SKCUNNINGHAM

Tex - Glad to hear you are having such great results. Now that the surgery is behind you and you are doing great, what does your wife think? I imagine she and the kids are enjoying the smaller, healthier version of you.

Congratulations on your impressive achievements. If you can't contact the man - just include him in your prayers - sound like he will need them. It is so interesting to think of the effects people have on each others' lives - unknowingly. That man is oblivious to the profound impact he had in your decision to change your life. What encountes have each of us had with someone else where we were the impetus for change in their lives? Makes you stop and think. I think this forum is a wonderful (and for me, a new) way to interact with people. I know there are people on this forum that have inspired me in ways to successfully use my sleeve to change my life and achieve my goals. Thank you for a thought-provoking post. Good luck to you in your journey.

I plan on "losing" my work ID and my drivers license so I can get ones with new pictures and keep the old ones (once I get to my goal). The teller could have said "sorry for the delay - we had to verify your identity - you don't look much like your photo anymore" Along the same lines - the phlebotomist at the blood bank could have said "you might consider getting a new ID - you don't look much like your picture anymore." Then they needed to STOP TALKING. That is hard to do - to know when to put the period at the end of a verbal sentence - and to DO IT.

:cheer2: :cheer2: Here's your dancing girls - celebrate that victory!

BEFORE Clothes Size - 24W (suits - top and bottom) Or 3X in tops Size 10 undies Bra 46/48 C/D Size 8 1/2 medium shoes Size 8 ring NOW Clothes Size - Size 14 (regular, not womens) in clothes or size 16 depends on jacket and waist of trousers Size 8 undies Bra 42 B Size 8 medium shoes Ring size - 8 falls off - need to size the one I'm wearing

You are a beautiful young woman! Congratulations on your accomplishment.

And make sure you are drinking sufficient amounts of fluid if you take Miralax. If you take a packet and put it in a full glass of water, it dissolves easily. If you take a packet, put it in a dish and let is get slightly wet - it turns into Miralax concrete. Don't forget to drink your water!

I have discovered there is a side effect of TOO MUCH Miralax. My system responds to a Miralax packet and a Benefiber packet every morning with more "enthusiasm" than I prefer. Unless you never pass gas anywhere other than being perched in position on the throne - it can cause awkward problems. (Depends on your individual system) I recommend gradually increasing your Miralax until you hit the right amount/frequency/results balance point.

Slimming Sara - I may be going to Celebrate my 55th birthday this December - but I still have my priorites right. And, I REALLY am enjoying being lighter!

This is a very interesting thread When I see obese / morbidly obese people, my first thought is one of pity. I really feel sorry for the person. It does cross my mind that I have knowledge that could be useful to them - but I squash that thought as quickly as it is formed. I would not bring the subject up - I know how insulted I would have been if someone had done that to me. I also have a profound feeling of "there for the grace of God go I." And, every time I see an obese / morbidly obese person, it strengthens my resolve to use my sleeve appropriately to reach and maintain my goal. As to watching obese people eat - I don't watch other people eat. I normally am more interested in the conversation that is happening over the meal than watching the person eat. I do remember being next to a guy once who was making so many little happy noises while he ate, it was embarrasing to be close to him. Normally, those kinds of pleasurable noises don't occur at a dinner table! The guy was obese - but I think he was just strange and don't necessarily chalk up the behavior to his weight. I have never been attracted to obese guys, really skinny guys or really short guys - just a matter of preference. My perception of the world has shifted post-surgery. I am very conscious of the size of everyone I see. I've always been a people watcher, but I am even more of one now. I observe how women (primarily) of all sizes dress. I notice rolls and bulges on people where I would never have noticed them before. I observe many people have no idea how to dress to enhance positive attributes or hide problem areas. I have a silent running fashion commentary going all the time. Petty - but true.

My experience with the staff at Forest Park was completely different than yours. I was extremely pleased with my level of care and the staff I dealt with. My opinion of the facilities is also positive - and I wouldn't describe it in the sames way you did. Sorry you didn't like the experience you had. I had a choice to either have surgery at Forest Park or at Baylor Plano - and I chose Forest Park. (closer to my house - easier on my husband) I too think the medical / insurance situation in this country is totalled screwed up. I am thankful that my employer provides me insurance that covered my surgery.

This is the best post I have read in days! I may steal liberally from your words when I need to respond to friends or family members. Best of luck to you.

I am almost six months out (next Monday). Here are some of my examples: one 4 oz. carton of Activia yogurt for Breakfast or 1/3 c. cottage cheese with 1/2 c of canned fruit (peaches, pears, etc) or 1 2.5 oz package of tuna, mixed with 2T pickle relish and 2T lite mayo or 1/2 to 2/3 of a 3 oz package of smoked salmon or half a serving of roast beef from Grandy's (no bread) with 1/4 c. green Beans or 1/3 to 1/2 a serving of meat loaf from Cracker Barrel wtih a few veggies (baby carrots, green beans) or almost a whole hamburger patty from Sonic (save the last couple of bites for the dog) or 1/2 of a chicken breast wtih a few spears of asparagus. or 7-10 steamed shrimp with the tails on (~25 to the pound) with cocktail sauce or 1/3 - 1/2 of an order of Pei Wei Mongolian beef with veggies (no rice) Hope this helps.

