Maddie

WTG on the weight loss. Yes, I would suggest calling your dr to see if he will put you on a ppi, if you're not on one already. Best of luck.

MO LOSS INCHES 1---- 21.2---- 18 3/4 2 ----12.4----13 3 ----14.6----12 1/4 4-----7.8-----10 3/4

Oh, sweetie, I am so sorry you're having such a tough time. I don't have an answer for the throwing up. But, I really want you to know that things REALLY do get better. Most of us have obstacles in the beginning and the whole learning curve sucks, to be honest. But, if we follow the rules and keep trying, things get easier. Just remember your dr is only a phone call away and even a call to the nurse can get you some help oftentimes. We are all pulling for you. Hope you feel better soon. Big hugs your way.

I was also self pay and wish I had Blis insurance. I think it's so worth it. I had several complications and it was very expensive. Sorry I can't help with the negotiation stuff. Best of luck to you and your wife.

I did have a hernia repaired at the same time as my VSG. I have always had issues with reflux, and it got much worse after surgery. I didn't go to my dr as soon as I should have about it and ended up vomiting blood due to an ulcer in my esophagus. It was very painful and I ended up back in the hospital. Don't let it go. Get in touch with your surgeon. Mine put me on Nexium twice a day and it's really helping. Best of luck.

Cheri, I wish I did have a miracle cure for you. I'm only 4 months out, but I had a stretch there, when everything smelled terrible, looked terrible and tasted terrible. I just kept trying different things and sometimes retry others. I still don't want to eat much, but it's WAY better. I think many of us go through this phase. I do hope you get something to work for you soon. Take care of yourself.

So happy the CT scan was normal. Hope you feel better soon.

I have never heard of the stand up crunch. I am not sure yet if I can do it, but I am headed to youtube right now. Thanks again, Tiff, you're a lifesaver.

I read the posts of how people drop clothes sizes. How they go shopping for a 14 and end up with a 12 and so forth. I know you're not supposed to compare yourself to others,etc. I also know that we all have different builds and won't wear the same size at the same weight. So with that said... Here is my situation. I wore a tight 24 before surgery. As of 2 months ago, I could wear a size 18, if I held my breath. Today, I still have to hold my breath to zip them. And no way I can sit in them, they are so tight in the waist. My butt and legs are getting really small and I have tons of excess skin on those areas. My abdomen is still very round and plump with no saggy skin at all. I was wondering if any of you have had something similar where you don't lose in a particular spot. The reason that I am getting concerned is because I'm only 33 lbs. from goal. It's gonna suck if I have to wear a 20 forever. Besides a size 20 hangs off my butt and legs and looks so dumpy. I have waited and waited to go shopping for new clothes, but it's looking like there is no point and it's disconcerting. Another problem is that I have 4 bulging discs in my lower back that prevent me from doing crunches or anything like that. I would appreciate any feedback or advice. Thanks.

Since surgery, I have attended 2 family birthday parties. In our family, everyone volunteers to bring a dish. So both times, I brought deviled eggs, which is something that is safe for me to eat. At the 1st party, I had 1 deviled egg, a small piece of BBQ chicken. At the 2nd party, I had 1 deviled egg and a piece of ham. I just made sure to bring something I could eat and it worked. I have found that planning is the key. For example, your daughter wanted nachos, make a pot of chili to go with it. Chili is great with nachos. That way you get Protein from the beef and the Beans and stay on track. That has worked for me, hope it helps.

You are very welcome, hope you feel better soon.

Thanks for the response, Val. I hope your tummy melts away too. Best of luck.

Tiff, thank you so much. You just made my day. I feel so much better now. I had no idea a stationary bike would help. Sweet. (((hugs)))

Christie, I hate to sound like a parrot here, but I have told you here and on your blog that you are a HUGE inspiration to me. I couldn't mean it more. You are a shinning example of how the rest of us should be. I can't imagine just how frustrated you must be with those crazy hormones and TOM issues. But, the TOM issues can be contributing to Water weight. I hope things straighten out soon for you. Try to remember that when you are having hormonal issues, emotions ride high, including the fear you are feeling now. I know it's cliche, but this too shall pass. I only know you from the internet, but I know this much about you: - You are informed - You are focused - You are determined - You ARE and will continue to be successful As impatient as we all are for the weight to come off now, this is a marathon, not a sprint. You are doing the right things, just hang tough and know that we are pulling for you.

That is fabulous! Great job. (love the avatar, so pretty)

Miniiiiiiiiiiiiiii, you did it!!! YAY, I am so proud of you. You have worked so hard for this, and I am so proud of you. (((hugs)))

WOWZER, you look fantastic. Gratz on the great progress. I love seeing pics of b4 and after. It really keeps me motivated, so thanks for sharing.

Tomorrow is my 3 month surgiversary. To date I have lost 67.2 lbs. and a total of 44 inches!

Some stalls last longer than others. If you keep following your surgeons plan, the weight will come off. Hang in there.

My dr recommends 60g per day. There are a few possible side effects from getting too much Protein. 1-You blood can turn acidic. The body will try to correct this by releasing Calcium from the bones to make the blood more basic. This is just one more reason why we MUST take calcium supplements. 2-This can also lead to calcium deposits in your blood stream that can result in kidney stones. 3-Too much protein can also cause constipation. Follow your surgeons recommendations for protein intake. Also, remember that your body can only assimilate around 25g of protein at a time. So if you drink 50g in a Protein shake, half goes to waste anyway. Space it out throughout the day. As far as fat intake, I don't track it. However, I do use the common sense approach. I don't eat fried foods and use fat free dressings, etc. Since I am limited as to how much I can eat, I only eat what I love. I do not like fat free or low fat cheese, so I use the regular ones but, only in moderation.

In varying degrees, most of us will suffer from head hunger, from time to time. At 4 months out, I can say that I deal with it much better than I did in the beginning. Fortunately, I find that I want to eat healthier. Sweets and fatty foods don't even appeal to me anymore. I just hope it stays that way.

The only time I had nausea, was from taking meds. There were a few that upset my stomach every time I took them. After I was home, the only time I got sick was sometimes when introducing foods back into my diet. Not everything agreed with me. Due to some complications, I had total buyers remorse for a while. Now, I can honestly say that I would do it all over again. I love my sleeve.

I was told to chew until it becomes the consistency of applesauce.

It depends a lot on what you eat. If you are eating mostly dense Protein, you will feel full quicker and stay full longer. When you eat "slider" foods, you will notice that you can eat much more. It takes a while to figure out how to tell when you have reached the point of being satisfied. Journaling what you eat can really help.

Gratz on getting a date for so soon. Be careful not to buy too many Protein powders, etc. ahead of time as many people's taste change after surgery. I don't have a Trader Joe's where I live, so can't help with that. But, I'm sure someone else can. Best of luck with your surgery, keep us posted.