Debbie Jean

Slightly off topic but I want to be sure people realize that Harry Potter is at Universal NOT Disney. I am at Disney 3-4 times a year partly because it is so "Pooh" friendly. Virtually all attractions can be enjoyed by even the largest people. Cast members have never made me feel odd in the least. The only issue I've ever had is having to step down into a ride like Splash Mountain but that's because if my knees not my weight. You will never have a Harry Potter moment in a Disney park.
Now back to you regularly scheduled programming ????

62 here. Sleeved 12/23/14. 45lbs down healthier than I've been in years ☺️ I don't know who is more thrilled... me or my doctors lol

62 here. Sleeved 12/23/14. 45lbs down healthier than I've been in years ☺️ I don't know who is more thrilled... me or my doctors lol

I repeated my sleep study at 10 months post op when I was down about 80 lbs. No evidence of sleep apnea so I was able to discontinue the CPAP. I still check in with my pulminologist every 6 months to make sure I remain symptom free.
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My surgeon says her older patients often do much better than the younger ones who are much more likely to resist properly following both her pre op and post op eating requirements, etc. Older people in her experience follow her orders and often do much better. They are more likely motivated by health concerns rather than appearance.
As I read the forums here I often remember what she said. When people say things like "I'm 3 weeks out and sick of purées, can I eat (fill in the blank) " I often wonder how old they are lol.
Don't know whether it's true but my own experience seems to confirm it.

Best to check with your surgeon since this is one of those practices that varies widely. No right or wrong answer here. Just depends on your doctor's protocol.
I had one but many people don't. As others have said, you are out when it is inserted and it takes 2 seconds to remove. I really appreciated the convenience of being able to just rest in bed without having to deal with bladder issues. But that's me.
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Follow your doctor's protocol. Mine had no restrictions on coffee. I started back on regular right away and had no issues at all.
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Follow your doctor's protocol. Mine had no restrictions on coffee. I started back on regular right away and had no issues at all.
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My A1C as a diabetic was 8+ with meds... could never seem to get it much below 7. The sleeve has been such a blessing. Not only am I off all diabetes medications but at 8 months post op I went for a follow up sleep study and was able to get off by CPAP machine, as well. Life is good!

As a 63 years old diabetic I was on a boatload of pills and 55 units of insulin for the 10 years prior to sleeve. Off all meds with an a1c of 5.6 by 6 months post op. I will be 2 years out in December and continue to maintain through diet and exercise only.
BTW my endocrinologist says I am not cured but remain a diabetic. He says I am "in remission" but will need to be careful since I will always be at risk of relapse.
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Two words for him. Grow up.
And don't let the door hit your ass on the way out.

That white Kerrygold cheddar is very good. I keep it in the fridge all the time.
A wide variety of American and English cheddars -- the sharper, the better
Stilton blue (English) - the real stuff
Not to mention Roquefort -- mmmm
Maytag - the premium American blue cheese - is good, too, although some of its products are being recalled now due to possible Listeria contamination. I'm sure it'll be resolved.
Camembert -- a soft, slightly "stinky" cheese -- love it!
The original "Parmesan" -- Parmigiano Reggiano (the King of Cheeses)
Emmentaler and Gruyere cheeses (Swiss) - both great with nuts, dried fruits
Rogue River (Oregon) makes some amazing blue cheeses, including one wrapped in grape leaves. I can get that one only once a year at our local wine / gourmet shop. It's pricey ($40/pound), but probably worth it.
For other cheese lovers, here's a great Web site ... http://www.cheese.com/alphabetical/
P.S. And @@Dub ... find a gourmet grocery store with strong cheese offerings and do some tastings. I think you'll be amazed at the breadth of flavors.

Surgery last Dec at 62. I'm 5+ months out and down 72 lbs. No complications, very smooth recovery.
I feel better than I have in decades and my doctors are thrilled!
My surgeon has said that she finds her older patients actually do better than many of the younger ones. They follow directives and don't feel the need to "challenge" what she and the nutritionist say. I think this is because for us older folks we realize what is at stake. It's not primarily about appearance... it's about health. And at my age this is my shot to get it right. I picked my surgeon for her experience and the confidence I have in her. Best decision I could possibly have made!

As I was rushing to get to work today, it was time to put on my shoes. I didn't see my 24" shoe spoon around to help me put them on. I reached down and slipped my two fingers into the heel and easily slid my foot into the shoe. I could have been doing this for weeks and just didn't realize it! I was sooooo accustomed to using the shoe spoon, I didn't realize my surgery had eliminated another issue. I am more and more grateful EVERY DAY for this second chance at a wonderful life.

