WLSResources/ClothingExch

@@BigViffer -- in my note (above somewhere) to Elode I suggested she send to the relatives the pic of her legs & killer shoes which she posted a couple of weeks ago. The legs were in jeans, but still looking slim and hot and the shoes were eye-poppers. You 'n me, guy, great minds thinking alike.

@@gowalking -- Thanks for sharing a good reminder and a good lesson. I've 'always' known that the fat cells lurk beneath the surface, biding their time and waiting to be refilled. If you think about it, it's foolhardy to think they've moved to another town -- like geometry, there's no royal road to weight control. @@Bandista -- Not all practices observe the same protocol. I was banded at Columbia UMC, where I'm told to stay with liquids the rest of the day following an adjustment and then soft foods for at least part of the next. It's open season after that unless an individual's body signals to go more slowly.

How do you arrive at that? 600-700 calories is extremely low. If you're following instructions, you're fine.

@@Elode -- Never let the relatives or anyone else undermine you or trample the gifts you give to yourself. When someone tells you that you've had "luck," stop them immediately, "It has nothing to do with luck. It's about desire, work and commitment." In the case of the relatives, precede that with "Oh, you know it has nothing to do...." I was unable to read through the entire thread. If they in fact send you pics of food, send them your legs-'n-killer-shoes pic. Let them choke on their own sour grapes. I'll slap anyone who tries to take anything away from you.

NSV's cover near-infinite territory as one's body fills less territory. They include everything from wearing smaller sizes to sitting in a theater seat without hips being bruised to getting in and out of cars more easily. You will recognize and relish each of your own as you go along.

Now you're catching on. There's a law that mandates feeling ridiculous early in the process. It takes a while to absorb the new practices and to feel competent and capable. It's just the way it is for most. As to chicken or any other foods that are known to be problematic: If you run into difficulties, they may come and go. You'll see how all these things play out as you go along. There are times yogurt and other thick liquids are uncomfortable for me. Sounds ludicrous and much of this is just that. .

@@nikki_lesueur -- It sounds as though the surgeon is speaking ordering endoscopy? I'm not in the medical field, but believe that's the place to start. I hope you're past this entire episode soon.

@@Alex Brecher -- May I never come home from the dentist with "new teeth." I want my old, natural-born ones -- the ones I grew all by myself -- just spiffed up a bit.

@@PayItForward -- You know exactly "...how they can can eat so much food at one time." How else do you suppose you arrived in a position where you would wonder? "Just looking at all the food on everyone's plate makes me feel sick....Anyone else have this problem?" It's not uncommon for WLS people to be judgmental after the fact. When I find myself judging, yes, it's a problem. Since I don't feel physically nauseated or heave, no, I don't feel sick and, therefore, don't have that problem. "I live alone so I really don't see others eating unless I go out for a meal." How quickly they forget. -------------------------------------------------- To those objecting to outsized portions, skip the low-priced chains and go to high-end restaurants. You'll get portions that are far more reasonable.

@@CowgirlJane -- No way are you to 'give up' because Mr. Charm Puss was a deceitful deceiver. There may have been some clues around his edges when you first ran into him, but it speaks well of you that you didn't notice. To a point, that is. Had you asked him up front if he's married, he'd have replied that he's separated...because his wife was out of town.... I suppose I've finally gotten around to thinking that online browsing isn't the worst thing. Good relationships have sprouted there. The dating sites aren't substitutes for in-person opportunities, but it's not only the obvious in-person places that are important. There's the supermarket checkout line, for one -- you never know who's standing right behind you. Long, long ago I was asked out for coffee by the man behind me at the bank. He was bright, witty and had much appeal. We'd been having a really good, comfortable chat and he asked spontaneously. Never mind that he was gay.* My point is that you never know when or where. * He was a terrific coffee companion. Right now I have no interest in meeting someone and haven't in a long time. I know I"d be more open to the idea if it sneaked up on me rather than coming about in a self-conscious way, i.e., actively looking..

Something else that I found interesting and positive was that, when I chew chew chew, to borrow @@lisacaron's train, I notice the flavor of food. There is something about enjoying good flavor that satisfies me sooner than inhaling my food or eating things that don't taste especially good. P.S. If you'd like to include the spaces in your screen name, it seems that this website is accommodating.

If I recall correctly, my practice's RD told me that all liquids w/o caffeine count toward the day's Water intake. I've taken it upon myself to consider the day's produce intake as 1/2 cup. (It may be that I eat quite a bit more vegetables than do sleeve people.)

@@Sleeved Nurse -- If you expect it to be monumental, it will be monumental. Why give it so much thought? "I CAN DO ANYTHING FOR TWO WEEKS."

