bitingcat

I made kombucha Jello post-op. And (at 4 months out) drink small amounts of it. I pour it pretty vigorously, let it sit for a few minutes, then sip slowly. Wait a minute. Take another sip. It's still a touch fizzy . I maybe drink a half cup total?
I was also REALLY careful about waiting a long time to reintroduce it (past the 3 month mark) and then taking it super slow. Like, take a sip, wait 20 minutes. Watch the sugar content, too - the Probiotics are great, but the carbs can also mess you up. I did talk to my NUT about it, in case anyone was wondering.
If you just want flavor, there are stevia Water drops, herbed teas, and all kinds of things I didn't like much before. Right now I'm really liking the Ultima grape hydration packets, real lime blackberry limeade, and blueberry green iced tea. . Apparently it's a purple month...
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I'm 4 months out and have started going out again. Yes, I am a total foodie so I'll address that: it's usually fine. Sure, at its most extreme it's little weird getting the plain, grilled chicken breast or burger, no bun, but it's really just low-carb. Everyone's seen it before. And a lot of places have Protein appetizers. "I'm not all that hungry - I'll just have the chicken skewer appetizer." Sometimes I share a plate, or just pick out what I want and get the rest to go.
My sister (just very healthy) is the queen of ordering it her way - eggs Benedict on Tomato slices instead of muffin; can you do grilled veggies instead of potatoes? Can you do that in a lettuce wrap? Can I get that over broccoli instead of Pasta? It's basically a good habit we're now trying to get the kids onboard with, too. No, I'm not buying junk for your friends but I'll make Greek yogurt ranch and get cucumber slices to dip with and serve it with a side of spicy pepperoni and Parmesan crisps.
It's not a bad way of eating, it's just different. But then again, I was ready to change my life and be done with the crap. I'm still getting used to it - and *always* have emergency purse food like nuts, meat sticks, olives - but I've also made amazing discoveries about what restaurants will do if you ask. For the first time in my life I'm not starving all the time. For the first time I don't want sugar/fat/salt all.the.time. I want to travel the world, be able to hike without everything hurting, not worry if that chair can hold my weight. That's why I'm trying to focus on the nourishing food I can eat and coming up with plans to make that work.
As for potlucks, I usually bring something I can eat and drink a Protein Shake in the car . "OMG - I had such a big Breakfast, I just don't think I can eat another thing..."
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I like xylitol in my black tea - just a little sweet and it doesn't make me crave sweets all day. My husband went hardcore Keto when I had surgery and giving up his honey was tough - he used my xylitol for a week or two and then discovered pastured cream. He tried new (stronger) teas until he found a combo he likes and doesn't use any sweetener at all any more. The fat seems to help him with carb cravings, too. He's lost about as much weight as I have, btw.
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I told very few people - husband, a sister, and a sister-friend. My niece who lives with me figured it out during the diet, but she's awesome and helped run interference for her mom (a different sister) and Grandma when I was newly post-op. I only told my teenagers about the hernia surgery part (true) because I didn't want them to worry (ASD/anxiety disorder) and explained I'm a very private person and I'd prefer they didn't discuss it with people, including the Grandmas, uncles, friends, and other family.
And it hasn't been a problem. Of course it's also been a weird year. My dad died of pancreatic cancer last spring while I was doing the pre-op diet. I could have told him, but he just would have worried. Or argued. Or made a fuss about it with the extended family. I don't regret not telling him, even though I wish he could have seen me getting healthier. In any case, it's not surprising I'd start getting my health back on track.
I'm also a pretty slow loser - no "I only lost 20 lbs this month!" for me. My husband and sister-friend also jumped on the low carb/better health bandwagon so they make great camouflage. We pretty much just tell people we're eating low carb and getting more exercise.
Basically, do you want him to know and be there for you? If no, it's an easy choice. If yes, it's a little tougher, but I think if your stepmom knows you had surgery, she'll probably figure it out. But then, she'll probably be a snot no matter what happens. I'd probably just drive her crazy talking about new research into the role of gut flora and Prebiotic Fiber (and other health topics) until she left me alone . Might even help your sister.
