VPenn

I had my sleeve 08 July and am now down 134 pounds. The transformation has been an amazing journey. The math says that's 4.5"....I don't want to brag but that's pretty impressive "growth" by anyone's standards! ha ha Last step will be updating the idiotic picture in my post. Holy crap...I don't look like that any more at all.

Let me start off by saying that I always look for a way to save money...when I can. Here's something I discovered recently. I was getting in some walking the other day in costco and stumbled, almost literally over the Kirkland brand Calcium Chews. A bag of 180 is $9 versus $30 for 90 when I bought them at the doctors office last month. Doctor also sells some really good Ostrim Protein sticks (I got the habanero beef and elk stick) for $2 at the doctor's office. Go to the company direct and they're $1.25. http://www.protos-inc.com/ostrim_Elk_Hab.html There are a lot of flavors, they're really meaty; don't think Slim Jim cause these are 2 oz. Hope this helps!

I'm on my first business trip post surgery, 6 weeks ago. I planned and planned so that I can have max success while I'm gone. To a certain degree I feel like an alcoholic with new-found sobriety. So far, so good. It's hard to get enough Water while on the planes but worked out at the hotel, got in a nice walk, had a salad for dinner, etc. Here's hoping the rest of the week is as easy. What kinds of things have others done to keep on the straight and narrow while traveling? Any tips, tricks?

Oh, and since I forgot...when you go thru clothes sizes and need to donate them PLEASE don't donate to Goodwill. If you work for them, or someone you know does, hear me out. Goodwill Industries, while doing good work by employing the handicapped also take advantage of a 1939 law that lets them pay employees as low as 11 cents per hour. Yes, you read that right, eleven cents. Under that law they "test" a person who is considered fully functioning, say at folding towels, and if they do 100 in 15 minutes whatever percentage a handicapped person can do in the same amount of time is the percentage they have to pay them. It's criminal. That and the fact that the CEO of Goodwill Industries makes in the neighborhood of $5 MILLION a year. Thus ends my rant for this evening. I now return you to your normally scheduled programming.

Great answers! I've been putting off a tattoo for almost 20 years till I find someone that can do just what I want. Maybe when I hit my goal...but there are a lot of celebrations and I'd hate to have that be my go to. I'd look like a biker in no time! ha ha Appreciate all the input. It's part of what makes this forum so great!

It's a brave new world out here post surgery. I've now hit a couple of milestones (hit the 50 pounds lost a few weeks ago and today am under 300 for the first time in....well, quite a while) but the question is how do you Celebrate now? It used to be that for special events, anniversaries, birthdays, work events, promotions, etc it was off to a restaurant, have a cake, etc to celebrate. That, obviously, won't work anymore. It hasn't been a major issue so far, I just pass on the cake at work (although someone brought a HUGE carrot cake the other day...and carrot cake IS the devil...but I wasn't even tempted), eat sensibly at restaurants, etc but I know it's going to come up at some point. I know, there's go to a movie, take a romantic walk, have a sugar free Jello... But what do you REALLY do?

Moobs have decreased proportionately so far. I'll start lifting next week so suspect that they'll decrease more as that progresses. Only positive about moobs is that it "squares" your mid-section, or does mine. If they go away I'll look more pear-like. But that's a worry for another day!

My frustration has been the fact that my wife wants to lose weight but isn't willing to make the adjustments to do so. I try to keep my mouth shut and be supportive...well, 99% of the time, but it's hard when I'm working my ass off to "get my skinny on". When she eats things both she and I know are unhealthy and not productive for her to lose weight all-the-while bitching about "why don't I lose weight" it takes every bit of self-control I can muster to not blow my stack. I suppose it's a good exercise in self-control. Other than that relationships have not been an issue. Everyone around me has been very supportive of my surgery and weight loss.

I've been wearing Under Armour compression (Heat Guard) undershirts and boxer briefs for 12-13 years now. The product is great but they're expensive. Granted they are expensive but they've lasted for many years. A few months ago I bought some Starter brand from Wal-Mart because of price but I personally don't think they feel as good as UA. The brand that I think may come close is actually the least expensive, BCG from Academy Sports. The boxer briefs seem to be good quality, are very inexpensive, and feel good. They may not be as heavy as UA but at 1/3 the price I can wear out a few pairs I guess.

Hell no! I'm only down 60 pounds and can already feel what a positive difference weight loss is having on me, my family, and my life. There are potential drawbacks to everything...even being skinny. But I'm willing to take my chances rather than the misery of poor health, airplane seat belt extenders, premium prices for plus size clothes, and not being able to do the things I want or enjoy.

It's great with veggies and there are plenty of "flavors" so the variety is there as well. I try not to snack much but I do eat hummus and veggies as part of my meals. As everyone else said watch the nutritional content.

I was very fortunate and had zero issues after surgery, I didn't use the morphine and didn't take any pain meds following my Tuesday morning surgery. Was released from the hospital on Thursday morning. I felt fine but was a bit sore, like I'd done too many crunches. If I HAD to I could have returned to work on Friday but my boss was super and let me work from home the following week. I returned to work, with zero issues, 10 days after surgery. Tired more easily than usual but have done fine.

Initially I told my boss and a couple of close work friends that I was having weight loss surgery, but nothing more specific. I found that her secretary has a big, big mouth so in order to rein in the rumor train. Since then I have found it easy to discuss with people and actually have had 5-6 ask for my doctor's name so they can make appointments. I've found that being open and honest with those around me, or those that ask, is easier than trying to play it off with "oh, I started watching what I eat" or "I'm working out more". I look at it as there are lots of folks in the same boat as me and if my honesty gives one of them the confidence to make a life altering decision then God is using me in the right way and I'm happy to oblige.

It's pretty widely available that you gain an inch for every 30-35 pounds you loose. Here's one such link http://www.oprah.com/health/Paging-Dr-Oz. The way I look at it, I'm planning to lose 150 pounds so that's 5 inches...I'm going to be very popular around my house and give them something to talk about at the gym! ha ha