Lillymunster

So 7 years ago my friend had RNY at a Center of Excellence. 1.5 years later his surgeon lost his accreditation and so did the hospital. I think it's more about looking up malpractice cases for your surgeon and hospital. I'm going with a research hospital, affiliated with a medical school so they are pretty cutting edge with most things.

I agree about the video, but only if the patient wants to see it. I think it should be a video of your surgeon performing the surgery that you are going to have.

I think part of the pre-op requirements should include watching the actual surgery. I honestly believe some folks may not have a clue what was actually done to their insides. I see so many posts from early post-ops saying they are having trouble sticking to their "post-op diet" and have "cheated"............I don't think these folks understand it's not a diet it's a prescription! I don't think they understand that they are risking their lives by eating solid foods too soon....I get the feeling that they think when they eat something that's not on their plan they just think it will slow down their weight loss...........not that it may kill them!!!...........okay I just had to get that off my chest! End of rant!

Long story short even though i recently got sleeved. My dietician was impressed with my recovery and all of the changes i've made thus far. So she asked me to come speak at two of her pre-op diet classes and answer questions for other newbies, give them tips and so on. Needless to say the class actually went REALLY WELL. I felt like i helped a lot of people through there fears and put them at ease.
I posted a recap on another support group blog for those who missed the class and it was like crucified by overly sensitive literal IQ under 12 assholes. And i can't take it. I was only trying to help, which i did. WTF.
It was like they were all judging me for sharing MY own experiences. I don't know what to do. We all have ups and downs but damn don't get mad at me for having a few ups, aren't we supposed to help each other out???
I was most frustrated because the comments were all from people who didn't attend the class so they have no clue about what i was actually sharing or what questions got asked.
Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

He doesn't do anything with me anymore...im not exaggerating either. We try to have date night but it ends up with him ordering so much food and alcohol that he makes his stomach hurt and we have to go home. He won't go to the theater with me, he barely even eats dinner with the family unless I ask him to. He spends all of his free time in his shop. It's the kids and me going places and doing stuff. He chooses to stay home in his shop alone. We don't even watch our tv shows together anymore. As much as I tell him that I miss him...it doesn't change. He seems sad, depressed, but won't tell me why. He gets excited when we talk about our vacation, but as soon as I mention that maybe we should prepare ourselves for the long walking trails at the state parks...he goes silent. So I leave it alone, change the subject, and get him talking about something else. But that only lasts so long before it's time for kids activities, appointments, gym time, etc. And he chooses to stay out of all of it. I feel like I have lost him. I miss his company.

I don't mean this in a rude way, but you seem very needy. There's no reson you need him at appointments. I mean is 2 people taking time off work for one persons appointments. He's just scared something will happen to you, maybe if you seemed stronger , he would too. I went for my surgery alone to mexico and the husband stayed home with the kids. He wasn't crazy about the idea, but it's not his body. Anyway, as I said.....please don't take it the wrong way, be strong and attend your meetings on your own. my husband wouldn't attend a meeting with me either, not that I'd asked, but I wouldn't even expect him to you. We been together 20 years and have a great relationship, but I did it for me and I never let on I was scared or it would scare him.

Talk with a therapist. It is my guess that you are sabotaging yourself. There is a reason deep down you are doing this and your need to meet this issue head on before you have surgery. Surgery isn't a cure, but a tool, as I'm sure you know. Getting your head right about food is the other big part. Also, talk with your RD. Are you tracking your food intake? Write every bite down. Every bite - including tasting for seasoning while you are cooking. That might provide you with some insight as to where things are going wrong.
Best of luck

Here was my wake-up call: As I was getting closer to starting my pre-op diet I started thinking of what I was going to do as my "last meal." I kept dwelling on it and thinking "I have to go here. No, wait. I have to here instead." In the end I just ended up getting some crappy fast food because I had a bunch of running around to do that night and we couldn't go out to anywhere decent. So a few days later I was feeling sad that I "wasted" my last meal. That's when I realized if I would have went to another place I would have ended up feeling the same way. That I didn't pick the right place and should have went there instead. And I would have kept doing that. And needing this to get my fix. Or that. Or, no, the first one was right so I'll have that again and be done. I dunno...for me I finally stopped for a minute and realized how pathetic I was being.

