u/paddlepedalhike

I had RK in the 1980s. I have 16 cuts on each eye. Today I learned that I “potentially” “do” have glaucoma. I also learned that an LAL lens is the best, really only, solution for my vision. I’m processing this over a cortado. I’ll get second opinion next week. Then I’ll go from there. Not panicking.

Do you answer the door when you’re not expecting a visitor? I do not. Never have. It’s a safety thing and I don’t want to be bothered.

My best friend is 53 yo. She never learned to drive. She’s scared of her strong reactions in tense situations. She says she’s made bad decisions in her life and doesn’t want to make a bad decision while in charge of a 2000 lb vehicle. She also doesn’t want to be in class w 15 yos, she’s embarrassed. (I’ve told her there are private lessons.) She looking at getting divorced so learning to drive is a big need - there is terrible public transportation where she lives. How do I encourage her? How can we build her trust in herself to be able to handle this? She’s smart, capable, holds a professional level job, has raised children. Any words of encouragement for her will be appreciated.

I know ophthalmologists often do lid lifts and remove under bags. Has anyone had this done at the same time as cataract surgery? I have my consult in 3 weeks. I thought I’d ask the surgeon about it.

F60 I’ve recently been wearing thongs because I don’t like VPL at the gym. In fact, I’m starting to prefer them over regular high cut briefs. I’ve been wearing Grankee from Amazon and like them. (They were suggested here, I believe.) However, I have a wee bit of hanging tummy so I’d like something w a bit more coverage in the front. What are you wearing that you like?

ETA: I’ve recently lost 50 lbs thanks to bariatric surgery and lots of activity. I’m enjoying my body. For decades I was a Fruit of the Loom high rise brief gal. But, now that I’ve tried thongs, I really like them. I forget I’m wearing them. And my husband is appreciating them, too. Thankfully, there’s something out there for each of us.

After over 10 years I’m changing salons and stylists today. I’m excited. What should I wear? I’m F60, white hair, very active, anti-MAGA and all the related crap. I’m fun, a newlywed and eager to make a big change to my hair. How do I signal to the stylist that I don’t want a stereotypical grandma cut? How do I let her know I can do edgy but not to the point of looking silly or unable to enjoy aging? I’m not doing any fillers, Botox, etc. I’m aging and I’m good w that. Suggestions?

I ride a Specialized gravel bike, frame size 52. I’m 5’5” tall. I’m trying to figure out the best place to put a pack of some sort on my bike. I want to carry clothes - jeans, shirt, sneakers - as well as a battery pack w cable, flat repair stuff, multi tool, a towel, maybe lunch. The basics. A handlebar bag seems too small. There’s no room for a frame bag when I have water bottles. I can’t have anything blocking my radar and tail light. Am I looking at panniers? Would a large handlebar bag work? Would it block a headlight? Do I need to learn to ride w a backpack? Most of the time I’m traveling 5 miles each way to the gym but I’d like space to do more. On weekends I do much longer rides outside the city and may not even use the storage. Thoughts?

Does anyone, particularly those who had RK in the 80s, have experience w Dr. Steven Dell in Austin? I got a strong recommendation for him in the late 90s so I’m looking for newer information.

What area/district/region should we stay in to get the most Seattle experiences? We’ll be coming off a 5 day hiking/camping trip so mostly want an easy, interesting, relaxing, not a full-blown rush-to-see-it-all experience. Early August. We have a full day in Seattle w 1/2 day before and after. We’d prefer to stay on foot or take public transport.

So, Tuesday I was at the gym doing my weekly arm day w my trainer. I was in front of the mirror. I looked and could only see that I was fat, with some old and weak thrown in. Since then, I’ve been battling an image of me being fat.

I’m one year post op. 5’5”. F50. 165 lbs. I’m not fat. For the last 9 months I’ve enjoyed being almost thin, at a healthy, comfortable weight.

When I was heavier, up to 246 at one point, I didn’t just see fat in the mirror. I had a healthy self-image.

Is this body dysmorphia kicking in? Out of the blue? What’s been your experience?

I’ve never been to the Caribbean but it looks like there are places there that tick all the boxes. Please help me narrow it down to an island and a resort or hotel.

- luxury (up to ~$700/night) service and room
- late October
- 3 nights
- room w useable balcony
- pool(s)
- ocean
- not wanting to rent a car
- not drinking so alcohol isn’t a selling point
- all inclusive not necessary, luxury is
- direct flight from HOU or DFW
- not a big party/rowdy scene
- prefer few/no kids
- onsite activities a bonus
- concierge to arrange outings appreciated

I’m not asking for too much, am I?

Thanks!

I am a bariatric patient. I’m one year post op, VSG. I have a question that might sound snarky, and I’m sorry about that. My interest is real.

Why do posters here use the word FAIL and its derivatives so often? I’ve failed. I’m failing. I’m a failure. I don’t understand the mindset. Is it specific to the bariatric population? What would be the reason for that?

Lesson learned - the fastest way to look 10 lbs lighter is to wear a good, supportive bra. Get the girls up and your narrowing waist will be more exposed. Ta-da, leaner look.

1 - My husband just left for a work trip. Before leaving, he gave me a great big hug. His arms go all the way around my back. A full hug. It’s glorious for both of us.

2 - I found a fitness trainer who is a bariatric patient turned competitive bodybuilder. She’s so uplifting. She understands living as a bariatric patient. I’m very fortunate.

Has anyone biked across Spain? I’m thinking something like Valencia to Madrid to Lisbon but it can be anything that covers coast to coast. (I’m totally being a romantic. I’m reading James Michener’s Iberia and it paints the most lovely pictures.) My husband and I, experienced cyclists, are thinking we could do it casually in 2 weeks. Thoughts?

ETA: I’m an idiot. I Google mapped Valencia to Lisbon by bike and it came up w a two day route or ~580 miles. So I added several days for sightseeing and being slow and not dying. Two days = 12 mph non stop, no bathroom time, no eating, no sleeping, no mountains. Nope, not fun for me. This trip will happen but it might be two trips.

I had bariatric surgery, gastric sleeve, at age 59. I started around 220 lbs @ 5’5”. I’m down to 165 a year later. I’m so glad I did it. Functionally, I’m fit and able. I run, bike, ruck and work w a personal trainer. I’ve gone from size 16W to 12. Life is very good. If you’ve considered bariatric surgery and think it’s too late, maybe reconsider. AMA

Our water bill averages $135/ month most of the year. It’s summer now and I expect the bill to jump to $250ish as usual when we run the sprinkler for the hot season. Does this seem like a big jump? Is the sprinkler system putting that much water into the yard? Do you think we have a leak?

I can no longer eat cookies and milk together. I can eat cookies. But dunking them in milk then eating them is a big no for my stomach. My system processes it as if I’m drinking too soon after eating - so uncomfortable. It’s sad.

Rucking: Walking while carrying a weighted backpack. You’d think, after losing 50+ lbs, the last thing I’d want to do is load on weight and go for a hike. But, I did it. W a 12 lb backpack I hiked a hilly 6 miles. I’m prepping for a camping/hiking trip in WA in July. I need to be able to hike 6 miles w a 20 lb pack. Whoop - I’m halfway there. I couldn’t have easily done this 50 lbs ago.