mb20mom

I think I know what you mean about why the low carb thing. If we could have done low-carb all this time we wouldn't need surgery, right? And when I first started reading posts seeing how strict everyone's eating was, I remember thinking, "I didn't get surgery so I'd have to follow the Atkins diet"! While it is true that you need to eat Protein first, I didn't make a conscious effort to eliminate carbs. I followed a balanced diet of fruit, vegetables, protein, and maybe a bite or two at the most of something with starch like potato or rice. The thing is, you just don't have the room, so you can't eat that stuff anymore. You won't want to. Those first 4 bites of chicken are going to pack your sleeve with so little room left over, that may be all you have. What you have to watch out for is the snacking of the empty calories and bad carbs, like chips, popcorn, Cookies, cakes etc. Seems like there's plenty of room for that stuff when you eat it! That is the danger zone. You have to change your lifestyle of eating to be healthy, but you can still eat healthy carbs and lose.

WAY TO GO GIRL!!! I knew you could do it. You were so close for so long and I was just waiting for you to announce this. You are truly my inspiration. If it weren't for you coordinating our support group I don't think i would have gotten myself back on track, so I want to thank you for all you do. You are a gift. Congratulations!!!1

Thanks Sophia!! I really have you to thank, since it's our support group that got me going again. I was practically pigging out for a couple of months, but after seeing the success of all you guys, I was motivated to get back on track! And wait a minute....you are less than a pound away from GOAL??? What? That is awesome!!! I think our next meeting will be a celebration! See you soon, girlie girl!

Yes, your surgery is considered treatment for a "serious health condition" and you can't be denied FMLA if a doctor authorizes your paperwork. The law doesn't designate whether treatment takes place in or out of the U.S.. What matters is whether the company you work for is in or out of the U.S. You are allowed up to 12 weeks off with guaranteed job security. I think most of us took off 2-4 weeks from work. Good luck on your surgery!

I know exactly what you mean about the sleeping. My sleep apnea was gone after losing about 40 pounds, and then I realized one day that I wasn't having to wear a Poise panty liner anymore. I used to have little accidents at every sneeze, laugh or cough. Now, I had no idea that weight loss would take care of that! That never happens to me anymore. Some people need surgery on their bladder to fix that. I guess taking weight off your bladder fixes it too. I keep bragging that EVERY little ache, pain and physical discomfort has simply gone away with my weight loss. I think the medical community should really push weight loss to cure everything!

I didn't like the dry chewables of any brand, but once I discovered gummies, I'm happy. I'll take any brand of gummy vitamins over chalky chewables any day! There are sugar free options that taste great.

Way to go! I've never done it myself, but I work in Riverside and I hear people talk about it all the time. Don't they do fireworks on July 4th there too? You should be very proud of your accomplishment and your new lifestyle!

Well said. That's what it's all about, really. I recently adjusted my goal from 145 up to 154. No one gave me a goal either, I just picked it out of the air. But after looking at the BMI chart, I would be happy just to get under the 25 mark to be "normal". And I'd be content to get into a size 8, so whatever that weight turns out to be, I'll say I made it!

Thanks guys! It's nice to share victories with those who can relate.

That's an awesome success! I can't even imagine what a 6 must feel like. I just got into 10's. Gosh, how big were those size 12's you were still wearing when you bought the 6! Congratulations to the new you!

I've taken Advil a few times with no problem. They don't want us to take it if we don't have to since it's been known to cause stomach bleeding. But since Advil is the only thing that works for me, I was told it's okay once in a while. Funny thing is, since losing so much weight, all my aches and pains are gone and I hardley ever need to take it now.

Good for you! How do you manage to lose so much this late in the game? We're all dying to know what you did differently.

Oh my goodness! I can understand why you're nervous. I was expecting you to say you were having a tummy tuck or body lift! Face lift should make you feel like a new woman. Good luck and keep us posted. That would be cool if Aceves could give you a picture of your sleeve. We'd all love to see it!

Yep, salad is very easy to eat. I can get a lot down.

Oh yes, we all did that! Make sure you get your fill of pasta!

I would describe the difference between full liquids and mushies by thinking full liquids would fit through a straw, and mushies would require a spoon or fork. Odd that you were allowed eggs on full liquids since I would call that a mushie. Those are all great food ideas for traveling from Meg. I lived on mashed potatoes, refried beans, scrambled eggs, tuna, egg salad, thick soups, etc.

Yay for you! That is a very exciting goal you have reached and you should be proud of yourself. I can understand your excitment since I am 3lbs away from 100lbs myself...I can't wait to join you!

Sounds like sleep apnea to me also. I developed this at 270lbs when I had gained a lot of weight, especially around my neck and chest. I would wake up gasping also. I would often dream I was dying in some way and struggle to wake myself up. As soon as I lost about 30lbs it got better and better and eventually I gave up the CPAP machine altogether. Now I sleep great. Get yourself in for a sleep study just to make sure.

I believe there might be some truth to this honeymoon period idea. I had great results at losing weight up to about 80 lbs lost (at around 11 mos post op). Then the holidays hit and I became disconnected with all efforts at dieting and felt that I was "taking a break" for awhile to enjoy all the holiday feasting. The holidays ended but I kept eating whatever I wanted and after 3 mos realized I had gained 5lbs. Fortunately I'm now back to very strict protein style eating and have cut out all the crap, and the weight is coming off again. So yes, we stll have to make an effort to practice healthy eating and use our tool as it was intended, especially after a year.

I love weighing myself every morning. I get out of bed each day with anticipation that the scale might go down again! If it doesn't, no big deal. I still know that I have the tool I need to continue to lose. Some of us use this as motivation I guess. Others are afraid of failure. Maybe since I've been losing slowly for over a year, I have a different perspective than a newbie, knowing that my sleeve works as long as I continue to work with it. Besides, I can't explain how, but I'm convinced that somehow we lose inches when the scale isn't moving down.

OMG is this really how fast it goes now? I'm in SoCal also, and yes, it took a year, at least. I had to do 6 months of weekly Options classes (after waiting to get in) then a 3 month wait for a surgery consultation! It was an eternity...I complained then, but not now. That year was a valuable preparation period for a whole new lifestyle of eating and I appreciate it now. But I also understand your excitement to get the surgery as soon as you can. Good luck on your journeys!!

You look maaahvelous darling! Way to go. Congratulations on 100lbs lost!!

Just try to remembert that those six days of "discomfort" while on the liquid diet is leading you to a new life, and ensuring that your surgery will be successful. Try the Premier chocolate protein shakes from Costco, they're quite tasty and filling. Good luck to you!!