Roudoudou

Thank you for the great answers, especially Tiffy! That makes sense. I feel good, I'm losing, so I'm going to keep doing what I'm doing. Thanks again! Ann

Hi, everyone! I know after weight loss surgery, we're eating maybe 400 - 600 calories per day. Maybe a bit more, but certainly less than 1200 calories per day. I was always told that you never wanted to eat less than 1200 calories per day or your body would go into starvation mode. So, how does this work? How do we lose weight when we're eating so little? Wouldn't our body try to "hold on" to as many calories as possible and make the weight come off very slowly? Just a bit confused as it seems counter-intuitive to what I've always heard. Any insight would be appreciated! Thanks! Ann

Great; thank you!

Yum; this sounds really good! I'm new to baking with Splenda; does anyone know how much I should use? The recipe calls for a cup of sugar; should I use a cup of Splenda? Or less? Thanks to anyone who has advice! Ann

You look GREAT!

Wow; what a great topic! I think for me (and this is a long way off as I haven't even had my surgery yet!), I'd like to get my teeth whitened, a deep chemical peel to youthen my complexion (I'm 34, but being heavy, I feel about 45!), maybe eyelash extensions just for fun and a tummy tuck down the road. I am so looking forward to having a younger, healthier looking body and want to treat myself to all of the goodies that just enhance that.

Hi! So, this isn't really an insurance question but I figured this would be the most appropriate place to post it. Does anyone know if the Family Medical Leave Act applies for surgeries done in Mexico? I'd like to take sick time for this but wasn't sure if I would be able to as I wouldn't be seeing a US doctor. Thanks in advance for any guidance you can offer! Ann

Welcome! We're glad you're here. Ann

Hi! One of the reasons I think I'll do well with the sleeve is the element of restriction. When I don't feel good, I don't eat. That said, I'm wondering if any one can describe that feeling. Is it uncomfortable? Hurt? Tight? Just feel overfull? Feel like you're going to vomit? And just HOW powerful is the feeling? Could you theoretically "push" through the pain or is it really bad? Thank you for any insight you can provide! Ann

Hi, everyone! Well, I'm definitely going to get the sleeve. But that won't be until September and I'd like to work on losing some weight before then. But I'm just having a really hard time getting started. I have such an addiction to processed, sugary, fatty food that even going ONE day without it seems hard. Once I get going, I'm fine, but this time, it's just really difficult for me. Does anyone have any suggestions to kick-start themselves? Kicks in the pants are very welcome, too. Thanks! Ann

Thanks, everyone! You are definitely right; my health is important and I want to see someone in whose abilities I feel confident. He really does seem exceptional. Thanks again!

I have pretty much decided to see Dr. Aceves. Everything I've read about him is extremely positive. However, I do wonder if his higher cost for the sleeve is worth it. To anyone who has had their surgery by him, what exactly made you decide to pay more to see him? Are his results that much better? Just curious; I think he sounds great, but money is a concern for me. Thanks! Ann

Thanks for all of the responses! I also am doing this for my family and for me, but a big part of it is to prove to my family that I really need this surgery. I already know I need it! But like Ybnormal said, it can't hurt to have this preparation for life after surgery. Pre-surgery boot camp! Foxbins, thanks for sharing your story about going to the Biggest Loser ranch. I've often thought that if I could just be in an environment like that, I'd lose the weight with no problem. But there's something deeper at work with the seriously heavy. I wonder why it is that so few of the obese are able to lose weight permanently. Is there something physiological? I'm going to do some research but of course welcome your thoughts.

Welcome, Pasquini! We're so glad you're here.

Wow! I think you look really pretty in both pictures but you can definitely see a huge difference in the second one; you look great! Congratulations and keep up the GREAT work!