Michell

I took off for one week, then worked "remotely" from home for an additional week (I'm a programmer). Honestly, if I'd had more time I would have taken it. Like someone else mentioned, along with the recovery, was the relearning to eat. I hadn't considered it would be such an effort to be sure I was getting enough fluids and protein. I do think you made a good decision to take a week off; I doubt you'll regret it.

Thank you - this is one of the easiest to understand explanations I've seen on this topic.

I'm right there with ya! Definitely one of my favorite NSVs.

Wow! What an amazing feeling that must be! I can't wait for the day when I get to cue my own "Oscar" music. Congrats!!!

I usually average around 800. Some days much less and some days a little more. My doctor advised 1000, with 60-80 grams protein. However, that's sometimes hard to do. I know if I'm not getting enough water, I sometimes get a "hungry" feeling. My doctor said dehydration can imitate feelings of hunger, and i should drink a minimum of 64 oz a day. Could it be you need more water? Just a thought.

Awesome! Congratulations.

Hi Casey. Do you still have some items left to sell?

Hi Casey. I'm having trouble sending you a message from my iPad, but I may be interested in some of your items in size 16-18. Do you have a listing with prices or photos? Thanks!

I'm very interested in this too. I still have a long way to go, but the saggy skin I already have is gross!

Great topic! I normally don't buy crazy expensive clothes for myself. However, there are a pair of Rock Revival jeans that have my name on them as soon as I get to goal. I too have been wearing the same fat mom jeans for years. My weight and health are not the only things I'm planning on changing! I have a board on Pinterest titled "Dream Clothes" where I save ideas for the kind of stuff I know I'll get to wear someday. It's a fun motivational tool. Here's a link to my "dream" jeans: http://pinterest.com/pin/37576978110497042/

This made me smile! Both for you (congratulations!) but also just imagining that this can happen to me someday.

Hi snoozeyoulose. I'm doing great too. I also have some acid issues, but after trying a few different things, my doctor finally put me on Prevacid and that seems to be doing the trick. I've lost 37 lbs. so far. Still having trouble getting everything in, but that's gradually getting better. I'm still amazed and very thankful this is the surgery I chose! Glad to hear you're doing so well, too.

Finally home! I know it's going to get better. Sometimes I just feel the need to come here and vent. I know no one else gets it like everyone here. And there are some great suggestions - thanks! To top off the week, the waitress yesterday morning was like all the others. But she took it a step further. When she brought our check, she said that she had removed the cost of my meal because she couldn't charge me for something I didn't eat! That was awkward in front of everyone. Doggz109 - it is a small world! There is still an office for the BNR here (it's part of the national parks system). Dogpatch however, is long gone. I had some fun childhood memories of that place too (that crazy rickety roller coaster and the barrel). It changed owners several times and fell into disrepair before finally closing down. It's kind of sad. It's a massive property just sitting empty. The locals keep hoping someone will buy it and do something with it.

This week I'm on my first business trip since I was sleeved on Nov 7th. It's also my first experience with eating in restaurants. I hate it. Why did I not realize before how absolutely HUGE portions are at most restaurants? And without exception, every waitress/waiter looks shocked at how "little" I've eaten, asking if everything is ok (I always assure them it is) and always ask if I want a box. I've just started getting one and taking it back to the room with me because it seems less awkward. But then I feel terribly guilty about all the food I'm throwing away. Not guilty enough to eat it (I couldn't even if I wanted to). I know it won't be so bad once I'm back home because at least there I can take the leftovers home and eat a few more meals from them or share with family. If I were by myself I'd just go back to my room and eat the leftovers. But eating out is actually part of the trip (working lunches and dinners) so not much I can do. Anyone care to share your clever comments for those inevitable questions from strangers or others that don't know about the surgery and it's not really appropriate to share the truth?

I do find it odd that I didn't have these issues before surgery. They did repair a hiatal hernia that was discovered during surgery, but other than my last pregnancy over 15 years ago, I've never had heartburn or other acid type issues. Hopefully this is a temporary thing.