Lissa

Yep. Patience and do a search for the 3 week stall. Almost every sleever has one, and the length varies. Theoretically, your body has to adjust to our reduced eating habits. But you will start losing again. In the meantime, look for the NSCs, like looser clothes and increased energy levels. good luck!! Lissa

My first surprise was literally watching the swelling in my legs go down. I have ankles again!! Lissa

I agree!! Having a guy chime in gives a whole different perspective. That's great in my book!! Lissa

Cassandra, welcome to my world. I was one of the lucky ones who got the immediate energy boost, too. I've had a couple of days in the last month where I was really tired, but I have felt normal and high energy most of the time. Of course, I was in horrible condition before, so any improvement is going to seem major, IMO. This will work for you and you will get to your goal! The sleeve definitely pays you back for every bit of effort you put into it!! Lissa

I burp. I can eat past the burp, but I'm in pain if I do that. So I don't. Lol Lissa

Lol, yep. I've had dreams about losing so much weight that I just blow away. I know it won't happen, but the dreams are weird when I have them! Lissa

I worry about those Protein shots, myself. Lots of them get their "protein" from collagen, which is not available to the body for use as protein. My nut says they are not a good choice for Wls patients, so I will be passing them thank you for your info, pdx. Lissa

The key to eating meat after Wls is moisture, to paraphrase Egg Face. I keep ranch dressing, Visalia onion sauce and some bean dip in my fridge for just such occasions as reheating food. A little dab makes any meat easier to chew and swallow. Lissa

That's when I buy mine, too! My ex used to tell me that I could find clearance anywhere!! Lissa

I was allowed caffeine after six weeks, or when I was back on solids. My doc said its because of the diuretic effect that he wants us to wait. I drink decaf coffee and tea, mostly because that allows me to count it toward my Water intake! I'm also a rebel on soda. I allow myself one diet decaf coke a day. Shhhh, don't tell on me! Oh I waited until I hit 3 months out before I drank any soda. Lissa

It depends on lots of things, including your insurance reqs. I was originally scheduled for aug 12, 2011, but was pushed to the 30th of August because of a blood clot issue. If your labs and tests are good and you have ins approval, then you may be waiting for an opening in the surgeon's schedule. That would make it pretty quick! Good luck!!! Lissa

Try measuring out a couple of ounces and eating only that. It will help you not get uncomfortably full and will allow the food to digest in time for the next meal. Lissa

I like lane Bryant's cacique undies. They are stretchy and fit snug without being too tight. I'm not sure what I will do when I undergrow their undies! Lissa

My sleeve is Rex, because he has been downsized from a T-Rex! Mine is male for the same reason as Meg's!! Lissa

I got a drain, but no catheter. I asked at my post op appt. I had one after both my c-sections and hated them. Don't let modesty worry you, though. The nurses are not checking out your hoo hah. To them it is just another part of the job. IMO, having to use a bedpan after my filter install and removal was way worse!! Lissa

A tech who works for your surgeon tried to talk you out of surgery? Wow!! I'd be on the phone to the office manager ASAP. If you run into that again, just tell the person you are comfortable with your decision for your health! Then change the subject. Lissa

I say go to the other seminar. At least you will have a better idea on whether doc 1 is the right doc for you. Btw, one of the reasons I chose my doc is because he drops everything if a patient is in distress. I love that about him!! Lissa

Goal is where you are comfortable. You don't have to wear a certain size or weigh a certain amount. You do have to find where you are happy with your weight and fitness. Let that be your guide! Congrats on reaching both goals and good luck on your final numbers!! Lissa

You should be okay. My only concern would be if you are still on pain meds, because you can't drive while taking them. Otherwise, you should do fine with friends helping out a little bit. Good luck!! Lissa

Great post!! I hadn't articulated it, but you are so right!!! Lissa

The doctors office should be able to tell you an estimated dollar amount on the admissions. Ask for it. Perhaps you could set up a payment plan for it and start paying that amount ahead of time. Or open a savings account yourself and put any found money into it. I agree with everyone else, this is so worth it. I was a self-pay and I do not regret one penny of my $12,500! The difference in my health and my energy levels is astounding!! Lissa

Rosy, I also urge you to try some Prilosec and/or Pepcid. Maybe the nexium is not enough or the right acid reducer for you. There is definitely a head hunger issue here, IMO. One of the things that helped me was to find something I actually liked. I hated sweets right after surgery. Crystal light and the special k Protein waters were gross to me, for example. Luckily I found Mio drops to add to my Water. Getting in my liquids has been so much easier since then. You said you don't like cottage cheese or yogurt really, so can you try something else on the list for mushed? I puréed Wendy's chili and a can of beef stew during the mushiness stage, just for some variety. Lastly, I agree that a therapist is a great idea! I see one and she has been a huge help with keeping me on track. Mine is not a bariatric specialist, but she allows me to clarify my thoughts. It's like talking to a friend with infinite patience. But one who wont let me fool myself. Good luck!! It does get easier!! Lissa

I started really seeing the weight come off within the first two weeks. Of course, I lost 13 pounds pre-op, not large amounts like some others. I also started with a higher BMI than many others. Rest assured that your weight WILL come off, and very quickly! I am 4 months post-op and I have lost 74 pounds as of yesterday. It's almost like magic! Lissa

I paid $12,500 out of pocket for the sleeve, plus I'm still getting bills for co-pays on the two other surgeries I was required to have because of my DVTs and pulmonary embolisms. I still think it is worth every single penny and more! I'm still considered morbidly obese, but my health is improving dramatically. I've lost over 70 pounds In 4 months and still losing. IMO, this is the best thing I've ever done for myself, bar none!!! Lissa

As others have said, take the word only out of your vocabulary. This is not a race, but a lifestyle change. As long as you follow the "rules", you will lose weight. When the scale isn't moving, you should be looking for the NSVs. For me the weeks I don't lose pounds are the weeks where I see the most difference in how my clothes fit. I walked out of my first size lost during a stall!! I actively look for those Nsc changes now. My car seat is much more comfy now, I am down two sizes, I am getting rid of my bi-pap in a couple of weeks, and I am able to walk more and longer distances than before!! I love those changes, even when the scale is being stubborn. The best part is that I may get up tomorrow and see another 2.6 pound loss like this morning! Our bodies do what they want, but the weight that is gone now STAYS gone!! Yay!! Lissa