piercedqt78

Hi piercedqt78. I'm the co-lead for the NYC/LI chapter. I hope you don't mind if I take your idea and incorporate that information into my signature.
Thanks. gowalking.

I didn't read all the replies, sorry if I repeat anyone else:
1. I wish I would have known about the sleeve when I was banded, the band wouldn't have even been considered.
2. I wish I was more prepared for the drastic weightloss, I had lost so slowly with the band and had some regain everytime they took even a tiny amount of my restriction away, and then with my sleeve I lost 100 pounds in less than 10 months.
3. I wish I had known my surgeon wasn't a "warm fuzzy" man, his beside manner left something to be desired, but all in all he is still one of my most favorite people in the medical field. He gave me the tools I needed to save my life, and for that I will always have a special love in my heart for him.
4. I wish I had known how emotional I would be when I look in the mirror, some days I still see my fat self, and other days I'm freaked out by just how small I am now. I see a therapist for body dysmorphic disorder. I have gone from a size 22/24 to a size 0/2 and my 1 year anniversary is this thursday. It's weird if I look in a mirror I see a fat woman looking back at me, but if I catch my body's reflection in a store window or car mirror I think wow that's a great body wish I could be like that, then I realize it's me. So I'm working on it.
5. I wish I would have better prepared my daughter for my body changes. She was freaked out when I started wearing a smaller size than her. But she was happy to inherit all of my Victoria Secret bras.
6. I wish I would have known that I would want plastics when I hit goal. I always said I'm not vain, and since I'm a tomboy, and too old for bikinis, and skimpy clothes the skin won't bug me. And for visual reasons it really doesn't but I have some pain issues, like I have to sit carefully, or I end up sitting on a fold of skin and have to deal with bruises. no fun.
7. I wish I would have been warned that my favorite Soup would taste like metal after surgery. I make a stuffed pepper soup, and everything is fresh (nothing from a can at all) and it tastes like it has been sitting in a steel bucket for days before being served now. My family says it's just me, that it taste just like it always did. So I would have liked to know that healthy food would change in flavor too, they warned me about sweets but not "real food"
8. I wish I had been warned that I would lose relationships when I lost weight. I think some people were only willing to be friends with people that made them look good (they looked thinner because the rest of us were morbidly obese) and I also had family tell me I took the easy way out.
9. I wish I had known how much money I would save on meds post-op. I have been able to come off of several meds, and have only picked up the ppi.
10. I wish they would have made us take a class on how to dress our new bodies. I seriously need to do an episode of "What not to wear"
I know I listed more than 4 things, but this journey has taught me a ton about myself and others. I have said it before and I will continue to say it, I would do this surgery every year if I had to, I LOVE my sleeve.

I didn't read all the replies, sorry if I repeat anyone else:
1. I wish I would have known about the sleeve when I was banded, the band wouldn't have even been considered.
2. I wish I was more prepared for the drastic weightloss, I had lost so slowly with the band and had some regain everytime they took even a tiny amount of my restriction away, and then with my sleeve I lost 100 pounds in less than 10 months.
3. I wish I had known my surgeon wasn't a "warm fuzzy" man, his beside manner left something to be desired, but all in all he is still one of my most favorite people in the medical field. He gave me the tools I needed to save my life, and for that I will always have a special love in my heart for him.
4. I wish I had known how emotional I would be when I look in the mirror, some days I still see my fat self, and other days I'm freaked out by just how small I am now. I see a therapist for body dysmorphic disorder. I have gone from a size 22/24 to a size 0/2 and my 1 year anniversary is this thursday. It's weird if I look in a mirror I see a fat woman looking back at me, but if I catch my body's reflection in a store window or car mirror I think wow that's a great body wish I could be like that, then I realize it's me. So I'm working on it.
5. I wish I would have better prepared my daughter for my body changes. She was freaked out when I started wearing a smaller size than her. But she was happy to inherit all of my Victoria Secret bras.
6. I wish I would have known that I would want plastics when I hit goal. I always said I'm not vain, and since I'm a tomboy, and too old for bikinis, and skimpy clothes the skin won't bug me. And for visual reasons it really doesn't but I have some pain issues, like I have to sit carefully, or I end up sitting on a fold of skin and have to deal with bruises. no fun.
7. I wish I would have been warned that my favorite Soup would taste like metal after surgery. I make a stuffed pepper soup, and everything is fresh (nothing from a can at all) and it tastes like it has been sitting in a steel bucket for days before being served now. My family says it's just me, that it taste just like it always did. So I would have liked to know that healthy food would change in flavor too, they warned me about sweets but not "real food"
8. I wish I had been warned that I would lose relationships when I lost weight. I think some people were only willing to be friends with people that made them look good (they looked thinner because the rest of us were morbidly obese) and I also had family tell me I took the easy way out.
9. I wish I had known how much money I would save on meds post-op. I have been able to come off of several meds, and have only picked up the ppi.
10. I wish they would have made us take a class on how to dress our new bodies. I seriously need to do an episode of "What not to wear"
I know I listed more than 4 things, but this journey has taught me a ton about myself and others. I have said it before and I will continue to say it, I would do this surgery every year if I had to, I LOVE my sleeve.

http://www.buzzfeed.com/juliegerstein/shape-magazine-refused-to-let-this-woman-wear-a-bikini-on-it?bffbstyle
Shape Magazine didn't want to run pictures of a woman that had lost 170 pounds showing her excess skin. It's real, it's the truth, and it's not always pretty. If you make a drastic change, and drop that much weight you WILL have skin. It's sad that they claim it's policy to have everyone cover up for their before/after shots, but one look at their site, or the pages of their magazine prove otherwise. I guess they only want to showcase those that have toned and not had dramatic loss.

