momof3_angels

Regular sugar drinks are a definite no-no for me, and probably most of us. Definitely talk to the nutritionist and see was s/he says. I would say, at the very least... dilute them! It took me a few weeks to get used to the "zero" versions of these drinks. And they are definitely less "sweet" when you have the crushed ice start to melt in them.

Agreed. I chose not to tell my extended family, but I have been more open with those around me and am pleasantly surprised at how well it has gone. And like you.... I watched someone who struggled who shared their experience with me and it made me more open to consider surgery for myself. Now I am sharing my experience with someone else who is considering surgery herself... and while I had no complications, I am encouraging her to talk to the person we both work with who gave me my guidance... as she did have difficulties and will give this person a better understanding of benefits and risks.


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I am fortunate that most people I tell are interested and are positive and usually even supportive. The only negative I have dealt with is someone who was obviously jealous and unwilling to look at this as an option for herself. She has struggled to lose weight for as long as I have known her and from what I have seen her attempts have always been half assed and riddled with excuses to not follow her supposed diet. And then she sees me and I drastically lost weight very fast. She asked how I did it and I felt I should be honest with her. Her reaction was negative and she has avoided me since lol. No loss on my part. I made a choice to be healthy and I am doing it. She on the other hand is obviously miserable and probably afraid to attempt real change. But if she ever approaches me wanting more info... I will gladly help her.

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The best source of Protein is of course natural sources of protein. But nothing wrong with occasionally supplementing your diet with them... or use them to fulfill not only your sweet tooth with something that provides you with a little protein. My nutritionist wants me to get protein in whenever I can... and is more than OK with me using Protein Shakes and protein bars... preferably ones with less sugars. I use the Unjury Protein Bar "Mighty Bites" when I am hiking long distances. They give me a boost of protein, and boost of carbs, and fulfill my sweet tooth all in one. Not bad. What I do not do is eat them every day or rely on them as my primary source of protein.

The best source of Protein is of course natural sources of protein. But nothing wrong with occasionally supplementing your diet with them... or use them to fulfill not only your sweet tooth with something that provides you with a little protein. My nutritionist wants me to get protein in whenever I can... and is more than OK with me using Protein Shakes and protein bars... preferably ones with less sugars. I use the Unjury Protein Bar "Mighty Bites" when I am hiking long distances. They give me a boost of protein, and boost of carbs, and fulfill my sweet tooth all in one. Not bad. What I do not do is eat them every day or rely on them as my primary source of protein.

I am sorry for your experience and how you feel this affected your family. That said... weight loss surgery did NOT cause any of this. Mental health problems and addiction were not because he had surgery. They would have reared their ugly head even if he didn't have surgery. He didn't do the work to get through the mental health issues that probably lead to the obesity and additions in the first place. He would have to WANT the health to deal with those mental health issues. He would have had to have a good team of docs to address his issues as a whole. To blame the surgery is just wrong. And why come on our site now... 13 years later... to tell people you hate the surgery? It is not helping those who are looking to make their decision. It would be much more effective to warm them to deal with their mental health issues that MAY have caused their weight problems in the first place. And BTW, I do NOT have an unhealthy relationship with food... other (medical) issues triggered my weight gain and other issues prevented me from losing the weight. and as a whole, the process of approving individuals for surgery and taking care of their physical and mental health needs have improved drastically over the last 13 years. For example... most of us have to have a complete psych eval to be even considered for surgery. Most of us have to see nutritionists regularly. And many of us are referred for mental health treatment. I hope he gets the help he needs, but again... it isn't the surgery that is to blame, and he has to WANT to get better before he will get better. That is how addition recovery works... with a lot of help from the mental health professionals.

My doc and nutritionist dont have issues with the actual straw... there issue is people tend to use straws with drinks we ahoukd never have. They aren't so concerned with the gas unless the gas is an issue for you.

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Mine was for 2 months. I was sleeved though....

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Be careful! Mine dropped the other day. Skipped 2 days of BP meds (but I take them for tachycardia, not bp) and my systolic is barely over 100. Luckily I haven't hit the floor yet.

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For best results, I would do it 2-3 times a week if you can. Is it good for weight LOSS? Maybe maybe not. But it is great for toning and strengthening your back and core... and depending on the workout, your arms and legs as well. With that, it helps tighten muscles and promotes a leaner body. I love Pilates. There are some pilates workouts that mix in some cardio... those are more likely to help with the losing of weight. But I think I prefer to do Pilates a couple days a week, and cardio other days. Right now that means a lot of walking/hiking.

LOL... well that would NOT be constructive! No guns blazing from me
I personally have not taken offense from any replies I have received, they have been great. I love the support I am getting. I love the support that most other posters are giving to others as well. But I have read some replies to other posts that were not "tough love" but instead over the top, uncalled for, and totally non-productive. Some are downright insulting. Certainly not tough love.
The way I see it, those who get offended most easily are probably the most insecure among us. They need our support the most. And if that means we need to be a little gentler with them, then I am all for it.

Keep in Mind, the ER Nurse is ONLY going to see those with issues. Those of us that have had absolutely no issues have not been to the ER.

Agreed. Just the choice of wording can mean the difference between someone "hearing" you or "shutting you out" because they feel judged or even persecuted. And if they feel judged or persecuted, they are likely to not come back for more help they obviously need. I try to be mindful of that when I post replies. Tough love is great, if it is well delivered. We just need to be mindful of whether our help will be viewed as constructive help or not. The goal is to provide constructive help.

