CanyonBaby

1. Gastric sleeve, to rid myself of diabetes. CHECK! To be able to take N-Saids for arthritis. 2. Extremely supportive. 3. None, I was prepared. 4. Typical recovery, up and running within a week. 5. Typical, first 50lbs in 4 months, slowed down after that (it also depends on how much you have to lose). 6. Off most meds, including diabetes and blood pressure. Diabetes in remission. 7. Yes. In a heartbeat. 8. Yes. WHY DIDN'T I DO THIS SOONER?! 9. Read up on ALL side effects, possible complications. BE PREPARED! 10. None. All in moderation. Good luck to you on your journey!

I went to our support group last month, where a plastic surgeon was the guest speaker. He basically told us the only plastics that could get approved (by insurance) was the panni. But don't be discouraged, if you self-pay, the rates come way down, usually. And some places offer payment plans. So look into it, it can't hurt to ask! Good luck to you!

Bags!!!!! I love the Dooney and Bourkes, and Kate Spade, so every ten pounds I lose I treat myself. I save up for it in the weeks/months prior to the goal. Ok. So sometimes I'm not QUITE on goal, but what an incentive!!!!

Butter. Need I say more? Moderation. Butter.

Thank you so much. You have no idea how much I appreciate that. I thought WLS was a scary thing. It pales in comparison, truly pales. Until I was in this position, I never knew how incredibly overwhelming this challenge is, not for me so much, but for the one actually going through it. God Himself has been walking me through this, day by day; Grace sufficient for the day. Thanks again, and bless you....

Have you chatted with your surgical team about this yet? Maybe a good idea. Try using tepid water, and tepid drinks to get in your fluids. They are kinder on the tummy. Especially when you start the day, or start a meal. Start with a couple of bites of soft food when you start a meal. The tummy needs to be "primed" for the harsher stuff. And the room-temperature liquids are a lot more friendly to the tummy, too. Good luck to you....

@@Babbs And I get tired of the comments, because I just want to be "normal", and not constantly be reminded of what I WAS. Maybe I'm just tired....

@@4MRB4PHOTO So THAT'S where he is......gotta get me a bigger mirror........

@@DreamingAzure It is good you are recognizing where your motive is coming from. That, in and of itself, is maturity in action. And a person NEEDS to be mature to handle WLS. I don't know why you have not WLS yet, and I don't need to know. BUT, I may say this: if you aren't IN the canoe, you are NOT able to paddle. Same with WLS. If you haven't had it, you don't know what people who HAVE had it go through, thus you are NOT able to judge the journey OR the outcome. Many of us have NO IDEA what sizes or types of undergarments or clothing to wear after WLS, we just want to look good. Everyone has different tastes and ideas of what looks good. And there are MANY cultures that have differing styles of clothes. So instead of looking at the CLOTHES, look at the JOY in the FACE of her/him wearing the clothes. THERE you will find the REAL beauty!!!!!

After the week I've had, watching my husband undergo the challenges of cancer treatment, this whole post seems so unimportant. Sure people want opinions after losing weight, working their asses off (literally AND figuratively) to reach a goal only their eyes AND minds attempt to aspire to, they're simply hoping they will find others who either have reached that goal, or are trying to reach their goal, without a mean spirit to burst their bubble. SO WHAT IF THEY NEED A DIFFERENT BRA? SO WHAT IF THINGS DON'T LOOK TO OTHERS AS they SEE THEMSELVES? Yes. people will say they look amazing, but the POINT they are making is it ISN'T just the LOOK that is amazing, IT WAS THEIR JOURNEY. Their journey was/is amazing. If you don't get this, maybe WLS isn't for YOU.

I'm guessing you are experiencing acid. Are you on an acid reducer? If not, ask your nurse for either a prescription, or a suggested over-the-counter brand. If you ARE on one already, ask about upping the dosage. Good luck to you!

@@MissLiss Thank you for your prayers, they are all heard, and definitely all appreciated! My husband went in for his second colonoscopy today, to no avail as the doctor could not get the biopsies he needed to get. So he went in for x-rays, which we will hear results from tomorrow morning. The surgery will have to be done without any other tests, apparently. And it needs to be done ASAP, so I imagine either this week or early next. We think the cyst on his pancreas may be from a fall he had off of a ladder last summer. The "bloated" sensation isn't bloating at all, but because he has this blockage, it is food that can't pass through the colon in the same timing as normally done. This is a BIG heads-up for all, as colon issues apparently don't always present symptoms (my husband didn't really recognize his symptoms as symptoms), but on the slightest change, get medical attention. Here is an otherwise VERY healthy, robust man, who has never smoked, hasn't used alcohol in over 25 years, never did any type of drug (other than the rare aspirin), works out a minimum of 5 times a week (burning a minimum of 500 calories - P90X...) and works outdoors 80 percent of the time....just healthy as can be. Never sick, other than minor colds once every few years. And there it is. Surprise. Out of the blue. No warning. ANYONE, ANYWHERE can have health issues. Take care, people! Take CARE!

@ I can't even begin to imagine WHY she would've done that, but I'm glad you threw the curve ball back at her! WHERE is the sensitivity, kindness, and consideration of/for others? Why do people have to be TOLD to be nice? I just don't understand. When I slip, I (at MINIMUM) spend the night berating myself, worry myself intolerable, and kick myself...with no satisfaction, because wrong CANNOT be satisfied. It just FEELS good to be kind, pleasant, nice, considerate, loving, caring.......and it comes BACK! Maybe not always right away, but perhaps in ways we do not necessarily even see. And I believe you DO reap what you sow. Thanks for the hug, I'm thinking right now, the more the better!!!!

