mendymayhem

Try spaghetti squash. Cut it in half and clean out the seeds. Then place face down on a cookie sheet and bake untill soft .
Then use a fork and pull the spaghetti strings out. Very tasty with sauce, or just salt and pepper. Enjoy!

Two years after diagnoses of diabetes, I felt like I was losing the battle. Three months after being released from the hospital I had brought my a1c from 12.6 to 5.7. After a few more months it began to climb. I realized what is meant by a progressive disease. It is so scary to realize how out of control your body can become, and to feel so helpless. To know the damage that will come in the future to my organs,limbs. I started research a year ago this month. Tomarrow my surgeons office is sending for authorization . I have a husband I love dearly, two grown daughters, two son in laws and two precious grandchildren. I want to participate un encumbered in their lives and I want to live mine.

Two years after diagnoses of diabetes, I felt like I was losing the battle. Three months after being released from the hospital I had brought my a1c from 12.6 to 5.7. After a few more months it began to climb. I realized what is meant by a progressive disease. It is so scary to realize how out of control your body can become, and to feel so helpless. To know the damage that will come in the future to my organs,limbs. I started research a year ago this month. Tomarrow my surgeons office is sending for authorization . I have a husband I love dearly, two grown daughters, two son in laws and two precious grandchildren. I want to participate un encumbered in their lives and I want to live mine.

Hi everyone,
I'm an emotional eater. Had my vsg about a year and a half ago and I have lost very little weight. Because of using food to self medicate. I have managed to get some health issues improved, yet I feel like a failure . I'm now seeing a therapist and I'm optimistic in many ways. I need a cheering section, and someone to be accountable with. Any takers?!

I just returned from seeing my surgeon and found out that I've EXCEED MY GOAL!!! The tears just won't stop flowing! I'm setting here in disbelief that this is actually happening. One year ago I was setting in this very chair with tears flowing because I was so miserably overweight that I could barely bend over to tie my shoes and even though I knew my surgery was a GO I sat here with that hopeless feeling wondering if this plastic little ring was really going to help me. As I reflect on the past 11 months it all just seems so unreal and hard for me to wrap my head around the fact that I'm where I am today. I go in every month to see my Dr. so of I course I knew I was 6lbs away from goal but to see those numbers and to hear someone say you made it, you passed it, is life changing!!!
For anyone who's thinking about this surgery, or is in a rut wondering why you had the surgery, it's ALL worth it!!! The 2 week pre-op (or whatever your doctor orders), the discomfort from surgery, the 6 weeks of bandster hell because you're sick of liquids and mushies, the starving all the time until your first fill, the balancing act of how much Fluid is enough, I'm in the green zone or the yellow or red, It's ALL worth it!
I NEVER truly thought when I had this surgery this would happen for me the way it has. I knew I was determined and that failure wasn't an option but I never thought the outcome would look like this!
My life has changed in so many ways. First and foremost, I'm healthy!!! I can walk up a flight of stairs without being winded, play sports with my kids, buy whatever I want in the stores and no longer have to wonder if it comes in my size, I don't have to worry about flying and praying the seat belt fits around me. I'm so much happier, the small things in life just seem to make it all worth while and before I missed so many of them because I was so unhappy and self concious. One of the greatest feelings is not feeling like an embarassement to my husband and kids (not that they ever made me think I was), but when your mom is 34 years old and is as wide as she is tall, it's hard to be proud of that I'm sure.
Don't get me wrong it's not all sunshine and roses, but it is what you make it and if you put 100% into it you're going to get a good return on your investment!
Now it's time to move onto the next phase, life long maintenance which scares the hell out of me to be quite honest!!!! I know however that this time I've made a lifestyle change, unlike with past diets, where when once you've reached your goal you think you're "done" so you start raiding the pantry because "you've earned it", this time I know it's all about balance and doing things I know I can LIVE WITH AND WITHOUT for the REST OF MY LIFE.
This group is an amazing source or support and information!!! Thank you!