I do feel for you. That niece I mentioned? There's a few different reasons she lives with me and a big one is her stepmom. My niece is a 5'2 pocket Venus and the woman was buying her size 8 shoes and size 10 clothes because she just *had* to be smaller than her teenage stepdaughter. The first time I took her to an adult petite store she couldn't believe she was a size 2/4.
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Yes, and yes - except mine started during the pre-op diet. I'm working with my hormone doctor, an OBGYN specialist, and a hematologist to address the resultant anemia.
This week I also got to have the oh-so-fun inside and out ultrasound - I'm also amazed they didn't send you in for one. They were able to list all my fibroids - full and fun-sized - as well as a couple of ovarian cysts. In my case, the doctor said the troublemaker was too large/weird/inconveniently located to remove by anything short of a hysterectomy. . Not thrilled with that, but I've already been trying HRT and currently need i.v. Iron for the anemia.
Definitely push for better testing so you don't end up where I am if you don't need to - on a six week waiting list for a consult with the laparoscopic robot doctor.
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I'm only 3 1/2 months out, so my experience with sleeve is limited. My experience with dieting is not. I started young and was *never* able to lose more than a few pounds. The weight always came back and usually brought friends.
The deck was kind of stacked against me - as it is for many. Severe food allergies (almost all veggies and some fruits) meant I was chronically malnourished. Severe hay fever limited those easy outdoor walks and bike rides. Skin allergies, eczema, and asthma meant even indoor exercise was challenging. As an adult I sought medical help, traditional and alternative, but I was already broken - overweight and clinically depressed with a trashed metabolism and busted joints. And my weight kept going up.
Fortunately about 20 years ago (after wrecking my personal life, too) I ended up marrying one of my best friends. School, work, and two very difficult kids on the autism spectrum later, we've both put on far too much weight. Ten years of high stress and no sleep tend to do that even without help. I'd though about the band for years, but just didn't like the complications and my hands were full with therapy and homeschool. We tried to eat clean and healthy and be active, but at best we maintained.
Two years ago my father was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and it was officially too much. My kind-of-stable weight starting climbing; my blood pressure shot up; my blood sugar spiked; and my hormones went bonkers. I was 43 and my body had had all it could take. I had researched gastric sleeve off and on, but after spending time caring for him in the hospital and a year of watching him balk at all the doctors orders, I felt like Chrmow - why can't he just follow directions to care for himself? Followed by the awareness that I was doing the very same thing. I researched, prayed, and researched some more. My husband and I were both scared of complications, but math says the odds are no worse than a lot of other surgeries. And I had control over my own choices post-surgery and knew I could be compliant and follow directions, which can minimize post-op complications.
Surgery is scary and I've had plenty of minor non-surgical complications, but have healed really well. And the amazing thing is, for the first time in my life, I longer feel like I'm starving to death. I still have to make good food choices and I still have a long way to go, but I've lost 40 lbs since surgery and that really does help everything. The reduced weight on my joints means I'm able to do more physical therapy for my bad ankle and hip, for instance. The reduced stomach means I'm able to eat Protein and largely be done instead of looking for filler.
The therapist sounds like a great plan, for both evaluating "food addiction" and for monitoring/getting a handle on depression. I seem to be one of the few people who hadn't had "buyer's remorse" after surgery, but a) I did intense research into all aspects of the surgery; I had already dealt with a lot of food-as-comfort issues; and c) I'm 45 and was ready to really change. I've eaten enough pizza, cake, and Cookies for a lifetime and am largely fine with never being able to eat those things again. I've seen people on forums who freak out when they realize they'll never being able to eat a whole pizza again for comfort. I've seen the people who "can't" do liquid post op diet and try to eat steak a week after surgery. And I've seen people who realize they can still eat a box of crackers, do so, and can't seem to stop. Don't worry about the actual surgery itself -- worry about whether or not you're truly willing to change your life. Because the last few months have been life changing for me, but even at this point, it's a lot of work.
Having said that, my husband started doing Keto concurrent with my surgery, partially to support me and partially as his last ditch effort to not have to. He's lost as much weight as I have eating eggs, cheese, and grass fed meat - which was basically my pre-op liver shrink diet. Assuming you're medically capable, you can always try that first. The first week trying to get off sugar and carbs is really hard, but improves a lot after that. If you can handle that, it might help on its own. Or it might end up preparing you for surgical pre and post op diets.
