TakingABreak

I just had to take mine off because they went flying across the room. I have already resized mine twice before, and my jeweler said that sizing them too many times can wear on the quality of the metals. so I'm waiting until I hit goal before I resize mine. Doesn't bother me much, I had gone almost a year without wearing them before, due to my fingers being too fat .

I was told to wait until 3 months post op before introducing alcohol.... some programs have you wait as long as 6 months. Follow your plan.

I think Matt makes a good point... are you even cleared for solid foods yet? Most of the time sleevers have 2 weeks of liquids following surgery before purred foods. A couple things to ask yourself: 1. Are you really hungry, or are you experiencing head hunger or thirst? Could you need to be on a PPI? 2. Are you eating/drinking slow enough to let your brain catch up? It should take you approx. 20 minutes to finish a meal, even when you are in the early stages, I sipped my 2-3oz over a long period of time. 3. If you have progressed onto purred foods or soft, are you waiting to drink 30 mins before and after? There is a lot that goes into this question...

Also, I would not recommend using coffee as your clear liquid in the healing stages. Coffee is a diuretic and can hinder your bodies ability to retain fluids, they don't make a caffeine free coffee, like they do tea. I was told no caffeine until 3 months out, because caffeine does slow your body's ability to heal. Once again, nothing to do with stretching your pouch....

Yeah, I don't think that's right. May programs allow caffeine back in after the healing process is over. Lots of vets drink coffee, and not decaf. And I wonder why your NUT would say that decaf is okay, but not regular. If caffeine really does "stretch your pouch" then why would smaller amounts be ok? Especially if it counts as a clear liquid, can you imagine if someone drank 8 cups a day...it would equate to a regular cup of caffeinated coffee... Doesn't make a lick of sense. I'd ask for clarification when you return to your NUT. I think you are mixed up with carbonation.

I don't think there is anything wrong with caffeine past the 3 month mark. Once you've completely healed and as long as you are getting your fluids in, and not with only coffee. I drink a lot of tea, but I usually do decaff or caffeine free.

there is so much conflicting research about carbonation...who knows what's actually true. I think its up to the individual and the program rules. I personally drink carbonation once and awhile, obviously not daily. It doesn't bother my stomach at all.

I agree, I actually bought a dress recently from a store and I didn't notice it at first, but after I got home and wore it once time... I'm pretty sure it was "used" essentially, because the fabric was faded, once I compared it to another black item. Also the fibers were starting to poke out. I was so disappointed. I think whoever had it before me wore it, re tagged it, or returned without a tag, and I got a used dress for a new price. Tisk tisk. Made me so mad!

I can see where you might think that about carbonation, because there is some, very little, research out there that says that. But caffeine does not stretch or expand your pouch..... I don't know who told you that, but it's not true. Caffeine is bad for two reasons: 1. Its a diuretic 2. It can delay healing

This is a very controversial subject amongst WLS programs. Here is a link to an article that talks about carbonation afterwards, no where does it say that it actually "stretches" your pouch. https://www.livestrong.com/article/347882-carbonated-drinks-after-a-gastric-bypass/

This is why my program recommends that you eat your meal over a 30 minute time period, to allow your brain time to catch up. I personally don’t do this, I still eat too fast, but I don’t overeat by some saving grace. Try slowing down. Put your fork down between bites. Try eating standing up. I’m sure there are other tips to eating slower, but I’d give it a go.

Yes, we have one called Clothes Mentor and they have juniors-plus size women’s clothing. I’ve tried taking my stuff there and they practically rip you off. I love buying there but I won’t sell.

You are so right! You did the hard work, not the sleeve. I love your explanation. I haven’t told many people of my WLS because I don’t want to have to feel like I have to justify my hard work. It’s a shame that people think that way, but they don’t know any better.

You look great!

It's interesting that you mention the "re-settling" part, because my friend who had RNY 3 years ago, she talks about this all the time. She had surgery in October. She said by that following summer she was at her goal weight. However, she said by the next summer, she was the same exact weight, but she looked completely different. I saw pictures and she is completely right, she does look different. Her weight "re-settled" and she looks smaller to say the least.

I'm the opposite now, I can finally shave my armpits in the shower and not over the sink. Before I needed a mirror to make sure I didn't miss any spots. I will say that I could see how excess skin could really get in the way....time will tell!

Sorry Frust, I know you mean well... but Rainbow Warrior is right. I don't like where this thread is going.

I love this idea!

Is this for FMLA? or for the insurance company, I'm confused. Your company should give you so many days to submit the paperwork once the request for time off is made. I would call and ask to speak with the office manager. I also had an extremely hard time communicating with our coordinator, so I ended up requesting her email, and found that she responded quicker.

I feel your pain on trying to find something that checks all the boxes: -Low Fat -Low Carb -Low/no added sugar -Low Calorie -High Protein -Low Sodium I use the Gardein meatless options for my staple freezer food. I always keep something in the freezer as my "go-to" meal. It's hard to always shop fresh and eat fresh all the time. I'm usually pretty good, but everyone needs something that is handy and doesn't expire in a blink of an eye. As far as your weight loss is concerned, you are probably at the infamous 3 week stall. I would consider increasing your calories here soon, you say 450 (without protein shakes), but how much with the shakes? At 4 weeks I was eating close to 800-900, and at 6 weeks closer to 1000-1200 probably. For me, I didn't break my stall until I increased my calories. Also, you are exercising, which would be another reason I'd increase my calories. I always suggest to folks on a stall, to make sure they are logging all food consumed.

Splenda gives me headaches, that's why I carry around the liquid stevia.

@Sleeved in DFW :-) I think Blizair09 is correct, you probably hit a stall. I've easily went 2 weeks without loss... It stinks, but it passes. Good luck, and hang in there.

Yeah it is good to see you again, @FluffyChix!

So, I am not a vegetarian or a vegan, however, since my surgery I have been eating a lot more soy meats, and trying plant based protein replacements. I have found that I love Gardein brand. My newest love is called the "Neat " made by Atlantic Natural Foods Company, I put the link below to their "meatless" options. They also carry a line called Loma Linda Blue, which has some interesting options as well. I'm personally choosing this style of eating a few days a week to naturally lower my cholesterol, but I know that many of you choose this for a lifestyle. Feel free to share your favorite products! http://www.atlanticnaturalfoods.com/brand/neat/ http://www.atlanticnaturalfoods.com/brand/loma-linda/

So glad that things are turning around, even if it's just coping with your situation. Glad you are sleeping, and higher energy! Keep thinking positively.