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biginjapan

Gastric Bypass Patients
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  1. Like
    biginjapan reacted to clc9 in WLS is the easy way out   
    I think it's because being obese is considered a moral failing in our society. So consciously or not, people think we should have to suffer for our "sins".
    Sent from my iPad using the BariatricPal App
  2. Like
    biginjapan reacted to ProudGrammy in WLS is the easy way out   
    @@TXJess
    have to give this comment a thumbs up
    great anology!!
    kathy
  3. Like
    biginjapan reacted to Monasmle in WLS is the easy way out   
    Right!! No one says let's go back to using leaches to cure illnesses, thought I bet they have about the same 5% success rate just by random chance. By that logic we should stop researching cures and do everything "the hard way". Those that best cancer or heart disease can be glorified and those that don't, just "didn't try hard enough". It's so hard to beat the stigma, even with so much research showing obesity is not about will power.
    Sent from my SM-G900T using the BariatricPal App
  4. Like
    biginjapan reacted to JamieLogical in WLS is the easy way out   
    This one drives me CRAZY. I bet hundreds if not thousands of people DIE every year because the social stigma against WLS deterred them from getting life-saving surgery.
    First of all, we all know there is nothing "easy" about WLS. It's weeks/months of misery and recovery and takes a lifetime of commitment and hard work.
    Second of all, even if WLS was "easier" than doing it the "hard way", why is that a bad thing? As a society, don't we strive for efficiency? They are always coming up with ways of making every aspect of life quicker and easier. So why is "easy" bad?
    Thirdly, it really seems to be a double-standard when it comes to WLS versus other medically necessary surgery. You never hear anyone saying that getting a knee replacement is the "easy way out". "They should just walk it off and fight through the pain." So why is getting surgery to correct other medical issues okay, but WLS is not?
  5. Like
    biginjapan got a reaction from jhemp85 in January and February 2017 sleevers!   
    Another one for Feb 9th!
  6. Like
    biginjapan reacted to sponda23 in February Sleevers -- Let's Do This Together   
    Just got my surgery date today! February 20th! It's crazy how some of my friends are happy for me that I got my date. While others who I thought I had their support won't say anything. At least my family is supportive!
  7. Like
    biginjapan got a reaction from gatess in Shopping in your closet   
    I can't wait to do it! I live in Japan so clothes shopping is impossible for me here (other than socks), so I keep everything, no matter how bad, just in case. That being said, limited closet space has meant throwing out most of the rag-like clothing in more recent years. However, the many years of shopping overseas has meant that when I find something I like, or that isn't horrible, I'll buy 2 or 3 of that item - which usually includes a smaller size for when I "lose" weight. Of course, that has never happened! But now I have about 10 small storage boxes of clothes (summer/winter, casual/work, -10 to 20 pounds, -20 to 40 pounds, etc.) that I will be able to shop from as I lose weight. This will be good for me since I literally have a closet full of clothes I have never worn! And 3 pairs of shoes too, since I get really swollen legs/ankles in the summer heat and humidity here (not that I can wear them in the winter time... ) and it wasn't worth the cost of shipping them back to the States even though they didn't fit.
    The only thing that will suck (but in a very small way) is having a limited time to wear certain clothes that I really like or know will look good on me. Of course, I'd much rather lose the weight than wear the clothes, but still... I guess a NSV to look forward to will be increased closet space, as I will be able to get rid of clothes (hopefully I can find some plus-sized women to donate to) instead of constantly holding onto everything "just in case." I hope the clothes will last me until summer when I go back home, which will be 6-7 months post-op, so I can update my wardrobe then.