I know - really mouthy for a total noob . But my big regret is not finding a way to do this ten years ago, when my kids were still little.
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You really are looking great! I'm about 3 1/2 months and rocking the same stretchy pants look, too . And no, I am NOT a fast loser. It's so frustrating...
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I'm only 3 1/2 months out, so my experience with sleeve is limited. My experience with dieting is not. I started young and was *never* able to lose more than a few pounds. The weight always came back and usually brought friends.
The deck was kind of stacked against me - as it is for many. Severe food allergies (almost all veggies and some fruits) meant I was chronically malnourished. Severe hay fever limited those easy outdoor walks and bike rides. Skin allergies, eczema, and asthma meant even indoor exercise was challenging. As an adult I sought medical help, traditional and alternative, but I was already broken - overweight and clinically depressed with a trashed metabolism and busted joints. And my weight kept going up.
Fortunately about 20 years ago (after wrecking my personal life, too) I ended up marrying one of my best friends. School, work, and two very difficult kids on the autism spectrum later, we've both put on far too much weight. Ten years of high stress and no sleep tend to do that even without help. I'd though about the band for years, but just didn't like the complications and my hands were full with therapy and homeschool. We tried to eat clean and healthy and be active, but at best we maintained.
Two years ago my father was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and it was officially too much. My kind-of-stable weight starting climbing; my blood pressure shot up; my blood sugar spiked; and my hormones went bonkers. I was 43 and my body had had all it could take. I had researched gastric sleeve off and on, but after spending time caring for him in the hospital and a year of watching him balk at all the doctors orders, I felt like Chrmow - why can't he just follow directions to care for himself? Followed by the awareness that I was doing the very same thing. I researched, prayed, and researched some more. My husband and I were both scared of complications, but math says the odds are no worse than a lot of other surgeries. And I had control over my own choices post-surgery and knew I could be compliant and follow directions, which can minimize post-op complications.
Surgery is scary and I've had plenty of minor non-surgical complications, but have healed really well. And the amazing thing is, for the first time in my life, I longer feel like I'm starving to death. I still have to make good food choices and I still have a long way to go, but I've lost 40 lbs since surgery and that really does help everything. The reduced weight on my joints means I'm able to do more physical therapy for my bad ankle and hip, for instance. The reduced stomach means I'm able to eat Protein and largely be done instead of looking for filler.
The therapist sounds like a great plan, for both evaluating "food addiction" and for monitoring/getting a handle on depression. I seem to be one of the few people who hadn't had "buyer's remorse" after surgery, but a) I did intense research into all aspects of the surgery; I had already dealt with a lot of food-as-comfort issues; and c) I'm 45 and was ready to really change. I've eaten enough pizza, cake, and Cookies for a lifetime and am largely fine with never being able to eat those things again. I've seen people on forums who freak out when they realize they'll never being able to eat a whole pizza again for comfort. I've seen the people who "can't" do liquid post op diet and try to eat steak a week after surgery. And I've seen people who realize they can still eat a box of crackers, do so, and can't seem to stop. Don't worry about the actual surgery itself -- worry about whether or not you're truly willing to change your life. Because the last few months have been life changing for me, but even at this point, it's a lot of work.
Having said that, my husband started doing Keto concurrent with my surgery, partially to support me and partially as his last ditch effort to not have to. He's lost as much weight as I have eating eggs, cheese, and grass fed meat - which was basically my pre-op liver shrink diet. Assuming you're medically capable, you can always try that first. The first week trying to get off sugar and carbs is really hard, but improves a lot after that. If you can handle that, it might help on its own. Or it might end up preparing you for surgical pre and post op diets.
I know - really mouthy for a total noob . But my big regret is not finding a way to do this ten years ago, when my kids were still little.
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I'm only 3 1/2 months out, so my experience with sleeve is limited. My experience with dieting is not. I started young and was *never* able to lose more than a few pounds. The weight always came back and usually brought friends.
The deck was kind of stacked against me - as it is for many. Severe food allergies (almost all veggies and some fruits) meant I was chronically malnourished. Severe hay fever limited those easy outdoor walks and bike rides. Skin allergies, eczema, and asthma meant even indoor exercise was challenging. As an adult I sought medical help, traditional and alternative, but I was already broken - overweight and clinically depressed with a trashed metabolism and busted joints. And my weight kept going up.
