Lissa

Joni, This is one of those weird things about the human body. The more you do, the more you WANT to do. Make yourself get up and walk just inside the house for now. As you get some stamina back, you'll want to get up and walk some more, maybe even walk around in the yard outside, then you'll want to walk the block again...and again ... and again. I started out feeling just like you and, after 30 minutes on the bike this morning, I did a few minutes on the elliptical, then tried another new cardio machine. I could have kept going, but my gym partner was ready to head out, so we left. Oh, then I did 24 flights of stairs and I just made myself a to do list as long as my arm. It will all be done by this evening. I'm 8 months out and I cannot believe how high my energy level is these days. But, start slow and you WILL get there.

I agree with Wheetsin! Call your nut and up the water intake before you end up in the hospital with dehydration. You might even want to call your doctor and see if s/he recommends that you get an iv to rehydrate you at this point.

I second, third and fourth Coops' post! That's pretty much how I did it. Start low and slow and up the reps, not the weight.

That's the key, ladies! Find something you like (or don't mind) and then JUST DO IT!!! I've been kicking tail (literally) on the exercise bike and finally found an elliptical I can use without balance issues, so I now have an alternative workout. I also tried something called the Arc today at the gym. THAT machine is weird, but I think I may like it better than the elliptical. I'll try it again on Friday when I'm not already wiped out from kicking it on the bike!

Congrats to you Estella! Isn't it wonderful to feel like you're in control?! Joni, I wondered how you were doing! It does get better, and very quickly! Before long you will be feeling so normal that you will forget sometimes that you had this surgery!

BKMama, I want pics when you do!!!' I was so thrilled to be able to wear heels again, of any kind. I don't know where I'd wear knee high boots in Florida, but I seriously want a pair!

Amazing! Great job working that sleeve!!

Yes, most men do get better looking with age... or maybe our perceptions change so that the young surfer dudes just look like kids to us now. I dunno. Some men are very kind to "middle aged" women, but it always comes with them trying to stick their tongue in your ear. EWWWW

Wow!! Awesome job! We're sleeve sisters since I'm an August sleever as well! I'm amazed at how well you've done!

Goodwill is an amazing source for small plates. I bought myself some lovely china plates for my new "dinner service".

You can pretend you're gay and go have a male makeover. Just talk with a lisp the whole time you're there and no one will suspect a thing! I say that, if it makes you feel better about yourself, you should do it! Go for it! What do you have to lose? A couple of small lines...that's all. I think my "elevens" are congenital because I've always made that particular face. Your other alternative is to smile a lot so that you get the crinkles next to your eyes. That would make you look "distinguished". BTW, I think it stinks that men get better looking with age and women just get older!

This is definitely something to happy dance about!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

:::blushing::: Thanks, LongerLife. It's easy to be positive here because most of the posters are pretty positive! It's nice to be able to tell someone that they are doing well instead of warning them that they could cause themselves problems because of xyz. And, there are worse things than sounding like a hippie! Most of them just wanted to live peacefully with one another, man! Oh, and enjoy a bit of herb, but that's a whole different forum! LOL

You're just over 2 weeks out, right? 2 - 2 oz meals a day sounds okay, so long as you are drinking Water and trying to get some Protein in, possibly through Protein shakes. Your sleeve's capacity is TINY right now, mostly because everything in there is still swollen. I could barely eat half an egg at first. I literally ate my meals out of the little tiny glass dip bowls that hold about 2 oz...and sometimes that was too much food! You're normal as far as ability to eat. Enjoy the fast weight loss while it's still rocking and rolling. It will slow down, but we do drop a LOT of weight in a hurry at first. If you're really concerned, call your doctor, but 20 pounds in two weeks doesn't sound over the top for someone at your stage to me. Good luck...and welcome to the loser's bench!

New Life, Don't be surprised if you can only eat 1 or 2 shrimp when you do try them. They are soft, but dense. I really thought I'd have 5 or 6 small shrimp when I first tried them, but I was done after 2 of them!

You're doing fantastic, IMO. You're meeting both your Water and Protein goals right now. As you transition to new stages in your diet, you'll rely less and less on Protein Shakes and start getting your protein from other source, but it sounds great to me. Keep on rocking that sleeve!

Unfortunately, I do NOT know if a pill organizer is an approved container. I don't fly, so I've never had to worry about that issue. I'd rather drive for days than get on a plane. I'm a big chicken. Bwack Bwack!

Welcome Nancy! You'll be amazed at the positive changes in your life post-sleeve! It sounds like you're already making positive changes, too!

Welcome to the loser's bench!!

I made a small batch of protein ice cream tonight. YUMMY!!!

Woo Hoo! That's a terrific NSV!! Hearing positive affirmations from your doctor is amazing!!

Go to the doctor! It's better to know what's going on than to live in fear! I am the voice of experience today!!!

Yay!! I'm thrilled for you!!!

Congrats! I don't do airplanes, but I'm constantly adjusting my car seat belt now!

Okay, apparently I've upped my sweaty workouts past the point that my current deodorant can handle it. I don't mind the sweat, but I do mind the smell. Any tips on deodorant? Or do I just get used to smelling like I did hard labor on a prison chain gang in the Florida sun???