Valentina

Do me a favor??? Please reread your above post. In fact, please read it several times. Please Now: Wow! Your life together as you both have grown to know it has changed---really changed, hasn't it? The changes are a great deal--for the both of you. You commented in a further post that you are really "not being controlling". Aren't you, my friend, just a wee bit? I realize that you just had WLS and know what you have to do to be successful. Try to keep in mind that hubby did not have the surgery (because maybe YOU didn't think it was best for him), and maybe he is not ready to have you make all the changes in your lives that you are. Talk to him! Talk and talk and talk and when all is said and done--talk some more. HOWEVER, when HE is talking you need to LISTEN---not just be preparing your next come back. Look at him and LISTEN, then take a deep breath before you answer. I apologize if I have offended you in any way, but what I have said comes straight from my heart. I took peoples' advice to "just go ahead --he'll come around". He didn't. He committed suicide while I was having my WLS. I wish to God that someone had told me to take the time to talk and LISTEN. Right now, you're so involved with your WLS journey (rightfully so) that hubby is floundering about "what happened to our "together" life". IMO Maybe a therapist to help you BOTH communicate open and honestly would be a great gift to give to your marriage. Separately and together. Please, take the time. Your life together may very well depend upon it. Just a suggestion. I hope you can receive my words in the same spirit in which they are given--with compassion, empathy and true concern. I wish you the very best, my friend.

The Quest chips taste like salted cardboard. Yuck. IMO I am severely allergic to anything soy, so there goes the "Kays". Other than parmesan chips, I am still missing my crunch cracker.

Good info. Thank you. I have been having the same problem for years under the folds of my "apron". I have a RX for: NYSTOP. AKA: Nystatin Topical Powder---100,000 UPS units/gr It is a RX that has to be written by a MD, but if you ever want skin surgery to be paid for by your insurance company, you should be reporting every episode of the rash/outbreak to your MD ---making sure that they document it in your medical record. You are absolutely correct, the rash/breakout is painful and can really get nasty quickly. This is what works for me.

Patience, Grasshopper. Patience. You are off to a tremendous start! Have you tried chewing on ice chips!!! Or frozen flavored ice? I know it's not quite the same, but for now, doing so might help you get over the chewing crave. Chewing is just around the bend. Wishing you a joyful journey. You're off and running!

I am also heading for TT, thigh fix'n and "lady bits made perdy". My surgery date is Aug. 9th. Yikes! I also have had difficulties with anesthia. When I had my spinal surgery, I explained my difficulties. The anesthia doctors researched my history and found that my extreme allergy to anything soy and the fact that most anesthia is soy-based was my problem with not being able tolerate it. After some "witch doctoring ", they came up with a "knock out juice" for me. Snap! no problem what so ever. My point is, explain your reaction to anesthia to your surgery team and they should be able to find something that agrees with you. It never hurts to ask, right? The only drain I've ever had was after my spinal surgery. That was pulled the morning I left the hospital. I've been told that I could have as many as six drains after my plastic surgery. I will lose two at my one week check and one every week after. That is the part that I am dreading the most. yuck. I am so used to taking narcotics since my spinal surgery that I don't react negatively to them any longer. Once again, I suggest you discuss your concerns with your surgical team. I'll bet they will have an alternative for you. Keep the line of honest, and up front communication open. That way no one is unpleasantly surprised. Knowledge is a powerful tool. Wish you the best of luck and results with your upcoming plastic surgery.

The most awkward moment for me is also one of the most joyful moments since my WLS. It was when me sweatpants fell off while catching a 42" Striped Bass from the surf of the Raritan Bay. I was the only woman surf fishing during the sunrise when I found myself chest high in the salt Water with only my new blues undies on. As awkward as it was, the men on the beach were wonderful, jovial, retrieved my extra shorts from my car and were willing to take a solemn oath (the cross your heart and hope to die kind) NOT to take any pictures. By the way? I caught the fish!

For me, it's a no brainer. Pasta. I miss pasta. I am now over 5 years post op, and my sleeve will not tolerate pasta. Not even a forkful, without the yuckies or dumping. Please, do not suggest "veggie" strands of any kind as a substitute. Pasta is pasta. So, here I am eating "Miracle Noodles", missing pasta, --------and counting my blessings.

Sometimes, especially with our own health care issues, we have to be our own advocates. I was told the same thing about my knee----I was too young to have it replaced. I finally convinces my orthopod that I would rather have a knee replaced twice (a knee replacement is supposed to last about 10yrs) than to live one more week with the excruciating pain that I was in. I had my knee replacement two weeks later. Oh yes, I had the cortisone shots. I even had the injections that are made from cocks' combs. They all helped short term. I don't know what others do, but I don't live my life "short term". If you honestly are convinced that you have given the alternative treatments a fair shot, then get out there and fight for what you feel you need. I did and have not regretted having my left knee replaced for one minute. Good luck and please posting on your progress.