Fortunately about 20 years ago (after wrecking my personal life, too) I ended up marrying one of my best friends. School, work, and two very difficult kids on the autism spectrum later, we've both put on far too much weight. Ten years of high stress and no sleep tend to do that even without help. I'd though about the band for years, but just didn't like the complications and my hands were full with therapy and homeschool. We tried to eat clean and healthy and be active, but at best we maintained.
Two years ago my father was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and it was officially too much. My kind-of-stable weight starting climbing; my blood pressure shot up; my blood sugar spiked; and my hormones went bonkers. I was 43 and my body had had all it could take. I had researched gastric sleeve off and on, but after spending time caring for him in the hospital and a year of watching him balk at all the doctors orders, I felt like Chrmow - why can't he just follow directions to care for himself? Followed by the awareness that I was doing the very same thing. I researched, prayed, and researched some more. My husband and I were both scared of complications, but math says the odds are no worse than a lot of other surgeries. And I had control over my own choices post-surgery and knew I could be compliant and follow directions, which can minimize post-op complications.
Surgery is scary and I've had plenty of minor non-surgical complications, but have healed really well. And the amazing thing is, for the first time in my life, I longer feel like I'm starving to death. I still have to make good food choices and I still have a long way to go, but I've lost 40 lbs since surgery and that really does help everything. The reduced weight on my joints means I'm able to do more physical therapy for my bad ankle and hip, for instance. The reduced stomach means I'm able to eat Protein and largely be done instead of looking for filler.
The therapist sounds like a great plan, for both evaluating "food addiction" and for monitoring/getting a handle on depression. I seem to be one of the few people who hadn't had "buyer's remorse" after surgery, but a) I did intense research into all aspects of the surgery; I had already dealt with a lot of food-as-comfort issues; and c) I'm 45 and was ready to really change. I've eaten enough pizza, cake, and Cookies for a lifetime and am largely fine with never being able to eat those things again. I've seen people on forums who freak out when they realize they'll never being able to eat a whole pizza again for comfort. I've seen the people who "can't" do liquid post op diet and try to eat steak a week after surgery. And I've seen people who realize they can still eat a box of crackers, do so, and can't seem to stop. Don't worry about the actual surgery itself -- worry about whether or not you're truly willing to change your life. Because the last few months have been life changing for me, but even at this point, it's a lot of work.
Having said that, my husband started doing Keto concurrent with my surgery, partially to support me and partially as his last ditch effort to not have to. He's lost as much weight as I have eating eggs, cheese, and grass fed meat - which was basically my pre-op liver shrink diet. Assuming you're medically capable, you can always try that first. The first week trying to get off sugar and carbs is really hard, but improves a lot after that. If you can handle that, it might help on its own. Or it might end up preparing you for surgical pre and post op diets.
I know - really mouthy for a total noob . But my big regret is not finding a way to do this ten years ago, when my kids were still little.
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I'm only 3 1/2 months out, so my experience with sleeve is limited. My experience with dieting is not. I started young and was *never* able to lose more than a few pounds. The weight always came back and usually brought friends.
The deck was kind of stacked against me - as it is for many. Severe food allergies (almost all veggies and some fruits) meant I was chronically malnourished. Severe hay fever limited those easy outdoor walks and bike rides. Skin allergies, eczema, and asthma meant even indoor exercise was challenging. As an adult I sought medical help, traditional and alternative, but I was already broken - overweight and clinically depressed with a trashed metabolism and busted joints. And my weight kept going up.
Fortunately about 20 years ago (after wrecking my personal life, too) I ended up marrying one of my best friends. School, work, and two very difficult kids on the autism spectrum later, we've both put on far too much weight. Ten years of high stress and no sleep tend to do that even without help. I'd though about the band for years, but just didn't like the complications and my hands were full with therapy and homeschool. We tried to eat clean and healthy and be active, but at best we maintained.