Also ALWAYS ask if they make the adult Entrees in kid sizes, you would be amazed at the number of places that can do just that.

I didn't read all the replies, sorry if I repeat anyone else:
1. I wish I would have known about the sleeve when I was banded, the band wouldn't have even been considered.
2. I wish I was more prepared for the drastic weightloss, I had lost so slowly with the band and had some regain everytime they took even a tiny amount of my restriction away, and then with my sleeve I lost 100 pounds in less than 10 months.
3. I wish I had known my surgeon wasn't a "warm fuzzy" man, his beside manner left something to be desired, but all in all he is still one of my most favorite people in the medical field. He gave me the tools I needed to save my life, and for that I will always have a special love in my heart for him.
4. I wish I had known how emotional I would be when I look in the mirror, some days I still see my fat self, and other days I'm freaked out by just how small I am now. I see a therapist for body dysmorphic disorder. I have gone from a size 22/24 to a size 0/2 and my 1 year anniversary is this thursday. It's weird if I look in a mirror I see a fat woman looking back at me, but if I catch my body's reflection in a store window or car mirror I think wow that's a great body wish I could be like that, then I realize it's me. So I'm working on it.
5. I wish I would have better prepared my daughter for my body changes. She was freaked out when I started wearing a smaller size than her. But she was happy to inherit all of my Victoria Secret bras.
6. I wish I would have known that I would want plastics when I hit goal. I always said I'm not vain, and since I'm a tomboy, and too old for bikinis, and skimpy clothes the skin won't bug me. And for visual reasons it really doesn't but I have some pain issues, like I have to sit carefully, or I end up sitting on a fold of skin and have to deal with bruises. no fun.
7. I wish I would have been warned that my favorite Soup would taste like metal after surgery. I make a stuffed pepper soup, and everything is fresh (nothing from a can at all) and it tastes like it has been sitting in a steel bucket for days before being served now. My family says it's just me, that it taste just like it always did. So I would have liked to know that healthy food would change in flavor too, they warned me about sweets but not "real food"
8. I wish I had been warned that I would lose relationships when I lost weight. I think some people were only willing to be friends with people that made them look good (they looked thinner because the rest of us were morbidly obese) and I also had family tell me I took the easy way out.
9. I wish I had known how much money I would save on meds post-op. I have been able to come off of several meds, and have only picked up the ppi.
10. I wish they would have made us take a class on how to dress our new bodies. I seriously need to do an episode of "What not to wear"
I know I listed more than 4 things, but this journey has taught me a ton about myself and others. I have said it before and I will continue to say it, I would do this surgery every year if I had to, I LOVE my sleeve.

That's a great list!

places that do half portions or are known to allow ordering off the kids menu:
http://www.connectionwls.com/helpful-tips-and-resources/restaurants/

No Doctor's office wants to hear that you are calling the insurance commissioner. The breadth and depth of the commissioner's duties can vary by state. That's why I'd research it. I only know my state. Our commissioner is all about protecting the insured.

I haven't done the kid's meals either, but it is good choice...but most of the time when I look at the kids meals they seem like stuff I don't want to be eating in the first place...grilled cheese, mac n cheese etc. LOL...but its a good idea and if I see something I want I will give myself that option. I like alot of folks like the larger portions, for I usually can eat off of something for three meals. so I order and ask them right away to bring me a to go box. I too have a card saying I've had surgery and if need too will use it someday...but until then I am going to try to be aware of the sizes of my meal.
This week is a bit of a challenge to me, I start a new job next week and have been asked out by office folks here to lunch-one is at a mexician restaurant (my fav) and the other is a place that's called the Market City Cafe (sandwiches and Pasta and salads). the problem is I get my 3rd fill this week as well and weighed in...so I know that salads are in my view on the menu-because this is the time I wish they did have kids menu's but neither place does. I want to have a good time, but I don't want to be way over on my calories either. so here is thinking SMALL PORTIONS...SMALL PORTIONS...SMALL PORTIONS...lol.
Just loved your post kimk1999, haven't had wine in forever and since I have to go back to work don't think that's going to happen either day...have an awesome day!!! thanks for the

I would check walgreens and bed bath and beyond, so if it sucks you can return it without having to pay shipping to you and back.

if you click the little wheel by your user name it will open a drop down menu there is an option of "content I follow" and every post you are active in will pop up, the ones with replies will be at the top.

I would check walgreens and bed bath and beyond, so if it sucks you can return it without having to pay shipping to you and back.

