songsmith

We have the same surgeon! No names were mentioned during the seminar I attended. Can't remember if names are mentioned on their Facebook page. It's up to you. I wonder if this is one of those cases where feelings change with time. I've had to be on depression meds for years. At first, it bothered me and I never mentioned it. Now I don't care. I've come to think that if my acknowledgement in whatever way helps someone else to seek help, that's all for the better. But I wasn't always like that. Maybe telling others about your WLS is like that. I think Dr. Hoehn would understand if you decline. Would you feel differently when you reach your personal goal? Either way, what a great ego boo to have your surgeon be so thrilled with your success that he wants to use you as a testimonial! ETA: NVM! I should have read the entire post.

That's amazing! You must be stoked. Congrats!

I saw my dietitian two months before I could get in to see the surgeon. I was told those two visits counted. Regain is my biggest worry and definitely one reason why I chose surgery. I know people do gain weight back, but I am hoping that the tool the surgery gives me will make it easier for me to maintain my weight. The req. psych eval also had him refer me to another therapist to "explore" my "issues" with food. That's shrink speak for "figure out why you got this way." I'm on board with that, because I think it will help me in the long run. I wish I had done this back when I was your age and not waited 30 years. Have you (or the doctor's office) checked your insurance to see if you're covered and what hoops it expects you to jump?

I did not say give hubby a pass. I said Sophie should talk to him about it. I don't think it's helpful to fill her mind with even more problems until she knows for certain their is more to this than hubby being a clueless jerk--and he definitely behaved as a jerk towards her. That's why I put out an alternate theory. I do think the friend definitely wants something going on. Whether there is anything else is another story. She knows her husband, not us. Hubby should definitely be taken to task over his behavior. I also think she'll feel better if she speaks up for herself should she find herself in this situation again. Too often we're told not to make waves or bring attention to ourselves. Heck with that. Make a damn tsunami if he tries this again. I just put the situation to my often clueless hubby to see if I could gain insight. He said, "The guy's an idiot. You put the person you're supposed to spend your life with first." Mind you, after 34 years, he's well conversant in correct response (or fear of spouse, not sure which). Also said it's worrying (which we all agree) but only you know that for sure since you know what else is happening and what he's like. It's not proof there is anything more than disrespect (which is a worst problem IMO).

In fairness, we don't know everything in the background. Hubby could be one of those "hates to upset anyone" types, so he caves to the friend because he "knows" his wife must feel the same. My husband happens to be that way. I find I need to speak up and be emphatic about my wants sometimes. He means well, but he's him. Back in the early days of our marriage (before dirt) there were women who came onto him. He used all the right body language to signal N-O but was too "nice" to just come out with it. In hindsight, I think he liked that I was the one to put those women in their place! Anyway, I do think the friend possibly has feelings for hubby (she's certainly possessive) but not that it's necessarily reciprocal. That's why I think next time the friend pulls this bout of passive-aggressiveness, Sophie, you should speak up and instruct the hostess that, no, you prefer a table. (Does the friend sit next to you, Sophie, or your husband? If the latter, I am positive that's why she wants a booth but not positive that's why your husband didn't stand up to her. Did you explain to him later how much this hurt and angered you?)

Everyone's said what I would say. Next time, pipe up. Correct the "friend" and tell the waitress your party needs a table because booth seating isn't comfortable. If your husband and this woman want to object over that, then they will be proving their true colors up front instead of this passive aggressive BS. I think many people (including me) feel self-conscious because of our weight and so don't want to draw attention to ourselves. I'd be beyond hurt and angry if my husband chose a friend's likes over my own comfort and enjoyment.

My dietitian never gave me a "prescribed program" so I've been floundering along trying to eat better. These past 3 weeks I resorted to Atkins because I gained 3lbs on my last visit (4th month). I feel like we're in the same boat. I've lost a little, but I'm not sure what my insurance company is looking for. Mainly I've focused on better eating habits, chewing for long periods, not drinking with meals, that sort of thing. Joined the Y three weeks ago, so hopefully that will help some, too. My dietitian told me last month that the companies don't want to see a gain over your initial weigh-in. They want to see that you can keep to a plan, show dedication and prove you can make the surgery work for you. Doesn't stop me from being worried for this Thursday's appointment! We can be 6-month "losers" together.