  8. Like
    biginjapan got a reaction from gatess in Shopping in your closet   
    I can't wait to do it! I live in Japan so clothes shopping is impossible for me here (other than socks), so I keep everything, no matter how bad, just in case. That being said, limited closet space has meant throwing out most of the rag-like clothing in more recent years. However, the many years of shopping overseas has meant that when I find something I like, or that isn't horrible, I'll buy 2 or 3 of that item - which usually includes a smaller size for when I "lose" weight. Of course, that has never happened! But now I have about 10 small storage boxes of clothes (summer/winter, casual/work, -10 to 20 pounds, -20 to 40 pounds, etc.) that I will be able to shop from as I lose weight. This will be good for me since I literally have a closet full of clothes I have never worn! And 3 pairs of shoes too, since I get really swollen legs/ankles in the summer heat and humidity here (not that I can wear them in the winter time... ) and it wasn't worth the cost of shipping them back to the States even though they didn't fit.
    The only thing that will suck (but in a very small way) is having a limited time to wear certain clothes that I really like or know will look good on me. Of course, I'd much rather lose the weight than wear the clothes, but still... I guess a NSV to look forward to will be increased closet space, as I will be able to get rid of clothes (hopefully I can find some plus-sized women to donate to) instead of constantly holding onto everything "just in case." I hope the clothes will last me until summer when I go back home, which will be 6-7 months post-op, so I can update my wardrobe then.
  9. Like
    biginjapan got a reaction from gatess in Shopping in your closet   
    I can't wait to do it! I live in Japan so clothes shopping is impossible for me here (other than socks), so I keep everything, no matter how bad, just in case. That being said, limited closet space has meant throwing out most of the rag-like clothing in more recent years. However, the many years of shopping overseas has meant that when I find something I like, or that isn't horrible, I'll buy 2 or 3 of that item - which usually includes a smaller size for when I "lose" weight. Of course, that has never happened! But now I have about 10 small storage boxes of clothes (summer/winter, casual/work, -10 to 20 pounds, -20 to 40 pounds, etc.) that I will be able to shop from as I lose weight. This will be good for me since I literally have a closet full of clothes I have never worn! And 3 pairs of shoes too, since I get really swollen legs/ankles in the summer heat and humidity here (not that I can wear them in the winter time... ) and it wasn't worth the cost of shipping them back to the States even though they didn't fit.
    The only thing that will suck (but in a very small way) is having a limited time to wear certain clothes that I really like or know will look good on me. Of course, I'd much rather lose the weight than wear the clothes, but still... I guess a NSV to look forward to will be increased closet space, as I will be able to get rid of clothes (hopefully I can find some plus-sized women to donate to) instead of constantly holding onto everything "just in case." I hope the clothes will last me until summer when I go back home, which will be 6-7 months post-op, so I can update my wardrobe then.
  10. Like
    biginjapan reacted to QueenOfTheTamazons in Shopping in your closet   
    Anyone else go shopping in their closets? Finding clothes you loved but couldn't fit in or things you forgot you even bought? Been finally able to fit into those items that didn't fit but you bought anyway (because it was cheap/awesome) for after "the diet" and resulting weight loss?
    HW 385 SW 359 CW 305 Sleeved 10/5/16
  11. Like
    biginjapan reacted to LittleBill in An interesting evening   
    Tonight was my first public appearance post-op in a professional capacity. Now, I have been out in public since a few days after surgery. I mean appearance in that I was working and "performing" in front of a small crowd. This was a small private group of mixed professionals and hobbyists who are artistically inclined. I did a two hour presentation on the wood lathe for them, making a piece that was requested by one of the group's members.
    These demonstrations are a combination of instruction and entertainment. And I've got to be pretty much 100% spot on the whole time. Mistakes are remembered and recounted for years. So it was something of a NSV for me. First, I worked in front of a crowd for two solid hours on my feet, talking, working, answering questions, and trading barbs with a number of colleagues. Second, I did not have any major screw ups. That is always a good thing, and especially so my first time out of the gate from surgery and significant weight loss.
    Third was the weight loss itself. I've been in the crowd a couple of times, and wearing loose clothing. Tonight was jeans and a T shirt. There is no room for loose clothes around a lathe. And when you are on display for two hours, people have time to study you and take notice of things. Part of my notoriety is for my humor in these events, but part of it has been my size, which I joked about as well. You might say it has been a combination of mirth and girth.
