MINI-Me

Thanks all!!!

So glad to hear you are doing well!!!

Welcome! Glad to hear that things are going so well. Let us know if you have any questions.

Good!

I can't add any more than others that it WILL GET BETTER! That first 6 weeks you really wonder what you've done to yourself. But, I have to add some humor. Please don't increase your urine intake. That is gross & I'm sure it won't add a lot of value to your digestive needs.

I'm sitting here crying with and for you. That is so awesome. I was a chubby bride (155 lbs) so my dress is too big now. You look beautiful and your smile says it all. CONGRATULATIONS ON A JOB WELL DONE!

I tend to agree ... However, I would never want someone to go against their doctor's instructions based on my opinions.

Thanks for the update. Keep us posted.

Please come back with details about what you find out ... very interesting. How long have you had your sleeve?

Same for me. Lots of foods were introduced slowly ... raw veggies and popcorn, but nothing "forbidden" since goal.

My tatoots are on my lower back (aka "tramp stamp") and my foot. I've lost weight in both places - had NO idea that I had fat on my feet. Both look just as good. Not sure how the thigh would have looked though since I've lost A LOT there!

Sorry ... I refuse to diet one more day of my life. I will eat healthy and follow my plan of protein first, but NO MORE DIETING. I have dieted all my life and still ended up obese. I'm tracking what I am eating and looking for triggers, but the diet mindset has ended. I'm eating to live, not living to eat.

Thanks Coops ... That was a much needed hug!

Yes - I keep watch on what I eat. Honestly nothing has changed since I started maintenance in January.

So, I went on a cruise at the end of May. I totally enjoyed it and didn't really watch what I was eating. Came back and was 128.8 pounds. 0.8 pounds above my "allowed bounce amounts". No big deal - I actually expected worse from all the indulging I allowed myself. Back to normal life & the "world would be good again". The following week was TOM and spiked up to 131.6. Wasn't worried since I am a daily weigher and often see a spike like that when TOM is here. In mid-June, bounced around between 126 and 128.8. Not really worried, but wondered why I was going above 128. Well ... now it is July 14th. I've been bouncing around 128 to 129.8. Last night I was trying on some shorts for a weekend get-away. some of them felt tight. WTH???? Today, the scale showed 130.0. I am freaking out ... mad ... and really confused. What could be causing this? I'm not doing anything different. I keep thinking maybe I'm retaining Water and the heat could be causing some bloating. But, I'm really concerned. Is my honeymoon over? Am I going to be able to maintain the size 4 body at 126 - 128 like I'd hoped? I have a whole new wardrobe - I've invested a lot of money and I really like the way I look in them. Last night, I felt like a big cow. (Naturally, I know I'm not, but that's what I saw in the mirror and I'm afraid of seeing the "old" me again.) Anyone have any advice? I'm not sure what to do or if I should do anything at all?

I think you summed up a lot of what many of us have thought. This is so much more than a surgery and a way of eating. There is a definite emotional and pyschological piece to all of this. Congratulations on your success to this point. You have done so well. Good luck with your continued journey!

It's definitely not a "must have", but I really enjoy mine. Quick and easy for a smoothie. I put in low carb yogurt, frozen berries, a scoop of Protein powder, a splash of SF Syrup, and a bit of milk/water for just the right consistency. YUMMY!!!! I also use it for things like onions and green peppers. I love the taste of both, but don't like "biting into a big piece". I throw them into meatloaf (made with pork rinds instead of bread) and it gives it a lot of flavor. If you have a costco, try looking there - they often have them cheaper or same price with more accessories. I got mine at Kohls for about $35 when they were having a sale (which seems to be weekly with them).

Yahoo! Your new life starts tomorrow. Very excited for you!

Keep us posted ... I'm sure they can work something out for you. FINGERS ARE CROSSED!

I had surgery with a BMI of 32. I would do it again in a heartbeat. I was an expert dieter, but could never maintain. This tool gives me the ability to be successful at the "hard" part. Saying that, I think it's good that you are considering all the possible complications, impacts, etc on your life. If you want to give it one more go, certainly do it. With self-pay, you have more flexibility in your schedule & shorter consult to surgery time. I have heard good things about Dr. Landerholm.

What about asking Dr. Billings how much he would charge you for self-pay of the sleeve if he billed the band removal to insurance. You would only be paying for the extra OR and anethesia time that way. Never hurts to ask!!!

I also know your pain. I am down to a size 4/6, but my 9-year old son makes comments every time he sees my stomach. He's like "Ew ... cover your tummy, it looks gross" or "What's wrong with your stomach? Is it still fat?" We have had "the talk" and he restrains himself more these days (and I hide my stomach!) but I can see it in his eyes. No - there is no more fat there to lose. Yes, I need a tummy tuck. But, since I don't have the money right now, I'll just have to be content to look awesome in my clothes! (And try not to look at my jeans when I sit down - that pooch drives me nuts. I just remind myself that it is skin, not fat. Skirts hide it well! ) Hang in there - focus on all the positives. I'm sure you look killer!

I believe Dr Billing and Landerholm are around $16K for self-pay. I did not use either of them, but I have heard nothing but great things. A rough estimate for Srikanth is ~$21,500 and that total includes BLIS (WLS Insurance).

Thanks Sleeve 4 Me. It was a lot of fun!

uh oh ... no comments in 3 days. Is it that bad of a picture?