terry1118

My 10's are hanging off me. I have some very nice comfortable work slacks in sz10 but I have to keep hitching them up. Also, my medium tops are getting too big. I never DREAMED I'd ever get this small! :-)

You never know! You COULD be that person who can do it! :-)

'Quiet corner' sounds nice. :-)

I was advised to wait till after or the end of my trip before getting a tattoo because you can't swim or go in the sun w/one. My son wants me to get it in Cali. :-) I'll be there from 4/24 - 4/30. It could be a good souvenir of my trip. Aside from going to my son's graduation from boot camp at Parris Island, I've never left New England. :-)

It's not an issue if you don't eat a lot of it or don't have it often. If fat is a concern you can get the same delicious Peanut Butter flavor w/o the fat by using PB2. And you can use more of it if you want more PB flavor w/o adding a lot fat and calories. Depending on what stage you are at, adding calories and a little fat can be helpful, as it's hard sometimes to eat enough to feel energetic. Peanut butter in reasonable amounts is considered a healthy thing if you choose a no sugar added natural variety.

My insurance will pay after 3 months stable weight and if you get frequent rashes documented by your doctor.

Appetizer forks and spoons. Small ceramic bowls with steam-vented lids for reheating foods w/o drying them out, in two sizes (available at TJ Max and Marshalls for $2.99 and $3.99). My insulated lunch bag that goes with me everywhere. A large 32oz double walled "Bubba" mug for my protein shake when I need to take it on the run. "Bubba" is the brand name. :-)

Mine says a year for several reasons. 1 - Alcohol can be irritating to a healing pouch. Possible ulcer risk, also. 2 - There is a high risk of transfer addiction. It's not uncommon for weight loss surgery patients to become alcoholics. Most of us had a food addiction and need to learn to deal with our problems without turning to food or other substances for comfort. Avoiding alcohol while we are learning this is important. 3- High risk of liver damage and/or failure. While we are losing weight fairly fast (primarily during the first year) toxins stored in the fat are released into our bodies. Our liver is working overtime to process these toxins. Adding alcohol can be dangerous at this time. The danger lessens as weight loss slows and stops. Always follow your own doctors instructions. Each doctor has his own instructions based on their own personal experiences and observations.

Congratulations! :-)

Maybe a question best asked of your team's nutritionist?

Also, the other thing you can't go wrong stocking up on is your post-op vitamins. I stocked up on those whenever CVS had a buy 1/get 1 free sale. I have a stockpile of sublingual vitamin B, vitamin D (I tend to be defficient), and biotin. I buy large bottles of vitamins, and I gradually stocked up on calcium citrate from my local bariatric supply store (Faunce Corner Nutrition in Dart out MA). That's also where I buy all my high protein snacks. :-)

I bought fancy appetizer spoons and forks. They are the perfect size to eat with and are pretty. Also, appetizer plates and small bowls, pretty smaller cups and wine glasses. I know, no wine for a year, but you can drink other liquids from them too. I like to sip my iced green tea from them. Fancier table ware makes the simplest food look and feel special. I buy small containers to pack my food in. I have a pretty insulated lunch bag I carry everywhere. I keep non-perishable high Protein Snacks in my car, purse, and desk at work. TJMaxx has ceramic containers with covers that have a steam vent - perfect for reheating foods in the microwave at work without drying it out. They're $2.99 and up depending on size. I use these daily. I've discovered that I love Chike high protein coffee (available from Amazon). It has real expresso in it. I don't seem to like coffee much anymore but still want that caffeine kick in the morning. This protein is perfect. I make it with Water and crushed ice and it tastes just like a Coffee Coolatta from Dunkin Donuts (like a coffee frappe). I just bought a new inexpensive blender to keep at work so I can make it there. In addition to giving me a caffeine boost it also boosts my protein for the day, which is great because workdays are the days I'm most likely to fall short of protein goals. :-)

I know what you mean. It only came six days ago and it's half gone already! But it's no more expensive than my daily cup of iced coffee from Dunkin Donuts. I'm going to order two more containers tonite. :-)

I tried Chike High Protein Coffee on the recommendation of someone in another group. I don't seem to like coffee as much as I used to and miss the caffeine to get me started in the AM. Chike has real espresso in it so I get a real caffeine boost. I make it in a blender with water and crushed ice. It doesn't have that 'protein' taste - it tastes just like a Coffee Coolatta! It's a regular part of my morning routine now. I even bought a blender for work so I can make it whenever I want to. :-)

I grew up in Newport but married a Tiverton guy and have lived in Tiverton for 35 years. I work on Aquidneck Island. Where are you located? :-)

The possibility was discussed in my pre-op education classes. They said it wasn't uncommon.

I tried on dresses for my upcoming trip to southern CA to see my son. Sears had a beautiful Lands End sundress but the S was a little too big and XS was a little snug. I looked it up online and it's available from Lands End in petite so I ordered it in S. Petite tends to be a little smaller so it should fit well. I may have to get a few in other colors if I like it! :-) Life is good!

I'm from southern RI, a half mile from the MA border.

Following surgery I couldn't take pills for thirty days. I had a medication that didn't come in liquid form so my doc suggested mixing the contents of the capsule into a couple tablespoons of sugar free applesauce. It didn't taste great but it helped me get it down.

When I tried Wendy's chili I noticed it has some oil floating on top - maybe you had mild dumping if it was greasy? My homemade chili is made w/ground chicken and has very little fat.

I'll be getting a tattoo, hopefully by May when I visit my son in southern Cali so I can show him. I'm the only one in my family that doesn't have one yet. I designed my hubby's viking tattoo and I'll be designing my own. Still deciding on what - it's permanent and has to be done just right.

Maybe late-stage dumping? I've never dumped (avoid those foods out of fear) but I've heard of something called late stage dumpling that occurs hours after the fact. Maybe someone can elaborate on this?

Congratulations! Think of all the money we'll save! Now when I get a pedi it'll be because I want to be pampered and not because I can't reach my toes! I loved it the first time I could paint my toes and still breathe at the same time! Now I can reach them effortlessly! :-)

Actually, after carrying full-term twin girls followed a few years later by a 10 1/2 pound boy, there is absolutely nothing sexy about me in low rise pants or jeans! Lol. But if you can pull it off you go right ahead! :-)

Awesome demonstration! We all know WHAT to do but this gives a perfect visual on the WHY we should do it. :-)