MeltsIntoWonder

I have a Vitamix, and I absolutely LOVE it! They are pricey for sure, but if you can swing it, it's totally worth the cost. I've seen them at Costco lately for a good price, and you can also buy refurbished ones directly from Vitamix. A friend of mine did that, and hers looks and works just like new, and she saved a ton of money. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

That's interesting that relaxing the "no tattoo" rule is being discussed for tourism purposes. My tattoo is pretty small and fairly easily covered up, but obviously there's no covering anything in an onsen, so I have not been able to experience that aspect of Japanese culture. I know there are some onsens (in Tokyo, at least) that do allow tattoos, but was told that they are often yakuza-affiliated and should be avoided by tourists. Do you find the attitudes toward tattoos to be more of a generational thing? Do younger Japanese people have less of a negative view?

Lol. I know a few people who are addicted, but for me, not so much. I only have one. I appreciate others' tattoos, but I'm not really a big fan of needles. Also, my husband and I like to travel to Japan, and tattoos can be a bit of an issue there. In Japanese culture they are associated with the Yakuza (mafia), and there are many establishments that won't allow anyone with tattoos.

Mine will be some high-end fashion! Not an entire wardrobe, but some classic pieces. Although after reading this thread, I kind of want to get a new tattoo.

Mine is kind of crazy, but I want to hike to the bottom of the Grand Canyon (and back up). The only trouble will be finding someone to go with me, because my husband isn't too outdoorsy.

I do that with my husband! He's been drinking spinach in his smoothies for months now, and he has absolutely NO idea. The Vitamix is pricey, but worth it. I usually see them at Costco for a decent price. A friend of ours got a really good deal on a factory refurbished one from the Vitamix website, and she said it looks/works like brand new.

I have both a Ninja and a Vitamix (the VM was a wedding present). Honestly, they are both great, but if you can get a good deal on a Vitamix, you should go for it. The uses for it are endless - the best of which is the ability to make (hot!) soup right in the blender! I just put some steamed broccoli, broth, and a little cheese in, flip the switch. 10 minutes later, I have piping hot , smooth and creamy broccoli cheese soup! Smoothies are super fast and easy, and you can even make your own fresh [insert type of nut] butter! I know I sound like a commercial, so I'll stop. But seriously, they're great.

I've had to do two rounds of antibiotics to try and clear up h-pylori. Finished 2nd round almost 2 weeks ago, but still have to wait ANOTHER two weeks to even take the test to see if the bacteria is gone. I can't be cleared until it is. I was hoping for a surgery date in March, but it's looking more like April now, so I definitely feel your pain.

I haven't had my surgery yet, but one thing I was looking into was Gwynnie Bee, which is a clothing rental subscription service that caters to larger sizes (12 and up, I believe). It's basically like Netflix (well, when it first started and they sent you actual DVDs) for clothes - wear something, return it, they send you something else. It's not an everyday clothes solution, but would be great for those times when you need a nice dress, more professional clothing, or even just something fun to wear. Of course, it is an extra monthly expense, so depending on your budget, it may not be entirely reasonable. Other than that, thrift stores, clearance racks, and TJ Maxx all day long. @Dr-Patient - I LOVE the idea of the curvy girl yard sale! When I (hopefully) get to the point of needing to get rid of clothes, I will definitely have to do that.

I haven't had my surgery yet, but I will be having it done at OSU. My surgeon is Dr. Noria. (I think. She's doing my endoscopy on Friday, so I guess it's her. I didn't select a preference when I filled out my paperwork.) I know this is an older post, so I'm curious to know where you're at in the process and what your experience has been. (My insurance requires a 6 month medically supervised weight loss attempt; of which I am now in month 4.) So far everyone I've dealt with has been very knowledgeable and supportive.

Newbie/lurker here. I've read many of the posts that you're referring to, and, if it makes you feel any better, feel just as incredulous. I'm still on the fence about having the surgery (I'm almost there - and sure that my upcoming trip to Tokyo, filled with stares at the fat American gajin huffing and puffing her way around the city, will push me off the fence entirely), but if/when I do go through with it, I can't imagine going back to the "I do what I want" eating habits that got me here in the first place. Please feel free to hand my @ss to me when I start complaining.

I'm just starting out as well. I have my psych eval on 8/30, and also have to do 6 mos of MSWL, which will likely put my surgery in March or April. As much as I'd like to get on with it, I'm grateful for the time to prepare myself (and my husband!) for all of the changes.