this is not directed at anyone in particular and in fact was inspired by multiple posts over nearly 4 years...

I find it freaking annoying that people post that they cannot comply with XX because they are "picky eaters". okay, lets get real. How did you possibly get morbidly obese (ie 100# or more overweight) being a delicate eater?

Okay, let's imagine that happened. Now, you are in the battle for your freaking life, and you will let something like "that didn't taste good" interfere with your success? Really? I so understand how hard it is.. but really?????

Do you think I don't dream of snickers bars and have a bit of Protein drink in my coffee instead?

I have read about how people hate to choose shrimp and chicken over "yummy food" when going out... I get that it is venting, but honestly, what did you expect? (besides, shrimp skewers are delish!) I actually want a serious answer to that question. Do some imagine that by the sheer act of stomach reduction that lasting weight loss was guaranteed without changing your eating patterns?

ok,, vent over - carry on!

Me 3

I am not mean, just a realist.

@@Bufflehead

Ohhhhh...message me the names of these forums...

Me too...I can parachute in and be the "Bully" to them....

.......

As for veterans on here, I don't know if I qualify, but am definitely OVER the "woe is me, I'm stalled" and "I only lost x pounds so I must be a failure" and "is it OK to eat this?" posts. I try really hard to ignore them, but sometimes I can't hit the back button fast enough. I'm thinking of posting a "STAY OF THE scale AND TRY USING THE SEARCH BUTTON BEFORE YOU POST ANOTHER STUPID QUESTION" thread on every subforum everyday to see if any of them actually notice.

I cannot agree more. I've only 6 mths out and I'm sick of it.

@losing the band:

I have an issue with this statement, honestly. Not all of us who had a failed surgery failed because we didn't follow the rules. I actually felt the way you do, until it happened to me, too. Stating that all people who have failed did so because they made mistakes is over-simplifying things, and to be honest, comes across as smug. Now I realize that some fail because they didn't follow the rules, but a huge number of us failed because the surgery failed us, especially those of us who started out with the lap-band.

I couldn't agree more. I remember on the lap band forum years ago - when someone was struggling with the band the band "cheerleaders & defenders" would always come back with this pat answer "The band didn't fail you, you failed the band". Now look at how many band patients have had so much trouble with the band that they are having it removed (despite following the rules).

Same goes with the sleeve - it hasn't been around as long as the band (at least as far as insurance covering it) so we don't know if down the road there may be similar failings like the band. Plus is it very obvious from posts on here that the sleeve doesn't work the same for everyone - from feeling restriction to providing satiety to improving or worsening GERD, etc.among other things.

@@Cleo's Mom, that's exactly why I'm jumping through the hoops again for conversion to RNY instead of the sleeve. After being burned with the lap-band, I don't trust projected outcomes anymore. And I'm sure as hell not going to suffer with the band for another year or more, waiting to see if the sleeve is going to be as good as the projections predict. The lack of proven long-term stats on the sleeve, the number of people I've seen posting about getting revisions to RNY, and the fear of GERD (I lived with severe GERD for longer than I should have with my first band) has made my decision for me. I can't live with the band anymore, so I've got to do something NOW.

Good luck to you on your new journey. After all you've been through I hope this new surgery is successful.

Here's a sample of advice from the guy described above:

http://www.gastricsleeve.com/forum/showthread.php?t=56837&p=511695&viewfull=1#post511695

Edited March 31, 201511 yr by VSGAnn2014

Wait. His goal is 300!?!?? How tall is he!?!?!

I am not gonna diss someone for their goal - we each have our own journey. I think for someone who used to be in the 500-600# range, getting to 300 IS AMAZING. However...

The problem is that the newbies actually believe this advice is applicable to them because he is so strong in his statements. I am sorry my fellow middle aged ladies - if you are anything like me... you can't be "eating what I wanted, when I wanted and made just the way I liked it." and still attain anything close to a normal weight/size... and then have a prayer at maintaining it. I LIKE being in single digit sized clothing and would be unhappy if I was still plus sized after the WLS.

If you want the best chance at making your goals, follow your surgeons instructions. If you want more mentoring than that, pick a few people on these forums that are similar to you (roughly speaking, amount of weight lost, gender etc etc) who have had wild success and listen to them. That is what I did - and none of those very successful ladies who proceeded me ever said I could eat whatever I wanted.. prepared any damn way I wanted... Too bad because it would be deep fried red potato slices every night with dinner cuz that is exactly what I would enjoy the most. sniff sniff

I have become a picky eater as well. I crave good Proteins and good carbs. I don't eat fast food crap of any kind. My Snacks are rich in Protein.

I am no longer a Slave to food and I got this way by

1. Having weight loss surgery and purging my old behaviors before hand.

2. Sticking to the plan provided to me until I was released to eat regular food. And then stick sticking to the basic rules. Of getting my liquids in, protein Vitamins and staying active

3. I don't eat anything I don't like, I find healty options I do like

4. I have told my brain and stomach that sugar and crappy food tastes horrible and it has worked for me. By the way, I don't dump so I could eat absolutely anything I want

This is all about getting right in the head. If you can do this it will be successful. If you are not ready for life to change for you, you will not succeed. WLS really is only a tool to help you get to your goal. The other 90 percent is totally up to you.

Now, I am about to go get on a cruise to Puerto Rico and Haiti for 9 days. My last cruise I lost 2.5lbs that week. I plan to do similarly on this one by living my new lifestyle. Lots of exercise and making sure I get good proteins, lots of Water and take my vitamins.

Bon voyage!!

have an awsome time!!!

I am a "realist" and this surgery is NOT for everyone. its the toughest thing I have ever done and it does require total commitment...I may get slammed for this comment but its definitly not for the weak at heart (or stomach) and I am NOT judging I am stating a fact for anyone looking into this sleeve. just saying...now..carry on

I'm only 2 weeks out, but I have followed my surgeon's instructions to the letter. Some of it is because that's just me - I follow the rules. Some of it is because I also work in healthcare, and I know that there is a good reason for the rules. I know that some people do everything right post op and still have issues/complications. But why would I not want to give myself the best chance of healing well and being successful? Of course, I also loathe throwing up, so I am going to make sure that I don't overeat, eat too fast, drink while eating, etc, if that will help me avoid it. So far it's working, so I'm going to keep doing what I'm doing.

At the end of the day, I think it's a choice. Like walking after surgery. You can choose not to walk, but you risk a blood clot. Not worth the risk to me.