favoredone

The ARC is no joke!!! Hopefully I can get this scale to move!!!...

I usually workout for an hour in the evenings (8 ish) to avoid the after work crowd.. I try not to eat anything after 7pm.. it help w/ my reflux and stuff.. BUT... I'm starving after I work out!!! Is that normal?? I started feeling hungry (not like pre-sleeve) after I starting working out regularly..Is this normal??? Should I stick w/ a protein drink or yogurt or what?? I've been doing a little internet search and I see TONS of suggestions.. but I know you guys know this journey first hand.. Thanks!!! Tina

Thanks guys!!.. I'm thinking about switching my hard workouts to AM and then end the day w/ yoga or something... I'm still a little "obsessive and EXTRA" about eating and stuff..

Congrats... Awesome job!!!

I drink 32oz of water post workout.. I start drinking when I leave the gym.. by the time I get home, I've finished my entire bottle... So, I don't think it's hydration..

Well, if you're not that kind of man ( and I don't believe you are), why not offer advice to her... I'm sure you have some friends or know some men who are clueless.... I don't think she was trying to offend and I know I was an emotional wreck for 3-4 weeks after surgery... There's no telling what came out of my mouth.. I'm just saying... I don't think it was meant to be malicious... As far as the typical man statements... people are basing that on their experiences and/or interactions.. Which all of us have a right too.. Don't be offended.. Heck, teach a class... cause I have one I'll pay you double train.. LOL..

I hope things turn out well for you... Have you tried telling people you don't want to talk about your personal business??!!! I thought this just happened at my job!!! LOL...

BKMama, My surgeon wanted it removed... I'm still mad about that!!! LOL...

I hope the tea goes easy on you... and that the presenters aren't funny... laughing could be a little hazardous!!!

WOW.. My thoughts and prayers are with you... Hoping for a speedy and easy recovery....

Awesome job!!!! Congrats!!

Non scale Victory= NSV Congrats!!!! I'm hoping for the same when I fly to DC this summer!!! Keep up the good work!!

Yeah!!! Love it!!! I sit in booths now without a problem.. even snug ones!! I was fussing at my sister for moving my seat in my truck.. and I realized, she hadn't driven it in a few weeks.. HEHEHEHEHE...

Everything will happen the way it's supposed to, when it's supposed to.. Try to relax, get your appointments in quickly and most importantly RELAX!! LOL... I know i said that first, but it's important... You are making a great decision and obstacles can either reinforce the need for surgery or cause you to stop and not do anything... Going through the whole process that you have shows that you want this and need it.. It WILL happen!!! I believe you will be fine and everything will work out.. just chill out and enjoy the ride..

I've been dropping sizes every 3-4 weeks.. I was 30/32 pre-op... a snug 28 day of surgery... now I'm in a loose 22/24... My 2nd and 3rd tummies have merged and impede my down progression to a 20 pant size... right now... I got somet things from some friends, shopped clearance at dept stores (scored a pair of CK slacks reg. $109.. I paid $6!!)

You are doing great!!! Perhaps try switching up your exercise for a few days or eating the same amount of calories per day but break it into 4-6 meal times... I found that when I hydrate properly, pounds come off.. I've been losing inches like crazy!! Pre-op I was a 30/32 today I'm a 22/24 (loose).... I've only lost 40 pounds since surgery 12/19/11...but I've gained so many wonderful things!!!! My prayers and blessings go out to you... I hope I have a few of those 5-10 overnight loses soon!!!

@Shoelover, Message me anytime.. and you don't have to be natural to use the products... just remember to moisturize your hair natural or relaxed... I use a water based moisturizer and an oil based finishing product to help seal in the moisture... Avoid petroleum and mineral oils.. essential oils and coconut oil are much better options..

I decided to use my 600th post in VST to shout out my awesome and supportive WLS team at the Midwest Bariatric Institute of Little Company of Mary Hospital in Evergreen Park, IL...My surgeon was Gerald Cahill and my WL specialist was Kidanu Birhanu... I'm a very "particular" person about everything!! But, when I email Tony Romeo the program coordinator for info and he told me about the requirements for my insurance... I knew I was making the right decision.. Everyone, from the dietician to the personal trainer to the psychologist handled my questions and requests with professionalism and care... Dr. Birhanu was amazing and even though he sees hundreds of bariatric patients, he makes me feel that I am one of his only ones!!! Last night I attended an event that my surgeon's office began hosting 8 years ago. The Celebration of Life Dinner/Dance was an amazing opportunity for me to see people who were among their first patients 11 years ago... I feel so blessed and encouraged with people who saw me a month at my 1st support group meeting walked up and encouraged me and complimented me on my weight loss.. They also reminding me that this is a journey, not a race!!! Just wanted to brag about the awesome people who take such good care of me!!!! Love and hugs!!!

Condessa, what information did they require you put on it?? (If you don't mind sharing)... Thanks

You can try a flat twist out or braid out.... Straw sets, you can also get flat twists with extensions... I simply wear my hair in braided styles w/ hair or a curly afro... Let me know if you need suggestions for how to do each of these.. (I work for a local natural hair care company)...

I kind of went through that.. "what the heck did I do to myself" thing... I went through the depression and crying all the time... It gets better!!! I promise.. just take one day at a time, dedicate yourself to this journey and enjoy the positive changes that are occurring!! You can do this!!!!