    But anyway, I received a number of comments along the lines of, "Wow, you've really lost some weight, haven't you? No, not just a few pounds. You've lost a lot of pounds!"
    My stock answer was, "It's all from clean livin'." People seemed to accept that, although I got a few sidelong glances. In any case, it could not have been a better night. Okay, they could have paid me. That would have been nice, but this group doesn't pay anyone. It is for the exchange of ideas among peers, so I wasn't really expecting that.
    Now I am home. It is very late, and I am full of adrenaline. Or, it might be that they gave me caffeine coffee at the drive through by mistake. In any case, I am wide awake. But I am snuggled down in a warm bed, listening to the rain on the metal roof outside my window, and the soft sounds of the freight train, as it makes its way across the countryside about six miles from here, sounding his horn in the night at dozens of country crossings. At least that stupid owl isn't out tonight. He hoots it up on a regular basis and keeps me from my beauty sleep.
  12. Like
    biginjapan reacted to ice75002 in Feb 10th   
    Excited, nervous, and scared!!! February 10th is coming up quick for my mini sleeve surgery
    I'm 46 years-old, male that has been overweight most of my life. Although most of my life overweight, I still have been athletic. Currently I'm 6'7" and 360 lbs with a goal weight of 260. I don't think it's unrealistic to lose this amount. I'm very active, and lift weights but love food and drinks.
    I'm currently cutting back on both, trying to get a jump on my diet.
    If anyone else is getting there sleeve in February, let's buddy up. I'm sure as a team we can succeed
    I'm a cash payor, so
    Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G930A using the BariatricPal App
  13. Like
    biginjapan reacted to sleevinpops in February Sleevers -- Let's Do This Together   
    Scheduled for February 9th, can't wait to take the next big step in this journey! Good luck fellow 217'rs!
    Sent from my iPad using the BariatricPal App
  14. Like
    biginjapan reacted to 50yearoldme in February Sleevers -- Let's Do This Together   
    So, we've found a surgeon in Florida and i have a consultation, via Skype, on Wed! We're looking at a surgery date of February 7th ☺
    I'll update later with date!
    50 year old me!!
  15. Like
    biginjapan reacted to Healthy_life2 in PB&J   
    @@goldenbarbie
    No need to ask anyone one permission for what you choose to eat. Your an adult. You have the information from your surgeon's office to work your plan. You are the only one that has to be happy with your weight loss outcome.
    Yes I'm cleared for all foods! ........all foods or solid foods?
    Called my surgeon he said it's fine, but to still focus on the Protein shakes as well. So I'll be having my pb&j shortly
    You have asked:
    Has anyone had banana pudding about 2 1/2 weeks post opp? My mom made some and I was wondering if a spoonful or two would hurt my sleeve
    Hi I'm about 4 weeks out and my stomach is slowly accepting different foods. Is it ok if I have a pb&j sandwich? Will it effect my sleeve?
    I'm a bit confuse on why you are asking if its ok -----?? Several times. You seem to already have the answers you're looking for.
    .
    No need to ask any of us permission on what you should eat. This is between you and your surgeon.
  16. Like
    biginjapan got a reaction from CocoNina in Secret Surgery   
    I've told no one.
    I feel like I should tell my parents, but I won't until (long) after the surgery, but for 2 different reasons - one, that my dad will worry like crazy about it, and I don't want him to, especially since he and my mom are going on their first real vacation in years at the same time I'll be having the surgery; and two, because my mom is incapable of keeping a secret. Seriously. I stopped confiding in her when I was 10 because of it. Unfortunately, there's way for me to tell one and not the other, so it may be awhile before I tell anyone.
    As for work, I'm having my surgery during spring holidays, and I'll have 7 weeks to recover fully before classes start again. Unfortunately I work with one of the most horrible humans on the planet, the kind that will do anything (including extensive internet research) to prove something bad or malicious about virtually any person who is not them, so it will be necessary for me to continue with the "eat well, exercise more" mantra at work, at least in the next year. That said, that's how I feel now, but I may want to shout it from the rooftops once I'm post-op and losing. We'll see.
