Sophie7713

A toast to all you beautiful ladies... Actually, amazing babes! My favorite red and white striped blouse then. My favorite red and white OOTD blouse worn to the design showroom. Hurricane Dorian a little too close for comfort! Oh boy.

I got sooo tickled this week with a consecutive series of the gentlemen in my life (the dentist, the car mechanic, the vet and furniture rep) that do not see me on a regular basis. None had seen me since my December 2018 sleeve. None could believe I was the same person! And, I kid you not, at the conclusion our appointments it was see you Cupcake; Cookie; Sweetie pie; and Gum drop! It would seem I am now a designated dessert. LOL. Ironic, as those were the very baked goods like cup cakes, cookies and pie that got me in so much trouble. Not so much gum drops BUT certainly ice cream. By the way, my dentist is gorgeous and an avid tennis player (his wife passed of cancer a few years back) AND wishing I could introduce him to some of our beautiful single ladies here on The Sophomores Thread. ;]

It will be really exciting to follow your next phase to plastics! Thank you for sharing this with us. Surgeon #1 work is amazing! He has created a truly gorgeous figure for this woman with little trace he was even there. And, with time, as she continues to heal - the thin scar lines will likely continue to dissipate into her skin. What an art and a science! It's hard to believe the other 4 surgeons could beat this masterpiece? While I cannot speak to the medical plastics profession (I did read the article posted earlier and agree with both perspectives) in my particular practice as a creative professional - I always charge a consultation fee. In our highly saturated marketplace here with an abundance of the often unqualified and low caliber - A clients ease in paying this fee establishes a trust, a value and sets a positive precedence of high quality. Invaluable information and customized, thoughtful advice about their personal project is addressed at this first meet to include my travel time, gas and milage to the site from studio. A consult fee does separate the men from the boys (tire kickers, so to speak) in seeking a mutually rewarding, respectful and successful future collaboration. I am able to give my best when I feel appreciated and well compensated for the wisdom, experience and design acumen engaged. Personally, I would visit 3 - 5 surgeons regardless of a fee or not. The $750 you might invest is a very small percentage given the overall tab to the seriousness, very personalized and long term commitment to your health, happiness and well being. I feel you are worth exploring all viable options, and the peace of mind that will evolve as you compare, ponder and ultimately - make the best decision without regret or wonder. A fee or no fee would not influence my pursuit of a private consultation; the opportunity to learn more; to meet their staff and understand their aftercare; And, to experience the overall personality of their practices. The quality of the hospitals and/or surgery centers they utilize would also be a mitigating factor. No doubt, you are about to embark on a remarkable (and, a little scary, too) endeavor that knowledge and familiar repetition will serve to empower! Continued best wishes in researching and selecting the very best surgeon for you and your needs. So happy and excited for you. ;]

Look how trim you are from the side, such pretty skin and a stunning figure 8. Love the look! ;]

Da ya think I'm sexy - If you want my body, come on sugar, tell me so?

Okay, here goes. A work in progress... The height challenged with 35 - 40 pounds to go! Excited considering these before pics at 258 - 266 pounds, size 2X or 3X. OOTD's include errand day cheering on our team and weekend getaway with hubby this past June. White jean capri outfit here has been replaced with a size smaller. Throwing in a? little puppy love, too!

OH NO I've dissolved like the Wicked Witch of the West...? Seriously though, I just loved this outfit 70% off at Ann Taylor. The medium top fits perfectly now and the ¾ sleeves divine! The sailor slacks are still a bit small in the hip and waist area. If I find deeply discounted clothing - I'll wash and press them ready for the next wardrobe transition! Slacks should fit by late August walk into the clothes closest! I think I'll start wearing my hair in a trio braid (?the eye patch is pretty sexy, too)...

Okay then. I wish they (me) all could be California girls! Sillykitty - love you in red and the red sandals are to die for. Your outfit is adorable. Red is definitely one of your colors. And, CNDC - I want those shoes!!! Looking great in that little black dress with neutral heels. Very sleek!

And, to think I thought it HOT here in our sub-tropic parts this summer!... Actually cool compared to the heat generated here with the ladies in their gorgeous new bodies and outfits! Congratulations! Loving the fashion show. So nice to be in regular clothing departments again, right? I'll post in the future when closer to my goal. ;]

Oh my, talk about ruffled feathers! Fluffy Chix do take the best of care. Wishing you a smooth and calm recovery after this ordeal... ;]

Greetings Everyone! I'm almost 7 months out and doing really well down from 258 to 171 pounds on the scale today! With a petite frame at 5 feet tall - I wish to continue for a goal around 130 pounds (or less) to feel my best. So far my restriction remains intact, and I adhere strictly to plan + lifestyle. I love my sleeve and grateful to no longer be a slave to toxic foods! So, hopefully... By this December - I might be at goal?! Hitting goal will be the BEST Christmas present from Santa ever. He won't be getting Christmas cookies this year either, but rather crispy carrot sticks and a yummy dip. Haha! Hope everyone survived the big eating holiday surrounding 4th of July. Oh boy. This year we traded out our traditional hot dogs, potato chips, Pepsi, macaroni salad, apple pie and ice cream FOR shrimp kebobs, grilled street corn, watermelon + tomato salad with roasted hazelnuts (yum!) and sugar free chia chocolate pudding. It is so inspiring and I feel privileged to know and track with you all. Continued best wishes to all our Sophomores! You rock. Thank you to all our 2018 veterans that propel us forward with their knowledge, experience and insights.