Two years ago my father was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and it was officially too much. My kind-of-stable weight starting climbing; my blood pressure shot up; my blood sugar spiked; and my hormones went bonkers. I was 43 and my body had had all it could take. I had researched gastric sleeve off and on, but after spending time caring for him in the hospital and a year of watching him balk at all the doctors orders, I felt like Chrmow - why can't he just follow directions to care for himself? Followed by the awareness that I was doing the very same thing. I researched, prayed, and researched some more. My husband and I were both scared of complications, but math says the odds are no worse than a lot of other surgeries. And I had control over my own choices post-surgery and knew I could be compliant and follow directions, which can minimize post-op complications.
Surgery is scary and I've had plenty of minor non-surgical complications, but have healed really well. And the amazing thing is, for the first time in my life, I longer feel like I'm starving to death. I still have to make good food choices and I still have a long way to go, but I've lost 40 lbs since surgery and that really does help everything. The reduced weight on my joints means I'm able to do more physical therapy for my bad ankle and hip, for instance. The reduced stomach means I'm able to eat Protein and largely be done instead of looking for filler.
The therapist sounds like a great plan, for both evaluating "food addiction" and for monitoring/getting a handle on depression. I seem to be one of the few people who hadn't had "buyer's remorse" after surgery, but a) I did intense research into all aspects of the surgery; I had already dealt with a lot of food-as-comfort issues; and c) I'm 45 and was ready to really change. I've eaten enough pizza, cake, and Cookies for a lifetime and am largely fine with never being able to eat those things again. I've seen people on forums who freak out when they realize they'll never being able to eat a whole pizza again for comfort. I've seen the people who "can't" do liquid post op diet and try to eat steak a week after surgery. And I've seen people who realize they can still eat a box of crackers, do so, and can't seem to stop. Don't worry about the actual surgery itself -- worry about whether or not you're truly willing to change your life. Because the last few months have been life changing for me, but even at this point, it's a lot of work.
Having said that, my husband started doing Keto concurrent with my surgery, partially to support me and partially as his last ditch effort to not have to. He's lost as much weight as I have eating eggs, cheese, and grass fed meat - which was basically my pre-op liver shrink diet. Assuming you're medically capable, you can always try that first. The first week trying to get off sugar and carbs is really hard, but improves a lot after that. If you can handle that, it might help on its own. Or it might end up preparing you for surgical pre and post op diets.
I know - really mouthy for a total noob . But my big regret is not finding a way to do this ten years ago, when my kids were still little.
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At 3 1/2 mos I'm too new to speak to long term concerns. But as someone who went in with a serious ankle tendon injury, had a hiatal hernia repair with 6 weeks of "no abs!", and developed pretty bad anemia post op, I'd like to second the PT idea. I'd get a list of restrictions from medical team and she'd work around what I could and couldn't do towards both strengthening my leg and general fitness. After losing muscle post surgery, I've started gaining again at the 3 mos mark. That's while still using a cane to walk, btw. .
The medical staff was super impressed. Otoh, I've become an athletic stretchy pants person and I feel like I need a "I did PT today!" sticker to justify fat woman with cane in athletic clothes.
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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
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I was basically doing Keto the couple of weeks before surgery. Didn't really loose while getting off sugar; was up a couple of pounds at my 1 weeks pre-op. I was so bloated from the hormone dump...
But my surgery went well and my liver looked amazing! (I know because they showed me pictures.)
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Sweat, loose clothes, loose skin, cleavage, braids - the ACLU just went after them for getting all up in black women's hair. Those stupid things have an unbelievable false positive rate. They're basically total crap, so anything they can't figure out - like less than perky breasts - means you get felt up by your not-so-friendly TSA agent. After my father was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer I had to fly SEA to DFW quite a bit. Thing lit up like a Christmas tree Every. Single. Time. Under the breasts; between the breasts; under the belly; up, down and around the thighs all the way up the crotch.
Ugh. It was just extremely upsetting. God knew I'd had all I could take - the flight home after the funeral, my 13 yr old got random TSA pre-check and I got to join her in the past. You know - where you leave your shoes on and just walk through a metal detector like a real person instead of being treated like a prisoner during lockdown?
So as soon as I got back (and calmed down) my honey and I applied for those newfangled Nexus cards. They come with Pre check, global entry, and the use of the fast lane across the Canadian border. So worth it!
