StephanieRR

Thank you for sharing! I actually think that sounds delicious and yes, healthy for eating out. I love reading others expiriences who are further out.

LOL! Thanks for the St Patty's Day tip! I can do the cooked cabbage but not quite there on the corned beef yet. A Happy St Patrick's Day right back at ya!!

i'm not saying your portions may be too big, but just in case here is a suggestion...I carry a small 4 oz, (1/2cup), container in my car and my purse. That way I can always portion out my food or at least can eyeball it truthfully. It doesn't look like alot, but it is suffient and I have never expirienced the vomitting, watery mouth, or other commonly discussed symptoms I read about in here. I also ask fo a to go container as soon as I get my meal if i'm out and portion the remaining out in the 1/2 cups after I get home. If I'm having more than one item, I will devide my food into 2oz Protein and 2oz veggies or side dish.I have also noticed I definately have to eat slower. I hope all gets a little smoother for you as I'm sure it will for all of us. Maybe I need to get used to shying away for the 1/2 cup measuring and see if I can pick up on my body signals better. : )

Maybe that's my problem. People can really tell I'm losing, however the scale is barely moving. I use my fitness pal and my calories average 550-750 calories a day. I do get plenty of protein. I will try upping my calories a few days and see how it goes! Thank you for sharing!! : )

I remember while doing research about the sleeve, I watched a Youtube video of a lady who had the same problem with her arms. She showed some "sleeves" she put on under her shirt made by Spanx. I can't remember what she called them, but she even commented that she could wear a whole blouse size smaller with it on. I just remember thinking to myself "I'll have to remember Spanx for my arms when the time comes".... Personally, I don't know anyone who has them. I also remember my nutrtionist telling me if I don't want surgery down the road if I have excess skin, there's always Spanx. So far so good, but I am definately willing to try them one day if needed.

Oh sweetie. You can soooo do this. I remember the liquid diet. It almost got unbearable for me half way through the week. However, I just kept thinking about my surgery and how much better i'm going to feel one day. I told myself everyday, "This is just temporary. I can do this." Somehow i got thfough it and you will too. We work too hard to make it all happen and go smoothly to just throw it all away on a meal or something our nutritionist tells us we shouldn't have. Try to stay focused on a hobby or something that will take your attention away from food. I know you can do this. If I can, any one can! ; ) Praying you will not be discouraged and you will reap the benefits of your hard work. Stay positive!!

What a great feeling!!! I just reached there a month ago myself!! High Five! Congrats!! Keep up the great progress!! : ) We've got this beat!

Yay! That's awesome! I remember only having 3 days of nausea. You poor dear!! It is an great feeling to break free of that feeling. Congrats!! Sounds like you're on your way now!! Enjoy!! : )

Congrats on your surgery date!! I hope you find the resources inside you to stay focused and do well. I used my pre-op diet time as a dry run for my surgery. I wish you great success!! Stressful situations like funerals can be triggers for stress eating. Just be aware of those kind of pitfalls and you will do awesome! Congrats again!! : )

Prayers headed your way! I pray for a speedy recovery and much success! : )

Okay, you feel you are having a slow weight loss, but how do you feel? How do your clothes fit? Are you healthier? There are so many more aspects to what we are doing than a number on the scale. The last time I saw my nutritionist, she told me to get off the scale and quit weighing every single day!! She said since I was upset over comparing myself to others, and in a bad mood when there was no loss, that I was not feeling the happiness and full benefit of the success I was overlooking...All because I obsessed over a number on a scale! She wants me to not weigh until my next appointment. In a month!! She said if I can't make it, only weigh once a week. Tomorrow will make 3 weeks since I have weighed. I feel TERRIFIC!! I AM HAPPIER! Please stay positive and stick to the plan. It's not a race. It's a lifetime commitment. i think 30 pounds is super!! : )

You look fabulous!! Thank you for sharing and the encouragement!!

My nutritionist told me when I asked her a similar question, "What does it matter? In the big picture, it's about YOU and how YOU feel, how much healthier YOU are!" She was right! I learned to be proud of my hard work and not dwell on those sho have lost more. I AM happy and feeling great! They are right, too many factors. Everybody is unique. Be yourself, follow your plan, and enjoy your results. : )

YAY!!! That's awesome!

You've done great!!! Keep up the hard work!

I think they look great on you! They are not tight and revealing so I think they are most appropriate for our age. Color is a matter of individuality. I love the color. my wardrobe has been mainly black for the last 5-8 years,(For obvious slimming reasons, not really by choice). i may buy a colored pair of jeans myself one day down the road. Two thumbs up! : )

Yay for you! Well you already have God on your side, nothing to be nervous about. I prayed that if this was a tool for me then He'd make it possible....And did He ever!!! The surgery has been a real blessing to me. I'm off my BP medicine! Be joyful and encouraged!! : )

This has all been so encouraging from the postings to the pictures! I as well have worried about the excessive skin. I am 47, have over 150 pounds total to lose, I moisturize like crazy, try to tone when I can. I've been married for 27 years so the way I see it, he's already seen me at my worst! I am big but evenly proportioned so I think this eases my mind. Thank you everyone for the input and thank you Butterflyeffect for asking. Keep up the great work everyone!!

I never had to have a physical, but my surgeon did have bloodwork taken, plus an endoscopy to see if everything looked good to go prior to scheduling the surgery. I also had to write any medications or ailments on a form every office visit I had. Congrats on the date! You should be excited! : )

Horray for you! You sound like you are doing wonderful! I went back to work after 1 week post op and wished I would have taken 2 weeks. Not because I needed it physically, but it was nice to have the break! : )

I was only able to have a half a shake and that was barely sipping it. I hope you recover quickly. I only had neasea my first 2 days after surgery and have been GREAT ever since. Did they send neasea medicine home with you? Perhaps that, or even the GasX strips that dissolve under the toungue would help. I am finding once in a while I seem to have "air" trapped in my system and the strips relieve it. That could be causing some of the neasea. I'm quite confident it is only temporary for you. : )

Born and raised an Indiana girl and always will be! Lawrenceburg IN, sleeved 1/23/14 in Cincinnati

Wow...130's? My doctor set my goal at 180 and I'm 5'4". He said that would be a healthy goal weight and if I wanted to go lower that was up to me. It sounds like you are doing fabulous so far and you are on the right track! Just keep up the great work. A number on the scale is just that, a number on the scale. : )

That is so cool!! Two thumbs up for you!! Keep up the great work and thank you for sharing. Seeing others success is encouraging!

That's awesome!!! Keep up the great work and thank you for sharing and being an inspiration. : )