Louisiana Girl

Noelria - having the surgery is a personal issue. You choose who or who not to tell. Not everyone will understand. Diane311, boots321, and Finding Myself - I hope your surgeries went well. Please keep us updated. It has been the best thing I did for myself. After the inital "why did I do this" period (a couple of weeks), I realized that before you know it, I will be eating the foods I love, but a LOT less of it. Now, I am 58 lbs down, who knows what pant size (since all I was wearing was stretch pants) to a 10 and even some 8's and from a 2x blouse to a medium. Wow! Who would have thought. Just stick with the program, protein, vitamins, fluids and stay positive! Keep your eye on the prize! YOU!

I didn't try anything until I was told it was ok to do. Once I started eating the foods I love (after 4 months), I didn't have a problem with any of them. Even popcorn, which was a big thing for me too. But now, I can go somewhere and know how much food I will eat before I start eating, and actually be able to stop when I know I should. What a change! I also don't have the cravings like I had before.

I am 6 months out. I made sure I followed doctor's orders regarding food progression, vitamins, protein, liquids. A little tough at first, but keep your eye on the prize! After 4 months, I could eat what I wanted in much, much smaller quantities. I didn't vomit once. Got uncomfortable with some foods, so I waited to try again. Everyone is different. I had 60 lbs to lose and am now at goal. I love buying all new clothes. I smile when I look at myself in a mirror. I love my sleeve. Well worth what I had to give up-- Stuffing myself because I had no self control. Good luck with your surgery!

Well, it's been about four months since my surgery. I have lost about 45 lbs and have had to go out and buy new clothes. What a glorious day it was, trying on my old clothes, and throwing them in the "get rid of" pile. I still have about 20 lbs to lose, so I only bought a couple of pieces as I need them. Those are even getting loose on me. But I'm smiling! I'm even starting to like the way I look. Granted, I have a little loose skin. But I'd rather loose skin than the fat. That had to be one of the best presents I gave to myself! Loving my sleeve!

Not to worry. We will see you next time. We've changed the location to Applebee's in Covington on Hwy 190 Serv Rd right off I-12. In case anybody wants to join us!

Wow! That's great! Love our sleeve! See you Thursday!

Bistro Byronz is in Mandeville at 1901 Hwy 190. Website is www.bistrobyronz.com.

Ginger - are you good with that? It will be so good to see you!

Aw Megin! I was looking forward to meeting you. Hopefully next time!

Kelly has a class, so we have to go at 12:15. Other than that, no schedules. We will go anywhere. Lol. So do we want to go to Byronz Bistro at 12:15? I'm txting with Kelly. She can't get on the website right now. Ginger, Meghan - are ya'll ok with that?

Hey ya'll. Beth - since you're limited on time, how about you select a place for lunch. We are very flexible.

Ok, it's time for another lunch. When and where? Miss ya'll. Also, anyone who is interested in coming to our support group lunches, please join us. We laugh and give support, discuss our successes and our setbacks.

FindingMyself - You are defintely NOT crazy to consider having the surgery. I thought the same thing. Why can't I just lose on my on. I tried, lost 15 lbs, just to gain it back. I just don't have the will power. I was sleeved on 1/18/12, with 60 lbs to lose. I don't post my weight loss until I go to the doctor. But at this point, three months out, I have lost about 35 lbs. Maybe a little more. I love the sleeve! At this point, I can pretty much eat what I want (a LOT less of it), although I am never hungry (thanks to the sleeve). Of course, you have to follow the doctor's plan and make sure you get in your protein, fluids, and vitamins. It feels good to have friends tell you how great you look, and of course there are a few that are concerned that I'm losing too much. He He! I love it!

Lynn tyre - Please do try and make our lunches. We have a good time and offer support and experiences. And laugh alot.

I am also 5'4" and felt every extra pound. I think anybody who has put on 60-100 extra pounds, will certainly not think it's crazy. Only those who can't understand the ups and downs of being overweight. How we feel about ourselves. How we, whether right or wrong, compare ourselves to others. Since my surgery, I have made so many changes; in my health and in how I feel about myself. Drastic - yes; Crazy - No! I am also to the age (59) where I feel it is time I did more than just want to be thinner and healthier. More than just exercise. More than just watching what I eat. Because just that didn't work for me. It took drastic! But happy about my decision. Good luck to all who decide to go this route. I believe you will not regret it either.

I had my surgery on January 18, 2012. So, I am about three months out now. I do remember thinking that I must have been crazy to do this. It does require a little work, but the sleeve is a tool, not the whole answer. Because they remove the fundus gland that produces a hormone that tells you when you are hungry, I am never hungry. When you get the protein in, it helps you feel satisfied, and makes this journey easier. Granted, I still head crave certain foods that use to be my comfort food, but then I think about this gift I have given myself, and what got me here in the first place. I don't weigh myself at home, but have probably lost close to 30 lbs. So, it is working for me. And believe me, I absolutely never thought I could do this.

So glad to have met ya'll! Can't wait til our next lunch. Ginger, let us know how it goes tomorrow!

Good luck tomorrow F4M. I'll be thinking about you! Good luck to all who are preparing for surgery!

Got my coupon!!

Sooo sorry... I "ass-u-me-d" ya'll went to the one in Mandeville. My bad!!! I said Mandeville on the address... :tongue2: Noon Monday is good for me. I can't wait to meet ya'll. And.. I will definitely need the break. Been working my fingers to the bone getting ready for this move. Went to the closing Monday, and have been getting stuff done at the new house, and packing. We are moving Friday. Yeah!! See ya'll then!

F4M - It's right across the street from Coffee Rani, where ya'll went last week. It's on Highway 190, right in front of TJ Maxx, Bath and Body Works, Hallmark store, and Albertsons. The address is 3434 Highway 190, Mandeville 70471.

Yes it is in Mandeville by Old Navy. Monday would be good. Is everyone in? Any time is good. I look forward to meeting you next time Meg.

Monday or Tuesday of next week is good for me. Not this week because of the closing (it better happen Monday) and the people I have coming to hook up and set up stuff at the new house. As far as a place, we could go to Le Madeleine which is right across the street from Coffee Rani. Anyplace ya'll like is fine with me. I can always find something to eat.

I was sleeved 1/18/12. I am 5'3" and weighed 193 at surgery. I've lost 18 lbs. My goal set by the doctor is 130. I'm really looking forward to getting to that weight again. It's been 15 years.

I found ya'll... So sorry I had to miss lunch. I can tell ya'll had a great time! Let's plan the next one now, so I can leave that day open. I'm in week 6 and can now eat fish and cooked veggies! I'm excited and kind of scared. Yesterday I drank a Myoplex Lite vanilla Protein drink and got a bloated sleeve. I then took a Gas-X (thanks Kelly) and felt better almost immediately. Haven't had any problems since my surgery, except for this one time. Won't drink that flavor again! I did fine with the chocolate a couple of weeks ago. Went to doctor today. Lost 9 more lbs, in three weeks.