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When someone pushes, I say "a freaking BUTT-LOAD". That usually gets a laugh, and ends it. But I know what you mean...

I'm only half kidding when I say my days (pre-op) were planned around when I could lay down again. Getting up in the morning was a chore, and after getting home from work, all I wanted to do was grab a nap before dealing with what ever had to be done. Weekends? That meant catching up on sleep. I prayed that what I had read about people getting energy after WLS was true. The first few months, it wasn't my experience. It was tiring. But I know now that I was still healing. At a little over a year out I can tell you that the difference is amazing. Truly. I'm not kidding when I say I feel like I'm 20 (I'm 52). I also am on thyroid med. Keep an eye on your levels, make sure they are routinely tested, you'll need adjustments.

so excited for you!! Look forward to the updates

I question their stance a little bit. It is your time off to do with as you please. Not all medical procedures qualify for FMLA (for example, plastics). As far as I know, there's nothing to require you to file for FMLA protection. If you find yourself running out of time, I'd inform them that you are taking the vacation time that you have earned. You gave them ample notice. Hopefully you are not in a toxic work environment... I'd never treat my employee(s) this way...

I think "sweet" is too subjective to say. Especially since our tastes change so much after surgery. When I think back to when I first tried it...way back in the beginning, I didn't really like it. Maybe because it wasn't sweet to me? (I like my sweets, just not as much now) Not sure. I'd suggest getting a sample to try it.

That's amazing. What a difference in three days. Hope you're healing well!!

I just went in for another fitting at VS this past week. My current bra(s) which I got from a fitting in June were 34 DD (hey, rolling them up takes up space I guess). They were essentially false advertising. I could stuff stocks in the empty gaps. So even though I wasn't thrilled about having to buy new ones, I headed in. I'm now a 34 C. My weight hasn't changed a lot since June (down maybe 10lbs) But what I did lose I guess was from the girls. The girl doing the fitting called me petit. She said "this style will look great on you, you're so petit". Well, I'm sure it was meant as a compliment, but if she saw what my boobs looked like without the bra on, oh boy. Lol. That's right...push'em up and pad'em :-)

you look awesome, thanks for the pics! I go for a consult next week <eek!>

I was certainly depressed at 265lbs...and at 225lbs. I was over weight since grade school, and picked on mercilessly. Am I depressed now? Nope. Do I deal with ups and downs? Absolutely - but it's very different. I think of it as the saying, that winning the lottery and being a millionaire won't solve all one's problems. But it would sure make my life a lot easier and I'd love to give it a try I think losing the weight took care of my depression in the same way. I was absolutely miserable being so overweight. That's gone now. For me, the weight really was the overwhelming reason - nothing a pill was going to fix.

I had the sleeve, but I did develop acid re-flux immediately after surgery. I had to change PPI's, and add zantac at bedtime. Work with your Dr. and I'm sure you'll work out a fix. Something as seemingly benign as Crystal Light can cause it - for me at least. Good luck!

I'm not sure it's so easy to figure out why. Seems to me to be driven by the management of each company. My company is self funded, and has been for as long as I can recall and I've been here 15 years. They've never had any coverage related to weight loss (no reimbursement for weight watchers, gym membership, etc, nor WLS). Each year the plan has covered less, and the cost has either gone up, or co-pays/deductibles increased. Two years ago they removed the HMO option and now only offer a high deductible plan, with bio-metric screenings. My state, however, covers WLS under Mass Health. I am fortunate that my husband's company offers an excellent plan with the coverage I needed. But I think those days are numbered.

I got mine the end of June. I use it every day. Absolutely love it! I mainly use the fitness app for tracking my steps and my exercises (running, biking, etc) - it nicely works with MFP :-) My Fitbit was on its way out, so it was a sweet upgrade.

I would suggest some Milk of Magnesia. Usually works within an hour for me. 7 days is too long for sure. Are you adding anything like Miralax to your diet?

I'm running in to the same thing. I've been running more and hitting the gym more. Also have adding resistance training at home every day. You'd think my weight would take a nose dive. Nope! I do get hungry again by 8pm. That's not exactly helping either. But like everyone's said, just need to relax and let your body adjust.

I did. I had less than 100lbs to lose. Took about 11 months. It's really up to you. Follow your plan and it will happen. Everyone is different, so you can't compare your progress to others. You've found a great place for support too. But work your sleeve and you'll get there :-)

Love mine!

All good suggestions! FYI, Benefibre can be constipating if you don't up your Water intake. If you're uncomfortable, Milk of Magnesia can give you relief in an hour, and it's safe.

Thanks! Stay with it :-) It's worth every bit of what you'll be going through. Good luck !

Hi. Yes, I still get at least 80 grams of protein a day. It's pretty easy since I center my meals and Snacks around protein. I'm gluten free, so there's really no room for much "junk". I always make myself a Protein shake for Breakfast. I enjoy them and it keeps my mornings simple and they travel with me. I like Click decaf mocha. I add extra things to it (spinach, ground flax, chia, benefibre) etc). I have chicken, tuna, and some veggies or if I'm lazy (unprepared) a Premier shake at lunch. Usually a Greek yogurt for a snack. And a good dinner. Sometimes a Quest bar in there too.

Thanks. And absolutely!

I had a recent vacation. I found that although I had a few things that I usually don't have (like a small scoop of ice cream every day) I came back a couple of pounds lighter. I was WAY more active than I would have been 90 lbs ago. I'd like to say ice cream = weight loss, but um, no, lol. I say don't sweat it. Enjoy.

congrats! That's my surgaversary, It's a lucky date - you'll do great!

I thought I knew about nutrition, even though I may have chose to ignore it at times. I think part of the problem is that over the course of my life, the goal posts kept moving (eat this, not that..don't you know that's not good for you any more?). I've said a number of times now to folks, it's taken me 51 years to learn how to eat right. Thank heaven for my sleeve ...and the nutrional guidance I've gotten. I "get it" now.

I didn't give it any real thought pre-surgery...like ooooh just wait until I'm skinny!! But I have to say, yes, people/strangers DO treat you differently. I know there are many discussions on here as the the "why" of it. But I've experienced it many times now.

So happy you are still here <insert big hug here>