CowgirlJane

I suggest Googling to read up on dumping, but it is an unpleasant experience in response to eating crappy sugary food

So sorry this happened! Mexico is waging a serious war on drugs. When I went down for plastics, I brought vicadon because once leave the clinic and become out patient they can not prescribe "narcotics". It worked out fine since they controlled the pain so well the first 3 days I was in the clinic.

I have been here about 5 years. Almost everyone now uses a mobile device and it's changed things (well, that and the surgery types used to be separated). To be honest the forums names seem meaningles as i think many just see the new posts and choose to dive in based on the thread title, not the forum name.

Feb is just around the corner... save your $$$ for your new wardobe!

4 years...have a premier protein daily(in my coffee) , gummy multi, calcium, D,.and subingual B complex.

I am intrigued that"falls off" was the term they used. Explains the many disappointed people are who post tales of woe losing" only X number of pounds.if this is a commonly used term....it is disappointing. I asked what I could expect. My NUT laid out a normal range of percentage of excess weight lost by a certain timeframe. So, if you have 100# to lose (based on charts) and it is normal to lose 40-60 percent by a certain timeframe, you know you are on track or not. I wish more people would realize how epic it is to consistently lose and it doesn't need to be 6# a week to be successful! The only reason I even remember is because I kept good records. Down the road what matters is that I did it and am maintaining.

My weight loss slowed way down about 8 months post op too. I wasn't overeating alot....just letting little bits here and there sneak in. Track so you are really accurate, get protein and water in. Consider going lower carb (eliminating protein bars, for example). I also introduced high intensity interval training (Google it) and went on to hit goal at 14 months post op I lost over 150#. It takes more effort further down the road.

Get blood work and a check up. I have no idea what the issue is but that is no typical. Plastics are tough surgeries/ long recovery...get this sorted out first (in my opinion)

I just meant she is in a support role at a hospital that serves many (is it medicare or medicaid?) recipients in the inner city. I do not in fact believe it is a literacy issue, but she theorized it is. She is the skinniest tiniest woman you ever met so she really has no personal experience with weight issues. I'm considered educated by all standards and the English language and communication are the bases of my livelihood. When I found the earliest instructions confusing, it was because of anxiety over making mistakes. I was a bit compulsive about requesting clarification and repeating it back to be absolutely sure I was following. Soon enough things made sense and subsequent instructions weren't confusing. Lots of other bariatric people have told me the same. The difference may be that yet others don't ask for clarification or don't even know they're misunderstanding. Please explain what you mean by "supported population," a new term to me, and whether it's the recipient of "supporting a bariatric program?"

Some people are self pay in either USA or outside the country. They may not have any classes. I actually think the main reason is combination of overwhelmment and denial/non acceptance. I have a friend who is a dietician supporting a bariatric program. She is convinced about half her patients dont understand the instructions. She thought it is due to education level being lower in the supported population. Maybe.....but I think most can read just fine, it is the resistance to internalizing that is the issue. I made a conscious choice to let go of my pride, my " knowledge" from decades of dieting, weight watchers etc. I followed instructions very closely that first year because Jane's way really hasn't worked so far. I wonder if some secretly harbor the notion that they already know.

@@Oregondaisy are your acid problems New? I read they peaked at the 3-6year post op. Also read that it might be associated with a smaller sleeve. I have a bigger sleeve (in theory) as my bougie size is 38. 4 years post op and fingers crossed i dodge that bullet. I met Steve on ZOOSK which is a crappy website. I don't recommend it. I essentially opened my criteria more broadly in terms of distance and parent of minor children. He is pretty wonderful (my age, fit, smart,, funny, employed, no addiction) but once again not really ready for true long term. Ironically, my healthy social network made him realize he jumped too fast into seeking a relationship over building a post divorce "life". I don't see a future here but having a ball, so sticking it out. We do eclectic fun active things - just my type. He makes me feel great and I guess that is enough for now. After all, have lopsided boobs, due for more surgery end of January and a few other temporary setbacks. He seems pleased with things, I am pleased, so just not worrying about tomorrow. We are only 6 weeks or so I to this. I went to a highly rated crossfit gym for a free trial. Intro session was great. The instructor is a naturopath and did an awesome job of accommodating my joint problems.

I don't think there is any grand lesson to be learned from obesity, but I found out that if you can appear confident at 300#, OMG, that big personality might need to be reined in a little. It is fascinating to me how I could be smiling smart ass when obese, make friends with men (never threatening) but act the same way when you look HAWT (ha) and it is interpreted differently. I never want to forget how I felt...laying in bed, like a barrel. My stomach was huge and I could barely move. I don't want to forget because that is motivation to not go back... I am 4 years post op, been at goal for awhile so Q3 is not an anticipation but a reality. My life, looks, social world changed WAY more than I ever imagined. The list is too long, but I went from morbidly obese to being fitter than most women my age. It was disorienting at times, but also exciting and simply amazing.