I got my sleep study in 2002. My wife calls it our "marriage saver"
I was shocked at how much better I felt even after the point in the study where they come in and put the mask on at the end for a little while
So anyone out there dreading your sleep study, don't. You will feel so much better.

Diagnosed as part of my preop testing with sleep apnea. My pc suspected it for awhile but I never wanted to do a sleep study. Once on my cpap with the right mask I was sleeping better than I had in years!
8 months post op and 80 lbs down I repeated the study and the sleep apnea was gone!

Diagnosed as part of my preop testing with sleep apnea. My pc suspected it for awhile but I never wanted to do a sleep study. Once on my cpap with the right mask I was sleeping better than I had in years!
8 months post op and 80 lbs down I repeated the study and the sleep apnea was gone!

Diagnosed as part of my preop testing with sleep apnea. My pc suspected it for awhile but I never wanted to do a sleep study. Once on my cpap with the right mask I was sleeping better than I had in years!
8 months post op and 80 lbs down I repeated the study and the sleep apnea was gone!

I'm in for the new challenge. Shooting for 3 hours a week and 1 lb per week.
Thanks for taking charge of this! It really helps with keeping up the motivation ????

Guess what guys..I FINALLY BROKE through my 5 week long stall and reached 205 this morning! That's 65 lbs in total (if you include the 20 I lost with my LapBand before revision!) im still going to go for liquids for a few days as a cleanse but just thought I'd let everyone know! Yay!! And PS you are all doing great!!!!!

@@VSGAnn2014 - ((((hug))))
praying for your hubby and you!

I have read all of these posts and can empathize with most of them.
I, too am an advocate for having a "good cry".---sometimes a very loud, wailing cry. I feel it cleanses my spirit and actually leaves me feeling better.
I also used to have a male best friend who used to enclose me within his arms whenever I needed to feel "protected and safe". I miss him.
I'm liking the idea of the weighted blanket. I believe that is the "safe and protected" theory coming through. --especially if it can be warmed.
"Comfort food"? I am trying to NOT turn to food when I'm desperate for some comfort. Right now, I am refusing to allow myself to be comforted by food. That's just me and my journey.
I still say, "GET A DOG". He/she have the ability to get you soooo much comfort, love, laughter, loyalty, affection. A dog will meet you at the dog every time you come home with such enthusiasm that no matter how crappy your day was, you will smile--even through tears. They will lay in bed with you for hours, even days when you're ill. They will comfort you with nudges, wet nose kisses, waging tails and play. I can not overstate the therapeutic benefits of having a dog in your life. Even if you are unable to get out and walk a dog, get a tiny dog who can use puppy pads until you are strong enough to walk it. Sometimes just having something in our lives that need us. Something who relies solely on you. Something to take our minds off of our troubles--even for just an hour. Something that no matter what we've done, will love us unconditionally--without explanation or consequences.
I know. I can talk "dogs" for days. I've trained and owned therapy dogs for years and years, and have seen the benefits for both the person and the dog. Endless---and bountiful. That are the win/win benefits of owning a dog.
Comfort??? Now you're talking!!!

@@VSGAnn2014, I am so sorry to hear about your husband's diagnosis.
Sending hugs and prayers your way.

I'm going through something pretty awful right now -- this week my sweet, dear, kind husband / best friend received a second cancer diagnosis. And it's bad.
I have some good advice for you: Feel your feelings. Feel 'em. Feel 'em all. Be authentic with yourself. You're going to feel them eventually -- one way or another. And if you try not to feel them, you'll be drawn to something that could turn into something even uglier. But you'll still have the feelings you started out with.
Don't judge yourself negatively for feeling grief, anger, frustration, whatever. Sometimes, some days, some years **** happens. And it sucks. And we would be insane not to feel bad.
Of course, I don't think feeling permanently bad is a goal. That's not what I'm advising. Speaking for myself, I just get through the bad feelings faster and move faster to a more comfortable emotional space when I don't try to avoid what's actually happening at the moment.
This actually is a form of mindfulness.
And obviously, meditation helps -- the kind of meditation where you experience what's really happening and don't try to *make* something else happen.
YMMV.

Adopt a dog!!! You will never know such loyalty and unconditional love anywhere else.