Listen, vertical gastric sleeve is now a very safe procedure with a very low complication rate. If you select a good doctor, your risks for complications are fairly low. There ARE risks, but EVERY procedure has risks. Do your research, find a good doctor, and it is what you and your doctor decide is best for you... then don't let anyone talk you out of it! Your best friend... well, as an ER Nurse, she is seeing patients that have complications. She is not seeing the many many more who do NOT have complications. Her view will be slightly skewed as a result. And she is your friend... she is likely overprotective. My hubby and I are both nurses. He was against me having surgery out of fear of losing me. Nothing rational about it. I chose to have the surgery despite his feelings because I wanted to regain my health and my life. It has only been 4 1/2 months and I am fortunate to say I have surpassed my surgeons expectations with weight loss. The only "complications" I have had are very minor "side effects". First was dizziness due to dehydration. So I worked to improve my hydration. Now I have a different dizziness because I take a medication for my fast heart beat that happens to also be a blood pressure medication. So now my BP is low. The fix? I hold my medication and won't take it unless my BP is higher or my doctor tells me otherwise (waiting to see him). Even still... I am SO grateful I was able to get the surgery and I feel and look great! I also work with others who have had the surgery and they are all doing great as well. None of us regrets doing it. And BTW... a few weeks ago my husband admitted that he is glad I got the surgery afterall and he is so proud of how far I have come with regaining my health.
Feel free to use this group to get feedback from others as you need to... but again, your life, your health, your decision.

Tastes dramatically change after surgery, and the smell of some foods might send you hurling. I still can barely handle chocolate.... during soft stage had sf chocolate pudding OMG It was so bad I shudder thinking about it. Bone Broth was a savior. Premier Protein shakes have been nearly everyone's shake that they managed to still tolerate. I switched to ready-made blue raspberry Isopure with some crystal light lemonade to survive liquid stage. Good luck.
If you still have 'stock' once you are past using it, I donated mine to the bariatric support group.

The great thing is, I have a few bariatric friends who I can share with if needed. Also, the theory of the vanilla drinks, can be a base and interchangeable with different extracts flavorings, teas, and smoothies. I will push through these.

This was cool for me. This surgery for me, wasnt just about losing the weight, but also about getting the body i always wanted. Im far from being there but im really starting to see results. I finally have shoulders and arms! I started crossfit 10 days after surgery. Mixed with running this is what ive stuck to and the results are really starting to show. Im 222 now but im also building muscle and still cutting the weight. I always do monthly progress pics and i decided to flex a little. I was shocked myself. I even had the two top abs. I couldnt believe it. I always wanted definition and its really starting to show, Im glad i could do this, while still cutting the weight. Cant wait to see what i look like at 199.

LOL... well that would NOT be constructive! No guns blazing from me
I personally have not taken offense from any replies I have received, they have been great. I love the support I am getting. I love the support that most other posters are giving to others as well. But I have read some replies to other posts that were not "tough love" but instead over the top, uncalled for, and totally non-productive. Some are downright insulting. Certainly not tough love.
The way I see it, those who get offended most easily are probably the most insecure among us. They need our support the most. And if that means we need to be a little gentler with them, then I am all for it.

LOL... well that would NOT be constructive! No guns blazing from me
I personally have not taken offense from any replies I have received, they have been great. I love the support I am getting. I love the support that most other posters are giving to others as well. But I have read some replies to other posts that were not "tough love" but instead over the top, uncalled for, and totally non-productive. Some are downright insulting. Certainly not tough love.
The way I see it, those who get offended most easily are probably the most insecure among us. They need our support the most. And if that means we need to be a little gentler with them, then I am all for it.

LOL... well that would NOT be constructive! No guns blazing from me
I personally have not taken offense from any replies I have received, they have been great. I love the support I am getting. I love the support that most other posters are giving to others as well. But I have read some replies to other posts that were not "tough love" but instead over the top, uncalled for, and totally non-productive. Some are downright insulting. Certainly not tough love.
The way I see it, those who get offended most easily are probably the most insecure among us. They need our support the most. And if that means we need to be a little gentler with them, then I am all for it.

LOL... well that would NOT be constructive! No guns blazing from me
I personally have not taken offense from any replies I have received, they have been great. I love the support I am getting. I love the support that most other posters are giving to others as well. But I have read some replies to other posts that were not "tough love" but instead over the top, uncalled for, and totally non-productive. Some are downright insulting. Certainly not tough love.
The way I see it, those who get offended most easily are probably the most insecure among us. They need our support the most. And if that means we need to be a little gentler with them, then I am all for it.

Agreed. Just the choice of wording can mean the difference between someone "hearing" you or "shutting you out" because they feel judged or even persecuted. And if they feel judged or persecuted, they are likely to not come back for more help they obviously need. I try to be mindful of that when I post replies. Tough love is great, if it is well delivered. We just need to be mindful of whether our help will be viewed as constructive help or not. The goal is to provide constructive help.

Well, someone found it and posted to it again, so there will be new replies. I don't know about you, but when I read a post, I don't take the time to look at all the dates on all the posts/replies. Especially when I am reading on my phone.

Well, someone found it and posted to it again, so there will be new replies. I don't know about you, but when I read a post, I don't take the time to look at all the dates on all the posts/replies. Especially when I am reading on my phone.

LOL... well that would NOT be constructive! No guns blazing from me
I personally have not taken offense from any replies I have received, they have been great. I love the support I am getting. I love the support that most other posters are giving to others as well. But I have read some replies to other posts that were not "tough love" but instead over the top, uncalled for, and totally non-productive. Some are downright insulting. Certainly not tough love.
The way I see it, those who get offended most easily are probably the most insecure among us. They need our support the most. And if that means we need to be a little gentler with them, then I am all for it.