TheRealMeIsHere!

Check with some plastic surgeons. Some are able to get insurance to cover some skin removal and breast reductions. If insurance covered your sleeve, they kind of expect to have to cover skin removal. Maybe you'll be happily surprised. I plan on a panni and breast reduction and insurance should cover it.

Are you taking Actigall, or another gallbladder medicine to prevent stones?

Thanks for all the positive support. I've been saving up for a tattoo that I've always wanted. I'll do that in about 2 months. When I hit my goal, probably buy clothes!!

I was talking to my sister, telling her that I have 70 lbs left till my goal, 90 lost since pre-op dieting. She asked me if it has seemed to go by quickly. It has gone by quickly, day to day doesn't but week to week, yes, I was a 16 two weeks ago and now I am a 14!! Then I realized, I've lost 45lbs in just over 3 months!!! HOLY CRAP that is awesome. Hope to be at my goal by my October birthday and it actually seems possible.

That scares me, too. The nurse said that it's normal to wake up one day and be able to eat 1 1/2 cups of food. I DON'T want that to happen. I'm TERRIFIED it will.

This may sound weird, but I've had similar symptoms from constipation. Sometimes, when I don't have enough protein, I'll get cold, drenching sweats, but no stomach pain.

My nut. said that the body won't go into starvation mode unless I don't eat the required 60-70gms of Protein. 3 weeks and 12 lbs is great!! That is 4lbs a week, good for you!! Hang in there, when is the last time you lost 12 lbs. in 3 weeks? Eating VERY, VERY slowly and chewing well may help with the getting sick.

This is the one that spoke at our support group. There are pics on the site. http://drloomis.com/

I am also 47, next summer I hope to qualify for a paniculectomy. After I heal from that, I hope to qualify for a breast reduction. Age is not only chronological. You sound like it will greatly improve you self esteem and, therefore, quality of life. According to a plastic surgeon that spoke at a support group, the scars are hidden well. The surgeon you chose, can show you before/after pics of his/her work. I also hear some moral reasons against it, ultimately, you have to decide what is best for you, in the long run. If you need to improve your looks, help others, or save for retirement. Do what feels 'right' to you, it doesn't matter what others think. Maybe a counselor would be able to help you sort things out. Good luck in whatever you chose.

I'm also giving away a lot of clothes. As I was gaining weight, I felt hopelessly fat & ugly so wore cheap clothes. Now that I am losing, the size that felt hopeless, now feels terrific, so I want to look good, and care how I dress.

I'm so happy for you. The little NSV's are awesome, aren't they? I had surgery the week before you and as far as weight lost and size lost we are fairly close, I'm down 42 lbs since 1/23. I love going through my clothes I saved ("because I won't be fat forever" is what I would tell myself). My 16's are getting loose and some 14's now fit. I too feel amazing, energy and confidence is way up! Everyday, I LOVE my sleeve. There are days that I feel like I will 'pig out', but after a few bites, my sleeve tells me I am done. Thank you, sleeve.

I just have to tell everyone about the wonderful experience I had today. While shopping for dresses for my sister's wedding, we stopped at Ruby Tuesday for lunch. When I was there 2 weeks ago, my sister ordered an appetizer, salad bar and dinner. I, HAPPILY, enjoyed the salad bar, slowly so as not to finish quickly and end up rushing my sister. Their salad bar is SOOO Yummy! This time, I explained to the waitress, that I had surgery and my stomach is now very small. I asked. if I get the crab cake appetizer, can I get salad bar for $2.99 as if I ordered it with an entree. She had no problem with it. I love understanding people. So I nibbled on the salad, and ate 1/2 a crab cake. DELISH!! BTW their crab cakes are not real bready.

Even if you have stretched it somewhat, it's probably reversible, since you are early in your recovery. Relax, you have to overdo it a lot to stretch it and have it stay that way. Ask your doctor for timing for each stage of foods. If you cannot get info from him, keep checking in on this site. Everyone's doc gives them different info, just do what feels right, pay attention to how you feel when eating certain foods, and go slow so your tummy can heal. Good advice regarding liquids and protein, Topgun.

