Valentina

Why isn't your bariatric team writing your letter for you? I would think that would be in their wheelhouse. If not, write it yourself and take it in for your PCP to sign. That cuts red tape and time.

The "Coffee Nazi" (that's what my daughters call me) does this: I HAVE MY COFFEE EVERY MORNING!!!!! I just figure it into my day's menu. That is one thing my Nut. and surgeon knew from the start. We as a team, planned around my daily coffee with half and half. The alternative of me not having my coffee would not be pretty. No. Not pretty at all...

Blood in poop? Hand on phone to call Dr.'s office.

One would hope with age would come some maturity, but nope... It is sometimes easier for a man to flirt with someone he thinks he will never meet. It is great for the male ego. It is also awkward sometimes to have to explain to your wife while you have to leave the house and kids all of a sudden... Sooo, he hits the panic button and "forgets" who you are. Been there, done that, have the tee shirt that says so. Really, I am saddened that you have been hurt--if even just a wee bit. It's not fair. It's not right. --and it hurts. --not quite as much as childbirth (the universal scale of excruciating pain), but it is unnecessary pain. Why are human so cruel to each other? If some one out there knows the answer to that question, PLEASE let me know. Until that time, I am done with being hurt. Feel better, my friend. You'll have to throw a great number of "shorts" back into the sea before you will finally catch a "keeper". Have fun fishing!

Whew!!! That was a close one! That's my girl! Really, whenever you're questioning your journey or have hit another wall, come here and post. You probably can't come up with a problem that someone on this site has not had to tackle at some crossroads on their WLS journey. If you do come up with a situation that none of us have had to solve, just think of the conversation thread that would make!!!! Wow! It will go on for miles and miles. --but in the end I'll bet we will come up with a solution. We are all on the journey together. Sure we each have to walk the walk alone, but right next to us is a friend keeping pace along side.---only a hand hold away.

So, this is the plan: Monday, you call the surgeon's office and make an appointment to meet with the insurance rep. (medical secretary--whatever title the office uses)--the employee that is responsible for submitting all completed documentation into the insurance companies. Then: You and this person sit down, call your insurance company, find out EXACTLY what they are missing--if anything (you may already be approved), and TOGETHER --before leaving the office--gather all of the needed/completed documentation and fax it--following with the hard copies. Sometimes we just need to be self assertive. Take your future into your own hands. GET IT DONE!!!! Keep posting and keep us up to date. (so we can give you another kick in to pants, when needed) Prayers going up for you, my friend.

I'll say it again----surgeons do their best work when their patients are "asleep". They are a strange breed--completely different from all other specialties. Their bedside manner usually is nonexistent and their social skill even worse. Oh, there are some who can put the effort forth to be cordial, but for the most part they are aloof and cold. Maybe it's because of the "I have your life in my hands", mentation, or "I can't allow myself to get to really know you as a person, because you might die under my scalpel and then I would feel bad. I was an administrator for a group of physicians and surgeons and know from first hand experience that surgeons are just -------different. I would suggest that every specialty surgical group: orthopedic, bariatrics, neurology, etc. should consist of not only a surgeon and supporting staff, but also a PCP who actually sees the patients before and after surgery. Leave the surgery and the surgery alone to the surgeons. We all have are areas of expertise. Unfortunately being cordial is generally not anywhere within a surgeon's wheelhouse. You know you have done marvelously well. I would have brought my success to him when he did not remark upon it. You've earned his recognition. --through some damn hard work! That been said, Congrats! We, here know how far you've come and the difficult road it was. You can always come here and "brag or bitch". We understand and can appreciate either and both! Great job, my friend! Great Job!

Gallbladder pain is NOT always felt on the right. A great number of gallbladder patients feel pain center and a few less --to the left. The person to ask and who can give you the answer to any pain that is severe enough to cause you concern is your physician. Call him tomorrow. I would not wait until your scheduled appointment. If you are concerned enough to post here about it, then you need to call and at least notify him/her of your pain. Feel better and let us know what's going on with you, friend.

Ever work in the healthcare field??? Co workers in the healthcare field whose curiosity has been aroused WILL find out whatever info they "think" they need to know. Trust me on this. Whether or not it is any of their business or whether or not you have any obligation to tell them anything about your private life, they WILL find out. I'm telling you the truth. So, why not give them simple straight forward facts---on your own terms? Matter of fact. Here is it. No big secret. Nothing to be ashamed of. Nothing to gossip about. "Now that you all know what you were soooo curious about, please leave any details to the realm of my personal business. Thank you, and God bless".

I really just don't get it. Why not just say, "I'm having weight loss surgery"? That's all--nothing more--nothing less. Then if pressed for more info, tell them "Respect my privacy, please, and God bless". WLS is NOTHING to be ashamed of. Why is everyone always trying to "ignore the elephant in the room"? Graphic details need not be given, but for cry'n out loud, is it really any secret that you (we) are overweight? Nip the curiosity seekers right from the start. State the facts factually and leave the rest to "Google". The truth is much easier to keep track of than lies or skirting around an obvious issue. On this day, on this issue--my opinion.

