Valentina

Question: What do you think about the availability of psych eval "templates" online now? Anyone facing an upcoming eval for WLS can go online and review hundreds of questions asked by evaluators all over the country. What are your thoughts???

Absolutely-- what she said ^ !

I love the tuna pressure packs. They come in 5 or 6 flavors, don't need to be refrigerated and can be carried easily. I have one most days for lunch. Sometimes I use a leaf of lettuce and have a tuna wrap and other times, I just eat the tuna straight out of the pouch.

I'll let you ladies know about my vajaja just as soon as I lift enough "apron" skin and find mine! It's been "a while"...

Remember not to forget the application of the "panty liner" secured to the ears. Media would consider that piece of the experiment as "crutial.

So, it begins. You are about to start down the WLS path. How many forks in the road, or bumps along the pathway you will encounter is unforeseen. Parts of your journey will smack you right between the eyes and take your breath away with its reality checks. However, the joys and thrills should make the stark moments seem like a passing dream. Exciting? You Bet. Difficult? At times Rewarding? Definitely Exasperating? Oh yeah, but seldom Rewarding? More than you can imagine right now I hope you remember that whatever difficulties you may face, there will be others who have faced the same "walls" and have endured. When those times come, please remember us here. Some one on this site will have the answer for you.--everyone will certainly have an opinion anyway! Try to grow a thick skin. It will come in handy with sooo many different points of view. Hopefully, everyone will have your best interest at heart. They all mean well, I'm sure. After all is said and done: Tomorrow is YOUR day!!!!! Go and start your new and exciting journey to a healthier and "lighter" happy life. I wish you nothing except the very best of journeys. Off you go!!! Prayers going up.

I know. I know words don't help much. I know you are feeling alone in your misery. I know you feel tired. I know your energy loss seems overwhelming. I know you feel like you're your own worst enemy. I know you feel like you've made a mistake having your surgery. I know you are feeling that you have "failed one more time". I know you want to wail at yourself--or just anyone and everyone. I know you're hurting inside and out, upside down and right side up I know. I also know: You can't "undo" the sleeve. I know you will have to reach deep down within yourself and find your determination and inner strength. I know you have to write down all of the reasons you had WLS to begin with. I know you have to read that to yourself many many times during the day--out loud. I know that prayer can't hurt. I know that at one time you wanted to see yourself in the mirror as you see yourself in your heart. I know that crying --even wailing loudly helps. I know that walking/exercising in whatever manner you can to the point when you can think of nothing except trying to breath helps to get the endorphins flowing. I know that sometimes a new hobby to concentrate on and keep your hands and mind busy helps. I know because I've been there. At times--still am. I finally know that if you can do this WLS , then so can I. Shall we-- together? Prayers going up for the both of us. I love your posts!! Can we be best friends? Hello, friend.

I switched to Quest Protein powder. I love the vanilla because with very little effort and imagination I can make them taste into fabulous things.--using extracts. Root beer floats Lemon +/or orange smoothies Anise delights maple Breakfast shake Iced coffee splendor Almond twists Raspberry and Peanut Butter yummies or just delicious vanilla shake Any flavoring extract added to Vanilla Quest powder varies the taste so I never get bored. GNC offers samples of all of the flavors Quest offers. Worth a try, yes? Happy hunting!

Maybe it's a good thing you're going to church! OMG...I hope you won't have to pee or the whole "exercise" will start all over again. Congrats on your nephew's 1st communion. Big day! Prayers going up for him

I remember the times when after I struggled to get the Spanx on, I was too tired to go anywhere. Now, I'm wearing compression thing- a- ma -jigs per my orthopod. and bariatric surgeons. So far--so good, but then I don't have anywhere to wear them... Oh, bother...

I beginning to wonder if your hormones are going wildly out of control when you get upset. A hormonal flushing is not unheard of after WLS. This could be causing your nausea . That's my theory and I'm sticking to it. Keep us posted. Prayers going up for you. PS: I am sooo thankful that my two daughters are grown and on their own...