Good for you!! Awesome to not have buy 'plus size' clothes anymore.

It's amazing what a difference a few months and a few pounds makes! Keep up the good work, you're looking great.

Good luck, It feels sooo awesome! Keep your eye on the prize, it will get you through any problems, cravings, head hunger, etc...

I don't exercise a lot either, due to many physical issues. I just keep myself busy, moving at all times. Cleaning, dusting, anything that keeps me from sitting on the couch. I try to ride my recumbent stationary bike 20 minutes a day. Lots of protein, very few carbs, plenty of water. I lose 1/2lb-1lb a day, then stall for a couple weeks, then start losing again. We all lose at different rates, I think we all wish it could be faster, or even instantaneous LOL!! I see people who have lost 40, 50 or more at this point, I just tell myself maybe they have more to lose (the heavier you are, the faster you lose, at first) or maybe they exercise more. I'm happy with my progress, at least I'm moving in the right direction. Love the looks of shock and comments from people I don't see often.

June of 2011, I was 275. Began Weight Watchers and used recipes from http://www.hungry-girl.com and lost 45lbs. On the day of surgery, January 23, 2012, I was 230. I am now 194.8. Size 22-24, 3x-4x down to a size 16 or Large. My goal is to get where I was 6 years ago, 115 lbs, size 2!!

I was sleeved on 1/23/2012, my stomach has been noisy from the start. It's my gremlin, in my tummy, growling, LOL. It's odd that yours just now became that way, after 22 months. Are you eating differently or new foods? I can see how it could be embarrassing in certain situations. Check with your doc, but sounds normal as long as no pain or other symptoms.

I received my egg white powder, AWESOME!!! Has virtually no taste. I add it to smoothies and my Protein shakes (with some crushed ice) . You do have to use a bullet or blender because if you stir it in with a spoon, it's lumpy. A shaker may work also. EAS AdvanEdge Cafe Caramel with ice, and 1 scoop tastes like a frappacino. = 41 gms protein FF Greek yogurt, splenda, 1 scoop of powder, 3-4 frozen strawberries.= 40 gms protein I tried the Jay Robb brand. It is a little costly, as I plan on using one scoop every day, to supplement my protein requirements. I have since done some research and found another brand, made by NOW foods, that is about half the price.Haven't tried it yet, but it has good reviews. http://www.allstarhealth.com has the best price I've found and $5.95 flat rate shipping.

Try to stay away from butter and sour cream, unless fat free, other fats, sugars and other carbs. Right now when you can only eat small portions, the calories do not add to much. But as your capacity grows, you want to have learned healthier habits. You can try FF Greek yogurt instead of sour cream, adds Protein too. If you start training your taste buds now while you can only eat small amounts, it will be easier to resist as your capacity increases. Your tastes will actually change and you will crave healthier choices and will lose the taste for foods that can interfere with weight loss, in the future. I hope this is helpful.

Just keep your eye on the prize. It will get you through any difficult times, cravings, head hunger, stalls, etc... Follow all of your doctors instructions. Try shakes/powders till you find one you like, and stock up. I like EAS AdvanEdge Carb Control RTD. If you need clear Protein drinks, try Isopure Zero Carb or unjury chicken Soup (they will send samples) Get your Vitamins before your surgery. Start changing your eating habits now, reduce carbs and fats. Keep your eye on the prize, it is soooo worth it. Good luck

I felt fine from day 4 on. Actually my energy was/is through the roof, as long as I got enough liquids in. It makes sense that you need the time to get your eating figured out. Some people have vomiting with certain foods, so you definitely want to know if there are any foods that make you vomit. I hear that the vomiting can sometimes be very sudden and unexpected. You are able to eat such small portions that you must eat frequently in order to get all of your Protein. At 2 weeks, I was just starting full liquids. Especially if people at work do not know about your surgery, they will wonder why your eating is so different. But your eating probably won't be 'normal' for a VERY long time anyway. You probably won't be able to lift for at least a month, depending on your doctor. I wish you the best of experiences.