Lissa

Ask your doctor if he can give/get you one of those ball things to use pre-op. I cannot remember the name of it: respirometer, inspirometer? Whatever it's called, it will give you more feedback than a bunch of balloons.

Yeah, I'd pass on beans and hot dogs this early, too. Matter of fact, I'd pass on pork and beans forever. Not one of my favorite foods...and they are incredibly sweet to me!

I love refried beans. Are you allowed any chicken at all yet? If so, ask for some cooked chicken and refried beans. Not grilled chicken, most mexican places have chicken that's been almost stewed with tomato and peppers. That chicken is pretty soft.

Pretty, Are you taking an acid reducer? If not, ask for one. It helps with the hunger issues early post-op. You were sleeved on my brother's birthday.

Well, Moving Toward Normal, welcome home! VST has been my salvation and support through my journey. Hopefully it will be the same for you!

I think I've used my card twice in 8 months. If I'm with someone who is open to sharing, I just share. If not, I order what I want, ask for a veggie instead of the high carb side (unless it's mashed taters, I'm a sucker for them) and take the rest home. I leave the taters after I have my bite or two of them.

I think mine took about 4 weeks to be completely healed over. It's the only incision I can still find.

Walk, sip, repeat. It WILL happen.

it didn't hurt at all. It felt like the stomach drop you get on a roller coaster. Took 2 seconds. Not a big deal at all.

Joni, I have biceps now! And triceps. They are getting better, but I still have a good ways to go. I posted a picture a few days ago of me in my workout clothes so that I'll have a reference for later, but I do see and feel definition and tone. The saggy skin is going to take some time, but I'm hopeful that it will reabsorb as I keep working my arms. The triceps pulldown/skull crushers aren't the only things I do for my arms, though.

Thanks, everyone! I bought some clinical strength deodorant and it's helping!

QC, I think that's called either a triceps pulldown or a skull crusher, but I do about a hundred of them a day! I use a 5 pound weight in each hand and just let it rip.

Can you get Mio drops there? I love them for changing the flavor of water to something I can tolerate. Orange Tangerine and Strawberry Watermelon are faves.

I just did it again. Used Chocolate Peanut Butter Whey Protein Powder (from wally world), a whole banana, SF Vanilla Torani Syrup and 1 cup of soy milk. It tasted pretty good when I pulled it out of the ice cream maker! We'll see how it tastes this evening while watching tv!

It shouldn't be too big a deal. Don't tell them about your ancient history.. if you're 40 and you tried pot in college, you can leave that out. LOL My psyche consult told me I would be an alcoholic after surgery. She was wrong. Just stay calm and it will be okay. They're trying to weed out the people who won't be able to handle the changes to their psyche from losing weight. You're "normal", right?

I don't have an LB card to cut up! Thank goodness!! However, I know what you mean. I'm just in between the women's plus and women's regular clothes, so shopping right now means that I MUST try it on... and it has to be tight if I'm going to wear it for more than a week or two. I bought workout clothes last week that are already getting baggy. I'm happy dancing for you today! That's a GREAT NSV!!!

Woo Hoo!! Great job!!!

Appeal it (again, if that's the case). You can't have an approved surgery without anesthesia and, no, you don't usually get to choose who does that part!

Great NSV!! Good for you for doing what it takes to make yourself more healthy!

I tell anyone and everyone. IMO, there's no way to remove the stigma associated with WLS unless we the patients are willing to share our positive journey with others. You never know whose life you may save with your testimony.

As we get further out from surgery, our sleeves do normally allow us to eat more food. That's why we have to be diligent about changing our eating habits before we get to that mark.

Congrats!! Lissa

Happy Surgiversary! I love your quote in your signature as well!

Welcome to VST!

Congrats! You both look very happy!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!