MrsSugarbabe

I use

Isn't it interesting what we are learning about ourselves post surgery and as we adjust to life with a new tummy? I was afraid that my tastes would change and that maybe I wouldn't like my

That is terrific!! I'm happy for you!!! You are obviously on the right path for you. Keep up the great work!! And enjoy each "new" you!!

I chose the sleeve because it made the most sense to me. I did not want anything rearranged internally. Both bypass and sleeve have their own malabsorption "issues" re: Vitamins, food, etc. My surgeon was strongly recommending that I have the bypass done because he felt I'd have a better chance of losing the 100 lbs. I needed to lose. He also told me that most sleeve patients only lose about 40 lbs. at best. Despite all of that, I still chose the sleeve. I had seen too many on BP who were sleeved and had lost at least 100 lbs. so I knew it could be done. The sleeve made the most sense to me and my husband. I did a lot of research in the year that I took deciding whether or not I would pursue WLS. My husband was very supportive of either procedure, but also felt the sleeve made the most sense. I work for a very large healthcare system and have many co-workers who have had WLS of one variety or another. I talked with everyone to get a take on their individual experiences, and regardless of which procedure they had, they all said the same thing (except for the gal who had the lap-band) -- it was the best thing they had ever done for themselves and they would do it all over again (even those who had complications after surgery). I had my 6/7 month post-op appointment yesterday with my surgeon and his PA. They were both very pleased with my progress and the fact that I'm not experiencing any of the bad side effects that some people do. I made sure to point out to my surgeon that I had already lost most than what he said I would probably lose . I plan to prove him so wrong on that "prediction." I have no doubt you will make the best informed decision for yourself, as everyone's journey is different. Good luck!

I was going to recommend the same thing as @InnerSurferGirl and @ShrinkingPeach. Always follow the plan outlined by your surgeon and NUT. Different surgeons and NUTs don't always use the same guidelines, although they are usually fairly close. Your surgeon and NUT know YOU and can help guide you with any issues that crop up. You will find valuable support, encouragement, and a variety of information on this site, but always defer to your surgeon and NUT.

To have my arthritic joints not ache so much. To have more consistent energy to do more activities. More to come later......

I agree with you all!! This was a radical route to take to get my weight down to a much healthier level and to resolve multiple medical issues. I paid too much money, and suffered through hellacious post-op consequences to NOT follow my surgeon and NUT's recommendations.

I'm not 21 and can't speak to the "party life" after VSG, but I am thinking that if you've committed this far with preparing for the surgery, and you want to lose the weight, how do you think your life would be any different if you DON'T have the surgery? You'll be in the same place regarding your body image and self-esteem. I respectfully recommend seeking out help with a therapist to work with you on your self-esteem and body image and any food issues. I'm afraid if you don't have the surgery, you'll regret it. No surgery, nothing changes. Learn to love yourself.....regardless.

Love it!!! That's a great surprise and a wonderful way to start your day! Congratulations!

203.5

You know how some grocery stores will set out sample displays in the various departments, i.e. deli meat, deli cheese, fresh orange chunks, cream cheese spread, etc.? There's one store in particular that I shop that does this all the time. When I'm there I might sample a piece of deli meat & cheese, and maybe a bit of fruit. After 3-4 bits, I've had lunch compliments of the store Of course, I make my choices wisely so I don't spend the calories or stomach space on junk.

@LousPeach - I so totally know what you mean. My comfortable measure is 1/2 cup serving and then I need to leave well enough alone, but sometimes it tastes so good that I'll eat another bite or two, then that's when I get into trouble by being too full. My first time was with some awesome smoked BBQ ribs. I ate my portion at the restaurant while visiting a cousin, then took some home for hubby to try, but I continued to try some more myself. Made myself miserable for about an hour. Wasn't sure if I was going to throw up or not, fortunately not. When I could I took a couple of Tums which helped considerably. We'll learn soon enough, after doing this a time or two.