That sounds terrific! Have you shared pics with your boyfriend or is he in for a not so "big" surprise? (Also, I love that you're doing squats. Compounds were my fave before I put on too much weight that they started hurting my knees. Too many women think they'll get "huge" if they lift weights.)

My family faces this problem all the time (the leftover rice) even before surgery. I like the leftover idea (we do that a lot). You can also try halving the amount of rice you cook so you don't have so many leftovers. Better yet, switch to a healthier starch like quinoa which has something like 12g of Protein per 1/2 cup. Better yet, it contains all 9 amino acids. I think it tastes nuttier than rice, but is pretty good. I would talk to your hubby about it before "springing" it on your family (to avoid any other complaints). I agree his comments aren't helpful and also suspect he might be worried how the changes in your body will affect you as a couple. Go with the "I want you all to be healthy, which is why I want to limit the starch or switch to one that's better for us." Maybe he has some ideas how to use up those leftovers!

I would call my surgeon just to make sure that what you're experiencing is a normal part of the healing process and not indicative of some other problem.

I swore by Isopure pure protein isolate back when I was lifting weights. I recommend it to everyone. I never noticed an aftertaste, and it blended so well with just about any flavoring I cared to add. I have yet to try any of their flavored powders.

My surgery will be in Jan/Feb 2016, and I'm doing the same things. I second the exercise suggestion. The mythical "They" say it takes about 6 weeks to make something into a habit, so may as well start now with that! I purchased a bunch of Protein powder samples to try so I know which ones I will like and which I won't when the time comes. Someone said she wrote to the shake company and they sent her samples. Wish I'd thought of that! I've also been relearning my food and practicing with substitutes (e.g., how to make Greek yogurt taste like mayo to me). I've also been tracking both food and exercise in one of the free online fitness apps (fitday, myfitnesspal, etc.).

Thanks for sharing! I get my VSG in January (February if hubby's business trip falls on the wrong dates) so it's great to read about others' experiences. I really like the way you separated out your thoughts. I have a feeling I'll need to watch slider foods when the time comes, too.

@@liannatx, you must be thrilled to be wearing such pretty bras. Cacique makes lovely ones. I also like Bravissimo, Freya and Panache. Elomi is owned by Wacoal and is 4 or 5 companies that caters to women with larger cup sizes. Tutti Rouge bras are just cute as buttons. I can't imagine all the fun you must be having now. I can hardly wait to leave Goddess behind. I buy most of mine online from companies that specialize in bras because I can find a far greater brand selection (and better prices).

I've been testing Protein drinks/powders, too. I agree about the Syntrax. It was surprisingly nummy (though probably better with some added sugar free coffee syrups). I've also used Isopure (plain) and liked it a lot. whey protein isolate is far better taste wise (IMO) than other varieties of whey protein. I haven't tried soy or cassein or egg, so can't speak to those. Plan to try unjury soon. I've heard good things.

It's terrible we can't get beautiful bras. Not only am I large, but I'm extremely large breasted. It annoys the heck out of me that I can find, say, a 36-J but not a 44-J. Apparently large women only go up in band size. We all have small to medium-ish boobies. Now, I am a fanatic about proper bra fitting. 80-90% of women are fitting their bras wrong. You can't trust the women in the department stores/Victoria's Secret, etc. This is the best video to explain proper bra fitting that I have ever found. My bras all fit properly because I fit this way. Same for my daughter and sister. So, make sure you get the absolutely most gorgeous bras that also fit you right so you look extra gorgeous!

Anyone else try this little (and free) app? You are Runner 5 crash-landed near a settlement desperate for supplies during a zombie apocalypse. You listen to the story while you run (or in my case, walk). Your job is to find items to help your settlement. Periodically, the person monitoring you (in the app) will pipe up with something like, "Zombies 10 feet behind you--RUN!" If you're a runner, you'd begin a sprint or simply pick up your pace. In my case, I walk a bit faster. The app plays your music when it's not talking, so you get a little bit incentive from both. I feel a bit silly just lengthening my stride when the guy is shouting, "RUN!" but my knees just can't cope with the impact yet.

