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Born2lbfat

My life with Lipedema & Lymphedema...destined to be fat.

Admit It: You Drink Diet Soda

November 10, 2013 by Sarah Bramblette 6 Comments

day9

 

National Health Blog Post Month – Day 9:  Just admit it!

It’s taboo. Write about something that people do but don’t like to talk about or won’t admit to doing.

With a STRAW!

With a STRAW!

Nothing stirs up debate within the weight loss surgery community like a discussion about drinking diet soda. Rumors and scare tactics surround  the consumption of carbonated beverages from being the cause of regain to causing pouches to explode. Surgeons’ post-op protocols vary on whether or not weight loss surgery patients should consume diet soda. Some surgeons say NEVER, some say whenever as long as the bubbles don’t bother you.

My surgeon’s protocol was the latter, actually my nutritionist’s recommendation was I could try diet soda, and if it didn’t bother my stomach I could have it in moderation. So I did, and I do drink diet soda. The moderation part….um not so much.

My name is Sarah and I’m addicted to Diet Mtn Dew.

There I said it. I admit it. I do not deny I drink diet soda. It is probably my one unhealthy habit. I do not drink alcohol, I do not smoke, let me have my diet soda!

I’m not the only one. Yes, I do know many post-ops who have forever given up their bubbly soda. Kudos to you. You are stronger than I, although I’m sure there is something you enjoy, and enjoy probably a bit more than you should. Don’t we all have something we over indulge in?

Drinking diet soda is so taboo that many post-ops hide their drinking. Which is odd in a community that so opening partakes in drinking alcohol. At an event a few years ago I actually had a fellow post-op question why I was drinking Diet Coke, when I should be well aware of it’s relation to regain. He was drinking bourbon or whiskey on the rocks. Really?

It’s interesting watching fellow post-ops “hide” their diet sodas at events. I’ve seen it poured into cups to hide, or taken in grocery bags  to rooms for private consumption. As if there is an “image” to uphold and we must not let others see us being real humans who drink diet soda. When I attend events I drink my diet soda straight from the original bottle or can, and in public. It’s interesting to see others reaction, I was even asked “where I got the contraband?” Seriously, it’s diet soda, not crack. Are we not adults capable of making our own choices?

It could be worse, it could be regular soda. Right? I know, the studies say…………..

But there are so many chemicals. Excuse me but take a look at the ingredient list on your protein shake.

So let’s be real each other, we are humans, we are not perfect…actually I have a confession to make. The other day I mentioned that I took a couple Advil for pain in my legs. I was asked if I ate something with them since NSAIDS are also a supposed “no – no” in the WLS world. I assured the person I take proper precautions, as I also take a daily aspirin for medical reasons.

The truth is yes, I ate something…I washed the Advil down with Diet Mtn Dew and two cookies.

So tell me, do you drink diet soda? Energy drink?

 

Filed Under: Blog Post, Weight Loss Surgery Tagged With: diet soda, gastric bypass, morbid obesity, National Health Blog Post Month, NHBPM, obesity, rny, rny gastric bypass, Wego Health, weight loss surgery, wls

“You need to get the Lapband surgery.”

November 7, 2013 by Sarah Bramblette 3 Comments

In her Hot Topics segment (at 8:30), Wendy Williams discusses Ruben Studdard’s performance on The Biggest Loser then suggests he get Lapband surgery.

First, I think it’s completely out of place to be discussing his weight on her show in this manner.

Second, Wendy Williams got her MD when?

Third, the decision to have weight loss surgery is a personal decision that should be made with counsel of one’s own physician not a talk show host. There are also more options for weight loss surgery than Lapband. There are RNY gastric bypass, vertical sleeve gastrectomy, and duodenal switch.

Earlier in the segment she made comments about how Gov. Christie did not appear to have lost that much weight since his Lapband surgery. (3:45) “Can I just talk about this surgery he got for weight loss? What happened…like I don’t notice the difference.”

So Wendy, you talk about Gov. Christie for not losing enough weight with Lapband surgery, but you suggest Ruben should have the same surgery to help with his weight???????

I’m aware that Wendy Williams is know for dishing on celebrity’s’ looks and that she too has her own critics, however, the line here is crossed when she offered medical advice.

