SharBear617

Rule 1: "This too shall pass." Meaning: Exactly as it says; try not to sweat the small stuff, and the bigger things, well, they shall pass at some point, hang in there.
Rule 2: Don't EVER say, "When will my life just return to normal?" Meaning: There is no such thing as "normal," because your "normal" before, is different from your "normal" now, which is different from your "normal" in the future. And remember, ALL of us have this surgery because we need to make a change...so why would we crave "normal" again?
Rule 3: Pay no mind to the Negative Nellies and the meanies out there. They haven't lived your life, so they don't own it, you do.

Same, except I'm 46, never have, have no desire to. But I also have no desire to judge. Some turn to the pharmaceutical world to relieve some issues, some turn to pot...they both have their positives and negatives I'm sure. But what I will say, most especially to the younger (under 30) crowd is this...in my experience, both in life and work (I'm a nurse), I've known people who were regular to heavy users of cannabis from a young age into middle age and past, whose minds are so messed up it's sad. There are diagnosed psychoses that stem from heavy and/or prolonged use. Is it personal to me? Yes, my oldest sister is one of them. Was smart as a whip growing up, started smoking in her teens, the only time she did not was at 30 when pregnant with her son. She's now 55 years old, and could barely think her way out of a paper bag. Having a conversation with her is painful.
Some will argue pot isn't as dangerous as alcohol, or overindulging in food (in most of our cases), or whatever it is that floats your boat and seemingly makes life easier to get through, and I truly don't know. All I know is what I've witnessed from my sister, others I've known, and from patients, and say what you will now, that you remain productive, and you're totally in control of it, etc, but there is fallout just like any of the other choices. And I'm not talking about people who have gotten in to other "heavy" drugs, but strictly pot use.
Before I get any hate, again, I have no dog in this fight... I believe fully in we all do what we do and so what. Like the post I referred to, I wish nothing but peace and blessings to all, but I've been following this post from the beginning, and had to get that off my chest. I do thank everyone for the honesty and bravery in their posts....it's been very enlightening.
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I'm 5'2" and have had luck this time of year finding capri pants for work at JC Penney, around $30.

Same, except I'm 46, never have, have no desire to. But I also have no desire to judge. Some turn to the pharmaceutical world to relieve some issues, some turn to pot...they both have their positives and negatives I'm sure. But what I will say, most especially to the younger (under 30) crowd is this...in my experience, both in life and work (I'm a nurse), I've known people who were regular to heavy users of cannabis from a young age into middle age and past, whose minds are so messed up it's sad. There are diagnosed psychoses that stem from heavy and/or prolonged use. Is it personal to me? Yes, my oldest sister is one of them. Was smart as a whip growing up, started smoking in her teens, the only time she did not was at 30 when pregnant with her son. She's now 55 years old, and could barely think her way out of a paper bag. Having a conversation with her is painful.
Some will argue pot isn't as dangerous as alcohol, or overindulging in food (in most of our cases), or whatever it is that floats your boat and seemingly makes life easier to get through, and I truly don't know. All I know is what I've witnessed from my sister, others I've known, and from patients, and say what you will now, that you remain productive, and you're totally in control of it, etc, but there is fallout just like any of the other choices. And I'm not talking about people who have gotten in to other "heavy" drugs, but strictly pot use.
Before I get any hate, again, I have no dog in this fight... I believe fully in we all do what we do and so what. Like the post I referred to, I wish nothing but peace and blessings to all, but I've been following this post from the beginning, and had to get that off my chest. I do thank everyone for the honesty and bravery in their posts....it's been very enlightening.
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I'm 5'2" and have had luck this time of year finding capri pants for work at JC Penney, around $30.

I am 4 months postop RNY 10/24. Down 80 pounds today!! What shocked me was how drastic my tastes changed. I am not craving foods I used. I don't even want it. It doesn't even sound good. It's hard to explain but the hunger not being an issue and cravings being gone are a game changer for me. It has made this so much easier.

Good luck!!

Erin and Shar, thanks a ton. Everyone's advice and comments really helped. I was at a support group meeting last night and they said the same thing. This has really made a difference. I know people say that all the time but it is true. Thanks.

Ed

I could be wrong because this was a long time ago that I remember reading this, but I believe the more sugar you consume, the stinkier the "outcome". Your normal bacteria in your gut (the guys that keep you healtht) get as excited about sugar as a kid at a birthday party, and the sugar puts them into high gear producing....gas....stinky gas and poop. Take away their sugar, and they start behaving again. Also, if you get constipated, your waste just sits, getting more Water pulled out of it and it sort of ferments...so again....stinkville. Try to remain regular too if you can.

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I do Premiere Protein Shakes which have whey isolate Protein, and typically have no problems....until I drink them too fast....then yes, runs will come on. I just try to go slow on them, and it's all good!

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I could be wrong because this was a long time ago that I remember reading this, but I believe the more sugar you consume, the stinkier the "outcome". Your normal bacteria in your gut (the guys that keep you healtht) get as excited about sugar as a kid at a birthday party, and the sugar puts them into high gear producing....gas....stinky gas and poop. Take away their sugar, and they start behaving again. Also, if you get constipated, your waste just sits, getting more Water pulled out of it and it sort of ferments...so again....stinkville. Try to remain regular too if you can.

