Chancie

CONGRATULATIONS!! I often wonder where I'll be in a year..... I never in my wildest dreams imagine I'd be where I am at 6 months!!! Agian... congrats on your success!

Susan... It just keeps getting better and better!!!:wink0: When I bought cloths that finnaly"fit"... Oh my did the compliments start coming! I work in retail, and even some of my customers were commenting! I would run into people I hadn't seen in months, they would take a double look and say they almost didn't reconize me! It just gets better and better!!

WOOO HOOO!!!!! CONGRATULATIONS!! I know how WONDERFUL that feeling is!! My first "real" shopping trip was sooo exciting... able to buy clothes that fit and actually felt good to wear! I just wemnt shopping again, all my pants were getting tooo baggy in the butt and legs.... I am now a 16... and can wear a 14!!! I still can't believe it! And yep... I'm not buying at full price either... also bought 2 pair of 12's ( ha ha.... imagine that!! ) for 8 bucks for both of them at Kohl's ( my NEW BFF!!)

OMG.... what a negitive site!! I know when I was researching WLS I ran across a few negitives, nothing as severe as this. But we're all gonna hear "horror" stories with EVERYTHING. When I had my gall bladder out, I was back to work in 2 weeks ( could have gone back in 1 week ) and my friend had hers removed it took her 4 weeks to feel better. So everyone is differrent... and horror stories about ALL surgery, Doctors, etc. But I am glad I didn't see this before my surgery!:wink0:

I started walking on Sunday... decided it was time to add some cardio (plus the weight loss has slowed and I need to get it moving again) Anyway- it was BEAUTIFUL here- and wanted to get out of the house- so I dusted off my sneakys and off I went. when I got done I got in the car and drove what i walked to see how far I went... it ended up being EXACTLY 2 miles. And it took me 40 minutes. I didn't walk too fast and I didn't walk too slow, but enough to work up a little sweat. Did it in the same amout of time yesterday. My question is... am I doing it right?? LOL Is it too long a time to walk that distance? I was a bit worried about my knee, but it was fine!! I actually felt great afterwards!! And very surprised that I could even walk that distance. Trying to make this a daily habit... takes 30 days to create a habit, and just 3 days to break it! ( so they say:001_tongue:)

I quite coffee about a year prior to surgery- no paticular reason- just did. Was glad 'cause my doc doesn't like you to drink it. But I had a full canister in my fridge and started drinking it again.... adding my morning protein to it. When I went for my 6 month check up I asked him again why no caffine and he said it does not count towards your fluid intake, and it's a stimulant which could cause you to want to eat or "graze'.....and I might wwant to agree with him... I have noticed that I do want to eat more and now that I finished the coffee that i had, am switching to decafe. I just got tired of having cold protein shakes in the morning and adding my protein to my coffee was a nice diffence.

Hi Bama- Welcome!! You've got a positive attitude and thats half the battle! G'luck and keep posting! Daisy- Wow- I'm sorry you're feeling like this-and for the heartach you have. But it's time to do something for YOU. Prior to my weight loss, I was in so much pain with my Knee ( had to have knee replacement), had heel spurs and was just miserable carrying all that weight around. Now- 6 months later one of the things that everyone says at work is that I "seem happier" and smile alot more..... well- I DO- I didn't realize how much pain I was in, I became use to it, it was a way of life. I had the knee surgery prior to the WLS- and I can walk without pain, and the heel spurs are GONE. I am more focused in my daily duties at work as well. It's not a "cure all"- you still have to work at things.... and the weight loss won't make you happy- you have to want to do that. I got where I didn't want to be around people, started to become a recluse.... now- I look forward to going to work, meeting new people and just getting OUTSIDE of my house! Make one goal a day- like just smiling at your co-workers and saying a positive-happy G'morning! VA said it great- you make the choice each morning when you wake- make it a positive one!

Sorry- I posted this in the wrong spot:blushing:... but it was for you anyway LOL But.... thats a GOOD hospital pic!! I always look so AWFUL! but you actually look GREAT and it looks like you FEEL great too!!

The only contraversay I've heard about the Body Fortress Whey Protein shots is there was a re-call on them. They thought the lids had been tampered with. I've heard nothing more and they wouldn'be be on the shelf if that hadn't been resolved.

I LOVE The Super Whey Protein shots.... I still use them! I had ordered some from Proflect ( a case in fact! ) and they have an awful after taste. So I tried the Body fortress and they are good! And they were Cheaper! AJW- glad to hear your doing better!!

I went to subway about 5 months out... I ordered a turkey and cheese flat bread. I asked them to cut it in half ( they don't cut that for some reason ) and I was only able to eat the half. Taking my time too. I just can't eat bread.... which for me is a GOOD thing!!

