MeMeMEEE

My nutritionist said the rule doesn't apply to liquids so I don't and have never waited. My protein levels are great in my blood work.

I tend to throw a cheese stick or cubes in my purse. Later when you can eat more, I also take nuts, beef snack bites.

I drink decaf. Sometimes I mix half folgers and starbucks together for stronger coffee. I also mix instant folgers decaf crystals in to my vanilla or chocolate protein shake. My program says no more caffeine, ever.

Lots of people where Spanx or binding types of undergarments and swear by them so they DO work. Firming lotion I am not so sure about. I think a good lotion that moisturizes your skin is going to give you the best results - no lotion is going to make the fat go away.

Start trying new things! Even if it is a bite off someones plate when out to dinner. You might be surprised at what dense proteins you like! Eggs and Tuna were on my soft protein list, dense to me is chicken, beef, pork. It has to be juicy though! You can do this!

Yay to size 10's!!

I just googled "sleeve gastrectomy" earlier today on the "news" part of google and there was an article you might find interesting http://abclocal.go.com/kgo/story?section=news/health&id=8700460 about a woman who had the sleeve 6 years ago and lot a huge amount the first year and still maintains her loss now. I also found an article where a Dr said he doesn't see any difference in the % of weight lost at 2 years post bypass and sleeve. Can't find that one now though LOL As far as the stretching, the pouch of bypass is made of the stretchy material of the stomach where we the sleeve that is the portion that is removed. It can still stretch but not nearly as much.

At the time I first met with my surgeon he had done 12 sleeves. I don't know what number I am but let me tell you our numbers increase monthly at my support group! My Dr specializes in laproscopic surgeries in general and 2/3 of his practice is bariatric. He has been doing bariatric surgery for 10 years. Techniques are similar. That counts for me. I haven't lost 130 lbs but my goal is to lose 118 lbs and I am at 106 lbs. My nutritionist says I should lose 100% of my excess weight. I am 10 months out. A lady I work with had RNY a week after I had the sleeve. She has reached her goal before me, sure that makes me jealous, but I am getting there! I WILL get there! Something I have learned recently (I am part of a facebook group for all WLS types) is they have found that after 2 years the food malabsorption of RNY goes away. However they always malabsorb their Vitamins. So to me, the benefit of RNY ends at 2 years. The sleeve seems to be an ongoing tool, you can not stretch your tummy to its original capacity. hair loss? You'll have it either procedure - it is due to rapid weight loss and the impact on your body. Hope that helps!

I have also heard of this happening when a person dumps. Can you give us an example of what a food day looks like? I agree with someone above who said your body may still be healing, that is some major stuff to go through (I know, I had about 2/3 of the same problems, leak, pneumonia, chest tubes, fluid in my lungs, abscess, feeding tube here). It's rough. Are you still on pain meds? They could be making you sick also.

I believe the theory behind the straw is the extra air it introduces. Many programs don't prohibit it. As far as a drink, I waited until around 6 months myself. For me, the big thing is the many empty calories plus alcohol dehydrates. It also inhibits healing (as does smoking) so don't do it at least for several months. It's best to ask your Dr or Nutritionist.

You are getting so close to you goal!! I totally know what you mean about feeling great from a year ago! Make sure to come back and check in every month!!

Congratulations on maintenance! That is so awesome! Have you started to eat any different or just added calories?

Congratulations on your pregnancy! Keep us posted! What a blessing! And you will have no problem getting to goal when after he is born! I'm so glad you checked in!

I am so glad you called! Keep us posted!

I don't want to scare you, but I had the side pain as well. I had a leak. I ended up with pneumonia and fluid on my lungs from the abscess from it. I never ran a temp. Please don't wait, call you Dr - they will have someone on call who can advise you.

Glad you are on the other side! Think you will feel up to a visitor tomorrow night?

Please don't mess with the trouble breathing - go to the ER or put a call in to your Dr. You are describing how I felt when I had fluid on my lung, not being able to get comfortable. And be honest with them that you ate ahead of you schedule. Also are you on a PPI? The "hunger" could be acid.

I have heard others say they were waiting on the psych eval late in the process - we had to pass that before being referred on to the NUT, physical therapy or surgeons. I think my program is pretty organized though. My social worker is part of the program and I knew before I walked out of her office I was approved to move on to the other appointments.

I've been keeping track of my weight lost each month in my signature and it is getting too big, at 1 year I'll have to delete something so I have decided to go ahead and stop the monthly tracking there - I track on MFP and will maintain it here in a blog but not in my signature. SW 242 Height 4'11''.......6 month Pre-op loss (-28.6).....Surgery date 8/8/11 213.4 1 month - 194.2 (- 19.2).......................................................7 months - 155.4 (-7) 2 months - 180 (- 14.2)........................................................8 months - 149.6 (-5.8) 3 months - 170.2 (- 9.8)......................................................9 months - 143.4 (-6.2) 4 months - 164.4 (- 5.8).....................................................10 months - 139 (-4.4) 5 months - 167.2 (+ 2.8) 6 months - 162.4 (-4.8)

Here is the official thread for friends http://www.verticalsleevetalk.com/topic/22264-official-my-fitness-pal-friend-add-thread/

I'd say if you are posting your password has been put in

Thank God you found out before having surgery and it all ending up out of pocket! Hang in there!

How many calories are you getting in? Your weight loss looks about like mine did at 2 months out (see the bottom of my signature). Stalls are pretty normal. If you are getting your fluids and protein and avoiding bad carbs plus exercising I am sure it's just a normal stall!

Everyone here is willing to listen to what you are doing and give any suggestions we might have! When was your surgery? How much have you lost? How much do you have to lose? What food progression are you on? Are you getting all of your fluids in? Do you get all of your Protein? Are you taking your Vitamins? Do you track your food anywhere? Do you exercise? If so, what sort of things are you doing? All of those things will help us give you our thoughts!

First, I am wondering who told you the surgery was covered then who told you it wasn't? Dr, insurance, employer? You insurance should have a very clear policy and KNOW if it is covered and should be able to tell you if you call the number on your card. Next. I am curious what bloodless surgery means? I've never heard the term?