Hiraeth

This is the review I left on the restaurant's Facebook.< br />
"My mom and I just ate here for lunch today, and we are not pleased. Since Bistro V's food is expensive, we decided to just split a cheeseburger. When they brought out our food, they split our burger for us. We thought that was so kind of them, and were happy with that. The burger (which was listed as $9) was pretty good, but it wasn't much different than a Five Guy's burger. We chose to eat there because we like the bread they bring out, and the atmosphere is pleasant. When we got our ticket, I noticed that the bill was over $17. So, I looked at everything and noticed that they charged us a $3 split fee! Seriously?! So we notified the waitress, who said that it was automatically put on the ticket. We said we could have just split it ourselves, and that we are not paying a split fee. She got the manager (if that's what you want to call him), and he immediately had a snobby demeanor (that could just be his personality; it probably wasn't directed towards us). He said, "Y'all have a complaint?" I told him that it wasn't necessarily a complaint, but that I just don't understand why I have to pay a split fee when we could have just split the burger ourselves. He said, "Well, when two people are seated at a table, and only order one meal, there's automatically a split charge." So, I said, "That's ridiculous. We could have just split it ourselves. Also, what if someone didn't want to eat?" So then he hesitates and says, "Well, we gave you more food." (Which is a complete lie. I've ordered the cheeseburger before, and it was exactly the same size and came with the exact same amount of fries as the last time I ordered it.) They never told us beforehand that there would be a split charge. We didn't even ask them to split it for us; we just said we were going to split it. He did not apologize and he did NOT remove the fee. He made absolutely no effort to show that he is a pleasant or professional person. He took our payment and walked off. When he came back, he said, "Have a good day..." in a snarky tone. (Again, that's probably just how he acts in general.) We will not be back. It's not the fact that it was $3; it's the fact that no one should be charged a split fee, regardless, especially when the restaurant doesn't have the decency to notify the customer before the order goes through. I left my Yelp review and noticed that someone else complained about the split fee. They said that there's a split fee notification on the menu. But even still, how would anyone know to look for something like that? I've never been to a restaurant that has a split fee. It's like they were being sneaky about it; like some kind of fine print scam. It's like you can't come in and sit down in peace without looking at the menu to make sure there's not a "breathing the air" fee. I shouldn't have given a single tip, but the waitress was friendly, and it wasn't her fault for what happened. So, I left a tip, anyway."

They proceeded to leave snarky replies in response. So I emailed the owner in a very professional manner. She emailed me back saying, "Yelp about it". I was shocked. I could not believe that they were refusing to handle this situation like professionals. Not only that, but the owner's friends got on my review and began insulting me personally. The owner's mother-in-law even got on there and said things along the lines of, "People of certain class know that high end restaurants charge split fees. Since when does someone go to a high end restaurant and buy only one meal?" So I said, "I recently had stomach surgery. Why would I buy a meal that I cannot finish, when I can just split it with someone?" Then, a few minutes later, the owner emailed me back and said, "We will not tolerate abuse from our customers." Since when is a complaint abuse? They claim that I insulted their employee by saying he's snarky. Well he was! Wouldn't it have been easier to just say, "I apologize for the misunderstanding."? How hard is that? When they responded to me the way they did by saying "they won't tolerate", that makes me wonder if they will try to sue me for defamation. I did my research and found that the only way they can is if I make false claims. Not a single statement was false. I'm so livid and shocked by the complete disregard for my situation.

Some of my friends got on the review and began cussing the owner's friends out, because they were insulting me. I publicly tried to contain the situation by telling them to not cuss or call names. Not once did the owner publicly try to contain her Facebook friends. Not once did I receive an apology. She even tried saying that I could have my $3 refunded to me. Why would I drive 15 minutes to get $3? Why couldn't they have just given me the refund while I was at the restaurant? I told them I didn't want the refund of $3. I said that they could just give it to my waitress, because she was actually friendly; and that if she declined, then they could donate the money to the charity of their choice.

Are you feeling the gas pains in your abdominal region? Or are the gas pains in your shoulder/neck/back area?

What brand of Protein Drinks are you drinking? If your Protein drinks have high Fiber, that can be the cause.

Some people are addicted to cocaine. But me... I'm addicted to cheese. I usually eat those Frigo Cheese Heads cheese sticks. I don't eat more than 3 a day, since they can pack on some calories if eaten in a high amount. But they definitely help with my craving.

I had my sleeve done on Dec. 29, 2016 and it is now January 1, 2017. Going through a lot of pain and emotions. I know I made the right decision.

Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

I'm sorry about how you're feeling. You definitely made the right decision. What pain and emotions are you dealing with?

I did this twice after my surgery. But, I heard this is dangerous because it can lead to bulimia. Try to avoid this.

The frozen Pickle Juice sounds like a good idea.

