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Everything posted by Valentina
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How Much Stomach is Taken Out?
Valentina replied to Bluesky1's topic in Gastric Sleeve Surgery Forums
70% to 85% depending on the surgeon and internal findings. -
Is anyone not taking reflux meds post-VSG?
Valentina replied to kinkymoo's topic in POST-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
Ask the only person whose opinion should matter to you and your surgery---your surgeon. You can use all of the posts on this thread as discussion fodder, but when all is said and discussed, it's your surgeon's opinion that should mean the most. Take care and feel better. -
Choosing to be sleeved just to avoid dumping is invalid. Many, Many sleevers experience dumping. I've had my sleeve for over 4 years and I still have dumping episodes. Do I regret choosing my sleeve over a by-pass. Never! I did my research and am completely satisfied with my decision. My recommendation is to do your research and have a meaningful conversation with your surgeon. Find out what his/her recommendation is for your body. Good luck and keep posting.
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Fat Shaming Husband...so hurt
Valentina replied to Bluesky1's topic in Gastric Sleeve Surgery Forums
I may be old school (63), but when did a spouse telling his/her wife that "eating Starbursts will make fat" become Domestic Violence? I've been married 36 years and along the way to becoming 80 lbs overweight, my wife told me "to stop eating so much" many times along the way. It was hurtful to hear, but absolutely true and probably helped motivate me to finally take action. Do you think anyone struggling with obesity should be eating Starbursts? Do you think any average weight person enjoys seeing their spouse gain weight (while continuing to overeat)? Do you think spouses should speak honestly about their feelings with one another, particularly in matters of health? I'm not saying preacher boy is in the right, but I've read nothing here that convinces me he's ready to be charged with a crime! I'm still waiting to learn if the OP has told him how SHE FEELS about her weight and his lack of support. Though, I think telling a spouse to stop eating is as productive as telling a skunk not to stink, I do agree with most of this post. I wrote my feelings and opinion about what I think this lovely young lady should at least try in my first post. I do hope she goes back and reads it again and again and again. Couldn't hurt! Thank you Valentina for your orginal response. I did respond to it. Also, I sent you a private message, not sure if to got it. I don't think I did, but I will go back and look. Do you have someone going with you and who will be at the hospital for you after surgery??? I wish I lived closer. Prayers going "up" just for you!! -
I messed up and now I have to prolong my surgery
Valentina replied to Angelsoul219's topic in Gastric Sleeve Surgery Forums
Do NOT KEEP SECRETS FROM YOUR SURGEON!!!!!!. Today I have now written that twice. Why do people think that lying or keeping secrets from a surgeon that has your life in his hands while his hands are in your guts is a good idea? Do you want your surgeon keeping secrets from you???? Of course you don't. Your surgeon needs to know as much about you as he possibly can in order to get you through to not only a successful surgery , but for the "new life" that you are anticipating after surgery. Your mental evaluation is a critical part of your not only pre-op, but post-op as well. Many, Many of us see therapists for years and years after our surgeries. WLS is life changing--in mind as well as in body. PLEASE, take the time to be upfront with your therapist, and your surgeon. That way you will be sooo much more capable of coping with all of the life changes that will be coming your way. I know it's frustrating to have this "stall" in your plan, but if you're not quite "calm" enough mentally just now, take the time to ease your mind and spirit. Once your OCD is "kinder and gentler" ,you will be able to focus 100% on your WLS. PS: I don't think that threatening the surgeon who you are relying on with your very life is a good idea, do you?? Better to talk with him/her and ask, "what can we do now"? I bet he/she will have some answers. This is not your surgeon's "first rodeo". Think about what I have said. That is all I can ask of you. Prayers going "up" for you. I care, Valentina -
Can't believe this happened this close to surgery
Valentina replied to ashleyt26's topic in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
I decided to let them know. I called their office and they let the surgeon know and he called me back and said that it was fine and wouldn't delay surgery, I was just advised to not take any NSAIDs, since I am pretty close to surgery day. Thank you -
Zucchini noodles or Spaghetti Squash?
Valentina replied to Melanie28's topic in Post-op Diets and Questions
Have you tried "Miracle Noodles"? They are completely safe. --no calories, no carbs, not fat, no sugar--just Fiber. They really have no taste of their own. They pick up the flavor of whatever you cook them in. I use them when I make shrimp scampi. One just has to make sure to rinse, rinse, rinse them after taking them out of the package as they have an odd smell--not bad, just odd. Give 'em a try. They come in different Pasta shapes. -
Can't believe this happened this close to surgery
Valentina replied to ashleyt26's topic in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
Do NOT keep secrets from your surgeon!!! That is a very bad idea. Keeping secrets damages the "code of trust" between the two of you. Do you want your surgeon keeping secrets from you???? He/she really needs to know if there is a bruise. It is sooo important to know if there is a clot of blood somewhere in the body. He/she needs to know everything about your body that you know in order to keep your surgery as complication free as possible. Don't make his job anymore difficult than it already is. Probably the only thing that can be done for your broken toe is to tape is securely to the toe next to it to give you a bit more comfortable stability when you walk. I try not to give medical advise, ever, but this is an exception. DO NOT KEEP SECRETS FROM YOUR SURGEON.!!!! PLEASE. I care! -
That's one of the main reasons for the Endoscopy--to test for h-pylori. It is unfortunately too common, but extremely treatable. This is one worry you can set aside. The treatment for it is completely safe and reliable. This is just a ripple in the road--not big enough to be called a "bump". Rest easy, friend. You got this!
