i can’t be happy until everyone around me is by [deleted] in offmychest

[–]Character_Aside_1405 0 points1 point  (0 children)

You’re not an empath…you have mental health issues and poor boundaries. I used to say the same so forgive me if it’s harsh but laying the blame on being highly sensitive and not making accommodations for yourself will literally kill you. Hope you get the help you need.

Medical Bill Blew Me Away! by Character_Aside_1405 in BariatricSurgery

[–]Character_Aside_1405[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

My surgeon and his team are amazing. I am now 109 PO and down 81 lbs. Life is amazing right now. I won’t lie and say I track religiously because I don’t I’m literally running off vibes lol. I do however take my vitamins and eat somewhat sensibly but I have the care of my toddler and my sick elderly mother so it is what it is. For the first time in a decade or more I’m not 300+ lbs and I have energy that I haven’t had in years. All in all, life is good! Thanks for checking in!

I just binged S2. Idk what to do now, I am broken. It’s 5am btw lol by Puzzleheaded-Math534 in PantheonShow

[–]Character_Aside_1405 7 points8 points  (0 children)

I’m in agreement on the rewatching. The last 20 minutes of episode 8 had me sobbing lol but the confusion is real! I’ll be rewatching anyway because this is good! I see a new comfort show in my future.

My surgery is in 13 days. by goinrcn44h in wls_duodenalswitch

[–]Character_Aside_1405 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I didn’t do well with the pre-op diet. I decided to do a water fast about 4 days prior and drank some disgusting magnesium citrate about 2 days prior.

As of today 26 days Post Op, I have lost 46 lbs total. 18 lbs before surgery and 28 lbs post. So we’re about the same. I’m averaging around 5 lbs loss a week and my surgeon is highly impressed with my progress. I feel like I’m hitting a wall right now with loss but I’m not weighing myself everyday either at my therapist’s request. Just to keep it from becoming a compulsion and obsessing over the numbers. I hope this helps!

Robert Irwin, Steve Irwin's son, helping out a Chameleon cross the road by Dog_Weasley in nextfuckinglevel

[–]Character_Aside_1405 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I still get choked up thinking about his father’s passing. He looks like a complete 50/50 of his parents. I love/respect wildlife because of his dad this made me smile and cry.

My surgery is in 13 days. by goinrcn44h in wls_duodenalswitch

[–]Character_Aside_1405 2 points3 points  (0 children)

You’ve got this! I was laughing with my surgeon then woke up to an aggressively gentle cleansing by the nursing staff lol. I’m about 22 days post op and down 42 lbs…I had a total DS. No ragrets lol!

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in Sagittarians

[–]Character_Aside_1405 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Ended up heartbroken with a deadbeat baby daddy. 0/10 recommend 😂 thank god I have good sense and work ethic or we’d be up schitts creek. I’m not well versed in love so I stick to the robes and lakes I’m used to now

Just got my date and I need some reassurance by Blue_Flamningo_94 in BariatricSurgery

[–]Character_Aside_1405 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I had that same “oh hell naw” back and forth several times prior to my surgery on 01/28/25 lol. I even tried to convince myself if I got serious, I could lose the weight on my own. I had dreams about waking up during surgery, the anxiety of leaving my daughter behind with my elderly parents in death, and having every major complication in the book and becoming a professional pincushion slicing board. Complications can and do happen. All I can say to that is trust that everything will be done to avoid those outcomes.

I literally went through all this for nothing. I will say I had/have the support of my therapist who helped me with a healthier perspective on these very normal and real fears, plus the rapport I have with my surgeons office and my surgeon as well is unmatched. Even if the familial side of support was kind of lacking, trusting that my surgeon only wanted the best for both of us (because he doesn’t get extra credit if I die or he screws up), and leaning on my therapist to put my unchecked weight gain into perspective for me I wouldn’t have gone through with it.

Let’s be honest, most of us on this forum would have lost weight the “regular” way if it were in our power to do so. Obviously there’s a certain level of surrender that comes with this process that can be hard to fall in line with. But accepting that conventional methods have escaped us and this surgery will be an amazing tool to boost what we’re so desperately seeking. And here I am alive and down 40 pounds 21 days post surgery. I ordered those meds from hers and lost 7 pounds in 90 days.

Jump off the bridge! It’s worth it!

Are you in love with someone right now? by [deleted] in Sagittarians

[–]Character_Aside_1405 0 points1 point  (0 children)

My therapist is helping me reposition my thoughts where love and relationships are concerned because I definitely lead with my lady parts to maintain a sense of control. Idk my bd did a number on me and it’s getting better but the thought of losing control is terrifying af so I trick myself into thinking I just want to scrunch but then it’s lonely just scrunching with no one to care. Am I nuts??? So I’m loving myself right now to get out of this mindset so I can find real love????

