SeattleSue

I feel your frustration and your helplessness. I'm sorry that you are going through this... I wish there was something I could do for you--all I can offer is a prayer. Don't give up...don't lose the faith. Praying for you... Susan

This is very astute. I clearly haven't lost the amount of weight (even % wise) that a lot of you have, but I HAVE lost enough where it is noticeable. I've already been struck by the "who" of my friends/family/acquaintences who make comments...and even the ones who don't. It's very revealing. I'm not sure WHAT it reveals yet... because we really can't judge their silence without a lot of clues, but nonetheless, it's very interesting. The people I thought who would most make comments, haven't said a word. Others blow me away with their kindness. The HCG diet is the big thing around where I live right now....seems like "everyone" is doing it...even those that have very little to lose. I can't help but wonder if others are just assuming that I'm on it too (I haven't told anyone about my surgery). Regardless, it is an interesting thing to watch unfold. I don't want to spend too much time wondering what others are actually thinking...I've heard it's none of my business! lol If I were a betting gal, I'd wager I'm the one who doesn't gain it back!

Thank y'all! I AM glad to know I'm not alone...I think I may try two measurements and adopt the label "pouch" too! (I hope I don't hurt something lifting it up)

Right on!!!! Thans for sharing pics... It say's so much more than a ticker ever could! lol BIG CONGRATS! Keep it up...

WOAH... That is ONE dramatic change. Seriously, you've done an amazing thing. What's your exercise of choice?

LOL That's awesome...and it happened to me too, just this morning in church! Poor lady sort of just blurted it out and I was like, "Thanks, what a nice thing to say!!" Good for you!

Holy moly batman!!! That's amazing!!!!

Thank you so much. I'm so grateful for a place where people "get" and aren't judgmental of the good, the bad, and the ugly.

You are hysterical!!! When I got to the part about, "what next, a belt?" lol I just about lost it and had a crystal light screen saver!! WTG I say wear the dang outfit...heck, sleep in it!!

I've been taking measurements...and my 60" tape wasn't quite long enough to measure my hips (gulp) ...but today, THE TAPE FLIPPIN' TOUCHES!!!!!! (TMI perhaps...but that includes the 'apron')

It's sort of weird... I do get hungry, but I'm much more particular about what I eat because I can eat so little. I have an automatic "prioritize" reaction like, "no, not that--what a waste.." and then I think, "I want...." I'm making MUCH better food choices. It's a weird sort of aversion therapy that I never had before because I really rarely felt "full" so I never really had to prioritize. I'd just have both! I still even go to buffets with my family...most allow you to get a "to go" box and pay by the pound. Hahaha IMagine the disappointment on the local chinese buffet when my meal costs $1.94 hahahahahaha

hahaha I bet that DID feel good!!! Congrats Nancy!! Keep it up, it is soooooooo wonderful to be heading in the right direction!! PTL

Thank you for sharing pics!! They really are worth a 1,000 words... Like WOW. Crazy! Beautiful...fantastic....inspiring...hopeful...I can too! You look GREAT. I'm so happy for you!!

You can read my experience (posted as my first blog) and Kelly too. Both of us wrote about our trips to see Dr. Kelly. Often, the fear is the unknown. I've been twice, once for me and once (just last week) with my friend. Our trips were virtually identical, so at least you can go in knowing EXACTLY what will happen and maybe pick up a few things that get lost in translation! San Diego airport is a GREAT place to fly into. They have their "stuff" together and you are gate to curbside in 5 minutes. Coming back, it took less than 10 to get through security...just be prepared with ramen packets and boullion cubes for "broth"...getting hot Water and tea from starbucks and on the flight! Also there is a powder packet (like a crystal light)...powerade (??? can't think of the name off the top of my head) anyway, it has electrolytes in it and both my friend and I found it easier to drink than the gatorade which is not sugar free down in Mx, so it was a little "lighter" on the tummy. When you stay at the hotel...I recommend the chicken broth...not the tortilla Soup which is a little too tomato-ee for us. Just my opinion. As for the fear...totally normal. My only regret?? WAITING SO LONG TO GET IT DONE!!! I'm 7 1/2 weeks out and LOVING IT! Pack light, don't check baggage... Don't worry about clothes at the hospital, you spend your time in a gown. DO bring shorts and tank to wear poolside if you are staying at the Lucerna.