Wasn't that white goop in the gallon jugs glue??? I remember the white glue paste that was made from horses/cows hooves. I loved the smell of it! Maybe I should have eaten it...

I have always been a sporadic sleeper , at best. I am dealing with my night wandering by: moving my bedroom upstairs--away from the kitchen, and taking a Protein shake and a dill pickle up with me when I do go to bed. I account for the shake and pickle in my food log, so I am managing. Right now, I am content with my plan. Good luck and keep us posted.

If you feel that you really are not ready to add soft foods, I would suggest calling your surgeon's office. Maybe you're not ready, but he/she is the only one that should be advising you right now. We all progress at our own rate, so don't beat yourself up about it. Help is only a phone call away! Feel better and post often! We want to keep our eyes on you.

Incontinence can and probably is, at least in part, associated with being overweight. That been said, Teena, and Poise make incontinence pads in all lengths and thicknesses. Both products work well. I wouldn't be willing to admit that I couldn't do any exercise because I "leak". Wear a pad and get jumping, Jack!!!!

Am I alone in my belief that surgeons are creations of God on a day when He had a migraine?? ---AND--- There is a reason why surgeons exhibit their best patient to doctor skills when their patient is asleep. Seriously, I really do believe that surgeons have a different mind set than general practitioners. Maybe it's the need for a more separation personally with the patient--the same theory of a PCP not treating or prescribing drugs for his/her own family. The connection is too close to be objective. I feel that a highly successful "Bariatric Team" should not only include a surgeon, a nutritionist, a therapist and a well trained supporting staff, but should also include a general practitioner who would be primary provider for all aspects of the bariatric journey except the surgery itself. Release the surgeons to do what they do best--surgery-- while releasing them from the "best side manners", which most of them are just plain lousy at. A monthly post op check with the PCP, the nutritionist, and the therapist should be part of the package with no added fees for six months, then every three months for the remainder of the first year and then twice a year thereafter--also with no added charge (other than routine co--pays). I also believe that seeing a therapist just once for clearance falls way short of ensuring a solid mental foundation that is imperative for successful WLS journey. A monthly therapy session during the six month pre-op should be required--in my opinion. After reading posts here and talking with other WLS patients, I believe that our minds take longer to get on track than our mouths ever will. Great thought provoking posting. Thank you!

I did actually tell a co-worker (a nosey surgeon in fact), that I had had an "Epithany". That shut him down instantly. No one in a work environment wants to get into a predictable ongoing, never ending litany about another's religous experience. The old theory that nothing is more annoying nor more boring than having to listen to a soap box filibuster from an: ex-smoker, a "born again" fanatic , or an extreme weight lost achiever. I left that day with a secretive smirk.

Of course I've tried it. The blended Protein shake separates when freezing. I still enjoy the difference of the frozen idea. When the Protein Shake consumption starts to get "old", freezer adds variety . Try it. Whatcha got to lose?

I simply asked myself, "who am I doing this for"? Myself. I believe that for WLS to be a true change in life style and a new path of life, one has to be willing to do the work for no one but themselves. If you aren't truly willing to walk the walk alone then you have no business talking the talk. I don't offer any information. However whenever some one asks, they get a cheerful, truthful, and very short answer. I answer their questions, but offer nothing more. No one is allowed into my heart and mind simply by being nosey. I made my decisions for myself, by myself. --and I really don't give a rat's arse who approves or disapproves. It's my journey and I am more than prepared to travel it alone.

I'm thinking that him not being upfront about his physical appearance is the root of your disatisfaction with him. He probably considers his weight gain as being unattractive and a fault for women, so he's trying to get women to meet him in person and get to know him before crossing him off simply because of his weight. Honestly speaking, isn't that the mentation that we have all lived with for way too long? He just hasn't owned up to his weight gain--yet and you not only have acknowledged your weight, but are dealing with it. I think that is the reason, why you got those "negative vibes" at first appearance. It's not that he was overweight. It was because he failed to take responsibility for it and didn't think anyone could possibly be attracted to him with the extra weight. He "sold you short" before ever even meeting you. You've been there--Done that. We all have.

I have the "bubble up" every morning. I've come to think of it as my sleeve (Sleevie) saying, "Good morning" to me. I think I'd miss it if it were to stop. It let's me know that we (Sleevie and I) are still working together and on the same page.

Percentages don't mean a great deal to those of us who do "dump". I will tell you that it is 100% awfully slimy and painful. However, I have grown to accept dumping as a useful tool that I can use on my new life's journey. It helps me "tote the line". Good luck on your WL journey.

What a party pooper!

So, here's the plan: I have a flashlight and a shovel...

Just to be on the safe side, Call your surgeon. Anytime there is nausea along with diarrhea, there is concern. Why chance anything serious?. Call him/her and find your answers. Feel better and keep posting. We CARE.