~*~ Melissa ~*~

Well you are right I do see the picture at the end i guess i will be tossing this diet coke here on my desk. The start of a new journey.

Sounds great!
HW: 295
DOS: 271
CW: 186
Goal weight: 155
Thanks!!!

Seriously? that means when I get to goal I'll gain 13 inches..(400/30}..that can't be right, that would put me in the guiness book of world records for sure. Lmao

I agree, I can tell in my maintenance phase now (have been for almost 5 months) my skin has improved quite a bit, and keeps getting better, I never had hanging or loose skin really but It looks tighter now,

If you feel fine then I say you're good to go. HOWEVER, get back to liquids allowing your stomach to fully heal

If you feel fine then I say you're good to go. HOWEVER, get back to liquids allowing your stomach to fully heal

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Hey everyone, I found a old picture today and wanted to show the progress I have made so far. The first picture is from 4 years ago (I dont know how much I weighed in it) and the second is from this past Saturday. My highest weight was 360lbs, day of surgery I was 338lbs and I am currently 237lbs, I have been in ANOTHER stall which seems like FOREVER but I hope I will be able to get down to my goal weight.

Hello! I came across this site the other day when I was trying to find some new recipe ideas. I made this last night and it was sooo good! I added a grated zucchini into the mix. Thanks for sharing this delicious-ness!

IlyssaDel,
I saw the recipe and I decided to do it. It very good and it taste like lasagna.
Shelly's Baked Ricotta
8 oz of Ricotta cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan
1 large Egg, beaten
1 teaspoon Italian Seasoning
salt & pepper to taste
1/2 cup Marinara Sauce
1/2 cup shredded Mozzarella cheese
Mix ricotta cheese, parmesan, beaten egg, seasonings together and place in a oven proof dish. Pour marinara on top and top with mozzarella cheese. Bake it in the oven @ 450 for about 20-25 minutes (best) or nuke it till hot and bubbly. I usually made it first in the oven and heated the leftovers in the microwave

The more you cheat, the harder recovery will be and the longer your surgery may be (time wise). The reason behind the liquid diet is to shrink the fat around your liver, allowing the operation to go more smoothly. You still have four more days- you can do it!!

I was dreading going to a Curves only to find out I might be too big. I just received an email back from Curves Corporate abaout weight limits. They state their equiptment can handle up to 450lbs.
Yay!

Inspired by emilybites.com but only four weeks out. So, I've been going for meals with limited ingredients while I test out me new sleeve. Needed a way to spice up my can of refried Beans so made a couple mini cupcakes. Sleevie seems to be okay after one...next time will add a little taco meat. Yum!
Recipe info on my blog here: http://gastricsleeve4me.blogspot.com/2012/06/refried-bean-cupcakes.html

I am 10 days post-op and have the grumbling in the stomach. My friend is 1.5 years post op and he still has the grumbly stomach.
While it may not be the same for all, I think it's something we may have to get used to...

Good luck to the both of you

That is sooo true! Thnk you (: I will look into it.

Hey we are having our sleeves on the same day! I feel the same. I am scared but I'm more scared to die this way. I'm ready for a new life. I've struggled so long too. Don't be afraid. You have made the right decision and will be so much more healthy in the end. We both will. Good luck to you.

Thinking about all the past hurts, embarrassing moments, pain, mistakes, disappointments I have used food to cover up. I am wearing many of those scars literally today in my over weight body.
I can't wait to the day I have surgery, that pivotal point of letting go and finding freedom in who I am and who I am called to become.
No more shame and embarrassment. Pray that I will be a much better husband, father, friend and man.
Anyone have good insight on letting go in your journey?
Freedom, Chad

Thanks for joining and commenting, Laura! Congrats on your decision and I'll definitely be thinking about you come July 10th. You'll have to keep me posted on the surgery, as well as the new journey
I am definitely worried about loose skin but am already searching for specific exercises to target the areas of concern when I'm allowed to resume working out post-surgery. Weight lifting will be an important focus. Every person is different-- I have seen (on this site, particularly) some individuals who are my size or larger and only needed a breast augmentation while others had a Tummy Tuck, breast augmentation, and had excess skin removed on their arms and legs. I'm going to give it my best for two years post-surgery and see where I end up. I'm sure I'll be just as insecure with the loose skin as I am being overweight so it's another hurdle I'll have to address when the time is right.

I have started using a Liquid Protein called YES WHEY and i get it at Bariatric Advantage . com It's fruit punch flavor, i mix it with Crystal light and Water and i love it! I drink it all day. I can not stand ANY of the powders.< /p>

True inspiration right there. You look amazing!