LilMissDiva Irene

Some people may think that small but that is actually a HUGE NSV. Every little bit makes a big difference in our journeys. Keep up the excellent progress and CONGRATS!!!

Tina, fabulous Sis... just FABULOUS!!! Everything you said was spot on, but I often have to highlight certain things that should be read 2 or even 3 times! You are a special lady and we are lucky to have you here at VST. Keep fighting!! and GOD Bless!!

Incredible!! You have ROCKED your sleeve lady! All I can say is just keep on fighting. When we get down to the last few pounds we have to really put the afterburners on to earn them.

Hey all, wishing everyone with an upcoming surgery well!! Remember to keep sipping, walking and REST! Some forget that and it's is just as important. And for everyone recently sleeved: Welcome to the Losers Bench!!

Hi msb!! Welcome to VST and Welcome to the Losers Bench!! You will need a lot of energy for the 5 year old and losing weight does help with that a lot. Take care and looking forward to watching your journey here!

Hello SML welcome to VST! I'm glad you have joined in the conversation, I'm sure as you go along your journey you will find being open has many benefits. Getting and receiving support will help you so much as you reach all of your many goals. I'm in Sacramento, so I'm not too far from you! I also know there is a SoCal support group here so check the Groups page to find it. They do meet ups and are a very good group of people. Chime in a lot and of course if you ever need anything, I'm always happy to assist. All the best to you!!

Hello All, Please keep the peace. These threads can tend to get a little heated, so keep the board rules in mind. Thanks in advance.

Yes, we go out to eat all the time. I'm going on 2 years post op so I'm way ahead of ya, but I think we started eating out at restaurants around 2-3 months out. Granted I couldn't eat but a few bites, but I have to say each one was worth the wait.

I love this! This was one of my favorite NSV's as well. CONGRATS!

Majority of weight loss patients regardless of shape tend to lose first in the face and shoulders. From there it begins to lose where ever it wants. I lost in the arms and belly next. I was left with huge legs and behind and that was when it began to get really difficult for me. I had to work really hard to get the rest off. Not complaining, just stating facts. I became so lopsided I decided to have liposuction to cure the areas I felt would never go away. I'm glad I did, I feel much more proportionate now.

I've never done Zumba but wow I just wanted to tell you GREAT JOB!!! Keep working it, you'll get the moves down eventually. You're burning some serious calories and really that's all that matters... that and having fun doing it.

I'm two years out and I still battle sugar! Just every once in awhile I have to do the Sugar Demon Exorcism... AKA the Basics Bootcamp which I'm doing right now. I've had some hamburgers post op too. I can't even eat close to the amount I used to, though I don't think I've ever thought about putting butter on it... haha Anyway, I'm just here to say I'm normal, I blasted through goal and I'm healthier and more fit than ever in my life. For me, I allow myself a little here and there but when I notice it's too often I have to curb the cravings.

I sure did It's a very normal emotion to feel. You've got many thoughts going through your head and each one has a certain emotion attached. It makes perfect sense you are not sure how to feel so you come up with anger. Here's the Breakdown: -Im so fat right now : Apathy -I just wish July 11th would hurry up and come : Anxious -How will I make it through the Pre-op? : Worried -Im so fat right now : Self loathing -What if this surgery doesnt work for me? : Pessimism -What if Im always going to be this size? : Feelings of failure -How did I let it get to this point? : Concerned -Im so fat right now : Optimism -I hope I wake up : Fear of the unknown How does someone deal with all those feelings and emotions? Exactly the way you are. I'm going to be honest here, after surgery isn't easier. You're going to continue to have a million emotions like a rollercoaster. HOWEVER, all of them will be worth it. I say it's about one year out when I finally settled in to the new me and began to accept all of this for what it is, and for me it has all been positive. All the best!!

This made me think about how some skinny chicks will do a little song and dance about how fat people get treated in public. I really REALLY hate these. They're usually on TV shows such as Entertainment Tonight where they'll have say, Jessica Alba dress in a "fat suit" and wear fugly sweats and walk around town. Or she'll get on a crowded bus and have the camera follow her doing these things. Sitting there showcasing how rude people are to fatties. This annoys me to no end! First of all, if you've never been fat you will NEVER in your life know what it's like... so don't patronize me. Second... I don't need your pity!!! Now if I were to start a Rants & Raves thread, that's what my topic would be about. ETA: I understand wanting to believe it's us and that we have changed - but I cannot get on that bandwagon. I refuse to take responsibility for someone'd else's damaged views on others. I am the same person on the inside, only my outside has changed. Like I said, if anything I'm far more considerate of myself than ever. I'm not afraid to say what's on my mind or bothering me. Before I would always be quiet and nice, now? Hmphh!! So, others being more kind and helpful to me doesn't have anything to do with me, it's clearly them.

Hi there! My pleasure, and I don't do anything without postivity. I fully believe whatever emotion we push out, we will get that back. If I push out negativity, I will get that back. If I surround myself in a positive manner and with positive people, I ALWAYS get that back. There's no other way for me to live my life. YOU are doing fabulous, keep up the excellent work!!

Hi bugsy Sorry I just now seen this post! I'm not around a whole lot on the weekends. Anyhow, I'll tell you I ate a lot of eggs for the first few months post op. I also ate a lot of Lower Sugar oatmeal from Quaker. I liked ground turkey for my meats. You can make that into a bunch of different recipes. Here's a few websites I'm sure you will find helpful: http://theworldaccordingtoeggface.blogspot.com/ That website has TONs of recipes for bariatric folks like you and I, especially if you are newly op'd. I also liked: http://www.weightwatchers.com/food/index.aspx Fabulous dishes there! Good luck!

This is great!! I know I haven't been around too much lately but it's nice to see things like this as I come back. Great job Alex and team! Nice member spotlight too! Though I already knew all that, but lots here didn't. Yes folks, Alex is a real guy! Genuine too.

So, what is this "super secret" VSG group? I'm in many, not sure if I'm in this one yet.

Ohhh heyyy lady!! And look at YOU!! You've blown past your goal -- CONGRATULATIONS!!!! I've missed this place a lot, though at the time I didn't come here much I didn't realize it. But I did, and I'm glad to be back. Nothing is more important for someone to have "been there" and to be able to continue to empathize with what people are going through. It is always my hope that I can even share with them at some point my journey. I just want everyone to feel what I feel. FREEDOM!!!

Me too Meg, I do go out of my way to be especially pleasant to "invisible" people. Not just obese but people I can see seem quiet. Seeing their face light up means the world to me. Honestly.

Great!! Welcome! Tomorrow it all starts for me. I'm glad! LOL

So INCREDIBLE!!! Thanks for sharing, you're a real inspiration!!

Hello everyone, as being a here at these boards for a long time I come to know some subjects tend to get a little heated with opinions. This happens to be one of them. Just remember these are just that... opinions. When it comes down to it the best thing to do is research facts and seek advice from your medical professionals with any decision you make. Please all remain respectful when replying to any subject, we are all here to give support softly. Thanks in advance.

Congrats! You are doing fantastic!