cary2238

Also try sugar free popsicles

I will use Premier Protein shakes as my coffee creamer. Just like regular Creamer but with a lot more Protein.

I will use Premier Protein shakes as my coffee creamer. Just like regular Creamer but with a lot more Protein.

I am 2 weeks post surgery today... I got up this morning and put on a shirt... and for the first time in years, I did not have to then pull, tug, and stretch it until it was comfortable enough to wear... it went on and I was like, whoa... this fits as is!! I've had to pull and stretch my shirts for so long... to put on a shirt and not have to do that felt amazing!!
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I have used the GasX strips that melt on your tongue. Maybe give those a try.
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I lost 19lbs on my pre-op diet and another 20lbs since surgery on the 19th and have been ecstatic. This morning I gained 2lbs so I think it's time to start weighing myself a lot less. I think I'm becoming obsessed. Everyone on these forums is so supportive (with a few exceptions) and I am very grateful for all the advice. Thank you all.
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I lost 19lbs on my pre-op diet and another 20lbs since surgery on the 19th and have been ecstatic. This morning I gained 2lbs so I think it's time to start weighing myself a lot less. I think I'm becoming obsessed. Everyone on these forums is so supportive (with a few exceptions) and I am very grateful for all the advice. Thank you all.
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I have used the GasX strips that melt on your tongue. Maybe give those a try.
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It may seem very difficult not to be able to partake in all of the food festivities, but you can still enjoy the company of loved ones and friends.

This is the first holiday season after the passing of two immediate family members. There are worse things than not being able to enjoy the holiday goodies. I hope you had a Merry Christmas and were thankful for the things you have; I was, or at tried to.

CW: 187
Made my Holiday goal of 188 yesterday. Yay!!

I'm with you. Had our family party last night and I was so depressed that I could eat any of the traditional dinner, homemade fudge, Cookies, etc. I think that was one of the toughest nights I've ever had. Keep strong.
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Hello fellow December 19th sleevers. I have a 530a check in time and things are starting to feel real.
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Day 2 and getting ready to check out. Luckily no nausea yet (know on wood) and the pain is manageable. Wasn't so sure about everything yesterday but a new day and one step closer to my goal.
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Glad you are doing better. I had a problem with both high BP and low saturation but it's the end of day 2 and I'm home relaxing. Can't wait for a night sleep where you are being woken up every 60-90 minutes. Hope it happens.
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Getting prepped right now. Nervous but ready to go!
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Hey gang. I know I haven't posted much but I've sure been reading a lot of posts and it has sure been helpful. I'm on my way to the hospital to finally get this done and have to say, I'm nervous. I know everything will turn out fine but I can't quite convince my anxiety of this. Anyway, thanks again to all you have given pre-op advice and now I'll been needing some post-op advice and some support. I'm ready to loose this damn weight!!
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Way to go!
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Hello fellow December 19th sleevers. I have a 530a check in time and things are starting to feel real.
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For me, the magic mark was 3 days. After that the headaches and nausea have gone away and now I just need to worry about keeping strong. If I can do this, I'm sure you'll do great!!
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I'm 189 today, down a total of 104 lbs. Tomorrow is my 8 month Surgiversary.
My goal before surgery was 185. It would set me into the 'overweight' category, a BMI of 29. It's my lowest adult weight, ever. I have ridden around 250 for most of it, jetting to 293 at my highest.

But in 4 pounds, I'll make that goal. I'm squeezing into sz 12s from sz 24s, by my surgeon’s and everyone else’s standards, I am a success story. But it doesn’t feel like it.

I'm happy with my progress. I struggled with so much fear before and after surgery, that I'd stall out places I'd been before in my life. 240. 220. I never thought I'd see 200, but, I hoped when I got surgery that I would settle right around there as my bariatric physician said I would. Then, I blew past that. That fear still remains, even though I've succeeded far past the places on the scale that I didn’t think I could ever get to.

I've decided today that I'm going to go for broke. My new goal is 159, one pound into a 'normal' BMI.

Not because I'm unhappy with my body. Not because I think I'm still fat.

Because that fear is still there, and today I'm taking hold of it and saying No. I'm not going to let it control me any more. I'm saying today that I Can, and I refuse to be afraid of "I can't" anymore.

When I think of all of the times I've been afraid of failure and how it's held me back, I want to scream in frustration, ball my fists, and lash back at the stupidity. My life would be so much different if I didn’t have that fear (which is saying a lot, considering I lead a very adventurous life -- no one would ever know my internal struggle).

But, this is it. I’m seizing control today. I’m going to proceed on and hit that goal of 159 without any ifs, ands, or buts. This is it, this is my life. Not the life of my fear. That fear doesn’t have place with me any more, simply because I say so.

