Valentina

Well??????? We're waiting to hear from the "new and lesser" you. Each day is a step into the "new" you. You got this! Today is a tough one. It gets easier--- I promise. Valentina

My worst: My S.O. committing suicide while I was having my surgery. My best: Being warmly welcomed back on Bariatric Pal after being gone for so long and being validated that John's suicide really wasn't my fault.

Ladies! Do we need to get the Water hose to break this up? Please get down off of your hind legs and take a deep breath. Are we all hear to share, support, listen and learn? Even if we do not always agree with another's opinion, aren't we at the same time "learning" that we really DO believe in our own beliefs and the reasons why we do (or eat) what we do? I am a dairy farmer's daughter, so of course I eat red meat (I can and have slaughtered animals myself--such is the circle of life on a farm). I'm sure there are vegetarians who own leather shoes ,wallets, purses, or gloves, wear silk garments, have had sutures made of animal gut, or even had a flu shot--all of which comes from slaughtered animals. Yes, I loved cream in my coffee and butter on my home made bread. I am also severely allergic to all legumes--especially anything soy. Try balancing all of that with a successful post sleeve diet. But ya know what? I thoroughly enjoy reading how other's are coping with their up bringing, their day to day diet pre surgery, and how they are or are planning to adapt those eating habits for the "new life" of post bariatric surgery. Our minds should never be soo closed that there is no room for a new idea or thought. It may not prove to be right for you, but one can never be over informed. Be kind, patient, listen, absorb whatever will benefit you, and store the rest in the archives of your mind for a later discussion. Diversity is what this country is all about. We are all free to speak as we wish, worship as we wish, go where we wish and even eat what we wish---as long as we do no harm. I think that is a pretty good mantra to live by.

just pick a thread and join the conversation.

You're in the starting gate--just waiting for the best of your life to start. It is sooo exciting!!!----yet at the same time soooo scarey!! Ever notice how the horses who are in the starting gates are pawing and stomping the ground?? They have trained and trained and trained and now are ready to get going!!!--just waiting to hear the starter's pistol. It's the same with each of us the day before sugery. Take a deep breath, steady your breathing, put your head down, and wait for the starting pistol to fire... Prayers going skyward for you and some peace of mind. We are all starting to "inch" over to make room for you on The Losers' Bench. One step at a time. Please keep us posted, Valentina

Night time was my downfall. I have to get up every couple of hours to stretch my back and would just "graze". I moved my bedroom upstairs away from the kitchen. I also take a Greek yogurt to bed with me along with a glass of crystal light. If you're up and about, come onto this site. If I'm not here, there is usually some other night owl to chat with... ZZZZZZZZZZ, Valentina

I am back on track and leaving dust behind!! Of course, I will be your friend and if I can help you in ANY way, please do not hesitate to ask. My sleeve is still viable and now that I'm back WORKING WITH "Sleevy" instead of against him, I'm losing weight again. I had spinal surgery which is limiting my exercising right now, but I am having P.T. in the pool, so for now that is my exercise--and it's a good workout. Be healthy, and let's keep in touch!!! Valentina

When I get a migraine and am away from my Fioricet, I take 800mg of Ibuprofen, a double expresso and find a dark, quiet place. ---like a really hot bath with no lighting except one candle. I have chronic migraines since my spinal surgery, so I know your suffering. Feel better, please. I'll light my candle for you.

I've tried them. I have some in the fridge right now. I put the "rice" or "small pasta" in broth. They really have no flavor of their own and will pick up the taste of whatever you put on them. They are a nice tool to use. Just remember to rinse, rinse, rinse them before using them as they have an "odd" odor to them--not a bad one, just odd.

To the right person: "within a blink of an eye". It they're not "the one": "Forever and a day still not long enough". Can't force it, wish it, dream it. What will be will be. Enjoy and laugh often and enough for when tears and anguish come.

Are you really going to leave it there? Do you always pitch and then turn away before seeing whether the pitch has been caught? Where are you going?!!! I'm no dentist, but.... Can't say. Won't say. I'm sorta in Her Majesty's Secret Service type of thing.......I could tell ya....but then I'd sworn to uphold the code.........007 stuff. Suffice to say it's gonna be a destination of sun, fun, Water, rum drinks and tequila shots while watching scantily clad beauty parade around and laugh at the pale big guy in the boots 'n swim trunks tipping his hat. Those boots and that cowboy hat may be the only possessions I retain as I may decide to never come back. Who needs or wants the pressures of a job.....and the day to day drama? Not me. I pity the fool who gets in my way. Boots, hat and a handful of Protein bars and I'm out. Lawd.....I hope they either have Starbucks or Jamaican Blue Mountain coffee in that part of the world...............gotta maintain my addictions. If there is going to be any surf fishing, take me along!!! I love it and am actually very good at it.--never had one of my fisherman knots slip--ever! Great fun--catching big stripers and winter fluke--and then bar-b-que'n them!!! yum (all protein! )

"I will pray for you" and walk away. They are left standing with NOTHING to say. Every situation needs a "hero". Don't lower yourself to their level. You're better than that!

