SleevePerry

I smoked over a pack a day for nearly 30 years, and was required to be nicotine-free 3 months prior to my surgery. I was also not permitted to gain weight during this time. I used Chantix and then the patch for about 2 months, I worked out, I ate well, and I was successful. I'm now about 18 months quit and feel great. I get tempted from time to time, but I don't ever want to have to quit smoking again, so I refuse to slip. I did it and so can you. Best of luck! It's really, really worth it, I promise!

Almost 11 months post-op, from 252 to 175. Have been stalled for some time (at least 3 months, perhaps longer), but I'm running 5 miles at a decent 11 minute pace, and feel outstanding. These pics help to make me feel better about my accomplishments as well.

I am coming up on 8 months and haven't lost any hair.

Using saline spray (non-medicated, regular saline spray) every couple hours will help you to kick the cold much faster. No one likes squirting the salt Water up their nose, but it really will clear things out for you ASAP (I worked for Ear Nose and Throat docs for 8 years, so believe that I know what I'm talking about). That, and drink a TON of water. Stay super hydrated. Eat spicy foods, super hot Soup, tea, etc. Take a hot shower or bath. Sweat that baby out. Good luck! PS - I felt a cold coming on yesterday, started the saline regimen and am already on the mend.

My doc said to follow the 30/30 plan, with nothing to drink 30 minutes before or after eating. I followed this plan for about 3 months. Then, in speaking with my friend who was much further out than I, I began following her plan, which allowed for her to drink right up until the moment she began eating, but to have nothing to drink for 30 minutes after eating. This works well for me when I'm out socially. When I'm at work or at home, I still try to wait 15 minutes after drinking to eat anything, and I always wait 30 minutes after eating before drinking anything.

Every doc is different, it seems. My doc wouldn't allow E-Cigs, Nicotine Gum or the patch, as she said nicotine alone would affect post-operative healing and would cause ulcers as time went on. I had to quit cold turkey. It sucked and it was hard, but I did it. You can do it too, if that's the route you wish to take. Good luck!

My closet is under KerrieDC. I've made about 5k over the last 18 months.

I had to quit several months before surgery to assist with the healing process. Doc said that smoking after surgery would give me ulcers. Take the $$$ you're saving on cigs and buy yourself some new threads.

I call mine Sleeve Perry.

The book is called The Game, written by Neil Strauss, documenting his time as a Pickup Artist with Pickup Artist Guru, Mystery. Neil Strauss has since married and says that he wishes he'd never written such hooey.

@@Inner Surfer Girl I didn't know that about low fat dairy and cheeses. Thanks! That's very helpful!

@@OutsideMatchInside Thanks! Aside from my Sugarfree vanilla Coffeemate, I eat pretty darn clean. But yeah, I should try to cut that out. I'll need to sub half and half or table cream in its place; regular or almond milk just doesn't do it for me - I like my coffee uber-light. And I have those Sargento thin sliced cheeses. They're delish.

@@TakeitorSleeveit YOU'RE the one who's doing great! Killing it! I was at 700 calories right after pureeds, and balked when my doc increased my calories to 1000. And, even though I'm now wondering if I can go over those 1000 calories, I do wonder if I would have lost a bit more had we kept me at 700 calories until I'd also lost 75% of my excess weight.

@@JamieLogical - THANK YOU! My nutritionist was not exactly the best, so I'm not completely listening to her either; if I were, I'd be having Cheerios and canteloupe for Breakfast right now. I love the idea of not being a slave to a daily calorie count, and that makes total sense. I followed a high Protein, low carb diet for several years, was 30 pounds lighter than I am at present, and easily maintained that weight. I'll make an effort to focus more on protein, and not worry so much about going over the calories my surgeon allotted. Thanks again!