Amberlydw8

If you want more info on peppermint oil and all it can do, pinterest is amazing! Put "Young Living Peppermint" in the search bar. You will be blown away by all it can do! Also you can see a bunch of info on my facebook page https://www.facebook.com/pages/LovelyLiving/532743640186820?ref=hl

I love Peppermint Oil !!!! So I know allot of us have had problems with our tummies post-op. I wanted to share how I found relief. That acid reflex or what ever i am supposed to call it is a pain! I am 18 months out from surgery. I don't get it every day anymore, but there are some things that really set it off... Coffee is one of them... No I have not given it up yet, maybe someday but not today...lol And then there are some days that I don't even know what triggered my discomfort. I don't know about all of you but I really don't like over the counter meds... They seem to cause more problems and adverse side effects than the things they are trying to fix. So I started looking for more natural remedies and came across Essential Oils! Now, be aware... You must be careful not to get just any oil from the store or even the health food store. Many "essential oils" are not meant for internal use, and they will say so on the bottle. I get mine through Young Living. They are guaranteed pure therapeutic grade essential oils and have been distilled very carefully! Anyway... Back to the awesomeness... Peppermint oil is what I was getting too... I can take one drop of peppermint oil under my tongue and within moments... I mean less than a minute! I feel fine! My tummy is back to normal and I can go on with the rest of my day! I am so sold on the stuff! I ran out the other day and almost cried...lol Not to mention, peppermint oil can also be used for headaches, to bring down fevers, help with pain and even help with allergies! I know that many of us have had a hard time with our tummies after surgery. I hope I have been able to help even one person. If you want more info on getting these oils just let me know

Hi all... It has been a while since I have been on here. I can honestly say life is sooooo different!!! I can't imagine ever going back to where I was before. I know you all understand what I am talking about! Well My biggest NSV to date is my new man! As most of you know, I mentioned in older blogs that one thing my weight hindered was my love life. I was single for over 5 years during my biggest years. I have recently found the love of my life! He is amazing and he is everything I prayed to find in a man. He thinks I am beautiful even though i am no where near my goal weight. He is so good to me and has added 2 wonderful children to my life. I don't remember a time when I was this happy. I thank God every day for the changes in my life over the last year. I am down 110lb since surgery. I am at 182lb and a size 12 at the moment. I have not been very good about sticking to my high protein diet but I have been holding steady for about 2 months now. Its nice to know I can eat normal and maintain a steady weight. I do want to get down another 20+ pounds but I have time. I hope you are all doing as wonderful! That your prayers are coming to pass and that your joy is as great as mine.... Love you all... Amber

Hi there fellow sleevers... I am updating you with my 5 months post op information... I don't think I have put my measurements on here before so I wanted to put that out there today. I thought my weight numbers were drastic, but once I re did my body measurements it really put things into perspective! So My starting weight pre op was 293lb I am currently just over 5 months post op and am at 208 this morning...How awesome is that? I am almost to ONEderland!!! So excited! I hope to get under 200 by August. We shall see if I an make that goal... I got 2 weeks, I can do it! Ok as for measurements. Pre op 293lb.......NOW 208lb Size 22 Size 14/16 Arms 18 in....................14.25 in - 3.75 in Thigh 32 in....... ............25 in -7 in Neck 18.75 in ...............16 in -1.25 in Tummy 51 in.....................40 in -9 in Bust 46.5.....................41.5 in -5 in Boobs 55 in .....................47 in - 8 in Hips 55 in .....................45 in -9 in Calf 21.5......................17.5 - 4 in So that is a total overall loss of 47 inches!!! Totally awesome.... A few Non Scale Victories include... Being able to cross my legs (I am really stoked about that one) Don't feel gross in a bathing suit I have gotten rid of about 5 trash bags full of cloths.. all different sizes.. Everything is too big for me now I can go up stairs and hills without a problem. I get compliments from everyone My Ex thinks I look good... (don't worry, hi is still an Ex) Guys are starting to stare at me for the first time ever... I could just keep going, but I think I will leave the rest for my next post... Thanks to all of you for all the support! Your amazing!

