ShellBear

Congrats, you look amazing! I will be a year post op on August 29th! "Go All Stars"! I am in maintenance mode now, teedering between 133 and 137. I tend to snack more than I should and I struggle sometimes to keep my head in the game. I will continue to fight though! I refuse to ever let myself slip back to the way I was, I intend to keep my new found health and energy (and rockin bod)! Keep up the good work and stay strong! GOD Bless! ((HUGS)) Shell

I don't believe you have to worry about stretching your stomach at this point. However, you may want to measure your portions to try to determine when you first feel thet "pinch" and then next time stop eating a little before you hit that point. I will be a year post op on August 29th and I can definitely say that this takes time. Just take it slow and test out new foods cautiously. It's like learning to eat all over again. Try not to stress, your body will tell you when you are moving to fast. Hang in there and remember that eventually you will be able to enjoy all or most of your old favorites again, just in smaller portions. Good luck and God Bless! Hugs, Shell

Bet patient, you are still retaining liquids from the IV fluids. Give yourself at least another week or so before you check the scale again. You are still in healing mode. Just sip sip and walk walk and make sure you get plenty of rest. Congratulations on your new journey to health and happiness! Hugs, Shell

What a bummer, I hope you feel better soon. God Bless!

I just registered for my first 5K. The Color Run is set for August 4th in Sacramento. Check it out, sounds like a lot of fun! The Color Run http://thecolorrun.com/sacramento/

This is a great NSV! I know exactly how you feel. I can't believe I can actually lift myself out of the bathtub now! Congrats to you and have an awesome day! Shell

Get ready for a wild roller coaster ride! There will be moments of sheer (sexual) bliss and moments of sheer emotional craziness. When we lose weight the estrogen or testosterone that is stored in our fat is released into our bodies and can cause some wild behavior. My sex drive went through the roof and my hubby was a little overwhelmed at first, but we have had fun with this new found energy and confidence. I am 6+ months out from surgery and have lost a total of about 108 lbs (45 before surgery). My life has changed drastically and I am estatic. Congratualtions on you life changing choice! God Bless! ((HUGS)) Shell

:wub: OK, now I'm blushing! Thanks guys! Love you all!

Thank you all for your kind words and constant support. I am truly at peace now and finally happy in my own body. Back and hip pain - GONE! Thank God and thank Dr. Fisher at Kaiser Richmond! Love you all!!!! Big hugs, Shell

OK, I haven't posted many of my own forums but I am 3 pound from my goal and I wanted to share my journey with my VST family. I started my journey at 241 lbs and lost 45 before surgery weighing 196 when I had my sleeve surgery (August 29, 2011). I am at 133 now, once I hit 130 I will move in to maintenance mode as my husband has made it very clear that I don't need to lose anymore. LOL He has been so great through this crazy roller coaster ride! My emotions have been so wacky through this whole thing,there have been times that I thought I was going crazy, trying to figure out just what the hell I was crying about or will I ever stop feeling sorry for myself. I am happy to say that the hormone/crazy emotions have settled down now and I am feeling almost normal again. I am thrilled with my weight loss and I have so much energy that I don't even look at my couch anymore (I just can't sit there and do nothing). I would rather crank up the music and get on my treadmill or clean the house (who would have ever imagined). Any way, I just want everyone to stay strong and keep fighting for a healthier life. We all deserve the best! Hugs to all and God Bless! Love, Shell -----Of course, the pics are out of order cuz I couldn't figure this thing out! LOL

We were told we could partake as soon as we felt able and ready. That being said, we were warned to refrain from any rough housing (take it easy for a while) LOL

I have taken advil PM. It settled just fine and gave me a couple nights of blissfull sleep. I am six months out though so I'm not sure if it would be an option at five weeks out. Hope that helps ((Hugs)) Shell

LOVE IT! Life is good!!!! Keep rockin that sleeve! ((HUGS)) Shell

Welcome, and congrats on your impending surgery. I began my journey end of May last year and had my surgery on August 29th. I lost 45 lbs before surgery and about 60 since surgery for a grand total of 105 lbs. I am about 6 lbs to my goal and I feel awesome! This is the beginning of a new life. We love new members and look forward to hearing all about you and your journey. Keep us updated and feel free to share your thoughts, concerns, and success stories. God Bless You! Shell