Back~To~Amy

Wrlcome to VST. I was originally only open to the Lapband until I went to a seminar. The idea of the sleeve intrigued me. It didn't take much to realize that was the way I wanted to go. I'm almost 10 weeks postop now and am LOVING my sleeve. It's one of the best decisions I've ever made. Good luck to you as you do your research. Let us know if you have any questions.

I know a lot of plus sized stores go down to a 14W, but as soon as I can fit into an XL and an 18, I'm done shopping in those stores for forever. I'm so sick of not having the variety you get in the "regular" size sections of stores. I still have a ways to go since I'm in a 2X to 3X top and 24 bottoms, but I will get there eventually.

Welcome to VST and good luck on your upcoming surgery! Best of luck to you in your journey.

I'm sorry that I cannot offer you support in your diagnosis. I just wanted to tell you I wish you the best as you move forward!

My diet is very Protein filled. I am on full diet now so I can eat anything my sleeve can tolerate. Here's some ideas for you once you get off restricted diet: eggs (fixed any way), high protein Cereal, yogurt, cottage cheese, meat (any low fat kind you can think of), cheese, veggies, fruit, Peanut Butter, nuts & seeds, beef jerkey, pork rinds, Beans, Protein Bars. With all the different kinds,of meat and all the meat recipes out there, you should never get bored. Oh. And you don't have to eat breakfast food for breakfast. I've been know to have deli meat roll ups that I put pieces of string cheese or laughing cow cheese in. Good luck to you!

It's a great journey to be on. Congrats on getting it started tomorrow!

Yeah. I recommend Gas X Strips. Put 2 in your mouth at one time. If it doesn't work, try 2 more and that should do it.

I am almost 10 weeks out and can eat bread. I don't eat much though because it takes up valuable space in my tummy that I would rather fill with something else.

Below is a Department of Labor link about COBRA. http://www.dol.gov/ebsa/faqs/faq-consumer-cobra.html

It's not on my list of excluded medicines.

Not being able to see your own weight loss is completely normal. I've lost double the amount you have and although I know it logically, my eyes (brain) cannot see it yet even in pictures. Others can though. Just not me. Don't beat yourself up so much. You've done awesome so far! Best of luck to you.

This is so very true. I would highly recommend purchasing one up front of your surgeon doesn't put one on you after your surgery.

That is great! I recently accomplished that too and, like you, have to be careful not to buy too much. Congrats on your success so far! Keep up the good work.

You look awesome! Congrats on your success and thanks for sharing your pics. They really inspire me!

That's the toughest part of this journey in my opinion. I am part of a weekly group run by a psychologist whose expertise is dealing with obese people and issues with food. I'm hoping through that group I can learn ways to deal with my mental battle with food. The other thing I do is bring my lunch and planned Snacks to work (mostly) and I've even been known to leave any money I have at home. That way, I can't buy any junk and I can only have what I planned. I'd also like to get some reading material but haven't yet done that. I look forward to other responses too. Best of luck to you!

A lot of nothing! Other tan taking my niece shopping for her birthday, I have nothing else planned!

Nope, your sleeve probably isn't too big. I think mist people have that thought or the thought of whether the doctor removed most if your stomach. Those type of foods you are eating to down easy and a lot of people can eat more than they think they should be able to. When you get to solids and you can eat protein solids, you won't eat much. Congrats on your surgery!

I'm glad you got an answer to your problem. I really, really hope its just some swelling that goes down soon. You might want to start a new thread titled stricture it something similar to increase the odds of others seeing it who've had it. Take care and hang in there. You will love your sleeve one day!

As always, Lissa's advice is spot on. I just wanted to tell you I'm sorry you are struggling but proud of you for taking steps to deal with your struggles! Best of luck to you!

Congrats on your approval!

How are you today? Did you get a hold of your doctor?

Sorry. I misread your post. It appeared to me you were having surgery tomorrow.

I was pretty disturbed as well. I'm glad its working again.