Kassie B.

I, too, have yet to be sleeved, but I've heard and read a lot about relationship issues after WLS. My husband and I don't have the most solid of relationships... there have been many instances of "virtual unfaithfulness" (as in, chatting with other women) and there are DEFINITELY trust issues there. We have sought therapy, which was merely frustrating for us both... we're both such prideful, stubborn people that we can't even agree to disagree. LOL! BUT, he does support me getting this surgery... he knows that it's what I need to be happy and healthy... and if we make it on the outside of it all, we make it.

I love reading everyone's responses to this... great topic! I haven't been sleeved yet, but I've been considering it (or some other form of WLS) for 10 or so years... I have known a lot of people who've gotten one form of it or another, and had great success... but ultimately, I've always been afraid. Before I learned about VSG, I was simply too afraid. I didn't want the "gut rerouting" of bypass, and didn't want a foreign object in my body with the band... so I've always wussed out. Also, I think I was kind of waiting for a doctor to just mention it for me... I wasn't aware that they often wouldn't recommend anything of the sort... BUT... a plethora of things finally came together, making me realize that this IS for me... 1. My daughter, who is on her way to overweight, was diagnosed with a thyroid condition, but not severe enough for medication. The doctor said to me, "You know, you could BOTH benefit from diet and exercise." 2. My son (who is 4) said, "Mom, you have a big ole butt!" followed shortly by, "I love your two stomachs" (referring to my dual rolls. Ugh) 3. My grandmother, who was always heavy, died last year after battling heart disease and ultimately kidney failure... while her weight didn't CAUSE her heart condition, it certainly didn't HELP it... and while she was 82 when she passed away, I refuse to battle MY ENTIRE LIFE like she had to... 4. I have high blood pressure. I'm pre-diabetic. I can't breathe when I exert myself hardcore... no sleep apnea, thank heavens, but... I could see it going that way. SO, here I am... in the pre-op stages of the good ole sleeve. I'm learning so much from all of you, and thank everyone for sharing their experiences!

I'm not sleeved yet, but I live SORTA in the vicinity (Frederick)...

I'm with everyone else... ALSO, I think you SHOULD continue to go... I mean, yes, you're putting money in the pocket of a virtual hypocrite, but... BUT... you'll be shoving it IN HER FACE that not only was it a great decision for you, but you'll look AMAZING... strut your stuff, girl. Be snobby and rude to HER every time you see her... it'll feel amazing, I bet.

Looking good!

Congrats on getting this far, and Godspeed on the remainder of your journey! I'm like you... I've been considering some form of weight loss surgery or another for the last 10 years... now, I'm finally on my way!

I am thrilled... my nutritionist gave me some recipes for ways to choke down the protein shake, and the first one I tried is MONEY. OMG, it's so good... so I thought I'd share... 2 Tbsp creamy peanut butter 1/4 c. powdered milk/powdered soy protein 1 packet sugar substitute 2 ice cubes 1/2 soft banana (I used a whole small frozen banana) 1/2 c. water Blend until smooth. YUM YUM YUM.

Congratulations!! I don't ever remember being in a size 12, although I'm sure I was as a kid... you're an inspiration!

I, too, have PCOS, but have yet to be sleeved... since PCOS is usually caused by weight, I am not surprised that WLS will improve or cure it altogether... I wish you luck! I've been through the ringer in the mommy department, but am so grateful and blessed with two children... there is a bright spot!

How scary! Please know she's in my thoughts and prayers! I hope some of the more experienced people here can offer you some actual support/guidance... Good luck to you all!

You look fantastic! Great job, and keep it up!

I'm having the most frustrating time trying to find local support groups as required as part of my pre-op process (and I desperately WANT a long-term support group in place before I go ahead)... my surgeon's office, located in Bethesda, has a list of 3 or 4 support groups in that area, but that's a bit of a commute for me (not a long one, mind you, but in DC area traffic, I want to stroke out every time I have to drive there. LOL)... I'm having to go back and forth for these appointments, so it'd be nice to have a nice, relaxing support group locally. I found info for one online, but I e-mailed the lady and she said they stopped having it when they lost their location, and everywhere else is exclusive to their own patients... not a general support group. So, does anyone have any ideas? My worst case scenario is that I'll just go to one of these others on the surgeon's list. No huge deal... I'd just rather stay closer to home with this one, given that most meetings are in the evenings...

Thanks, everyone... I'm not eating a lot of lettuce, so I know it's not that... I had read that some people react to an abrupt change in diet (adding a lot of protein suddenly) could cause tummy uproars, but was of the impression it'd be constipation like you guys have said, not the other... I spoke with my PCM today about it and she said that everyone's different, but to give it a week or two and see if it persists... I've been fine yesterday and today, so... here's hoping I've already adjusted. Thanks for all the input!

I am like you, but I've recently discovered Crystal Light "hunger satisfaction" (strawberry-banana) flavor... I've been pleasantly surprised in how non-munchie I feel!