ElaineB

I was told not to worry. Mathematically it has to happen. For the first time in my life I don't have to obsess about it.

I'm almost 3 weeks post op and 3 days broken up with the boyfriend. That didn't take long:). I'm not even sad. I am 43 and I've had more personal growth in my forties than in the 2 decades prior. I stayed 18 years with my ex husband. This has only been less than stellar for a few months. I'm learning faster and raising my standards. I've realized I can feel sorry for myself, but ultimately, no one can treat you poorly if you don't let them.
I'm feeling empowered and feisty. I guess I will be single indefinitely. . I love this thread, by the way.

I ate out a ton before sleeve and thought I would quit post. But, I'm about 3 weeks out and have eaten out several times with no problems. I had a cup of vegetable beef Soup at Denny's that was excellent. I just left the corn and Lima Beans in the bowl. I tried a cup of vegetable soup at Cracker Barrel and it didn't work out as well. It had too many vegetables, too many fibrous vegetables, so I had less than a quarter of the cup. I did the 2 for 20 at chilis. I let my sons choose the app, they ordered one meal they both liked, I ordered grilled fish, gave them my sides and gave them 3/4 of my fish. I tried chili at steak and shake, but couldn't eat it because it was too greasy and spicy. I think it's trial and error, but usually easy to find something I can enjoy. I have never been a huge fish lover, but surprisingly, it's become my favorite. Grilled fish can be found almost anywhere. I've eaten out with my kids, who don't know I had this surgery, friends and family and no one has made me feel strange or awkward. I don't make a big deal of it and I don't think anyone has noticed. My strategy has been to order a cup of soup or chili, share a meal or take it home. Even when it hasn't worked, like the bomb at steak and shake, it wasn't a problem. I still enjoyed being out, the people I was with still enjoyed it and I just ate something later at home. I'm learning to enjoy these events for the people I'm with and the socialization and not look on it like a last meal:). Every time I can go and make a healthy choice and turn away from an unhealthy one, I feel great about myself. Love this sleeve.

M&m, I'm so sorry about the leak. That is really bad luck, but I'm glad you were on the ball and caught it early.
From about 2 1/2 weeks out until 3 days ago, I was having the worst time. I would eat a little and then feel so tight, painful and nauseous. With everything except maybe a plain cracker. It was awful. I was starting to worry I would never be able to eat without pain and sickness. Then 2 or 3 days ago, a miracle. I can eat and don't feel sick afterwards. Thins aren't feeling stuck as much. I can also eat more at a time. So now I'm worried maybe my pouch is stretched out or too big. There's always something to obsess about. Anyone else have this? Tonight I finished a 3.9 oz thing of cottage cheese with no problem. I haven't ever done that. It's just so weird. I always felt like I knew what my body was doing. Now I feel like my stomach is an alien. Lol

This is a common misconception, you gain the inch AFTER the first 30lbs not EVERY 30lbs. If that were the case my goal weight would be 97lbs!!

Is it just me or does the divorce rate of post extreme weight loss people seem high? I find myself thinking about divorce as I go through this process because I am constantly on the grind to better myself for my family...psychically, mentally, educationally...this man is not. He's perfectly happy with his high school diploma and man tits...blah

Dark ursine means you need more Water. The pepple poop is normal.

I think everyone should relax. Read through the previous months sleevers threads and you will see this same trend but the stall wont last, it cant. It just takes your body time to adjust. Get in your protien 80-100g per day. I have faith that you all will be fine.

You are looking amazing!!! What a difference 9 weeks can make. Congratulations.

My biggest crave so far has been Doritos. I'm not a fan but the other day my hubby and I were watching tv and he was eating out of a LARGE bag. Smelled so good and I thought about them for hours. After he went to bed, I thought about licking the cheese off the Doritos...and putting them back in the bag I didn't, but it would have served him right

Good luck August sleevers. I'm 3weeks post and i will tell you, stay strong on the pre-op diet. It was hard and depressing and I kept freaking out that I was never going to be able to eat or enjoy food again. Not so. The pre-op is the hardest part. Wish I hadn't stressed so much during it. You all are going to be so happy in a few weeks!!! I'm excited for you. Hang in there. The good stuff is coming.

I say it a lot. I mean it, I do it, and I'm not trying to convert you. That's God's job. It really is said, in my opinion, as a loving, caring statement. And, the great thing is, you don't have to believe for it to make a difference, or for it to work.

Well here's an update...as far as I know (and I haven't seen the doc yet) everything went well! My stomach is just very sore and hurts like hell! They're coming to get me this morning for a sonogram, so I'll let you know how that goes!

Mary, I sent you an invite. I did learn a trick. If you click on invite by email, you then have the option to enter the email or user name.

Good luck August sleevers. I'm 3weeks post and i will tell you, stay strong on the pre-op diet. It was hard and depressing and I kept freaking out that I was never going to be able to eat or enjoy food again. Not so. The pre-op is the hardest part. Wish I hadn't stressed so much during it. You all are going to be so happy in a few weeks!!! I'm excited for you. Hang in there. The good stuff is coming.

It seems weird to me that you are the paying customer, but have to kiss up to these people and try to convince them to allow you to make a personal medical decision. If you and your physician agree you need it, then I would have a real problem with someone trying to play games with me. I had a 40 minute session and that was it. If you aren't a danger to yourself or others, then how can they force you into therapy? Being a little nutty or dysfunctional is my right as an American:). If it were me, I am way too assertive to just simper around and try to talk them into it. I would go right to my primary care doctor (who knows me, was in agreement with me pursuing WLS, and manages my total health). I would tell him what was going on, say that I think this therapist is full of crap, and get him to call her himself. I can't imagine most therapists are going to tell a physician that has an ongoing relationship with you that, after one meeting, they are going to delay a medically necessary procedure. My PCP would put a stop to it. Unless of course I did have an eating disorder or that therapist could convince him I was a danger to myself. You need some back up here. Talk to your doctor that knows you and get their help. The surgeon is great, but he just does his thing. He can't really help, because, for all he knows, you really are a nut job who will binge and kill yourself 3 weeks later.
Good luck and don't be afraid to stand up for yourself. She's not God and she's not your mother.

My fitness pal is an app that a lot of people on here use. It's free and you can track your intake and exercise, plus add friends and follow what they are doing. Seeing what others are eating and how they are meeting their goals (for protein) is helpful. I'm sure there are other good apps. I just heard about this one and it is nice. If you decide to use it, friend me. My user name is Kelaelaine.

I'm so confused by too many July 2013 threads!!

You guys rock. I'm in awe. Love this sleeve. We really are so blessed!!!

Fooducate is also a great app. I happen to like it better than myfitnesspal. Just sayin'.

I am so glad to hear - my doctor told me yesterday that I could give straws a try again - I am 6 wks out. I have really missed drinking from a straw - I know it will help me to get more Fluid in.

RJ, you are taking away all the fun. No bacon, no gum and no soda!! Good Lord. That's 3 food groups!
Twins Mama, I haven't had gum even once and I've had enough gas come up from my stomach to full a Good Year blimp. So I don't know. As for the date, you should have gone. Maybe hubby will be a little more careful about ordering out in the future!!!
That's so darn funny.

We went out the other night. I just ordered 1 piece of fish. Wasn't on the menu but it was our little local grocery restaurant and they were so good about it. But went out to the deli case and bought 3 more pieces to take home for the price the restaurant charged me.