Orchids&Dragons

YUM!

What are they?

Thanks for the link!

Sounds like your weight loss is going great. I'm really tired, too. Haven't quite adjusted to the new normal.

I know that drinking straws are discouraged, but swallowing a bit of air has got to be better than dehydration. Straws are a trick I learned in Weight Watchers and they really do help you drink more than sipping does.

I just looked up the YWM conference, I'd never heard of it. But, not likely to go. That's the week of my birthday/husband's birthday/our anniversary. I'm likely to be baaaaad and need to go sit in the corner for a while!

I use the timer on my phone constantly, one of the best inventions ever!

That must have been so frustrating. I'll pray that all goes smoothly from here on out and that the new you gets to show off at your reunion!

She was born in '64 or '65. I don't wear a fitbit, but my phone has a pedometer and I use that (except when I leave it in the car, or the battery dies, or I forget!) That first week after surgery, when they had you drinking out of the little cups, I would literally be done with a minute or two and then sit there and watch the minute hand of the clock sloooowly tick over to the 15-minute mark so I could have another one! I usually get over 100 oz. per day now, so I don't track so closely. Do you have trouble with other liquids or just water?

Oh, my, gosh. If you're not a writer, you ought to be. So much of your story rings true for me and (I suspect) for many others. My favorite line: "You reach a point where surgery is less fearsome than continuing to live obese". Yep, that says it all. Thank you! btw, how far out is your expected surgery?

Funny, we're sleeve "twins" and I have a cousin named Dawn Marie in New York! I'm glad your weight loss is going well! I'm happy so far, as well. No, I didn't have a band removed so that's not causing my soreness. It's not a sharp pain, just really tender, even if I just brush my fingers over the skin there. Weird. I'm still usually at around 700-750 calories a day, although I get sufficient protein and the fluids are no challenge for me at all (apologies to those of you who struggle.) My highlight so far has been wheat crackers with my soup. I nibble off little bitty sections and revel in the crispiness. That's what I miss most!

How are all the February sleevers doing? How about updates? I'll be 6 weeks post-op on Monday. Everything's going pretty well except that my mid-section is still very tender. Not the incisions, they're healed, but about a 3-in spot halfway between by sternum and my belly button. Anyone else have that?

Thanks for the recipe, I can't wait to give it a try!

My doctor doesn't worry too much about getting protein mostly from food until at least 6-8 weeks out. I still take a shake and a protein water every day because I eat such small portions of real food.

Wow, they're strict! Good luck. You should still have plenty of time, but sheesh! Pressure!

I'm sitting here with a blanket wrapped around my shoulders! I'm one of those people who never got cold before. I assume it's my metabolism on strike for higher "wages" - it's telling me "if you won't put fuel on the fire, I won't give you any heat!"

I know everyone advises you not to overpack, but stuff happens, don't you know. I've met a couple of people (hopefully not you, but you can't tell ahead of time) that were in the hospital 4-5 days. One started running a fever and another swelled badly and couldn't get the water down. I'd rather be prepared for the worst and celebrate the best. It's not that big a deal to take the extra stuff home. I do second the suggestion of your own pillow! Good luck!

Awesome! Keep up the good work!

Sending prayers and good thoughts your way! Surround yourself with supportive people and avoid the negative Nellies like the plague right now! I spoke with a lot of people who'd had WLS before I chose to take the plunge, and while they all said it was challenging (to various degrees) not one said they regretted their decision. The people in these forums are an amazing resource!

Will your surgeon not see you until you've hit that goal?

I'm nearly six weeks out and my stomach is still so "acidy" that I wouldn't dare add wine!

I am so happy for you! YEAH!!!

Congratulations on your excellent adventure! I'm looking forward to the non-extended seatbelt while flying!

A lot of people stall as early as 3 weeks. Just keep on doing the right things and it'll catch up to you

I paid approx $3,000 to the surgeon up front, and $3000 to the hospital up front. We'll get refunded the extra once the insurance settles out.