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Thanks, FC. I follow that thread and value it! I almost posted this there. 😀 I so appreciate the reminder of the metabolic nature of our disease and how surgery is the most effective treatment at the moment. I'm on board to move forward. You're right, inherent in my reluctance and second-guessing is probably decades of internalizing negativity and self-blame as well as society's cruel treatment of obesity. I'm hoping to move beyond blame and move towards something more productive and positive. Self-reliance based on learning from mistakes as well as learning new strategies from others. Above all, I'm going to surrender my lifetime of trying and failing (n=1 experimentation) and do some trusting of science and following the directions of my clinic to optimize my tool.

I'm a man and don't shave my underarms. However, I have noticed that they are like deep holes after losing weight, and it's challenging to apply anti-perspirant.

Cant be said any better then Fluffy - I still to this day second guess my decision - But i have never been healthier and more balanced with vitamins and minerals - Everyone here agrees on one thing - The mind games are a b***h. Talk to someone who has been thru it - Get the pros and cons - There is some great people here

No clue, he never told me and I didn’t ask.

I have no idea what size or what shape my pouch is. My thoughts are that our surgeons have studied for a long time and have done these ops multiple times so they know what they are doing and what works best. Education is good and knowing what an op involves is good but we need to be careful we don’t take that too far and try to second guess our surgeon. Trust your surgeon, don’t stress too much about the specifics and have faith that he or she will do what works best for you.

This is why I told only a handful of people about my surgery--two family members and a very small number of friends (and made them promise to keep in to themselves). Many people who are unfamiliar with WLS think it's the "easy way out," but all of us know that is definitely not the case. Nonetheless, when I told my sister and one of my closest friends that I was planning to have surgery, they became really hostile, saying it was too drastic, too dangerous, and just plain stupid. Their reactions caused me to distance myself from both of them. Both are quite overweight, and I think they felt threatened by the fact that I was doing something about my weight. I don't need that kind of negative energy when I'm making positive changes in my life!

Looking and feeling confident in myself finally.. Getting female attraction Buying nice clothes Not being judged in public

And what a Christmas and New Years you are going to have! @Cinde52 I wish you only the best of Everything- You are giving YOURSELF a wonderful GIFT- and you're investing in a more beautiful FUTURE and longer LIFE expectancy. Pretty much a WOW anyway that YOU look at it!😝👍

I am 8 days out of pre-op and below is my experience Things I bought pre-op or immediately after that I use frequently Wedge pillow for when you get home. I ordered the day I got home because I couldn't sleep flat anymore sugar free popsicles benefiber biotene mouth spray, used that in the hospital and for a few days out, saved me. carmex lip balm 5 oz anchor measuring cup water bottle with measurements on it. Torini sugar free syrups...for decaf coffee ice cube tray - for freezing broth popsicle trays - for making your own as store bought have more carbs and calories than you realize store bought bone broths for in a pinch. Not chicken stock, Bone Broth Blender - I had this but I use this 2 x a day for the protein shakes Make sure you have extra protein like genepro to blend in to help you meet your protein goals Silly, but a basket, notepad, designated for all of your post up meds plenty of loose flowey dresses beach coverups - lucky i had a bunch but you won't want to wear a lot of clothes Loose panties subscription to myfitness pal or a good old notebook to document your liquids and proteins and everything I hate water so I need water enhancers, I used publix brand or great value brand orange soy milk - i discovered the lactose doesn't agree with me so I had to buy soy milk get your mani/pedi before because you will be wearing flip flops and not feel like bending over for sneakers Things I bought that I didn't use. I bought a kitchen scale then realized my program does not want me to use a food scale, only measuring cups 100 1.5 oz medicine cups - never used them..I thought I would track my fluid intake this way...ummm..no.. almond creamer, just don't like it Miralax..didn't need it, the colace and benefiber helps me "go"

I’m scheduled for Dec 23rd. Would love to keep in touch. I’m nervous but ready.