Debbie Downers

Why are there so many negative people in this site, specifically in the General Discussion Forum.

I posted something about getting rid of clothes as soon as they're too big, and now some are saying that I should keep some boxed up in a closet because I'll gain some back.

I am NOT keeping fat clothes in reserve. I'm sorry they gained 25-30 lbs back.

BUT, if my clothes (once I'm at maintenance) start getting too tight, then it will motivate me to buckle down and get them comfortable again if I have nothing in reserve. I've had bigger clothes in reserve all my life and it's far too easy to pull them out if my pants get a little too tight around the waist.

Follow your heart. Do you. Share your clothes with those who'd love something new and different. Smile and wave at any who seem negative (they may have good thoughts that haven't reached their fingers yet).

Hey, and Happy Wednesday!!!!

Jo

was a bit rough when i first had my vsg (3 years ago) and came on here all excited about something (like patchmd), sometimes reading a reply that was completely unexpected. one thing learned is it made me stronger (not because the person was correct or incorrect, but because i'd call my doc and get her advice). i'm more face-to-face and do not entertain or debate opinions, especially online. relax though. gleen what wisdom you can from those who've gone before you. if it seems off, run it past your doctor. ignore any words that don't work for you. best advice i received was don't debate negative people.

okay, time to make the donuts and get ready for work!

I need to learn from you Joanne. :) Thanks for the advice!

just pm'd you :)

I did the opposite. I saved my skinny clothes from years ago. I had boxes of them. By the time I had vsg and lost all the weight, except for 2 sweatshirts, everything even though they fit was just stuff I no longer wanted to wear. They just looked silly, too young for me and outdated. Now if something does not fit, I get rid of it.

The statistical truth is that more than half of WLS patients experience at least SOME amount of regain, especially after the first year. It's not pessimism, it's factual observation.

Um, that's not a "Debbie Downer" -- it's good advice from YEARS of post-op experience.

Almost 5 years out here -- no re-gain -- and I still need to have 3 different sizes in my closet. Fat clothes aren't the same as thin clothes. When I was a size 28, I could lose 20 to 30 pounds before really needing to go a whole size smaller. From 24 to 18, It was easily 15 to 20 pounds between sizes.

Five pounds is a WHOLE size now. I can have 5 pounds of water weight during my cycle, and be in an 8, and wear my 5/6 the rest of the month.

Additionally, most people -- like 90-95% have some amount of bounce back. That isn't the same as regain. Bounce back is usually between 10 and 20 pounds. Depending on how low you get, that can be 3 or 4 sizes.

I know your gung-ho and excited with all the unicorn farting rainbow possibilities, but presumably you have come here to learn from the EXPERIENCE of been-there-done-that vets who have had long term success and experience. Instead of getting your feelings hurt every time someone shares some of that wisdom, perhaps just listen and even learn from them?

It's sort of like when you hear a newly 1st time pregnant woman saying how her baby will never have a tantrum, never watch any tv, only eat veggies, or that she will never use an epidural in labor -- and you chuckle. We know that they will one day eat those proclamations --

Word to the wise: be sure to bookmark your post to reflect back on in a few years.

I am here to learn from those who have been on this journey.

However, I do think some people need to work on their delivery.

Pouring cold water on someone's enthusiasm and optimism...I just don't get that.

You might want to read about tone policing.