Orchids&Dragons

That's great, congrats! Yes, it is much harder and slower when you're closer to goal to begin with. But we're here cheering you on!

Glad to hear things are going well! Did you ever think it would be perfectly normal to post about poop and gas? We get to know each other very well very quickly! Hoping the rest of your recovery goes smoothly!

I was curious to hear a male perspective on this one. Very clear and to the point!

I'm not even tempted at this point. Just the sip I have at communion still burns. A whole glass would probably eat a hole in my stomach! This is such a new experience for me, I always had the famous cast-iron stomach! Now it's made of tissue paper!

@Frustr8, you are an amazing lady with a compelling back story. I can only wish the best for you on your journey. Sending prayers, blessings, good vibes, and all to Columbus on May 24th!

I'd do it again, no brainer! Be brutally honest with yourself - where do you think you'll be in 2 years without surgery? Where do you think you'll be with surgery? Pick your future self.

Welcome to the boards! Hope to see you a lot! Research is your friend. I read everything I could before I decided!

If I hate them, I'll use them to hide the dog's pills!

Brilliant! Should be handed out with the educational materials before surgery!

Welcome! Sorry to hear how complicated your surgery was, but best wishes that the rest of your recovery goes smoothly. Definitely sleep while you have the chance! I wore the big, elastic abdominal support for the first 2 weeks. Between that and my swollen belly, sitting at a computer was almost impossible the first week. I'm an accountant, so I sit pretty much all day. I read and binge watched reruns of favorite shows. I thought I could get caught up on my required CPEs (Continuing Professional Education classes) while I was home, but had a serious case of the post-anesthesia stupids, so no way.

Best wishes that everything goes smoothly! Are you sure you'll still need to be cash? I would have thought RA would be considered a co-morbidity since losing weight would help with your mobility.

Mine was 10 days total: 5 days of mushy foods, 3 days full liquids, 2 days clear liquids. So, it wasn't nearly as restrictive as some, but my surgeon complemented me on my "flat as a pancake" liver!

Wow, Frustr8, I could tell you were a survivor, but just wow. Blessings on your new journey.

Maybe you can compile your own file of studies that show the odds of regaining weight and the likely results of remaining obese. Someone else on the website (apologies, but maybe they'll comment) said, would you let a cardiac patient die without a bypass because they didn't make the right life-choices? Would you tell a type-2 diabetic that they can't have insulin because it's the easy way? The most effective, long-term treatment for obesity is surgery.

I may actually go get some. Maybe I could tolerate those. Thanks!

Hate to be a party-pooper, but check with the surgeon about how long before weight-lifting. I had a 10 pound limit for a month.

No that would have me in a panic!

I'm sorry Frustr8. The mother-daughter relationship should be so much nicer than that.

Sounds like you're the likely designated driver! If you do drink be extremely careful. I've been told that one drink can put you over .08 since the alcohol doesn't get processed in your stomach at all, instead the raw alcohol hits the intestine and goes straight into your bloodstream.

Futuresleeve, you didn't mention if he was supportive while you tried to lose weight the "regular" way. If he was, try and invite him to a support group meeting or to one of the followups with the surgeon/nutritionist, etc. See if he's at all interested in becoming informed about something that you are passionate about and are doing for the sake of your health and future. If he responds, that's great. Maybe he'll learn to be more open to your needs. If not, is this "My boyfriend thinks that I'm taking the easy way out, that I have zero control, that I am being inconsiderate of him, that I will become ill and regretful and he's also expressed that he wants out of the relationship because he doesn't want someone who's lazy and wants a leg up." really what you need in your life? You need someone helping you to achieve the best life you can and if he's not on board, to %$#@ bad. Sorry about being blunt, but you deserve better.

Sounds like they got their wires crossed. Even if the pre-op diet is liquid only, there are still about 500-800 calories a day. My surgeon just specified liquids, then clear liquids, but not how many per day. Shakes have about 120-280 calories, protein water (clear liq) are 80-90 calories on average. I haven't heard about anyone being allowed 0 calories on pre-op.

I even walked during the night. They set an alarm and got me up every 4 hours all night!

My doctor's office recommended it, but I saw so much of it when my kids were little that it was a no-go for me!

Great story! Thanks for sharing!

Personally, I say bring the whole pillow! It's just "homey" and comforting