Ok... I'm gonna say it.... excercise SUXS:001_tongue: But know its necessary! I've been lackin' in that department! Since I had total knee replacement in OCT prior to WLS( main reason for WLS ) I couldn't exercise- now I have no excuse. I did and still do my physical therapy exercises along with some stretching- but know I need to add some cardio to the mix. I've made all the excuses- Working tooo many hours- too hot and humid here in TN to walk outside... yadda yadda yaddaa.... But after my 6 month check up- and weight slowing down, and able to handle the heat better now that the weight is coming off... I have no excuse. So am going to start walking. Still tracking EVERYTHING- carbs, protein, calories. Carbs are my "Trigger" foods... so thats why I stay away from them!

Hi WayupNorth... I get the body Fortress at Wal-Mart in their pharmacy section, along with the EAS- The Body Fortress comes in alot of flavors...I'm not a fan of the strawberry or Vanilla- which surprised me ( I LOVE vanilla) it's about $15 for a big tub of it!

Thank you all for the kind words!! I still can't believe I posted that "before" pic:scared0::scared0: The only words I can say right now... is if I can do it... I KNOW you all can.... Just wish at times I had done it 10 years ago.....

I'm 6 months out... had my VSG on 2/9/09 I count EVERYTHING! lol Read your labels... takes me foreva to grocery shop, but it's worth it. I completly stay away from bread, pasta, rice and dairy. I might have some cheese and yogurt ( kroger has carb masters, great numbers and taste REALY good ) Sice I have so much weight to lose, this has worked for me. And my Protein drinks... I mix with water... not too terrible- and I didn't want the extra calories. Breakfast I use Body Fortress "cookies N'cream" and add it to my coffee... it's really yummmy. 1 scoop= 130 cals 3 g. carbs 26 g. protein or I'll have a ready to drink EAS 110 cals 2 g carbs 17 g protein Lunch and dinner are basicly the same every day- 3 oz of fish, chicken, turkey, tuna etc. and a veggie My plan calls for no red meat until goal ( but I have had a steak:blushing:) No pork- salad or fruit until 6 months- but I HAD to have salad... I love it. How much weight do you have/want to lose? I think that has a lot to do with it too.... I think because I have so much to lose- it came off faster. The less you have to lose- the slower. I have 55 pounds to goal- and my loss has slowed down. As long as the scale isn't going up- I'm ok with it. And it will go up 1-3 pounds and I lose that and stay on track. I know alot of people don't weigh every day- but I do- it holds me accountable for the day. Hope this helped some- you can PM me any time-

This is just my experience and my Doc's plan ok? My doc has a very strict plan- *400-600 cals *60-80 gr protein *64oz water ( or MORE ) *NO snacking *Stop drinking 30 minute prior to meals, and don't drink for 30 min. to an hour after meals. *Exercise I think most plans call for this, but I know alot of docs say to have a "snack" of cheese etc... I didn't and the past month is when I have "cheated" more, meaning I have snacked. I still can't eat in the morning, so I still use protein drinks for my breakfast. One of the things that got us overweight is not eating 3 times a day, so I always make sure to eat, even if it is a protein drink. Start keeping a journal, not just a food journal, but write down your thoughts, feelings, moods, when you eat and what you eat. I do this every morning after I weigh and take my shower.... it's my time to reflect.... I post my weight, plan my day, set my goals... and then I try to write at night, mainly putting down everything I have eaten... ( not always successful there) Water is also good when we think we're hungry, and we're actually dehydrated... Start measuring yourself! Do it once a week, I do it every Monday... and even if the scale doesn't move.. the inches do! Have patience! I will happen, just follow the rules. It's just frustrating and thats what groups like this is for to help us thru those ruff times! G'luck and keep us posted on your progress!

Congratulations on your surgery date!! I've always been curious as to why people got the band? It never crossed my mind to get it done...I guess it's because I knew if I was going to have WLS it was going to be PERMANENT. It was between the sleeve and Duodenal Switch, and that was because I had so much to lose, but am very happy with the sleeve! I know you will be too!

Tiffykins asked if anyones bodyshape had changed, and yes, mine did... I found out i have a waist! :lol0: More of an hour glass shape now, but won't tuck in my shirts 'cause of my belly... I've been researching about plastics.... sighhhhhhh........ all about the $$$$ and I don't have a green thumb so the money tree I planted died.... But I have heard that some plastic surgens do "package" deals... gotta research, and have been saving for it... Tummy tuck and legs still first on the list... I was a bit surprised by the legs... didn't think I would lose that much to make them do what they are doing:scared0:

CONGRATULATIONS Bob!!! Great news about the blood pressure! I was really lucky that even at my heavist I wasn't on BP meds, but after the weight loss my BP had come down ALOT and Doc was a bit concerned that it is too low, but said as long as I'm not dizzy or light headed he'll just watch it for now, so keep an eye on it. Keep up the good work! Isn't it such a GREAT feeling!!?

