Lila21

Yes, I think it makes a lot of sense that it's hormonal. There are other issues that come with "hormones dumping into your system" side of weight loss, so it makes sense that this would also happen. Definitely a good idea to see a dermatologist! I hope they have a good solution for you!

Hi Barb, The first couple of weeks are hard on your emotions sometimes. Your body is recovering, and you also have to recover from heavy aneasthesia (sp?), along with taking pain meds, which are depressants. Just remember all that when you are feeling blue, and realize that this, too, shall pass! Don't worry too much about your to-do list. I watched a bunch of movies when I was recovering, and did a lot of walking in between! Those things helped me to keep my mind off my emotional state. Hope that helps!

I find exercise does actually help me out of a funk. What's tough is getting myself there when I'm already in a funk. What helps me with that is to have an exercise buddy. Then you have to meet them whether you feel like it or not. Also, I find socializing tends to lift me up. So, I try to plan activities ahead of time in order to have something to look forward to. Hope that helps!

Sounds like you've totally thought it through. For me, it would be the opposite :-) For that reason, I've had chips once or twice since being sleeved, but no ice cream! lol. One person's poison is another's pleasure!!

I'm going to have to move faster if I'm going to get to my goal! SN..............Starting Wt........Current.......Goal.......Lbs to Goal Lila21..........235......................232.............199...............33

Wow, I just want to tell you what an inspiration you are! You are always so supportive, and I really enjoy your comments, so it's so lovely to see someone who I think is so kind and sweet being sooooo successful! I also watched your youtube video, and you look SO skinny!!! I am so happy for you, you deserve all the joy that this brings you!!! Many, many congratulations!

Click this link to get to the tutorial: http://www.verticalsleevetalk.com/topic/13516-ticker-tutorial-for-vst-lbt-with-pictures/ enjoy!

"Also, I think that me knowing that a simple 30 minute workout results in for SURE weightloss is a very inspriring thing! Before I would work out super hard, blow my "diet" and not lose anything " Ohmygosh! That's such a great point! I don't know how many times I've worked out and then felt STARVING! But my hunger is so much less with the sleeve, so I can work out AND benefit from the extra calorie burn!!!

So, my best recommendation is to go to Pho restaurant and get just the broth! I had this the week after surgery and it was sooooo heavenly good. Highly recommended, and no work on your part!

fingers and toes crossed for you!!! Try to get LOTS of sleep!!!

I got very nauseous right out of surgery, but it was a reaction to the anaesthesia. I took anti-nausea medication, which totally took care of any nausea after that.

Time to get to work!! SN..............Starting Wt........Current.......Goal.......Lbs to Goal Lila21..........235......................233..............199...............34

Time to get to work!! SN..............Starting Wt........Current.......Goal.......Lbs to Goal Lila21..........235......................234..............199...............35

Holy skinny mama!!!! You look GREAT!!!! Congrats!

Thanks so much for sharing! I agree with the other posters who said that you were one of the people who really helped me to decide to take the plunge, so it's really great to get an update and know you are still going strong!!!! Congratulations on all your success!!!

Awwww, thanks so much, guys!!! These things are small, but they made me sooooo happy!!!! :-)))

Yay, congratulations, Myrori! I am sooooo happy for you! Brilliant job! I hope you get some really cute clothes cuz you have earned it!!!

Greek yogurt tastes a bit like sour cream only less sour.

I think it varies from person to person. I read a thread early out where a lot of people said they didn't tolerate pizza very well early out. So I waited a while. I just had my first pizza a few weeks ago at 4 months out, but I think I could have done it earlier. I would suggest probably waiting a month just to be safe to your new belly, but I doubt a bite will kill you. Hope that helps!!

Coops, I'm sorry you are struggling! You are so encouraging and wonderful that i wish I could help! All I can do is send you big hugs, though! First, I think what Mommy2Girls said was great! I feel soooo much better having lost 65 lbs, and even though I want to lose a lot more, it helps me to focus on how much better I feel RIGHT NOW. I can't believe how much better I can move, from simple things like walking to lunch with my coworkers to being ABLE TO TIE my shoes without grunting from the effort is AMAZING. It might help you to focus on that when you are stalling. Also, I have lost a total of 140 lbs in my lifetime, but it took me a loooong time, and I think with YOUR perseverence, you will get there, even if not exactly in the time frame that your doctor gave you. I totally, absolutely believe in you! Maybe that helps a bit, too---knowing that you have people who believe in you! :-)

I just wanted to share, not one, but TWO big NSVs I had today! NSV #! When I gained weight, I stopped wearing nice clothes. In fact, I only bought clothes that were absolutely necessary--a few pairs of jeans, some sweaters and Tshirts, and a couple of pairs of shoes--basically, whatever it took to not get arrested . Yet, I love clothes. In fact, I read fashion magazines and go shopping with my fashionista girlfriends; I just didn't want a giant wardrobe in a size I didn't want to be!! But, today, after losing 65 lbs, I decided it was time to get some cute clothes. All my other clothes are too large, and I was just sick of everything falling off of me. So I went to Old Navy, which is pretty affordable, and I figure I'll pass these clothes on to someone else who is losing weight when I "under" grow them! I am soooo happy I did this!!!! It's been sooooo long since I wore an item of clothing I actually like! I know that as I lose weight, they won't fit anymore, but it's so worth it to have some cute clothes. I feel like it's going to help motivate me to keep losing weight! NSV #2: As I gained weight, my jewelry stopped fitting me. And in particular, I have a necklace that has a single pearl that drops off of a chain. It's really simple and cute, and I used to wear it every day, but as I gained weight, it got too tight around my neck... it was so sad to see my favorite necklace sitting in my jewelry box and being unable to wear it. But, today, I got out my old friend---and it fits again! I'm so, so happy!!!!

You look so great! LOVE the dress! Congrats on all your success!!!

Yes, we all had to jump through various hoops, I'm afraid. Work with your insurance coordinator to make sure you do EXACTLY what they require.... they love to stall!!

There are some other options if you hate the shakes. I drank protein hot chocolate, protein lemonade, protein mango drink, and protein broth. I found all of these easier to deal with than the protein shakes. See if your surgeon has these available through his/her office. I got mine via the nutritionist associated through my surgeon's office, and they were lifesavers to me! Hope this helps!

Honestly, I think the best way to get rid of sugar cravings is to avoid eating sugar or anything sweet completely for a week or more. I think that's tough during the early months because you have to eat the protein shakes. But, for now, maybe just try to let the sugar cravings pass or find a decent sugar-free substitute. I really like Jello sugar free pudding for a sweet craving. The texture is awesome, and there's some protein, too!