  17. Like
    biginjapan reacted to Babbs in Does anyone regret surgery   
    "Regrets are a waste of time. They're the past crippling you in the present"
    --Frederico Fellini
  18. Like
    biginjapan reacted to OutsideMatchInside in Secret Surgery   
    I kept my surgery secret and even 175 pounds later, no one questions it.
    As long as you aren't eating pizza and bon bons and sitting on your butt all day, people don't question how you are losing weight. 95% of the population believes that diet and exercise work, so if you are doing both people will think that is how you are losing weight.
    You don't have to tell school or work anything. Tell you then you ill and taking time off. Get a note from your PCP to cover your time off. HIPPA exists for a reason, no one is entitled to know about your health care choices.
  19. Like
    biginjapan reacted to bitingcat in Pity   
    I always feel like obesity is similar to food allergies, clinical depression, and just a host of other things most people haven't personally experienced. Some people just don't get why you can't just "cheer up". You know - haven't you ever tried not being depressed? Taking a brisk walk always gets them out of a funk, so it should work for you, right? Wouldn't, you know, not sitting on the couch eating donuts just fix your weight?
    But then again, in addition to depression ("why would you need to take meds?") I also have serious and bizarre food allergies that most people don't actually believe in. (Seriously - try being a fat woman explaining that she's anaphylactically allergic to salad. ) The ones that get past the patent disbelief and really think about it usually begin to grieve for all the foods I can't eat. "You mean, you can't eat Caesar salad? What about lettuce wraps? Not those either?! What do you EAT!!!"
    They're too used to people claiming allergies when they don't like something, just like they're used to people being down claiming depression, and people who are 20 lbs overweight being hopelessly overweight. So if you actually can communicate the level of difference, they kind of freak out a little. I've seen people finally understand what being celiac or having a life threading peanut allergy really means (niece and nephew) and just about lose it over the thought of never eating Oreos, or restaurant buffet, or soda ever again.
    What they don't get is that compared to the consequences we're already
    living with, a restaurant buffet or two really doesn't really matter. Is it frustrating to go to a party and not be able to eat a single thing there? Absolutely - but I've been living with that my whole life. And compared to morbid obesity (or, you know, anaphylactic shock) I'm willing to live with it.
    But then again, I get stupid comments all the time And I try never to attribute to malice what can be laid at the feet of ignorance or stupidity. Hopefully your friend will see you living it up in your skinny jeans and realize the world doesn't end with her own experiences. More and more research indicates that weight loss, like depression, isn't usually an easy fix and can require drastic measures.
    Sounds like you made the choice with eyes wide open for the same reasons as me. Hopefully we'll both justify our decision
    Sent from my iPad using the BariatricPal App
  20. Like
    biginjapan reacted to OutsideMatchInside in Pity   
    99% of the people I am around don't know if had surgery and think I eat nornally. Almost everyone low carbs at some point in their life. I low carb, no one thinks it is wired. I go out to restaurants and I can finish a whole entree or make it look like I did.
    The amount of time you can't eat "normally" is so short it isn't even worth dwelling on. 6 to 9 months out of a lifetime.
    Comments like your friend is exactly why I didn't tell people. Still the people that I did tell, they never make comments like that. My best friend and I are foodies and now all we do is make sure we get the highest quality and best food possible when I visit. She never pities that I can eat less, but she really loves me. People need to rethink some of the people they have in their lives and decide if they really care about them or not.
  21. Like
    biginjapan reacted to Babbs in 1st actual meal 23 days POSt Op   
    Newsflash!
    Some people shouldn't have WLS because they aren't ready to change their relationship with food and think just because they can eat less it will work.
    Film at 11.
