M2G

Beautiful dress! Life is so much easier when you don't have such a small selection from the "plus" size section. Glad you got to have a different experience this time!

I don't know you. I know what you wrote. You wrote "I don't think there is a tool or any such thing" THAT IS WHAT YOU WROTE. So you don't THINK there is a tool or any such thing, but now you say that you understand that there are "separators used." Please don't confuse people with your double talk. There is a tool. My surgeon uses it. Period. End of discussion.

also hope your baby feels better soon! :-) Thank you so much Proudmom. At least if I PUT IT OUT HERE, then I will HAVE to do it. LOL And thanks for the well-wishes. She was feeling horrid yesterday. Was diagnosed with a sinus infection at a clinic on Sun. but by 7pm yesterday her fever hit 104.6...NOT GOOD. So we went back, and she tested positive for Influenza A.

I don't think there is a tool or any such thing. Pre-op diets are to shrink the liver if enlarged which is easy to find with liver function tests. If they are normal you don't need a pre op diet. Actually THERE IS A TOOL. I'm sorry that you have the incorrect information about my specific surgeon, but I've spoken with him about this. In fact, I gave him permission to VIDEO TAPE my surgery and the tool is there. Please don't spread misinformation about things you don't know about. Just because I don't know the name of the tool doesn't mean it doesn't exist. Let me also repeat, HE DOESN'T REQUIRE ANY PATIENT FOR ANY SURGERY TO DO MORE THAN 24 HOUR CLEAR LIQUID. That is his protocol, it's not based on liver function tests. He uses a tool.

UH OH! I'm going to miss my regular workout today. :( I have a sick kiddo (flu) and while normally I would leave her with my husband while I go workout, he has to pick up his parents at the airport at the SAME time as my two classes. Sigh. So my mini-goal for today is to do some running on the treadmill and scrape up a weight workout in my very own basement. Maybe the temps outside today will even get above 25...that would feel downright balmy! Anyway, it would be MUCH easier to sit around in my sweats and do nothing, but I'm determined to do SOMETHING!

Thanks for sharing that I am not alone in my struggle to only consume small amounts of something like the honey-glazed nuts. Oh my gosh, I still remember the feeling when they were all sitting on the floor covered in glass shards, and it sort of snapped me out of my sugar-coma. OMG! And I'm also sorry about your friend who lost by starving, purging, and exercising like a demon. I hope she can eventually find something that works for her. I think a lot of STELLAR weight loss (that isn't related to WLS) has something of a darker side to it. Just reading all about the dehydration and awful things that the actual contestants on The Biggest Loser go through in order to put up stellar 10-15lb drops in ONE FREAKING WEEK really does show a disturbing trend on the quick weigh loss that some people can experience. And I just *love* what you wrote about tattooing what Kim wrote on the back of your eyelids...ha ha! I LOVE THAT! So true! GT, I know you are frustrated and I'm just sending you a hug. I hope something comes through for you with your disability and you get some answers so you can make a plan!

Well my surgeon also doesn't require a pre-op diet of any kind. His protocol: clear liquids for 24 hours prior to surgery. Regardless of surgery or BMI. WHY? Because he uses a special tool (I don't know what it's called) to hold the liver OUT of the way while he is performing any type of bariatric surgery. So he doesn't need to "shrink" the liver. Every surgeon is different and everyone has different protocols to follow. Follow whatever YOUR surgeon requires. As for NEVER feeling hunger again. Well, yeah that was true for about 18-24 months post-op...I was NEVER hungry. But now I'm 3+ years post-op and I definitely feel hunger. Is it the same as it was PRE-SURGERY? Nope! I hope I never go back to that bottomless pit feeling...but yeah hunger still exists. For me.

Just a friendly note here: I went ahead and moved this topic from "Success Stories" to the "Pregnancy" forum as it fit in better over here! Thanks!