Hey there everyone. I know I have not been keeping up on my blogs... I guess its because I am now out living life and discovering who I am as a normal person. Finding out I like to hang out, I like to go to the gym, I don't mind being in front of a crowd now... As for normal life its kinda hard rite now, I just started a new job and its not really paying out what I hoped, so the bills are a bit tight rite now. But I can tell you that my cloths are not! I am having to sew and alter many of my cloths because I am loosing so fast! Thank god I can sew! Or I would be in cloths that looked like sacks and togas...lol This sleeve is proving to be the most wonderful "tool"! And yes, everyone was right to say its a tool for weight loss! Its the thing that helps keep me on track. The reminder that I have a goal and that I don't want to stray from my mission. As of this week I am 14 weeks post op. I have lost 71 pounds and almost 45 inches! (9 inches off my waist alone!) I have gone from a size 22 pants to a size 16! Everything looks and feels different. I can cross my legs when I sit, I can run up and down stairs, I can be on my feet for longer periods of time, I am starting to be able to ware high heals again! And when I pass by a shop window, I don't recognize the person I see in the reflection... The little changes and victories are endless! I am so happy I made this decision. There are a few things for me that I have noticed are a little different than some of my other sleever friends. One is I am hungry regularly. I don't really know if it is what they call head hunger, or if my body is just telling me to eat more. I know that I am satisfied rather quickly, but I do feel hungry often. I am able to eat most anything I want (in moderation) I have a little bit of a hard time with fried foods. I try to stay away from them in general, but sometimes my will gets the best of me... I am normally sorry in the end because my tummy dose not really like it... In general I am at about 1000-1100 cal a day... And I loose about 2 or maybe 3 pounds a week rite now... I have been on the low end of my protein the past couple weeks. I have been making it a priority over the past couple days so I hope to see my loss pick up again. I have noticed it slow down a little. Im sure this will help. My other problem area is water ( I know, I am preaching to the choir on this one...lol every one has a hard time with water) I have been trying to drink allot more! I keep a glass full at work now and a bottle in my car. What ever it takes rite? Well, I think I have covered most of the things that are going on with me. I want to be able to keep a record not only for myself but for all of you who might find a little help or hope in following my story. I know I am not supper interesting, or amazingly charismatic, but its my story... and maybe it will help someone... All I got is my experiences and my personal victories... To all my supper awesome friends out there... Thank you for your support! You guys are awesome! Sarahr and TTL you girls are the best! I am always able to talk to you guys... and especially my friend VSGkirk ... You have been so wonderful, and such a great friend... Thank you! I am so glad we live close. Until next time. Keep up the good work!

I went to Dr Ortiz in TJ Mexico... I blogged about it if you want to go through you can read the whole thing And I had a very good experience

That is so awesome!!! I am so happy for you!!!

I had my surgery in Mexico also and I know what you went through trying to tell family what you did and where... You are an inspiration!!! I am only 10 weeks out and can't wait to get where you are... I also believe my life started post VSG! I am so glad you are so happy!

I did the exact same thing! Everything got clean, organized and thrown away... I think I made 2 or 3 trips to the Goodwill during that time. Going through my closets and kitchen. I cleaned everything...lol... It felt like nesting...haha... Im glad I am not alone, I felt so silly...

You can do it! This will be the best decision you have ever made! Not only for your kids but for you too... All of those other things that you have chosen to ignore over the years will also be your victories! Welcome to a whole new life, and a whole new you! Be proud of your self... You are about to start a whole new story for yourself and your family!

I am so excited for you! This is the hardest part, you get through this and you can do anything! Pre op dose suck but you can do it! I know you said you were looking for some protein ideas. Here is a blog I did about a few different kinds. My favorite is the Big Train Fit... Maybe something here will help http://www.verticalsleevetalk.com/blog/2277/entry-5898-protein-where-to-get-it/ Good luck with everything! Your going to be so happy! I know I am

Hey all... Wow time has really flown by! I can't believe how long it has been since i have updated my little blog here. I am sorry I have been so busy and distracted. Well for my numbers! I am 10 weeks out and have lost 62lb! I have gone from a 47BMI to a 37BMI. I am very happy with my results. I don't think I would call my self a supper fast looser, but I am keeping it steady. Other thank a 3 weeks stall somewhere in the middle, I have been loosing about 3lb a week. That I can live with I have gone from a size 22/2X to a size 18/XL I am so happy! And everyone is really starting to notice the changes. I think that is one of the most encouraging things... I have also begun to really like exercise! I have started going to Zumba once or twice a week depending on my schedule... I just love it! For all of you girls out there who hate exercise but love to dance, this is for you! The friends you make at these classes are supper awesome! They keep you motivated, and wanting to come back. Its like a little support group all its own. At least that is how mine is, I really hope they are all like that... I know My Fitness Pall is my life saver and best friend lately... All of my friends who are on there supporting me every day are just wonderful! Thanks so much! You keep me going! If any of you want to follow me or need a little extra support of your own you can friend me on MFP my screen name is the same. amberlydw8 I have some new NSV's over the past few weeks... I can cross my legs!!! It has been forever since I have been able to cross my legs! Awesome! I can run for and not feel like I am going to die! (not very far, but its so much better than before!) My knees, feet and back don't hurt anymore! I don't feel like the "fat girl" in the room anymore! I know I have a ways to go yet, but its amazing the change in my confidence levels... I can walk miles with out getting tired! I have a waist line! Its awesome! Well, That is what I got so far... Everyone keep up the good work... Let me know if you have any questions I am an open book or if any NSV's of your own you want to share!