I'm so afraid of the liquid stage I start in about 3 weeks. I wish you lots of luck. I get really emotional & down when I'm a long time between normal meals. My surgeon requires a skim milk diet for 2 weeks. I think it's insane. I know I'm going to switch in Protein Shakes occasionally to get me through. Anyone else have to do this milk diet? I've already lost 14 lbs and am now technically a bmi of 39.

Your doctor is only letting you drink skim milk? I've never heard of that. That's kinda bizarre, lol. I was on Protein shakes and basically anything liquid until the 7th day, when I switched to clear liquid (broth, Powerade Zero, Jello, Popsicles, etc.)

Just hang in there! It gets easier after the 4th or 5th day. Once the surgery is finished, you'll wonder how you were ever able to feel this hungry. Just remember that this is temporary. Keep yourself busy and remember the prize at the end of the journey!

I see that you've lost some in your mid-section. You look great.

I definitely know those feelings of anger. My family ordered pizza hut when I was just a few weeks out from surgery! I had such a reaction to it too, sweating, heart racing, anxiety, NOT from eating it, I did not eat it. But just smelling it, seeing it, wanting it, drove me nuts. After that I respectfully told them to please never bring pizza hut into the house and they haven't. I think there is a difference between expecting everyone to live your lifestyle and asking for support.

Yesterday, I hung out with some friends and they all knew I was on the post op liquid diet. The weather wasn't too good outside and they were hungry and decided to order pizza. They started to order and mid-order asked if I was okay with it. Of course I wasn't but I felt stupid saying no so I said it was okay. They ordered it and ate it in front of me even forgetting that I couldn't eat it and offered me some after it came. Do I have a right to be upset about them knowingly ordering a food they know I like even though I said it was okay? I feel like if the roles were reversed I would have never done that to them.

Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

I can't imagine telling my family they can't have pizza in their own home because I'm fat.

I agree. It's their house. It's easier to walk outside or into another room and spray something so you don't smell it. The smell of pizza doesn't linger across the house, lol.

I love that show! Though, one episode really frustrated me. There was one guy who almost completely refused to change. He was also an ass. It was hard to watch, but it was nice watching the doctor set him straight.

Congrats! I had, and still have, a lot of negativity from my coworker because of this surgery. I now realize that she's just extremely insecure. I'm down 61 pounds since August, and not once has she complimented my very obvious weight loss. I don't know why people have to be that way. Proud of you for making this decision! Good luck!

You haven't stretched your sleeve. It's the natural progression of things to be able to eat more the further out you get post surgery. You cannot stretch the sleeve.

It's also very normal for weight loss to slow and stall a lot the further out you get from surgery. For me what worked when it happened was to actually increase my calories and Protein along with my activity. That always seemed to jump start things again. I did that until I topped out at 1200 calories until I hit goal and now maintain on 1300.

I don't believe in 'pouch resets'. I think the best way to get back on track is just going back to basics like in the beginning--no sugar, white carbs, Protein first and lots of Water. If you feel you want to 'tighten up' your restriction a bit, liquids for a couple days should do the trick, temporarily at least. It won't ever be like the beginning. Work with what you've got. Good luck!

Thanks for the reply! What you described is basically what the pouch reset is. I'd drink Clear Liquids on the first day, full liquids on the second day, pureed food on the third, soft food on the fourth, and solid food on the fifth. Some say it's a great way to get back on track and helps get your mind and sleeve back into feeling as if it can only handle a little bit.

Honestly, I think my main problem is being lazy and eating what is easy. Food really isn't as enjoyable as it used to be; and to be honest, I'm so glad. I hate liking food. I want to feel as if I could take it or leave it, you know? Last night I did a bit of grocery shopping and I got a few things to help me get back to where I was. I know it won't be like the beginning, but I'd at least like to have a bit more restriction.

I've gained 6 lbs in the last 5 months and I can't seem to stop myself from over eating. I was good for a year and a half. It's been bad over the last 3 months. It happened when it was time for maintenance I started gaining. You can gain it back!!! Terrifying!

Sent from my SM-G930T using the BariatricPal App

I know a lady who had WLS done 10 years ago. She is constantly gaining and losing 5 pounds back and forth. This is normal. You just have to know when to start cutting back again.

Yes, try that for about a week. If you still feel anxious, contact your doctor. I'm 90% sure it's the caffeine, though. Good luck.

So you are making your own shakes? No wonder. Those aren't very good, in my opinion. They're kinda chalky. Have you tried the ones you buy in a pack of 4? Like Premier Protein. Those are pretty good.

oops just saw your profile never mind.. I'm so hungry.. I can't drink another Protein shake its disgusting I'm so ready to eat. Saturday will be 2 weeks and I can eat pureed foods I'm ready today

You will love eating Soup. It'll be like eating a high quality steak, lol! What kind of Protein shakes are you drinking?

