LilMissDiva Irene

You can also squeeze a little bit of fresh lemons in your Water, and maybe a packet of Truvia? Most flavored drinks have artificial sweeteners if you don't want sugar, so I don't really have any suggestions other than just water. I love water, so this isn't really a problem for me. When I do want some flavor I will drink G2, which is light sugar or Propel regular which also has a very small amount of sugar. I do Crystal Light once in awhile, but I'll only use half a serving because full blast is just way over powering for me. For now while your stomach is still healing, perhaps always have 4 - 16 oz bottle filled every morning. Space it out, and get down one bottle every 3 hours. I time myself when I'm working on ensuring a flush. I'll have a bottle by 9 am, then by 12pm, then by 3pm and a last one by 6 pm. HTH!!

Lissa, I check my body fat percentage by using a Body Fat Caliper. I bought one off ebay for $6, but then also received one in my Insanity package that seems like a little better quality. If you do a google search for Body Fat Caliper there are several websites you can input what your Caliper mm says and it will formulate your body fat% for you. I've also done the BodPod, which you would have to find one in your area. The closest one to me is about a 45 minute drive at a Gold's Gym. I've found that the Caliper test came within .5% of what the BodPod resulted with, so I'm trusting the Caliper to work for me. Much less expensive! Sorry I don't remember the thread I had out there but I know all the answers are on google because that's where I found them.

BMI SHOULD be more complex than a measure of height and weight. I've always said it comes down to body fat % every time. Here's an article you all might find interesting. http://video.msnbc.msn.com/nightly-news/46945379/#46945379

Me personally it took 4 months to get over the fatigue post surgery. I do believe a lot has to do with the drastically reduced caloric intake, as well as the very tiny amount of carbohydrates/sugars we are able to get in. However, please note that I am now hi intensity and very full of energy. I can be annoying sometimes with it but oh well!!! I love the new me, and every chance I can burn some calories I'm doing it. Early morning, late mornings, evenings... I'm thinking of ways to move my body.

Yecats, what a wonderful thing to happen!! Big hugs lady, you must be doing something right! Have fun with whatever you choose for your sons wedding!

Afro_Cyster it is my belief that God gave us our bodies as vessels. We are the keepers of them however, and it is our duty to do whatever is necessary to keep them healthy. I had Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy to remove most of my stomach because I had to try to save my life. God supplied the means to have it done, all I needed to do was accept it and go forth by my Faith that God will see me through. His Promise to always provide is still True today. Please understand that not having your gallbladder removed can be as serious as being fatal. Do what you have to, to save your life. You have the means. I'm praying for you, both that God will see you through this, as well as doing what you have to, to maintain a healthy body.

Hey darlin' of course no negativity here. This is not something you can control. You're doing everything you can to get back to health and that's whats most important at this time. It makes perfect sense that you regret your surgery right now. I did too in my first few days, and for a lot less heart ache. Don't worry about that right now, just rest and get well. I'm sending you well wishes for a quick healing and many prayers that God will see you through this! Please keep us updated on how you're doing!!! ETA: I've read through your updates and I'm extremely happy to know you're on the road to wellness!! Just FYI, yes Isopure is a clear liquid. I do advise to get the glass RTD bottles though. They taste a lot better than the powder mixes. Also if the flavor is too strong for you, you can dilute with more Water. I had too! All the best to you!!

Absolutely 100% agree with PdxMan. If you aren't truly ready to take that dive, then do yourself a favor and wait it out until you are. This is NOT magic. You will still need to eat proper, you will still need to be physically active. Also, be ready for some serious head trips if you know what I mean. This. Is. Not. The. Easy. Way. Out. Other than that, I have no other reasons on why one should not get this surgery. It helped me to save my life.

Our fat stores hormones, and now that they are all being released - and kinda like in the way you see pictures of spring run-off in the mountains you will likely continue to feel this way. Perhaps it may even get a little worse before it gets better. However, rest assured it does eventually stop. I think I had my ups and downs for at least the first 6 months, and the height of it was in the first 2 months. But, now that I'm no longer losing weight, I'm at a very even keel. Good luck!

Hi Mimo, Welcome to VST! Also, huge congratulations on taking the step to a healthier you! Have you tried Isopure? It's a clear Fluid stock full of Protein. Very low calories, no sugar and lots of good whey protein. Also, I was allowed to have protein powders of my choosing beginning post op day 5, the only thing was I could only make it with Water, no milk. All the very best to you. The first few months are the toughest, but you're tougher. You will get through this!

Me too! Thank goodness I'm naturally a non hairy person, thanks to my Asian roots - but I have noticed my hair I do have is coming in thicker and I'm having to shave more often than I used to. I guess its a good trade off for having even more splendid hair on my head! Not only that, my skin is looking really great and my nails grow faster and thicker as well.

You amaze me every single day.

WOW!! You look absolutely gorgeous!! Great job. Congrats on all your success and thank you for sharing your journey with us.

I believe they just place the band around the "pouch". Which is strange to me. What if it slips?

Some may not agree with this but, I personally did not eat with my family during my pre-op or post-op diets. These diets can be very emotionally draining, especially the pre-op diets. It's NOT easy having a natural stomach and quite literally starving one self. Then to have to watch others eating fabulous meals that I *know* I would like to eat as well made it that much harder. I avoided all food places and events to the best of my ability. Much love to you! Stay strong!!

It sounds like things are moving in the right direction. Stay strong!! It only gets better and better.

Welcome! You're right about the health improvelements. I'm certainly enjoying some greater physical and emotional benefits that goes with weight loss! Regarding your acid issues, are you taking any kind of PPIs? I've found that Prilosec (Omeprezole) works amazing for me. Other brands are Nexium and PrevAcid. However neither of those worked as well for me. Everyone's different though and the best way to know is to give each medication at least 2 weeks trial, and using them as directed on the box. Good luck and congrats on all your successes so far! May you have many many more to come.

Excuses I could have made this morning: I woke up late. I'm sleepy. My muscles ache from my tough workouts yesterday. I don't wanna get out of my comfy bed. I haven't finished my coffee yet. I worked out a lot yesterday so I can skip today. I just don't feel like it. NOW... I STILL DID MY WORKOUT THIS MORNING!!! Not only that, I plan to workout several more times too. What's your excuse?

I take GNC Dry capsules, 5,000mcg 4x per week. However, during rapid hair loss I was taking one daily. I've taken other brands as well, and I've found this brand and dose to be the absolute best.

You always amazzze me lady!!! You've been through a LOT, yet you never let that keep you from enjoying the journey and being truly appreciative. God bless you sister, and keep it up!!! May those 20 Lbs just melt right off! Xox

Phenomenal!!! Major props, you definitely deserve it!

Well... gee... us women aren't all that bad. It's nice there are a few good WLS men out there, but we don't bite. At least I don't (admit it).

*ahem* Pardon me for interjecting here but... I do personally still shop at TarJey. In fact I just bought 3 cute, lightweight summer T's just 2 days ago. Okay, as you were...

That is very interesting! Thanks for that. I do take extra Magnesium with my Calcium supplement... or at least I used to. I'm not sure if the one I'm using now has Magn in it.

Sooo true!! Staying encouraged and enjoying the scenery is always the better option is this very long journey. Blessings, and YOU LOOK MARVELOUS!!!!