Brigitte... I am the same! I am 5 weeks post and have not lost weight since week 3... I know your frustration! I am going to also try upping my cal every day and see what that dose for me. I will let you guys know how it goes. Today I got up to about 900 cal... we shall see... Lifetime... I know that adding some healthy oils to your meals can help up your cal. I was adding a little coconut oil to many of my blended shakes and not only is it really good for you but it upped my cal for the day too... and it tastes good!

Thanks so much. That is very encouraging! I hope it dose break soon, I was really on a roll for a few weeks I would like it to start back up again... Gosh... Our bodies are just so crazy sometimes...

Thanks everyone for all the ideas... I'm always looking for more tips myself. Also I am glad that I was able to help some of you guys too Good luck jeanielan and madeformore! You guys are going to do great!

Hi all...I am almost 5 weeks post op! Wow the time has flown by! Sorry I have not been on here in a while giving an update or posting about something I have kinda been in what some people call a "stall" for the past two weeks. Kinda puts a damper on things. The first week I was really pretty ok with it. I had just lost 40lb in 2 months and was just stoked to start seeing the changes in my body and in my attitude/personality. Then by the 2nd week it just started to get depressing, I even gained 1 pound... I started getting a little mad and was trying to figure out how to amp up my loss again. I had just started adding solid foods back into my diet but I was not getting over 600-700 cal a day. (which I thought was good) I was having a little bit of a hard time with my protein and liquid intake. So I figured that must be the problem. Last Tuesday I had my first WLS support group meeting with my supper awesome friend Tina. By some amazing divine appointment God had them focusing on PROTEIN! She had a ton of samples to try from different products and gave us a bunch of ideas on how to add bits of protein to our diets through out the day. Apparently just about everyone in the group had been struggling with some kind of stall recently and so that was the topic of focus! How perfect for me And because I know how common it is for us new VSG'ers to have a hard time with proper protein levels I thought I would share what I learned, my new favorite products, and a few new ideas on how to use protein. First, my new best friend is "Big Train". I have always loved this brand but had no idea that they had a bariatric friendly line of protein powders. So now I can have my love of coffee and drink it too I do live in Seattle... Its almost against the law to not like coffee over here... lol Here is the link for the Big Train drinks. I love them! The cool thing is, I can not taste the protein in them at all! I have tried the vanilla and the espresso (both are fantastic) and have just ordered the sampler pac to try the rest before purchasing in bulk... http://www.bigtrain.com/coffee-protein-drink-mix-powder-fit-frappe-c-143.aspx My 2nd new brand of protein is Chike... I had never heard of this brand till my meeting this week. I tried the coffee flavor and again it was really good! I ordered the sample pac of this brand also. I really like being able to take a little packet of powder with me rather than mixing up a whole days worth at once. I need to find some kind of little container that holds one serving though, because it is so much cheaper to buy the tub rather than the packets... Anyway, here is the link for Chike. http://www.chikenutrition.com/buy-chike.html Third... I know most of you guys know about Unjury. But recently I have made a few friends who had never heard of it. For all of you newbies out there here is an awesome product! Unjury is said to be one of the best forms of protein. One of the best on the market. Its protein has really good absorption into the body. I have been told some of the cheaper proteins don't benefit the body as well as others. I totally get that, most food now a days dose not benefit the body at all so I am sure they cheat on this kind of stuff also... Anyway, Unjury makes a "non-flavored" powder that you can put in just about anything from soup to pudding, to drinks. I have been adding it to my Crystal Light or Mio drinks. When you add it to a fruity drink it kinda turns it into a cream cycle taste. Not bad when it is giving you 20+ grams of protein in each scoop... I also put some strawberry lemon-aid into a vanilla powder and it was pretty good too.. http://www.unjury.com/store/protein/ I also found this website http://www.bariatricchoice.com/bariatric-protein-shakes-smoothies-drinks-12.html It looks like it has a ton of different high protein options including Nectar (which I have ordered the sample pack but have not tried yet) It might be a cool place to get some extra ideas from. (And by the way I just started loosing weight again! I dropped 1 pound yesterday. I really believe its because I am drinking more and added more protein) So, to give you an idea on how I get my protein and liquids in... In the morning I start out with either a mixed fruit and veggie shake with a scoop of Unjury in it. Or, I have a coffee drink with either the Big Train or the Chike. Rite there in that morning drink I have just got 20 grams of protein in... As a snack I will have a cheese stick or cup of Greek yogurt. (6-12 g protein) Then for lunch I make sure to have some kind of meat, eggs or cheese. All of which are low in carbs. (remember we like low carbs During the day I will have a "snack" by putting one scoop of protein powder in with a beverage. There is another 20 grams. For dinner I have been trying to get in some veggies with my meat. So weather I have 1/2 a hamburger patty or a few ounces of fish, I try to get in either salad or another green vegetable. If I work it good like that, I am over 70 grams of protein. Plus the shakes alone have given me about 30 ounces of water so I only have to concentrate on another 30 through out the day. To tell you the truth, its the liquids I am still having trouble with. It is really hard to drink that much through out the day. But I am trying... I hope I was able to help some of you guys... I know I was really struggling with ideas on how to get enough every day... Good luck to you all! And let me know what you think of my ideas. Also, If any of you have some products or mix ideas for me please let me know! I am always looking for something new to try. Later all!!! "HUGS" Amber

