MINI-Me

I see lots of coffee kisses in your future (and his)!

Thanks. You WILL get there ... Look forward to hearing about your picture experience too!

Great attitude. Sounds like you found your HAPPY PLACE. And, that's what it's all about!

Yahoo!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

This weekend, my family went to Winthrop, WA - it is set up as an Old West Town. We decided to do the old antique pictures. We've done these every 3 or 4 years since the boys were young. Normally, I have to wear some old dowdy thing to either fit me or not show all my rolls. And, the strings in the back never tied very well - left my butt hanging out the back. This year, I wore a Saloon Girl Bustiere and fishnet stocking with high heels. And get this ... the strings wouldn't tie again. But, not because I was so fat. The strings couldn't get the outfit tight enough. They had to use clamps in the back to keep it on me. It was amazing! I just grinned the whole time. I planted my butt up on the bar, grabbed my fake bottle of Jack Daniels and whooped it up for the camera. WHAT A BLAST!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I tried watching carbs at first, but found it was just too tedious. I didn't get that many since I focused on protein first and there wasn't a lot of room for other items. But, I ate mashed potatoes, yogurt, mac-n-cheese, etc from the beginning. For some, they really have to restrict carbs in order to lose. Luckily, I didn't have to watch that as much. I don't know if other people "can't" eat "regular goods again" or if it's just their body's requirement to eat low carb in order to lose. Also, some have trouble with breading - especially at first. Around the 6-8 month mark, your stomach and nerves are healed and you find you can eat just a bit more. At one year, I noticed that I could eat twice as much as I could at first. Of course, that means 3/4 cup to 1 cup so it's not like I can go to a buffett or anything. Still have to make healthy choices - protein first & then allow some time for the "tastier" treats.

Consider yourself ((((((HUGGED))))))) from across the pond today!

What about a different approach? Why not stop dieting & "do maintenance" for a while. If you find you can easily maintain and like what you see in the mirror and your labs, be done. If you can maintain, but feel like you are ready to try losing again (say in 3 months), go for it. Nothing says you have to make a FINAL decision today. Give yourself some time to enjoy your new body and decide what goal really is for you. I am so proud of you. You have done so well and have had the best attitude. I really wish we lived closer (or on the same continent) - it would be so cool to meet you face to face and just "chat". You are awesome woman!

My surgeon "allowed" me wine at 2 months out. He reminded me it was empty calories, but that I would be ok - just take it slowly. And believe me, I had to! Those first glasses were strong & it took forever to get them down. But, it tasted sooooo good! Since about 1 year out, I enjoy a small glass every evening. It's sorta my little "treat" and I incorporate those calories into my daily caloric allowance. It's also supposed to be good for the heart, so I figured my little treat is a good one for me too. But, I would strongly advise any newbie sleevers to talk to your surgeon before starting any alcohol - especially in the losing phase.

WooHoo! Can't believe we are going to have sun this weekend. Anyone have any special plans? My family is going camping. Should be fun!

Great news! You are getting closer!!!!

Congratulations!!!!

I was outpatient as well ... Surgery at 7:30 and discharged at 2:30 with a pain ball and liquid pain meds. I had pain, but don't think a hospital stay would have stopped that.

I wore a size 8 skirt for like 3 days when I was 17 ... I wieghed 126 for probably 2 of those day ... And slowly went back up (I had lost 96 pounds my Junior year of high school) ... I graduated in 1987 ~135 pounds and a size 10. Today, I bounce between 125 and 128. I mostly wear a 4, but depending on cut and manufacturer, sometimes a 6 or Junior's 7. It may be vanity sizing, but I must admit it feels pretty good to put on a size 4. I LOVE MY SLEEVE!

MINIs are made by BMW so they are a little more expensive than similiar cars. You can go to www.MINIUSA.com and built one to your specs and see the exact price. You can e-mail the spec sheet to a Motoring Advisor (aka Salesman) and they can help you get just what you want. My first car I chose very modestly and got a very nice convertible. My latest one is "dressed to the nines", but I got a good trade-in value, so that helped with my payment. Keep me posted on your surgery!

I was told no straw by my nut but given a straw in recovery. The nurse said "no straw" was ridiculous and it wouldn't add any air. I tried it both ways & found I too could get more liquids in with a straw. I did not have any issues and use a straw to this day.

I probably had my first piece around 2 months out. I ordered thin pepperoni from Papa Johns and could get down everything except the crust in about a 1/2 hour. BOY! Was it good!!! I know many people will disagree with my approach, but I do not exclude anything from my diet. I try to make good, nutritional choices, but pizza, chocolate, wine, popcorn, etc aren't "evil" foods. They are part of my social schema and I like being "normal" about eating. Now that I am over a year out, I can probably have 1.5 pieces of thin or 1 piece of pan. Any more than that, I am STUFFED. Isn't this little sleeve amazing????

If I can every help, just give me a shout out. I'm glad to listen, let you vent, etc. The first month is the worst due to recovery & "learning" to eat the right way ... but every day gets easier. You have a great group with your surgery center & the support meetings are vrey helpful. As far as the car, have you driven a MINI? Most people don't look back once they do. (<-- Sorry, had to give it a plug!)

Losing weight does not make life all roses and feeling the need to burst out into song. What does it do? Makes me feel comfortable ... I can do things & not be completely out of breath ... I can run up and down the stairs without thinking about how much it hurts my joints ... I can go shopping all day long without my feet hurting (and now that small sizes fit, I do this A LOT!!!!) I have much more confidence these days. I feel like people really listen to what I am saying and not just staring at the "fat girl". It's very freeing. (But, like Tiff said, I over-scrutinize what I do have ... I look great in clothes, but naked - not so much! I have so much skin on my tummy and upper thighs. I also have definite parenthesis around my mouth from extra facial skin. I try to look past these "flaws" and focus on my energy, my health, and those cute size 4 clothes. Most days, it's all good! )

How far have you taken this with your insurance company? Have you done an appeal? If GB not an option due to medical issues? If so, you may have lots of room for an appeal. If they cover GB, do they cover 2-stage DS? If so, maybe you can go that route & just choose not to have part 2 of the surgery at a later day. (Or, you have that option if you don't make it to goal???) If you haven't appealed, your case is not finished. I'm sure several people who have won appeals can jump in and provide advice.

Very exciting!

That is so AWESOME. High Five for you! You are rockin' that sleeve!

I certainly have. He is very well-known around here. He and Dr. Billings have a very good reputation. It looks like you are having surgery at the Edmonds Center. Who is your nutritionist? I would highly recommend the support groups. I believe there is one at the hospital there (sleeves only) & there is another one that meets the first Thursday of every month in Marysville (all WLS). I attended for the first year - it really was a good support system. (The name is well, because I am a miniature version of myself from before and the fact that I collect MINIs. I have owned 5 over the course of a few years - down to only 2 right now. My "baby" is the one in my avatar, I call her Cream Puff. She is a right hand drive and absolutely love her.)

Congratulations! Tomorrow is a BIG day & you will be a LOSER! I have a friend having the sleeve on Wednesday. I am so excited for her too! Best of luck. Let us know how you are doing.

You are completely normal. I was an emotional wreck the first month or so. It does get better ... I PROMISE!