Afro_Cyster

Easy way out? When was the last time you sewed your own clothes? Made butter? Hmmm.....I guess we ALL take the easy way out. I just chose the one that made a damn difference in living or dying. What's your reason?

I eat grits and eggs fairly often. But it seems that lately I've preferred Cream of Wheat.

I suffer from shin splints also. I have found that they come from what I call my laziness. When I walk, I prefer to use my calf muscles to propel me forward rather than my thigh muscles.

I find that if I use my thigh muscles to lift my legs then let the rest follow suit, then my calfs don't feel the grunt of my workout.

I hope that I'm making sense.

That is wonderful to hear! I am so happy to have someone nearby that I can share stories about Dr. Kelly with. Isn't his son adorable?

- Being able to shop in regular department stores

- Being able to go into a job interview without weight discrimination

- Being able to fit into the same uniform that my teammates wear

- Being able to run a marathon, if I wanted to

- Being full of energy during the moments that matter (I want to be able to have a full play date with my nephew without tiring after two hours)

- Being witness to my brother being proud to say that I'm his sister when in public (My brother is proud of all of my accomplishments and I know he loves me, but I sometimes think that being large makes him fearfull of the public judging me)

- Being able to see the look on my exes faces when they see me in my new body

It seems like alot, but these goals really are short-term and are near.

Congratulations!!!

I am African-American, have Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome, and I'm a chick. Afro_Cyster

Keep going at it. If you get denied again, ask to speak to their on staff physician. They normally take another look at it and approve right then and there.

Simply put, Tijuana is dangerous. But so is New Orleans, LA and Baltimore, MD.

I didn't go to Dr. Almanza, but I did go to Tijuana for my surgery. The area in which my hospital was located was considered to be in an upper class and safe area.

If you are using a coordinator's service, the drivers and the coordinators are aware of upheavals and conscious of how to approach different situations.

I absolutely love cheese......now more than ever! I'm beginning to discover different types and enjoying the adventure.

String cheese (mozarella and cheddar swirl) is my fav go to snack. I also eat the BabyBel brand.

I do my best to get Protein from food rather than the drinks.

For Goodness Sake!!!! EAT NOW WHILE YOU CAN!!!!!! FIND AS MUCH JUNK/COMFORT food AS YOU CAN AND SINK INTO THEM!!!

JUST KIDDING!!!

I applaud you for making the choice to live better rather than relying on the magic sleeve. I would suggest that you start trying different Protein liquids AND foods. I prefer to get my Protein from food because I couldn't find a Protein Drink that I could tolerate longer than two weeks. Take the time to practice recipes so that you will be familiar with a wide variety of protein rich foods.

I did fine as well. Imagine the amount of liquids you'll be able to digest once the swelling goes down :biggrin:

I felt normal after day three. Happy sleeving!

I was there along with Janet56 on 1/18. Both of us are doing extremely well. Neither of us had any complications. We stay in touch with Dr. Kelly and his wife via email. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend him. All the back and forth blabber going on in this forum and Gastric Sleeve is just crap. The only thing the coordinators do for you is email you the pre and post diet and make hotel arrangements. Dr. Kelly's wife has taken over those tasks. Ladies, this is no big deal. Trust me.

Call Dr. Kelly and speak with him yourself. I did. BTW, could you imagine calling a surgeon in the US and asking him any pre-surgery questions? Not on your life. You'd ask his nurse or someone is his office or you'd get a pre-printed "what I need to know about my gastric sleeve surgery" pamphlet.

I know surgery is a big deal, and everyone on this forum should choose the surgeon they feel most comfortable with. But seriously, all this wasted talk regarding the coordinators is making everyone take their eyes off the important stuff - the doctor.

Although I used Trish (LOVED HER!!), I'd like to back this statement. However, if Trish didn't contract with him I would have found another route to get to him.

Surf Ebay for vintage clothing in my new size.

I haven't been on Ebay for clothes in a while. You have renewed my interest.

Other than put more into work, I still eat.

Eating slowly and concentrating on staying hydrating takes about just as much time as it used to. It's just that I eat healthier and in a smaller volume.

All of the other things I do now is just changing one habit into another. For example, instead of being a couch potatoe, I go shopping or visit friends and relatives.

LOL.....sorry, but not much in my life has changed.

1. I needed surgery

2. My insurance wouldn't cover it

3. Found a good doctor that was cheap

4. I'm cheap

Just curious. What is your current weight and your goal weight?

My opinion.....quit now. You don't need the extra distraction that any possible issues may create. Finals are a stressful time. The fact that you'll already be on a restrictive diet PLUS sugar and caffeine cravings will make studying difficult.

Remember, we don't have to wait for surgery to begin a healthy lifestyle.

A real confidence booster eh. You deserve it!

Simple answer....ask your doctor. Our post-op diets vary widely.

Also, I'd like to echo some of the other posters in that we shouldn't go back to our old comfort foods. Try modifying some foods like pizza. There are recipes on this site when you are at the stage to enjoy them.

Try some sugar free popsicles. It'll give your hands and mouth something to do.

It could be the acid in your stomach. That's what my tummy does. It feels and sounds like hunger pains, but it's really not. I try to ignore it most of the time or drink Water.

Ditto.

Don't be lifting heavy motor parts!! :wink1:

Ditto!

And welcome to the loser's bench!

Congrats!

Mine took a week. It started to raise after three weeks. :-(