YAY! I've taken a few myself. In fact, my husband was just standing in our closet looking at my side. He made a comment about how I've taken 3 bags full and my closet is STILL busting at the seams. My excuse is that I have to be "creative" with the combinations since I don't particularly like a lot of it...but refuse to go buy new stuff in this "temporary" size.

Not exactly, our post-op diet say's FF Milk on day 8...full liquids day 14. You are day 10. What I was saying was you could add some milk to your broth to make it "creamy". Not saying Cream of _____ Soup. Sorry.

You bet...you could add FF milk to your broth right now and make it a little creamier. We were allowed milk on day 8. See my response to your message...

Tricky fellow...who would have ever gotten "pasquini" out of George Michael??? Congrats!

2 C-sections... Both times, I threw-up for 4 days and wasn't allowed to eat because no bowel tones. Couldn't do stairs, wasn't supposed to lift over 10 pounds...yeah, not an easy feat when your babies weigh 11 lbs 5.5 oz. Anyway, NO COMPARISON. VSG is laproscopic and even whipped my gallbladder surgery! Not gonna lie, the first 12 hours are INTENSE...like labor through the chest for me. After that, it would be exponentially easier by the day. Day 3 I was off of all meds and walking about 1/2 mile at a time. I was doing so good, I honestly would not believe I'd had "major" surgery if I hadn't been there! lol

Meggie, Congrats!! I'm so happy for you...your joy just seeps through your post and I can tell that you are embracing your second chance. I feel the same! My hope for you is that it continues and the pain disappears...that you have the best ahead of you!! Somehow I know you do! Susan

Try some FF Milk...it is allowed on day 8 for you..(2 days ago). Start with a 1/4 cup. Things might taste "weird" for a couple days, you have been fasting and so everything is skewed right now. Also, you need to add benefiber to your Water (or Mirilax is another favorite on this site). I don't know what kind of broths you are trying...have you tried a packet from some ramen? My favorites were the Thai Kitchen packets (rice noodles got thrown away). Anyway, hang tight. Dr. Kelly counts surgery day as day 1 post-op. Hey, sometimes a day makes a difference indeed!!!

Thanks! We are talking about taking a trip down the coast in the spring... Depends on the weather. The big debate in my mind is bring the kids or leave the kids. hahahahaha Leaving 2 teens at home may NOT be a bright idea, no matter how GOOD they are We took a cross country trip in 2008. It was 104 degrees for quite a bit of it as we travelled from Nashville... 90 minute segments, drink a bottle, poor a bottle over your head. Repeat.

Not yet, but I hope so soon!!! This last week has been a trip. I saw some co-workers briefly Monday who hadn't seen me since being sleeved. ...48# down. It totally registered in their faces. However, I also went out with the girls on Wed., and someone posted pics on facebook. Seriously, what did I ever do to them???

Give that kid a raise in his allowance for Pete's sake!! "bawling"

Eggs!!! Those are OK. Take sausages and press between napkins to remove excess grease! I have actually done this with fast food patty's off of hamburgers! hahahaha We don't eat much, so I've found that it works in a pinch. I just travelled this last week and carried with me; jerky, baby bell cheese, Protein shakes and a couple Protein Bars. I've never eaten the bars before (I don't have a sweet tooth). But the ones I picked up were in the "sugar free" or diabetic section of my grocery store. I do NOT remember the brand, but it was Peanut Butter. 100 cals and 10 gr protein. Not bad, but it saved my bacon on the plane! If you can carry a little insulated lunch bag...I HIGHLY recommend the Hormel Turkey Pepperoni. It travels real well and 17 slices and a cheese stick will give you abt 19 gr protein. A nice little meal on the go... Good luck,