Dr-Patient

Merry Christmas to everyone. Last night I took a picture of me in my Santa hat and Christmas sweater (just before I skyped with my long-distance man--who I'll be with for new year's weekend and more!!). What a difference from the one I took 15 years ago when I was almost 100 pounds heavier, trying to look cute. This picture--yes, years older--I loook sooo much better, happier and internally 'jolly'. Thank God for my VSG! Merry Christmas.

You might be dehydrated (though it might be hard to get in all your fluids). OR your blood pressure might be a lot lower than it was when you were heavier. I had that, too, at the 2 week mark. When I check my BP, it was 106/72, not the usual 150/96. I sucked on a few potato chips to get in a little sodium. I'm not 'medically' advising you do that, but it helped me get my BP up a bit. Felt better. Merry Christmas.

Oh my. What happened here? It seems that after the 12/9, 12:24 pm post by Babbs, the conversation went way off track. Was something deleted or edited? Wow. And didn't the OP start by mentioning sniping on here by some? Hmm. Exiting now. Not my vibe. Y'all have fun, or better yet...stop this. Very nasty tones. Merry Christmas.

I wouldn't advise it until after your incisions are FULLY healed. There are so many microorganisms and amoebas in the water--even salt water--that I wouldn't risk it. And in pools/hot tubs, etc., even worse. But, as with many repies on BP...see what your doctor says. Have fun. How is Aruba? I've never been there. Best places to stay? Things to do?

Hope all went well. Later, too, tell insecure hubby that while this is about a better you, once you are well and healed, and smaller, there will be better sex for everybody!!! He can 'get' even further; find some "new" stuff. [just sayin'... (Pelvic Surgeon doc here :-)] Take your time. Get well. Look forward to the new YOU--healthy, happy, foxy and fine.

Hello, all. Just sharing articles in CONNECT, the ASMBS's e-newsletter blast, sent yesterday. Merry Christmas. Check Out the Top Trending Articles in the New Issue Obesity Viewed as Big a Health Threat as Cancer, But Many Have Misperceptions About Treatment ASMBS Survey Makes Headlines Across America ObesityWeek 2016 in Pictures Also, stay up to date on the obesity and metabolic/bariatric surgery news that made headlines in the latest installment of Stories of the Week available now. Should Teens Undergo Weight Loss Surgery? UK Still Lagging Behind Most of EU on Bariatric Surgery Gastric Bypass Associated with Improved Insulin Sensitivity Weight Loss After Bariatric Surgery Correlated with IOP Lowering

Girl, just do YOU. He is 1) scared you're gonna get all fly and other men will be checking you out. 20 scared you won't want him anymore; and 3) he's not sure of his place in your new world. BUT... Medically you are overweight, etc., and you are looking to better yourself and your health. Good for you! He needs to look beyond himself and see what's best for you--his wife and your family. And if he loved and married you at the earlier weight, then he does like 'skinny' women. he married one--you! Don't let his negativity stop you and your wls journey. Go Forth, head high!! He'll like what he sees as you progress. Just reassure him as you are getting fly that you still love him, etc. [Men. I swear. Love 'em, but they are such babies sometimes.]

@@LittleBill @@LipstickLady And now that you're losing weight, you'll be able to reach and see everything you've got!!! Well, alrighty, then. Congratulations. Hey, it's Friday. Going to a nice jazz concert soon. Feeling good and loose. Have a nice weekend, all.

I had my VSG Dec. 4, 2013 and it was the BEST decision I ever made for myself. It's been an entire life, social and mental change for the best. Thank you God, and surgeon...and me, for deciding to do it; plus those who helped me those first few days. [One guy took me to surgery (out-patient); then delivered me to another gent who kept me for my first three nights.] Any others have their VSG around that time? How are you doing?? Be blessed!

I would let the doctor for whom that nurse works know that she is putting her personal opinion on a patient's medical plans. Not her job or responsibility. She was out of line, given the context of her being at work. In general, other than your immediate support system (if any), don't tell anyone. You don't need people's negative, uniformed energy coming at you as you are making decisions to better your life and get a peace about your body. Again, that nurse had no business interjecting her personal opinion into your medical decisions. Not her place. Don't get her fired, but I would tell the doctor that you'd rather she not have addressed your personal condition with a negative energy.

I agree with the recommendation to go strictly high protein: meats, chicken, eggs, fish, NO CARBS. Also (and I've said this a lot), I don't lose weight with sucralose/Splenda. It actually acts like sugar in my body so when I stopped it, I began to lose nicely. Speak to the nutritionist at your doctor's, take a good summary of your food intake, activity, etc.

More later, but don't let naysayers block you from making yourself better, healthy and happier. HAPPY!! Carrying excess weight weighs down one's spirit, heart, social life, self-confidence, etc. Q: Your weight says '230'; have you thought of the vertical sleeve? Just asking. Do YOU.