I would check walgreens and bed bath and beyond, so if it sucks you can return it without having to pay shipping to you and back.

I would check walgreens and bed bath and beyond, so if it sucks you can return it without having to pay shipping to you and back.

Have you tried smashed cauliflower instead of mashed potatoes? I also made a pizza with a cauliflower crust...it's amazing what you can do

Thank you for posting this. It really does make me feel better. I'm 6 days into my preop diet wondering how I will ever be able to eat this little for a lifetime. But I guess having most of your stomach gone helps with this problem.

My name is Mandy I have been in contact with Alex and I will be working with the Jacksonville chapter for local support meetings. We are working to have the first meeting in June. Please feel free to give me your best times/days so I can try to make this is accessible as possible. I will be talking to St. Vincent's Riverside today about using their meeting room. Also let me know if there are any particular guest speakers you would like to see. I'm thinking about a healthy cooking demo, maybe some plastic surgery seminars, I have someone that can help you pick out the correct workout/running shoes and he will offer discounts at his sales location. Any other requests? I figure I will talk to the local hospitals and see if they will allow us to host in their conference rooms, and we can either rotate areas or if there is a good central area we can make it a set monthly location.

I'm May 12 and I'm excited but I get nervous, reading your msg helped me

So can I be the official May cheerleader for you guys? I'm willing to help if I can. You can message me here, or post in this thread if you have questions, or want encouragement or support. I'm here to help if I can.

My name is Mandy I have been in contact with Alex and I will be working with the Jacksonville chapter for local support meetings. We are working to have the first meeting in June. Please feel free to give me your best times/days so I can try to make this is accessible as possible. I will be talking to St. Vincent's Riverside today about using their meeting room. Also let me know if there are any particular guest speakers you would like to see. I'm thinking about a healthy cooking demo, maybe some plastic surgery seminars, I have someone that can help you pick out the correct workout/running shoes and he will offer discounts at his sales location. Any other requests? I figure I will talk to the local hospitals and see if they will allow us to host in their conference rooms, and we can either rotate areas or if there is a good central area we can make it a set monthly location.

I will be one year post-op on Thursday the 8th. I want to tell you this it THE BEST DECISION I EVER MADE. Except having my daughter of course. I have said it before and I will say it again, I would do this surgery once a year if that's what it took to keep my sleeve. I don't regret it for a single second!!! Here's to all the May sleevers, you are doing amazing things for yourself, and your health!! Congrats.

Next week is my 1 year post-op and after a warm shower my scars are still fairly dark, but I'm really super pale. I was/am willing to tell anyone about my surgery. But if I had to hide it I would go with the gall bladder or hernia route, if they take the gall bladder, (some surgeons do) then just say that, if not hernia. Both would cause the same type of scars, and a gradual return to a normal diet. Some doctors have a 6-8 week post-op diet, how will you explain that everything you are eating must be soft, not drinking with meals and the tiny portions? I know that even when I was doing extreme dieting I ate at least 3 times what I was able to eat in the first several months post-op. You might be able to explain, the scars, and the type of food, but if we eat out even now a year later most of the time it looks like I haven't even touched my food.

Oscar Mayer P3, they are little containers with a total of 2 oz, they have different combo of meat, cheese and nuts. They are about 120-140 calories, and have 12-15 grams of Protein. They have turkey, ham, and chicken, peanuts or almonds, and cheddar, or colby jack.
http://www.proteinproteinprotein.com/
and they are only $1 at Walmart.

I was told as long as it didn't add texture I could have it, I could even add a squeeze of ranch dressing to my cottage cheese, or to my finely chopped chicken salad. (I used homemade ranch made with plain greek yogurt in place of mayo)
I also do jerky (after 6 months) and I love hard boiled eggs. I boil about 12 eggs on sunday evening and store them in the fridge, I grab one egg and a string cheese. I have pet sugar gliders, and they eat them too, so they are never wasted. I also use them to give my dog her medicine. We go through a few dozen eggs a week at my house, I buy them from a local farm, and they are amazing. I usually eat all of the white, and maybe 1/4 of the yolk. The sugar gliders get the rest of the yolk as a treat, or it gets split between my 3 dogs. I plan on making pickled eggs this summer, it's been a tradition in my family for generations, and they are soooo good.
I also keep a pack of low sodium turkey bacon cooked and in snack sized bags in the fridge, 2 slices to a bag. I cook it in the oven on a cooling rack over a rimmed cookie sheet, it cooks nice and crisp, and perfectly flat. Also it doesn't shrink so 2 slices is a perfect go to with a stick of string cheese. I don't eat pork, but my family does, and I make their bacon the same way, except because it makes such a mess, I do 3 or 6 pounds at a time, and then wrap it in wax paper, and freeze it in quart freezer bags. When they want bacon, they just take it out and pop it in the microwave for 20-40 seconds and they have perfect bacon. I also use it in recipes, and to top salads and Soups for them.
Last but not least, I keep imitation crab in the fridge, it's higher in calories, but it's better than grabbing chips or crackers.
I'm also hooked on apples with peanut or cashew butter on them. Yum!