SqueakyWheel&Ethyl

You must lead a very lonely life then. Everyone - you included - has cause to lie at one time or another. NOTHING is EVER black or white. Right or wrong. To throw a blanket of disrespect on everyone who lies is throwing a blanket on yourself, too. And, I am bewildered as to why it MATTERS so much to you what a total stranger chooses to share about their own journey in life. Not only, why do you care.... But, why are you getting so worked up about it??? Do you really want to be attacked by people who are SUPPOSED to be supportive of you? That's exactly what you are doing! You don't know the struggles each person here faces on a daily basis. Your life is nothing like theirs. Anyone who believes it has to be 'their way or the highway' needs a reality check.

Fascinating how hostile and threatening these responses are. The irony is that discretion is needed due to criticism and negative judgments by others. And yet, THOSE who should be MOST supportive of each other - those who are going down this same life-changing path - are turning on each other with passionate criticism! I support each person here who NEEDS to be an open book with John Q Public. I support each person here who NEEDS to withhold information from outsiders. And, I support each person here who NEEDS to spin their own truth to minimize the questions and gossip in their own inner circle. So what, if a story is spun? In this situation, how is it harming the recipient? I support whatever my brothers and sisters here NEED to make this transition as calm, peaceful and stress-free as possible. Why? Because THIS is my Sleeve Family and I believe that a family should lift each other up, not tear them down. TO EACH HIS OWN. I may not handle my "story" the way you would, but I respect your need to handle it in your own way.

I haven't asked to be added to the FB page, because I don't want any of it to be co-mingled with my FB network. So, please explain how this page is beneficial and how it still remains discreet. I've deliberately kept this site unassociated with Facebook because of this.

My surgeon said that what I was feeling was more to do with the healing than with GERDS. My date was Apr 17th. I take Nexium. No problem swallowing the capsules. I asked if I'm going to have to sleep propped up on pillows from now on. Nope. He said that discomfort will go away, too. And, I had TERRIBLE reflux before surgery. So bad, that I didn't even feel it burning in my chest because it had burned off all the nerve endings. All the more reason why his explanation makes sense. What I'm feeling now is just the healing. And, just FYI, some foods irritate it. I love tomato soup, but it is acidic. Others here warned me away from it, and I noticed relief when I avoid it now.

It's like sharing the consistency of your bowel movements. THEY DONT NEED TO KNOW! If I get pressed with, "How did you lose all the weight?" I've already decided to say, "I watch what I eat, get more exercise, rest more.... Just learning to be more selfish and focus on what I need and not putting my needs on the back burner anymore. It's working because I found THE BEST appetite suppressant and it is working with no drug interaction or side-effects! And, it's 5-year success rate is higher than any other appetite suppressant on the market!" Then, just walk... away... And let it marinade in their heads awhile. THEN, when they say they want the name of the product, I will tell them it was VS. and, I will immediately say, "People taking pills to help them lose weight are not defined by that pill. And, I am not defined by VS, either. It's just a tool, and one that actually works."

I'm Day 21 post-op. Wassup? How can we help? My appt with the surgeon was similar to Shayes. A commitment to take a Multivitamin daily, exercise (even just walking), stick to the regiment (Clear liquids, then Full Liquids, then Purée, then Soft Diet, then Regular Diet)... Etc. Surgery was scheduled. It was a good appt.

Don't worry about not sleeping. You can sleep a lot the next few days. TOMORROW IS YOUR NEW BIRTHDAY!!! Go into that Operating Room like a BOSS!

This made me think of a hilarious quote in the movie, "Roxanne" with Steve Martin. After the volunteer fire department put out a structure fire, the whole town celebrated at the local pub. The Mayor stood on a table and said, "I would RATHER be with the people of this town.... than with the FINEST people in the world!"

Have you seen a gastro? And, I assume your white cell count is normal... No indicator of inflammation or infection? You've probably searched the web for surgical complications associated with any surgery involving the digestive tract. What about auto-immune conditions? Does it run in your family? Have you ruled out auto-immune issues? What about a CT scan? If you haven't had one yet, I'd ask for one. Pain like that is NOT something anyone should expect you to accept. Don't give up!

I went shopping on Day 3 or 4 and ended up staying in bed most of he next day... Overdid it, I guess. Accept that there may be good days with energy and bad days with weakness. It's all part of the healing process.

You are on Day 4 and ate pulled pork? Did your Dr/Nutritionist give you a strict food plan? I'm on Day 21 and just now transitioning from full liquids to purée. Pulled pork wouldn't be "legal" for me until the middle of June. I was told our bodies need at least three weeks for the sutures to knit strong enough to adequately support anything more than thin liquids. Just be very careful.