@@BrandonKea - don't get me wrong, weight and resistance training is so helpful! I genuinely believe that calorie and carb restriction is how we lose the weight, but exercise and fitness is how we maintain! I love getting strong and toned. I only meant to not to rush it. I have a friend who had bowel related surgery, pushed it physically (that cowgirl took like a few days off NOT as per surgeon recommendation) and developed adhesions and other complications. She was the one that warned me to not chance it,wasn't worth it. Keep us posted on your fitness journey, I found it to be amazing.

I know nothing about plication but I did band removal 3 months prior to sleeve. After 10 years of lapband hell, I had alot of scar tissue. My removal surgery was longer than the sleeve because they did the scar tissue removal then. The idea was that a period of healing increased the chance they could do a proper sleeve. Sometimes they can't do a normal size/shape sleeve due to scar tissue but in my case they could and I believe it helped me succeed. I am half my former size....and maintaining. My revision was 2011.

I would be less worried about "energy reserves" and more worried about adhesions. My surgeon is conservative (and I had awesome results) but I had an 8 pounds lifting limit for 6 weeks. For me that meant 6 long weeks of no horsin around (because anything involving a horse is heavy!). I look at it this way..I invested heavily in healing ( for band removal, sleeve and then later plastics) to get the best results possible. Chances are I would have been fine no matter, but why not follow the surgeon's guidelines since I picked em for good results!

@@Chimera so glad to hear from you. I know knee replacement is difficult but will be worth it! I will check out that forum.... doc says I have 3-4 years tilll I need hip replacement. I am doing PT and improving alot! I am right at goal...and really need to get UNDER and have a bounce range. I am being nice to myself given my various current issues! Glad you are able to be gentle on yourself too.

I would search realself and be biased toward docs with LOTS of before and afters that are similar to you (ie results from a typical mommy makeover isn't necessarily the same as a formerly obese). Speciifcally, I have more "back skin" then a typical Mommy makeover person. Also, some of my skin has very poor quality - it has been so over stretched for so many decades. For me, the bad area is the pubic area. So, if my surgeon had pulled me any tighter, I think I would have even MORE stretch marks on my already crepey pubic area skin... Then, go on SEVERAL consults. Be sure to ask questions, discuss options and recommendations. he eye opener for me is how much variation there was in recommendations for me in terms of what procedures, how to sequence them etc. By talking to various surgeons it helped me hone in on what is important to ME. I also noticed a variation in the "asethetics" or how people looked. I did all these consults 6 months before I actually did the plastics. It gave me alot of time to think about my own priorities. Example, some surgeons seem to wind up with "boy figures" after lower body lifts. I would rather a womanly shape (and am already cursed with broad shoulders and skinny butt so so this was very important to me) over having as tight of results as possible. Having said that, I am an athletic person and didn't want boob so big that it interfered with my cowgirl lifestyle! in the summer, i want to wear skimpy (cool) tanks and camis without feeling like an aging porn star - ha! I feel that complication rates vary by surgeon too, but I think that is hard to research. I did alot of reputation checking - realself, healthgrades, talking to rich women i know (most have had work done of some type). Anyway, I am not saying my path is right for others, I am simply saying take the time to really understand that this is largely an "art" - individual results do vary due to both surgeon and the patient. Good luck - it is a very big deal, but also very exciting.

@@2goldengirl - that was funny - "preferably by a guy wearing chaps" ha! That ain't gonna happen, but it i a nice thought. I think in the end what made me "thoughtful" was recognizing my own internal interpetation of events, comments and gestures swung wildly as my brain (or perhaps my gut?) changed catagories of how to identify this person. Specifically, I always assume someone dressed a certain way/made up is a woman and while I am not conscious of it, I guess i assume the person is hetrosexual. About a minute or three into the interaction I felt that shift in my perception and I recall thinking "I am not so sure about all this guy complimenting my clothes and batting eye at me so early in the morning at the Home Depot- ha". Then I was like "wait, I think this person is a male who identifies as a female so I am miinterpeting"... to wait "that still seems pretty flirty for a woman to be toward me"... to wait "what the heck is going on here?" I still don't know for sure what actually happened in this interchange and perhaps that isn't even the point... the point is that self recognition of how my mind viewed everything depended alot on that frame of reference. I think this really clarified to me how we ALL can't help but place certain "expections" based on the visual - whether it be gender, age, size, color of skin, country of origin - whatever. For the record - while I may not relate to transgendered persons, I have no problem with it. I have developed a world view that life can be hard and we each need to find our own way. I don't need to understand everyone else (religioin, politics etc etc) to accept that they may have a different way - a long as that view doesn't harm or hold anyone else down I am not passing judgement of good or bad. I hope everyone finds a way to maximize their own potential in their own unique way. So, no big deal, just an observation from the left coast.

