MINI-Me

Size 6 pants ... I have 1 pair of slacks and 1 dress that size - others are Smalls and 8s. My motivation is to get size 6 80% of the time. LOL!

Try purchasing cocktail forks and spoons. I used them consistently for the first 3 months or so. You can only fit so much on there. I made sure to put my untensil all the way down and then pick it up again before the next bite. Sounds a little silly, but it helped to slow me down so I could learn my full signal.

Welcome Susanne. I think you will find this a great place to meet people and to discuss your journey. I am at goal and got there in less than 9 months. I struggled with being overweight/obese my entire life. I joke that I even started life big being born at 10 pounds 10 ounces. We also have some regular "long timers" who can provide information on being 1+ years out. Not very long now - huh? I'm sure you are going through every emotion possible right now. Hang on ... pre-surgery is tough. And I won't kid you - the first week or so after surgery, you may be wondering "what the heck did I do". The first month can be very emotional as you progress through the post-op diet and possibly "mourn" food. But, things really kick into gear after month 1 ... You will wonder what took you so long to have WLS. Please post any questions that you might have. We are glad to help. Again, welcome to the group.

AWESOME news!!!!!

We are here for you. We are glad to help out ... we all remember those pre-op days!

Day 4 was a turning point for me ... from there, things just seemed to get better each day. Best of luck with your recovery! Remember, take it one day at a time.

I think Bryn is on the right track. The good news is that if she is a teenager, she has youth on her side and a higher metabolism. Maybe talk to her & find out her feelings. If she wants to lose weight, maybe you can do it together. You've definitely learned a lot about healthy eating through your dieting attempts and especially with the sleeve. Maybe you can make this a journey you take together - without her having to have surgery. Just show her love ... that's all a mom can do.

Could it be acid reflux?. I know a lot of people experience "hunger pangs" after surgery that are really acid reflux. Are you on a PPI? If not, it could be worth trying ...

Vicki - I am a virgin sleever & never had a lapband, but I know several people with them. I would be glad to be your buddy and help you along the journey. Send me a PM if you are interested. And - I think you will be just fine in 7 weeks for car travel.

I know it's hard ... but if you don't do the pre-op diet, your liver may not shrink like it is supposed to. So, you end up paying for a surgery that only opened you up and closed you up. It's just 2 weeks. YOU CAN DO IT!!!!

How can we help? Even though you are eating "what you want", the portion sizes must still be very small. Get back on your plan! You can do this! We are here to support you!!!!!!

Be careful with that ... you might start getting hate mail from those of us who have nothing left.

I sure did ... What a pick-me-up when I start obsessing about the "non perfect" areas I still have.

Sandy, Glad to hear that you are home and recovering nicely. Remember to just take it a day at a time. You'll be amazed at how better you will feel each day. Yahoo to one of our newest LOSERS!!!!! - Mini

<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< BIG HUG >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> It will go down ... Just give it time. I know it SUCKS to be in a stall. It feels like the world is crashing in. Trust us that have been there ... the weight will go down ... you will look back at this & wonder why you every doubted it. But, now it sucks ... there is no easy way to say it. Just take deep breaths and trust us.

Haven't noticed that type of change. Do you think they were always that way, but you couldn't feel the nodules due to the fat tissue? Let us know how the ultrasound goes.

Unfortunately, the "crow's feet" are a bit more pronounced now that the fat that was filling in the space is gone. But, I'd rather have that than those pudgy cheecks. They look adorable on a baby, but not a 40+ year old mom and wife.

You will soon be able to enjoy that class of wine or a cocktail. Just give yourself time to heal and adjust to your new stomach As for eating out, do you have someone to share with? My husband and I often share a meal. He by no means has a weight problem, but portions today are so big, it helps him keep track of his intake too. Plus, everytime we share a meal, we mentally deduct the cost of the 2nd meal I would have ordered from the surgery bill. Sorta pays for itself in a few years. (Now, we won't mention all the clothes I have been buying - that doesn't help the dollar figure go in the right direction! ) Use this time to focus on the new HOT you!

Very nice e-mail. Thanks ... I couldn't have been that calm to have written so eloquently.

I typically used 1/2 scoop when adding to foods. Anymore than that, it changes the texture too much. But, I was one that HATED Protein powders - even "tasteless" ones. So, you may be able to use more. Do you have Fred Meyers or Albertsons? I know they carry some Kroger brands. If not, you can always use the Greek Yogurts or regular fat-free yogurt works well too (just a little more on the carb count). Don't worry about asking questions. Glad to help out a newbie. I know people sure helped me on here when I was asking millions of questions.

Definitely mix it with foods. I added mine to yogurt*, oatmeal, SF Cocoa, applesauce, etc. Be careful with temperatures though ... Protein doesn't do well when it's too hot. I warmed up my Water, mixed it cocoa and Protein Powder and then microwaved for a few more seconds to get it a little warmer. Otherwise, you will get nasty globs of protein that you don't even want to try to drink. YUCK!!!!! *If you can get hold of Kroger Carbmaster Yogurt it already has about 12 g of protein in it with only 4g carb. I added 1/2 scoop of unflavored protein powder & it was GREAT!

I am hoping for some really good ones from those more "experienced" ... Though it sounds like Tiff is going to have a lot of fun with her cocktails.

Now I am really laughing ... Maybe you should change your tagline to: If you don't want the truth, don't ask me. If you want something sugarcoated, go have a Wine Margarita!

Love your honesty Tiff!

With being at goal now ... I am concerned about the holidays. So ... thought I would start a post to see what others are planning to do the next few months with the holidays, people getting together, and all the food that seems to be EVERYWHERE. Here's what I am thinking for me: I've met my stated goal of 135, but think I can still go a bit lower. I will not go below 125 though - that seems too low for being 5'6" (and the fact that I promised my husband not to go any lower than that ). My plan is to continue eating like I have been (meaning 90% following plan and 10% allowing some "treats") through New Years. If I find that I'm losing too much, I'll move to maintenance & start adding more healthy foods to my daily eating. However, the old me is still here. I'm very concerned (ok - obsessing) about gaining during the holidays. I am hopeful that a mindful approach will keep that from happening. Plus, putting it out here in writing will keep me accountable to everyone else. Anxious to hear your thoughts as well...