I know. I know words don't help much. I know you are feeling alone in your misery. I know you feel tired. I know your energy loss seems overwhelming. I know you feel like you're your own worst enemy. I know you feel like you've made a mistake having your surgery. I know you are feeling that you have "failed one more time". I know you want to wail at yourself--or just anyone and everyone. I know you're hurting inside and out, upside down and right side up I know. I also know: You can't "undo" the sleeve. I know you will have to reach deep down within yourself and find your determination and inner strength. I know you have to write down all of the reasons you had WLS to begin with. I know you have to read that to yourself many many times during the day--out loud. I know that prayer can't hurt. I know that at one time you wanted to see yourself in the mirror as you see yourself in your heart. I know that crying --even wailing loudly helps. I know that walking/exercising in whatever manner you can to the point when you can think of nothing except trying to breath helps to get the endorphins flowing. I know that sometimes a new hobby to concentrate on and keep your hands and mind busy helps. I know because I've been there. At times--still am. I finally know that if you can do this WLS , then so can I. Shall we-- together? Prayers going up for the both of us.

Yes, if your itching is driving you crazy, give your team a call. Otherwise you could scratch yourself in your sleep &subconsciously hurt yourself. I remember when I was a child &had the chicken pox or measles and my mother would tell me to scratch my head instead of my arms or face. It worked because it took my mind off of the itch by giving me something proactive to do. Try it--can't hurt, right? I would think that it is a sign that your body is healing, but call your team and ask. That way you'll know what to do . Prayers going up

Ni, Ni, ladies. Now go to bed!!! The sun will rise on your new and exciting journey. Enjoy the path, brace for the bumps, but always strive for the rainbow. Prayers going up for you

Yes, I did and it made me "less patient" and more "me". (it had poodles all over it, so I felt close to my standard poodle fur babies).

If you have chocolate Protein powder, you can mix it with cold milk and then slowly heat it up. That way it won't clump. Worth a try?

I will forgive you 'fore you know not of what you speak. I never knew since I'm OBESE, that I didn't not have the "right" to be offended by the bullying of the newbies. You know nothing of my journey, but you are entitled to your opinion as I am mine. However, I do not believe that you have the right to be hurtful. Prayers going up for---everyone.

One step at a time, or with the WLS process-----one hoop jumped at a time! It's a tangled mess of appointments, but the process will keep you busy until you get your surgery. Get going-----heading for second and hoping to steal third! Prayers going up.

I packed, tooth paste/brush, hair brush, my prettiest nightgown,slippers and robe (I wanted to feel pretty which is not always easy right after surgery) --my favorite perfume so I could smell like "me" and not "hospital". I also took a chapstick, cellphone and charger and my rosary--can't hurt, right? Please post as soon as you feel up to it. We are not only nosy, but we care--really we do. Scooching over on the, "Losers' Bench" to make room for you, my friend. See you on the other side. Prayers going up.

I thought you guys were always having "piss'n " contests, not weight loss contests. Both of you look "maaavelous", Daaalings. Both of you are great examples on how this weight loss "Thing" should and can be done. I'm having rather a "proud momma" moment! (OK, so I'm old) Great Job! You don't need my prayers, but there they go-- straight up!

Now this is going to be one Memorial Day that you will remember for a long, long time. How exciting is looking forward to your "journey"? --at the starting gate.--just waiting for the starting pistol to fire. I wish you well, and will start getting your spot on the "Losers' Bench" ready. Prayers going up for you.

Please, ​ take all the time you two need to get to the same mind set. It is soooo important that you go into WLS as you did your marriage--together. I'm sure he has his fears, just as you have yours. Try to find a way to ease his. If you do, I guarantee you that most of your fears will be lessened. I will repeat my wish that all S.O's should be required to have a therapist eval/session separate from their partners. This way his/her fears, concerns and trepidations could be verbalized and consulted. After WLS, you WILL change. You will NOT be the same in a year post-op. We who have had WLS know that we will be healthier, and better, but do our S.O.s have that conviction? They love you just as you are. Maybe they don't want you to change. It's too scary. Will they still be appealing to you. Will you still be appealing to them?? Sooo many questions. Who's going to hear them? When do our S.O.s get to air their fears, and/or frustrations? So, I ask you, PLEASE have more patience and understanding than you think you have. Have many meaningful conversations. Try, then try, then try some more to help him come to terms with your upcoming WLS. I PROMISE you, you will not regret it, my friend. Prayers going up for you both.

It the protein coffee for a hot or cold beverage?? I might try it. Thank you!