What's on your Wednesday Menu?

Amy, I'm so happy for you. Sounds like an amazing day for sure.

Much needed! Thank you!

What a great and positive day!!

What a great meeting, Amy!
And hurray for the vault finally being set.
You gotta post pics about how this things looks like.

Thanks!! I've ben dying to post pics, but needed the thing to work! I will post on Friday for sure.

Your day does sound like it was amazing! And your local polling place rocks.

Congrats on getting your Vault up and running. Second what someone else said...would love a picture! Glad you're able to attend the support group. Sounds like you're an inspiration.

Hope things work out with the doctor!

Thank you! Pic's coming Friday. My surgeon left this practice after my 2 annual and I didn't see the point - until now. She has me worried about esophageal issues/hernia. I used to have bad gerd and was constantly clearing my throat pre surgery. After fixing the hernia it was gone and I was so happy! But it's been back for a while and getting worse... I can't ignore it anymore and see a scope in my future. I'm so thankful for that meeting.

Ahh, glad you're getting that looked at, then! Hopefully something treatable. It will be good to know for sure.

I track bariatric surgical patients for outcomes for my job, we lose many patients for long-term follow-up. I think many are shameful for either regain or lack of weight loss. When I speak to them, I try to let them know that the earlier they seek help the more effective it will be in meeting their goals. Many times, we can add medical bariatric medications to help with cravings and help with weight loss. People just need to reach out and ask for help from their surgical team. The other thing many are not aware of before WLS is that the head hunger or other psychological issues that lead to overeating don't go away just because they had surgery. Therefore, emotional support from friends/family, groups, or counseling can go a long way in helping to achieve weight loss and maintenance. I know I struggle with the desire to eat when I am not hungry. I think exercise routine helps me stay focused and keeps me busy, so I am not consumed with eating. It is interesting that you noted that those who maintain a regular exercise routine are the ones who do the best in maintenance of weight loss. I wonder if there are any research studies on this.

I am happy to hear that the support group was excellent. It sounds like the new surgeon is really engaged.