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You can order "The 5 Day Pouch Test", from Amazon. Good luck and post often so we can keep an eye on you!
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He forgot to add a segment on how colorful sriracha sauce is coming back up!! Yeah, that's right. I weakened and tried it. You all made it sound like the ambrosia to the Gods. What can I say----PEER PRESSURE MADE ME DO IT!!! I know better. I throw up ketsup! Sorry I am to report, Sriracha and I have parted ways. "Sleevie" gave it a 3 minute eviction... PS: Now what do I do with the rest of the bottle? Oh, maybe I'll take it to support group. Somebody there has to have the "billy goat gut ". I really wished I could tolerate.
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Reporting from my hospital bed
Valentina replied to Nurse_Lenora's topic in General Weight Loss Surgery Discussions
Gas? That, too shall pass... Pun intended. Feel better and post often. We've got our eyes on you, hoping nothing but great days ahead. -
The lack of a signature????????? WTH???? I would go and visit with the office administrator and together go over EVERY line of your forms. Someone's careless submission of an incomplete form should NEVER be a reason for a patient's application to be denied. OMG! You don't have to be abrasive or disruptive, just "gently assertive"... I would also "gently assert" that you "need and expect" your surgeon to indeed make the "doctor to doctor" conference call. I'm trying to think of a time during my years as a medical facility administrator when a doctor to doctor conference call did not work. I can not think of ONE. As far as my memory will allow, the doctor to doctor call works. It makes it personal. Especially when one remembers that most of the time, the people making the "approve/deny" decisions are NOT doctors, but money crunchers. Scary, isn't it? PLEASE, keep us posted. We care and am rooting for you.
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Reporting from my hospital bed
Valentina replied to Nurse_Lenora's topic in General Weight Loss Surgery Discussions
Welcome to the "Losers' Bench". Take a wee moment to rest and take a deep breath, then get up and MOVE!! How are you doing? -
It sucks, doesn't it? One thing to remember: You do NOT have to be in unmanageable pain. Call your surgeon's office. Don't assume that you know what the pain is and there is nothing to be done. That is for your surgeon to determine. That's why he got the big bucks. Not every pain killer works on every person. Perhaps you need a different one. Maybe you pain is coming from left over abdominal gas. If so, your surgeon's office will advise you. The old saying, "the squeaky hinge gets the grease", is true. If you don't speak up, your surgeon's office will have no idea that you are suffering. Call them. Now about the sweet stuff. Yuck, yuck, yuck. I, too hated the all of the sweet goop. Call your Nutritionist. He/she should be able to have some ideas on how to get through this stage--a sweetness break may be in order. Talk it over with your Nut.. It can be done, but only with your surgeon's OK. Ask. Ya neva know. Sometimes we need to travel a more creative path to reach the end of OUR personal rainbow. Good luck, feel better, and Please let us know what's going on with you, girlfriend.
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My journey to a healthier Me
Valentina replied to bal's topic in Tell Your Weight Loss Surgery Story
Great news! --starting to warm up the bum warmers here on the "Losers' Bench". I, too had to have spinal surgery, but mine was after my sleeve. It sure did put a halt to exercising, but 5 more Aqua P.T. sessions and I'll be released to full workouts in the pool. All will work out for the best. Keep posting and letting us know how your doing. Don't forget to ask any questions that you might have. We may not always know the right answer, but we are always entertaining!!! -
I just saw on Amazon that one can buy a "mini Sriracha Sauce bottle key chain". That's hilarious! --Speaking of addiction!! I guess I'm going to have to try some after all.
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I know. I know. I know. I'm with you 400%. I am restarting after 4yrs. I did do the 5 Day Pouch Test. It let met have the chance to "feel" what my sleeve was trying to tell me. My restriction is still valid. I just had to "relearn" the feeling of it. You can do this. You HAVE done this. Going back to basics isn't a step backwards. It's getting a running start!! Keep posting and let us know how you're doing. You are NOT alone! Chin up!, or as my grandson says, "Chins up, Granny!" He always makes me smile,--the little adorable brat!
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A social worker? I'd rather learn to do my own IVs (and I have). But either way, accept the offer to help keep yourself hydrated. Getting your fluids in can be a difficult task right after surgery for a person with two kidneys. If having some IV fluids will ease your path, why not?? Be healthy and post often to let us know how you are doing!
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Reason 100million why I need this!
Valentina replied to choicemun's topic in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
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Pre-Op diet question
Valentina replied to drumking88's topic in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
I couldn't give you any better advice, so I didn't... -
A doctor to doctor conference call will usually get the job done.
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Hopefully, this is no surprise for your surgeon +/or nutritionist. What have they said about it?? Be well, and keep us posted.
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Reason 100million why I need this!
Valentina replied to choicemun's topic in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
I remember growing up with a mother who tipped the scales at well over 300lbs. and ya know what? I NEVER, EVER--NOT ONCE-NEVER wanted her not to come to one of my school functions. When we had concert or an assembly and I looked up and saw my mom in the crowd, my heart would sing with happiness. She was MOM. --and she came to school just for ME!!!! Chin up, my friend. Are you going to the play date, just to meet new people or are you going to stay involved in your children's' lives, and maybe meet their parents who are there for the same reason?? Give other parents the benefit of the doubt. Go and have fun!!! You got this!!!! -
Help: 1st Family Gathering Post Op
Valentina replied to MayMarie's topic in Post-op Diets and Questions
How about a crockpot stew---meat heavy, no starch, with fresh veggies added? Cook until real soft and tender??? (do not thicken it. Just leave au'jous )