indi1

I have searched everywhere. The VSG Veterans forum says you must be a year out. I assume this feeds from your "surgery information" from your profile which I verified is correct (2years out). But it still says its locked. Is there any other place to look for a solution to this?

Thanks

Yes, another NSV I had forgotten about!

I'm down about 75lbs since February 22nd. From size 22 into 12/14 like you said. And thank goodness I'm seeing it in the clothing size, cause the scale is just not moving and hasn't for a few months... about the same time I started exercising regularly. I bounce up and down a couple of pounds at 205. I just want to see 199! Need to up my Water and watch the emotional/habitual eating.

I agree with Cojeeeeez. Be loud and be proud. You stood up, decided to make a difference in your future! Don't ever be ashamed that you are improving your health and life. And I would not counter the question with a lie or half truth. It all comes around to bite you in the a$$. Good Luck.

I love to hear this. I am going through this myself. I have dropped a size and not lost anything on the scale. I have gone from a tight 16 to a solid 14 all at 205lbs. I checked and double checked the labels thinking I had to have picked up the wrong pair. I'm not sure why this is so hard to accept that this is possible, maybe its because its not marked by anything like numbers. I have been working out for months but really trying to identify that new muscle. So funny.. I have to hold my bat wing back so I can the new muscle.

Not trying to be harsh, but just ride it out. It's falling out so quickly I don't think there is much you can do. Just know it will stop. I don't know about others, but I have been losing my for about 2.5 months and I mean by the huge handful, BUT last week, it slowed tremendously within two days. I mean slowed to where I want to cautiously say it has stopped. But I knew going in this would happen so I prepared myself mentally. Patience.... and comb\brush your hair outside

One more for the ultra sensitive to smells over here. And speaking of which, I really didnt expect my entire body to smell different, Not really bad, Just weird smells.

YAY!!!

Angela! Funny you said that, look at my stats. Im only down 50, since surgery and 70 with the preop diet. At 256, I was in a size 22. Now I'm in 14-16's.

I was a heavy smoker for 25+ years. But I knew I had to stop in order to get the surgery. So I used the Patches and at the same time, use an electronic cigg with 0%nicotine cartridge. That took care of my "hand to mouth" issue while I stepped down on the patches.I was on my last couple of days on my Patches when I had my surgery and my doc said I could have the patch in the hospital. But I didn't need any when I got home and have been fine ever since then (2/22/12). For me the biggest challenge was the "fear" of not having the next smoke. Seriously scared. But I will tell you what changed that for me. The book "Allen Carr's Easy Way to stop smoking".

http://www.amazon.com/Allen-Carrs-Easyway-Stop-Smoking/dp/0615482155/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1345462378&sr=1-1&keywords=allen+smoking

I guarantee you I would not have been as successful if I had not started with this book.

Me too. I know I am full. I can feel it. But still I want... I have been eating sunflower seeds but now I think I am overdoing even that.Plus the sodium.

For anyone at St.Mary's, are you going to the support group tonight?

Well, I am now inspired. Just moments ago took an "after" picture. So shortly I will be posting the first, known to man, ever existed...... pictures. Hey that makes it "exclusive" right Anyway, I understand how you feel. I still cringe at my photos, but just not as much.

You are awesome and have every right! I am glad we all have a place to come and "bragg" and everyone here understands.

Wow.. you are doing great!

That is exactly what that means! I have BCBSIL as well and they changed the policy on the exact same month I finished my 6 month supervised visit How ironic, I thought. Looking back, I'm glad I had extra time to think about things and practice new eating habits, etc.

I snored horribly (so loud I would wake myself up) and now not at all.

I think it's more about you showing you made an effort by keeping your appointments, etc. Dr. Brengman never told me I needed to lose a certain amount before surgery. I only lost 20 lbs in that 6 months.

Oh My Goodness. That really surprises me. Did he move to another practice?

I am in Chesterfield, Va and had surgery with Dr. Brengman at St. Mary's. I really put myself in the process of the insurance paperwork. After all that time, I couldn't stand to just sit back and wait for them to let me know. I feel like my action was beneficial to getting it through. When the docs office said they sent the info, I would call insurance to verify they received them and vice versa. I also had a 6 month waiting period so I was anxious. Ironically, on the same month I completely my 6 month supervised visits, my insurance (BCBSIL) changed the policy and no longer has that requirement. But I am glad I was forced to think about this for 6 months though.

Yes, I had some issues as well. About 2 weeks out (2 weeks ago), my gums got to the point they were very sensitive. Even light brushing would cause a good portion of my gums to bleed. I was getting my Protein and Water as I have been good at that since the beginning. The surgeons office say to take Vitamin C, so I did. But I also went to my dentist who said forget the Vitamin c because it's "a waste of time". He also put me on the mouth rinse and an antibiotic. At this point, my gums are much better, but I still have two spots that bleed every time I floss. But at least they are not bleeding when I brush. I still don't know exactly what caused this, but my mouth did improve. They got better while taking the antibiotic and rinse but also as I was eating more solid food.< /p>

I love my hair and my fingernails. Both are very strong, healthy and grow very nicely. (remember I said that later) I also like that I "do what I say I am going to do" and people can count on me as dependable. Doesn't seem like much, but I know so many people have a hard time being responsible to others.

My surgery was 2/22 and I too am experiencing alot of what you guys are. The most surprising is that I cry at the drop of a hat. That is not me and hope it gets better. They actually prescribed something for anxiety right before I was discharged because I had a break down during the release process. Just ridiculous. Anyway, fortunately, I do have a hobby that I can work on with out lifting, which is my greenhouse. I am doing pretty good with Water and Protein especially since I stopped putting ICE in my water. It made a big difference in getting it down. I really have just gotten to the point I can get through a day and get all my requirements met without having to look at a cheatsheet. I really look forward to blenderizing some tuna or chicken though. Never thought I would say that. I had been losing pretty good until today when I gained a pound. Not concerned because its not physically possible NOT to lose weight. Now... off to find another 10 grams of protein tonight

My docs office also suggested I get some Papaya Enzyme to have in case of this. Supposed to take care of it quickly.