M2G

My nurse ok'd some sugar-free Halls Vitamin C drops. My throat hurt so bad, I was really glad I brought these to suck on once they determined I had no leaks and were letting me have small sips of Water.< /p>

Happy *belated* Birthday Cathy!
Globe...OMG OMG OMG! I'll be excited for you, how's that? Wish I knew something about worker's comp. Could you hire a lawyer? Although hiring a lawyer doesn't sound fun, you might need to in order to get everything paid.
Glad skiing was fun instead of anxiety filled, Sheryl.
Coops, hiya...good to see you. Totally understand the busy thing!
Dorrie, I wish I could just give you a hug. I hope things are better and sort out soon. You have such great analytical skills to be able to step back and "view" your life. Come here and have your woe is me moment anytime. It think this place plays a part in keeping us all sane.
Denise, that wording sounds fine. Sorry about the fight with Bill. That CPAP has been an issue since the beginning, ugh. I hope you guys can have a dialogue about it and maybe other things too? Good idea to calm down before talking...things said during the heat of an argument are usually not good things.
As for me, my status update is: I FINALLY HAD A FAST DAY!!! OMG!

Good to hear from you Wanda and good luck with your mom. That is not easy stuff. And a playwright? WOW! You never cease to amaze me with your talents! Awesome!
Well, I did search but only found our mission statement that LV wrote for our group:
Mission statement

Welcome, to the 5:2 group. We consist of members that are at least a year out and almost at goal or have reached goal and put on a few pounds while in maintenance.
we are not trying to exclude anyone, but this method is not for the newly sleeved.
Please talk to your nutritionist and try the diet first to see if its something you can do. Then if you want to make a commitment to it, send us a message and you'll be invited in.

http://the5-2dietbook.com/
Obviously we can't use that word-for-word since it says send us a message and you will be invited in. I just would redirect people to the 5:2 thread in the Vet's Forum. They should be a year+ out before trying fasting anyway, so that seems appropriate. I guess I'm confused as to how people still know about this message board that we created because I didn't think it still showed up in social groups? Is it just from previous knowledge or is there somewhere that people can "see" we have this group and they aren't allowed in?

Cathy good luck with the move...I *hate* moving with a passion! I think typically in the states (or at least for us) we left all blinds, but kept the curtains or more decorative elements. I specifically had our relator write it in the contract that our window coverings could stay but the decorative elements were ours. When we bought this house (gosh 14+ years ago!!) we bought paper blinds until we could afford real blinds. They are a basically like a folded piece of paper that you fold up and down and clip together with a plastic clip to keep them open. They have adhesive along the top and that is how they stay in your window. They are cheap and temporary until you can find what you like/need.
Good luck also Florinda! Fingers cross...and a new low...WOO HOO!!!
Denise, I will look and see if I can find the wording LV used. Does Susan still read here? She popped in and out so quickly that I'm not sure she is still active.
That is too bad about Cheri, GamerGirl, LauraVen and Butter...such great voices and even though I rarely read anything on the main board anymore it's too bad they are gone.
I'm only doing so-so with tracking my food. Had like 3 great days then went off for the weekend and so far I'm trying to get back on track today. THEN MY NEXT GOAL IS A GOOD OLD FASHIONED FAST DAY. I have not done that in what feels like forever and I NEED TO DO IT. I know I will feel so much better if I do. Just need a good ole kick in the pants (and maybe a prayer to Him) to help me do it!!

Cathy good luck with the move...I *hate* moving with a passion! I think typically in the states (or at least for us) we left all blinds, but kept the curtains or more decorative elements. I specifically had our relator write it in the contract that our window coverings could stay but the decorative elements were ours. When we bought this house (gosh 14+ years ago!!) we bought paper blinds until we could afford real blinds. They are a basically like a folded piece of paper that you fold up and down and clip together with a plastic clip to keep them open. They have adhesive along the top and that is how they stay in your window. They are cheap and temporary until you can find what you like/need.
Good luck also Florinda! Fingers cross...and a new low...WOO HOO!!!
Denise, I will look and see if I can find the wording LV used. Does Susan still read here? She popped in and out so quickly that I'm not sure she is still active.
That is too bad about Cheri, GamerGirl, LauraVen and Butter...such great voices and even though I rarely read anything on the main board anymore it's too bad they are gone.
I'm only doing so-so with tracking my food. Had like 3 great days then went off for the weekend and so far I'm trying to get back on track today. THEN MY NEXT GOAL IS A GOOD OLD FASHIONED FAST DAY. I have not done that in what feels like forever and I NEED TO DO IT. I know I will feel so much better if I do. Just need a good ole kick in the pants (and maybe a prayer to Him) to help me do it!!