You should send her a picture of some pants that you just bought and say, "I bet you wish you could wear these". I think that would be pretty funny. That...is perfect! I know you could send her pictures of food and then ram it home when she complains, but then you'd be doing the same thing as your aunt. I suppose you could ask them not to send you pictures of goodies and tell them it makes things harder for you. You could even pitch it as a plea for help to soothe their egos. "Gosh, this is so hard. I'm really counting on you all for your support just like you helped me so much when I made my decision to do this surgery. I couldn't do it without you!" Bleh. Appeal to their egos. If they continue after you ask them to stop, then they can't escape the fact that they are deliberately undermining your efforts. They might not consciously be doing these things. You know that deep down they must hate that they allowed themselves to gain the weight back. It's easier to accept if all of you gain. If you succeed, then they have no more excuses. "WLS? Oh, that's all hype. It doesn't work. And if it does, you gain it all back. Look at us!" That doesn't cut it when you're standing right before them in your glorious new you. Keep doing what you're doing. Like others, I just may steal that photo. I'm terrified I'll fall back into my old habits when the time comes. I think we all feel that way since everyone has dieted so many times (and failed) before. That's why we're doing this, after all. You can do this. You have great determination. You stop after you allow yourself a taste. You throw out Cookies. You resist the donuts. Each time is another victory, and you're a winner. (or a loser? I get confused when it comes to weight loss.) I'm fortunate because my hubby's food weaknesses don't coincide with mine. He's a salty guy, and I'm a sweetie. I do ask him to bring in Snacks that I never liked (your Cheetos? Would never have tempted me because I have a thing about the cheese powder. chips, though? So he brings home the Cheetos.) Anyway, I can't think of any donut I would hate, but there are ones I don't like very much. (For example, I don't like nuts on donuts.) If you feel the same way and if your hubby likes those sorts of donuts, maybe you could ask that he bring in those? That way you're not denying him, but you are making it easier to deny those donuts.

Let me know if you start using it. We can compare notes.

It's a lot of fun for the inner nerd like me!

I bought my shoes at New Balance. They have a machine you stand on that shows the pressure points on your foot. From there, your fitter selects an insert that better fits your foot. You can opt to buy that or just buy the shoe. I bought both because I could really tell the difference when I tried one on with and one without. She also fit me into an 8 1/2 where I'd been buying 9 1/2 off the rack because I needed a W shoe. I don't run (yet) but I was impressed by the time they took with me. I bet any good running store would be the same.

That sounds wonderful! Crossing my legs again is one of those little things that I am truly looking forward to.

colleenrocks (yes, she does rock since that's my name, too!) I feel for you. You've received some great advice. Get rid of the trigger foods around your house. If you have a family that wants them, sit down and discuss treats they can have that don't tempt you. For example, I loathe cheese-its. My husband loves them. If he wants a salty treat, he buys those instead of chips. I did need to ban Peanut Butter from my house. I could eat an entire jar in one sitting. Anyway, I used to not think I was an emotional eater. The shrink at my psych exam suggested I seek outside counseling to help get my issues with food in order. After my first session, I was so emotionally wound up that I opened up the fridge and stuffed my face--not with goodies or food I love--just with leftovers that somehow triggered the "comfort" feeling in me. For the first time I realized maybe I was an emotional eater. I just always thought that was seeking out the really good stuff. The therapist asked me to think of things I could do instead of eating when I feel sad or upset or stressed. It was surprisingly hard for me. Finally, I thought of my pets, the dog who loves unconditionally and the cats who love me despite myself. I could spend more time with them, groom them, play with them, take the dog for a walk. The added bonus is they provide emotional support. Anyway, that's something that has worked for me. She also suggested I keep a diary and write down when I do eat something I regret and try to think of what I was feeling at the time. Sorry for the long story. I'm still going to the shrink (I haven't had my surgery yet). I think it is helping me a lot. My insurance has a deductible, but after that they will cover the therapy. If you can afford it (or if your insurance company will pay) you might want to look into it. I know the State here also has a mental health bureau where people can seek counseling. They look at your finances and only charge you what you can afford. You can do this. I bet you've tried a million diets before. Look at those before pictures. Think about the weight you have lost. Think of the money you spent--I'm a cheapskate, so hoping that one works for me when I find myself where you are now. This is a little speed bump. Speed bumps are a way to grab the driver's notice and tell them to pay attention and drive right. Follow your road map and drive.