LilMissDiva Irene

Hi Becca, well there's tons of foods you can eat to stay on plan. Thanksgiving and Christmas are surrounded by wonderful Protein filled foods. Just pick and choose wisely! Like, turkey (white meat if you want to be super good) and a tiny bit of gravy would be ok. You know, things like that. Being that you're in weight loss mode, do the protein first rule and a few bites of your other favorite items. You will be fine. I got through last Holiday Season and believe me... if I can do it - anyone can do it!

jnee... stop the madness girlie. You're doing fantastic weight loss wise, and your photos are ADORABLE. Now show us that smile and WORK IT!!!

You've gotten the best sound advice you can get already. I just wanted to second all those, and say - you've done out freaken standing. Now finish what you started!!!

That is great It's moving along smooth!

Thanks everyone for making a gal feel so special!! I've been a little down lately though I haven't shown it. The pain and no workouts has gotten to me a bit. My workouts have been such a great motivator for me, and kept me sane and feeling sooo high! I do miss it really bad. But, you have all gotten me having that feeling again!!! :Banane57: Much love and blessings to each and every one!!! I had totally forgot we were sleeved so close together, but yes we are both "September Sleevers". You hit your goal way before I did! Big hugs my dear friend. Whooottt!!! Wondering where the other September Sleevers are??? You keep me inspired daily, and make me anxious to get back on that treadmill!!!! Ugghhh I'm sooo missing it right now. I know I'm going to be sore once I get back on. It only takes a few weeks for the muscles to get used to not doing much, but good thing is once you've been conditioned one time, it's not as hard to get back to what you know. THANK YOU for always being such a blessing for me!!! :wub: LOL!!! You totally cracked me up! I can't explain the reason I weigh so much. The few people in real life I choose to tell how much I weigh, they just look bewildered, like its so unbelievable. They say I don't look over 130 Lbs. Ha!! I wish!! I know the fat removal from my legs will make a big difference, but I still think I'll be in the 160's somewhere. Which is perfectly fine! My ultimate goal has already been met... and now just to continue on with my healthy and fit lifestyle. Life's good!!!!!

Thank you!!! :biggrin5:

Girl you KNOWS I love ya... BUT HEECCKKKK NOOOOO!!!!!!!!! :smokin:

LOL I know that's what I keep telling myself... its worth the pain, the results are already showing - even with all the swelling!

Hi everyone. I'm doing a bunch of pics right now and I look up at the calendar... and to what do happen to see? Today is the 15th. It is my monthly Sleeversary!!! Today I am exactly 14 months post op. I can't really keep up anymore. For some reason I thought I was 15 months out. Anywhoo... I just thought I would share a few photos with you all. I haven't done this in a really long time. At my highest weight I was over 330 Lbs. I wore a TIGHT size 28W and 3-4X tops. Today I am 175 Lbs (height 5'7). I wear a solid 6 and S or XS tops. I recently bought a Size X Small workout pants. I'm just blown away... I seriously thought I'd never be living my dream. BUT I AM!!!!! You will too... work hard and always believe. This WILL be your reality too, for all those just starting out or looking into getting the VSG. Best. Thing. I've. Ever. Done. I did this by... hard work and many workouts. I am a runner. I pull 2-3 hours of intense workouts 6 days per week. Ok, not in the last few weeks, but that's because my legs have been thru a tornado. Anyway, my eating habits were very simple. Semi low carbs. Around 60g total for the day. I indulged from time to time. I was never perfect. My best buddy besides the sleeve however that got me here? MY POSITIVE ATTITUDE. I wear it well. BEFORES: CURRENTS:

Okay folks... it's time for a photo update. I finally got around to uploading / resizing / cropping the photos. These are NOT for the faint of heart! LOL :smile1: Yes, its as painful as it looks. I do feel a whole lot better but I'm still recovering. The bruising is fading and swelling is going down a tiny bit every day... but it's still there. Also, here is the finish product for my Breast Augmentation. I am 3 months post op now. I am currently a 34 DDD (F) - however, it's time to go to a 32 band now. I think I'll wait, because I'm having lipo in my waist so that might cause some swelling for awhile. <<<Comparison / Before

^^^ LUCKY!!! That said, I was one of the ones who had to sleep on my back for a few weeks. I'm a tummy sleeper too so it wasn't that great... *sad face* Get some comfy pillows to prop you up, unless you have the money for a new recliner. If you do, get one! They're just nice to have around for any reason. LOL