You will find some inspirational pictures here:
http://www.bariatricpal.com/topic/193973-ill-show-you-mine-lbds/
It's a whole thread dedicated to showing off those new LBD's! Great goal Kiara I have no doubt you will soon be rocking your own new LBD!

Weight loss surgery is difficult, to say the least. The operation takes place after years or a lifetime of being obese and after months of research and preparation. Recovery can be anywhere from “not too bad” to riddled with complications. Nearly every aspect of your lifestyle changes, from your diet to the way you look to your relationships to your mental state. The entire experience is long and challenging, no matter how rewarding.


BariatricPal recognizes the challenges of being in the weight loss surgery community. You need every bit of support and information you can get to choose the best surgery for yourself, prepare for surgery, lose weight, and get healthy for the long term. The peer-to-peer support that BariatricPal members provide can be among the most powerful tools you have to help you achieve your goals. So please, help build the community up instead of tearing it down.
Potential for a Powerful, Unified Community
Our weight loss surgery communities began as WLSBoards, with four separate forums: LapBandTalk, VerticalSleeveTalk, RNYTalk, and SleevePlicationTalk. Each forum was dedicated to a single type of weight loss surgery. Members could discuss surgeons, diets, complications, and anything else related to weight loss surgery in general or the specific type of weight loss surgery in particular.
Then we merged the four WLSBoards to create BariatricPal, which is geared toward all types of weight loss surgery. This decision was based on the following beliefs.
We are all in this together. We have the same goal of fighting obesity through weight loss surgery.
The surgery types share many common characteristics and BariatricPal members can therefore benefit from having more input on topics such as the post-surgery diet progression, choosing a surgeon, ways to get more Protein, and dealing with head hunger.
As a single community, we have greater potential to be a unified and strong voice for weight loss surgery than we did as separate communities.
Some topics are surgery-specific, and there is a need for surgery-specific subforums for certain topics such as fills for lap-band patients, experience with Protein Shakes for sleeve patients who may not be able to eat enough on a regular basis, and dumping syndrome for gastric bypass patients.

Has BariatricPal Become a Divisive Arena?
Unfortunately, BariatricPal members have had some regrettable experiences that contradict these principles. Rather than being supported, encouraged, and assisted, some members have felt attacked or belittled by other members who do not believe in their choices, whether in regards to type of surgery, food choices, or other lifestyle choices. Rude behavior, while unacceptable in any circumstance, is especially damaging in our community.
It weakens our collective voice.
It prevents some weight loss surgery patients and potential patients from getting the information they need.
It discourages WLS patients from pursuing their healthy lifestyles.

Avoid Destructive Posts
Most BariatricPal members are polite, helpful, and encourage. Occasionally, though, members post inappropriate and potentially hurtful posts that put down one type of weight loss surgery or another individual’s choice. In general, a poor post is one that makes a person feel bad and does not offer any useful information. These are examples of unacceptable posts.
“I didn’t even know they offered the lap-band surgery anymore because it’s so dangerous.”
“Weight loss is easy with the gastric bypass surgery. The rest of us have to work harder.”
“You shouldn’t be asking if you can eat that. If you even are thinking about it, you shouldn’t have gotten WLS.”

It’s okay to offer your opinion, but do it kindly. If you’re not sure if your post is okay, think about it before your post. The rule of thumb is to always err on the side of caution. Think how you would act if you were face-to-face with a good friend who had an opinion with which you disagree. You would listen to his or her position, then acknowledge the reasoning for that opinion. Then you would state your opinion and explain why you feel that way. Remember that feelings are harder to convey in written online conversations, and gentle words of advice can be interpreted harshly.
What We Have to Gain (or Lose)
When we all support each other, regardless of type of weight loss surgery, we have a lot to gain.
Positive atmosphere where everyone feels welcome, so those who need it feel comfortable to come and ask questions
Unbelievable wealth of experience and knowledge…among people who are kind enough to share it
A place where open discussions can lead to brainstorming and generation of ideas and strategies for success
A sense of pride that we are all here, with the same goal through the same means. Let us celebrate!