Hi Steve... First off congrats on your weight loss, and sorry I didn't see this thread sooner... I too had it BAD!! Doc put me on nexium at my first visit after surgery. It's a small world... I use to live in Cally too.. I started out in Monrovia, then we move out to San Bernardino County to Montclair. glad you're feeling better, sounds like you're on your way!! G'luck!! And thank you VA and soonto be skinny for the recipes!! Gonna give them a try!! They sound Yummmmmy!!

I REALLY hated pics at my heavist weight... and avoided the camera, but my sons friend snapped this one, I almost deleted it, but now I'm glad I didn't so I can remind myself how far I have come.... ( I can't believe I'm posting this!!!:scared0: ) Next pic is 3 months out.... I felt really good to be able to wear a dress... This was my 6 month check up pic.... I bought that blouse and pants about 5 weeks ago, and already tooo big!! ( look "frumpy":blushing: ) Thanks for all your support!!!And the nice comments!!:biggrin:

Good luck Cajun!! You can do it!!! Do you have a surgery date? Hope everything falls into place for you!!

Grr..... my chart from my excel page didn't work,.... so am posting it again so you can see the difference.....

I had my 6 month check up on Thursday- my Surgiversary was yesterday:001_smile: He was really pleased with my progress.... I'm at 65% of my weight loss ( wants us to be at 50% by 6 month mark ) So he was pleased. I didn't have to have any Labs done, we kinda strayed off the usuall routine because I lost so much weight so fast so he did them earlier... but since they all came back GREAT, we'll do them at 9 months. I've lost another 2 pounds:thumbup: One thing I did ask him about is that I started my period again, I hadn't had a period for about 3-4 months prior to surgery and that was in Feb...then I am like "Clock work" since June, and I notice the week prior.... I am craving sweets:scared0: He said this was normal, my body and my harmones are getting to a healthy level, and thats why I'm having a period again. I also asked him the coffee ( caffine ) question.... he explained that in the beginning it doesn't count towards your Fluid intake, and that caffine can make you have "cravings" and want to "snack". I gave up coffee a year prior to surgery, but this past month I was tired of cold Protein drinks in the morning so I started adding Cookies and cream whey protein to my coffee.... ( and it's pretty Yummyyy!! ) And....... I did notice I want to snack... but this could also be due to the fact I started to menstrate again....So- I'm going to decaf. He also had a consult with a band patient that is wanting to get sleeved- and asked if I would mind talking to her.... I said OF COURSE I'll talk to her!!! He brought her in with me, and we chatted a bit and I told her how happy and glad I chose this surgery, we exchanged e-mails and I also told her about this site... I havn't had a chance to write her yet, been getting ready for inventory at work and putting in some long hours, but I hope she joins! I know alot of you have had the band and could probably help her in her decision making! OK.... gonna post some numbers.... can't believe I'm gonna do this.... but I have been measuring my body since my first consultation w/ my surgen...... Monday-8/10/09 False Total lossNeck19.5154.5Wrist86.751.25Forearm12.5102.5Upper Arm16.5124.5Bust5543.511.5Waist594316Hips644618Thighs5236.515.5Upper Thigh30228Calf19.514.55Ankle10.759.51.25Ribcage4639.56.5Weight35421694.25 If you're not measuring... I'd suggest it... it's great on those weeks when the scale doesn't move.... but you'll be surprised at how much the inches do!!!

I've accomplished alot of my "goals" already! * Get HEALTHY- BP is normal, cholestol normal- Sugar-normal! * Be able to wear pants with a button and a zipper- NOT stretch pants! * Be able to cross my legs * fit in a booth at a restraunt * Be able to tie my shoes like a "normal" person * Be able to fit in a lawn chair ( and not think I'm gonna break it:blushing:) * Be able to walk and talk at the same time and not get so winded * Be able to clean my house in one day, and not have to stop every 15 minutes for a break * I can pull my car seat up and my belly doesn't touch the steering wheel! * I don't get up 5 times a night to go pee!! New Goals- * Be a size 14 ( or smaller) * Wear sexy lingerie ( matching bra and panties ) ( Not big Bloomers!! ) * Stop Smoking * Get to "ONEderland" * Make "Goal" by Dec. ( drastic... but am hoping ) I know ther is alot more... just what came to mind...