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.

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So sorry. I'm always amazed how brave people feel behind a screen. They say and do things they would never do in person. I'm just sorry they took away your good feelings and sense of pride. I hope when the dust settles you'll be able to get it back.

@@TXJess i hope so too, because i truly love helping people through their journey, because i've had people help me through mine. Maybe i'll just stick to diet classes and not actually post online.

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I feel for you. I never give advice unless I am sure it's correct and will hold up to fact checking but there are people who are compelled to argue with me and often even insult me. Since their social development ended in 7th grade, they tend to post in groups. One chimes in and the rest "like" the post and offer their own post.

You did good. Be proud of it. Don't ever let other people's selfishness, insecurity or drama get to you.

Don't hold back, tell us how you really feel.

@@Aggiemae thank you for that!!! My friend pointed out that the one person that was the harshest towards me was more than likely pissed because she's still not at her goal. But that doesn't mean you won't get there down the road. Plus if i see something online that doesn't work for me, i just ignore it. I don't need to attack anyone. Positive vibes only.

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@@4MRB4PHOTO you're funny. I'm glad you're entertained.

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WELL! Those individuals obviously don't want true encouragement or help. Keep it on going. Don't let those individuals with the negativity discourage you from helping and encouraging others. Good luck !

@@TXJess i hope so too, because i truly love helping people through their journey, because i've had people help me through mine. Maybe i'll just stick to diet classes and not actually post online.


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I amost want to know if what i posted was to harsh. Can i post it here?? I just want an honest opinion because i really would never want to offend anyone.

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sure - I would love to see any tips and guidance I can

Maybe some of the issue is because our doctors can't agree on anything. Seriously - the variety of guidance and diet we get is amazing given it is the same two or three procedures. But I love to see tips - encouragement, etc.

I'd be interested also!

This was what was written and it was directed towards pre-op patients who are new and just needed to understand what could possibly happen and things that may help. Literally just the bare basics. (At the class, i actually did bring in tools like portion containers, shaker cups etc to clarify the visual part of the comment.

It was so great to meet so many of you guys at wednesday's pre-op diet class. I met so many amazing people, and i know that all of you be successful with your journey. I got so many questions and we ran out of time. Feel free to send me a message if you have any other questions or if you need additional support. I'm glad to help.

Just to recap for those who came, these were some of my key take aways for optimal success.

1. Realize that the signs of fullness are not at all what you're used to feeling prior to surgery. Everyone is different. Some people might hiccup, some might burp, some might feel like food is stuck, some people have runny noses. When any of these symptoms occur, stop eating immediately. You ARE full.

2. Pace yourself because eating to quickly can also cause many of those same symptoms. ( some people use baby spoons to help with that)

3. Visually understand how much food your new tummy will be able to take in at one sitting. Invest in small 4oz plastic containers to portion out your meals. And make that switch over from dinner size plates to appetizer sized plates and bowls. It is ok if you don't finish all of that and remember to go slow to avoid having food get stuck.

4. Conquer the emotional aspect of this process. Remember that all of the changes you're experiencing will get better in time. This whole entire process is all about mind over matter. Add additional support to your daily life. Follow up with Dr. Shauna Moore-Reynolds if you need to. Always focus on how far you've come, not how much further you need to go. Weight loss (even without surgery is not linear) you will get your goal at your own pace, so relax and enjoy it. There will be times where you may feel like you aren't losing weight, that time will pass. Don't give up. The weight will continue to fall off.

5. Invest in your tools for success. Get your stay cool Water bottles, or shaker cups, baby spoons, meal prep containers, slow cookers/ pressure cookers, air fryers, blender, lunch box, gym bag, shakes, supplement container, AND FOOD JOURNAL. (Whatever you need in order to stay on track and make life easy.)

6. Listen your body. There might be certain foods that no longer agree with you, sometimes it's temporary, sometimes it's permanent. Just avoid that food for the time being. It will get easier as time goes on. With these appetite changes you may discover new foods that you like. You may like certain foods and shakes now and hate the post surgery. It happens to all of us.

6. Start cooking all of your meals and plan ahead. I never worry about what i can't eat because i'm always eating delicious food, just made by me and made healthier. Learn to make your favorite take out meals. Use substitutions like greek yogurt, cauliflower rice, spaghetti squash etc., make sure that your pantry is full of all your favorite seasonings and sauces so you don't have to eat bland food.(Send me a message and i can share recipes)

7. Get used to shakes and water- it will be a huge part of the rest of your new life. Adjust the temp or stand up when drinking if you need to.

8. Try to avoid as much processed food as possible- avoid the frozen food isle at the grocery store (EXCEPT FOR FROZEN VEGGIES) and avoid the snack isle.

9. Read your labels because not all "healthy" food was created equal.

10. Stay off the scale. Don't stress over numbers. Take your initial measurements of various parts of your body. Take before and after selfies as motivation. Only weigh yourself either every two weeks or every month to avoid added stress. Remember it's about being healthier not about being a particular size or weight.

11. Avoid negative energy. We all have Debbie downer friends, we all have other overweight friends that aren't changing their lifestyles. Distance yourself from them and re-focus your energy.

12. Make your workouts fun. I personally refuse to do anything that i don't want to do, that's just me. So with that said, i will never be a marathon runner. But find things that you do like. Go for a walk on your lunch break, try swimming or tennis, or zumba, get a few workout buddies. Go at your own pace. Whatever your fitness level is at day 1, will not be where you are even a month later. Just keep going. Workouts definitely get easier with time because your body will adjust.

13. Encourage your family to eat healthy with you so you don't feel left out and temptations are left at the door.

14. Utilize other bariatric websites for your staple foods and shakes. Try bariatric pantry, Bariatric Choice, Bariatric Advantage, amazon and bariatric food source. They sell tons of approved Protein drinks, shakes, Meal Replacement bars even Snacks.

15. If you experience pain or other health issues talk to your doctor about foods that fight inflammation like turmeric, garlic, green tea, and fish oil/ krill oil or anything with Omega 3.

SURGERY DAY AND POST OP RECOVERY:

What does surgery day feel like?

you will definitely be tired, and you will have lots of gas pain (it's more so annoying that painful), you will have absolutely no appetite what so ever and you will have to take baby sips of water. Walk every hour like the dr. Says, it really will speed up your recovery time.

When you are able to do full liquids (you still won't have an appetite) but try wonton Soup without the wontons (just clear broth), low sugar keifer (it's high in protein and probiotics) and sugar free popsicles to help with your hydration. Some people find RTD shakes easier during recovery. Most people (depending on your procedure) take anywhere from 5 days- two weeks before they feel good enough to go back to work. While your recovering go to wegmans or walmart and walk around.

I hope this helps. Ignore anything that doesn't work for you.

Best Regards,

Jodi Wright

(202)812-8094

Jodiawright@gmail.com

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Actually, this is excellent!! I don't understand how anyone could have a problem with anything you have written here!! You should be very proud!

All good advice. The first point made me laugh. I have a good friend who's husband gets the hiccups when he is full. She said the doctor had never heard of it. But here it is - I can tell her that he is not alone!

Thanks for some of that advice too. I'm still in recovery and will use it going forward.

I agreed with @@Odie This is great and you should be proud. Thanks for going out of your way to pay it forward.

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@@xoxococojay - That is the best title for a post I've ever seen. heheheheheheheehehe

Omg thank you all so much. I hope you all know just how much you just made my day.

Fyi- i hiccup every single time i eat, it is the most annoying thing on earth. And i always burp after Water. I never used to do that lol.

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