deedee

Linda, I think you have me convinced to go and get fitted. When I think of the money I've been shelling out for clothing before I get to goal, I might as well get a couple really good bras to make those clothes look good.

Welcome to VST Sammie! I have no experience with the band, but can tell you I've been super happy with the sleeve. I turned 30 a couple of months ago and I can tell you this decade is already rocking thanks to my new sleeve tool. Congratulations on your decision!

Woohoo Judy! So glad to read about your great successes. Keep it up and like you said you'll be in onederland and then on to your next goals! If you're really getting the urge to shop, you can always buy a goal (not necessarily your end goal, maybe the next size down) dress, skirt, or pair of pants. I wish you luck with the next 12 lbs and can't wait to celebrate with you!

What size are you currently? When I lost my first bit of weight and needed new bras I found the Soma line at Chico's and LOVED what these bras did for me. I got them from the outlet and they were on sale for $10 each. They are now too big and I really wanted to order more, but refuse to pay the full price...might have to mosey over to the outlets again. Two weeks ago I went to Khols and found a Maidenform bra that gives a little push-up and it's okay. My ladies look good and lifted, it's pretty comfortable, but the straps don't always stay up (and they are on the furthest setting). I tried on so many types and sizes and this was the best I could find there. I also tried Macys and had a lady fit me and recommend a good bra, but it was nothing like the great experiences I've had at Nordstroms (with knowledgeable sales people)...I didn't feel like walking down to that end though. Good luck and if you find one you like please share!

That is great Steph! A good reminder to all of us as well.

I'm so happy to read this post and hear things went well! I'm sorry about the pain, but your positive attitude sounds great, you know it will pass. Congratulations to being on the loser's bench...Welcome!

I agree with Tracy, your surgeon will let you know if you need to be on a pre-op diet. But if you'd like to get the ball rolling, you can always start a high protein/low carb diet like Atkins. I did a modified version of Atkins for 4 weeks before surgery and was able to drop 16 pounds.

That is EXCELLENT!

Carolyn, If you feel up to it and get in enough liquids, I'd say GO FOR IT! Just don't expect to have as much energy or do as much as you were doing right from the start. I too am missing my normal workouts. Today is the only day this week I will have a normal workout...haven't had one since last Wednesday. I did walk two days while out of state and did an exercise DVD (lower body only) one night, but I know I will not be able to do my routines full out tonight in Jazzercise. Good luck, just don't push it.

Lucygoose, I'm sorry to hear you went through this. I'm glad your tummy is fine and you're on the mend.

Welcome Tysmommy! There are a lot of great, supportive people on this board. It's a great place to ask questions, give support, and vent away. Good luck through your pre-op journey (that's terrific you got approved so quickly) and I look forward to your updates.

Yay Marci! I'm so happy for you!

That's great news Linda!!! This morning I weighed 155 pounds! That's 1.5 pounds lost since last Monday. I'm pretty excited about having a loss this week at all, but it mostly came before the Christmas holiday (I weighed 155.5 lbs on Christmas Eve). I've gotten use to the weight loss slowing down and am just pretty happy that it keeps going in the right direction.

I think you've gotten some good responses so far. For me it was the most difficult the first 3 months out. I think it might have been a combination of not being comfortable myself in those situations (finishing before others and not knowing what to do, looking a little baffled, not ordering a drink when asked, kind of standing out like a sore thumb) as well as still being obese (like Tiff said), it confused people that I wasn't eating as much. Now that I am much more comfortable with my sleeve and very used to eating out with people, no one usually comments and I don't even notice or think about it. I feel normal and others treat me that way. Some examples... My family decided to go to a local hotel for Thanksgiving brunch. It was a buffet and I decided to order off the limited menu. By the time my food arrived at the table, other people were finishing their first plates and getting either seconds or Desserts. I enjoyed myself talking while people ate and then had a few bites of my food when it arrived and had the rest boxed up. Last week at a function I started with a glass of punch. I sipped and mingled around the room. About fifteen/twenty minutes later (once everyone had served themselves) I grabbed a plate and put 3 meatballs on it. I went back to socializing and nibbled on the meatballs. I could only eat one (I did just drink punch), but nobody noticed and I just took my plate to the trash can and scraped the remaining food off. The only time anybody commented was before I had gotten my plate, but I just pointed to my drink and said I'd be getting food shortly. I'm finding that people's reactions depend a lot on my own reactions.

Thank goodness, I'm glad you are feeling better!

I have been checking in off and on the last couple of days just to see this post! CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!!!! I am so happy for you. I hope you have a fabulous celebration for your tremendous accomplishment.

I'm so happy for you! It really sounds like you are working your sleeve:-) Excellent job on your loss.

Ange, Thank you for the update. I'm glad your morning sickness seems to be subsiding. Congratulations too on your continued weight loss. My surgeon said it would be safe to begin trying after my weight has been stable for a couple of months so that is my plan. I hope to get to goal by the end of January and then start trying after I've been there for a while. I wish you continued health through this second trimester!

Thank you for all of the kind words!

I'm sorry that I have no experience with what you are describing. I know you have the colonoscopy scheduled, but you may want to give your surgeon's office a call...it never hurts. I wish you get things resolved soon.

I wish you luck Megan! High protein, low carb must be hard so you should feel proud for getting down to 40 carbs...I ate meat and it was still very difficult for me. I can't really think of anything to add to the hospital list. For me, slippers were a life saver. I also had a very loose outfit to wear home.

Welcome Carla! I'm very happy you decided to register and am excited to follow along with your journey. Your feelings are quite normal...at least that is how I felt as well. We will be here to answer your questions and offer support throughout your two week liquid diet and post-op diet, but I remember I was still nervous about those early out days, wondering if I was doing things right.

Barbara, Don't be sorry at all. Some things are asked multiple times and that's okay because there are constantly new people joining the board with different experiences. I'm only a little shy of 5 months post-op, but my own experiences change still quite a bit and I (and others) will have new things to share. As for knowing ahead of time, I was told the information at my initial seminar and from reading on the web, but like you, after researching and ruling out different procedures, I decided to go for it. No regrets at all.

You are definitely in my prayers. I'm glad you have an appointment tomorrow.

Thank you for the update Frank. I'm glad that you have mostly excellent news to report. Good job on the weight loss so far...it's great what the sleeve helps us do so quickly.