Thank you. I did ween off the caffeine, (I was only a 2 cup a day person, no soda or other flavored drinks) but not 100%.I had some green tea. I miss it. But I usually do not use artificial sweeteners at all. I don't mind Water, I love water. And I am getting in my 67 ounce jug a day, I drink from it all day. And my bone broth. Maybe I should stick with just that for a bit. In the hospital they did give me torodal (sp?) which helps w/ inflammation and I never had a headache. But since home I have been using the popsicles and powerades, no caffeine at all, nada I'm having a bad one since 4am yesterday. I don't have a heating pad, nope. But I have a "Thumper" level of massager, really nice too. PS This is my third day home, I think. lol Way off sleep schedule. Hey! I am the other Fibro. Suggestion: When I had spinal surgery, I went through caffeine withdrawal which sent me into a persistent migraine. Over the years (yes, I am old!) I have found that the only thing that touches my headaches is Fioricet. It is 1/3 pain killer, 1/3 Tylenol, and 1/3 Caffeine. Ask your MD. It's worth a try. It works wonders for me. Feel better and keep us posted. Now--call your MD and TURN OFF THE LIGHTS!

I may be old school (63), but when did a spouse telling his/her wife that "eating Starbursts will make fat" become Domestic Violence? I've been married 36 years and along the way to becoming 80 lbs overweight, my wife told me "to stop eating so much" many times along the way. It was hurtful to hear, but absolutely true and probably helped motivate me to finally take action. Do you think anyone struggling with obesity should be eating Starbursts? Do you think any average weight person enjoys seeing their spouse gain weight (while continuing to overeat)? Do you think spouses should speak honestly about their feelings with one another, particularly in matters of health? I'm not saying preacher boy is in the right, but I've read nothing here that convinces me he's ready to be charged with a crime! I'm still waiting to learn if the OP has told him how SHE FEELS about her weight and his lack of support. Though, I think telling a spouse to stop eating is as productive as telling a skunk not to stink, I do agree with most of this post. I wrote my feelings and opinion about what I think this lovely young lady should at least try in my first post. I do hope she goes back and reads it again and again and again. Couldn't hurt!

Of course you're not alone--not with all of us rooting for you! I have always been an advocate of a good cry. I think it is good for body and soul. We cry at weddings, when a baby is born, when our children graduate and of course at times when we are in pain--mentally or physically. I believe that crying cleanses the body and the spirit. My grandmother used to say that her eyes were "leaking". Go ahead and give it all you got, girlfriend. I bet you'll feel better. Feel better and let us know how you're doing!

When I'm out and about, I set my cell phone alarm, so I am reminded to eat. After all of these years, I still do not get hungry and if I'm busy, I just don't. But later either that day or the next I will feel fatigued. That is when I remember that I didn't eat. Setting my cell alarm helps keep me on track.

Come next Thanksgiving, I'm going into hiding--maybe vacation in Bermuda!

That's how I've tried a bunch! Quest also sent their samples in a order that my mom did for protein bars. This site sells Quest as does GNC. Both sell individual sizes and also variety packs. I picked up some Quest Protein powder today and on top of the tub was a sleeve of recipes. I tried the "Lava Muffins" and was pleasantly surprised. They have 60 cal./ 8gr protein and <1gr sugar. It was a nice treat.--especially when the "lava" gooped out when I cut it in half.

Hang in there. There will be much better days! My advice is to --breathe. Try to relax, take a breath and just try to mellow out when drinking. The looser you can keep yourself the easier drinking will be. Be kind to yourself. Don't fight your "new you". Embrace it and you two will have a long and wonderful life together. Fell better and keep in touch.

Please, let me know when you learn more. I'm beginning to look like "Tom the turkey" !

I am also back after a 4 year absence. I am more determined than ever. I'll have my eye on you, girlfriend. Hope you will do the same for me. Welcome back!

I just started to use "Quest" powder--vanilla. Using my own extracts, I can make any flavor I want. This morning I had a licorice Protein shake. Yum!! Tomorrow I think I'll have a Peanut Butter flavored one.

I can say personally that a sleeve does not stretch much if any because of incorrect eating. I was sleeved and then immediately refused to acknowledge the surgery. Now after 4 years, I reweigh and find that I am still 30lbs less than my surgery date weight. I am now back on track and running with it and am sooo excited to be myself again. My point being that if a sleeve was able to be stretched, mine certainly would have. Nope, "Sleevey" is alive and "holding his own".

You'll get the hang of it. Nothing fancy. Just let us know how you're doing. If you have any questions, just ask. We may not always that the best answer for YOU, but we will always have an answer!!! Welcome!

Men are just brats. Simple.