I eat real food only. Well, 99% of the time. Can only eat so much , I want quality

I eat real food only. Well, 99% of the time. Can only eat so much , I want quality

I eat real food only. Well, 99% of the time. Can only eat so much , I want quality

I eat real food only. Well, 99% of the time. Can only eat so much , I want quality

Sorry, don't know how to reply directly to individuals. My problem was not using the sleeve properly . I was compulsively eating slider foods for comfort and hating myself for it, then needing more comfort. A vicious , vicious cycle .
None of us said " I want to b morbidly obese when I grow up!". And few of us here just have a hard time resisting Desserts. Just because your stomach is the size of a highlighter, the issues don't go away. I thought I'd never "work around" my sleeve, and i never intended to misuse this opportunity. But the underlying issues weren't removed with my stomach. I'm dealing with those now, but I wish I'd done it sooner. It has made a huge difference . The scale is starting to move in the right direction again. More importantly though, I'm beginning to heal emotionally ...... Mendy

Hi,
I haven't been on here in ages, and started reading the comments on the top of this thread. So if the conversation has evolved from there, please forgive.
We are where we are because of the things we eat. And we eat the things we eat for very different reasons. I had my surgery well over a year ago, and have lost very little weight. The surgery was a success, and I don't regret it a bit. But my food issues are unresolved. It's just the last month that I have got professional help and feel optimistic about dealing with them. If your excess weight is due not only to bad choices, but because food is your crutch, please get help for that now. Let a pro help you figure that out now. You don't want to be a year out and feel like a failure. And I would appreciate any input from others dealing with this......

Two years after diagnoses of diabetes, I felt like I was losing the battle. Three months after being released from the hospital I had brought my a1c from 12.6 to 5.7. After a few more months it began to climb. I realized what is meant by a progressive disease. It is so scary to realize how out of control your body can become, and to feel so helpless. To know the damage that will come in the future to my organs,limbs. I started research a year ago this month. Tomarrow my surgeons office is sending for authorization . I have a husband I love dearly, two grown daughters, two son in laws and two precious grandchildren. I want to participate un encumbered in their lives and I want to live mine.

I hear you! My husbands family is in Ohio and we see them once a year. We are going in August and I'm nervous. I didn't want any of them to know but my husband slipped to his mom and told her. I begged her not to tell anyone. They can be so judgmental.
On a different note, this surgery is for you and only you. You did this for your health. You are doing wonderful and remember that. People are always going to judge and say hateful things. I personally think you will be surprised and get positive feedback.
Keep us posted!!!

I don't know if I'm the only one who gets EXTREMELY annoyed when reading complaints about alleged "stalls". *sigh* sometimes I feel empathy for folks but most times I feel extreme aggravation. Listen folks...we aren't gonna lose weight every day or every week for that matter. If that was the case we would lose 365 lbs in a year! This surgery was not intended to be a "quick fix". I personally don't believe in "stalls". Have I experienced weeks of no loss??? SURE! What did I do to "break my stall"? NOTHING!!! Im 8 month's out and still follow my doctors orders and exercise...REGULARLY. That's it...that's all! When the numbers don't move I don't give into fear...I simply "stay the course". I really get dissappointed when I read about folks being taking on an emotional roller coaster by the scale. If you are eating what you're suppose to be eating and exercising like you're suppose too...YOU WILL LOSE!!!! This is not a race...its a lifelong journey. Our main goal should be to optimize our health and live better lives..not chasing a number on a scale or a size. We have to have the mindsets of those who've lost weight and maintain healthy lifestyles without surgery! I hope I don't sound harsh or judgemental...that's not my intention. I just want to encourage those who are feeling down about the "sta lls" or "slow loss" not to give up! I send my "cyber love" to all of you!

Hi there, I can relate to all you wrote about. Do your research , and decide for yourself. That said......I worried about all those things. Eight months post op, I have no regrets. None. My energy is soaring. My blood work shows I am getting everything my body needs. I never feel hungry. I do feel at times that I need to eat. Like my body needs nourishment. And my small portions fill me up. Protein first, then vegetables, fruit......I know this is hard to imagine from where you are, so you'll have to take our word for it. Like I said, do a lot of research. I'm so happy I did this. My diabetes is greatly improved. From four injections a day to no meds at all! That alone makes it all worth it!