Darktowerdream: Many congratulations on your almost 40 pound loss! That's really something to celebrate, indeed! You must be feeling a bit better daily despite other chronic issues. Keep working the plan and remain diligent, and once reaching your goal weight (while not a doctor, of course) maybe other issues may calm? I commend you for taking control of your health and food environment. So often we find ourselves around toxic food environments and insensitive people. Regardless of what other people want from you right now - I think it best to put ourselves before another's agenda. Set in place strong healthy boundaries and concentrate on making yourself first priority. Your longterm success depends on this. Additional perspectives and helpful insight that might be helpful - Are youtube videos and books by Dr. Matthew Weiner and Dr. Duc C. Vuong. One can be very inspired, encouraged and feel supported engaging these outside your world. Might I suggest the following to keep you focused and encouraged: Weight Loss Surgery by Lisa Kaouk and Monica Bashaw A Pound of Cure by Dr. Matthew Weiner Ultimate Gastric Sleeve Success by Dr. D. C. Vuong The Emotional First + Aid Kit by Cynthia L. Alexander Each address facets of interest in protein, nutritional needs, exercise, chronic conditions + disease along with the emotional and social connections after bariatric surgery. And, many best wishes on your journey. Despite the extraneous challenges you face, you are moving forward in a heroic way! ;]

Ms. Gamgee - if you like cabbage or are craving it... I found the best recipe for egg roll bowl on goggle. It is delish and full of good things AND very satisfying!

I'm finding my kryptonite is most meats. Preferring mainly veggies, eggs, sea bass, chicken or tuna salad and beans. This is one major transformation considering I was the ultimate meat and potatoes girl!!! I foamed once over a bite of pork chop. I use to love pork chops! The fact you have to chew most meats to almost liquid - no longer holds the appeal it once did. Love theatre popcorn, too! Haven't gone out to the movies since sleeve to avoid temptation. Excited to report no hot dogs, chips, macaroni salad or apple pie + ice cream this year for 4th of July holiday! New menu of watermelon and tomato salad w/ roasted hazelnuts, grilled shrimp + veggie kebabs, street corn and chia sugar free chocolate pudding. Only a few bites of each kept me satisfied on this food centered holiday.

Hi All - Happy 4th weekend! Hope everyone is enjoying their holiday. I was excited to report this time last year we would have feasted on 2 ½ Boar's Head hot dogs, macaroni salad, Wise potato chips and apple pie with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Oh boy! This year - I am now 6 months out and 85 pounds down AND prepared a new menu of tomato and watermelon salad with roasted hazelnuts, shrimp and filet tenderloin grilled kebabs with lots of veggies and chia seed chocolate sugar free pudding! Still only able to eat a few bites of each item BUT never felt deprived or the ability to enjoy such a big food centered holiday. I love my sleeve! How did everyone do? What did you enjoy eating? Exploring new strategies to get me moving toward my goal of 130 at 5 feet tall! Any idea's or suggestions welcomed? Want to look fabulous for our 25th vow renewal ceremony with dinner and dance next spring - May 17, 2020. ;]

Kansas City never looked so good! Congratulations Ms. KC! That spunk in your step will definitely bring forth a successful maintenance. So very happy for you. And, coming up on 4th of July holiday weekend - I'm going to put just a little dab of that fabulous KC barbecue sauce on my grilled shrimp + vegetable kabob... ;]

B69 - Before you know it, you'll be singing... I go walking after midnight - one of my favorite Patsy Cline tunes. ;] No doubt, 185 is just around the corner - as I am sure rehab movement + exercises will aid toward this goal. Many best wishes and continued success!

Wahooo! Congratulations and much continued success VSGDavid! Here's to the sunnier side of life...

Sisternewt... Congratulations Christmas Eve sleever!!! Just think there's 7 months ahead to work toward the next 60. No doubt, your Christmas present to yourself at year's end will be SWEET!

Hi TaeRenee - Keep up the great work! 72 pounds, that's fabulous along with inches lost. Stall is probably your body re-adjusting getting ready for the next 72 pound drop. Yah! Hang in there.

Oh Mrs. Gamgee, do feel better soon. Having a cold at this early juncture must be so uncomfortable! Are you on soft foods? Do keep well... your 52 pound loss is fabulous, too! This is just a hiccup in the journey downward. ;]

SusieQ2019 - I can't imagine how painful coughing was for your esophagus and new tender pouch! Ouch. Coughing and nasal drip has irritated sleeve causing nausea. I tried cough syrup and it came back up. I'm not tolerating cold meds well at all. Strange. I guess it's the nature of the new beast. That said, will definitely try your fresh ginger and mint tea suggestions tonight. Thank you for your well wishes.

Nothing like a NYC hot dough pretzel with mustard. Just saying...?

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While it is already the Dog Days of summer here... I've caught a brutal cold that hubby brought home from his workplace last week. I am five months out and thankfully, did not contact the flu or any other illness until now. This cold has hit like a vengeance! Funniest thing. It feels very different than colds in the past. Does anyone have any remedies or tips that helped them through? I have continued to drink water and hot tea allotments, however any food just irritates the very raw throat with tummy upset. Previously, it was said: Feed a cold, Starve a fever. Remember?! And, OH boy, would I ever feed + comfort myself (Ahhhh...) with Stouffers macaroni and cheese (YUM!), Haagen Dazs coffee and chocolate ice cream flavors (Heavenly!) and home made chicken noodle soup (Soothing!) Did not find the soup that helpful this time around, separating out chicken and veggies (no noodles) for just the broth. The liquid and solid thing rule, as you all know. I am behaving myself and staying right on plan, but stumbled upon this new insight with my first cold sleeved - How being sick was just another opportunity to indulge myself. So with the Ahhhh, Yum, Heavenly and Soothing now taken out of this equation, any suggestions!? :[ chicken soup.pdf