When rudeness and disrespect take over, we have just as much to lose. Just think about what would happen if you had a question, asked it, and got told that your question is dumb or that you are doing something wrong in your weight loss journey. Maybe you would leave BariatricPal or, worse, you would be afraid to ask your question anywhere else because you didn’t feel comfortable anymore. Nobody deserves to be treated like that.
Take a moment when you are on BariatricPal to appreciate the warm community, and think about what it means to you. The next time you post, ask yourself: are you helping to build a stronger weight loss surgery community, or are you tearing it down?

I have thyroid, and this could be the cause of your symptoms, it could also have something to do with anemia, Vitamin defficency or low blood pressure. You may want to schedule an appointment with your dr and have them do a CBC and a chemistry panel. It is in your best interest, your body will thank you.

Well, since this is the Vet's Forum, the farther you get out from surgery the harder it is to find those NSV (they typically hit when you are less than a year post-op for many of us!)
So Georgia, I love that you started this.
My most recent NSV of memory was this. A gal that I only know from the gym (see her regularly about 3-4x a week), she is tall and slender and beautiful. Super-nice girl. So she texted me right before Christmas saying "do you happen to have an ugly Christmas sweater I can borrow, I have a party to attend and don't have one to wear." Unfortunately I don't own any ugly Christmas sweaters (seems to be quite the rage to have parties and contests surrounding the "ugly" Christmas sweater) but anyway, more importantly, she thought we must be in the same "SIZE RANGE!" Wow. What a nice compliment to be "normal enough" to be able to trade clothes!

How about a little lace dress?

Sorry computer is acting up didn't want to lose my post so I hit send...
Will try to attach a photo here...

Isn't progesterone a pregnancy hormone? It would stand to reason that you would gain weight.
Day four of eating vvlc, weight hasn't budged.

I volunteered to be a host for the plastics or vets forum but Alex didn't choose to take me up on it...dunno why.
I had a couple of fabulous days.
Thursday night Steven showed up at my house unexpectedly....it was cool as he has never done that before.
Friday I was supposed to go skiing but it didnt work out so had dinner with my friend Mary and told her all about Mexico...So fun! We are both gonna look into how single women can retire or semi retire as snowbirds with our critters (horses, dogs and in her case a goat)'
Saturday we went on our first trailride of spring. It was so fun!!!my new mare, Mia was in season but her behavior was near perfect. One of the reasons they gave her to me for free is she was supposed to be bitchy mean when in season but she was a doll. I scored big time with that beautiful horse! We stopped for a drink and shared an appetizer (dinner) at our favorite place...dressed like the cowgirls that we are. Saw some of our acquaintances there and had a gas.
I have a pretty good life.
I read all your posts...more replies later - but Cathy I gained like 8 pounds in just over a week....yeah I was on vacation but that seemed insane! Jury is out on that progesterone cream for me (I am so dedicated to not gaining weight!!!) but I have been sleeping well....

Hi Ladies! I've been reading but not posting much. Things have been absolutely crazy around here. My father in law has to have open heart surgery on Monday and the family drama surrounding this has been off the charts. It's sad actually.
Georgia, glad you can help Kim on the vets board.
Thinking of you all.
I love all of the pics, all of you look wonderful! I hope to update more soon.

And I don't get why we lost two good BPers. I know they were upset over the Run in's with a couple idjits but hey. Why punish the rest of us?
(I hope they are lurking).

Oh , girlfriend. I'm "fixin" to start kicking too! I am now on Vets Forum. . Haven't had time to get started. I'm always on Vet so dropped
The age specific forum and Alex addede to Vet. Sick em!

Kim, I have read the same about the progesterone cream - that once it has balanced out the estrogen it should help reduce weight/ fat... I think that is why I was so shocked about my gain... it literally happened in the space of a week and I can't get it off. If it was Water weight, it would of gone by now... I think. I have also started a small period this morning... so I am wondering if the cream has effected the start of my cycle again! I will keep up posted.
Sheila, I am just loving that outfit! You really made me smile today x

Looks like it. No wonder I am the only host around the Vets forum kicking out Newbie butts at this time! Miss them both!
Every thing I have read about it says you may lose weight when hormonally balanced with progesterone...I would give it some time....
You look darling!