So Steve and I talked more about the target shooting. Those competition pistols have laser sights so I wasnt too impressed with being able to be accurate at 45', but he told me that at that range the slightest waiver makes you miss so I actually did very well given my limited experience. I don't know that I would ever do competitions but I guess it feels good to be comfortable and competent doing something that a year ago scared the crap out of me! We also talked a little more about where he is at with things in life. I didn't really grasp that he isn't asfar along rebuilding his life after a miserable marriage and divorce. I am disappointed in the sense that while I don't want to marry, I do want a real long term boyfriend. Not sure I want him for that but it is clear to me he isn't a prospect. I don't think it is clear to him....this isn't my"first rodeo" as the saying goes so I KNOW he isn't healed yet. My initial emotional reaction was to just leave...like...mid dinner but I am glad I didn't. There is more to my thoughts about this, but I think we treat each other well and each have something to gain from this "relationship" so I am sticking it out for now.

Good pic! It is sad that I know what a Ducatti is. Guy i have been dating has 1...he has 3 bikes. I went target shooting last night. i shot 2 handed,, and did really well at 45 feet. Steve was impressed that I had the safety rules deeply imbedded, I am still just slow to aim. The 22 pistol is what he uses in target shooting competition

Denise, I have been wondering if our little group will continue... Update on me - I feel great even though I am overwhelmed. Work explodedbusy on me, leak in roof, the remodel that is "almost" done, an effed up hip and lopsided blobs. I have a plan for all of them! I am in physical therapy and my very specific goal is to be hiking again In 2016! I am doing PT through the end of the year and then more of a rehab type gym situation. My new ortho doc just breathed life into my motivation to help myself. One of his key points is I WILL need replacement in a few years and the fitter I am the better. I don't care so much about weight (as long as I am at or under goal). I havent put up a tree or hosted a Christmas event in years, yet I am doing it this year! Going to snowflake lane , a parade and holiday thing nearby this weekend. Hope everyone is well!

I took the day off...errands, big annual sale at th e horse food store, roof repair contractor, floor guy, buy Christmas tree etc. My day started 730 am at the Home Depot where I needed to buy 200' of quarter round (trim), toekick and other misc supplies to finish my new flooring. I intentionally went when they weren't too busy because I knew I would need help. I marched up to the service desk and requested help with my list...she looked at me like "what makes you so special" and I just smiled. She called the flooring dept and sent me to meet the person there. A very unusual looking woman approached me, very made up, wearing an awesome perfect wig...and yet...Something was different. She cheerfully marched me around the store, cut the 16' lengths into more manageable size etc...very vivacious and outgoing. She immediately complimented me on my boots , and it sounds weird, but she seemed flirtatious. I wasn't offended but the thought crossed my mind that if this were a male, I would not be comfortable. Then it hit me....this IS a transgender person. She clearly identified as female but in spite of the perfect hair, makeup, I felt like she was a he. At some point, I think she kinda asked me out but it was indirect enough it was easy to dodge and although I have no interest from an attraction point of view she struck me as a hoot! I noticed that my brain wants to put people in categories and I couldn't find one, so it threw me off balance. I am not bigoted, and don't judge this but just found it to be so..disorienting! She was super helpful, fun and cheerful - knew her stuff too...so no complaints but I guess I never thought about my brains inclination to categorize people and when they don't fit, it is confusing. I guess I learn new things about myself all the time.

@@OutsideMatchInside timing is everything, isn't it? I think my previous"experiences" help me appreciate "S" alot more. A few weeks ago I was feeling the "flight" instinct kick in. I realized something was triggering some sort of fear of abandonment...or more accurately, the feeling like "this won't work so leave before I get invested" self protection mode. So I asked myself why I felt that way. I realized it was because when we are apart, his communications are very....Well, like an engineer talks...Haha. it made me doubt if he was into me, made me think it was one sided. I never feel that way when we are together so I started paying attention and self reflecting. It is that more reserved nature, and maybe self doubt on his end? So instead of repsponding self defensively I responded by laying on the kisses and hugs next time we met which clearly delighted him. We are both touchy people, hold hands everywhere we go types so both like that physical affection alot. Anyway, I started to realize that we are on the same page, feeling a bit of a crush, I just wasn't picking it up long distance. Another example when he tried to change plans away from doing something fun, to reduce my driving. He said "I just don't want you to get burned out on driving" and I am doing better at reading those type of clues. Naturally charming people do all sorts of small things to kindle the fire - sometimes completely disingenuous. I would rather be with someone genuine. BTW, I am one of those naturally flirty people...don't even intend to be that way. When I was obese my big personality and easy smile made me well liked. Now that I am normal sized, and dress attractively it is interpreted a different way at times. My point just is that the way we relate to others is more a communication style, and shouldn't be confused with genuine feelings and intentions.

