Vidalia

I am 7 months out. Today for lunch I had 2 pieces of French Dragon Roll sushi and a cheese roll with shrimp sauce. For dinner I had 1/2 grilled chicken quesadilla with salsa and a few chips. This is just to give you hope that it does get better! Hang in there! You will be 7 months out before you know it!

I am getting a little concerned about my addiction for trying on clothing. My favorite past time right now is going to Goodwill and trying on clothing and buying the favorite things I try on. My mom let me go through her unwanted clothes the other day and I took home a trash bag full of clothes. It is so FUN to try on clothes now. I spent years hating to shop because nothing looked good and what fit looked like old lady clothes, but that is changing. I am just a little worried that this is becoming my transfer addiction. I am not spending a lot of money on the clothes, but my closet it becoming overwhelmingly full of clothes. I want them just because I can wear them. I know I can only wear one pair of jeans at a time, so why am I collecting so many pairs? I was just wondering if anyone else developed this problem after they lost weight and what did you do about it?

Okay, I have tried ALMOST all the Protein powders out there, but I have never tried the Syntrax nectar. Right now I am drinking only Premier Protein pre-made shakes with 30 grams in each. I am doing that because I have not found ANY powder that I really like yet and I am able to tolerate these Premier shakes even though I don't love them. I have heard so many rave reviews about the Syntrax Nectar I thought I would give it a whirl. I am thinking about ordering a sample package from My Bariatric Pantry online. I am thinking of the following flavors just because I have heard people say they like them: chocolate Truffle, Fuzzy Navel, vanilla Bean Torte, Cappuccino Latte. Please give me your opinions on Syntrax Nectar and your favorite flavors if you like any of them. Also, is there any place to order them that would be a better deal than My Bariatri Pantry? It is a 10 pack sample pack for $18.99 plus shipping. I get to choose the flavors for the sample pack. Thanks so much fellow sleevers!

This almost exactly like the one I use. I love it.

Oh, also meant to tell you...I bought something called a "hose snuggy" to put over the hose. I ordered it off internet. It is so much more comfortable when the hose touches you to feel the softness instead of the plastic. I also bought a hose holder that slips between the mattress behind your head. It holds the hose up off of your body. Those two items really helped me.

I thought I would never get used to mine. I had to change straps and the nose cover twice to find one I could live with. I finally settled on the "nasal pillows" and a strap that does not go under my chin. Just keep making yourself wear it and you will get used to it. Now, I can't stand not to use it. It will make you feel so much more rested in the mornings.

I have never had a bladder infection in my entire life, but I think I might have one now. Could this be a side effect of the sleeve? The symptoms I am experiencing are a slight burning sensation right at the spot of urination. After sitting for awhile, when I stand up I feel the sensation to urinate and a little burning, but when I try to urinate it is difficult. This does not happen all the time. Day before yesterday was when it started, yesterday I was fine and now today it is starting again. Should I see a doctor or will it possibly go away? I am getting around 50 ounces of liquid in per day.

The "before" pics are the day before surgery, November 9, 2012. The after pics are April 25, 2013.

I have discovered that it is these tiny little changes that are so incredibly rewarding.

Well...I haven't yet mustered up the courage to go into a Victoria Secrets, but I did buy myself some cute new lil panties! Wow! What a great feeling! And the other panty victory....before my surgery in November after I dried off from my shower, I would always have to hold onto the bathroom counter as I stuck one leg and then the other leg into the legs of my panties. For the past three days I have been able to put on my panties without holding onto anything! I can't believe how much easier I can MOVE and how much better I can BALANCE. Hope this motivates people who are thinking about this surgery or who have just started. Tiny things like I have described are life changing and liberating!!!

My family loves to eat at Subway. Pre-surgery I enjoyed eating there too. But now I can't seem to find anything at Subway to eat. There is so much BREAD. I have tried getting the seafood on an English muffin, but now that does not taste good. If you like Subway, what do you order? Thanks Sleevers

I am pretty sure that is called "slimes". Yes, it has happened to me several times. I think it is the "normal" reaction when you eat too much. I am 5 months out and it has happened to me about 5 times. The first time was scary, but then I started recognizing when it was getting ready to happen. I have only thrown up one time since surgery.

I was sleeved in November and I am just now starting to enjoy food again. It is still not like it used to be (which I guess is a good thing) but things are starting to taste better. I went through several months where eating was a complete chore. It is getting better for me. Hope it gets better for you.

"Thanks for playing ball with us Mom. I can't ever remember you playing with us before." Those words were music to my ears after I decided to get out in the back yard with my two sons and husband for a game of wiffle ball. I hit the ball, ran the bases and caught my husband's fly ball. We all laughed and had a great time. Five months ago I would have been listening to that laughter from inside the house. By the way, the son that said those words is 13 years old! I am so glad I still have time to make some new and better memories with my kids. This surgery is the best decision for myself and my family that I have ever made. If you have not had it yet, you won't be sorry! It changes your life for the better.

I had to remove one from my watch today so that it would stop sliding all over my much smaller wrist. Wow...it is amazing how such a tiny thing makes me feel. That one little link connected me to a world of pain...physical and emotional. For the first time in my life I no longer feel that I am a slave to food. I am finally free.