Leslie Hudson-Couch

I also loved the carbs and my icecream... but since surgery I really have had no desire for the icecream and only a little for the breads but I know NOT to have them or I'm gonna be hugging me a toilet!! So in the end, I crave from afar and enjoy being healthier!

My hubby is the same way... he does like the cush but he is loving having me be more energetic and healthier. I think in some ways its harder on me....my boobs didnt hang so low before because my belly was holding them up lol... and now my face is deflating.... arghhhh!! BUT still would rather deflate than be buried so its a trade off. I have to admit I love my clothes hanging off me and feeling bones where there was padding before. You gotta love our men.... mine has proven time and time again that he's in it for the long haul...big/little, sick/healthy.... I love dat man!!!

Little behind here but you look fantastic!!!

what a great way to start your 50's!!! I'm thoroughly enjoying mine!! Hugs!!

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Good luck to you!!! It is soooo worth it!!

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I quit almost 2 years ago and am thrilled!! Over 35 years of smoking here.... so worth doing and sticking to it. I used Chantix but however you are doing it is great!! Good luck to you!!

Oh man!! I hear ya! lol I've always had what I call "firm fat". I have muscular arms and legs and little cellulite but like you, I am now shakin' here and there... lol I've just been able to start walking so hoping to firm things back up. Love your blog!!

I am also 51 and had my surgery on July 17 and I am one happy camper!!! I just wish I had done it sooner so please dont worry. Age is only a number. I am trying to eat my protein more than drinking it but having said that I do like the EAS and the 20g SlimFast. I drink it over ice because it thins it out but the taste is great. I also make a smoothie every morning with Silk Fruit drink and frozen fruit (no sugar added). It lasts me all morning but it works for me. My sleeve buddy at work cant tolerate dairy now so she drinks a protein lemonade mix which is really pretty good. I have found I cannot tolerate any of the protein shots/drinks/jellos that are whey based. I love cottage cheese and am hoping to get a dehydrater and make my own jerky which is almost pure protein. The store stuff is really good but too much sodium.

Okay I'll stop my long list here! lol You really just have to figure out what works for you. I started trying stuff months before my actual surgery. Good luck and great journey!!!

I'm dancing right along with you!!! I do it at work but will be happy to dance in public soon!! lol It was so funny to read this cuz I posted on fb today that I was jamming and dancing!! I really want some Zumba to dance to but I have my salsa and "get down 'n dirty" music on my Pandora!! Rock on!!!

I see a common theme here.... we all use our hair to cover our short comings.... I have always said I've rarely seen an ugly fat person.... the hair hides nothing. I also have really thick hair that is one of my God given gifts but I decided that if I have to be bald to be healthy then bring on the shears!! I'll gladly cut every single strand off myself. I have a beautiful family that needs me and loves me and friends who love my sense of humor and positive attitude.... none of which has to do with my hair. Dont get me wrong, I LOVE my hair and as a treat for my post surgery, got it colored and just last week got a perm. Its short and sassy and I'm feeling great, however, given the choice between getting healthy or keeping my hair.... well for me, its a no brainer.

I really appreciate the advice from you all and think this place is a blessing!!! Thanks everyone!!

"So, today is the day I continue on my journey. I have moved over the hurdle and I will continue to follow the plan. I won't allow food to overtake my life again. I was so unhappy before surgery, and I never want to feel like that again."

You should be really proud of yourself for many reasons but primarily that you recognized you where having an issue and you are dealing with it. Thats really all any of us can do. Your blog is one of the first I read when I started this and I love your inspirational messages and your honesty. No one said this was going to be a walk in the park but you have to make it the best journey that you can. Keep up the great work!!!! Hugs!

Thanks! I have a great support system including one of my friends who had the surgery last year in Sept. She has now officially lost 100 lbs and is my huge inspiration. I only wish I had done this sooner but no regrets or looking backward..... onward & upward!! (or downward lol)

I so related to this!! I'm a month out and would really like a lunarita!! lol My husband is taskmaster deluxe though so he's keeping me in line! lol I am hoping for a glass of wine next week to celebrate my one month post-op anniversary!! I've been eating food for about a week now and enjoying every couple of bites!! lol My really favorite thing has been cottage cheese! Go figure... I love the "cleaning out the closet" analogy. It is definitely a change in how you see and think about food. Good luck to you!!!