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Not fearing that at all at this point. Can't say I never will, but I believe as long as I continue to eat healthy and stay active, my body will find where it wants to be weight-wise. Since our bodies have a brilliant way of trying to guarantee our survival, I don't think my body will continue to lose weight until I disappear. If anyone fears that, I recommend you never read the Stephen King book, "Thinner."
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I do get those comments, mostly from people I work with because unlike family and friends who've known me my whole life, they've never seen me at a more normal weight (even though I still have another 30 lbs before hitting "normal" bmi) so I get I look like I'm melting away to them. I also get when people say those things they usually are out of concern, it's just interesting to me that when we're overweight and our health is in much more danger, they keep their concern to themselves because it would be considered rude for them to say, "hey, you know you're getting fat and you don't look healthy, are you going to start losing some weight?"
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Weightloss for most people is usually slopes and plateaus till a desired point is reached.
I remember being frustrated because of some stalls. I have now accepted that the weight will start coming off more slowly now. Don't read about folks losing 90lbs in 3 months and assume you will have a similar pattern. If you have a meal plan, follow it. The weight will eventually come off. You're obviously stressed and restricting calories will make your body produce more cortisol, and ultimately hold on to current weight for a longer period.

I wouldn't go back, either! Time to invest in a portable stadium seat!

Not fearing that at all at this point. Can't say I never will, but I believe as long as I continue to eat healthy and stay active, my body will find where it wants to be weight-wise. Since our bodies have a brilliant way of trying to guarantee our survival, I don't think my body will continue to lose weight until I disappear. If anyone fears that, I recommend you never read the Stephen King book, "Thinner."
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Simply became thrilled at the thought I could post saying I was 5 days post op gastric sleeve ☺
progress starts in the mind

I'm rny, started eating salad about week 10....I have no problem with it at all. If you do a salad for a meal, get that Protein in there (chicken, shrimp, salmon, boiled egg, cheese, bacon) keep it all on the top so you can get it in. If you eat a side salad with your Protein, just focus on the protein source first, and then if room have at it with the salad.
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Amazing transformation, you look great!
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Happy birthday, no better present to yourself then doing something healthy, yay you!
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I'm rny, started eating salad about week 10....I have no problem with it at all. If you do a salad for a meal, get that Protein in there (chicken, shrimp, salmon, boiled egg, cheese, bacon) keep it all on the top so you can get it in. If you eat a side salad with your Protein, just focus on the protein source first, and then if room have at it with the salad.
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To all the newly post op, please see Super Bowl Sunday for what it is...one afternoon. One afternoon that you tell yourself, no to booze and junk food. Your sleeve is for the Rest of Your Life (assuming you don't eff it up). Stop acting as though one afternoon is unbearable. Pre op, you most likely had a two week liquid diet; that was 14 days and you did it! Now you are 3, 4, or 5 weeks out and you can't handle one afternoon? The wants you are listing- alcohol, tortilla chips, and fried chicken- are what put us on the operating table to begin with. Why let one afternoon get you twisted? Stay the course now so you can be a success story later.

Good start by posting to vent your feelings. But, you're not truly alone...you have you, your body, your mind, and your spirit, lots of company! Not making light of your feelings of sadness from what sounds like a result of some alienation you're going through, just trying to put a positive spin for you to consider. But it is true; all of those parts of ourselves look out for each other, nurture each other, protect each other, etc. Take some of this time while you're physically healing from your surgery to focus on how you can "feed" each one of those aspects of "self" so that you have energy for when you are feeling better to invest time and effort in to establishing more support systems in your future.
I am wishing you calm, peace and strength to get through this sadness, and come out more whole on the other side. Are there any support group meetings through your surgeon's office you can get to? Many there would understand and identify with what you are dealing with. Also, maybe reach out to your friend that you did tell; some people, even though they care, still need to hear their help is needed and appreciated.
Best of luck, and stay strong and positive.
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1 week
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There are FAR More success stories than there are failures. People may not want to brag about hearing that someone lost 100+ pounds and are healthier than they have been in 25 years.
Generally speaking, you will find that MANY of your friends do NOT have the courage to make real and lasting changes in their own lives. When you talk about your surgery, you may be reminding them that they are unable to change their own lives, so they are MUCH more comfortable keeping you from showing your courage and changing their little world that you are a round and controllable part of.
Change scares people, whether they realize it of not, so don't let their fear change you! You have already been through a LOT in your life, and you DESERVE a chance at a healthier life going forward. The liberation of coming off of medications after surgery (went into the hospital on 4 medications, came out on 2 - and the remaining doses were reduced to their lowest levels) is an immediate boost to your psychology, so embrace it. When you tell anyone that you are having this surgery, do it to inform them, not to affirm you.
God Bless

Thanks everyone for responding...and very good points about people being concerned. I really do get that, as I'm sure I might have the same response.
I have told some of my coworkers, even, even before my surgery because I was going to be off 2 weeks, and I knew some of my close coworkers, who know that I do not take 2 weeks off work even though I could, would worry. It was just interesting because I've literally shocked some people with how different I look, but so many people have commented that aside from the weight difference, that I look younger and much healthier (music to this 46 year old lady's ears!), so it's just odd that people would worry I am sick.
But, I'd rather have the occassional odd reaction to my weight loss and keep right on enjoying this new life! Plus, eventually I'll reach my goal (only about 33 lbs away now!) and once people get used to the new me....the comments will stop, and I'll just be me again.
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