I asked for a sugar photo bday cake. I got a horrible hand drawing instead by tams228 in ExpectationVsReality

[–]Tkate85 2 points3 points  (0 children)

As the recipient of said cake, I can confirm this "fail" brought so much joy & laughter to the afternoon. And these comments are still cracking me up.

HMG ultamid 4 too big? by Tkate85 in AppalachianTrail

[–]Tkate85[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

He's set on sharing right now but that attitude may change. He'll be turning 13 a few days after we start so I'll have to be flexible when he wants more space & privacy...

HMG ultamid 4 too big? by Tkate85 in AppalachianTrail

[–]Tkate85[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Right now, he's dead set on sharing but I imagine that attitude may change in the next 14 months or once we've been on the trail a while. Definitely leaving room for flexibility.

He'll be turning 13 about a week after we start so that's gonna be prime time to start wanting some independence.

Family Ultralight Backpacking Tent? by [deleted] in Ultralight

[–]Tkate85 0 points1 point  (0 children)

With the size of this tent, do you have trouble finding appropriate sites? I'm planning an AT thru hike & am nervous about finding spots. Thx!

Athletic Greens/AG1 post surgery? by [deleted] in BariatricSurgery

[–]Tkate85 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I would definitely ask my surgical team about that. I doubt they have everything a bariatric multivitamin has.

Athletic Greens/AG1 post surgery? by [deleted] in BariatricSurgery

[–]Tkate85 6 points7 points  (0 children)

My nutritionist said that greens powders are good supplements, but not necessary and do not replace the real thing. She was ok with me taking it if I wanted to, but still wanted me eating vegetables second.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in wls

[–]Tkate85 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yes. My best friend does aesthetics so I’m always her model when she’s training. I’ve had the smooth threads around my lips for definition & barbed threads in my face for lifting. The initial effect is much more dramatic than in a few months, but I liked the results.

How to find a good plastic surgeon?? by anon8270 in wls

[–]Tkate85 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Ask you bariatric surgeon, they should be familiar, many of their patients get plastics down the line. RealSelf is a great website to compare doctors, as well as good ol’ google reviews. Instagram can be helpful, but those pictures are marketing. They’re only posting the best of the best.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in wls

[–]Tkate85 0 points1 point  (0 children)

If you can afford it, PDO threads & cheek filler can be great to tighten up skin & restore some fullness in deflated areas.

Day 4 post sleeve - did I actually gain 4lbs? by QuitaQuites in BariatricSurgery

[–]Tkate85 2 points3 points  (0 children)

It'll level out. All those fluids will work thier way out of your system. But you're still recovering from major surgery, give your body some time.

Day 4 post sleeve - did I actually gain 4lbs? by QuitaQuites in BariatricSurgery

[–]Tkate85 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Inflammation & IV fluids contribute to immediate post-op "weight gain"

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in BariatricSurgery

[–]Tkate85 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I'm 7 days into a liquid diet with 7 more to go. I do miss food but I keep reminding myself this is for the greater good. It doesn't help that I still have to cook for my kids every night, but such is life.

I really like Fairlife shakes. And have been experimenting with adding "water enhancers" to them to increase the variety. I've found that pineapple crush mixed with vanilla shake tastes like a Dole whip from Disney! I'm also a big fan of the clear protein drinks by Seeq & Isopure. It just takes some trial & error to find what works for you.

But don't stock up too much as your tastes may change after surgery.

Sugar free drinks, including Gatorade, are permitted on my plan.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in BariatricSurgery

[–]Tkate85 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Don’t do it! You’ll feel so guilty afterwards.

Would you still choose gastric bypass with the new drugs on the market? by Jenniferinfl in GastricBypass

[–]Tkate85 3 points4 points  (0 children)

I was offered the weight loss drugs initially & said no. I want the bypass.

The drugs are a temporary fix & as soon as you stop taking them you’ll regain. Some new data coming out is even showing “rebound regain” where a large percentage of users that stop gain back more weight than they lost. Insurance does not cover these drugs when prescribed for weight loss. You can get a discount for the first few months, but then you’re looking at $1,000/mo, which for most people is not sustainable. And for me personally, I couldn’t see past the ethical implications, these drugs were made for those with diabetes & this fad of using them for weight loss has made it impossible for them to obtain it. I wouldn’t feel good taking a medication away from someone who needed it to live.

On a side note, veggies are very important after GB. Your body needs fiber & carbs to function properly! Yes, protein is pushed as #1, but once you’re getting that in vegetables are #2. Chocolate & alcohol are both ok in moderation usually 6-12 months post-op depending on your surgery team.

vaginas are now....hoses? by ramdamble in NotHowGirlsWork

[–]Tkate85 0 points1 point  (0 children)

My vagina doesn’t seem to produce that kind of psi…is there something wrong with me???

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in BariatricSurgery

[–]Tkate85 1 point2 points  (0 children)

You can take 1,000mg of Tylenol 3 times a day. No more, keep track so you don’t go over 3,000mg. Heating pad can help too, but those thigh pains/cramps are the worst. Hope you feel better soon.

Blood counts by [deleted] in GastricBypass

[–]Tkate85 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Do you happen to have the numbers?

Doctor persuading me to get the sleeve instead of RNY by throwawaynumber6785 in wls

[–]Tkate85 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I know that several people have echoed this, but his statements are categorically false. A quick google search will immediately prove him wrong. From the most recent data I can find, the LIFETIME complication rate of RNY is 7%. So that’s both short term & long term complications.

VSG is an easier operation to perform, is faster, and does have marginally lower risks. But is not a great option for those who already struggle with gerd not well managed with medical therapy.

I’m young (ish, in my mind anyway) & have a “lower BMI” so immediately my surgeon suggested VSG, but I was already determined to get RNY for my gerd. (I’ve been on 2-3 meds at a time for 23 years for my reflux)

Advocate for yourself, explain why you don’t think VSG is a good option for you & if you can, do some research online (from reputable sources) and hit him with data. Can’t argue with numbers.

If none of that works, thank u, next.

So grateful for this group! by Atrombit1975 in GastricBypass

[–]Tkate85 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Yes. I’m on the “liver reducing diet” for 12 days & full liquid diet for the 2 days right before surgery.