Geminidrive

Although disappointing, at least he armed you with the knowledge that you are on your own when you return. I wish you well.

Karen,

My mother suffered with COPD and it broke my heart to see her suffer. I would definitely circle back with my pulmonologist and a Bariatric surgeon to make sure you are a candidate for the surgery. Good Luck.

I believe in rewarding myself regularly, just losing the weight is reward enough for me right now.

Hi Karen,

Everything is generally better when you lose weight and I would think if you do have the surgery it probably would help with your breathing. If I recall correctly second stage COPD is a mild form, correct?

I would probably opt out of a dinner/lunch date and steer him to a active date. Going to dinner would most likely only frustrate you more than anything else. I don't know where you live, but perhaps bowling, miniature golf, go to a museum or art gallery.

I'm with the majority, the dress. You can always take in the dress after you lose more weight.

One of my faves:

“Be the change you want to see in the world.” ~~ Mahatma Gandhi

I'm a bit over 4 months post-op. For me I try to get in 50 or less carbs per day. Typically I get my largest concentration of carbs in the morning for breakfast and spread the rest out over the day. There are of course days when my carb allowance is more that the 50grams. I say find a plan that works for you.

Thanks for the encouragement everyone! I really am trying to keep my eye on prize and follow my surgeons instructions.

You might want to change your settings/font color, your responses are not being displayed.

I posted this on other threads, this is information on hair loss from my dermatologist :

My dermatologist explained that the type of Hair loss we are experiencing is called telogen effluvium and is more due to recent shock to your system, ie., weight loss, pain, recent surgery, over or under active thyroid, childbirth, medications and other underlying conditions not just lack of Protein. The dermatologist mentioned that one could lose over 50% of your hair, but that it will grow back in 5-8 months. She suggested using minoxidil, which will stimulate the growth of new hair faster. The less expensive brands are: (both 2%)

* Equate which can be purchased at Walmart

http://www.walmart.c...e&cat_id=976760

* Kirkland Minoxidil which can be purchased at costco.

Important instructions on use:

It is important that if you do use the minoxidil, it is to be placed on your scalp, do not rub it into your hair, it will just make your hair more brittle and susceptible to breakage. Do not let it drip onto your forehead as it will cause headaches. The best application is laying back preferably into a Shampoo sink.

http://www.webmd.com...loss/effluviums

http://www.aocd.org/..._effluvium.html

I hope this helps.

I love my Vitamix. I add unflavored Protein powder to all the Soups and smoothies that I make. I've had one for several years, just never used it much. Now it sits on my counter and I use it several times a week. Tonight is Vitamix tortilla Soup night. Yummm.

My vitamix was just delivered today, It's going to get a workout this weekend.

The microwave is the most important thing in my kitchen. The food processor and blender when I was in the liquid and puree stage.

I'm 53 and thus far have not had any difficulties or complications. Prior to the surgery I drilled and drilled my surgeon about pain (I'm a punk when it comes to pain) I didn't have any pain at all, no gas or any discomfort. My surgery was on 10/08/12, so far I have lost 74lbs. I have quite a bit more to go.

Thanks for sharing your story!

Now look what you have done... Homemade rolls...Thanksgiving dinner will no longer be the same! Lol just thinking of all that goodness... Going to take all day just to sample a quarter of the dishes.

I read on here where someone had mentioned the book.Knowledge is power and I want to be successful with maintaining my weight once I reach because I know it will come off.

Do you know of any other books that you would recommend?

I don't have any other book recommendations, but I saw several recommendations on various threads, here's the link:

http://www.verticalsleevetalk.com/index.php?app=core&module=search&do=search&fromMainBar=1

Side note, I'm trying to get either of my friends who are both personal chefs to create some interesting and tasty low carb and healthy (soul food meals) I'll let you know when I get a chance to talk with them, should be interesting.

Some individuals do not know how to be tactful when trying to provide "constructive criticism".

Deedeemuffin I am glad to see that you stuck around. Vst really have some amazing people that are helpful and some that gives you that "tough love" without sounding so condescending... Proudgrammy and Laura comes to mind. So don't let one run it deter you from posting because sometime you just can't find what you are looking for.

Just always remember that everyone has an opinion and oftentimes what we desire to say does not come across that way when writing. Take what you can use and simply ignore those who live in the world of no mistakes since that person would be unable to relate.

On a lighter note, I will be purchasing the book and workbook: The Beck Diet Solution: Train Your Brain to Think Like a Thin Person by Judith Beck. Lol because The Lord knows that I still think like an obese person and just eating those small portion aaarrrggghhhh makes me mad! Lol no more barbeque with rice and Beans, potatoe salad, Mac n cheese, and Hawaiian rolls mmmm my mouth is salivating just think about my southern cooking. Lol

Ok, you know I'm salivating over here just thinking about those foods. You just had thinking about the Thanksgiving dinners with homemade rolls with the butter painted on them......lord I could go on. Lol. Ok, back to the point I was going to make, you are going to love that book, it has been very insightful and helpful.

I started having pickles last month, OMG those sour pickles were tasty!

Loving my decision to have sleeve surgery. No more huffing and puffing and I am eating much more healthier. I love the fact that I can get off my butt and start becoming more active again! I love the fact that I can tell others what this surgery has done for me so perhaps it can change their lives.

I love that I have lost 74lbs with more to go.

Thanks for starting this thread.

I think people have good intentions for the most part and want you to know they notice how well you are doing. Just say thank you and let it go

I totally agree. I don't think anyone means any harm in acknowledging the weight loss. What I would suggest for those who this bothers is to simply pull them aside and thank them for their support, but tell them that this makes you feel uncomfortable, otherwise it will continue and will annoy you.

For me it doesn't bother me when someone compliments me on my weight loss, if someone asks how much weight I tell them quite a bit, smile and keep on moving.

Yes ma'am lol but awww the scents were soooooo delectable

They always are.

I've never heard of having to clean with special soap, they scrub the area down real good before they cut anyway. I'm so glad my doc didn't require such things. I did have to adhere to the no jewelry and makeup rule but I didnt think they meant wedding rings so I asked the nurse if she could tape them and she said no a tech would have to cut them off so needless to say they came off right quick.

I had not had surgery since 2004 and quite a bit has changed. Now, a vast majority of hospitals/surgeons request that you bath with an antibacterial preoperatively to reduce the number of germs on your body. I didn't mind the one additional step.

At birthday party that's exactly what was done but at the babyshower because I am at my puree stage I was able to eat 3 spoons potatoe salad and drink Water while I watched everyone else eat (lol) but because I know my limitations I can handle it I just get jealous sometimes.

I'm sure you have it under control.

Shortly after surgery I had to go to 4 funerals, and of course I had to go to the repasts. I knew there would be lots of food and knew I had to come prepared with my Water and Protein Shakes. It may be hard, but you just have to find a way to focus on your family, not the food.

Try putting a small pillow under the lower part of your back that might help.

Im glad I decided to get rid of my baby fat and turn into a tone chocolate goddess(stroking my ego). Congratulations to everyone who made the choice to change their image.

You GO boy! Fist bump!!! Congrats!

Vaseline helps to form a protective coat also, you will need it. Be prepared.