Pookeyism

Wow. thats crazy! Way to go!

I still make a very real effort to control my intake, because I dont want to train myself to aim for a feeling if total fullness, and I don't ever want to fall into eating or drinking being a passive thing. With that said, I had some complications, I dont know if I am typical but I could take a small/moderate drink after about a week, but only a few.

I took Byetta for 2 years for Diabetes and it is a 2x daily injection. It aint nothin'!

No measurements. I get tshirts that are too small and watch them get too big

On top of the rib cage? You only had it afer surgery ? is this one of your entry points?

Contact the manufacturer and ask them - you should ALWAYS get the advice of the manufacturer when possible.

What do you mean " the start of your restriction?"

That is an excellent idea. Actually, no matter who pays, the manufacturer or insurance, they can't tell the surgeon that he cannot do a sleeve. Just leave the sleeve part out and make arrangements to have the band removed - and discuss the sleeve with the doc and pay for that. It is definately worth it to pay for the sleeve on your own, btw...

I worry about stretching it too, even though I have been assured it would be difficult to do so. I think it is a common place to put your concern when you hit a stall. If you are concerned, perhaps either do the boot camp (start back on protien drinks and "re-learn" the steps), which I plan to do soon, or just cut back on what you are eating. I would have to say, just doing the math, if you are eating a whole lean cuizine at lunch, you are no longer taking bites the way you are supposed to. We are never supposed to totally get away from modified bites and thorough chewing. I have done a bit of looking into this, because opinion varies greatly, but it seems the people who are having the longest, most consistent success live with the sleeve as a part of thier routine...and keep things modified to accomidate it. With that said, try smaller bites, chew your food, put down your fork, and dont drink liquids. Going back to what you used to eat, or even just the way you chewed and ate chips and drank soda can be a big deal. Just my opinion. Good luck!

Thank you - We should get several people to try some of the better apps, and come back together and compare, so we can post results. Per a co-workers suggestion I am getting ready to try "runtastic". She has the same phone as I do (galaxy) and it works well.

Okay - here is your kick in the butt. What are you thinking? I mean that really. You have to get in your head! Figure out what it is, inside, that is sabotageing your efforts. You have to learn new habits, this sleeve is just a tool. You will gain weight back if you do not. Who ever told you you would not be able to snack? Who says you can't now? I have days I snack constantly on really good tasting stuff! Dried edamame, hummus, dried okra, tuna sweetened with vinegar and a touch of honey, apples, oranges, watermelon, and so much more. Jello and popscicles and similar foods provide sugar free options that are almost no calories. Start over on your liquids and soft food stage again. Add new, healthy foods slowly. Keep the junk out. Never ever go to a fast food place again. Take the stairs, walk, find a support group and a good counselor. Get some of the books and read. TAKE THIS BACK. Your post was brave, and it sounds like you want help. Take back you second chance. Own this opportuinity. Own your choices, own your success, and own your life. If I can help you I will. Let me know.

What do you think about a 12 year old getting the sleeve? now, what if I tell you it is Dr. Alvarez's neice? When is it too young? What would I have been like, my life like, if I simply had to treat food like someone who had an accident or condition that could not handle food (which apparenlty isn't far from the situation). Hmmmm.

PS - that increases as you build muscle mass!!! I had a friend that had plastics after 2 years, and she went to a sports doc, did all the exact measurements, etc and was told minimally 120g/p per day.

Minimum 60 if you were not working out and did not have an active job. But your minimum increases with height, original muscle mass, rate you are working out and type. A jump in head's first cardio/weight training stair climbing sleever will probably need to aim for minimum 80. 90 if they were already working out and such for awhile pre op. No one told me that really, I did a bit of research on protien needs...I will see if I kept the links anywhere.

Best to you, be more active with us when you return!

Saving you a spot on the Losers Bench! You are on your way! You are doing this! God bless!

I wonder if you could get the Body Media as a prescription, since it tracks sleep patterns? Hmmmmm?

There was a lady a few months ago made one for herself and it was great! That is too cute! I was recently given an e. coli, the clap,and measels...they were cute, too!

I don't know if it will help, but I am going to specifically request my doctor support VST - tell his patients about it minimally, run and ad if possible, etc. I know there are so many of us out there that just do not know about this forum. My doctor performs anywhere from 5-25 surgeries a week, and figure in how many are done overall. I wish everyone knew! OK, so doctor, FB (I don't twitter) I am going to put it on Pinterest, hmmm...anything else?

yayyy! Welcome to the Loser's Bench! You are on your way!

Okay guys and dolls! It is summer, its hot, there are sooo many things to do and places to go. Lets go do them! Suggestions, or can I throw out a few things and we pick? I really want to do this. I was thinking a day at one of the botanical gardens, or the beach, rent the bikes or something!

I am of the firm opinion you eat whatever calories you need to get in your protien. The rest is gravy. well, shouldn't be gravy! lol Water, Vitamins and nutrients and sleep are key in stalls - exercize too, but if you are already exercizing even just modestly, the sleep, water and nutrients is where I, in my experience, will see the difference. Fluxuating in daily calories 15- 200 or so helps me too, but for very specific reasons to do with my poo-poo metabolism. PS - I stall alot, so take what I say with, well, with that in mind I guess

It's like that Paramore song, "It just feels soooo good!" Kuddos to you. I am sorry I know no one can give it the emphasis it feels like it deserves, but know we are all so happy for you!

Listen to your body on this one, but I would wait a few minutes. I just feel better not combining anything too fast with my Water. Not long, even 5 minutes is better than nothing. That isn't a rule it is a preference. if you do chase your protien shake, consider adding some bebeful Fiber to your water, to prevent constipation and "separate" your morning bulk from your lunch.

Specifically about the sleeve, nothing I can think of. I wish I could have been more aware I would not have any major complications during surgery, lol. I do not think I sounded very confident to my Hubby sometimes. Actually, I think I would have liked to have been more realistic and reminded myself that knowledge is sometimes thwarted by experience. I knew so much, read so much, but it all FELT different, and actually dealing with it is more thorough, more time consuming, more of a complete change than I expacted - even though I knew what to expect. Oh yes!!!! The NSV's - I did not anticipate how important it was to have and acknowledge the NSV's. These small and not so small things are so very important. VST - I did not anticipate just how important daily interaction could be for me. Without VST this would be a very different, lonely experience. Hope that helps.