I got pretty burned out on meeting guys online...most just not interesting to me. I felt bad, but I was the woman you guys complain about, meet for a coffee or a drink, have a nice chat, but I am not into the second or third date. Like 98percent of the time (ok, I don't keep records but just go along with me here). Not only was I burned out on the waste of time, but I disappointed others who were"into" seeing me again. I decided I needed to just stop. I discussed some things with a counselor I used to see, I thought alot about how I was contributing to this and examined my inner resistance. One issue for me is just not finding dates attractive. I have tried to "get over it" but that combined with being intellectually uninteresting to me...oh my, do I just give up? Are all the good ones taken? Actually the dating pool does seem to have a high percentage of people with issues, but surely half the problem was my inner resistance. My counselor helped me see this and to help recognize it. I decided I needed to prioritize, to clarify what actually makes a difference to me. Example, I tried dating overweight men (many are overweight in the age 50 crowd) but that didn't work out at all because of lifestyle, preferred food and activities, not because of looks. There are many elements of"attraction" and I needed to adjust my thinking about it. In the meantime, I went on dates with a couple of men who I met in real life who asked me out one was super attractive the second really nice. I was thinking...this is how I want to meet someone. Well, the charming, handsome one turned out to be a married, lying manipulator. The other one is nice, but is still a roommate with his ex, and just as importantly told me he always avoids conflict...you know by evasion or capitulation. Someone on this forum once advised us to listen for people when they say these things....and I did. I know that I need an authentic person who is at the stage in life ready to be their true selves...well being true to myself I know i don't do well with that personality type. I much prefer direct. Somehow in all this I met someone else, I actually just dropped in on a different dating website on a wild hair, "S". He is articulate, but not charming, fit and attractive but no interest in dressing well or otherwise making the most of his tall athletic build. Before we met, we exchanged long emails and low and behold,, so far everything has turned out to be genuine. He lives further away and has younger kids than my criteria, but I decided to give it a chance. When we first met, I was taken with his knowledge, wit and hotbod, but in spite of his very articulate, friendly nature, I also sensed a serious nature and perhaps a bit of shyness. He told me right up front that he just didnt seem to be the kind of guy women want (ah, sensitive, online dating is full of arbitrary and capricious rejection). My inner resistance kicked in, mostly because I thought he was pretty amazing compared to the average and I wondered what deep dark secrets were hiding. Our first actual date was going to a haunted house...I haven't laughed that hard in awhile! Our most recent date was going to an audience participation of"the princess bride" where we engaged in full on sword fights (inflatable swords) and slaughtered ROUS. How fun is that? I find him really growing on me and while it is early days, it is going very well. I am pretty sure we are going target shooting this weekend. He is fitter than I am (I have some issues going on right now) but his motorcycle racing hobby has left him with some lingering issues too so he is quite comfortable with my current rehab and the limits it brings. (Side note I aspire to be able to hike again by spring, in spite of my messed up hip). This story is just an example of how nice he is. This country bumpkin completely misunderstood a serious of complex signs regarding parking in the city(only in Seattle do you need to diagram out the sentence, with punctuation, to grasp the status of that particular space that particular time of day) and I got a parking ticket. He wanted so badly to pay that ticket for me! I wouldn't let him, but I realized something at that moment...he wanted me to keep going through the effort to see him. He is not a charming sweet talker, but his actions are always around pleasing me, making me feel important to him. I am not claiming he is"the one" - we still live quite a ways apart and he has half custody of two teens....both kinda a negative BUT I am really happy and comfortable with things so far. It gives me hope that I can find someone fit, my age, actually single and who is genuinely nice and treats me so well. A smarter girl would probably leverage his notion that"women aren't into his type" ,but I have told him repeatedly that whoever he met was nuts and just had no idea how great he really is. He is a self confident person in all other aspects I have seen, and I hope if nothing else our relationship winds up building both of us "up" as it relates to a healthy love life.

My experience was I did not get good results using the weight machines. It was doing boot camp style - using your own body weight as resistance - that I got toned and fit. That and high intensity aerobic like spinning (it is done as interval training ). I found the y had these things, but the cheaper places just have machines and free weights. I am comfortable using free weights since I learned in college but not everyone is. Not everyone has (or wants) a spotter. I only trusted male spotters when I was benching 100# with free weights and I frankly don't want to deal with it anymore. So, what I can attest to is I never built big muscles. I get toned and defined but lack the "T" to bulk up. Women are foolish to worry about it unless they plan to lift like 4 hours a day and take steriods.