Over the last month, my fingernails have developed small white dots....looks a bit like spattered paint.  Apparently this is indicative of low zinc although there is no specific test for this problem.  Supplements are a bit "iffy" because a little too much can lead to problems with your copper. This may have started from inadequate protein.  I am going on protein supplementation in addition to my regular foods. Anyone else have this problem in the past and what was done about it?

Great question!  We are going to "pay" one way or the other.  All the diseases which are complications of morbid obesity cost BIG bucks.  My husband, a diabetic, takes 2 medications a day.  One of those alone is $250 a month.  Thank goodness we have insurance.  The research is currently heavily suggesting wls may be a "cure" for Type 2 Diabetes.  I think having the surgery would not only make him healthier from the diabetes standpoint, but it also keeps him in the work force and a very productive member of society.  Obesity isn't about just get out there and exercising.  They discover more and more reasons why some of us seem programmed to be mo.  Not paying to make these people healthy seems discriminatory to me.  Nobody seems to question upwards of a million dollars to care for a premie weighing less than 1 pound although that baby may be damaged from such a low birth weight and have years of expensive care.  We pay for the terminally ill that choose to fight every day to stay alive long after it is obvious they will never be well.  MO can be healthy, happy and should not be discriminated against.  Incidentally, please no flaming.  I am not suggesting premies and people with terminal illness should not receive care!

Easy way out?  Not on your Nellie!  It is the SMART way out.  Some of us for whatever reason(s) cannot lose the weight and keep it off.  The alternative is lousy health and a lifetime of pain and sadness.  You have done the research.  You know your answers.  Now it is your time.  Those of us having this surgery are the examples to the world of just what wls can be.  Every day you are stronger and healthier is another day to prove them wrong.  All the luck in the world.  See you on the Loser's Bench!

I have read many posts about friends that change after we have our surgery and the questions as to why and whether we are the ones that changed or did they change.  We are moving far away next week.  Went to dinner with friends of many years tonight.  She talked on and on about my weight loss and I suddenly realized she was angry at me!  I think she was mad because I had quit being the fat one of the group and hopefully am living a real life now.  I think I realized what was going on and feel grateful we will move soon because I hate to deal with the reality of this.  I now remember so many times over the years when she has really abused our friendship and I guess I just grew accustomed to it.  That makes me so sad to read as I write it.   Where was I???  Why did I feel like I deserved less than others?  Thank God for this surgery.  I know I'm getting my head screwed on straight as I go through this journey.  Another reminder, I must avoid toxic people, toxic situations and toxic foods.  Thanks for "listening".

Fat jokes are as funny as ethnic jokes and gay jokes....that is to say, they are not funny!  We have the advantage of being able to enjoy this fantastic change in our outward appearance.  With that advantage comes the responsibility of never accepting a fat or disparaging joke or remark from anyone to go unchallenged.

#99...came today.

Finally saw onderland today!  What a year this has been.  I would love to wax poetic about it being a fantastic year, but that would be inaccurate.  I have had many very difficult personal issues to deal with, but thank goodness, weight wasn't one of them!  My wls was the best decision I have ever made.  Was it a snap...of course not.  There is a learning curve.  Easy way out...not on your Nellie.  It Was the Smart way however.  I have had to take a very close look at how I deal with the stresses in my life.  I had basically given up.  Now, I'm making the journey back to a real existence.  I'm down 135 since surgery and 175 including the loss pre-op.  Those are numbers.  They really don't say anything about the process.  I have been better than some about staying calm with plateaus...calm has not been my norm in the past, but I knew all the fretting in the world wouldn't change the way my body was working.  Hair loss?  Some.  I have to admit, I had lots of hair to start so some loss was not a big deal.  It is growing back now and with a bit of the natural curl I had as a child!  Love that part.  My skin looks like a shar-pei puppy's.  Big deal...better that than a Mastiff's!  PS in my future...probably.  I would like my arms done and a tummy tuck.  Ashamed of how I look?  Not in the least.  These are my "battle scars".  None of these hurt like the cruel comments made when I was MO..  So I still have 30 pounds to goal.  I know it will come.  I know how to get there.  I know the worst thing in the world for me is snacking.  I work daily at only putting wholesome things in my body....organic and as few chemicals as possible.  Water is a must.  I have learned to love it.  Exercise is still something that requires conscious effort, but I do it all the same.  A total knee replacement this year slowed that a bit.  I am also trying to eliminate toxic people and toxic events from my life.  That seems to be the source of so much anxiety.  Having identified it, I feel must stronger.  To those starting the journey, all the best.  Do your reasearch, find support (both in person and onlline), then go for it!  There isn't a best way, but your way will be best for you.

"Type the information" where?  Search?  URL?? 

Sounds great!  I agree with adding a pop of color...red, of course, compliments the Asian theme very well.  I have seen some great patterns for "Kimonos".  Made a mini quilt with them myself and it was very pretty.  I looked for the pattern and don't have it anymore, but you can probably find one on line.  Good luck.

I found bags of pre-shelled frozen edamame at Whole Foods.  Brought them home, nuked them and they are great.  High in protein, taste good, very filling!  I like the al dente texture too.

Why hate a cyber-hug, especially coming from those that know exactly what you are experiencing?  Personally, I think many of us (certainly myself included) did without way too many hugs during our MO days.  Learning to accept care and attention is part of the healing just as much as the surgery.  You are doing great.  Believe in your surgery and believe in your body to make the changes!  I think losing like gang busters is great for those that can do it, but they seem few and far between.  Each and every pound is a special gift.

Several years back I worked with a psychiatrist and he said many MO people have what he called "Non-purging Bulemia"  The minute I heard the term, I knew it fit me to a tee.  I could make food disappear regardless of quantity, followed up by feeling very guilty and sad, consider making myself throw up, and then deciding throwing up was "sick"!  I worked with the therapist on this and have a much better understand of how I relate to food.  The is one reason I went with rny.  I need that restriction.  You can't gorge in such a small space!

If you were totally honest, wasn't there a day some little boy said I'll show you mine if you show me yours?  Assuming, these are little kids they are still learning about their bodies.  You did a good job of simply saying some things are private and let it drop.  Now, when she is 16 the answers will be much different!