nsquared

Congratulation. Great job!

I had surgery in Feb 2013 and my situation was exactly like LaLa K above. The endoscopy and hernia repair was billed to my insurance. I paid cash for the sleeve.

I am going to take proudgrammy's advice and check out the veteran's board.

Thank you so much!

I have lost a little more than 100lbs and have about 30 - 40 to go. I thought it would be a great idea to start a thread for others who are close to goal so we can share our stories, habits and get advice from the vets that have made it to goal. Losing may get more difficult as we get closer to goal and if there are any tips to get there, I'd know I'd love to hear them. My hope is to to be down 30lbs by the end of October 2013. I'd love to hear tips and about the journey of others.

I've lost a fair amount of weight and miraculously, have no excess skin. I started at a BMI slightly higher than 40 and started exercising 7 days post op. I think that helps a bit. I think there are a few factors that affect skin during weight loss; length of time obese, skin elasticity, moisture, exercise and age. I am still not at goal so there is still time for excess skin but I am fairly optimistic now that i am close.I say, work your program, stay hydrated and use a good moisturizer. If all else fails, surgery is always an option.

They have great goat cheese, ahi and all the fixings for salad...pine nuts dried cranberries, etc. They also make a "superfood" salad with kale and beans. Very nutrient and protein packed. It's practically my primary grocery store now.

Amazing and so cute.

It's a great feeling isn't it?! Congratulations.

It's a great feeling, isn't it!? Congratulations and Sleeve On!

Don't worry about it. You've done great so far and tomorrow is a new day!

My diet progression was slower than yours but I had a horrific problem with constipation around 9 days post op. Miralax helped with that and I have pretty much been regular ever since.

I love it! That is awesome and so very true.

Cottage cheese is a perfect protein to add. It's tasty and goes with lots of other foods.

I had a hiatal hernia repair during my sleeve surgery. They found the hernia during my pre-op endoscopy. I never knew I had it and post-op it didn't bother me at all. I am not familiar with the feeling you describe. Hopefully, someone else knows. Good luck.

Congratulations on your hard work. Losing 120lbs is amazing! Good for you.

I have gone done 1/2 a size in shoes. I am now between an 8 and 8.5. I've been buying new shoes lately.

Try Pilates. If you belong to a gym, take a Pilates class, if offered. You can also do it at home with a DVD. Ellen Barrett from Crunch Fitness does a great job on her DVD's. You'll get a good workout too.

Congratulations! Great work.

Check with your nutritionist or surgeon, but I would say maybe around 8 - 10 weeks.

Hi Patteee! So glad you are doing well. You certainly have been through the ringer.

You went through quite a bit. Thankfully, you are doing better now. Hang in there.

A 20 - 30 lbs backpack is heavy even without the surgery, but I think they are primarily concerned about 2 weeks post op. My surgeon restricted me to no more than 10 lbs for 2 weeks post op. That said, you should be ok 20 days out or as someone suggested use a pack on wheels. The walking shouldn't be a problem though.

Look at you! You look great!

Phenomenal! I like the happy face t-shirt, but it is way too big for you now.