@@Sara51692 - Yes, this is our future........ And black bean soup is one of my favorite "go to" meals!! I will even add a little browned Jimmy Dean sausage to it to ramp up the flavor even more. My comfortable serving size is 1/2 cup still. To make life a little easier for me at work, I bought some nice, square 1/2 cup plastic containers with lids to put my black bean soup in for lunches at work. Then I stock the freezer at work with such items so that I'm never without something tasty for lunch. I found I like the square containers better than round ones. (Walmart)

@@vickylyn1973 - Looks like we're in the same city You can also always drink a Protein shake as a snack, they don't always have to be for Meal Replacement. Check out this link for recipes using unjury Protein Powders: http://www.unjury.com/blog/category/recipes

I love the unjury Protein powders! I use the chicken soup powder for lunch while at work. The Water temperature cannot be hotter than 140 deg. otherwise the protein isolate will clump - it doesn't change the taste any, but it does look and feel weird when drinking it. I keep a thermometer at work so I can check the water temp when preparing it. No, it's not as hot as I would like it to be, but it is hotter than "luke warm." It's great to have a non-sweet, high protein option for meals or Snacks. I have used the unflavored Unjury in my flavored beverages and like it fine. One of my favorite combonations is sugar-free orange/pineapple mixed with the vanilla Unjury. Here's a link for recipes using the Unjury Protein Powders: http://www.unjury.com/blog/category/recipes I hope this helps

Thanks for helping us keep a proper perspective about the scale @@gowalking . I've been struggling with getting below 200 for over a month now. Even tho the scale isn't moving much except up and down within the same range, the inches are still dropping , therefore, I don't sweat too much about the scale. It is frustrating, tho, to be working so hard and the scale not budging. @@meSparkle83 - keep on keeping on!! It will come down!!

That's great news, @@madferitchick!! I'm very happy for you!! As long as you keep doing what your surgeon and NUT tell you to do, you will be fine. You will run into stalls along the way, weight loss will even slow some once you start eating regular food again, and you will probably lose some hair when you're out about 2-3 months, but don't let those things worry you. You can search these topics on BP to see how others have handled them. Just keep doing what you're supposed to be doing and realize that everyone's journey is different, although we all have similar (not the same) instructions to follow.

One of my favorite Protein Snacks is Simms Beef Jerky which I buy at Aldi's. I also love

That's great news!! Keep up the great work!!

You look fabulous!!! That 100 lbs. is a great way to keep things in perspective

My hubby and I are in a similar territory weight-wise, etc. We both encourage the other, but it's harder for him to consistently walk on the treadmill, track his food intake, and just not get frustrated with the slowness of any weight loss. He's a insulin dependent diabetic so he has always counted his carbs at meals and we've been weighing and measuring our food for years. Right now he's at the point he just wants to give up and quit because weightloss just isn't happening for him. He's very discouraged and frustrated.

Excellent recommendations, @@2Big2Skate!!! I'm in a similar spot to Susan although I'm not as far out from my surgery as she is. I know a lot of my "hunger" is head hunger, and, unfortunately, for the past few days some stress eating has been creeping back in while I'm at work. Working diligently on getting control of both. Sure do appreciate all the support, encouragement, and guidance on BP!!! @@Susan Quincey -- We CAN do this!!! Don't get discouraged! As long as we're doing what we're supposed to be doing, even if the weight is slow to leave our bodies, it will come off. And it could be that while we're not losing weight at the rate we expect, inches could be coming off instead. Hang in there!

203.5 starting weight

I'm in! Goal - 197 I'll post my starting weight on Monday when the challenge begins. I missed my goal in the Memorial Day Challenge and am still striving for Onederland. Thanks for doing these challenges, @@stephh!!

@@CanyonBaby I just saw your thread today. My heart is heavy with the news about Dave's diagnosis. I will be praying for you both and for his medical team. Like you, I do not believe in coincidences. You are where you are for a reason as is the surgeon. It sounds like a very aggressive treatment plan with hope for a future mixed in. Our Great Physician knows His plan for your and Dave. Rest in Him and let Him carry you through this. Prayers & Blessings!!