Cristin

Sleeve Of Steel, were you careful never to get too full, or is it just that the sleeve itself didn't stretch despite the inevitable occasion where one might eat too much?

Yeah, I had a major allergic reaction to the steri strips. Itched and stung like crazy and the skin on my stomach turned bright red and hot to the touch. Doc told me to not scratch it and take Benadryl orally and use Benadryl cream.

Good info. Thanks. I bet it's too late to request now that I'm already out of work for recovery, but I'll call HR.

Lane Bryant and Torrid have been able to rip me off for years, now. Torrid a clothes are just as expensive as LB but they're even crappier in quality; they won't last. I wish there was a plus size retailer that was fashion conscious that didn't take advantage of larger shoppers who don't have other options for semi-decent clothing. Ugh, I can't wait to be free of them!

Sippy cups are actually RECOMMENDED by my surgeon. They're great; I've been using them.

Lower age is correlated with less excess skin, but if you have more than 100lbs to lose, you're gonna get it. It wouldn't be as bad as it would if you were 50, but it will still show up. There's nothing we can do about it, unfortunately. In areas with only small amounts of excess skin, bulking those areas up with muscle will help, though.

Healthwise has a TON of fruity protein powders. I mix the lemonade flavor with Crystal Light and Water and it has 15g of protein and tastes divinely refreshing. Totally like Sonic's lemonade. Definitely check out Health Wise products. Cherry, cran grape, mixed berry, orange, strawberry kiwi, and lemonade are some of the possibilities

I'm taking a month off per my surgeon's advice. I went through FMLA. Does anybody know if short term disability automatically kicks in with an FMLA leave or is it something you have to submit separately?

No problem! And thanks for asking; I'm pretty good I suppose. One week out today and my incisions are itching like crazy

The 3rd week stall is super common. Search for it with the forum's search feature and you'll see tons on it. Long story short: it's normal. Don't worry about it.

I don't think that's enough water... 1mL = .0338 oz, which means you're getting less than 2% of the daily minimum of 64oz if you're drinking 50 mL. These symptoms also remind me a lot of dehydration, which makes sense if that 50mL wasn't a typo. I really hope you are ok and that the solution is as simple as drinking water.

Celebrate brand has an ENS drink that includes a Multivitamin and half your calcium dose. They also have a drink mix with your multivitamin, calcium and 25 g of Protein. Honestly combining as much of the protein, Vitamin and liquid requirements as possible makes things so much easier. Make everything you eat count towards something you need to get in in a big way; no 7g of protein per cup stuff. And I'd hate to take more than my Vitamin D and Iron in pill form like a jillion times a day. And the only way I've been able to get everything in is to use (drumroll, please...) SIPPY CUPS! Seriously, I just sip from one all day so that in total I have 8-10 sippy cups (at 8 oz each) of Liquid Protein, liquids, and vitamin drinks. Sippy cups have been a lifesaver and I'm so glad my doc recommended them.

I'm sorry, that can't feel good at all. May I ask what kinds of people (e.g. Coworkers, classmates, family etc.) and what kind of activities?

Awesome!! Thanks for the tip

Oh and the things you can do with cauliflower- people make mashed potatoes, pizza crusts, buffalo wings... It's awesome. Pinterest is a great place to go to find recipes that are creatively healthy like that. I'm definitely a Pinterest addict

I would recommend giving people the benefit of the doubt. It can be frustrating to have people suddenly pay attention, but maybe they just didn't know how to talk to you before because they were shy or whatever. Now they have a compliment to open with, "You look great," and it makes it easier to start discussions. Also I know I tended to look sad a lot at my heaviest. It's possible you were unknowingly pushing people away like I did, and now that you're happier, people feel comfortable talking to you. You're a gorgeous woman, and you really do look great!

How many months out are you? You look great!