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@@rgodfrey09 Congrat's

I hear ya @... I hate throwing up... About 2 weeks ago... I tried some plain chocolate milk... 3 sips and I was kneeling in front of the porcelain thrown nearly begging to throw up... I suffered through it and survived intake... lesson learned.. no more chocolate milk for me!!!

Wonderful to hear everyone's success stories... all to often we get caught up on our stalls...

@@Julezie I was on the preop diet while I worked. I work in an ICU and work nights. I had my shakes for a mid shift meal and a light salad for my dinner.... It is doable. We can have water at our computer station ONLY if it is covered.

@@BigHarleyGuy1 I was in the same boat. Although my family supported my decision, it was my co-workers who were against it, as I was planning my surgery in Mexico. I survived and all is well... I started my journey at 277 and my goal is 175... still over my 'desired' weight. I have to be realistic and feel that weight would be best for me. So I would avoid the charts and set a realistic and attainable goal. Finally, your decision is based on so many issues and desires to be healthy. I decided after my dad had triple bypass, and having the bury my mother, who died from complications from her heart surgery. I didn't want to become just another statistic. So don't let others deter you from what you what or your goals.

Wishing all the March Sleevers a Happy and Wonderful Memorial Day Weekend... remember moderation and Protein first...

I have tried New Balances as well... but recently I have been buying Merrils, their jungle mock line. I have a high arch and used to travel alot (not any more) so going through airport security is hard with tie shoes. These are slip ons have a very comfortable and removable insole and no bending over to tie your shoes... the come in wide width.. and a friend, who normally wears a 12 4E shoe fits comfortably in them... I am currently on my 6th pair. I have a pair for work and pair for home.... Thanks for sharing

I am just shy of 3 months post op. I certainly have cravings, I tried a small (verse my usual large ice cream mixer at Sonic) and I paid the price... my feeling of hunger seems significantly lessened. I seem to never actually 'feel' hungry, like before surgery, I could smell food and get the instant feeling of hunger. Somedays... I'll get so tied up in yard work or family obligations that I wont each lunch or dinner until 7/8 PM after only eating Breakfast in the morning. I am very good at drinking my fluids, but getting the trigger to eat is something I certainly have to work on. Thanks for sharing

@@Nikasio I am with you... I work the night shift... so diet coke/diet mt dew and coffee were on agenda. I could easily drink a 52 ounce gas station drink and 3-5 more liter bottle plus coffee every day... now... I occasionally have decaf coffee and haven't had any soda since sunday march 1, 2015.

@ Sorry to hear you go... I usually filter out the 'noise' and look more for the information I am looking for. I might be an even odd example, as I had my surgery in Mexico and do not have a surgeon to offer me support. I will be having my 3 month follow up with my primary care doctor, other wise I have to find my own answers. If you do have any questions or concerns and wish not to publicize them, I am sure you could private message any man who has replied to your thread and start a discussion 1 on 1. Most of us are in the same boat you are, dealing with issues in private, it is a guy thing. I have also looked through previously posted threats, to see if my concern has already been discussed. That has been helpful. I wish you all the best on your journey.

@ I agree.. women do have their own issues to deal with and it certainly be uncomfortable discussing male oriented issues in such a group... I do think men an women do have some common issues, but certainly the topic in such grossly outnumbered groups are heavily women issued.

@@gresau1 I had my surgery March 2, 2015. I am down 63 pounds. I walk 3-4 times a week and on average get >8,000 steps in daily. I definitely think we all have individual metabolism. I am getting between 60-100 grams of protein a day and drinking my water. I have hit many stalls and have gone back to my basics.

@@pink dahlia I love general tso's chicken... have you ever tried it with unbreaded chicken... I have... less carbs, less fat... and delicious... I can make 3-4 meals out of an order....

@@BigDaddyJG I had pizza this past weekend.. I ate just the toppings... avoiding the carbs.. I did indulge myself with my favorite pre-surgery beverage... Fireball... just sip or two... you might be able to fool yourself that a nice Hefeweizen is a healthy alternative craft beef, that might have some nutritional merits...