I don't go by the BMI (and yes, I'm an MD). I thought I wanted to get to 165 (from 271 max). BUT my face will look too thin, and that will make me look older. I'm looking great right now ~ 180 pounds, wearing a size 10-12/Medium, so I think I will stop at 175 and have the 5 pounds to play with prn. I could have gotten there by now, but I'm not an exerciser beyond walking. Besides I don't want to lose my butt, curves or all my boobs--that aren't as bountiful as before [~saggy sacs]...but they're still good. at 5'5", 180...works for me. Later for the BMI.

It'll be fine. I am a great cook and was initially concerned I wouldn't be able to cook, nor cook for others. But two weeks after my VSG (Dec. 2013), I cooked a big "Christmas-style" dinner for the two men who helped me with my surgery. I was so happy I could do it and I didn't even taste anything--not the meats, veggies, nothing. I told them I hadn't tasted any of it, and i still "got down"; it was still delicious, still it was a winner.

I was going to say $#$%%^ ^%$%^* $%^*&*( @#$*&*&^, !!!!!!!!!!! but I think I'll quietly exit this thread.

Next Tuesday night will be "must see TV." What are your food plans for watching the returns? Anyone having a 'watch party'? Any special foods anyone is fixing? Normally, I'd fix a big meal and bake a pie or something, but obviously that ain't happenin'. [Please no POLITICAL candidate name-calling/debating, etc, unless you're somehow crafty; the question is about food in our wls world. :-)]

You want honesty? I attempted liquids for 2 days. But while I should have at least gone for some filet mignon or something, my 'last supper' the mid-afternoon before my surgery was knockwursts and baked Beans, then a bottle of nasty magnesium citrate. Now, I do not recommend my aberrant path to any patient.

@@blizair09 Pepto Bismol sounds like a grand idea!!!!!!!!!!!! This has been, and is, a mixed bag of crazy. I still don't know what I'm cooking, though.

I had my surgery Dec. 4, 2013, age 58. I am now 61 and am the sexiest, most confident me I've ever been! If I wasn't so private, i'd post my pictures. But damn...I'm digging me, look "hot", am confident, make eye contact, walk with my head up, speak to others and am enjoying the attention from men. Plus I no longer canvas the room to see if I'm the fattest woman there. Freedom!! It's all good!!!! This week I was changing my clothes from summer to winter, and am ~frustrated that clothes I had altered last year are now, too big for me. Great news, yes; but more money...or I'll just get a friend to pin them and I'll sew them smaller. VSG after 50...I vote YES.

Have you been eating a lot of carbs?

Now almost three years post-VSG, I don't have "will power" issues at all. With my EYES, I might lament that I can't eat a big ol' meal like I used to, but not really. The sleeve will let you know that you cannot eat as you did before. I love the restriction it gives me, especially if I eat slowly. Eating too fast is tempting (especially the further you are away from the surgery). But if you eat too fast, you really feel full and it is not comfortable at all. Damn; is my stomach going to burst!? Am I going to stretch my sleeve? I don't want to worry about that, so if I eat slowly, I notice when I need to stop eating, and I do. And for most things, I pull off most of the bread, push aside 90% of any Pasta, etc., and always have 'to go' boxes with stuff still in them in my refrigerator.

You can do it!!!! Anxiety is normal, but don't block your blessings. Get out of your own way. Take a breath. Say a prayer (or a few) and walk through the door of wls. It's the tool that can help give you the life you want.

I put sliced peaches "no sugar added" from the can on my small curd cottage cheese. When both items are cold, it almost tastes like ice cream. (I said almost.) But it's a good way to eat it and get some sweetness. Maybe add a dash of cinammon. Bon appetit.

Hard fact: If you're like most of us, and have the repeated history of "I can do this weight loss thing"...you likely won't lose the >200 pounds on your own, but will keep struggling and failing. Just sayin', cuz we've all been there. If you follow through with the surgery, you will be opening the door to a healthier, happier, sexier, more confident, more professional you. Walking in the fullness of the man you can be, should be and will be! Get ready for a happier you. My VSG was the BEST decision I ever made for myself; I just wish I'd done it sooner! Hallelujah!!

Have you thought to let your hair just "breathe free" so it can get some direct nutrients and moisturizers--maybe use Motions, Design Essentials or other [products with NO ALCOHOL, that dry hair]--and give your hair a break from that stuff and possible more entanglement (plus the weight of the added hair)? Hair loss happens to most; it will need the most direct care, moisture, nutrition, scalp massage you can give it. Not through those materials. Good moisturizers, a flat Iron on low...you're good to go. Stylish. Maybe loosely braid it at night/bedtime; silk scarf or pillow case. Just a thought. Good luck.