dhales

aferrieria - I promised the 16's & 18's to the other ladies who responded first. But I think I have some 20's that I can send your way. Let me know. Thanks!

Ms Britt - I promised my 18's to Carrie as the first responder. However I do have some 16's that I can send your way. Let me know if you are interested. Thanks!

Carrie - since you are the first responder for the size 18...I will be more than happy to pack and send your way. However, I see that you are in Texas. What area? I live in Porter and work in The Woodlands. Thanks!

Hi there...I am a secretary and would love to find 12/14 work clothing...possibly even 10's. I am going on a cruise next month...so I would welcome anything suitable for that. I have 16/18/20 business clothes for anyone who needs it. A great lady sent me Misook brand clothing that is now too big for me. I didn't know it at the time...but Misook is a really great brand. Let me know if you need them and I will send clothing your way. Let's keep the cycle going!

I never thought that I would type that phrase. I haven't been on the forums in months....I hope everyone is doing great. I posted my before and "in progress" photo...I didnt' realize the change until I did that. We see ourselves everyday and although we notice the weight change...it's not as dramatic or apparent until we compare. Anyhow - just thought I would send a shout out to my Springers 2012 group!

My doctor doesn't restrict liquids. I am allowed unlimited liquids on the day of fill. then I have to be on liquids the day after...then mushies for one day. After that solids as tolerated.

All I can say is misery loves company. You see this all the time. Although your friends and family want whats best for you...change is a scary thing to many people. I was told the same thing...by my family. But now that I am a few months out and down over 30 pounds those same people are my biggest cheerleaders. I have never thrown up, never been "stuck" and haven't had any bad side affects. I think that I am the rule rather than the exception. Hearing more complaints rather than positives is kind of the way it works....unfortunately for most products, procedures...etc. Most people that have a good experience usually aren't as vocal compared to those who have had a bad experience. Ultimately this is your decision and I wouldn't let comments of a "friend of a friend" did this and....blah blah blah curb your decision...ask people who have had the procedure directly. I thought it interesting that a lady at work, who looks awesome by the way, came up to me about a month ago and said that she had the surgery as well. She loves it and said that it changed her life.

I have flown a handful of times since April 2012 and I haven't noticed anything different. I have the little crackers they give you on the plane and everything...no issues.

Right!!!!...I am just glad it doesn't say Morbidly anymore...that sounded scary!

I don't think I have ever been so excited to be overweight. According to my BMI...I am "moderately overweight"...In April 2012 I was "morbidly obese"....

Maybe if you take him with you he will understand the procedure more. My husband was not on board at first and in fact he rolled his eyes when I mentioned it. I think his hesitation was more financial than my health...lol He hates to spend money. However I just kept going to the other appointments and then notified him of my date. It is nice to have them on board...but ultimately this is your health and your body and you have the right to do anything you want to it. Most husbands have a problem with it because they are worried you will lose the weight and leave them. It is an insecure response and most likely will not happen. I would just encourage him but don't let him influence you in this decision...it is yours and yours alone.

At first I thought so...I started at 195 on the day of surgery. My highest weight while married as been about 220. I am now 165...You would think I would feel sexier and I do when my clothes are on. Strangely...I feel less so when they are off. Sounds strange and maybe TMI...but my breasts were a full size DD and although I was larger physically...I was firmer. Here's the TMI part...my boob's have deflated and everything seems to so much more saggy (e.g. tummy and thighs)...I actually feel more self conscious than before. I know its strange...but that's my answer. I am exercising and although I am firming up...the loose skin is still an issue.

I worked out on an ab cruncher machine and my tummy was sore too...not the muscles...but an internal kind pain...so I stopped. But i know i need to work my abs...just worried about it to.

Had surgery April 3, 2012 and my period is still messed up. Multiple times a month and longer than usual. I think it is kind of normal after your body goes through lots of changes...our whole system is in shock from the surgery and your body is confused by the weight loss.

Missy...I had surgery April 3rd...and have lost 30 punds since surgery. But I have noticed a trend for myself anyways. I lost about 10-15 of that the first 2 weeks...then I stalled. Then I lost 2-3 more pounds...then stalled. I was at 170 for 3 weeks!!!! gaining one pound...losing one pound...etc. It was frustrating. Then I lost 5 more pounds last week...and guess what...I am stalled again this week. I can't speak for anyone else but it seems in my case at least that my body kind of goes through a stabilization after a couple of pounds lost. Then if I keep exercising and eating right...I lose a couple of more pounds. You might have the same trend. Also - since you are now able to eat "real" food...you may gain a few pounds as your body heals. Watch your sodium intake as well...as that gain could be water gain as well.

I was banded 4/3/12 and have lost 30 pounds.

Nope...my period went crazy too after surgery...

I agree...I was miserable. I had my surgery on a Tuesday and by Saturday I felt like a new woman. In fact me and hubby camped outside in a tent Saturday night and I was comfortable. We were cooking brisket for a party on Sunday. My point is....before you know it....you will feel "normal" in no time...although it may not feel like that your first few days. It does get better...I promise.

No they didn't do catheter on me...but they did ask me to tinkle before I left.

I had discomfort and pain when I took deep breaths...I used that little breathing tool they sent home to prevent pneumonia...did you get one? It is painful to use...but you will feel better by the next day.

Clean out your cupboards and fridge of any tempting foods...I found it easier to eliminate junk food from the house...that way when I did get the urge to snack...there were only healthy options available. Stock up on sugar free popsicles. I have a major sweet tooth and they have been a lifesaver.

I love spicy foods too. If I am going to have it...I make sure and have a slice of avocado or soft laughing cow cheese on my plate to nibble on between bites to cut the heat...

You're not crazy...I am 5 foot even and weighed 194 on the day of surgery. I got more grief from my family than anyone else. I was told that i didn't need it or why don't you do it the "right" way. As if I hadn't already tried that. You have to do whats right for you...and trust me this isn't the "easy" way. Anyone who says that hasn't travelled this path. My selling point on this is I needed a diet that I couldn't give up on...I wanted people to know because it makes me accountable. I want to prove the naysayer wrong and not disappoint my cheer leaders. It's a win/win

I was addicted too. I could easily drink 10-12 a day! I could go months without drinking Water...only diet coke. I actually went cold Turkey 2 weeks prior to my surgery. It was hard and I drink a cup of coffee a day now. I don't miss it...the only time I crave it is if I am REALLY thirsty and my husband drinks it or if he gets it as a fountain drink. I quit for the same reasons...I didn't want to stretch my little pouch. Good luck..you can do it!

Thanks everyone for their input. I actually started to drink a whole bottle water on my way to the gym now and have one with me as I work out. I also now skip the treadmill and hop on the stationery rowing machine...I burn more calories in less time and I don't fee bad afterwards.