Valentina

I finally had to wrap my head around this: WLS is a gift I ​give TO ME---FROM ME--LOVE ME! I had to love myself enough to make this journey alone if the need be. I put the proverbial "stick up my butt", grit my teeth, gathered my stubbornness and determination and move forward--always forward. Enjoy your family, smile at their "antics! --always keep in mind your journey and the wonderful life you will have when you will be able to interact with your children better, and even that "sometimes thoughtless" husband of yours. "nothing tastes as good as thin feels" Keep in touch

Another update: the two guys closest to me closed their accounts. Haven't chatted with Mr. 40-Mile since Friday, when he was going out of town for the weekend. I'm back to square zero. No, you're back to "just you" and being alone with "just you" is just fine. "If you can't improve upon the silence---don't". Enjoy your time with "yourself".

Yo, ProYo! JohnZ54, is there any soy in this treat? I am EXTREMELY allergic to soy and the damn stuff is in just about everything. Thank YOU.Valentina Hello, it's a lil off topic but what is your reaction if you consume soy? My 8 year daughter is also extremely allergic to soy. She has vomiting and diarrhea. On another note, Healthy Choice also has a Greek frozen yogurt. I've found in the frozen foods section with the Healthy Choice section. I go into anaphylactic shock. Starts with itchy throat/mouth, feeling clammy, itching ALL over, welts everywhere, throat/face swells--can't hear, can't see, breathing difficult/ heart races and then it all goes down hill from there.

--just showing my age and background, I guess. It fits, don't you think??

I remember talking to my surgeon about what dog he should get for his son. ( I am a canine behaviorist) The first thing I remember is thinking "where is the pain"? It never came.

So, here's the plan: The next "schmegma breath" that insults one of us, we grab him from behind, bind their arms and legs. We cut a huge square area out of the center of his gut. Then we implant the same size of plexiglass into the hole that we just made. You might ask,"Valentina?, what is the purpose of having a large piece of plexiglass in the center of a man's gut"? Well, my friends, that is what is called a "plexiotomy". That is made so now whenever this "man" shoves his own head up his *ss, he will be able to see where he's going. (which sounds to me like the loser is going nowhere!!!).

I'm sure most of you know of my story, but for anyone that doesn't here it is in nutshell: My S.O. was adamant about me NOT having WLS. After much praying and soul searching I had my sleeve surgery. My S.O. committed suicide that morning. After 4 1/2 years of denying my surgery not only to the outside world but to myself, I am now ready to finish "my journey"----for ME. So, I guess what I am trying to say is that there are no, --can not be--any "cons" for me. To surrender to any con's would put me back into the dark abyss that I have slowly crawled out of--blaming myself and feeling guilty about John's suicide. It was NOT my fault. It was HIS decision. At first I grieved and mourned for him. Then I was pissed at him for leaving me alone in this world with "no one by myself . Now, I have FINALLY realized that I have ME. If I can complete THAT journey, there is nothing to keep me from finally completely my Quest with-- my sleeve by my side. There is nothing but pros for me, my WLS friends. I am all enthusiasm and gumption. I may have falter coming out of the gate, but I'm in full stride now. I guess what I'm trying to say, is keep everything in proportion. Do not let anyone or anything distract you. Stay focused on your goal and let your little candle light the room!

No, Kindle, that was the beginning of your beginning. I've always had this theory that I swear to be true:-----most men suffer from "HGS" when it comes to being compassionate and caring of a woman's heart. "HGS" stands for "Hanging Genital Syndrome". It has always occurred to me that when one's genitals hang freely from the body, it causes drag throughout the body--eventually the brain. Dragging of the brain causes cellular damage --leaving one cold hearted and obsessed with one's damage causing hanging parts. Of course, not all men suffer from this ailment---just those insensitive sods out there in Never Never Land.

I now just put cooked cauliflower through my potato ricer and oo--laa-laa!--rice. It's very good.

Here's the plan: We singles throw a yearly birthday party for ourselves! Everyone who comes is to bring a present (not to exceed a preset amount) and a beautiful cupcake to exchange. We could even do this regionally if our distances are too far apart. Whatcha think???? My birthday is on Valentines' Day. Tell me that that doesn't suck when one is single????

I also have fibromyalgia. It is still mostly misdiagnosed if not completely ignored. The chronic pain along with constant fatigue is a daily struggle. I, too am a coffee drinker in order to just move my feet forward. Two years ago I had spinal fusion. I woke up with a level 10 migraine--diagnosed as caffeine withdrawal. The pain of the headache far outweighed the surgical pain. I now take Fiorscet (which is one third caffeine) whenever I get a migraine from lack of caffeine. There is much still not known about fibromyalgia. Talk it over with your surgeon. Together you should be able to come up with a "fibromyalgia/sleeve" regime individualized just for you. Stay healthy and keep in touch.

