Tracy46545

My biggest fear of getting thinner is all the saggy skin. I'm financially broke and can't even consider plastic surgery to pull things up where they used to be. I know that the last time I lost 70# that the saggy flappy skin made me feel ugly unless I was dressed. I looked great in clothes...but depressing naked. I'm really going to have to work on natural remedies to get that skin to tighten I'll be 50 when my weight loss is complete and I'm not sure my skin will "snap back" like it would have when I was 33....so take advantage of your youthful skin's natural elasticity. Exercise to tone the muscle, stay well hydrated and moisturize daily to help the skin recover. And then.......just go out and be drop-dead-gorgeous!

Nanna, so glad you mentioned these! I think I'll try the gingerbread one since I seem to be craving cinnamon and other spices for some reason. You know you can add your Protein powders into warm beverages as long as you add them when the liquid is cold and then microwave them 30 seconds at a time, stirring like crazy in between. I just did it with a 1/2 packet of unflavored unjury and 1/2 packet Crystal Light Peach Tea.....mmmmm yummy! It'll be too sweet for those that have heightened sensitivity...but for now it tastes just right. tracy

I'm home. Exhausted, car unpacked, dogs greeted, laundry started, flannel nightie on....just totally wiped out. I think adding in some Protein tomorrow will be a very good thing. No problems drinking or with incisions. Haven't fainted on anyone... so this is a plus. More tomorrow when I'm coherent. thanks for all the support. ' I'm home....& thankful for it! Tracy

Rough spot yesterday morning as I was getting ready to leave, b/p dropped and I got pretty dizzy. I was mortifyingly morose and weepy....sheesh...pitiful. A shot in the hiney fixed me right up and off I went in Ernesto's capable hands. He got me all checked into the hotel in San Diego where I proceeded to ignore all Dr. orders and basically slept the entire day and night away. However, I feel good this morning. Stronger, focused and clear minded. Have already taken in 20 oz Gatorade (only got in about 4 oz Water yesterday), have had my shower, redressed my battle scars and getting ready for my flight home. I even curled my hair. So there! Now if someone hits on me at the airport and I belch in his face it won't be quite so appalling. I'm packing up the little black box (laptop) so this will be it until I get to Chicago tonight. Just know that I'm on the mend, and coping. Tracy ......and ...I'll have to change my signature line when I have more mental acuity.

Stop trying eggs...try something different. Go back to eggs in a month and see if they work then. (poached seems to work best anyway). I'm sure some more experienced sleevers will respond...since I'm only one day out! Tracy

It's by Syntrax ...but I don't know the other stuff. I have some in the fridge...can't remember if I put it in Crystal light or not. I stopped using powders a while ago because when I was totally unfilled I could get my prpteins in the old fashioned way. Tracy

anyone got a spare charger for a LG phone that they can slip across the border??? wouldn't you know I left mine in Long Beach. grrrrrr.... oh well..forcing my family to stick to topic in an email can't be bad.....can it? The A-team was just here and checked my drain after drinking the blue stuff, he said it's coming out where it should and I can go take a shower...you think he's telling me I stink? Question...why can't I spell anymore??? I seriously just had to correct three things in that five word sentence. Maybe I should slow down. This herbal tea is pretty good..although with an entire splenda in it, it's rather sweet. I wonder when I can have some of my English Breakfast tea? mmmmmmm That's about it folks..I'm gonna get de=mummified (leg wraps off) get in the shower and become something that humans want to be around. Back later! P.S. no pain, no nausea, lots of pee pee, no anything else..not worried about it! Tracy

alrighty then....... I was sleeved about 12 hours ago. The pre-op barium swallow showed my band to be twisted and slipped. (I always knew it was a seriously "twisted" piece of equipment anyway!). Dr. Aceves and his team were able to salvage everything, there was no erosion. I'm pretty loopy...skin is itchy (they're giving me something for that) and mouth is dry...so I'm sipping and spitting. Sore...but no real pain. I made pee pee...so they're all out there doing the "tracy peed" dance. talk to you when I'm more clear. Tracy

I doubt that "runny" grits would get caught in the staple line. Things that are problematic are things like strawberry seeds, apple peel, tiny bits of meats....things that are slow to break down and difficult to chew to "goo". Try some purreed Bean with Bacon Soup if you're in that stage.....it's flavorful and warm, soothing and filling. pureed cottage cheese topped with pureed peaches would make a nice two layer "dessert". I think it's important not to get bored with the stage you're in, you have to season things, and alternate tastes of naturally sweet, tart, salty, creamy etc. Tracy

RCarter, Please allow your body and your new stomach time to heal. You've had MAJOR surgery where they removed approx 75% of your stomach. There is a LONG incision line with staples on the inside that has to heal completely. It WILL NOT heal if you start adding foods too fast and get something stuck in the staple line. The doctor prescribed diet is necessary....not just a suggestion. While some people break all the rules and may not see complications, it's definitely not the recommended course of action. If you aren't feeling satisfied with your portions, please contact your surgeon or his nurse for advice...don't just start adding in solid foods because someone else did. Protein powders, liquids etc will help you feel fuller and more satisfied. GasX helps many people with the gas pains. Most of all, allow your body the time it needs to heal and pamper this new "restriction tool" that has been formed out of your own stomach. Advice is good here....but don't take the advice on any forum OVER the advice of your own doctor's orders without seriously understanding the risks! You're gonna do great!!!! Tracy