Filed Under: Blog Post, Weight Loss Surgery Tagged With: duedenal switch, featured, headline, health, lapband, morbid obesity, obesity, rny gastric bypass, top, vertical sleeve gastrectomy, weight loss surgery, wls

Tips for Effective Fat Shaming

September 30, 2013 by Sarah Bramblette 6 Comments

shame

Before we begin today’s lesson, I feel compelled to point out that a recent study indicates that fat shaming is actually NOT effective in motivating people to lose weight.  That, in fact, shaming has the opposite effect. However, some people are set in their ways and cannot resist the urge to prophesize their knowledge to others who are “worse off”. So before you embark on such divine matters of “health”, please consider the following tips:

1. Extinguish your cigarette – Nothing is more annoying than having someone fat shame you while blowing smoke in your face. So please do not approach me about my weight, and how you can help me “get healthier” while smoking. Yes, it’s happened to me. My boyfriend and I were at the beach, enjoying a cool evening watching the waves and the people roll by on bikes and skates, when I was approached by a woman smoking.  At first I thought she was going to ask for money, so I clutched my purse closer to me. Instead she tells me how she has just finished her personal training courses and wanted to know if I would like to work out with her, she could “help” me lose weight. She “understood” how threatening the gym might be to large women, she’d make me comfortable with exercise.

Without missing a beat I reply “I’m not sure how much I’d trust health advice from someone who smokes.”

“Oh, I know, I’m trying to quit” she says as she quickly tries to extinguish her cigarette.

It’s not that her knowledge is invalid because she smokes, it’s the fact that she approached a stranger about their weight, assumed I did not already exercise, which I did and did so letting her own poor habits show.

2. Step away from the bar – Ok, in his defense he was stepping away from the bar, well stumbling away. A co-worker and I were having dinner at a steakhouse when this drunk man stumbled up to our table and muttered “You’re probably going to tell me to f*** off, but I just HAVE to tell you…PLEASE STOP EATING, you are killing yourselves. I work at a hospital and I see people like you die every day”.

He did in fact work at a hospital, or at least he was wearing a polo shirt with his name and the name of a local hospital.

My co-worker was stunned and horrified. I was ME, and replied “YES, I am going to tell you to F***OFF, you do not know us or the fact I’ve lost over 100lbs already.”

Fellow restaurant patrons were also horrified by his behavior and quickly approached him and escorted him outside. Then the manager came to the table and apologized for the man (who was a regular bar patron) and comp’d our meals. Ironic.

3. Do not interrupt my workout – Of course someone working out at the gym must be in need of unsolicited advice about how to lose weight. Right? But some people are just overly persistent or working for referral money. Either way it is annoying. As Susan Powers would say “Stop the INSANITY!” There I am, at the gym, ear buds in listening to Destiny Child’s “I’m a Survivor”, when I notice this woman waving at me. I did not recognize her as someone I know, but I take off my ear buds and say “hello”.

She steps closer, “Hi, are you considering weight loss surgery, or have you recently had it?”

SERIOUSLY?  I reply, “I’ve already had weight loss surgery.”

“When?”

“2003, I used to weigh more than 500lbs, I have Lymphedema”…trying to think what else can I say to get her to let me get back to Beyonce, Kelly and umm (oh hell anyone remember the 3rd chick from Destiny’s Child?) Michelle! Thanks Google.

She replies, “Oh I work for a doctor, have you considered revision as an option?”

I tell her that I am very involved in the WLS Community and I am well aware of the options available.  I’m too nice, I should have told her how inappropriate her approach and conversation were, despite intentions do not approach strangers about their weight.

She of course was a WLS herself, something about having WLS or losing a massive amount of weight through whatever programs makes you a SAVIOR. I must not have said enough Hail Mary’s because I never got my wing and halo. Well I got my batwings, but not my angelic wings and official orders to go out and SAVE people.

I understand the urge, really I do, I have the same feeling when I see someone I believe is suffering with Lymphedema in their legs, and having gone undiagnosed for so many years I have good instinct to think they too might be undiagnosed.

However, I’m quite sure no one is unaware they are fat? If they are unaware, that is a conversation for a family member, close friend, or doctor to have with them regarding their health. It’s not for a stranger to initiate.

If you are concerned about the health of a friend or family member here is an article about how to approach that conversation.

Filed Under: Advocacy, Blog Post Tagged With: bbw, breaking, discrimination, fat shaming, featured, gastric bypass, headline, health, morbid obesity, obesity, rny gastric bypass, top, weight bias, weight loss surgery

All EARS for #OH2013 in Anaheim

September 21, 2013 by Sarah Bramblette Leave a Comment

Ready for #OH2013

Ready for #OH2013

Getting ready for more education, friends, and fun at the ObesityHelp 2013 National Conference in Anaheim, CA, October 4th & 5th.

Looking forward to hearing Dr. Ayra Sharma speak, and spending more time with my pal Eggface!

photofun

I’m also hoping to have time to visit with my college mentor who now lives and works in California, the man truly changed and saved my life!

There is still time to join me in Anaheim! This will be my 8th ObesityHelp Event!