I really hate having to pay to not get groped, but I still recommend getting a card if you travel much and/or set off those giant pieces of security theater.
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Sweat, loose clothes, loose skin, cleavage, braids - the ACLU just went after them for getting all up in black women's hair. Those stupid things have an unbelievable false positive rate. They're basically total crap, so anything they can't figure out - like less than perky breasts - means you get felt up by your not-so-friendly TSA agent. After my father was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer I had to fly SEA to DFW quite a bit. Thing lit up like a Christmas tree Every. Single. Time. Under the breasts; between the breasts; under the belly; up, down and around the thighs all the way up the crotch.
Ugh. It was just extremely upsetting. God knew I'd had all I could take - the flight home after the funeral, my 13 yr old got random TSA pre-check and I got to join her in the past. You know - where you leave your shoes on and just walk through a metal detector like a real person instead of being treated like a prisoner during lockdown?
So as soon as I got back (and calmed down) my honey and I applied for those newfangled Nexus cards. They come with Pre check, global entry, and the use of the fast lane across the Canadian border. So worth it!
I really hate having to pay to not get groped, but I still recommend getting a card if you travel much and/or set off those giant pieces of security theater.
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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

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
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Wow - I was reading this thread and said, "Wait, did I post this?"
Yeah, as a mom of two spectrum kids I've heard all kinds of stupid and ugly. One of many reasons I told very few people about surgery. Those I did tell are all super supportive and on board
My PT however...
I obviously had to tell her and she's trying to understand, despite being from a professional athlete/a calorie is a calorie background.
But she's still asked if my stomach will grow back and what the sleeve's made of
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Well, they see it as yelling, and any one with an ounce of sense thinks they're being a moron...
Let's call it late night hyperbole fail - most of you vets have *infinite* patience. I have almost exactly none.
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I was basically doing Keto the couple of weeks before surgery. Didn't really loose while getting off sugar; was up a couple of pounds at my 1 weeks pre-op. I was so bloated from the hormone dump...
But my surgery went well and my liver looked amazing! (I know because they showed me pictures.)
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I'd rather have the truth from a vet any day. But then again, I'm old enough to know someone seeking justification usually knows they're in the wrong.
As a total noob, I appreciate you vets yelling at people for being morons - God bless you for your eternal patience! I'm only 3 months out and find myself rolling my eyes at the same posts over and over. "Look!" I want to say, "The poster two down asked the same question two days ago!" But two days post-op, I know you just want someone to acknowledge that your life sucks right now.
But still - fried shrimp? Seriously?
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I'd rather have the truth from a vet any day. But then again, I'm old enough to know someone seeking justification usually knows they're in the wrong.
As a total noob, I appreciate you vets yelling at people for being morons - God bless you for your eternal patience! I'm only 3 months out and find myself rolling my eyes at the same posts over and over. "Look!" I want to say, "The poster two down asked the same question two days ago!" But two days post-op, I know you just want someone to acknowledge that your life sucks right now.
But still - fried shrimp? Seriously?
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Electrolytes? I swore by my Ultima Replenisher post-op and still drink it when I start to go dry mouth. (Also used more Celtic sea salt.)
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I'd rather have the truth from a vet any day. But then again, I'm old enough to know someone seeking justification usually knows they're in the wrong.
As a total noob, I appreciate you vets yelling at people for being morons - God bless you for your eternal patience! I'm only 3 months out and find myself rolling my eyes at the same posts over and over. "Look!" I want to say, "The poster two down asked the same question two days ago!" But two days post-op, I know you just want someone to acknowledge that your life sucks right now.
But still - fried shrimp? Seriously?
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Did you also have a hiatal hernia repair? I did, and the upper chest and shoulder pain were killer. They could barely ask about my incisions because I was so busy bitching about the gas pain in my chest and shoulders. They ended up giving me Valium for the chest pain and Dilaudid for the incisions - I think the Valium was supposed to relax my chest muscles. It did seem to help, but yeah - breathing really hurt for a few days. A heat pack on my back helped me relax a little too, and I spread a little arnica gel around my incisions (no where near the stitches) to help with bruising.
Be sure to keep in touch with your doctor, though. Hopefully you'll start to feel better soon.
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