MINI-Me

ROFL Hope it helps!!!

Glad to hear that you are recovering well. Sorry to hear about the lump - I had a scare last year with a lump on a mammogram. Turned out to just be fibroid tissue, but I know it can be scary until you get a final diagnosis. My prayers are with you.

So glad to read this ... I have had a terrible time with this as well. My strategy has been to eat a beefstick (the ones from Costco are 110 calories, 12g protein and VERY filling). If that doesn't get me past the craving, I allow myself one miniature Reese Cup. YUMMY!!!

Sounds like it's all working out perfectly. I gained on my "one last" since it was one of just about everything. Good Luck!

My calories are between 1000 and 1200. Last month I only lost 4 pounds so. It has really slowed down for me. But that makes sense since my calorie deficit has dropped. I have definitely noticed the body changes in the past 6 or so weeks - sides curving in more and hips slimming down. I still have areas that still have fat on them so that is why I am considering losing a little bit more. If it takes the rest of this year, I am ok with that. Slow and steady feels right at this stage. Hope that helps.

So sorry about that - how frustrating. But I agree, doesn't sound like this is/was the surgeon for you. Keep pressing on - you will find the right one & it will be the right timing for you!

Congratulations!!!! I was the same with cold drinks - didn't really do well. In the next day or two, you might want to try warm. I loved warm liquids on my healing tummy.

No ... but be careful ... there definitely seems to be a correlation between the scales going down and more "wrestling" happening at our house!

Very embarrassing ... let's just say I was ah hem ... "wrestling" with my husband. I must have turned the wrong way or something and tore the cartilage between my upper ribs on my left side. :001_cool: But on a positive note, if you are gonna get hurt - what a way to do it! :confused1: I'm in a rib brace right now. The pain is tolerable, but I'm limited in motion while it heals. Hopefully next week things will be healed enough that I can do the treadmill flat & then start progressing to inclines. Too much TMI?

I think I see a fun plan coming together. :001_cool:

This will work ... you will not fail ... YOU SHOW THEM! Here's my experience that I posted this morning http://verticalsleevetalk.com/vertical-sleeve-gastrectomy-surgery-vsg-success-stories/8525-today-7-months-out-64-2-pounds-gone.html

Welcome, welcome, welcome. Sounds like you are right on schedule with those pre-surgery jitters. Feel free to ask away. This is a very supportive board with lots of ideas, suggestions, and support. Glad to have you as "part of the family".

Best of luck ... you are probably in surgery now. yahoo!

Sounds like you are moving right along. I'm a list girl too so I know what you mean about checking things off & feeling like you have things under control. As far as the eating and drinking ... it's just practice. I cannot say that I've 100% conquered this - I keep a small glass nearby when I need to help something go down. For smaller bites, I would definitely recommend using smaller plates - it's an old diet trick that really helps with portions. Also, invest in some cocktail utensils such as a few forks and spoons. Since they don't hold a lot, it really helps with the small bites. When you cut your food, just cut it like always & then cut those pieces in half. Best of luck. As things get closer, I'm sure you'll have questions. Feel free to jump out here & ask away. I know I did!

Enjoy sleeping in your own bed - I know that helped me a lot!!!

Thanks for the kind words. Looks like you are doing AWESOME as well. Maybe all of us who saw Dr. Umbach should fly to Vegas - give Dr. U a big hug and then go PARTY!!!!! :laugh0:

I eat pizza about once a week. Usually it is just one slice of thin pizza and maybe a wing or two. (I seem to enjoy the wings more than the pizza. Maybe it's because of the mental challenge to get in all my Protein & pizza isn't the best source.)

And yes, that .2 is very important! :thumbup: I cannot believe that it has been 7 months already. In some ways, it is a blur and then I recall the struggles, the doubts, the what-ifs. I am so glad that I had this done. I finally found a way to manage my weight and feel proud of myself. I am sitting here wearing size 8 Tommy Hilfiger jeans and a tight little purple sweater. ME!!!!! Hard to believe. I'm 3.8 pounds from my initial goal of 135. Still trying to decide if that is the "right" weight or if I am going to revise it a little and strive for 125. I'm 5'6", but a very small frame/bone structure. Still waiting for the ribs to heal so that I can start back on the treadmill. Once I get to a routine, that should help me with my final weight goal figuring in muscle tone vs the fat that is still left. For everyone on the fence or feeling like you are going to be the one to fail ... I am doing it and you can to. I had so many doubts going into this and even in the first few months being sure I would be the one to fail at VSG. But, I am winning the battle of the bulge for the first time in my life. I am sooooooo excited! :laugh0: :lol0: :thumbup: :thumbup: :thumbup:

All the best wishes for you tomorrow. Can't wait to hear your story. Yahoo!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I can't give any experience except my own. I have struggled with being overweight since birth - seriously - I was born at 10 lb 10 oz. I have tried diet after diet. I was always hungry, even when I was losing. And, I ALWAYS gained it back. This is the first time in my life not to be "hungry". I'm working through head hunger right now, but I know I can beat it. I have lost so much and am thinner than I've been my entire adult life. I am quickly approaching my high school weight. You will get out of the surgery what you put into it. This isn't a miracle cure - but it is an awesome tool. Work with your surgeon's plan and have a support system (whether at home or a board like this). You can do this!

Glad to hear that recovery is going so well. Just take it a day, sip, and walk at a time. Welcome to the Loser's Bench!

Congrats on this step in the journey. You can definitely do this!!!

I love looking at my before pictures. My husband takes them for me once a month. The side shots are the best - you can really see the progress in those. It's very important to take those shots and measurements at least once a month. It really helps when you are having a "down moment" or can't see your progress in the mirror. You will be SO GLAD you did!!!!

I was told no popcorn until at least 3 months. Don't know why, but I can eat MUCH more popcorn than other foods - MUCH more!!!

That's great!!!!