He won again today!!!! 6 days out of 7....and will be my "fastest" champion ever. His co-owners are so excited, (as am I). I got to see my puppies from Texas, New York, and three places in California today all in one location at the show. It's so much fun to catch up with old friends. I can't wait to see them all again in May...hopefully many pounds thinner by that time. Only three more nights before Surgery. Pre op diet is VERY difficult when travelling. I'm trying to make decent choices but I know I'm not being as strict as I should be at this stage. However, this is the sequence of events that set the plan in motion..so I can't complain. thanks for all the well wishes...I hope to post photos early to mid-next week while I'm laying around the hospital recovering. Tracy

ok..I live alone (well..me and the three Bichons) How many of you are cooking for one? Do you cook a meal for your family and then something different for you? (ie, lower cal, less carbs, low fat, high Protein etc). Or...since we can eat such small amounts do you just eat what they eat in tiny portions? and..for those of you that cook for one....how about sharing some ideas? I find myself cooking something..and then eating it all week which leads to boredom and the craving to stop at a fast food joint and grab some variety. Am I making any sense?

thanks Chancie, I've been showing dogs since 1983. (I'd be a very rich woman by now if I'd invested all the money that I've ended up spending on raising, and exhibiting my dogs!) I'm at a hotel in Chicago right now, heading out to California tomorrow to see the dog shows for a few days and then Sunday I'm heading down to Mexico for my pre-op testing. Surgery on Monday! tracy

and Archie won again today!!! 5 pts at a one show today which makes it a "major" win...he needs two major wins as part of his accumulation of 15 points to make his AKC championship. Essentially this means he got 1/3 of his total requirements at just one show!!! ok...I'll hush now

NJSleever, You are NOT alone. We are all here with you and you can reach out at any time to us for support, compassion and company. Keep thinking positive thoughts, even in this time of darkness. Like I prayed for someone else, most of all I pray for peace for you. Peace with your situation, peace for your future. Healing can be achieved with medicine, but peace has to come from within. I hope you're back on your feet and running a New York marathon very soon!!!!

Tuesday: B: hot tea with splash of sf hazelnut syrup and splash of pumpkin creamer S: sf Jello with Cool Whip free L: chicken breast with 1 T bbq sauce, 1 oz italian cheese blend S: Swai (favorite fish), Reduced Fat cheese, two ritz crackers, biscuit with 2 tsp honey, ....(are you seeing a trend here?) I mean...I was doing so good with the fish. Snack: ice cream with milk on it. See, once you eat a carb...it sends out an email that says "party in Tracy's gut...all night long....come one, come all!!!" and the slippery slope lands me back on my ass again. And tomorrow I battle the blizzard and head into Chicago to start my trip that will eventually land me in Mexico getting my guts rearranged again to help me control the carb devil. mea culpa, mea culpa

I know my surgeon is going to tell me not to use a straw for any drinking after surgery. What I can't remember is why? Tracy

Congrats Chandra! I'm looking forward to joining you on the "loser's" bench soon!

Wisconsin girl, Your "tomorrow" plan looks awesome!

OH = Obesity Help forum

My guy loves fuller figured women. I confided to him today that I was concerned he wouldn't find me as attractive by spring. He sounded sincere when he assured me I'd still be sexy if/when I was thinner but I sensed it took a real effort for him to say so.. lol. We'll see. Quite frankly..this is for me. I love him with all my heart, but if he can't deal with me getting healthy..then he isn't the man I know him to be now.

Ok...so my pre-op day went like this: early morning: Swiss Miss Diet Cocoa with a splash of Gingerbread creamer Breakfast: 2 eggs, 2 individual portions of reduced fat cheese nuked in the microwave until crisp Snack: sugar free Jello with Cool Whip Free Lunch: unjury chocolate Protein powder in Water (yuck, better in skim milk but I'm out) 2 stalks of celery with low fat cream cheese snack: hot tea with sugar free hazelnut creamer supper: 6oz Swai (my favorite fish) 1/4 cup lowfat cottage cheese 1 small slice tomato Crystal Light all day...probably 60 oz water plus the cocoa, tea and Protein Drink. Damn, I want a biscuit with strawberry jelly and some ice cream and some chocolate and some cheeseburgers and some chocolate chip Cookies and some of my grandma's warm bread custard. (sob)

Purely personal opinion....but I think women need some fats (healthy ones) in their diet whether reducing or not. Sticking to healthy fats, increasing your Protein and strictly limiting your processed carbs will help you reach your goals long term!

Not supposed to pick up anything heavier than 15 pounds for 6 weeks according to my surgeon. Your doctor's instructions might be different. From what I understand most people return to work after a week. Some may take more if there are complications. I plan to return 8 days after surgery but I work in a gentleman's home and it's pretty much like being at my own home. Best wishes with your surgery and recovery!

AJW, lock the scale in the closet until after the holidays. If you're eating healthy foods in proper "sleevester" portions, and exercising...there's no way you can't lose. Your body may play tricks with you temporarily...but in the end...you will win.