@ -- There's no answer to your question about a month. That said, you now know something about what's looked for during the evaluation meeting. Approach it as you would any other little, routine thing. It's not a big deal, it's just a discussion. As the date gets closer, don't think of it as a monumental challenge. It isn't. You want to be seen as understanding that there are risks to surgery; that you understand and are happy to comply with your bariatric practice's instructions before and after surgery; that, should you have questions about anything along the way, you will present them to the practice; that you understand the importance of following instructions; that you're understand that the surgery is an aid to weight loss, not the cause of weight loss; that you are eager to make the dietary and lifestyle (i.e., exercise) changes necessary to succeeding. All in your own words, of course. You don't want to offer any info that may give the psych cause to question your ability to do all the right things. If you offer, "I have anxiety," it may either open a whole new area of questioning or be taken to mean you're too all over the map to settle down and comply with instructions. If you have a medical plan that will pay for surgery and covers your meds and therapy, it's on record, so don't deny it if asked by the psych. In that case, you want to convey that the treatment has you functioning very well.

What's this? Glum before you've probably had a bit of solid food in your mouth? Why? You will hear all variations as you go along. It is true that some people have trouble with the Proteins you've named, but just as many don't. Some are able to eat the simple carbs you named, but, it's advised to stay away from foods that you can roll with your fist into a spongy ball. Some have trouble with the more fibrous vegetables and fruits; others don't. Et al. White-meat chicken is difficult for some people who have no problem with the dark meat. You'll come across people who do well with the white meat on its own (e.g., moi), while others are fine as long as it's cooked in or eaten with something sauce-y to help it go down. Some people prefer a tighter band, which generally makes for more challenge. People who scarf food as they did to gain oodles of weight find that, once banded, it's a verrry sad thing to do, but chewing thoroughly and eating slowly eliminates trouble. The band, long nicknamed "The Fickle Bitche," is just that. One day you may eat an item easily, another, not so much. Feel your way along and decide for yourself. P.S. For your best chance with prawns, be sure not to overcook them and, again, small bites, many chews per bite.

That can be more powerful than a kick. I'd recommend both, however...the old one-two. But good for you.

What is the content of not a straight answer from the nurse? There usually is a hint.

@@KathyRS -- Part of what I'm about to say probably has been covered by the others, but I don't have time to read the thread. If the over-the-counter yeast preparations don't work (give them up to five days), you can get a prescription from the bariatric NP (they see this infection often enough) or an dermatologist. The two generic names I'm familiar with are nystatin cream and econozole, also a cream. I don't know the difference medically/chemically. Both are topical, prescribed for use twice a day on clean, dry skin. You want to keep the affected area clean and dry at all times. You can throw a tiny container of baby powder or baby cornstarch in your bag when you'll be away from home for a good part of the day. I noticed early on someone recommended putting some thin, cotton knit fabric in the fold for absorption. Not the most attractive thing, but effective. Take date-stamped photos of the area whenever it occurs. They will be part of your argument for being covered if you wish to have reconstructive surgery down the line. For the same reason, sticking with one dermatologist, if you go that route rather than the WLS NP, simplifies the application process. As backup, be sure the infection is also in your baraitric record. P.S. Some people also experience the infection, candida intertrigo, beneath the breasts. It may be that another infection occurs, but I believe c.i. is the main offender by far. It occurs in closed areas that remain most for periods.

@@BigViffer -- Did she kick you in the shins?

Welcome, Monika. You have found your way to a supportive group of people. You'll find fun here, as well. Laurie

@@OKCPirate -- I could never think of you as "weird." You're "unique." Is that better?

@@shirleyjohn001 I don't know what part of the world you're in, but, regardless, surely you had classes in biology and health along the way. Without nutrients, that is, Vitamins and minerals, Protein, a person dies. Or something else. Just as one, tiny example, Vitamin A deficiency results in irreversible blindness. If you wish to search for pictures, you'll see why that particular little problem is irreversible. Be warned, however, that the pictures are unimaginable and heartbreaking. Vitamin A deficiency blindness is primarily a third-world phenomenon, places where Unicef and other international agencies provide medical care for children and adults. Being in a developed country does not in and of itself give immunity. People who've been sleeved eat so little that, if they depend on their food and drink alone, they will suffer greatly. The need for nutrients applies to everyone, not only WLS people. Find a way not to forget the vitamins. Keep them on the kitchen counter, a spot on the counter that you use often. Generally it's best to take them with food, meaning within half an hour. If you take any medications for medical reasons, some should not be taken close to taking vitamins. Check with your nutritionist and/or pharmacist on that. [i can't help it: Aaaaaaaagh.]

Do you know that you just made me happy. Am I taking a great chance on letting you know?