I am hoping those folks have something better to do than to stare at your physique and posture. Maybe, just be....YOU! No, you don't have to tell anyone about your surgeries, why do they need to know? This is your treat to yourself, and no one has to have anything to do with it. And good for you for doing it! Now, stand tall, strong, and beautiful, and go to work! Be proud of what you have accomplished; there is no need to hide, pretend, or disguise your beauty! If anyone absolutely HAS to say something, consider it thoughtfully, and respond accordingly. YOU are in CHARGE!

If you really like varying your flavors, try using some of the really cool spice blends from Penzey's spices (Penzey's.com), or try blending your own spices together. Then add to your ninja with favorite foods. I especially like their Tsardust Memories, Krakow Nights, English Prime Rib Rub (on any beef), Galena Street, Old World, Greek....there are so many! Since I like to broil or grill my foods, these all make great rubs. You CAN grill foods, then puree them, then add to make soup... adds great flavor!

@@VSGAnn2014 I guess it isn't enough stress on those of us (either spouse, family or officer) to be in law enforcement, then to have something like this enter in. I guess it's always something! Thank YOUR hubs for us, for his service, and thank YOU for supporting him all this time!

@@Babbs We like Boise; my husband gets down there from time to time, for work. I haven't been there for a few years, now, but Dave goes through everytime he heads down to Burning Man (Nevada) or Little Sahara (Utah) for work details. Whenever you are up here, if you do, let me know...we could meet up! That would be fun!

Now that I am in this position of taking care of my husband, I am motivated to be able to do the things he used to do, that now I will have to do, following his surgery. Things I couldn't have physically done prior to WLS. I am motivated by the kind and caring folks on BP who have pumped up my self-esteem, and strength to do for him what he has done for me in the past with MY surgeries.

@@blondebomb I think this issue is far bigger, and more prevalent, than perhaps our doctors wish to admit. By doing so may discourage some from having the surgery. So maybe they don't feel it is in their best interest to advertise this aspect more "loudly". Maybe the best thing they could do would be to offer more than just a "support" group, but some psychological group counselling as part of after care. Actually have counselors present to advise and counsel, not just immediately after surgery, but months down the line, or for as long as necessary. Of course $$$$$$$ would come into it, when doesn't it?! But this would be such a valuable help, especially for those who tend to go back to old habits, and for those of us who have this identity issue. If we all pose this to our surgeons, maybe it WILL become a possibility!

@@abbyg Thank you so much for your caring and kind words. I must keep in mind what you say, although my burden will never be as big as a cross. And I, too, am a believer of God never giving us more than we can handle. It just SEEMS that way, sometimes, especially when so many things come at once, and are such a surprise. All these years, with all the surgeries I have had, have been a way to prepare not only me for this, but for me to be able to tell my husband what he can expect with surgery, and perhaps help prepare him for what is to come. I pray everyday, many times throughout the day, for God to relieve us of this burden, and if it is His Will, it shall be done. If not, He is with us every step of the way, strengthening us for the next step. Sometimes it is a blind step, but it is a guided one. Thank you for caring enough to step a little on our path, and give us comfort. Bless you....

@@VSGAnn2014 As my husband has quite a blockage in his intestine, he probably won't have a lot of time before having surgery. His 2nd colonoscopy is on Tuesday, and an MRI is for Thursday. It IS exhausting, but the worst part is the uncertainty of it all. He is trying to be so brave and strong, and so am I, but it still shows. He has never been sick (other than colds) or had surgery before, so this is so new to him. He IS mortal, afterall! He just didn't know it until this week. It is sad to see him face that reality. Superman is just a man. Granted a great one, but still a man. Human. Your advice is most welcome, and I shall try hard to heed it. You just get going in all directions, and things get out of control in a hurry. Take time to breathe! We will go out on the Harley this late afternoon, and try and find a little of that peace. But first, we must trim the dogs faces of hair, and give them a bath...much needed! Thanks so much for your kind words...they mean sooooo much!

@@Babbs No, my husband is a federal officer, and civilians are not allowed to ride in the government rigs. He took his rig, and his boss was with him. And to tell you the truth (I watched the funeral on the internet), I don't think I could have got through it without losing control, as I am rather stressed out right now. The funeral was in Coeur d'Alene, and there were hundreds in attendance. What a wonderful tribute. It is so nice to see the support for our fellow law enforcement officers. They do so much, and are under so much stress, and it seems they get very little recognition for their efforts. Most law enforcement officers are such decent people, and the public knows so little of what they really endure, day in and day out. Unfortunately, it seems funerals are the only way for the public to show support. Where in Idaho are you located? We are in the Spokane, WA area.

@@Elode @@Alex Brecher That crazy day is behind me, thank Goodness. Now for the crazy days ahead; my husband and I will have to endure that place at least one more time, as our hospitals are linked together in this city. Since my husband will need many tests for his issues, they will be passing us around from hospital to hospital. Can't wait. However, the particular person that I had to deal with won't be there, as his issues aren't heart-related. Yay for that! I thank you heartily for your concerns and kindnesses. It has been a very hard day for my husband, having to attend a fellow officer's funeral. Plus sitting there all the while worried about his own issues. I have never seen him scared before, it is new to both of us. Thanks, all, for your continuing prayers, they are most welcomed and needed. Bless you all......

@@hillgirly Thanks so much....going to try this today!

@@brightlife0305 Would you kindly tell me how you roast the chick peas? This sounds really good, and I prefer "doing it myself", as well! Thanks!