There are a lot of things I've avoided in this last year. There are things I've allowed as a treat. I've had pizza (gasp!). But it's pretty much a slice and that's it. And it's like every other month I'll treat myself. Other things I've tried, didn't care for, and they're gone for good now. Doesn't bother me at all. All this sadness I thought I would have hasn't been there. It does help to have a plan in place because the mental struggles can be as difficult, if not worse, than the physical ones.

Is anyone from FL and had their surgery at Tampa General? I'd like to hear about your experiences with them.

Ha! I had the classic just now. I was walking through my living room with my daughter in arms, and could feel my jeans inching down on one side!!!! and then.... wooshka! down around my ankles they went!! *hysterically laughing* and there it is...my first real embarassing NSV (lucky I bought some very neat smalls in a smaller size last week!!!!)

@@MIMISAN, LOL!!!

I love Victoria's Secret. As I was losing I had the ability to hang out mostly in yoga wear as I am not currently working. A pair of yoga pants can fit you for a long time.
I found that VS tops however were a different issue for me and honestly their sizes can fit differently. I wear some larges that are too large and some larges that are too small. I was ordering a lot of their stuff on line and refused to take it back knowing I would likely fit into it in the coming month.
Dumping lane Bryant for me was the best NSV ever. I used to hate clothes shopping and now I love to try on things just because I can. LOL.
Also I found that if I buy clothing from anywhere, I tend to not return if it is too big or too small so trying things on really is the optimal way to purchase for us.
I have found the Calvin Klein and Anne Klein clothing fits me fantastic and I love their fashion sense. There I know if I buy an 8 Jeans or a 10 slacks they will fit. Or if I buy a top in a large it will fit just right. They seem to be consistent.
I have never had a size goal but never in a million years did I think I would go from a 24/26 to an 8. I cannot imagine what it will be like following my Abdominalplasty! Already with tops following my arm lift I can see I may have to go to a medium.

Each day will get a little better. The first few days are tough, just do the best you can getting those fluids in.

My surgery was yesterday morning. I did lose weight prior to going into surgery so that was a plus. Surgery went well according to the Dr. Got out of the hospital around 2 pm today. I feel like I hurt more now that I am home then when I was there. Gas is going down very very slowly. I have listened to all of the things they told me to do. One of which I am struggling with today. I have had less than 20 oz of Water, a small sugar free Jello, about 4 oz of the chicken broth they gave me in the hospital and about 8 oz so far of a Protein Drink. I am drinking little sips and have been awake most of today. I am trying really hard to get their total of 64 oz of Fluid in me and 70 oz of protien but day 1 is no where near what I am supposed to do. It is slow going because it hurts if I go fast. Do I worry? Will it get better? I even mentioned to the Dr. That I thought I was hungry but she said that it was "mental" hunger.

It works for about 5% of the population. It never worked for me. I'd lose 50-60 lbs, hit a wall, and then it would gradually come back on. This happened dozens of times...

I’ve met with my surgeon last month as well as with his nutritionist in his office. Nutritionist gave me a piece of paper and said eat one thing out of each category (there are 3 categories) for every meal. I said ok. She then asked me what I think might be the hardest thing for me and I said sugar. I said that I love sweets and candy. She said “well just don’t buy it.” Ok... I guess if it was that simple I wouldn’t have even been talking with her!! Then she left the room. Grrrrrrr [emoji35]

I would strongly suggest taking the time to come to terms with healthy dieting....before you have surgery.
Surgery is not going to fix your habits.
You can still overeat, eat junk and gain weight....right after having a sleeve. Like, literally, the first month....there are people who do gain weight because they have false expectations and believe that they can eat whatever they want as long as they don't puke. They eat tiny little meals all day...of pure crap, multiple thousands of calories....and end up gaining. it's tragic.
Your success is 100% dependent on your ability to follow a diet and exercise program. Without mastering these basics, the sleeve will not work for you. Starving and drugs are poor solutions, too.
I don't mean to be discouraging and I'm totally on your side....just trying to be very real and honest here.
Wishing you the best.