M2G you looking beautiful in the pic! Just beautiful!
Coops the weight will come off and it is totally frustrating with this weight loss thing. this AM I was thinking that even with the little amount we eat, we are still prone to gaining weight.... if only it would come off as easy....
I find myself going to work for my friend and the majority of food at her house is junk. I do have some peanuts there but I am so burnt out of my go to foods, i don't want anything. I go out to eat with my family and OMG my head hunger gets way out of control. I order bbq ribs and bbq chicken knowing darn well I can't eat much. Then the bread basket comes and I eat 2 pieces dipped in Salad Dressing. The the food comes and I eat 1 rib, 2 bites of baked potato, and 2 bites of cole slaw....when will I ever learn. On a good note, thank god I could only eat that much.... thank you my beautiful sleeve.... As for my friend, it's sad to see here going up in weight and knowing the physical consequences she faces ahead..
When I come here and read the posts the thoughts are so much like mine. I learn a lot about myself here too. I do read a lot but haven't been able to post due to not having access to my computer.... I hope everyone has a wonderful day today! HAPPY Saturday....

I'm sorry you are having this trouble, as you said it's no fun on either side of the coin...under or overweight neither one is healthy for you.
I just want to echo was Lynda said...adding in healthy fats, calories and planning out your day in regards to your meals should help you get a handle on it.
I also just want to say this. (Not to be rude or stir up drama) but I just want to mention that sounds VERY UNUSUAL for most sleeve patients. At 17 months out most people are just usually hitting their goal weight or they have found a few pounds have climbed back on etc. So to drop 30 lbs in 3 months, well are you sure you don't have another medical condition going on? Can you have a dr. appt to just run blood work and check that everything is ok? That seems pretty worrisome! I hope you can stop the loss and regain a few lbs of muscle!

Sorry computer is acting up didn't want to lose my post so I hit send...
Will try to attach a photo here...

Sorry computer is acting up didn't want to lose my post so I hit send...
Will try to attach a photo here...

Kelly, thank you so much for the information about the meds. I might look into it in the future, but for now I will probably skip trying any meds. I really need to just 1. focus on tracking my food. and 2. focus on trying to fast at least once a week. (more would be better, but baby steps, baby steps.)
Florinda, I'm so sorry you are having such a rough time, just wanting to send you a hug.
Kim, I hope you don't have to lose -5lbs, I can totally understand your mindset of just let me enjoy what I've accomplished before having to set any new goal. I like the idea of tweaking your eating to see what kind of results you can get.
Wanda, lovely song!
Georgia, OMG love the pictures your grandaughters are just beautiful and your daughter looks exactly like you. Glad you made it through even though you still have reservations I wish the new couple nothing but happiness and sunshine. Also glad the worst of the shingles is over. Hugs!
Coops, awwww, shucks, please don't be down on yourself about the extra lbs. You are doing so good and that f'ing mother nature and her damn meno-crap....well, just chalk it up to that and NOT WHAT YOU ARE DOING...because I think you are doing FANTASTIC and listen to Steve when he gives you those compliments about how great you are looking!! Hugs for you also.
Dorrie...I'm sending you a hug also...gosh it sure does sound like you are dealing with a lot. Please know that I'm thinking of you...
Sheryl, glad you had a good vaca and you killed that swimsuit!! Woo hoo!
Did I forget anyone? If I did, apologies...
Anyway, I did attend the funeral for the friend's sister who killed herself this past Wed. Talk about an emotionally exhausting draining day. I was proud of myself though because they had a reception immediately following and I ate 1/4 (seriously tiny) of a turkey wrap, 2 baby carrots and 2 mini-thumprint Cookies AND I logged everything! Woo hoo! So major victory there.
Here is what I wore to the funeral...actually this photo was NOT taken on that day but rather a day that I was just trying out various clothing options and when it came time to decide what to wear this outfit seemed appropriate.

Sorry computer is acting up didn't want to lose my post so I hit send...
Will try to attach a photo here...

Butter seems to have gone off piste at about the same time LV took a rest, No! I'm not starting a rumour.