I like to stay active with ObesityHelp and the weight loss surgery community because I’ve met many fellow Lipedema and Lymphedema patients who have had or are considering weight loss surgery and it is great to meet others with similar experiences.

Filed Under: Blog Post, Weight Loss Surgery Tagged With: bbw, breaking, featured, gastric bypass, headline, health insurance, lipedema, lymphedema, morbid obesity, obesity, rny, rny gastric bypass, sbbw, super morbid obesity, weight loss surgery, wls

YOU Can Still Be a Part of #YWM2013 – Join Us!

August 8, 2013 by Sarah Bramblette Leave a Comment

oacsiteIt’s not too late to  be a part of Obesity Action Coalition Your Weight Matters Convention!

Registration will be available on-site August 15th. Join us for a day or the entire event.

Can’t join us in Phoenix?

No worries there will be 5 sessions  live-streamed via YouTube!

Here is the link to access all of the live-streamed educational sessions: 

http://www.ywmconvention.com/ywm2013-live-stream/  

During the Teaming-Up to Tackle Obesity event, those who can’t attend will also be able to ask questions during the Q&A using http://www.twitter.com/obesityaction and our official #YWM2013 hashtag.

LivestreamScheduleGraphic_forweb

This is a great opportunity to experience OAC and get a glimpse of what the information and resources they offer.

Check out my Top 5 Reasons YOU Should Attend #YWM2013 and watch for my LIVE updates from the convention on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.

Filed Under: Blog Post, Weight Loss Surgery Tagged With: advocacy, bbw, breaking, featured, gastric bypass, headline, health insurance, lipedema, lymphedema, morbid obesity, obesity, obesity action coalition, rny gastric bypass, sbbw, super morbid obesity, top, weight bias, weight loss surgery, YWM2013

Featured on ObesityHelp

August 1, 2013 by Sarah Bramblette 5 Comments

screenshot-OH-advocacy

I am honored to be today’s featured article on ObesityHelp.com – Advocate: A Decade in the Making. I have been a member of ObesityHelp since 2003 and have attended 7 of their events. October 4th & 5th I will attending the ObesityHelp 2013 National Conference in Anaheim, CA.

ObesityHelp asked me to share my experience and struggle with Lymphedema and Lipedema. Including fighting for insurance coverage of needed treatments. Both conditions affect individuals struggling with obesity, including those seeking weight loss surgery. Many like myself, are not aware they have Lipedema until after having weight loss surgery and noticing that despite massive weight loss their legs are still abnormally large.

Filed Under: Advocacy, Blog Post, Health Insurance, Lipedema and Lymphedema, Obesity Tagged With: advocacy, appeals, bbw, beauty, breaking, featured, gastric bypass, headline, health insurance, lipedema, lymphedema, morbid obesity, obesity, rny, rny gastric bypass, sbbw, self confidence, self esteem, super morbid obesity, top, weight lose surgery, wls

Weight Loss Surgery Journey

July 30, 2013 by Sarah Bramblette 8 Comments

I had open RNY Gastric Bypass in April 2003 at The Ohio State University Medical Center. I was diagnosed and under treatment for Lymphedema since December 2001, however, I was not yet diagnosed or aware I had Lipedema. Gastric bypass surgery helped me lose the weight that was due to poor habits. I admit I have not always had the healthiest of habits, however, even before surgery I made MAJOR life changes, and while my overall health has greatly improved. Lipedema has taken its toll on my body and will be a lifelong battle.

My highest known weight was 502lbs. It was higher, however, the doctors did not have a scale that could weigh me. After several months of diet change and exercise I could tell by my clothes that I was losing weight and I so I went to a junk yard to use their scale and saw that despite my efforts I still weighed more than 500lbs. I opted to pursue weight loss surgery. I do believe losing weight has helped me maintain my lymphedema, and saved my life. As with any medical decision, having weight loss surgery is a personal decision best made between a patient and their physicians. I have read where many Lipedema patients have been pressured by their physicians to have weight loss surgery. Lipedema does not respond to diet and exercise, therefore, weight loss surgery will not improve fat in areas affected by lipedema.

saralicious

My 23rd Birthday, September 10, 2000

rnyb4font

rnyb4side

The morning of surgery.

I had reconstructive panniculectomy in December 2006. My weight was 280lbs. I eventually lost down to 250lbs.

rnyafterfront

rnyafterside

blackdress

February 2007

And then regain began…

regain

regain2September 2011

But that smile still stays the same!

Filed Under: Weight Loss Surgery Tagged With: bbw, beauty, featured, gastric bypass, headline, lipedema, lymphedema, morbid obesity, obesity, rny, rny gastric bypass, sbbw, self confidence, self esteem, super morbid obesity, weight lose surgery, wls

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