Maddie

You are off to a really good start. So glad to hear that the aches and pains are getting better. One month off work, WOO HOO! Enjoy.

They gave me Crystal Lite at the hospital.

determined1, you are very welcome.

Globtrotter, glad it helped. :wink0:

I went through that too. I'll be at the 4 month mark in 2 days and I think things started tasting good again about a month ago. I literally had to make myself eat and drink. I just had no desire, plus nothing tasted good. Part is due to the surgery and losing your appetite and part is due to anesthesia and other drugs you've been on. It's normal for people after any surgery to complain that their taste buds changed for a few months.

On days like you just had, I know it's really tough to focus on anything else. But, sweetie, it will get better. Take it from someone who was recently in your shoes. Hang in there.

I would be terrified to do an experiment like that!

At 2 months out, that's pretty much how it should be. Potato chips for example are considered a "slider" food. Meaning it passes through the stomach easily and quickly. Dense Protein on the other hand stays in your stomach longer, thus keeping you full longer.

That's why you have to remember that the sleeve is just a tool. It's still up to you what you eat. Eat the right things and you'll lose, eat the wrong things and you'll gain.

As time goes on, you will be able to eat more dense Protein, etc. But, like I said, at 2 months a few bites should fill you up.

When I had mine done, the 1st time, they hooked me up to monitors, etc. Since there were irregularities, I went for a 2nd night. I was hooked up to the same stuff as before, but this time I also slept with a CPAP mask on. The CPAP stopped my sleep apnea. Even better, it was no time at all after my surgery that I didn't need it anymore. Just one more great benefit from having weight loss surgery.

I don't recall any particular day, but I do remember having those feelings. I think a lot of us do, as we prepare for this journey. Like thinking, I'll just try one more time to diet, or I know I can beat this alone. Well, many of us can't do it alone. food addiction is real and sometimes we can't do it on our own. Don't beat yourself up over this. Instead rejoice in the fact that you have found a way to finally deal with it, once and for all. Yes, there will be good days and bad days ahead, but, trust me when I say that the good will begin to out number the bad before you know it.

I can't see the photos either, and I love seeing them.

You really set the bar for the rest of us. Your attitude, preseverence, and zest for life really do set a shinning example for everyone and are living proof that we can get there too, someday.

Best of luck on conceiving and with your new venture.

Twiggy: I Wanted To Look Like Marilyn Monroe

WOW! That's shocking.

I have yet to hear of a single person that has not lost with VSG when they are following drs orders. Sorry to say, but the band is crap for a lot of people. If you do what your surgeon an nut. suggest, you will succeed. If I may steal a quote from our on site guru, Tiffikins, "you did not fail your band, your band failed you".

Men are now subject to Vanity Waist Sizes........

Are Your Pants Lying to You? An Investigation

September 7, 2010 at 8:30AM by Abram Sauer

The devastating realization came in H&M. Specifically, in a pair of size 36 dress pants. I'd never bought pants at H&M before, and suddenly asked myself: how could a 36-inch waist suddenly be so damn tight?

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I've never been slim ? I played offensive line in high school ? but I'm no cow either. (I'm happily a "Russell Crowe" body type.) So I immediately went across the street, bought a tailor's measuring tape, and trudged from shop to shop, trying on various brands' casual dress pants. It took just two hours to tear my self-esteem to smithereens and raise some serious questions about what I later learned is called "vanity sizing."

Your pants have been deceiving you for years. And the lies are compounding:

The pants manufacturers are trying to flatter us. And this flattery works: Alfani's 36-inch "Garrett" pant was 38.5 inches, just like the Calvin Klein "Dylan" pants ? which I loved and purchased. A 39-inch pair from Haggar (a brand name that out-testosterones even "Garrett") was incredibly comfortable. Dockers, meanwhile, teased "Leave yourself some wiggle room" with its "Individual Fit Waistline," and they weren't kidding: despite having a clear size listed, the 36-inchers were 39.5 inches. And part of the reason they were so comfy is that I felt good about myself, no matter whether I deserved it.

However, the temple for waisted male self-esteem is Old Navy, where I easily slid into a size 34 pair of the brand's Dress Pant. Where no other 34s had been hospitable, Old Navy's fit snugly. The final measurement? Five inches larger than the label. You can eat all the slow-churn ice cream and brats you want, and still consider yourself slender in these.

Full Story:

Pants Size Chart - Mens Pant Sizes by Brand - Esquire

Thanks so much. (((hugs)))

That dress look great on you. WTG on losing 30 lbs.

Sounds delicious, right up my alley. Thanks for sharing.

I love mine. It's great for Protein Shakes, and for making mushies.

Glad to hear you are doing better. Keep up the good work, you are on your way!

Just around the corner, how exciting is that? It will be here before you know it and you will be on your way to a new life. Best of luck. Keep us posted.

Welcome and gratz on making the decision to have a healthier life.

I used to have a few migranes a month. Since my surgery almost 4 months ago, I have had one! I don't know why, but who cares, lol.

While you are trying to figure out why you are not losing, remember this...you haven't gained. How many times in your past have you been on a diet and lost 50-70 lbs, just to gain it all back plus some. I did it plenty of times. I know you're frustrated but try to focus on that and know this tool will work for you, you just have to identify the problem. Some ppl do have long stalls, just keep doing the right things and you'll get there. Hang in there, we are all pulling for you.

Thanks so much for your responses. Your kind words help to keep me going in the right direction.

One week out is way too soon to try course veggies and salsa. You have to give your new tummy time to heal and to prevent leaks. It is very important to follow the guidelines your surgeon gave you. Be careful and don't push. The liquids and mushies will be over before you know it.

My granddaughter walked up and hugged me around the waist, and said "Nana, look, my arms go all the way around you now"! It was a first and it felt so good that a 6 yr old would even notice the change. I smiled all day long.

Check you out! You look great. I am very happy for you.

Tiff, thanks so much for this post. It's so easy to get distracted from the real progress we are making day to day. This reminder really helped me, so again, thanks!