MINI-Me

My Nutritionist said no, but I was given them in the hospital. The nurses said the theory of getting in more air was ridiculous. My doctor wasn't overly concerned one way or another as long as I drank and was comfortable. I have used straws literally since the first hour and it's almost been 2 years for me.

I paid just over $10K with Medical Tourism and Dr. Thomas Umbach in Las Vegas. Of course, that was 2 years ago, but it's worth a look.

This seems in line to me. The cottage cheese is probably allowing for some "slide". Same for the potatos and corn. If you are within your calorie range, still feel resriction, and losing weight, don't worry about it.

You sound about right to me. If you aren't feeling pain and not throwing up or foaming, you are doing well. Just be sure to measure beforehand and measure what's left afterwards to keep track of what you are actually consuming. Also - be sure to chew, chew, chew. How big are your spoonfuls? Are we talking baby spoons or regular kitchen spoons. If kitchen, you are doing very well for just a few weeks out.

I hated almost all the Protein shakes & was so happy when I got to solids and could get protein from "real food". What got me through was

I think it's up to interpretation and how far out you are from surgery. I definitely overdid the sweets this holiday season & need to work off a few pounds. BUT, if you are careful and limit the intake (easier said than done, I know!) ... you can still indulge every now and then. That was the one reason this surgery appealed to me so much. After healing and weight loss, you can eat like a thin person - they indulge occaisionally. Up until the past holiday, I incorporated sweets into my meal plans - and it worked. Just keep note of the meal "plan" and don't let sweets come in for unplanned snacking. Good luck!

You really should follow your doctor's instruction. But, I decided that for me, I wanted to try it. I have been drinking diet soda since 3 months out & not having any problems. I use it to give me a sweet treat & an alternative to snacking. It doesn't cause any apparent issues with my sleeve and does not cause me to crave more sweets. I'm very luck in that since I hate coffee & need my caffeine fix in some form.

For me, it was a sexy black dress. Also - I know you said it didn't count ... but I wanted to wear a bathing suit in public and not feel self-conscious. Well, I got to do that last May in Mexico. It was WONDERFUL!

Besides walk, walk, walk, also try a heating pad for the shoulder pain. It helped me tremendously!

Good for you for recognizing an issue and tackling it. For me, food has always been a part of after dinner activies such as watching tv, playing games, etc. I have to be very careful about my choices - I usually do cheese and maybe a glass of wine. That doesn't seem to sabotage my weight & keeps me satisfied.

You got it Diva! Maybe we can talk him into a lower price if we both do it together!

I think this is a good strategy ... I no longer "diet", but I need to keep things in check. At almost 2 years out, I have plenty of restriction if I eat the "right" things. But carbs and junk food don't activate my full signal. I can just eat and eat (especially if we are talking popcorn at the movies)!!! Keeping an eye on the 5 pound bounce is very helpful to me. With that said, everyone needs to find out what works for them. Some still need the daily reminder to keep their committment to their health; others just "live" the life and a monthly check does it for them. I'm going to try the Friday/Monday schedule & see how that goes.

I cannot wait until I have the funds and vacation time available for a TT. I have consulted with a great surgeon in the area - he said I was a great candidate. I was quoted $6,800 cash price for an upper and lower TT. Thought that seemed reasonable. With the adoption of our new baby, that will have to wait a bit. But, I will be rocking a bikini by the end of 2012 - somehow, someway!!!

Gosh! I so remember the frustration ... those last few pounds seemed like they would never come off. I bounced, giggled, teased, and tossed about. Then, one day, whammo! I dropped 4 pounds "overnight". Now, I know I really didn't, but that's what it took for the scale to show my hard work. I know you have a specific date in mind for your goal, but unfortunately, our bodies don't work that way. You WILL reach your goal ... just keep following your plan. Who knows when your "whammo" will happen!

Hey there! I totally understand where your head is. I was like that too. My husband freaked out & said that if I got below 125, he was going to shove food down my throat. I've been maintaining at 125-130 for over a year now. As I said in my first post, I'm up a few pounds, but not going to stress. I'm still in the same clothes as I wore at 125 (123 for a few days, but shhhh!) If it is still hanging on by January 1st, I'll go back to basics and take it off. I really think it's a little extra snacking due to the holidays and Water weight. It's all good. Good to hear from you. I miss the "old guys". Have a great day!

I've been away for a while, but I miss you guys. Easy to grab Cookies and Snacks during the holiday season & I've gained a couple of pounds. Clothes still fit fine, but want to be very careful not to fall back into bad habits. How's life going with the rest of you?

Absolutely FABULOUS! So proud of you.

I am so proud of you!!!!!

Being able to buy a Halloween Costume "off the rack" and it not be one for a "Plus Size" or "Larger" Woman. In fact, it was a sexy, skin tight racing outfit. My husbands eyes about popped out of his head and he was like "oh yeah - that's the one"! :Banane55:

She is adorable ... I'm so happy for you and the great example you are to women with VSG who want to have a healthy pregnancy. Once again, you are the VSG Poster Child. CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I was sleeved January 27, 2010. No issues with weight regain ... I can definitely eat more than when I was 6 months out. But, if I do Protein first, I really get full and it stays with me. That being said, I'm not 100% compliant with the protein first rule. I can definitely shove in the carbs, but I try to limit those days and have my carbs on the weekends. Best of luck to you!

LOL ... Portion control is so odd. I've pretty well trained myself to know the sizes of what I can eat, so I don't measure anymore. The other night I was talking while dishing up my food. All of the sudden my husband starting laughing and asking "what army was going to help you eat that"? Yep! I had dished up a pre-surgery portion. Good think it was family, caused I scraped it right back into the serving bowls. Gotta love the sleeve!

Best of luck Coops ... keep your chin up & don't let this take you down!

Thanks again everyone ... this is such a great support group. We should be finished painting the nursery tonight. Then comes the fun part of putting all the stuff together and making it nice and cozy for him.

You ROCK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!