Congratulations to all of you guys for your victories I am also encouraged by reading your successes Keep up the good work! Haha.. Its ok Kirk... Its going to be a great night! I am looking forward to it even if everyone there will be out of my shopping sections

Wow, I use allot of smiley faces haha..

Hey guys I just had to post a little entry about all of my little (or not so little) NSV of the week! (Sorry in advance for all the colors..lol Made me think of being in middle school again. hahaha) So the first thing I noticed this last week was that my rings are getting loose. I have this one ring my sister got for me, and I just love it. It used to fit on my ring finger but I have had to move it to my pointer finger because it was about to fall off the other day... (It used to be tight) Second... I went down a full pant Size!!! Ya know how jeans can vary in size? Well I was in a size 22 when I started and about a week ago I was able to fit into my big 20's... But today I got into my small 20's Oh ya.. And they fit and look good So excited! That is one step closer to being back in the teen digest Third... I can tie my shoes so much easier! I used to have to sit down try to reach for my feet across my huge tummy. Now its no problem Forth... I have noticed that my libido has just launched to a whole new level..lol It seems like every other thought is about sex... ha ha ha... AND!!! to top it off... I have lost 19 inches over my whole body !!!! Yay for me I hope all of you out there are having as much success as I am. I hope your finding the little things that encourage you and push you through each day. Keep your eyes out for the little details that make you smile. Cloths that fit different, The fact that moving is easier, You feel different, You sleep better, your off some meds... etc... What are your none scale victories of the week? Please share!!!!

Hi all... So, I am now 2 weeks out from surgery! I am down 13lb since surgery and 33lb total. I am really starting to feel good. I have become addicted to watching The Biggest Looser,on hulu and it is motivating me to work out more. I have a feeling that I have the potential to become one of those work out obsessed people. I am so excited about that! I have always wanted to be like that. I want to start lifting weights and toning up in the next week or two. So far I am walking about 3 miles 5 times a week. I have a personal goal of doing a 5K in a few months so I going to start training for that soon. I figure, If i can walk a 5K just fine I can run it by the end of summer! As for what I am eating, I think I am doing really well. I have been mostly drinking shakes, eating greek yogurt and cottage cheese. I am starting to work in scrambled eggs, cream of wheat and little bits of chicken. I noticed that even though I can do a full 9-11 oz shake in about 1/2 hour I can only get in a 1/2 cup of cottage cheese and only about 2 oz of chicken. Its crazy how the more dense the food the less you can eat. I am going to try the cream of wheat this morning and see how that works out I want to give a little shout out to my friend TTL... Way to go with surgery this week! I'm glad everything is going so well for you! Keep up the good work Have a great week everyone! Happy Passover to everyone, (or Happy Easter ) Amber

Way to go girl!!! You look fantastic! What an accomplishment!

Oh! Im adding that to my list...lol Thanks for the great idea...haha