Hugs Dorrie...that sounds like a terrible emotionally-filled battle. Can you and hubby SIT and figure out what exactly you would like the two of them to do. Then take what you guys have agreed upon to the kids and sit and have a very adult face-to-face meeting about expectations and see how to best accomplish everyone's goals? Oh that's not not good! I would be in serious distress over seeing that daily! The only good thing I see there? Those cheap asses are charging for that crap! If it were free? Would be like "oh you must grab you mustn't pass up free food it might come in handy" ...yea, when the zombie apocalypse comes, I want to make sure there are some snickers bars in my coat pockets just in case! We had a guest staying here the last couple of days, and it shot my fast day all to hell, then this morning I got up early and made scones, healthy ones, but still 300 cals each... I ate two before 9am! I'm not even sure how I fit them into my stomach! Then I snacked on some potato chips... guest food! I really had no self control this morning.. I somehow managed to pull in the reins later in the day, and ate like a fast day to just get back on track...and stayed within my MFP goals... but really, this morning was crazy head behavior. It was as easy as falling off a log eating those two scones. Well, I did get in a bunch of fiber in!!! Thats for sure! 22gms! HA HA, zombie apocalypse...you know what they say about those...best place to go is a good Costco! Everything you would ever need! Oh my goodness, please rant away about her!!! I have a very dear friend who upon finding out that I was in the process of getting the sleeve, promptly went back to Weight Watchers and in the space of about 6-9 months lost around 55lbs. She was eating things like radishes for breakfast, green beans for lunch, raspberries for a snack and a salad for dinner. She was relentless. I was so happy for her but I worried about her not being able to sustain that kind of eating. She couldn't, of course, and eventually regained most (or maybe all ...I was too scared to ask) of what she lost. And instead of feeling somewhat victorious...that whole diet thing...gah even though I'm doing it now and I know it's a struggle...sleevie makes me so happy to be SATISFIED WITH LESS!!!...I just felt horrible for her. Sad that she couldn't maintain the loss, etc. She got rid of all her clothes and had to start over when she regained the weight. We are still very close friends and I'm quite sure my having the sleeve was the "catalyst" for her to start with the incredibly tight diet, etc. But at the end of the day I'm just sad sad sad that it didn't work for her. I guess my rambling point is that everyone has to do what works for them...if she is a good friend and loves and supports you no matter what, then just keep encouraging her...but if she is the type to just throw it in your face and be snarky, well then see ya! I know...easier said than done... Anyway, thank goodness we can rant here, right?

OMG, I am SO SO SO much in just survival mode right now. Hanging on by a thread. I just bought a shitload of marshmallows, sugar, butter and all varieties of choc. chips to make fudge. It is a holiday tradition...So I gotta be strong. MOST of it is going to be made and given away as gifts to people who actually ASK for it every year. Gah! Survival mode: clicking the ON button here!

Love this and I'm "chuffed to beans" for her!!! YAY for B! She will do great at this!!

I *love* spin, I do it twice a week for an hour each session (and once in a blue moon I show up at the 1.5 hour session) but I truly do love spin. Remember to bring: Water, a towel, possible tissues (my nose sometimes runs with intense exercise) and good tennis shoes. Speak up, let the instructor know that it is your first time (you will need help/advice about setting the bike up to proper levels based on your height, arm reach, etc.) and hopefully the instructor will let you know that if things are too hard, that you don't have to follow along with the group. For instance, people who are new to spin, might take their resistance level a couple of notches lower, or someone who is recovering from an injury may opt out of getting "out of the saddle" (where you are standing and pedaling.) Remember that it is about your legs, and don't hunch up your shoulders in a tight ball. Shoulders back and down...ie. relaxed upper body. Oh and if your spin is at all crazy like these...then find a new class! http://www.bengreenfieldfitness.com/2009/06/a-spinning-indoor-cycling-instructor-gets-a-bit-hot-under-the-collar/ You shouldn't be doing crazy aerobic moves while on your spin bike. Just saying...I personally have never seen the types of classes that this article references, but apparently it does exist. Scary! Most of all have fun...maybe you will become addicted like I am!