Hey! I have never posted before, but I am at the airport ready to fly back home, and I just wanted to post a little bit about my experience with TeamMX and my surgery with Dr. Illan.
Overall, I had a great experience. The work to get everything ready prior to surgery was smooth. Bill and Stacy did a great job with communication up front, and that helped put my mind at ease.
For some context, I am 5'8 and my highest weight was 304.5 about 6-7 weeks ago. I started the pre-op diet on 11/17, and did my best to stick to it through the Thanksgiving holiday. The fact that I had a cold and could not taste anything made that easier!
Anyways, my flights to San Diego were smooth and I met a valet at the airport shortly after I landed. I might have waited 5-10 minutes at most. Form there, we went straight to the hospital (maybe a 20-30 minute ride), and started on paperwork and began the pre-op process. Through each step, they explained what was going to happen. Everything with this part of the process was smooth. My heart rate was a little high, but I think that was just from me being nervous, and from me getting over a cold. I was happy that my weight was at 279 just before surgery. I was hoping to hit 280, so that was kind of a cool milestone.
It was good to meet Dr. Illan. He stopped in to see me and asked if I had any last minute questions. Nice guy. Very down to earth.

From there, it was off to surgery! I remember bits and pieces before I went to sleep. But, when I woke up, I was pretty sick. This has more to do with me than anything. Being nauseated is not something that I take kindly to. And I don't do the best with anesthesia or morphine for pain either. However, the staff and orderly's from Team MX were patient and kind to me. The standard of care here was high. They listened to me and helped me work through the worst of the pain that 1st night.
The next day, I was feeling better for sure. Sore, but better. Staff members were attentive to my needs. My room was clean and orderly. I really don't have too many complaints about the hospital stay. Would it be nice if everyone spoke perfect english? Sure, but you can work your way though that stuff.
The next day, I was out of the hospital before noon. That was the first time I had ever been at a hospital and left on time (as in, when I was told I would be leaving). That was a breathe of fresh air. Bill and Stacy were by that morning to chat with me and shake a hand in person. That was a nice touch as well.
The time at the hotel was great as well. The rooms were super nice. A great way to watch Sunday football. The wi-fi was a little spotty, but that is ok.
I spent much of the next day (day 4 now) in my room and working. I kind of treated the experience as a working vacation and a way to get caught up on things since I did not bring a companion (no one could come with me). I felt really good day 4. A minimal amount of pain. A doctor from the hospital came by to check on me that morning to see how I was doing and answer any more questions I might have. I didn't have any. The discharge instructions were clear, and I felt like I knew what the plan was.
I went out to see some of the city at night on day 4, and spent some time with one of the valets and another patient. That was a great experience. It was nice to get outside, get some fresh air, see some of the city and mingle with some other people.
I am now here on day 5 and at the airport ready to travel back. Pain is really low now. Some hicuppy feelings, but nothing too bad.
All in all, I don't regret making the decision to have surgery, and I am looking forward to losing a lot of weight in 2017!
Let me know if you have any questions.

Feeling pretty successful so far. I have 53 lbs to go to meet goal, but have lost 45!
HW: 240 (pictured in blue top 9/15/16, size 1x, 20
SW: 219 10/3/16
CW: 192. (Pictured In black 12/5/16), size L-xL, 14
Now time to keep focused and on track through holiday/cookie season!

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For all my Decembers fellas and fellows! I decided to put together a Facebook page for December dates! If your liking to join and it a private group just look up
Decembers The simplest group title!
Let's conquer this month and start the new year finally the right way!!!!!
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Hello everyone!
Today is my birthday....yay me! I am so blessed to be 16 months post-surgery. Had the gastric sleeve on 8/17/2015 and it was one of the best decisions I have ever made. I am down 125lbs, and I feel great. I have gone from a tight size 22W to a 12. If I ever had skin surgery I would probably be a size 10. I am 5'10. I don't know if I will ever have skin surgery, it's not so bad. My body is my body and I am ok with how I look. I might get it done in the future, I haven't ruled it out. I also went back to school to pursue my Bachelor's Degree. I should be done by June of 2018. I'm taking one class per semester (they are accelerated semesters) because I have so much going on. I'm really enjoying the work.
There are so many things I can do now that I couldn't do before the surgery. I can walk and walk and walk and even run when I need to. Going up and down stairs is no problem. I have so much more energy. I can cross my legs, fit in a standard seat, get into a booth, etc. When I see my reflection sometimes I can't believe that the person looking back is me.
It's been such a journey these past 16 months. I am in a great bariatric program and I owe the fine people at St. Elizabeth's a kudo's! My nutritionist and surgeon are awesome. Since having surgery a friend of my family decided to have it done and he is down over 100lbs since August of this year. A cousin of mine just reached out and is thinking of having it done too. It would be wonderful for her because she has so many weight related health issues. I feel great being able to help them on their journey.
I hope everyone is having a great day.
Margie