Maybe I didn't wait long enough?

I took a haitus from the main VSG board for awhile.  I have slowly been reading and commenting again.  But I am still appalled at some of the stuff I read over there.  Maybe I didn't take a long enough break?  I just want to help others... I remember being a newbie and cherishing the advice of those who had gone before me.  The "been there, done that" crowd who taught me SO much.

*sigh*  I'm currently exchanging posts with someone who, at 6 days post op, ate turkey.  WIth the caveat that 'it's just a bite and I chewed really well."  Either the postop plans are REALLY getting liberal or people are willing to play with fire... or worse - maybe both?  I certainly don't want folks hurting themselves, but also want to see the VSG and those who get it be successful.

Oh well.  Help the ones I can and leave the rest alone, I guess.

Oh I know I just read as post of someone six weeks out asking about birthday cake...I just figure if I can't say nothing nice then zip it, but do think ppl need to remember their priorities

After the whole Happy_Teacher incident, I just walk right by those posts.  I save my opinions and knowledge for the people that ask me and seek me out.  I find that more people are on the main board with much looser plans and they are willing to do much riskier things, and I don't have the emotional capacity to comment anymore.  I just move right along until I see something where I feel that I can be helpful, or a question that is directed at VETS.  That's the best I've got.

Sorry if I shouldn't say anything on this board, but I actually know a teeny bit about this. The program here in Edmonton is indeed very liberal. People are released from hospital on full fluids and expected to start eating solid food at a week. Protein shakes are discouraged, with the goal being to get all of one's protein from food as quickly as possible.

I can sort of see their point, but am pretty content with my decision to go to Dr Aceves in Mexicali. His post-op diet is much stricter, and although I've pushed it a little I'm in absolutely no hurry to get to dry regular food.

I've never really frequented the main boards and the more I read from you guys about what's being said over there the happier I am to stay right here on the VSG or Maintenence forum.

I agree with you guys though, in that, I too want to pay back what I can.
I could not have come this far without the help and guidence of the VETs on this forum.
So I keep myself the open book and will answer any questions anyone has.

I know people do stupid stuff and ask stupid questions. I try to answer each question honestly.
"no dear, cake is not a good choice at six weeks. have you tried greek yogurt?"

I stay away from preaching and judging. Lord knows if I started preaching to others the gates of hell would probably open up and swollow me.
I just try to help those that go after me.

donna

I giggled a lot at your gates of hell comment...

Donna folks are referring to the main "vsg" forum. Not the Official main board.

I just lurk now. Also avoiding threads that would make me post something snarky.

I don't really know how people are doing it to be honest.  I got a decent sized sleeve....(36) that I am very happy with so far.

I was on shakes/liquids for 3 weeks post op and there is NO WAY IN HECK I could have eaten turkey or cake or anything else people are talking about eating.

I didn't touch solid (dense) protein until about 8-10 weeks out.  The only time I have thrown up is when I drank some water too fast....LOL.  

I don't get it either.....I really hope its just the people being clueless and not a trend of programs getting more liberal because that is really going to affect VSG stats in the long run.

 It's one of those things that, while sad, is probably something we will only see more of.

With VSG gaining popularity there are going to be more surgeons doing the surgery and many of them without giving good post-op plans/advice. I know one of the surgeons in my area gives the exact same guide to his RNY and DS patients as he does his VSG patients! Ummm, no. Last I checked, I didn't have malabsorption, thanks! And it's a pretty awful post-op plan at that (oatmeal as mushy stage food?!).

I'll admit I don't post nearly as much as I used to over there. I skim by most posts, mainly because I'd rather not be crucified for giving an "unattainable" (more conservative) perspective on post-op eating. I'm still trying to find a balance, I want to pay it forward because so many that came before me did such an amazing job. But I'm also not willing to be attacked... *sigh*

 To the poster on the main VSG board that asked about Birthday Cake at 6 weeks out, I suggested About Time Birthday Cake protein powder for a shake. She really liked that idea. Other suggestions, from other posters included protein ice cream. She was receptive those ideas, so hopefully, she won't be eating birthday cake this early.

I was so sick the first couple of months with complications, I am utterly amazed at what some people are eating or thinking about eating, so early out of the gate. I was just trying to get enough fluids and protein into me, and didn't even think about anything else. *Shakes head*


Gail