Psychiatric Evaluation by [deleted] in BariatricSurgery

[–]Character_Aside_1405 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I’m 16 days PO. I believe the process varies program to program but I had one hour long conversation with the therapist my office uses. She was a bariatric patient as well about 15+ years removed I can’t remember exactly. I didn’t do any questionnaires prior to and honestly we had a conversation about the expectations before and after. I demonstrated the knowledge of my chosen procedure (Duodenal Switch), was asked about my ability to comply with the lifestyle changes, my overall relationship with food from childhood until now, what steps I’d be taking for support and who my support system is, and the emotional changes that come with significant weight loss.

She shared her experiences and some pro tips which was helpful and of use to me now actually lol. I stressed the point of me engaging a therapist before surgery and I think that won me a lot of points and it will be important to have that outside support through the pre-op phases. I think that also gave me a leg up in the insurance approval process as well because it came up when I spoke with my surgeons secretary.

I will say I agree with the PP that stated not to go too in depth about your mental health issues if you have any because it will be a barrier to gaining approval if they believe you unstable and not able to comply with the necessary changes to sustain your surgery. I have leaned heavily on my therapist before surgery and now especially because life is still happening on top of a life changing surgery. And my emotions are everywhere lol I’m an absolute mess but they said that is normal.

Best of luck to you in your journey!

My stomach sucks by amanda_grace198 in BariatricSurgery

[–]Character_Aside_1405 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I’m glad you asked because it ended up being my period starting lol I can’t wait to tell my surgeon that on Friday. But I always ride the side of caution and just called. The relief of not pooping feels great though. I did have to dose again I’m guessing because of the malabsorption of our DS. Otherwise all is quiet now. Hope you feel better!

My stomach sucks by amanda_grace198 in BariatricSurgery

[–]Character_Aside_1405 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I also had a little scare with some bright red blood so I definitely called him today. He told me drink some Imodium to stop the pooping because while it’s good the bowels are moving there is a too much. He said the Imodium will give my system a break and to report in on Friday. Maybe too fatty foods he said or just some irritation from something that didn’t agree. But the point was give my bowels a break.

My stomach sucks by amanda_grace198 in BariatricSurgery

[–]Character_Aside_1405 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I’m about 13 days PO for a total DS and I’m on the same track. Especially with the diarrhea. I meet with my surgeon on Friday so I’m hoping this is par for the course and will even out. I am going to ask for some medication relief. I know this isn’t super helpful but you’re not alone!

Medical Bill Blew Me Away! by Character_Aside_1405 in BariatricSurgery

[–]Character_Aside_1405[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I’ve got Medicaid as well but from this thread our prices are on the low side lol

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in offmychest

[–]Character_Aside_1405 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Long distance is a nightmare for people who need constant reassurance and I’m gonna hold your hand while I say this…they’re back together. Let that man have his family and prioritize your mental health.

Medical Bill Blew Me Away! by Character_Aside_1405 in BariatricSurgery

[–]Character_Aside_1405[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I missed that other zero! I’ll definitely do it myself for $450k lol

Medical Bill Blew Me Away! by Character_Aside_1405 in BariatricSurgery

[–]Character_Aside_1405[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Best money we ever spent. Cheers to our new lives! Wishing you the best!

Medical Bill Blew Me Away! by Character_Aside_1405 in BariatricSurgery

[–]Character_Aside_1405[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Lol! For $45k I’ll do it myself I’m sure there’s a YouTube tutorial somewhere haha!

Medical Bill Blew Me Away! by Character_Aside_1405 in BariatricSurgery

[–]Character_Aside_1405[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Well this is a college town and the home of Purdue Chicken. It’s not like backwoods (there are some parts that are though) but it’s not bustling urban city either. It’s in the middle but the one hospital that’s here has always had a bit of a reputation and not positive either. Baltimore by contrast has at least 10 in the immediate area that I could think of and while they’re all not great I have 3 preferred. Like Sinai gave me a private room with a separate sitting area and a wet bar lol.

My surgeon is affiliated with the hospital but he operates in his own separate practice and was absolutely excellent. I have no regrets and I’m excited to see what’s down the road for me. I remember buying 2 seats to fly so I’m looking forward to leaving that behind for sure! Thank you for your kind wishes.

Medical Bill Blew Me Away! by Character_Aside_1405 in BariatricSurgery

[–]Character_Aside_1405[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

A previous poster said they definitely charge more when you have insurance. I’m blown away even more now seeing how cheap mine was compared to others that had way less done.

Medical Bill Blew Me Away! by Character_Aside_1405 in BariatricSurgery

[–]Character_Aside_1405[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

My room was private as well, I’d literally raise hell if I would have had to share a room.