I don't understand the fear of losing weight? Do you have an eating disorder or the fear of getting one? Is the doctor prescribing an extreme diet? Does insurance require this weight loss or just the surgeon?
You don't have stats in your profile, so I can't tell what percentage 11lbs would be. Give some background, are you diabetic, have pcos, or thyroid issues, you don't state what methods you have tried, or whether you have been in any program before and what results. It's difficult to give any tips/advice with so little information. Do you want help or just to vent?

I think your girlfriend could be more supportive.
I also have been there and done that...with little kids and hectic schedules. It's tough.
So, I understand both perspectives a little. That said....
I think you're being flexible...being ok with them eating junk as long as it's not around you. I don't think she's being reasonable expecting you to be around that kinda food....particularly on your pre-op diet....which is very difficult.
The way I see it...she can have it one of two ways....you all eat healthier together, or you have a pass to remove yourself when junk food is being consumed. To not allow you to remove yourself from your addiction...is unreasonable in my opinion.
And about the kid's diet......if they share your genetics...it's probably best that they don't get into the habit of eating crap. And even if they don't share your genetics....healthy eating habits are learned.

Congrats on surgery. I just urge you to remember, you weren't on a Magic Bus that just magically arrived at the corner of morbid obesity and pain. Doing the same things and expecting different outcomes is the definition of insanity. So I truly, truly pray you will not just eat the same foods that got you to the dance, but rather adopt a new philosophy and relationship/behaviors with super healthy foods while you have this golden shot time frame to have the grace period to learn them.
Success to you!

I feel great. I haven't been nauseous or thrown up. I'm on mushies and can eat pretty much anything ... I actually don't purée everything , sometimes I just chew it well. I did this surgery so that I can eat like a normal person . Instead of eating 5 cups of Pasta , I'll settle for a few oz... I don't plain on changing much of my eating habits , with the exception of McDonald's Big Mac.. I know that's gone forever... good luck to everyone

Your stomach takes awhile to heal. I suspect that at 12 days post-op, Protein Bars are way too soon. It wasn't until the 3rd or 4th month that my nutritionist recommended them. I recommend you discuss this with your surgeons office or nutritionist. When you reach that stage, I would recommend Quest Protein bars. These bars were good in that they had high protein, minimal sugar and also contained Fiber. They also came in a lot of different flavors. The fiber is important because it helps with Constipation that can become a problem towards the end of your weight loss phase.

I am sure it has to do with hydration. Lube is fun stuff! This will be a good excuse to buy different kinds/flavors, etc.

I've had two UTI's after my sleeve surgery. One at about 3 months post op and the other just a few weeks after that. I had a few trips to the ER because of some pain... I was having trouble with Constipation at the time and my hernias were giving me pain. Anyway, while I was in the ER they did the urine tests and found UTI's both times. They also said I was dehydrated, and I had to stay all day to get IV fluids. I remember thinking that I thought I had been getting in plenty of liquids. I guess I wasn't. So my suggestion is to get over your 64 ounces of fluids a day, and if you are drinking alcohol, remember that it will dry you out. Be sure to drink plenty of non-alcoholic fluids.
Hope the UTI's stop bothering you soon.

@@SPettijo
I'm not done losing weight so I am flabby but my skin has fat in it still so it isn't so bad.
I don't think men care as much as we think. I mean some might, but in the end that isn't someone you want to be involved with.
If I am laying on my back, it isn't that noticeable.
The only thing that I am not comfortable with now is being on top, even though I used to always do it when I was really heavy. The reason I won't do it now is just because the skin moving around hurts. Can't really wear a compression garment to bed to hold it all in, for cowgirl time.
Maybe get some nice babydoll lingerie to wear to bed? Also, take some pictures of yourself laying on your back etc. It probably doesn't look as bad as you think it looks.
As far as the hair, shave or wax it if you want to. If both of those are too hard, I recommend http://www.bettybeauty.com/readybetty.php easy to use, not irritation and basically no smell. I find shaving a lot easier since I lost weight.