CanyonBaby

Yeah, you're probably right, and that is why I suggested giving it a second thought. I have read a lot of posts from folks who have stated they regret having the surgery, and wished their stomachs back. I wish they would have taken a few extra moments to determine if, indeed, this would be right for them. It is a VERY difficult decision, and some make it too hastily. Take some time, read the posts about questioning the surgery. Ask them why they regret it, this might help make the decision easier. I, personally am ECSTATIC about having it; it has taken the decision of eating to excess out of my hands. I now can plan on having a longer (although who TRULY knows about that?) life, a healthier life, and a happier life, because I am now starting to CARE about my life so much more than I used to. I used to think "why am I still here, what is the point?". How sad is that? The downward spiral my life was diving into was unbearable. No way out, kinda thing. I wanted out, and this surgery gave me my chance. I took it. I don't regret it. But I DO have regrets in my life about things I cannot change. Regrets are not easy to live with. That's why it is SO important to REALLY learn about this surgery, and ALL the consequences of it, both good and not so good. I DO wish you all the best, and happy thinking!!!

And where, exactly, is your restaurant located? I'll be there by noon....

@@Djmohr Did I mention I will be having LOTS of veggies FOR SALE if this doesn't turn around soon?!!!! How close re you to Washington state?!!!! I can make you a REAL deal!!!!!! Seriously, eggs are a MYSTERY! I eat ALOT of them, but I get nauseous (especially scrambled), definitely no more than one at a time. And here I am, thinking about raising laying hens!!! I guess they could eat my veggies!

@@nakeasimone13 I don't know why not, but if you hesitate, call your NUT. Sounds good, tho', don't they?!

Everytime I get ready to leave the site for good, someone like you posts something amazing that just keeps me coming back....and it's YOU this time! Thank you for your inspiration, your diligence, and your encouragement that we all get from your posts. I, too, will be 54 this year. I hope I can aspire to the graceful heights to where you have flown....NOW, dear lady, free yourself......

@@Miss Mac If she doesn't, I will!

You seriously are amazing! What a tribute, what a spirit, thanks for sharing. He loves you, too.

@@KingMoose Thanks, I miss veggies. They look so pretty on the plate, but then slap me with a "I don't THINK so....NOT today" type of attitude, just does me in! WHAT AM I GOING TO DO WITH MY GARDEN THIS YEAR?!!!! I, for the first time in DECADES, finally have a huge garden (we 'just moved to this house last summer), and now I can't eat out of it???? Aughhhhh....

@@KingMoose How are you with the raw veggies on the Subways? I have the toughest time with them, even though I am over 4 months out. I even have problems with sautéed spinach. Just not good. Any ideas as to when I might be able to digest these things?

@@Rogofulm I can't say I blame you, I sure miss my diet cokes! But on the other hand, since I do so much Protein and very little carbs, I find I'm not nearly as sleepy during the day, which is good. But that KICK from the caffeine is sure what I need in the pants from time to time!!!!!

It IS very overwhelming, so maybe make a schedule (or have a piece of paper where you write all the Protein down everytime you have some), where it could help you keep track. This is what I do: I have my egg or cottage cheese for breakfast. Protein! At mid morning I have a Protein Drink (said "cocktail", above). 30g protein! lunch. Protein! Protein drink, mid afternoon. Protein! dinner. Protein! 2-3 hours before bed: 1/2 cup cottage cheese. Protein! By the end of the day, it's all there, a minimum of 60 grams. I follow the 2-3-2 plan; eat within 2 hours of waking up. Eat every 3 hours. Eat within 2 hours of going to bed. Not for everyone, but it works for me! I lose slowly, steadily, and sometimes stall for a week or two, but then it starts up again. I sure hopes this helps!

I can only take things as I read them on here, and the posts that I refer to are not related to illness, or feeling ill, per se, but of unwillingness to follow the plans (as the posters themselves refer to), because they want to continue as they have been doing their whole lives up to this point, wishing the surgery were a cure-all to the real issues at hand. I am talking about adjusting diets (pre-op, post-op) opposed to what their particular plan is (and I have to assume that the doctors, being DOCTORS know what they are prescribing for the patient), and the patient going against that plan, for their own reasons. I Do hope your situation improves. Good luck to you.

I really believe there is a strong correlation of the diets, because it shows you're intention, your commitment. And you will need those to succeed. Yes, you will have the tools to assist you in your Quest, but they, like any other tool, can't be effective if not used correctly. I am so proud of you for recognizing the seriousness of the surgery, and the commitment required for it to be a success. I read so many times, on this site, about those who do this, do that, and NONE of it following their plan. Failure is evident in those cases. I think you are going to do GREAT! Let us know how you do!

Just make sure your Doctor ok's it, though, you may have a surprise-hernia repair, like I did, which kept me in the hospital 3 days. You just never know, so have a game-plan ready. Have fun at the wedding!

You know, you can always say "Mom, I want to live longer. To see my children's children. Don't YOU want that for me, too? If this is what I feel I have to do, then I will do it, with or without your support. YES, it's THAT important to me."

@@Rogofulm My dietician won't let me do coffee for the caffeine-thing, making us hungry (acid), so I use decaf. Have you tried decaf?

I, too, have noticed a lack of strength, and have wondered about it. As far as the protein goes, have you tried using unflavored protein powder in water with water enhancer drops? It works great for me, has less calories than most shakes, and the variety of flavors is awesome. You can adjust the sweetness factor depending on how many drops you use. It tends to be much easier going down than the shakes, in my opinion. I also add my calcium citrate to the "cocktail", along with Benefiber (Shopko brand - it is far cheaper). Have fun with it, you can mix flavors!

@@Miss Mac Have you tried Benefiber? It works great for me (per my dietician), everything is regular, no surprises, and I get it very cheap (SHOPKO brand). It takes a few days to work, but I take it every morning with my Protein beverage (I throw in my Calcium citrate, also), and now it is just a routine. Have a great day!

@I'mALoserBaby Yeah, I've noticed that with the other calcium citrate I use. But I gotta have it, so what are ya gonna do?! The best part is having it pre-measured, because I am getting that stuff ALL OVER THE PLACE with what I am using now. Looks either like Christmas, or a cocaine-fest!!!

The pain is individual. You won't know until after the surgery. It might not be pain as much as being depleted of energy. Have someone with you in case you get faint, let them in on it, so they can be prepared. Have your liquids with you at all times, so you can get it into you. Try not to overdo, and SORRY, no cake! OH! And congrats on having the surgery!

@I'mALoserBaby Ha I just bought a case! That should last me awhile!!!! You're so awesome, thanks again!

Thanks again! Hope you have a great day!

@I'mALoserBaby Thanks so much! Where do you find that? I appreciate your help!

I hope you are doing better today?

We need to keep in mind other factors at play here, as well. Glands. Thyroid and others have a tremendous amount to do with metabolism. If you have one of them just a little off, it can create havoc. Genetics. Our bodies have a lot of "outside" influences already, then genetics come in and say "NO. I WANT you to be this much weight, I LIKE being this weight, and I'm going to FIGHT you on this subject!". Starvation. Our bodies think we are in it, and I guess we really are, considering what we used to eat (quantity AND types of food), so it will fight to stay alive. This would be a great study, and I hope someone is doing it, especially as there are so many now undergoing this surgery. It is kind of scary not knowing the long term effects of VSG.