Thanks for this input. I didn't know that! I've only done that 3-4 times, but I won't anymore!

This is a wonderful post! Thank you. I hope a lot of newbies get a chance to read it.

I'm on Day 20 and have cheated because I wanted to be able to chew on REAL food. But, I felt awful after even one bite. Not guilty-awful. SICK-awful! So, now, if I think I HAVE to chew, I do... I chew.... Then spit it out. I satisfy my urge, and enjoy the flavor, but I refuse to feel the burning in my chest two minutes after I swallow it. And, the emotional roller coaster! I had a couple of days of crying and ranting about how much I'm sacrificing. Then, I thought about my goal to feel better.... Get my health back... And, I read posts here... And, I know I can do it. Not meaning ANY disrespect towards amputees and what they endure, but I think this is a little like Phantom-Limb Syndrome. Psychologically, we think we are hungry when we see a sizzling steak blown up on the 60" TV screen. But, marketing experts already understand about what happens subconsciously when our eyes send the signal to the brain. When I find myself falling for their hypnosis, I jolt myself back and say, "the BRAIN being hungry doesn't mean the body really IS hungry." We have to re-BRAINWASH ourselves...reprogram... Even give our brains a "warm boot" to change the subconscious paths we automatically go to. No one said this would be easy. But, everyone here is saying it GETS easier. And I can tell you today is a LOT easier than a week ago was for me! Just hold on.... Ride it out. And, buzz me if you need to chat! I'm on a lot in the evenings. YOU CAN DO THIS! And, you are going to be happier. I promise.

I teared up when I read the part about being politely ushered out of the plus size area of the store! I feel pride for you, like a momma watching her daughter blossom into a woman. And, you are inspiring me to stay on track, too! Congratulations on this mile marker!

You are our hero, too. Cuz you're one of us.

How much time has passed from the first time you thought you might want to do this? How much did you read on it? Do you have faith in that person inside you that did all the pre-op footwork to get you to this day? Then, sit back and TRUST yourself! And, for the record, this isn't a crutch. Its an appetite suppressant. And, it's the most effective product available on any weight-loss product shelf. You don't have to set a timer to remind yourself to ingest a chemical daily. You don't have drug side effects. And, it's the SMARTEST weight-loss tool anyone can choose. Trust yourself and all you did to get here. And, be proud of yourself for changing your path. Tomorrow will be your new birthday! ((HUGS))

ACUPUNCTURE WORKS! If you want to be head pain free, DO IT!

You can get by with ONE nail exposed. Like the earlier post, it's to monitor oxygen levels and your natural nail bed says a lot.

I didn't see anything that was putting you down. Just bewilderment as to why you would considering subjecting yourself to a permanent commitment to a lifestyle change if you are already content with your weight and appearance. I, too, did it for health reasons, but, the only body image problems I've heard of is self-loathing and not being able to see oneself as thinner. I was content with my appearance before, but with the energy surges I've experienced the past week, I can already tell that I'm feeling better! I'm extending my life and feeling generally better. I figure if a byproduct of this is that my husband will have arm candy, then great! He deserves that. If you are choosing this to improve your health, good! You will be successful.

I know it's different for everyone. I had a C-section and a hysterectomy, so I remember the comfort of holding a pillow against my stomach the first time I stood up. Honestly, I didn't even think about it. Standing up didn't cause pain. I just felt really wobbly, thanks to the anesthesia and pain meds. Standing, walking, etc didn't make me long for support for my tummy at all. I encourage you to get someone you trust to stay with you, all night, too. Not bashing hospitals, but it is just WISE to have someone completely lucid to watch over you and take care of you. My husband held onto my cell phone and charger. I made an overnight bag with clothes to wear home (including my biggest undies so they wouldn't bind). My feet get cold easy, so I brought socks. I like mine better than hospital issue. Headband and brush for my hair. No hassle styling after surgery. Oh! If the hospital doesn't include this as their standard protocol, ask for a scopalomine patch (also known as a 'Scope Patch'). It's a little circle patch that is great in eliminating nausea and you wear it for 3 days. Wonderful!

I didn't have a drain. I see lots of people had one, though. Which side? The one that they pulled the stomach out of (my left side)?

I'm post-op Day 18. I took a Correctol two days ago with minimal results. Before surgery, one of those little pink pills kept me camped out by a bathroom for an entire day. I'm reluctant to take another. I hate liquid meds, but am considering MoM. After all the healing is complete, should I expect constipation to be a permanent situation I must build a bowel program around?

WOO HOO!!! What was your starting weight and height? We are all anonymous friends here. Otherwise, I wouldn't be so open to share this info. It's a part of our "group therapy."