a new person. I have been feeling great. I have energy to clean my home, walk, I rode a bike after about 10 years. I am incredibly happy.

I turn 30 in 8 days, and I am just so excited. I feel like a breathe, I can go out and do things, I want to go out and do things. I, Victoria bought myself a black dress to wear for my 30th. I feel like a different person. I am truly happy, when I first had the surgery I was sad because I would always feel sick, I would question why I did this to myself. I also had to deal with the fact that when I was upset I was able to eat my feelings away.
Today I deal with my emotions, and eating is one of the last things on my mind. I'm so happy!!
We made a huge decision having this surgery, and I hope we all get to where we want to be!!!
Before and After Pic

well. no.
but I do make my own little on the go packages with cheese and spinach and lunch meat sometimes.
I just use the little zip lock baggies.
(I'm kinda cheap)

Honestly, everyone, WLS patient or not, needs a basic course in human anatomy and physiology. We buy many cars in our lifetimes, but only get one body. It's important to know how it works. Though if we all had a better understanding how our bodies work, there would be a much smaller internet audience for the kind of hogwash that masquerades as fact these days. Don't get me started!

Last week it was your knees that hurt.
Your husband is a lucky guy.

Even funnier are those by people who have. I do realize that when people research surgery, they may not research all the varieties (or even their own!!), so of course there may be misunderstandings, but when other WLS patients spout off "facts" about surgery with no real basis for their beliefs, I've got to laugh.
It's been an epidemic around here lately, so let's see which "facts" we can debunk.

**DISCLAIMER. I am NOT an expert on anyone but me. I had sleeve surgery. I am confident that I can not talk about bypass, bands, balloons, revisions, switches, etc. with any personal knowledge. This thread is for sh!ts and giggles only.**



Sleeves do not "grow back". I know the whole stretching thing is debatable but I can say without a doubt, they don't grow. And yes, there is a difference.

You cannot feel your staples through your skin. If you can, you've lost far too much weight and should seek immediate medical attention.

If you have a sleeve, you do NOT have a pouch.

liquid will not stretch your sleeve no matter what kind of liquid it is. Liquid runs through a sleeve quickly.

You can eat around your sleeve (I did it yesterday), so you do have to be forever mindful of this tool you now possess.

Your way is not the ONLY way nor is MY way. Neither are the BEST way, either. There are a lot of different roads, hopefully they all end up at the same destination.

You cannot/will not poop out your staples. Really.