I wouldn't mess with it. I'd call the surgeon. It's so easy to develop a DVT (deep vein thrombosis). It's probably nothing, but why take the chance? If it is concerning you, then call the surgeon. He'll want to know. Put your mind to ease. Let us know how you make out. Be Healthy.

4 1/2 years out and still can not tolerate rice--not even a wee bit. I love sushi, but never eat the rice. --and I eat the ginger with it always. Ginger calms the gut. Go and enjoy your night out. If in doubt, don't try the rice for the first time in public. Stay healthy and let us know how your evening went.

Since I'm allergic to Beans they are a nonissue to me. My question is: Am I the only one who can't tolerate rice? I am almost 5 years out and rice and me are a definite "no go"--not even a wee bit. I used to love Popeye's chicken and shrimp, but since "Sleevy" came into my love, it's all too spicy for me. Has anyone else's taste buds changed since surgery?

im scared im going to die in the surgery my coworkers tell me alot of negative things! one of my coworkers even told me, IF Your FAT your FAT accepted! i was like what??? did u really just say that?!n I'd still say, "I'll pray for you", and walk away.

Why not call your surgeon's office? I believe that is the number 1 place to start. Other than that, I would "burn" the slice of toast. Charcoal settles the gut. Feel better and keep in touch.

Alex, there has been a great deal of discussing of Nurtritional Yeast on this thread. What is your opinion of it? Have you ever used it? I must say, it does add a great flavor (and protein) to veggies (especially green salads).

Oooo...give em my phone number....as long as they have a car to drive themselves home when I'm done with them. If they don't have a car you could always call 911 to carry his carcass away---or should you call "Animal Control"???

OK, I have finally stopped laughing. Thank you. I needed a good laugh. --not at your expense, but at the sheer absurdity of the whole online dating scene. I am late for my therapy appointment (no, your situation did not drive me to it! ), but do I have a story for you! Just be careful!! When any of us go through this WL process, we become extremely vulnerable. Some how that vulnerability is easy to pick up on. Aren't we all looking for some form of validation and a "soft place to land" ? Be careful and the first time anyone asks you "for a loan, a money gift or some money to prove your commitment", shut that person down and block them immediately. Be kind to yourself. You've come a long way and deserve to find that "some one special". Take your time, choose selectively---YOU do the cherry pick'n. After all, YOU are the prize, not them. Take care of your heart just as carefully as you have taken care of your new body. Keep in touch, Valentina

I know what you are going through. I am allergic to anything SOY and all legumes (beans/peas, etc.) I had to research, research, research. The internet is a great resource. Also, I would ask your nutritionist for help. Let people know in your surgeon's office. They could make it a challenge to see who can find you a suitable replacement first. Of course with all of the folks on this site, it would not surprise me if somebody out there will have exactly what you need. Good luck. Be healthy and keep in touch. I care... Valentina

So, if I sprinkled nutritional yeast onto my cauliflower instead of parm. cheese, what would the taste be? What would be the benefits/drawbacks? Now you have my curiosity going! It is yummy! Here is a recipe with cauliflower and nutritional yeast that I have been making for years: http://www.delightedmomma.com/2013/01/cheesy-baked-cauliflower-poppers-dairy.html Thank you! Guess what's for dinner tonight??

I ordered a nutritional yeast cookbook online. I'm really looking forward to seeing what I can do with new-found taste treat. I'll let you know if you'd like to know about it.

I think also that sipping through a straw allows too much air into your new tummy. As far as eating with others, just politely say, "I'm full, thank you". No need to say anything else. Just take a deep breath and relax. Your world will settle down around you. Give yourself time. You will are ARE doing maavelous, Daaling!

I am believing that integrity is an extremely personal character foundation. Ten people will have ten different ways of describing it. Some people call it, gumption, or intestinal fortitude, inner strength, inner character or even a completely different persona living inside of us. If using one's "integrity" to keep one on the straight and narrow, I say "Bravo!". That is how personal the meaning of the word is. Whatever gets one through with their dignity and pride intact is okee dokee with me.

So, if I sprinkled nutritional yeast onto my cauliflower instead of parm. cheese, what would the taste be? What would be the benefits/drawbacks? Now you have my curiosity going! Well, there is zero fat, and higher iron, and that benefit of making veg taste like bread.... thank you! I found some nutritional yeast today--not an easy task by any means here is rural NY state. I didn't want to order it online until I had tried it. I finally found it at the "artsy fartsy store on the state college campus. I felt a wee out of place not having any dreadlocks... I put some on my cauliflower from last night and some on my spinach salad. You're right, I made bite have a "breadsy" taste .(Is "breadsy" a real word?) Anyway, you get the idea. My teeth kept looking for the croutons... Thank you again for this treasure. It sure will add some variety to the ol' taste buds.