food ways by tending to our recipes. If you still need extra sweetness, buffer it with sweet spices and flavorings (vanilla, cardamom, nutmeg...) or one of the alternative sweeteners listed below. And fourth, start experimenting with alternative sweeteners: Stevia. If you’ve tasted stevia before and didn’t like it, I encourage you to try a different brand or form (liquid, extract, whole leaf...). Stevia’s taste, sweetness, and aftertaste varies greatly from brand to brand and method of processing. Luo han guo. This sweetener has been used in China for centuries. It’s claim to fame is that it doesn’t have a bitter aftertaste and retains its sweetness when heated. Xylitol and erythritol. These two alcohol sugars do not have an aftertaste, also retain their sweetness when heated, and are not associated with all the digestive issues that come with other alcohol sugars. By simply reducing sugar you can improve your mood, help to slow down aging (fewer wrinkles over time!), improve cardiovascular health, increase your overall energy, lose weight, and sport clearer skin. I’ll say it again: don’t be duped into thinking a life without sugar (or flour) is misery. If that’s all you’re hearing from others, it’s time to get a second opinion! About the Author Brook Nicole

I got to go home today, yay me! We beat the weather in so that was great! I still can't sleep, I'm pretty sure it's the steroids for the Addison's disease. But maybe my ambien will help tonite. I feel really sleep deprived. But other than that I'm all good! Thanks for asking! You are home, that is wonderful news. Praying for some good sleep and some time to recover from the latest surgery. I'm so glad you were able to go home though!

Fiddle, wow, I'm so sorry about the diagnosis. Back pain is NEVER fun, and it sounds like you have more than your fair share of it right now. My own dad battled back issues for a very long time as a result from having a physically active job his whole life (he's NEVER had a desk job.) He spent many years researching and modifying the way he did things in order to ease his back pain. He finally opted to have spinal back surgery as eventually it was discovered that a few of his disks were "offset" and a nerve was being pinched to the point that his legs were going numb and he could barely walk. The surgery was NOT an easy one but we woke up from surgery feeling 100% better (the actual recovery time ended up being about 4-5 months) BUT when his Dr. and nurses asked about his pain level his answer was "what pain? I feel amazing!" because in all honesty he did NOT realize how much pain he had been living with...until it was gone. He felt like he got a new lease on life. I'm not saying that this is what will happen to you and I certainly hope that it doesn't come down to surgery (usually that is the very last last last option for many people!) But I'm just sharing his story because the part about how he didn't realize how much pain he was in until he got some relief. Gamergirl...wow, what an incredible insight to what Andy is dealing with and what great advice!! Now that you have a diagnosis I'm sure you can start working on a solution. The one thing I would ask is if you have considered consulting a specialist. Your PCP may not have all the latest and greatest information regarding your specific problem and sometimes a specialist can help in that area. I really hope you not only find some answers but also get some relief.

Haha! Where I keep track of my food caloriecount.about.com YOU CAN enter things like housework, vacuuming, and show shoveling! I love that it lets you do that. I usually don't count that kind of stuff as exercise, nor do I try to eat back the calories burned through exercise, but everyone is different.

I am in the camp of resisting taking pain meds unless I'm physically HURT. I get sore all the time from my trainer just whipping us into shape but I won't take something for being SORE..if that makes any sense. I do like being sore as it tells me that I'm getting a good workout, but I certainly don't feel like SORE and PAIN are the same thing. I think if you are in PAIN from your workout that might mean that you have overdone it, torn something, pinched something, etc. Being physically active shouldn't put you in constant pain.

Oh and I forgot to update my own stats: 33 miles so far, biking and walking (couple of those were walking while carrying 20lbs worth of weights...fun fun!)

So I realize the limitations at your crossfit place, and it makes sense that you wouldn't just run wall to wall zig zag-ing through equipment etc. But since you didn't feel so hot after running outside I think I would just opt out of doing that again. I realize there is quite the competition mentality stemming from crossfit and I'm totally on board with a bit of healthy competition, but if I wasn't comfortable doing something I certainly wouldn't follow along just because it's the "prescribed WOD" I would speak up and say "no thanks, I will do XYZ in HERE while you guys are out running in the cold." And I might be a tad sensitive today because our HIGH TEMP for today is like 3 degrees. So we are in a wicked cold snap and I'm honestly just sitting here thinking...at what point do you say NO... I don't like the way this makes me feel so I will sub something else for this portion of today's programming???