I like Quest Protein powder and products. GNC sells sample pouches of the different flavors. Depending on which flavor, the protein level is about 20-23gr/serving.

When the day came when the "Hawaiian" could no longer keep the pain demons at bay from my crumbling knee, I knew it was time for a replacement. It worked for about 6years, then the replacement. I have been pain free from knee pain ever since. I don't regret doing either---not for a second. Thank you for the articles.

@@Valentina i tried shortly after my WLS my prob was couldn't find sugar free grape juice!!! i'll check it out again, i have the six pack "holders" for the popsicles thanx for reinforcing the good idea about making my own when/if i can make the purple ones i'll send one to you through the mail!!! kathy Great idea, Kathy----- Why not get SF apple juice and add purple coloring????? Mind over matter... Could work...

I was instructed way back in the day---to have a small dish of unsweetened applesauce available for dipping extra dry/spicy meat/fish into in place of drinking while eating. Discuss it with your bariatric team and get their thoughts. I'm impressed that you can eat spicy foods. They are a definite no go for me. Good luck and let us know how you do.

Over the years, my "Cat in heat" as my friend calls it has quieted some, but occassionaly can still be heard "on the back year fence". I've come to think of it as a friend just reminding me that it's still down there ---on the job. Sometimes, unless it's painful----I think that we just have to find a "fun" way of dealing with it. If it becomes too bothersome and is restricting your daily life, then by all means discuss it with your bariatric team. They have ways of "quieting the beast from within". Good luck. Please post and let us know how you are doing.

Why not make your own?? They are simple to make and much cheaper than store bought ones---and better for you!

Why don't YOU get a copy of your records?---or sign a release so your surgeon's office can get a copy? Somewhere within your records will be a progress note regarding your stability . Please post and let us know how goes. I hope we can be of some help.

I assume that if a house doesn't land on them, they should consider themselves fortunate? Stand strong, but not hurtful. ---my goal.

But PLEASE , don't stop trying. I appreciate your sensible input. All any of us can do is---try. I thank you for trying...

When you get to your support group ask if anyone there has experienced a bout of some form of depression since WLS. I wouldn't surprise me if EVERY post opper replied, "yes". I believe it's all part of the process including a hormonal flushing. One moment "flying high" --next moment weeping. All will balance out eventually--for most people. HOWEVER, if you feel you are "stuck", please do not hesitate to seek help. Contact your team/therapist. There is help available--short term or on an ongoing basis. You do not have to suffer when on what should be a joyous journey.

No offense was taken. Thanks. --And THAT, boys and girls is how "it's" done. Thank you, gentlemen.

I agree. A "like" option or a simple "thumbs up" would be a great way to show support when our words are not coming easily to us or when on a mobile device. I'm like'n it.

I would get samples of different Protein powders. I know that some of the bariatric supply stores on line will send you samples--some free and some charging shipping and handling. I know that GNC has sample size portions of their Quest Protein powders for about two dollars a pouch---the brand I use . There are sooo many to choose from. Keep in mind, though that your tastes may change after WLS. What you like pre-op you may not like post-op. I would suggest not stocking up to too many of one brand. Your bariatric team should recommend what Vitamins you need to take. I am five years out, so I use vitamins from CVS. Check with you surgeon's office for recommendations. Best of luck on your WLS journey. I hope it will be a joyous one.

Go crazy trying different veggies. This time year with all of the veggie stands popping up everywhere, fresh veggies are inexpensive. My eight year old grandson makes roasted carrots using the recipe above. It's easy and fun. Tomorrow is Farmers' Market here in town. Kaleb wants to try green tomatoes. Why not? I think we will use added lemon on those. I love it that he wants to cook.

How about roasting some veggies?? I have them almost every day. I use: Brussel sprouts or Carrots or Cauliflower or beans--green or zucchini or snap peas I put them on a cookie sheet with just a spray of olive oil. then I add crushed fresh garlic (I love garlic, so I use a whole bulb). I then add two Tblspns of nutritional yeast (it adds a cheesy flavor plus 7-8g of protein), salt, pepper. rosemary and thyme or Mrs. Dash. and/or lemon pepper. Pop it into the over at 425 degrees for about 24min.--flipping them over half way through. They're a wee bit softer than raw, but not mushy. Try it and let me know what you think. Good luck, and happy veggie hunting.

Welcome to "The Losers' Bench". Take a deep breath and rest for a wee bit. THEN: Get your arse up and get moving!

Great news! Please post often and let me know how you're doing. I'm nosy, yes, but I really care too!