@@NursesXL I had my surgery March 2, 2015. I think you are doing good, for so soon post op. Remember your stomach is still swollen from your surgery, so your pouch is smaller. I think it took me a good week to actually reach my goal on Fluid. I would strongly find a good Protein shake that agrees with you... I drink Premier Protein chocolate, it has 20 grams of protein in each shake, so three is about all you need a day, plus it adds to your fluid count too. I am 11 weeks post op and eating pretty much regular food, always eating my protein first. Congrat's on going the journey towards a healthier you!!!!

@@SharonTX I use Dr Elias Ortiz in Mexico and my nephew is using Dr Curiel (both are through A Light Me). My experience in Tijuana, Mexico was nothing but excellent. I believe I got as good, if not better care there, then I would have received in the DFW area, and I am a nurse, working in the ICU setting for 27 years. Good luck with your decision and your journey to a healthier and more active person.

Congrats @ Bigboy76. Inspirational

James... you will find something else to be identified as.... I love to cook/bake.. I the guy people make requests to bake a cheesecake or other dessert for get togethers. I have realized... I can still be that person, but in a different way. I am now just 10 weeks out and down 60 pounds.. I am feeling lighter, less winded, have more energy and feel more in control of my life, than have other things, like food, control me. I wish you all the best on your journey.

@Rovoboy WOW... great success... I am ten weeks out and down 60 pounds... Thanks for sharing. @@Rhodes I also believe in the long term benefits of the surgery. My two week recovery was a bit complicated by developing strep throat, 3 days after I returned home, but I recovered and was back to work. Even some discomfort is worth it in the long run....

@@Rhodes Yes I had my surgery March 2, 2015. I agree with @@Dallas_P pain is an individual experience and we all have different pain tolerances. BTW... I had my surgery in Mexico, as my health insurance did not cover the procedure. I also agree the activity you start with and put into yourself, prior to surgery does pay off... I also believe walking as soon as possible and as often as possible, after surgery was the best thing I did. Of the 7 others, in my group, who had surgery on the same day... those that walked did best, two of the 7 had issues with nausea and vomiting, but none really complained of pain. Good luck on your journey and @Boombalatty... congrat's on your success.

I really had very little pain, once I left the hospital (2 nights in the hospital). I had the sleeve March 2 and I had scheduled IV pain medication, IV anti Nausea medication, IV antacid medication and IV antibiotics for the 2 days I was in the hospital. I was given some oral toradol to take at home and got a prescription for tramadol as well. I was off all pain medication 2 days after I got home. I had some dull soreness that was controlled with tylenol. I was up walking the neighborhood and mowing the lawn (riding mower) a week after I got home from the hospital and back to work in 2 weeks.

Weigh to go!!! Congrat's on taking the initiative to do that.

Hey @@Steph77498 my work week starts tonight... but what makes nurses week worse is, last week was the 5th Anniversary of the hospital I work at. So there was cake a goodies last week. Since I am well known to HR and Admin, as a clinical leader in the ICU and having to go through them for my short term disability claim AND being very vocal as to why I had to self pay this surgery, as it was not covered by the insurance they provide, but they penalized me on my insurance premiums, based on my biometric results, I pay a higher premium (about $100 a month). I looked at the Admin's handing out cake and Cookies and asked for something healthy... cause you know this isn't on any healthy diet.... and just walked away. I do wish all the nurses out there, a hearty Good Job!!! and we, as a profession, gladly accept the positive recognition and appreciation!!!

I took off 2 weeks and I suffered from a strep throat 2 days after I got home. I was so ready to go back to work. I work in an ICU, and my co-workers were more than helpful. I was so ready to go back to work... I never suffered from an energy drain since my surgery on March 2, 2015. If anything I feel more energized... But walk walk walk, after your surgery... you'll feel so much better.

@@reyes7472 What's up??? I was sleeved on March 2, 2015...