VSGKirk

Seriously that was the worst part for me - super itchy! Don't shave it yourself though, they prefer to do it so that it's the proper length (they don't shave it smooth because they don't want ingrown hairs, cuts or infections around the incisions). They could have at least continued to trim further south, just so things would be more proportionate though! Oh well, at least NOW I can see down south and do it myself!!

Yeah, so I can wear jeans to work, so I would wear jeans, a white undershirt (tucked in), the suspenders and then a nice long or short sleeved collared shirt over it all.

I had never had surgery before - or ever been in the hospital for that matter! But it actually wasn't bad at all - it was like time travel!! One minute you're relaxing on a table, the next you're waking up and someone's shaved your damn belly! You guys will do great - be excited, you are taking control!!

I was super tender and was very protective of my abdomen for at least a month (maybe 6 weeks?) - I wore suspenders under my shirts instead of a belt as well - way more comfortable!

Yoli, I'm 10 weeks out (in my 11th) and I don't feel like I'm on a diet at all. I eat whatever I want - it's just in tiny tiny portions. That said, when I say anything I want guess what? I WANT healthy things. It's so weird how you gravitate towards things you know are better for you and your stomach. I don't want bad things or huge quantities. I eat what I want and am satisfied with very small portions. And I LOVED carbs... A LOT! I don't know how else to explain it other than my old relationship with food pales in comparison to my new relationship with ME!

Exciting stuff, right!? I can ascertain from your previous posts that you are a highly spiritual person - perhaps you can find some peace of mind and calmness through your faith. Hang in there!

I understand the point that bigsleeve56 is making - us guys sometimes have a tendency to be very direct with each other, so I totally understood that he is coming from a place of genuine concern rather than judgement (at least that's they way I read it). JC, I too just want you to have a successful surgery and outcome and I don't want you to wake up from surgery, just to have the surgeon tell you they decided not to operate due to your liver size. Of course, that might not even be an issue - and with your extremely restrictive diet and slip-ups, you may still be shocking your liver into teeny tiny submission Everyone is different, for sure. Every surgeon has their own preferences, for sure. Since they are the ones you are trusting with your life, I'd follow their recommendations as much as you can and be honest with your surgeon, no matter what. Sounds like you plan on discussing this with your surgeon today (that my friend, is already progress and demonstrates accountability) - so good luck to you and I hope he surprises you and puts your mind at ease. We are all here for you whether we candy-coat our feedback or are extremely direct. Crap, I didn't mean to bring up candy!!!

JC, we should talk 1:1 sometime. Let me know if you're up for it!

Sleeved 1/3/13 and down 52lbs (from surgery date), 50-52" waist to a 44", 4X to an XL-XXL shirt. Feeling good!

Is it bad of me to want to tell you to "F***" 'em? Sorry, seriously - it was my first thought!

So guys, best way to honor him is to do something he can't now... Take an extra lap at the gym, play with your children, do something nice for your spouse, make a co-worker laugh, stick to your program being thankful you're alive and have this opportunity to do great things with your new healthier you! Tragic, so young, yes - now rock your sleeve for Fred!

Weigh yourself weekly instead of daily. We know stress can lead to other health problems, so it is possible it could inhibit weight-loss. Your body is like an airplane about to land, it needs to level off a few times as it descends. Don't sweat it, stay focused on working on your head and sticking to your program.

You're doing fantastic! Well, and now you're famous...so, hopefully you'll get this job otherwise, you can unleash your mad following on them. Great job buddy!!

Great plan BDJ - Lean on us for support throughout the week!!

Welcome Joey! Don't hesitate to reach out anytime...we're here for ya

Special K makes a protein/fiber drink mix (like Crystal Light) called Special K20 I've only been able to find it on Amazon. Tastes great - no problem with it - Water, Protein and Fiber = winx3

Go on to YouTube and search VSG - watch hundreds of videos (if not thousands) of successful people. Try to turn your internal dialogue of one that is anticipating failure to one that is of unlimited possibilities and success.

Hey, I had this on 12" vinyl (Extended Remix) when it came out!!!

Will I have to stand on my head to recognize you?

Yes, but I'm looking at $1,000's of dollars in clothes and professional dry cleaning that is just going to go to the thrift store if no one wants these - they are friggin' nice too!

Hey guys, Don't know how often you check the clothing exchange forum, but I've posted a bunch of free stuff. Check it out if you're interested! Thanks!

3 pairs, great condition!!!

I chose the sleeve because I did not want to experience dumping or deal with malabsorption issues. I feel like a "normal" person who just eats really tiny portions of food and is never hungry. Love my sleeve - it saved my life mentally and physically!

I was accused of "changing" within my first week post-op as well. I think the shift where I always put others first to ME first was what was being detected. I was shocked, but thought about it and agreed. "Yes, yes I've changed...for the better and you are going to have a happier, much healthier partner as a result." You two will have the advantage of having a similar experience and goal, but you'll need to be prepared for the "now what?" moment when you are both at goal. Btw, we are doing great 10 weeks and my partner is "feeling the love" a lot right now...if you know what I mean?

Could your nerves still be healing so you "can't" fully feel full. Don't push it - you might hurt yourself!