Geminidrive

I had that problem. I drink a Protein Shake, it is very filling.

The only way you will know is if you ask her. It seems to me every time someone doesn't acknowledge something we are doing there is an automatic assumption that jealousy is the motive, perhaps it's just indifference. When we put too much stock in what others think of our journey we give them too much power. Ask her or this will continue to annoy you. Good luck!

I'm 5 months out and have not had a cocktail yet. I'll wait, I'm in no rush alcohol will be there when I'm ready.

. I love these, they are tasty!

What about naruto style? It's cucumber wrap, so no rice. I love it.

I agree with Dean, you should obtain all of the information regarding your surgery from your surgeon. Your surgeon may have a surgical protocol vastly different from others. You will also find so many varying opinions. Once sleeved you can either read through the threads or post your own question. Whatever you choose, good luck to you.

Your surgeon should / will be giving you an explainantion of the common risks.
Everyones opinon is subjective. Their experience probably won't be yours. If you think it will cause you undue anxiety there's nothing wrong with not reading that stuff here. Get advice off your surgeon, talk about the risks.
We'll be here when you're done!
Good luck,
Deano

I quit in 2005, prior to getting my first total knee replacement. It was required for that surgery too. I had smoked atleast a pack a day (Kools or, when I got health conscious (HA!), Marlboro Menthol Light 100s) for 35 years. It will definitely kill you to keep on smoking plus it makes you stink (trust me, you don't notice it until you quit).
If you're getting a VSG to be healthy, why would you continue to smoke? If you think quitting smoking is too difficult, what makes you think you'll be able to handle living with only 15% of your stomach?
I know, I am being rude and mean. I'm sorry. It really is hard to quit and even 8 yrs later I STILL want a smoke every once in awhile. I just don't.
You can do it! And lordy, they are so expensive nowadays! With the money you save you'll be able to buy the new wardrobe you'll need when you lose all your excess weight! woo hoo!

I'm an ex smoker. Twenty three years to be exact. I stopped because my job location was becoming a smoke free environment and the company offered a free smoking cessation program SMOKENDERS. SMOKENDERS is a behavioral modification program. I know it's hard, but I would really suggest quitting, you will feel so much better smoke free.

My surgeon requires you quit prior to having the surgery. I personally quit 5yrs ago (after smoking for 10yrs, 2 packs a day) and haven't had surgery yet but it was definitely the best choice I made. I watched my grandmother die from smoking and my grandpa has the worst form of emphysema his doctors have ever seen (he will probably pass soon). Ultimately if you don't want to quit, you wont. The first few days were the worst for me but after I got past that it was just a mental thing. I wanted it more than needed it. Now the smell makes me really sick. If you are unable to just throw the pack out and commit to not buying them anymore try cutting down to half of what you smoke, then in a week cut that down to half and so on.

WYSIWYG with me at any size. I won't show off or plan to bump into anyone, all of my exes and friends have embraced me at all the sizes I've been, but if they see me and compliment me on my weight loss that will make me smile.

That sure looks tasty, I love the martini glass. Just invested in a vitamix, but haven't used it yet. My neice and I were going to make shakes but were so busy running today we didn't get a chance. I will be trying it out soon.

It's awesome for the pureed stage, Annie--you will love it! You can make wonderful smoothies with Protein Powder, ice and a little soy or almond milk. I like chocolate Protein powder with some PB2 (dry, powdered peanut butter). I'm a vegetarian and I love pureed veggie chili (regular would work of course too). You can puree almost any veggie or Soup with a little veggie broth. When I was on full liquids, I still strained after pureeing, but once I hit regular puree it was good to eat it all. You could add some kale or spinach to smoothies to get in some Fiber. I like making a protein pancake (soft foods) with egg white, ricotta or cottage cheese, flax meal, vanilla, cinnamon, and oats. My VitaMix is the best kitchen appliance I've ever invested in! I've had mine for about 12 years and it's still going strong.

The hair loss is a byproduct of the rapid weight loss. Protein and Biotin won't stop or slow it more than a little. My surgeon said its just something you have to accept for a brief while. It will grow back! Hey I'd rather have half my hair for a couple months than not lose the weight

In my case, I personally have not been depressed. I'm in a good place in my life and i hope to stay there, god willing.

In my case, I personally have not been depressed. I'm in a good place in my life and i hope to stay there, god willing.

I was a diet Pepsi drinker and haven't had any problem giving it up. Maybe taking a look at the bigger picture of being healthier might help. Sometimes giving up something is not as bad as you think it will be.

Congratulations!

Hi everyone. It's been a long time since I've dropped by, but I just want to give an up date and a word of encouragement. I had my one year post-op yesterday. It was a bit late (2/14/12 surgery), but anywho. I was down #160 (335-175), twenty dress sizes (28-8) and over 252 inches. If I can do this, anyone can. I had my toes in the grave. I was on 21 meds and the doc told me I would die that way...whether I lost weight or not. Because of my problems he (my PCP) didn't think I would lost a huge amount (50-60#), but he encouraged me to have it do so I could 'feel a little better about myself.' Well, I'm glad to say I proved him wrong. I did lose weight and a lot of it. I also lost all of the meds and the cane/walker/wheelchair. I am a WALKING miracle. I give praise to God for my healing. Now because I was instantly miraculously healed, but because he allowed me to find the path and the means (insurance) to get what I needed to be healed. I do believe God instantly heals somethings in some people, but I also believe he uses the hand of good physicians to administer healing. This is the way he chose to give me mine. I encourage anyone that has had a long, unyielding struggle with obesity to talk to a doctor about WLS... Sleeve in particular. If you are on the edge trying to make up your mind, take my advice. Do it! You are sick? In pain? Lonely? Depressed? What are you holding on to! You have nothing to lose, but all of that. Are there risks? Yes. Is it hard? Yes. But come on. We all know the fat has a 100% chance of causing complication/death. Is it really that much of a gamble to take a 1% chance with a surgery. You're more likely to get killed in a car wreck on the way to get your next fast food burger. Do yourself and your family/friends a favor and choose life. I did and I would do it again and again.

Before surgery (28, 335#) and on my 1 year Surgiversary (8/10, 178#)

At my 1 year post op (8, 175#) holding my old size 28 skirt.

Side view. Now a size 8.
Sent from my iPhone using VST

Geminidrive nobody sells PB2 around me
my gym sells lots of powdered "stuff" but not PB2
will order from Amazon
keep meaning to try PB2 - you gave me a "shout out", so i wiil now order
Peanut Butter --- mmm mmmm good
thanx bud

FYI
For all PB2 Lovers who don't have a local grocery store that carries PB2, Amazon has a sale:

PB2 Powdered Peanut Butter 6.5oz - $4.60
PB2 Powdered Peanut Butter (with Chocolate) 6.5oz - $3.90

Both are add-on items that ship with qualifying orders over $25 and are eligible for free shipping.

Stop weighing yourself everyday. Take the scale out of your house because it will drive you crazy.

My go to is greek yogurt, I get my a pretty high Protein count and it's lights and refreshing.

Hmm, I never recorded the actual weight loss per month, but it will be 5 months on the 8th and I've lost a total of 80 lbs, so I have averaged 16lbs per month.

Put that scale away or you'll make yourself crazy.
I gained 11 pounds post op and didn't lose any weight my first month until about three weeks out.
~Cheri