VSGAnn2014

For some reason a post I made here didn't show up. Essentially, I said: Yes, if you trust the surgeon, do the surgery on Monday. Unless, of course, they put you far down the line a #8 or #12 or #16 -- or whatever number in line makes you uncomfortable. Best of luck to you.

Just so you know, "Newsweek" has nothing to do with rating those surgeons. Or lawyers. Or hospitals. Or anything else that "appears in Newsweek." Newsweek merely publishes the findings of the company that pays Newsweek to publish their findings.

I have a Ph.D. in psychology. I first worked in education for some time (doing research), but for decades I've consulted in change management in the private sector.

www.gastricsleeve.com is another one. P.S. All the forums seem to shift and change in mood over time -- back and forth.

Had surgery on Monday (August 18), so that's three days ago. Came home Tuesday. Yesterday (Wednesday), I got down 36 ounces of Water. I thought that was pretty good. Today, my goal is 48 ounces. Tomorrow, 64 ounces. Yesterday, I got only 29 grams of Protein. Was surprised it was that much. Greek yogurt is da bomb (comparatively speaking). Feeling some reflux (I think). Am walking some. Need to walk more. Gas around shoulders isn't too bad, but when it hits, it hits. Yesterday, I just slept a lot. Didn't take pain meds last night (hydrocodone - damn, that stuff is strange!) and feel more alert this morning. Boy, this is all pretty weird. And yes ... I am thinking (sometimes) WTF?! It's just weird.

Advanced education degrees are (almost) always a good thing for one's career. And not just because of the degree, but because of the learning you've gained. However, the dream of teaching somewhere down the road based on having only a master's degree is a low odds bet. Have you investigated what the compensation for teaching at that level (typically, in an adjunct position) would be? If not, you should do so very soon. I see so many people -- young and old -- investing so much (money, time, energy) in education who have never actually investigated what their actual job prospects with that degree would be. Remember also that post-secondary education is changing tremendously right now. Much of your own post-secondary education now is being delivered online, not in a classroom with 25 other students under the tutelage of a teacher with a master's degree. All I'm saying is do your due diligence. Be realistic. Don't remain wedded to a dream that isn't true.

Oh, Kindle! Supremely beautiful.

Lou, you and your story are true inspirations for me. Thank you very much for taking the time to post this here.

I think you're doing great.

Kudos to you, skylarkx, for calling the doc. No reason any of us should ever remain uncomfortable or confused. That's what the doctors are paid for and what they signed up for when they became doctors -- to help us, their patients. http://www.acaai.org/about/pages/code-of-ethics.aspx

I'm 68 and just had VSG surgery on August 18 (two days ago). Compared to what I'd been expecting from board postsas surgical aftermath, this is (so far) quite tolerable. (Knock on wood.) I'm only at the beginning of my journey, but like everything else that I (and we oldsters) have ever done, it's just one step at a time. Right now I'm sipping Water, and at mealtimes working very slowly on protein-powder-fortified chicken broth and Greek yogurt. A year from now, I may actually know how to do this. Seriously, I have high hopes. I don't know why I can't do this at least as well younger folks. Because ..."Face it, girls, I'm older, and I have more insurance."

When I have a coach or a therapist, I give them professional permission to call me on my b.s. Likewise, I give my partner the same permission, as well as a couple of very close friends. I don't grant that right to any of my siblings -- the mutual baggage is way too heavy to sort out. And anyone who knows me solely as a name and keystrokes on a message board who then "calls me on my bullshit" (and especially those who have a rep for acting like this) won't have any traction with me at all. Eventually, I'll ignore you. Imma say something: Compared to other WLS boards, this one is a rough one. There's a competitiveness here I don't see on other boards so much.

LOL! No, I had not heard of faux bypasses, so I googled it and found this: http://abcnews.go.com/Health/MindMoodNews/trend-fake-gastric-banding-surgery/story?id=10335931&singlePage=true What utter bullshit. Pure anecdotal, unsubstantiated, un-peer-reviewed baloney. Reminds me of "The Road to Wellville." http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Road_to_Wellville_(film)

What would motivate you?

Self-diagnosed IBS incident -- by someone who's never been diagnosed with IBS before. Seriously? Go see a doctor.

Why would you wait to contact our surgeon until after your visa application? I think you should contact him/her NOW.

The ignore function on this board is useful. I just used it for the first time.

Pre-op diet is now OVER! I just drank my last cup of broth (with 1 teaspoon of Thai peanut dipping sauce). Surgery is tomorrow morning. Last hoop jumped through. Bam!

I'm so sorry you're having these difficulties. I hope your fortunes turn around very soon and that your recovery is strong and soon. I'm wishing the very best for you and for your surgeon.

LOL!

If I lived near a Wegman's my food life would never be dull. You're a lucky girl.

Four weeks is a looooong time to be on that pre-op diet. So you had a tough row to hoe. But the big day is almost here. As you said -- just two more days! Hang in there.

What in the world does post-menopausal have to do with it? Seriously -- where did you get the idea that was a problem?

Tickle, i saw your other thread and now understand your situation better than I did before. Very, very best to you. But you've got to get these new behaviors under control!

Really sorry to hear you're going through this. But if your new "self confidence" escalates (or even if it doesn't) it could put you in danger of being fired, verbally abused, physically attacked, socially isolated, and even jailed. And those things could really screw with your life. So you and your therapist gotta do what you gotta do to manage your behaviors. Very best wishes!