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Thanks :-) I'm not personally in any hurry, but insurance wise I could be. I'm fortunate that it's covered on my husband's plan. I'm not sure how much longer we will have this coverage (his job is not terribly stable). So that's making me think about it sooner than I thought would have. I'm not at goal yet. I would prefer to be, of course. I'm very motivated to get there!

Ever since surgery I've noticed that I can't cough the way I used to. I don't have the same force behind my cough(s). They're "weaker" - for lack of a better term. I'm wondering if any one else has had this experience?

Hmmm...I've only been given a Protein goal. Told not to worry about calories or carbs. But of course I watch them Old (bad) habits die hard. Told to eat a varied (healthy) diet. But for daily goals I go by protein and Water intake. Work to get in exercise and that's really it. I guess as long as my labs are good, I feel good, and I'm losing, I'd go with it.

I went on a long weekend to Las Vegas with a girl friend for a "girls get away" this past weekend. Had lots of fun. She knew I had the surgery and has been a great supporter. As our time went on, I realized how different it would have been if we did this a year ago, pre-VSG. I would have waited behind for her to go run around instead of walking 8+ miles a day. I would have been planning our Breakfast, lunch, dinner, food treats, etc. instead of oops...we didn't get lunch. I would have been planning at least one nap if I wanted to stay up late, instead of going 36 hours w/o sleep the first day. After that about 4 hours a night. I would have felt out of place and awkward around all of the twenty-somethings in the places we went thinking they were looking at me. I think I would have croaked going up and down the broken escalotors around the strip. Instead I scaled them like a teen, and even passed a gasping 12 year old. The plane travel was also so much better. I usually get a window seat. Not only because I like the view, but because it was one less person I was inconveniencing - I could squish against the window. This time it was actually comfortable...dare I say roomy. I stepped on the scale this morning, and I'm 1.5lbs down. Who loses weight on vacation? The changes we go through are kind of gradual even though our clothing is getting smaller. It took something like this to really see what a change it's made to me. It's really awesome.

@@txfirefly979 you made me 28 lbs down - you're doing awesome! You'll be ready for that bkini in no time. Hubs better get that passport!

I was faithfully getting at least 80 grams a day very soon after surgery (I had no problems getting my shakes down). I also took Biotin daily. I had it coming out by the handfull. The good news is that it really does stop and come back. I'm 7+ months out and in full chia pet mode :-) Like so many stages of this journey, this too shall pass. As unnerving as it is, it will be OK. Promise!

My boss is a guy. He was concerned of course, and I just said it's ok, don't worry... just "abdominal surgery", nothing "major". Kept it light. (my first thought was to say it was girlie stuff, and he'd run away, lol) I did file FMLA in case there was a complication and I needed more than the two weeks I put in for. Otherwise I wouldn't have told anyone about anything, and left it at that. But I felt better knowing I would have had the FMLA to fall back on if I needed additional time. HR just files it away - claim they don't even look at the form. So who knows. All I do know is that I've never heard a peep from anyone. And just FYI - big picture, I REALLY don't care who knows. There's no shame. I just have enough going on in my life that I don't need to deal with someone else's BS over my choice to have WLS. All of my family, and tons of folks out side of work know. It's all your choice.

I also broke down and replaced my scale a few months ago. The scale I had was only a few years old, but the weight would change simply by stepping off and back on again. Also the last time or two it was about 8 lbs. off (lower) from the drs. scale. I bought the Aria scale (I have a Fitbit). I LOVE it. I know the fat % is not accurate per se, but it gives me a trend. It also gives me the same reading if I check it twice in a row. At my last check up, my dr. scale was 2 lbs. higher, which makes sense since I was dressed. :-) I know they're not cheap but I'm actually happy with a scale, lol.

I would look at all of your options before starting another weight loss prgram and dropping below the magical 35 BMI. My BMI was 36 and I had one co-morbidity (diabetic). My insurance required only one. Check what Medicare requires. For me it was the best decision I could have made. My diabetes is in remission and my goal is in sight. The way I eat is a life style that I can easily live with. No regrets. Good luck with your research.

I think my first pureed was lentil Soup. First solid...OMG...I can't remember. I know it was a huge deal at the time, but I can't remember. Myyyy how things have changed...

As the show went on it seemed to me you saw her daughter supporting and helping her and the fiancé not around...? Could have just been the editing. She certainly carries a lot of pain and guilt. I hope she continues with the therapy and realizes she's worthy.