Taste buds change a lot straight after surgery. They do go back to normal in time, so the best thing for all these issues is time and patience. That said, I LOVED the RTD Atkins shakes post op. I still do. I drink them even today I like them so much. I'll have one for Breakfast when I just don't feel like have anything else. eggs were a staple of mine that early out. topped with some cheese, that adds a little Protein. I would also Water down a lot of the drinks, because at that stage even a tiny bit of protein helps. It's really hard, and for me impossible to hit my protein goals at that time. The main focus was getting all the fluids in. Protein second... Good luck! Yes, I know I already said this earlier... lol ;o)

Are you even kidding me right now? Every girl dreams of being a beauty like you. smh... BTW: I sooo can't wait to get my butt back on the treadmill!!! Ugghh!!!

This was a fantastic read. I LOVED IT!! You are SO gonna rock your sleeve. I'm looking forward to watching your progress!!

Thank you!

Awww GORGEOUS!!! And this is my opinion only... but I don't see no way no how no 35 more pounds. Love ya!!!

Ha!! touche... I think I more meant the average person who really knows nothing about WLS... but I stand corrected. (((huggs)))

Well, I really can't speak for you but I want you to know I wish you well. I hope you get well very soon. Your recovery was much more intense than the usual. It would be hard to say when you'll feel better. Just keep doing the best you can with your fluids and electrolytes. Keep in close contact with your Doctors and let them know of any issues you might be having. HUGS!!! Please check in and let us know how you're doing.

Unfortunately this is the down side to sharing your surgery with others. I'm not against telling or not telling, that is an individual decision everyone should make on their own. However, knowing that, be prepared for all the "my friends, sisters, brothers, daughters.." type responses. They will most likely not be good conclusions to good intentions. Folks are more inclined to share dirty little stories than happy bright ones. Why are humans like this? I don't know, but it's just how it is. In my personal opinion there's really nothing you can do or say to this. I usually just say "I'm so sorry to hear that" and pretty much move on. Not knowing the full truth, what CAN I say? I know my ending was a good happy one. Is anyone out there sharing MY story? I doubt it. All the best!!!

Abso freaken lutely. I'm a total shopaholic now. Transfer addictions: New Clothes and Working Out. I used to avoid shopping like the plague. Don't get me wrong, I've always dressed cute, no matter what my size. But, it just wasn't as fun because not everything worked with my figure. It's much easier now to find clothes that look good on me. I've always loved to workout but wasn't as fun being so large. At my very largest I was a TIGHT Size 28W and a 3-4X in tops. Today I'm a solid 6 (some 4's), and Small tops (some XS). I even bought a new pair of workout pants at Target the other day in XS. OMG... shopping is SOOO MUCH FUN NOW! I do love going to the Goodwill. It really saved my life during my weight loss phase. I really don't know how I would've made it without it. The Goodwill up the road from me has 50% off entire store on Holidays. Can you imagine? I bought some barely or never used garments for a couple bucks a piece. Coats... ten bucks. Good ones! I always share with others complimenting my outfits where I got it / how much I paid... they're always amazed. I've even bought some clothes with the store tags still attached. C'mon... whatta deal!!! They were even designer clothes. In fact I'm wearing a kickass outfit today. I doubt I even paid more than 20 bucks for the whole thing. Have fun shopping!!!!

So... apparently its a 2 week recovery period for contouring the legs aggressively. That said, 2 more weeks and I'll be complete. Three full months for final results. YAYYY!!! :-)

This is great news!!! CONGRATS!!! Thanks for sharing your story with us - you look amazing and best of all HAPPY. :smile1:

Absolutely, I have endured a lot of stalls all through my weight loss times. I did go very low carbs for a few days (not weeks) to break the cravings. I would then keep my carbs semi low for a good long time. This would always end my stalls and I'd be back to loserville. Good luck!

Well, I've heard a lot of theories, but this by far is the most detailed. As far as knowing why myself, I don't. All I know is I'm cold all the freakin time, even in Summer. However, if I do get over heated it's really bad... like heat exhaustion bad.

Hi there! Welcome to VST. I'm sure you are already getting familiar with our awesome website. You will find above and beyond all the support you will ever need right here! Everyone's always ready to answer any questions or just listen. Click here for a compiled list of things to bring with you to your hospital stay. Of course you pick and choose what you think you'll need - these are just made from many suggestions. All the best! Let us know how your surgery went.