ridgerunner

Thanks PinkStarburst73. I sure will. And you are right... my health, getting the weight off and KEEPING it off are top priority! (still wanna know though ????)

I use Genpro and am very happy with it. You can mix it in just about anything and it is pretty undetectable. As far as the 30 grams part goes, a lot of people are doubters but I have read quite a few posts that say their surgeons give it the thumbs up and their blood work is coming back good while using it. There is a video on youtube that explains how it takes half the amount to get the same amount of protien as conventional protien powders. Until science proves otherwise, I'm a believer.

I am still pre-op but have lost 35 lbs so far. I have been one by one piling clothes in a stack that when I wear them I find they just look ridiculous on me. Before I would save them for when I gained the weight back but now I realize I won't ever be able to wear them again. I also thought that it would make me feel good to do this but like you it kinda makes me sad. Just the weirdest thing.

Hi all, I started this journey believing I wanted the sleeve because there is supposed to be easier recovery and it's cheaper (I am self pay) but after reading, googling and speaking to professionals at my bariatric center I changed my thinking and decided that bypass was the better surgery for me. My reasons: I am 49 yrs old with a 49 bmi. I have a lot of weight to lose, I'm not getting any younger and bypass has a higher rate of weight loss. Also, it looks like with a bypass I will have a better chance of keeping it off, and since menopause is right around the corner, that is important. But now here is my problem with my decision...I have many issues that I need to take NSAIDs for. Such as: osteoporosis, meniscus surgery, degenerative spinal pain, hip pain, major period cramps, breast soreness...the list goes on and on. I have been attempting to use Tylenol as a substitute but it does absolutely nothing. I understand that much of these pains will get better as my weight decreases but many will not and I also have to consider the fact that some will get WORSE as I age. And what about arthritis pain? I have been googling NSAID alternatives and am only finding "natural cures" (I'm sorry but these are all but useless for heavy duty pain) no real medications that replace them. Please, if you have discovered an alternative medication or have gone through this yourself and found a solution to this problem I would be so grateful for the knowledge.

Thanks for taking the time to address my question. There is a lot of conflicting information out there about the sleeve and NSAIDS. Ultimately it will probably come down to what the individuals surgeon believes and what the patient does with that advice. But for the most part there seems to be a way better possibilty of taking them when sleeved then with bypass. I am feeling much more encouraged about my chances with the sleeve and will be talking to my surgeon about all my newly acquired knowledge...and thanks for saying I'm not old ????

I am not scheduled yet kholiette. I have completed all of my preliminary requirements and could have WLS tomorrow if I wanted but I am self pay so I won't have the money ready until early July. Still am undecided on bypass or sleeve. The decision is making my head spin. Are you doing any better today?

I am still pre-op so I have squat for experience but I have read a lot of comments and that is an issue that comes up again and again. I am sure someone will correct me if I am wrong but the consensus seems to be that you shouldn't sweat it too much. Water is the most important thing and as long as you are trying for protien goals it will happen given time.

What is giving you concern?

Just wanted to say to everyone who has reached out to me with support and advice...You have all given me options to look at and important ideas to weigh I would not otherwise have considered. When you are starting this journey it is such uncharted territory that it can be overwhelming and a little scary. You have all made me feel less alone and I feel more empowered to make the decision that is best for me. From the bottom of my heart, Thank You All ❤

Thanks for your response! Yes, I have been driving myself crazy looking at all the pros and cons for one or the other. My true decision will probably not come until I have my last consult with my surgeon. I had started out so ansy waiting for "the day" to come but as I look deeper I am actually glad I have time to weigh all things and make the decision that is best for me. I think it is as hard as it is because when you geat down to the bones of it the sleeve and bypass are BOTH excellent choices.

Congratulations Mellissa, good luck to you!

LMAO OKCPirate!! Hilarious ????

Hope you are well. Congrats!

Congratulations! Best of luck!

Good info PdxMan, Thanks, and congrats on your success.

Good Luck LisaMergs! You rock!

LOL gina171!I hope that is true! That day could not come soon enough for me. I haven't "needed" a period for 30 years now but it just keeps hanging on like an unwelcome visitor when it's past your dinner time

I am definately going to try cortizone for the hip pain. Congratulations on your successes thus far msujester. I am touched by your support.

Thank you for your honest and insightful perspective msujester. I am feeling much less fustrated and lost then I was when I first posed this question.

CowgirlJane, Sounds like we have a bit in common. What you have done is amazing! Well done my friend! Do you think you are the norm or do you think you are the exception? Is this a case of "If I can do it anyone can" or is this a case of constant vigilance and work? Do you know of more people who have accomplished what you have or do you know more people who have regained down the line? I just asked the same question three times didn't I! LOL

msujester, I do not have any judgement of marijuana use whether recreational or medical. I have not used it recreationally since my younger years however and am unable to use it medically because I live in a state that quite possibly will be the last hold out to legalize. My job also does random drug testing so there's that too. I am definately going to look in to getting the cortizone shot for my hip. Can't hurt to try it right? Let me ask...have you ever thought that maybe you should have tried the sleeve on for size when the pain gets really bad? Thank you for your feedback. It is quite helpful.

Hi LisaMergs!You are well met! Thank you for your advice. It is very encouraging to hear about someone who has had this serious of a problem and is managing well without nsaids. You hit the nail on the head when you said you were dreading being without your advil more than your favorite foods. I have been worried that I will be thinner but in pain. My quality of life is too important. I'm too old to worry about vanity...give me health! Girl you can have both health AND vanity! Take back your life! Lol. I'll be sure to follow your journey!!! As an aside, my surgeon, upon consultation with my rheumatologist, felt bypass was the safer alternative for me- with autoimmune issues. But that's me. Lol! I certainly am gonna give it my all. Thank you sooo much for your help and I hope I can one day return the favor. I wish you the very best in life and weight loss! ❤

Yes MontanaGal! Thank you for helping me figure this all out. I will for sure be talking at length with my own team to make the best possible decision. I am very encouraged to hear you are doing so well yourself. How long ago were you sleeved?

Thanks for sharing your experience catwoman7. I have been lucky so far to not suffer from headaches. I had a cortizone shot once for my knee but it did not help at all. But I have wondered if it would work better on my hip. Appreciate you.

Thank you for your response CowgirlJane! I have read conflicting studies about nsaids and the sleeve. Some say no never, some say rarely, some say rarely but with ppi and some say it is perfectly safe with the sleeve. Very frustrating. So you have maintained your weight for five years now with a sleeve? Can I ask how old you are?