kmwheel

Oh goodness, I can feel your pain. I definitely think that a band will help. At the very least, it might keep the incisions from pulling. I felt a lot better wearing a body shaper top to hold everything in, and it made me feel more stable. I substitute teach, but mostly high school, so it wasn't terrible when I went back, but I still found it hard to get my water and protein in. I am a side sleeper, too, so I felt a lot better when I could get positioned for that. I think that was probably about day 5 or 6 post-op...I sort of put a pillow under the side of my tummy so the incisions wouldn't pull.

I'm a little over a month out and I remember all of those feelings. If it makes you feel any better, that all feels like a distant memory. Were you given acid reducers to take? I did a LOT better when I remembered to take those and the Gas-x strips. My incisions started to feel a lot better in week 2, if I remember correctly. Seriously, it will go fast...give yourself time to heal. I hope that your work isn't too strenuous??

I think having a surgeon and staff who are willing to go to bat for you will make all the difference. I had a very similar thing happen to me, but I did not give up. It took me nearly two years to coordinate, but I ended up going self-pay in Mexico. I sincerely hope that you will get approval and be able to move forward with your life. Getting the sleeve is one of the best decisions I've ever made. The very best one, of course, was marrying my husband, who has always supported me and loved me no matter what! Let us know what happens!

I have the same issue. I get sort of sick and dizzy when I'm drinking the water. Just keep sipping or try flavors...that can help. I have to take a blood pressure pill that dehydrates me, so I feel like I'm fighting a losing battle. Hoping the dr. will prescribe me a different one when I go in Nov. I'm a little over 5 weeks out, too.

Those are adorable...you look great, too!!

You are so right about that. If he's really meant to be with you, he's going to love all of you. I think you'll be pleasantly surprised by his reaction. Everyone I've told so far has been really supportive and happy for me. If he isn't, there are more fish in the sea. But I'm going to say one thing to you...nobody is "out of your league". That's silly, self-defeating talk. Everyone wants to love and be loved by someone who "gets" them. If they don't get you...it's not your fault or theirs, but there are no leagues. I have been married 17 years and with this same man for 22. I'm sure there are some who'd say he's out of my league and vice-versa. But we get each other, we have the same sense of humor...he's in the military and very fit, I'm the least athletic and graceful person in the world. It's about feeling loved, feeling safe, feeling supported...

I used to wear a 9w and now none of my shoes fit. I'm in an 8.5 medium 35 days post-op.

Yes..it takes a couple of weeks, but then it will be pretty dramatic. I remember the first time I looked down and realized my boobs were bigger than my belly!! Don't worry.

I avoid them if I can. I'd rather have "real" food. I did drink one the other day (Premier Protein RTD vanilla from Sam's Club), and I made it through, but it's not my first choice. They're not terrible, they just feel so heavy on my sleeve.

That smile says it all. You are lookin' great!! I start water aerobics tomorrow with my mother-in-law...so excited.

The taste didn't bother me, but the rubbery texture did. I think they'd be worth a try, but not if you have to spend tons to get some. Do you have any Asian markets or even natural food stores around where you might get a bag to try? I might be willing to try simply.torri's idea of the crockpot, though. One of the grains I really like is quinoa...it does have some carbs, but it has protein, too, and it's really tasty to me.

I am so happy you're here and your date is coming up so quickly! I was sleeved 9/14 and already feel like it's the best decision I could have made for me (down 30 lbs.). I feel like I can look forward to being an active grandma now (in 10-20 years lol, my oldest is only 15) instead of watching from the sidelines like my mom with her bad knees, ruined feet, and terrible arthritis.

Amazing progress, thanks so much for sharing your story!!

That is so awesome. I always wondered if it would even be a good deal anymore to go to an all-inclusive resort, but now I think...absolutely. It would be fun to taste a lot of different things!! Congratulations on your vacation loss and all that walking!

I'm about 4 weeks out and I've been cooking and going out to eat quite a bit, and it hasn't been hard for me. In my case, the surgery has really cut back on my hunger, and I don't feel jealous or left out at all. I guess the best way I can put it is that food seems like art to me now...it's so pretty to look at, it smells good, and I even take little tastes, but I don't feel the need to shove it all in me. It has liberated me so quickly, I still can't believe it. I have three kids and a husband to cook for, so it wasn't like it was really a choice for me not to cook, but I have done a lot of pre-made oven meals and simple things for now. When I go out to eat, I just order something I'll be able to eat, have a little bit, and box up the rest. Nobody's even said a word to me or looked at me funny. Oh wait, one waitress said, "You didn't like your egg?" because I could only eat half of one egg. Nobody even gave me a second glance for ordering off the children's menu!

That's darn good cardio, though!!

I love this!

I have told WAY more people that I thought I would since I've been back. Only my husband and best friend knew prior to surgery because I didn't want people judging me or giving their "opinions" about going to Tijuana for the surgery. But...since I've been back, it's like my mouth just runs and I've told quite a few people...#1 because I'm so flippin' excited about the whole thing (28 lbs. in 3 weeks?? crazy!!) and #2 because I am that type of person who doesn't mind sharing if it can help someone else feel better about their decision. The only one who gave me any grief was my mom, but she was just mad because "what if something happened" to me? Other than that, I've received many kudos and supportive comments! I say do what feels best but don't let anybody else get down on you for decisions you make for your body and self.

I have the same knots! So glad to know they will go away, but they don't really bother me. I just figured they might be there forever. Thanks!

You look awesome! Thanks for sharing, you don't know how inspirational it is!

I had it when I was giving a test...it was deadly quiet. I just figured that maybe it sounds a lot louder to me because I can "feel" it, too? I don't think the kids noticed.

So far I am only walking and doing Tai Chi. I walk with my husband, and that's our time to talk. I really miss it in the wintertime when it gets too cold to go out. I'm not a huge workout person, but I have some little hand-weights and I like doing the Leslie Sansone Walk Away the Pounds videos when it's too cold to go outside. I'm actually pretty clumsy, so walking or marching is about my upper limit.

I am so thrilled for all of you and loving the compliments from my hubby as I'm slimming down. We are walking faster and harder, and I can't wait to start working out more together. My hubby's in the Army and very fit, so it feels good hearing it from him.

I'm not very far ahead of you, but a lot of people have said that you won't feel "real" restriction until you start on solids. I'll be interested to hear what everyone has to say. Sounds like you're doing fine!

Haha, I know that feeling. Can't wait to wear regular sizes everywhere!