SMP1126

I know what you mean! I'm in Texaa too (Carrollton) and a little cooling off, or just a breeze once in awhile would be nice. Sent from my iPhone using VST

Start of challenge - 219 7/16 - 211 7/23 - 206 GW - 180 Cardio 5 days per week min 80oz fluids min 50g protein So far, so good!

Right now, IMO your biggest concern should be YOU! Don't stress over what he does or doesn't do, he's an adult too and he's gonna make his own choices. Sometimes, you need to focus inward and take care of yourself. Once that is well underway, you can at least then try to understand what's going on in his head.

I too was on Metformin 500mg twice a day. Then, after my sugar levels and A1c went wild, my doctor switched me to Victoza (non-insulin diabetes med) injections once per day. My sugar levels remained in the mid 200's. I was sleeved on 6/25 and took my last injection the day before as I was not allowed to take it the day of surgery. I have not taken any diabetes medication since then and my levels are consistently in the 80's and 90's. This surgery will most likely prove to have similar results for you as well. Good luck!

I think too it's about recognizing how we got to where we were and learning how to make good choices. For example, I was a night binger.... I'd be pretty good all day but if I stayed up watching TV, I'd raid the fridge and cabinets like there was no tomorrow. So now, instead of 6 string cheeses, a sandwich and 1/2 a bag of chips and a couple of Coke Zero's I'll have 4 oz of cottage cheese or a coupl of sugar free Popsicles and I'm good to go! I had this procedure because I hated myself for what I became, and now I'm learning to love myself for what I'm becoming! Good luck and God bless! Sent from my iPhone using VST

I too am a side/stomach sleeper, but I was able to sleep on my side the 1st night following surgery while still in the hospital. After being discharged the 2nd day, I slept on my side at home and on my stomach within about 3 days. The trick for me was to position myself VERY SLOWLY. The hardest part was getting into that position, but once I did I was able to sleep pretty comfortably. Don't be afraid to try it, but just remember to go slow! Good luck Sent from my iPhone using VST

Rex Ryan had a lap band procedure. I was reading about it on ESPN.com yesterday. Also, I'm a life long Jets fan( don't know if that's a good thing or not! LOL) I was a bit surprised he chose that procedure, and I wouldnt be surprised if he becomes a revision candidate in the years to come Sent from my iPhone using VST

I am nearly 4 weeks out and I can tell you it definitely gets better. It seems as though it gets better every day in fact. All my struggles were worth it as I saw my sugar levels drop from the mid 200's to the 80's and 90's with no meds and my BP today was 117/76. And you know what? I dont even miss food! Sent from my iPhone using VST

My wife was with me, and I wouldn't have wanted it any other way. Even though I was the one having the surgery, both of us are going to be affected by it. She was supportive of the decision and even more so after going with me. This is something we're going through together, just like every other life experience we've shared. And I am so grateful to have her right there with me!

I agree 100%Congrats!!!

As of 7/16 - 211 woo-hoo!

I've had that ear thing too, exactly as you described it. But I've been having it since well BEFORE surgery! Since moving to Texas 2 years ago, I've developed allergies and I attribute the ear issues to that more so than anything to do with drinking. It sometimes drives me crazy but it also seems to clear up as the day goes on. Is that the same with you guys? Sent from my iPhone using VST

"grows back"? I've never heard that before. I'd be interested in hearing if anyone else has. I would think if that were the case with sleeves, it would seriously impact the success rate of this procedure, and that certainly hasn't happened. Anyone else have thoughts on this? Sent from my iPhone using VST

I agree with Dooter, there are so many factors that go into whether or not you will have sagging skin. One thing to consider as well is, the most important thing you're doing is having the procedure done so you could regain your health. The skin, whether or not it becomes an issue, can always be dealt with later. Have the surgery, work towards your goal, look and feel better, then if necessary, deal with any loose ends..(no pun intended!) Good luck!!!!

I've noticed that although there are a lot of us online at the same time, noone seems to use the chat rooms. Personally, I think it would be great to talk to some fellow sleevers in real time rather than reading threads and replying all day. I do think these threads and topics are extremely helpful, and I love coming on here (in fact, it's becoming an addiction! LOL) but instant responses to some general thoughts and questions would be cool. Any thoughts on this?

You're awesome too :-) Sent from my iPhone using VST

That cheesecake recipie sounds yummy!

One reason could be that your body is going into "starvation mode" which is the body's natural response to a sudden reduction in calories. Basically, your body is saying "I need to store these calories as fat because I'm starving". It does that so it can use stored fat as an energy source to keep the body functioning. It's a shock to the system to suddenly reduce our caloric intake so drastically. Eventually, our bodies grow accustomed to this change and will self-regulate. I might suggest some daily exercise to force your body to burn the fat and glycogen stores it has and you may see the scale begin to move again. As you get farther along, your body will adapt. Sent from my iPhone using VST

I didn't tell anyone either, only my wife & kids know. Our families live in another state which we will be visiting for Christmas. Now I just have to figure out what to tell them when they ask why I'm about 100 lbs lighter than I was last Christmas! Sent from my iPhone using VST

Another reason some people act that way is simple jealousy. Believe it or not, we all have "friends", family and co-workers who don't want to see us succeed. They either want to maintain the impression that they are better than we are, or better off than we are or have a better life than we do, etc and to see such a drastic improvement is a threat to their bubble of superiority. We all know who they are and that's why, when you get to where you wanna be, those are the ones you're gonna feel most confident in front of!

I miss my Friday and Saturday night cigars with a nice glass of whiskey (or 3), actually I miss the whiskey that goes with it. Now that I'm home all day I find myself having about 1 - 2 cigars a day while relaxing on my balcony. I haven't noticed any ill effects as I maintain my liquids, Protein and I walk 3-4 miles daily Sent from my iPhone using VST

You look amazing! Keep up the good work! Sent from my iPhone using VST

I had a long talk with my wife & kids about my decision to have this surgery and my wish that noone else, family or friends be told about it. My kids are 28 & 26 and our 30th anniversary is coming up this month. Let me say first that MGM, I so sympathize with your situation and it seems that you have every right to feel the way you do. OK so, I had the surgery on 6/25 but prior to that, I had a go-around not with my wife, but one of my children who thought it best to tell my family just in case, God forbid something went wrong in surgery. I said that if something went wrong, then fine....let mom tell 'em that I went for this to try to get healthier and something went terribly wrong, etc. and I didn't want anyone to know before so noone would have to worry. Long story short, it came down to me laying down the law and saying this is my business and don't you dare open your mouth! Luckily so far as I know, it's been obeyed. As for my wife, I can't say enough about her, she has been more than supportive, she's been truly my better half for 30 years, Bless her heart! She even took off the week I had the procedure to stay home and help take care of me if I needed it. I thank God every day for her and as we come upon our 30th anniversary I can say proudly that I would marry her all over again!