Hi August sleevers! I'm happy to say that my latest stall finally broke. It was another month long one. I guess I should just get used to them. Last Thursday I was 161, and yesterday 154. Today still 154, so maybe the big drop is over. So happy to be out of the 160's My goal is back to seeming attainable. Funny how when we get in to a stall we start thinking we'll never get there - at least I do. It's such a mental thing. It's good to hit 70lbs lost. From my HW ever over 110 gone...dayum. Now if Spring would ever come to MA life would be just fab, lol. Keep on losin' !

As mentioned it could be dehydration. Try to make sure you're well hydrated at bed time. Excess acid can also cause nausea. Are you on a PPI?

gotta put hubs on a diet

it's good stuff! I had been buying the decaf. It was a few bucks more ($23 vs $20), but I liked having the option (try to drink decaf more often than not). For some reason, the price has nearly doubled ($43) for the decaf. I ordered the regular this time I also like the Chike (no decaf option). It's a few more calories per serving, but it's nice to mix it up for a change. I drink mine cold blended with lots of ice. YUM

Soooo I had my surgery last August. I'm down 70 lbs. (yay me ). I was at an open house event of sorts this past weekend. There were about 75 people there. Of those about 15 or so folks I knew pretty well. But there were a handful of those I hadn't seen since last summer. But I've also known them for 4 or 5 years. There were two in particualrr that I was talking to for a bit (individually) and I could tell by each of their expressions that they couldn't quite place me. Then they each said something to the effect of "have we met before??". I was like, um yah...it's Lisa. You know...we did "x" events together last year. You know my husband, Jim...he's over there... They were really shocked, lol. I felt a little bad. I guess I don't realize how much I've changed on the outside. I really do still see the 225lb. woman in the mirror. I tell my husband that I thought people would recognize my face. He said I kind of had "hamster cheeks" before , never mind the weight loss. Any one else go through this? I mean, really...who are you? LOL. AWKward!

This too shall pass and be a distant memory. Feel free to beotch away :-) It's all part of the "experience", and it's so worth it.

I'm 5 5 1/2 and 52. My surgeon set a goal of 138. I think I'd be happy there. I'm just starting to feel good at where I am (154). So I bet I'd really feel good if I got to that goal. 16 more pounds...I can do it.

yes, call your doc! I had horrible pain and it was reflux. It's best to let the professionals get you sorted :-)

I get a single hiccup. I may also get a runny nose. But more likely the hiccup. The most important thing IMO is to measure your food. I *still* eat too fast. It can take a few minutes until I get my signal. If I kept eating until I got the sign, I'd be over full and most likely sick and really uncomfortable. So measuring really works for me

I was gluten intolerant prior to surgery. So other than that, absolutely no issues. I have a cast Iron sleeve :-) It's not like I abuse it, lol. I follow the rules. But there's nothing I can't have, and I do like spicey food too.

I'm 52, 51 when I had the surgery. Although I'm not ashamed in any way of having has WLS, I didn't think it was my employers business. I'm in management and don't want to potentially bring any unwanted attention from judgmental people who could impact my career. To top it off, the company has been gutting its healthcare for years, and has since gone to a high deductible plan. Their plans have always excluded anything to do with weight loss and nutrition. Two years ago I switched to my husbands plan because it was so much better, and cheaper. They covered WLS. It could be a political hot mess if it came out seeing as since I'm a manager I'm supposed to support the company line. The employees hate the new insurance. I happen to agree. We used to lose 5% a year to turn over. This last year it hit 25%. All over the health plan. Didn't mean to turn this to a rant about work, lol. It just reinforced to me that it's none of their business :-)

hmm...other August sleevers going through what I'm going through. Coincedence? Or is it just what folks go through around 6 months? I fight for every single pound now. Then then I bounce back. I hate losing the same couple of pounds over an over. But I know I have to lose on 800-900 cal a day. I've stopped weighing as frequently, too.

Like so many have said, you will! LOL I felt the restriction when I moved on to puree (2 oz. of pureed lentil Soup and I was done!). The first month or two it will keep changing as your tummy heals and the swelling goes down. Just make sure you measure, eat slow, and watch for signs of fullness (hiccup, burp, runny nose). For me it's a hiccup, and once in a while a runny nose - and at 6+ months I still measure everything.

I had pain like that, but at 5-7 days post op. Ended up to be reflux. The PPI I was on wasn't enough. Adjusted my dose, and added an antacid at bedtime. Took care of it. I hope it's an easy fix for you too!