gmanbat

I never forward anything that tries to emotionaly manipulate me into forwarding no matter how much I agree with the content. I am not a cyber puppet. Amazing how bent out of shape people get at religious expression. In no way does the post do anyone any harm. Unless someone is trying to behead you let it go.

http://www.dailymail...tus-symbol.html Plastic surgery, tummy tucks, liposuction, etc. are talked about freely as status symbols for celebrities and even normal folks. Why should us bariatric surgery stars lurk around in shadows like we've done something wrong? A great percentage of new posts on here are about whether to tell folks. A prevailing reason not to reveal is because people are either ignorant, rude or both and you dread their reactions. The problem is theirs, not yours. . A great majority of sleevers here are thoughtful, intelligent people. I have experienced kindness here that I have not experienced in many a forum. We are not stupid, careless people. The surgery speaks well of us: we are aggressively taking charge of our lives. We have the courage to do something radical, not because it might work but because it will work. Most of us understand that the VSG is just a tool and we know that a fundamental change in many aspects of our behavior is required. This is no diet fad, this is a decisive people doing what has to be done for the sake of our lives and the lives of our loved ones. Society in general benefits because our defeat of obesity transforms us into more productive contributors. So what is to be ashamed of? Nothing! Hold your head high, those belly scars are badges of honor. Everyone has problems. You are dealing with yours head on. It speaks well of your courage and passion for life. I have been a minister for many years. I know that the way you present something has a great deal to do with how it is received. If you act ashamed the hearers will get the impression that you've done a shameful thing. If you talk about it like you just purchased a Maserati the majority of folks will get the impression that you are on to something great. Your status is in your heart, in your head, and in your hands. Stand up,... be proud!

I have just been reading the biography of Cary Grant, the actor who is considered one of the most desirable men who ever lived. His real name was Archie Leach and he had considerable trouble with depression and lack of confidence. You most certainly would never know it by his actions on the big screen. Playing a part is not necessarily being fake. Actors pull most of their parts out of something inside themselves. They, in a sense, activate a side to their personality that in normal life they would not act out. I have been a public speaker many years. In the beginning I emulated the style of a very confident speaker that I was acquainted with. I took a role as him when I spoke. It worked for me. I added my essence and made it my own. I found out later that this speaker was quite lacking in confidence as well. He overcame his fear by acting brave. Be yourself but realize that what you are could be much more than what you have allowed yourself to be in the past.

Welcome! WOW! Good work!!!

I was not in pain due in part to the morphine and the Lortab. I was not tired because I was not doing much, sleeping as much as possible and occasional walking. I took my time for recovery, never one to waste an opportunity to goldbrick and get sympathy.

Bring back the bustle!

Well thought out. Good for you.Your eyes are wide open. A very good indicator of your ultimate success. Due concern means you have no illusions. You know what must be done and what is at stake. That is a mind that can sustain the campaign. Somehow my mind went to elaborate weddings that were called off at the last second. A little more pre-knowledge would have remedied the situation. Quite a problem for local storekeepers who now have an overstock of returned toasters.

Good point. Like most of my sweeping philosophical dissertations one size does not fit all, and I will mischaracterize some who have thought this through in careful detail and have arrived at a position at odds with my summation. My desire was to offer support to those who by personal experience or by the ham-handed bantering of acquaintances and relatives have relegated themselves to inferior emotional positions due to the surgery. I did not take into account those who have other reasons for their reticence to reveal. My apologies.

Liquids just pass through quicker. Listen to Laura, take it easy. Slow it down. You have to learn to tune into your stomachs feelings. It doesn't always scream at you. The idea is NOT to take it to the max.

Ya, cereal can have good Fiber, flax cereal especially good for oils. When tum-tum can handle it, of course.

Good thinking! I like to work the unflavored protein into a bowl of cereal. Any way of getting it in and keeping it down is cool.

Hi Jonching! Welcome!!!

I got a cheap flyer in the mail one day selling miracle bath fat puller. Apparently, you put this stuff in the bath Water and it pulls the fat out of your body, 20-30 pounds in 20 minutes. It had a drawn picture of a fat body-before, and a skinny body-after. I guess you'd have to call a plumber afterward to unclog your fat clogged drain. I was amazed to think that some people would actually believe this malarky. People fill in the gaps in their knowledge with imagination. Politicians count on it. They insinuate and let you do rest in your mind. Facts are secondary to effect. If you feel so inclined you may destroy their ignorance with fact. Be aware that some folks prefer imagination regardless of it's proximity to reality.

Those knock out drugs can play bad with nausea. Hope it passes soon for you.

Welcome! There are lots of folks who are self-pay to Mexico. You are sure to get good advice. Good days ahead for you!

I just took myself in, my Cpap machine for apnea,(no longer needed), and my blood pressure meds,(also no longer needed).We only lived 4 blocks from the hospital so wife would go get anything I needed.

The liquid diet was the hardest part for me. It was like fighting a war without weapons. I couldn't wait to be issued my VSG m16!

I spent a great deal of cash on chewable Vitamins off of the internet when wife and I had our operations. Now we buy Centrum Silver chewables at Walmart. I am a year and a half out and still don't like to swallow pills. I know I am over-babying my stomach. I chew all my pills no matter how gross they taste.

My main incision was right over my belly button. Looks like you came through it like a champ. I was too morphined out to bother with paparazzi. You have a sweet smile.

That's a good time to be there! Doctor's are fresh and if they've had their coffee, wide awake and ready to do their thing.

Good for you!!! You are in for major changes, you will dump your closet twice, maybe three times. Advice: don't buy expensive clothes until a year out at least. Don't sweat the stalls. Be happy!

I have read that not all of the ghrelin is gone. It was cut down a lot, though. I judge real hunger by accompanying body and mind indicators. If I am weaker, getting dizzy, getting cranky, it might be real. If I am just thinking about food or just had an emotional trauma that in the past would have sent me to the burritos it is probably head hunger. Water shortage masquerades as hunger sometimes. Ah..the art of reading yourself.

Ups and downs energy-wise are normal. Keep up on your water and protein and take naps like everyone said. Vitamins help, too, especially B12. Get someone to give you a back massage. It doesn't help your energy but you might as well milk the situation.

Wow, close! Hang in there, Kim! Being a bit nervous is quite normal. I was nervous but joked my way through it to look tough for my wife. She saw through my humor smokescreen, of course.

If you were not a little worried I would wonder if you knew what you were doing. You are normal and welcome!