Satchel

Before surgery, I told people and my employer that I was having "major surgery." The only people that knew it was the sleeve were my husband, daughter, and mother. If anyone asked for more information, I just told them it was needed for my health at the direction of my physician. When I returned to work, I had lost a considerable amount of weight, so when people made comments to me, I told them then that I had the gastric sleeve done for health reasons, and gave a brief description of what the VGS was. I felt more comfortable telling people afterwards, and it all turned out well, anyway. How much you say before and after just depends on your comfort level.

Thank you! I will definitely check it out!

I, too, am an amazon junkie. How does prime membership work?

It went up in price, I see. However, check out the other buying options on the page, too. I paid $29.99 w/ free shipping via amazon.com. It is still that price, but you have to look in the "more buying choices" on the side or below the description.

My nutritionist started me taking Vitamin B Complex along with my regular daily vitamin. I do feel better now, but my weight is shifting, or I should say gravity is pulling it down (flabby legs)! I do need to exercise more and drink more water, but the vitamin B complex did help.

I am buying only a few things at a time until I reach my desired weight. When I cleared out my entire wardrobe I was ashamed of all the clothes I had! I had so many clothes in all colors. I won't do that again. It was wasteful. I can shop now in regular stores, where I cried the first time I stepped into the fitting room.

I believe it was 8 weeks for me, but when I ate my first salad, I ordered an oriental grilled chicken salad (which I had been craving) and ate only part of a small size, and it was wonderful! I checked with my nutritionist first, though.

Very nicely put! You look fabulous! Congratulations!

That is true, and I do not take as much time to eat as I used to, however, it is great for your small plate of eggs or bowl of oatmeal, or any food you want to stay warm while you are eating. In fact, it stays warm long after I am done.

What is nice about the hot plate is you can set your plate or bowl directly on it and it keeps it warm. And you can also use it as a regular hot plate to keep food warm in serving dishes for the family. I have thought about getting a second one, one day.

Blessings to you, tomorrow, on your surgery.

I take Centrum Silver Chewables. Took awhile to get used to them, but not a problem now.

Thanks for the tip! I may just try it that way first!

I like how you worded that, "as your weight levels out." I feel like most of my weight now is in my lower abdomen, thighs, and ankles, even though I have lost inches in the first two. He tells me (in so many words) that gravity pulls your weight down. Hoping that more walking will help stabilize the "weight distribution!"

Interesting!

I keep hearing about the premier brand of protein shakes, and I even have some in my frig to try, but after getting sick on so many other brands, I just stare at them in my frig, afraid to try them!

I used to be warm all the time, but now that I have lost 80 pounds, I find that I am always cold, even though it may be 70 degrees outside! I get chilled easily. I am sure it is due to the weight loss, but I wondered if anyone else has the same symptoms!

They make lids for the Tervis tumblers, too. I got my lids at Hallmark.

Thank you!

What kind of mug warmer do you use?

I am not sure exactly. Every surgeon is different in preparation for surgery. You will need to check that out with your surgeon or nutritionist. Sorry I could not be of more help.

Just know that you are never alone!

I ran across a wonderful product while on amazon.com. Because it takes awhile to eat meals, I ordered this hot plate (after reading the reviews). It is a wonderful product. Just two minutes in the microwave and it keeps your plate hot while you eat! I love it, especially for eggs! http://www.amazon.com/Orka-A04100-Magma-Plate-Black/dp/B003K05OBM/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1367248423&sr=8-1&keywords=orka+magma

My nutritionist told me that I could eat anything now, however, I have been reluctant to eat things like nuts, salads, and uncooked veggies since they are harder to digest.