It's highly likely that you are feeling this way because of the caffeine. There's a reason why some doctors tell their patients to avoid caffeine after the surgery. You are feeling stronger effects of the coffee because your stomach is smaller. It's the same with alcohol. Those who drink after the surgery will most likely get drunk more quickly. For example, if it takes 8 shots to get you drunk before the surgery, then it may take only 1 or 2 shots to get you drunk post-op. Same goes for caffeine.

I've been taking Adderall for years. Now that I've had my surgery, the Adderall makes me feel like I'm anxious and having a hard time breathing (but only sometimes).

My sister has a strange reaction to coffee. Every time she drinks it, she feels paranoid and even questions peoples' intentions.

Band is not an option anymore as it's failed & the consultant doesn't do them anymore so maybe that speaks volumes as he didn't say what went wrong just that 30% fail & mine was one of them x

Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

My surgeon is trying to get the Band away from his practice, as well. The sleeve is less harsh on your body, since it's almost impossible to get Dumping Syndrome.

Thanks that is encouraging news!

You're very welcome! It seems hard because you expect to feel a little better after losing a certain amount. But the body doesn't always act the way we expect it to. Also, have you ever wondered if maybe it's your mattress causing your hip to get out of a healthy adjustment? My hip hurt for a whole week because I was house-sitting for a friend, who has a horrible mattress.

I doubt you messed anything up. You would have to overeat A LOT in order to do anything. Just keep doing what your surgeon told you to do, and try to distance yourself from junk food. The more weight you lose, the better your hip will feel. After I lost 20 pounds, my sciatic nerve still hurt. Now that I'm down 61 pounds down, my sciatic nerve no longer hurts anymore.

Congrats! Girl, you got curves! You're gonna look like a model when you get to your goal! Get it!

No offense against your aunt, but I bet she is just insecure. She probably is afraid of you succeeding, because she's afraid of the surgery, and she probably hates the idea of you looking better than her. Weight loss surgery is so much better than suppressants. Your aunt is basically taking medical speed. When/if she stops taking it, she will most likely regain her weight. She will have to work her ass off to not fall back into old habits.

I have a co-worker like this. She resents me for some reason. When I told her I was having this surgery, she said so many things to discourage me. She would argue with me daily on why this surgery was a bad idea. She would tell me that I would fail because there's a reason I'm fat. She said, "You can lose weight on your own. There's no reason to get this surgery. You like to eat, so how do you know this surgery will work? I know of many people who failed with this surgery. I even know of people who have died."
Correct me if I'm wrong, but doesn't it seem like she wants me to fail? I mean, she would raise her voice at me and talk bad about me on the phone to her family! Over a surgical procedure! I was shocked! And guess what? She's overweight; even more so than I ever was. I think she's about 350 pounds. She's been to a weight loss clinic 4 times in the last 2 years, and she hasn't succeeded at all. She can't stick with it for more than a week. I've realized that she's just very insecure. I've lost 60 pounds since August, and not once has she complimented me about my VERY OBVIOUS weight loss.

So, you do what you think is best. Get the surgery and worry about yourself. When you prove your aunt wrong, watch closely and see if she compliments you. If she doesn't, then you know why.

Also, this surgery is not a miracle. It is a tool. It helps you lose weight and makes it easier. It does not do it for you. It allows you to change bad habits into good ones. You will still have to go to the gym and eat correctly.

You're actually more at risk of something going wrong by driving a car or getting your gallbladder removed, than by getting the sleeve. This surgery was so easy to me. My body felt normal by the 3rd day. Don't google anything else negative. You will scare yourself and that's never good.

I'm willing to bet that your aunt is lying. It's almost impossible to regain back ALL the weight plus more unless you're literally trying to. Like, I could probably bet money that your aunt is lying to you. Is your aunt overweight?

Dieting "the natural way" gives a high risk of gaining it all back, plus more. It's called yo-yo dieting. You are 89% more likely of keeping the weight off by getting the surgery.

Has anyone ever done the pouch reset? If so, did it work for you?

I'm asking because, I've lost 61 pounds since August, but the weight loss had slowed a lot. I think a lot of it has to do with the holidays and bad choices. I also feel as if I'm able to eat more than I was last month. So I'm worried that maybe my sleeve is stretching. I haven't gained any weight back, but I'm also not losing as much as I want to. I was stalled at 195, and it took me 2 weeks to get to 194. (I have PCOS and my period is very late, so it could just be my body getting pissy and holding onto PMS weight... ) Everyone around me still thinks I'm starving myself, but to me, I'm eating too much. I want to get my mind back on track, but I'm worried that if I've stretched my sleeve, that it'll be hard. So, have you ever been in this situation?

EDIT: Also, does the pouch reset help you feel full quicker like before? I never thought I'd say this, but I actually miss that extremely full feeling after 3 bites of food. :/