I too was having low blood pressure readings (90 / 55 or 95 / 60). After several days of this and feeling like something the cat drug in, I went to my doc. She pulled me off an additonal 25% of my pre surgery BP meds (she had already cut my dosage in half)- I am now on 1 tiny BP pill a day. This week, I notice my BP is getting lower again when I take my readings. I am looking forward to being BP medication free. All of the comments about increasing fluids, increasing your salt intake slightly and being careful when you change positions quickly are good to follow. Your BP and your heart rate will drop as your fitness levels increase. I knew an Olympic athlete who's resting heart rate was 40 something. Sounds like you are not only rocking your sleeve - but becoming a buff gym rat! Way to go!

Congratulations! You look great - you need to wear more pencil skirts - they look very nice on you.

This sounds kind of like the cr*p pregnant women have to put up with as they near term - everyone tells them stories of their friend/ relative and the horrible delivery they went through. No one tells them of quick relatively painless deliveries. Seems like we all remember the bad news and have a compulsion to share. Be strong in your resolve to be successful with your sleeve. This formum is a great place to come for support. Best of luck to you.

I'd take it too - it sounds like it was straight from his heart.

I had surgery with Dr. Nick on 2/22 of this year at Forest Park. I am coming up on my 6 month surgiversary soon. You will do great with Dr. Nick - I think he is the best there is. To help with your hunger, drink at least 64 oz of Fluid a day - it really helps you feel full. Also, try to go ahead and get used to not drinking carbonated beverages, and I also decaffinated myself prior to surgery. It is definately worth the work up front. I have not regretted my sleeve on minute.

I had a bad experience with too much raw celery (no problem cooked). I severely limit my intake of raw celery.

Almost six months since surgery. I realize I now am no longer dependent on food for emotional comfort - just nourishment (most of the time). Here is a my top five things I have realized. Rather than mindlessly putting food into my mouth to meet my every need (or potential need) - have learned: 1. I would much rather have a good time in bed with my DH than think about what is for dinner or desert. 2. I would rather than a bite or two of something really good then stop, than stuff myself and feel miseable. 3. If I am at loose ends and restless - I go try on clothes that fit - rather than graze in the fridge (zipping my size 14's feel better than fritos taste) 4. Eating does not help me feel better if I am sad or mad - I have found doing something physical helps. (Take a walk - pound my fist on my desk, you name it) 5. Physical exercise can actually be fun and it can feel good. I actually LIKE to do Zumba and work out on my elliptical. Anyone want to add to the list?

Good for you! Stay hydrated and you might need to carry a small amount of protein with you, depending on how long it will take.

I told my husband and my boss first - while I was doing research and qualifying for WLS. I told my boss because of the time away from work for doctor's appts. Once I had made my decision and gotten approved, I told my family and a couple of close friends. Right before surgery, I told the people that work for our family business. Once I got back to work, I told the folks I work with. I have told some friends on facebook individually, but haven't made a public announcement about it. Do what feels right for you - it is no ones business but your own.

I sprained my ankle severely when I was cleaning a closet on Sunday. I was digging out "skinny" clothes and tripped. So I went to see my orthopedic doctor on Monday afternoon, because I thought I had also broken bones in the foot. I wore a brace (laces, straps, etc) in to the doctor - but took with me one of those walking boot casts (metal, straps, etc) I had from a bad sprain a couple of years ago. The doc verified it was a really bad sprain - no broken bones. She told me I would need to wear a boot cast for a month. I pulled the one I had from under the exam table - and she looked at it. She said - that it would work - BUT THAT THEY WOULD TOTALLY HAVE TO REBUILD IT BECAUSE IT WAS TOO LARGE. Yea!

Every person has different goals, and different levels of effort they are willing to put forth to achieve those goals. In addition, you are dealt a certain hand, genetically, that will play a part in your ultimate results. If you want to be a 180 pound head-turner - set that as your goal. Develop your plan to get you to it, and start working your plan. Other than making ourselves taller, there is very little that can't be accomplished if you want something bad enough, are willing to work hard for it, and are willing to accept the consequences of your actions. If you add in the potential of plastic surgery - the possibilities increase even more. Don't let other peoples more modest goals limit what you want to achieve. You are a youngster - in your early 30's. You are going to do amazing with your sleeve. There isn't any reason you couldn't be a 180 pound head turner if you do what is needed to get there. Good luck!

I am on hormone replacement therapy, and have been almost continuously since I had a hysterectomy in 1990. (At age 33.) I stopped the HRT about 2-3 weeks prior to surgery, and stayed off of them until my 3 week post surgery doctor appt. Then I began them again. I have NO interest in getting off of HRT long term.I don't want all the nasty effects you listed.I feel better on HRT, and if there are risks associated with me being on them, I am willing to accept them. The risk / benefit equation for me is heavily skewed to the benefits. I did have a wicked side effecft after surgery (look for my post "Puberty Hell". I got a bunch of estrogen dumped into my bloodstream as I rapidly lost weight after surgery. Apparently, fat cells store estrogen and release it when you lose weight. I was moody (hired assasin moody) weepy, and wanted to be left alone. Those feelings moderated (thank God). I would be interested to hear what you decide to do, and your progress after surgery. If you want to visit more about this, message me. Sharon