lilbearzmom

I didn't need one, but that doesn't mean everyone doesn't. If you think it will help, go for it.

Same here. Actually a few of my coworkers know, and my family. I am in a RT program, and none of them know, but since I have lost 58 lbs since surgery, it's obvious. I told them I was limiting carbs and exercising. Maybe they suspect. I just don't think its anyone's business and I am choosy who I share it with.

I have to say it's much more "comfortable" and the other poster is right- you aren't relegated to only one "position" without the extra girth.

I am almost 4 months out- surgery was Dec. 17.

mmmm dill pickle relish...would be good in tuna or chicken salad...gotta get some of that- probably low carb too. -Kendra

I am currently doing the Atkins induction phase thing, trying to break a stall. Last weekend I made a crustless quiche that I could eat during the week. I have been having spinach salads with grilled chicken, tuna salad, and eggs for Breakfast. On the days when I need a really quick breakfast or lunch, I bought some of the Atkins meal bars, which are actually really tasty. For Snacks, cheese sticks or cucumber slices with ranch. So far it has been fine, having the sleeve on my side helps me stick with it. I'm not weighing until next week, so we will see how it goes! -Kendra

You definitely need to stop dwelling on other people's starting weight. I'm pretty sure those people felt just as fat at 250 as you did at 330. Having said that, I was just over 300 and am now at around 214 and I feel positively freaking skinny. LOL As far as food issues, you are in the phase of missing your old friend and confidante, food. I think we all go through that. We also all have had our tastes change- foods we loved before surgery no longer appeal. You may be able to go back to those foods- I noticed that some slim fast shakes I bought to drink after surgery that were positively vile are now palatable. It does get better, I promise. Keep us updated! -Kendra

I don't drink it regularly so when I do I don't sweat it. Even drinking it daily once you are pretty well healed up doesn't sound so terrible. -Kendra

Definitely the exception. Not common at all but certainly worth considering. -Kendra

I saw some BBQ flavored ones today at the store. I might have to pick some up to eat with cheese or hummus. You would probably have to eat them with some protein source so you wouldn't keep eating them- I bet they slide pretty good.

I had my surgery here in the States, but I had that choice. Complications can happen here or in Mexico. I would be willing to bet the complication rate is the same. In all liklihood your surgery in Mexico will go fine. The thing I would worry about is IF there are complications, then what? What would happen then? I would be a little worried about being in a Mexican ICU. But I may be ignorant... -Kendra

So funny how sugeons are so different and there's no right way or wrong way. I had a foley but no drain. -Kendra

I really believe your personal goal weight is where YOU feel most comfortable and where you are free of comorbidites associated with extra weight. Go with your gut (no pun intended). -Kendra

No one ever became obese or ruined their diet by eating bananas. I say eat one if you are cleared for soft foods.

Thanks for the post- yep- that machine can be used for both CPAP and BiPAP, it is mainly used if a patient is either hypoxemic (CPAP) or hypercapnic (BiPAP), to try to avoid the invasiveness of having a tube down their throat, or in the case of the gentleman you wrote about, a hole in their neck! The instructor wanted us to feel how a patient feels with that on their face. It's not very comfortable!

So the other day I couldn't find a before picture...found one and it's frightening! It's a weird pic because I have this NPPV mask on trying it out in class (I'm a Respiratory Therapy student). Also I am reposting the picture I took last week at 88 lbs total. In the picture I am probably 280 or so. After picture I am 214.

Yes- I thought I was the only one to have this happen after drinking one of my shakes. I didn't notice the sweating but I swear my heart pounds for 20 minutes afterward. I asked the NUT and she said it was probably dumping but I'm not 100% convinced.

I guess that makes me a HUGE failure then, because I have only lost 58 lbs since surgery almost 16 weeks ago. I'm kidding, of course, I am pretty pleased with my results, and you should be too. Really all that matters is that you are happy with your progress! -Kendra

I am am complete and total stair-step loser. Nothing for a few days to a week and then 6 lbs in one week. I am in a stall now that has lasted a week and a half- I am hoping for a decent loss when I weigh a week from Sunday... -Kendra

I haven't really set any goals. I don't know if that's a bad thing or not. The reason I haven't is because I feel like I only have marginal control over how much I lose, and plateaus are so annoyingly common. My weight loss is so stair-step and not at all predictable, so I am one of those people who is hesitant to set concrete goals... -Kendra

Holy moly. Congratulations! A higher power had different plans for you! -Kendra

First of all, if you had read any of the posts since you joined this forum, you would know that cheese pizza is not going to give you the feeling of restriction you need. Dense Protein will do that. That requires a little time spent planning and shopping. You are correct, it sounds like this surgery was a waste of time and risk for you. Never should have happened if you expected to continue eating unhealthy.

Funny you should post this today. I have never regretted it, BUT I have those days (like today) where I am having head hunger and missing my old life. At least the part where I could eat whatever I wanted and "fill that void". I got on the scale this morning and I gained a pound from last Sunday for no apparent reason. That kind of set the tone for the day, and when I got home from the grocery store, I dug into my box of reduced fat wheat thins and ate a full serving- 16 crackers. (definitely a slider) I didn't go totally off the deep end like I would have pre-surgery, and I did log it, and I am still well under my calorie goal set my MFP, but you do have good days and bad days post-op. No regrets, per se, but you miss your old friend- food in quantity... -Kendra

I agree with the other posters who said he wasn't too smart to send you a video where he is talking about you in the background, drunk or not. HOWEVER, I don't see how what he said was all that bad. I mean, he did call you "big", but you were, right? He still found you hot, and now he thinks you are even more. If you like the guy other than this minor slip up, I say give him another chance. -Kendra

Love that! This morning I threw away a pair of underwear- I was swimming in my freaking underwear!