Yes it will get more normal, but it will never be what it was pre-op. However, I have to say that eating this way IS completely normal for me now, and it does take some getting used to. You will never again go to a restaurant and not box up leftovers from an entree. Only if you can order something from al la carte (like 2 eggs or something like that will you NOT need a box!) I *wish* I could have been able to eat like this pre-sleeve, but having a whole stomach, yeah, well, notsomuch. I'm rarely frustrated by the portion control my sleeve enforces, usually it makes me quite happy! The first couple of months are the hardest and then it gets easier.

You will totally get used to not eating much, and after about 6-9 months your sleeve will relax (ie swelling will go down) and you will be able to consume more. I'm 3+ years post-op and usually my meals consist of 3-4 oz of protein and 1-2 ounces of other (veggie, whole grains, fruit, etc.) Congrats on your sleeve, sounds like you are feeling great!

Thanks pear425...is that kind of like the Rose procedure? I'm glad it's working for you, and honestly I just don't think ANYTHING can compare to our original losses when were were a month or two out from surgery. Slow and steady wins the race, eventually.

Forgot to say that my goal on FAST days is 50g protein. I usually hit just around that sometimes a tad less and sometimes a tad more. I spoke with my NUT about it and she said that was fine. There was something about the Michael Mosley video where he talked about too much protein, and I think it was sort of in a negative way (anyone remember what he said???) Anyway, I'm guessing liberties need to be taken with regards to the amount of protein we need being post-WLS, just like we don't eat 2000 cals on a feed day.

Fiddle forgive me for not following exactly, but WHY are you running outside? Is there not a place to run indoors? I know many Crossfit places probably don't have an indoor track (my gym does have an indoor track) BUT what about running on a treadmill??? We rushed to put up Christmas lights before a big storm blew in and as we were outside for about 3 hours, the temps. kept dropping, I had a down jacket on, but only exercise pants on, (was wearing gloves, hat, etc.) but when I came in I was really freezing. My legs and cheeks were bright red and even after a hot shower I still could not get warm. I'm freezing all the time anyway (probably thanks to losing a couple of layers of fat) but I know that a lot of people post WLS spend a lot of time feeling cold...probably for the rest of their life. So why on earth are you deciding to be a cold weather runner? Doesn't seem like it's really worth it if you felt like you needed an inhaler. That doesn't seem like a good decision. Trust me I'm only saying this because I care not to be rude or anything.

GT, I really haven't lost anything since I started my pretty intense workout schedule in late Sept. and while it's frustrating, I *know* I am doing good things for my body by working out so much. I had 4 people tell me at the gym how great I look after about 5-6 weeks of doing this schedule. Gym clothing is when I *wish* I had plastics the most, because it's kind of hard to hide the bumps in tight gym clothing. I think part of the no loss is that I was doing 6:1 and part is just my body adjusting to working out so much. I believe my shape has changed even though the numbers on the scale aren't necessarily going down. Part of my "old" diet and exercise mentality was that if I ate "clean" and "worked out" then dammit I should see it on the scale. But I had to get rid of those old ways of thinking because when the scale DIDN'T provide me with a payoff, is when I would just say "well screw you scale, how about I eat ice cream and then we will agree!!??" So I had to shed my old thoughts about getting that payoff on the scale. YOU KNOW you are doing GOOD things by working out, it helps your muscles, your cardiovascular system and by gosh for me it clears the cobwebs in my brain. I do not ALWAYS enjoy the process of getting OUT there and exercising, but when it's OVER and I'm DONE... I NEVER REGRET any of it. I definitely think there is something to that "exercise high" that people talk about, it works for me and while I've never been "high" on anything in my life I definitely feel good after exercise. So keep doing your workouts and don't worry about the scale so much right now...I know that is easier SAID than DONE! I totally get that! Brown...you are doing awesome by working out and getting out there and moving. I totally used to do that too about treats, best way to get rid of them was to EAT THEM! Good for you for realizing that isn't the way to solve a treat problem. So glad Cheri is coming back...yay...happy dance!