MsC

Well... here is my morning pile o' pills: iron supplement (cause I am a girl and we need that), Multivitamin, B-100 (multi-B from Costco), CoQ10, Alpha lipoic acid (helps Type 2 Diabetes), Chromium (ditto), kelp, resveratrol, cinnamon (again, for maintaining level blood sugar), vitamin C, and something for joints with glucosamine and MSM. Before bed I take: magnesium, calcium, vitamin D -- the first two keep muscle cramps at bay. I am just completing day 5 of my 2 week all liquid diet. Not easy but I seem to be getting into a rhythm. At least my head wasn't as foggy today.

Soon2B -- I am so sorry. This is really a long process but a good surgeon is worth the wait. And October is a fabulous time for a change. I wish you all the best. And hey, Thanks for calling us "Beauties!"

Mine is Sept. 23! Starting out the first day of Fall with a new lease on life!

Hi Janet, I will be sending positive energy your way on Friday! Your surgery is one week before mine. I hope to hear your update. This is a great site, I have been reading it every spare moment and have learned so much about what to expect. Cheers to our improved health!

Try looking at a proper BMX style bike -- avoid Next and Huffy -- a good brand would be Haro or similar. BMX bike has smaller wheels, small frame and high handle bars designed for maneuverability while flying through the air / doing tricks. The seat can be adjusted low for a smaller rider. The smaller wheels have more spokes so they tend to be tougher. And the frame accommodates a lower seat height. They are created for the impact and abuse of tricks and jumps so should work very well for a heavier rider. Another thing you could look for is called a "dirt jump" bike or a "park" bike. They will be a little bigger and have a front shock but will be equally strong, albeit a little more expensive. The riding position should be comfortable for standard street riding on all bikes mentioned above. (credit goes to my bicycle-crazy husband for all info.)

Lanette, I completely relate to your plight with the gears! My husband, a bicycle expert, says older bikes that haven't been well maintained shift badly. I had a good quality bike that I had purchased used from a friend many years ago. I never could get the gears thing down (it had 18 gears.) So my husband helped me find the perfect replacement bike for my needs and I LOVE it. It is a cruiser with 3 simple gears on the right handlebar marked (1, 2, 3.) I ride on paved trails and neighborhood streets so this is all I needed. Also it is a belt drive so it doesn't need to be oiled or get rusty, it is silent and doesn't squeak! My husband also comments that "I think the main thing if somebody has trouble shifting is to get the internally geared hub." Hope that helps. By the way, for other reluctant riders who are worried about their weight... I have been riding even at my highest weight of about 365 and I am in my late 40's. It is easier on my joints than walking. Just make sure that your seat is at a correct height for you. If everything is adjusted correctly for you, you can enjoy without pain. Oh and invest in a wide and comfy seat, upright handle bars, whatever is best for you! And buy a good helmet! Good luck, Carol FYI: I have not yet been sleeved, it is coming up on Sept. 23. I hope as I drop some pounds I will be able to ride more / farther! A pic of my bike

Hi fellow Texans! I want to introduce myself! I am 48 years old and have been over-weight as long as I can remember. I started gaining weight quickly at about age 6. At age 9 I was placed on full thyroid replacement (Hoshimoto's disease.) I was 220 in high school and have gone up slowly from there. For many years I rocked along just fine but in the last 10 years I have lost my energy and stamina. I have arthritis and major pain in my feet. Last year I became Type 2 diabetic. My primary care doctor suggested this surgery to me and I am so grateful that he explained the concept of the sleeve. I have spent the last year reading about and researching the surgery -- I feel like I have made the right choice. I am finally done with the long process of getting approved by the insurance co. and my surgery date is 9/23/11 with Dr. Colleen Kennedy! I am excited to get on with the changes. I have a TWO WEEK pre-op diet still ahead of me and I am nervous about that. (Note: PreOp diet is 2 wks. because my BMI is over 50.) I will be so proud of myself if I can stay on that pre-op diet for two weeks!!! I hope that I don't bite someone's head off at work LOL! I don't know anyone personally who has had sleeve surgery so I am VERY THANKFUL for this message board and all of you sharing your experiences. All the best to my fellow Texas Sleevers!!! Ms C