Valentina

Though it was not my intention to do so, I went through surgery, post-op and beyond alone. I found that once I learned to rely on my own judgement and inborn instincts, I did just fine. "One never knows how strong one is until being strong is one's only choice." If going alone is YOUR choice, then do so. You CAN do this.

So there! Told ya so!!! WELCOME TO THE LOSERS' BENCH!!!! Rest here for a moment or two. THEN Get your arse up and get mov'n!!! Happy day, my friend.

Aren't waterparks fun? I remember when I was rrreeeeaaaaallllllyyyyyy obese and went to the waterpark with some co workers. I went up the slide--not easy for one who is afraid of heights, but with enough ribbing I made the climb. I got my larger than life arse into the tube and down the waterslide I went. Well, no one told me that the heavier one is the faster one slides down. Soooo, I practically broke the sound barrier and when I reached the bottom I flipped over in the Water with the tube still stuck on my arse! There I was bobbing around --upside down--not to mention under water. If it wasn't for my surgeon co-worker I would have ended up like a cork--just bobbing there until someone needed my tube! Yes, aren't waterparks fun???? Really, though I want to go again now that my backside is not "tube size".

HEY!!! I haven't seen "the count down" in days. What's up with that????? NOW: Shut your eyes Count to three JUMP!!!!! (The water's fine. You'll like it here! ) Friend, Valentina

(1) Any new situations that you did not expect? (2) What has worked well to maintain. (3) What triggers have given you set backs. (4) What keeps you motivated (5) Now that life is normal after goal..What is new ? Not sure how many veterans are still on the site. Anyone open to checking in? 1. I certainly did never expect to have to walk my WLS alone. Is that a "new" situation? No, but it is my main stumbling block 2. I really have to track every morsel and weigh every day. I know many folks do not weigh every day, but it's working for me, so "if it ain't broke, don't fix it", right? 3. CRUNCHY CHEETOS!! They are without a doubt , the devil's delight! I can't have them in the house. Since they seem to be my only trigger food, I believe I'm "OK" in the trigger food department. 4. My memories of John keep me motivated. I believed in WLS sooo strongly that I left him alone the morning of my surgery. He was adamantly against my having it. He committed suicide while I was on the OR table. I have learned That I MUST complete my WLS journey. If I don't what did it all mean?? Was it all worth it??? I will stay motivated. John keeps me so. 5. Normal? Who is to say what "normal" is??? I don't believe I was ever normal--according to society's equation. I will never eat as a "normal" person eats. I will never get hungry as a "normal" person does. I will never be able to relax my social eating as a "normal" person does. A "normal" person does not have the "obesity disease". I am well satisfied with my thinner, healthier body. --But, I would have to add: "Hello, my name is Valentina, and I have the Obesity Disease".

Unfortunately, in today's world the insurance companies have the say about who gets to have skin removal surgery. The surgery is supposed to be "medically necessary", and THE INS. CO. gets the final say. A strong statement from your doctors will certainly help and then a peer to peer review if you are denied also will your chances of getting approved. It doesn't hurt to try and get skin surgery approved. Good luck.

Try pork rind and crabmeat stuffing in mushroom caps. Sprinkle some lemon and hot sauce on top after grilling. I'm making some for the 4th. YUMMY!!

I drove myself to and from the hospital, made funeral arrangements, housed funeral out of towners, and then moved--all by myself. Do I suggest it? no Is it doable? If the need be.

There are many members who have had surgery in Mexico with good experiences. There are many members who have had surgery in Mexico with bad experiences. As with surgery anywhere, DO YOUR RESEARCH!!! When you're finished doing your research, research some more. Having surgery outside of the US is not for everyone. Some folks can deal with it fabulously, some can not. Best wishes on your research and your final decision.

You're making the very best of your "honeymoon" period of your WLS journey. It's so refreshing to hear about someone who is having such a successful post op experience. You could be a WLS poster person! Best wishes.

Meet you on the, "Losers' Bench". You can rest there----briefly!