Your brother is very blessed to have you there for him and congrats to him on his weight loss. I know you will get past your stall and how great you are getting the "eye" of a good kind!! Good luck

Very happy for you and a positive attitude is a must. This will be one of the most challenging experiences in your life but so very worth it. I'm in week 4 and am feeling fantastic!! I'm blessed that I've had very little issues at all since my surgery. You will do great!! Congrats!!

I literally can feel your pain.... I'm reading this while I have a heating pad on my back! lol I just told my husband earlier today that if my back would quit hurting I'd feel fantastic!! I feel great but back not so much. I am hoping with more weight off that it will get better or at least tolerable. Hang in there!!

I think maybe a helmet too?? Jest sayin' lol

Okay so you have to be my younger sista' from another mother!!! lol I am loving your blog and being that I am a major klutz can appreciate how inanimate objects repeatedly do the most obnoxious things and injure me on a repeated bases. I cant tell you how many times my husband has gasped over huge bruises that I had no idea where they came from. I also get the drinking thing.... I personally am an honorary Mexican and tequila is my game!! lol Being that I'm only 3 weeks out I have not partaken as of yet. Believe me a glass of wine sounds really good about now!! But I'm behaving and just found that Crystal Lite make Mojito, Appletini, & Margarita flavored drinks!! May be virgins but at least they will taste good! Hope you stop by my blog some time... I also have one on WordPress with other things under swtcaks99. Hugs!!!

I've had infections from a previous stomach surgery (not my sleeve) so I do understand how scared you are but I strongly suggest you find a primary physician and a gastric dr if one is available. You want to make sure you stay on top of this because it can spread quickly. I promise I am not trying to scare you its just I know because I have been on the very worst end of a post surgical infection. My dr even made sure I had no signs of infection prior to my sleeve due to my history. Please find someone there on Monday morning and do not hesitate to go to the ER if it looks any worse today or tomorrow hon. I will be praying for you and keeping you in my thoughts.

It did. That is an older blog. My newer ones are here also. Thank you though for the suggestions.He was not the problem actually, it was the hospital and they would not offer anything because (lol) it is considered an "elective" surgery. Forget it has already saved my life but who am I to argue with the system right? Should be considered a life saving surgery since it has to be backed up with medical proof of necessity... Okay jumping off my soapbox!! lol

Thank you so much! I think we all inspire each other! Hugs!

Got that right!! lol Divas rule!!!

Okay so I definitely have the sense of humor part down!! lol I was like you and (excuse the pun) have weighed the pros and cons for years on having the surgery. While I pondered, I got increasingly bigger and in worse health. I am a severe asthmatic and it had gotten to the point that I couldn't walk across my small apt without gasping. Basically, my quality of life sucked. I also have a disabled son that needs his mom to be around awhile and 7 grandkids that I want to watch grow up. So at the tender age of 51, I had the surgery on July 17. I started at 340 and today, at my 2 week check up, I am down a whopping 32 lbs!!! I'm thrilled with that but what I'm the most excited about is I can BREATHE!! I have not felt this good in over two years and its only going to get better so please hang in there. And as a side note, I will say there are very well meaning people out there who will be naysayers but you have to decide this for you and not worry about what others say or think. You are the one who has to live in your body, not them. Alot of people are afraid of change and not willing to take a chance even if its to do something to improve their life. I know some people who are afraid I'm not going to want to be their friend and even my dear sweet wonderful husband has asked if I'm going to leave him when I get thin!! That would be a great big NO!!! He loves me like I am and I'm going to reward him with who I will be. Okay I will shut my trap now! lol Good luck to you hon and Hugs!!

I am 14 days post op and I also felt crappy the first week mainly because of the air in my stomach. Since I have breathing issues, i stayed an extra day in the hospital. I never really had pain but was hugely uncomfortable. However, once i was moving around well the old bod got the engine running and the gas left. I do still burp but not as much. I have to say that I personally feel better than I have in two years and I am looking forward to it only getting better so hang in there!