Hello All!

 I am working on a PhD. at North Dakota State University (originally from San Diego) and I was wondering if anyone from the San Diego area or anyone in general who would be willing to do a phone interview with me on a qualitative research project that I am working on? I am looking at the experiences of bariatric patients who are at least two years post-op, and over the age of 18 regardless of surgery type...

The interview lasts approximately 30-45 minutes and the 10 open-ended questions mainly focus on personal satisfaction, nutrition, health, and support. I am interested in looking at the differences we face further out from surgery...I have an invitation letter and everything has been approved by the human subjects board through NDSU. In addition, all your identifying information will be kept anonymous and you will be given a pseudonym.

Message me if interested! I greatly want to hear about your experiences! There really is a lack of research on bariatric patients after the first year...

Thanks for your time!

--Angela Geraci

Hi Disney,

You know I completely understand your frustration...I just hit 2 years yesterday. I stopped coming here so much because I think most newbies don't understand how much things can change and the struggles we encounter, especially after the "after glow" has worn off. I too am a psychological eater and I know this sounds naive, but I honestly didn't realize this was going to be a lifelong struggle for me until just last week...so, no judgment here. *hugs*

Damn....I know my surgeon in Mexico would INCLUDE a hernia repair if they found it at time of surgery...I have one now, and my insurance is meh. My surgeon would charge $4000 to repair it...

My standard reply: Band = BAD, Sleeve = GOOD

(I have had both, and never got below 205 with the band...)

Hey Nicey!

I hope you had a good experience at the OCC! I had both my band and revision done by Dr. Ortiz...anyway, the first year I had trouble with plain water, but if you take your G2 and do half water/half G2, that helps you get more fluids...Also, those Costco Premiers ready to drink shakes were my go to protein the first six months too. You definitely should try and up your protein and maybe keep the creamed soup for dinner?? Tea saved me too! Don't worry about calories right now, just stay hydrated and keep your protein up. :)

And make sure to take your acid reducer that they gave you...I took mine in the morning. Cause I would wake up with acid...

You seem to be doing well! 

Had Lapband for 3 years...never made it under 200 lbs. Revised to VSG...made goal.

My standard reply: labpband= BAD, sleeve= GOOD

--Angela :)

Anybody use spelt flour? (I think that's what it's called anyway...) I don't need to "fry" in oil. Something with boneless, skinless chicken breasts, I was thinking in the oven...I'm okay with a few extra carbs. I can always take the breading off too...the saltine one sounds promising...

Hello All,

Yes, I know, I know...I'm late to the exercise train. I can just gain pretty easily now if I don'****ch it and I'm trying to see if I can save myself from more plastic surgery...Anyway:

1. Does muscle really weigh more than fat? In my head, a pound is a pound...I ask this because ever since I have been gyming it 5 days/week (3 weeks), I have gained 3 pounds. 167 now, was maintaining at 164...

2. Is it normal to be hungrier? I haven't felt hunger like this in literally years now! It's weird.

I must also add that it's freaking cold where I'm at (North Dakota) and I've been told by the natives that most people get hungrier during the Winter??

Thanks in Advance for any Advice!

I hope everyone is doing well!

--Angela

I had plastics at almost 16 months out...boob lift with implant, arm lift, and lipo on thighs and tummy. I still will probably need a thigh lift, but it can wait for now. :)

I keep hearing about the Fit Bit...and see that many use it for My Fitness Pal and tracking Calories burned...Anybody want to share stories before I drop the $$? Also, I am not that tech friendly. Is it easy to use?

Thanks and I hope Everyone is doing well!

--Angela

After the surgery, the arm lift was the best money I've ever spent! :)