Weird? Normal?? With WLS nothing is "weird" --and really one person's "normal" could easily be another person's "weird". You are indeed fortunate to have an "iron" sleeve. It sounds like you are staying on track and following your plan without any derailments. Good for you for doing a great job! Best wishes for continued joyful journey, Friend.

Right behind you. Getting my date July 6th. Best wishes for your skin surgery and recovery.

oooh to be a little birdie flying over your back yard... Your nesting birds must love you leaving all of your "fur" all over the place for them to pick up and use for nesting materials. What a naturalist you are. I really think that we ladies who haven't seen our "lady bits" in years, would love this extended razor. I know that I still have "lady bits"--down there somewhere, and want to keep from looking like "Gubbaca" whenever I put on my swim suit. To actually be able to reach areas that I have to pick up skin to find (TMI?? ) would be a glorious thing. How's that for your "mental eye"? Sorry....

I just made a "watermelon pizza" for dinner tonight. It is a round slice of watermelon topped with feta cheese, raw onion rings, fresh basil and capers---with a spray of basalmic dressing. Cut the watermelon pizza like a regular pizza. It is not only gorgeous to look at but is amazingly good! I use summer fruit and diet soda in my Quest Protein shakes instead of milk. I also add 3-4 ice cubes. It is soo refreshing and so full of protein. win/win.

Better advice? Your advice was right "on point". The only thing I would add is a personal note: @madisunshine1: Look into yourself. Within yourself lies the answers you seek. We are here to bounce questions off of and to just listen if that is what you need. Best wishes, Friend.

Remember ladies, that anything you "crock pot" and then put into the blender you can have on a pureed diet. That opens up allllll kinds of weird but wonderful ideas. Crock pot some ribs with a light Bar-b-q sauce and then blender it. The taste is there, if not the appearance. It resembles a pulled pork. --and is delicious! You can do the same thing with a chicken and diet root beer. I know. It sounds "strange", but try it. You'll be pleasantly surprised. Be creative and think outside of the box. The pureed level can be one of the most "fun" levels. You just "gotta wanna". Good luck playing mad scientist!

I mix my Quest Vanilla Protein powder with flatten diet soda. It thins it out and gives it a "smoothie" taste. I also add a few pieces of frozen tropical fruit and three ice cubes. Yum!

I was raised on a farm where are Water was straight from a spring. Now, I just can not drink water from a plastic bottle. YUCK!!!! I have to drink Crystal light or put some additive to water before I can drink it without "making a face". The food I miss the most since surgery is Pasta and RICE. I used to love, love, love both of those food items, now they make me soooo ill, that I can't imagine putting either of them in my mouth. ----not even a little amount.

Dulcolax softener. I'm sorry--I should have told you that. It really has helped throughout the years.

I simply take a Dulcolax every night. I have been taking it since my knee replacement 5 1/2 years ago. Life is much more "smooth" since doing so.

I was a canine behaviorist for years and have seen the outstanding differences that dogs can make in our lives. You will NEVER find a partner more loyal than a dog. I'd be absolutely alone and lost without Gucci.

Take some time, sit on the shore of the Raritan Bay and look upon the sunrise. It doesn't get more inspirational than that. Doing so has always rejuvenated my spirit. I'm sorry your are going through such turmoil in your life right now. I know, for myself--I'd rather be "from a bad relationship and be in one". You are now on the path to a healthier life and a clean slate in life. Erase and wash the old slate and prepare for a new and exciting path. You're heading in the right direction! Keep posting . Let us know how you're doing. I, for one, REALLY care. I'm here and I'm listening. I hope that helps. Feel better, Friend. Happiness will find you. I promise.

Now, I simply answer people's questions---upfront, honestly and to the point. That way everyone gets the same answers. I'm too old to have to remember what I told to whom. It's an individual situation. You have to decide for yourself what you will look back on in the near and distant future. Just one question: Once you are a NP, what are you going to tell your patients about WLS? Do you have any concerns within that realm?

What do you do with an elephant with three balls? You walk him and pitch to the zebra!