BeagleLover

Your story really resonates with me! I had a jobs at a few different places-- they seemed to think that, because they were paying me a salary for doing a job, they had the right to verbally abuse me. NOT! I filed lots of complaints, and the stress level was high. After the last job, I just couldn't take looking for a job again and retired. I hear you. I agree with finding another therapist. That last one wasn't good enough.

First, I would see if your hospital has a bariatric coordinator and ask if it could be scheduled after you have the baby. If not, call your insurance company. If you are going with insurance, do they require a "Center of Excellence" hospital? Best wishes for your family and the bambino!

Welcome! You may want to check out the Forums-- the one for veterans. Lots of interesting stuff there!

Good luck.... and let the games BEGIN! Congratulations!

Congratulations! Yeah, you will.

Congratulations! I'll be you can now exhale.

You lucky dawg! I'll have to do pre-op for 2 weeks.

If they are tank tops, it's easy to pull up the straps & sew straight across, either with a sewing machine or hand stitching. That'll take up the slack.

According to my NUT, on average around 18 - 24 months, there is a slight upswing in weight. Not too much to be worried about. Just get back to basics to knock them out of the park!

When they do the surgery, the doctors pump air in so they have room to do the surgery. It takes awhile to dissipate. Walking as much as possible will help get rid of it.

Congratulations for having the courage and mental stamina to leave. You sound like a good role model for your daughters.

Please check out this post on a scientific study of 4888 patients and leak complication rate: http://www.bariatricpal.com/topic/314316-sleeve-leak-risk-study-on-4888-patients/ Surg Endosc. 2012 Jun;26(6):1509-15. doi: 10.1007/s00464-011-2085-3. Epub 2011 Dec 17.

I'm not positive, but I wonder if it's not getting enough high quality protein(?)

I've read that using a firm small pillow when you cough helps support the area & it won't hurt as much.

If you are having trouble not indulging, to the point where you think you might hurt yourself, I recommend therapy and/or a book that helped me: Emotional First + Aide by Cynthia Alexander (the bariatric surgery one). Hope this helps!

I've read that, to get rid of the gas they put in you in order to do the surgery, walking helps the most. For regular intestinal gas, Gas-X Strips work.

I can't answer that... I'd wait until it's been out for awhile and look for scientific reviews on efficacy.

A woman was lying face down on the table & this laser light went up and down her thighs. Guess it worked, but you really couldn't see anything. I did take notes, because maybe that looked less invasive than a thigh lift: 5/2/14 The Doctors Melt Off Cellulite Dr. Thomas Barnes, cosmetic surgeon, FAACS FDA approved & reduction of size of hips, waist. The Vershu by Erconia Lasers Green light goes into the dermis, creating an opening for the fat to come out. Treatments: 15 minutes – 1 – 2x/week, up to 6 weeks Cost: $100 - $200 per treatment

If it's gas within your intestinal tract, I've read that Gas-X Strips helped them. Good luck.

Try walking... it may be gas from the surgery.

Look great-- thanks!

I'm so sorry to hear of your son's death. I came *very* close to losing my 4-year-old daughter and still don't think I would know just how awful this must be for you! I respect people that take charge of their life, helping themselves live longer. I don't care at all where people start weight-wise. I also applaud your generosity, love and commitment for your adopted kids! Taking away the burden of being heavy should help you take care of current health problems, avoid future ones, and make it easier on you physically so you'll have an easier time moving around and turning the bend on getting going again. All power to you!

To be safe, I would follow post op instructions to the letter.

You don't HAVE to drink to avoid being a buzz kill! Just say no thanks and change the conversation and move on. If this is an active talkative group and you are participating, would they really be attentive to the fact that you're eating slowly?

No. I like to get clothes stuff on Ebay. Many times it's a fraction of the retail price.