Ps. I two enjoy a steak and a glass of wine. My steak is about four ounces now, with slivers of blue cheese on top. That does it. I can't touch the baked potatoe any more. Too full. As for the wine, I sip some before my meal, and some awhile after my meal. I'm not missing out on anything!

Hi there, I can relate to all you wrote about. Do your research , and decide for yourself. That said......I worried about all those things. Eight months post op, I have no regrets. None. My energy is soaring. My blood work shows I am getting everything my body needs. I never feel hungry. I do feel at times that I need to eat. Like my body needs nourishment. And my small portions fill me up. Protein first, then vegetables, fruit......I know this is hard to imagine from where you are, so you'll have to take our word for it. Like I said, do a lot of research. I'm so happy I did this. My diabetes is greatly improved. From four injections a day to no meds at all! That alone makes it all worth it!

How does the 5 day pouch test work? What are the benifits? I'm sure this has been discussed many times here, but I'm struggling to find my way around!

It is completely normal to feel anxious about your decision. Best thing I can say is trust your gut instinct. YOu know what your reasons are for choosing surgery and if you feel you need more information then you should get it. Just because you are confident in your decision doesn't mean the anxiety and nerves will go away. Hopefully you will find some peace of mind.
I can say for me, it was the scariest, best decision I ever made. And I could not be happier.
Best of luck to you!

Found this: http://www.5daypouchtest.com/

Hi there, I can relate to all you wrote about. Do your research , and decide for yourself. That said......I worried about all those things. Eight months post op, I have no regrets. None. My energy is soaring. My blood work shows I am getting everything my body needs. I never feel hungry. I do feel at times that I need to eat. Like my body needs nourishment. And my small portions fill me up. Protein first, then vegetables, fruit......I know this is hard to imagine from where you are, so you'll have to take our word for it. Like I said, do a lot of research. I'm so happy I did this. My diabetes is greatly improved. From four injections a day to no meds at all! That alone makes it all worth it!

Ps. I two enjoy a steak and a glass of wine. My steak is about four ounces now, with slivers of blue cheese on top. That does it. I can't touch the baked potatoe any more. Too full. As for the wine, I sip some before my meal, and some awhile after my meal. I'm not missing out on anything!

Hi there, I can relate to all you wrote about. Do your research , and decide for yourself. That said......I worried about all those things. Eight months post op, I have no regrets. None. My energy is soaring. My blood work shows I am getting everything my body needs. I never feel hungry. I do feel at times that I need to eat. Like my body needs nourishment. And my small portions fill me up. Protein first, then vegetables, fruit......I know this is hard to imagine from where you are, so you'll have to take our word for it. Like I said, do a lot of research. I'm so happy I did this. My diabetes is greatly improved. From four injections a day to no meds at all! That alone makes it all worth it!

I found myself in week 3-5 going back to old "comfortable behaviors". I never have been able to control myself around food, so when I started doing this it really scared me. I thought, there may be no hope for me and I think I might have to face the fact I will be heavy the rest of my life. To me the problem is not necessarily the weight it is how the weight makes me feel. I felt embarrased, ashamed, too big to do so many activities with my kids (this bothered me the most). So somewhere in week 5's self pity festival I was throwing myself, I said enough. I went through the cabinets and got rid of every carb there was. I have four kids and they were very upset by this but they will have to get over it and support me for a while. I started working out HARD. I joined a gym, C25K, started myfitnesspal.com track every calorie, all calories come from protien, protien shakes, and a few veggies. I quit playing around, this is about making habits that will last for the rest of my life. If I really want a sweet I have a sugar free candy. I feel AMAZING! For the first time in my life I am really taking good care of myself and I love it. Your worth the effort you know.

One of my favorite gadgets is the caller ID announcer on my home phones. Before I answered and was subjected to whatever crapola the caller spewed. Now they have to be answer-worthy.
Failure is a choice. Don't answer.