  22. Like
    biginjapan reacted to LipstickLady in 1st actual meal 23 days POSt Op   
    So, looking at this poster's history, she's consumed greasy chicken 10 days out, eaten Chinese food, pizza, had lots of drinks and the meal posted in the OP. She chose to skip the puréed stage and has vomited/felt sick due to her eating habits on several occasions.
    I'm sincerely flummoxed here.
  23. Like
    biginjapan reacted to sleevinpops in January and February 2017 sleevers!   
    February 9th!
    Sent from my iPad using the BariatricPal App
  24. Like
    biginjapan reacted to Elizabeth Anderson RD in Feeling Great? Do You Still REALLY Need Lab work?   
    Bariatric Dietitian Elizabeth Anderson explains why feeling sunshiney is the perfect reason to keep visiting your local phlebotomist.


    New Year, new calendar, time to enter in to your digital devices all those reminders and important events for 2017.
    Birthdays, anniversaries, car inspection and for bariatric post-ops…don’t forget your LAB WORK!
    I know this is one of the first things that gets forgotten in the avalanche of to-do’s in the first year after weight loss surgery.
    As a bariatric dietitian, I try to make it easier for my clients by sending reminder emails and letters to them and their PCPs.
    Many of my clients will say, “Elizabeth, I’m healthier than I’ve ever been; I feel great! Why waste time and co-pays on lab work?”
    Short answer? It’s critically important—no matter which procedure you had done.
    The American Society of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS) recommends lab work after bariatric surgery at 3 months, 6-9 months and 12 and 18 months. After that, an annual work-up is usually sufficient.
    Here’s why:

    Vitamins and minerals play many key roles in weight management. If you don’t get adequate amounts, you’re compromising your health and slowing down your weight loss.
    Gastric Sleeve, Gastric Bypass and BPD surgeries ALL change your metabolism. This means the digestion and absorption of nutrients, Vitamins and minerals can be negatively affected.
    Some nutritional deficiencies lead to severe consequences--some irreversible and at least one, fatal.
    Nutritional deficiencies continue to occur after surgery—some as far as 20 years post-op.
    a. Iron deficiency is most commonly seen 4+ years after surgery!
    b. Dietitians in Boston, MA report that in one group of post-ops— 43% were B12 deficient 15 months after surgery.
    Many patients are deficient in key vitamins before surgery.
    a. One study showed 48% of WLS patients had at least one nutritional deficiency before surgery! (1)
    b. Another study showed more than 50% of all WLS patients are low in Vitamin D preoperatively. (2) It’s safe to say those pre-op deficiencies don’t improve with weight loss, reduced calories and smaller meals.
    I send my patients to their doctors and NPs with this list of recommended labs:

    ü Thiamine
    ü Folate
    ü Vitamin D
    ü Vitamin B12
    ü Vitamin B6
    ü complete protein
    ü complete metabolic panel (CMP)
    ü complete blood count (CBC)
    ü Lipid panel
    ü Liver function tests
    ü Parathyroid hormone (PTH)
    ü Bone density test or (DXA) every 2 years. More often than I like, providers will pick and choose from the list. They too, wonder if all the tests are truly necessary.
    I gently push back with the research data and thankfully, more labs are ordered.
    When the labs come back, make sure your bariatric dietitian or some member of your bariatric team reviews them.
    Many healthcare providers aren’t well-versed in the nutritional concerns after WLS and might miss an important trend.
    I know regular labs are one more thing on the to-do list, but remember, you made a life-changing investment in yourself and your health when you had bariatric surgery.
    Consider all those vials of blood just part of your insurance policy protecting that investment!
    -Elizabeth Anderson MA, RDN, LD

    References:
    1. Ernst B et al. Obes. Surg 2009;19(1):66-73.
    2. Gehrer S et al. Obes. Surg 2010;20(4):447-53.
  25. Like
    biginjapan reacted to mexicosleever88 in February Sleevers -- Let's Do This Together   
    I'm scheduled for Feb 9th in Tijuana Mexico- with Dr. Lopez from ALO Bariatrics so ready for this!!!!!
    Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

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