Malaika

I'm with you Ruthi ... I can't decide either. Talked to Eyfura today - she was on her way to the hospital for her pre-op work and was a nervous wreck ... apparently she can't stand the sight of needles (imagine that - and she's had 4 children!) ... I told her "well, then don't look at the needles -- stare at the ceiling ... I should have told her to have them bring in a really cute intern and she could stare at him instead! Road trip starts tomorrow ... :car::cool0::car:

Don't you wish we all knew then what we know now? If I had known even 1/2 of what I know now, I don't think I would have had a weight problem ... as they say, hindsight is 20/20.

Woo hoo ... and here OregonDaisy is dealing with some unhappy moments right now and she was the most excited to have it up and going ... she'll be so happy when she's back home and able to be online for "real time" chatting.

I don't care for the after taste of aspartame; plus all the bad things I have heard about it. If given a choice, I will use splenda or stevia or sweet-n-low. I'm glad to find more and more things being made with splenda instead of aspartame. And, since I haven't had soft drinks in over 20 years, I don't even worry about that.

And on top of that, it was all done outdoors on the grill so no heating up the kitchen, which in Las Vegas in the summer is a big deal believe me. Although I have to admit the weather has been totally awesome this week -- highs in the 80s which is wonderful ... would be happy to have that all summer long (yes, I am dreaming, the 110s will hit soon enough)

You were tiny at 110 Mac ... and still are now -- DAMN!

That sounds like me -- I thought I was so fat at 125 lbs. (I'm 5'8-1/2") and now when I look at those pics, I think the same thing --- what I wouldn't give to be that size now!. I've always said that weight didn't matter to me, it was more how my clothes fit; although I am sure I will be on the scale in the beginning.

I love edamame; however, there are pros/cons on too much soy intake ... I think if you just use common sense and don't over do on anything - basically eat in moderation, that anything is okay for you. My head spins at all the findings out there and especially when one contradicts the other, as they all seem to do. Edamame is being served in several restaurants in Las Vegas. IMO it makes a great appetizers and takes the edge off any hunger so you tend to not overdo ... at least now before the sleeve that is how it works for me .. and it is very filling and stays with you for a long time, too.

Welcome. Although you may not have the in-person support you may be looking for on this site; you will have all the support you could possibly need otherwise. Everyone here thus far is great and the information you can get is unbelievable. The "veteran" sleevers are a wealth of information, knowledge and great suggestions.:confused1: So pull up a chair and join the group - Welcome to VST ... you're gonna love us.:001_wub: (PS Can relate to the having made a decision and wanting it NOW -- I am the same way. Luckily, my surgery is this Friday!) :biggrin0:

What the heck is GOAT? :confused1:

The exodus to Mexicali is beginning ... Eyfura's surgery on the 10th, Ruthi and I on the 12th, DebKing on the 17th (darn, we'll miss you by 2 days); who else is headed to Mexicali to see Dr. Aceves? I don't know if I'm excited or nervous ... maybe both? Looking forward to it being over and a new chapter in my life opening up.

Elizabeth -- I wanted to let you know that I took your idea and made roasted veggies last night when we had some friends over for dinner ... I cut up zucchini, yellow square, new potatoes, sliced sweet potatoes, and green, yellow, red and orange peppers. I lined a pan used for the grill with foil, sprayed it with Pam Olive Oil (thanks for that suggestion too) sprinkled with a little garlic powder, spread them out, sprayed more olive oil and layed asparagus over the top -- sealed it with foil and my fiance cooked it on the grill for about 15 minutes. I also fixed the tilapia with orange juice, salt and pepper and Bob fixed that on the grill as well (9 minutes on top rack). I also fixed a green salad. The meal was delicious and our guests raved about it. Keep the recipes coming ... I'm always looking for new ideas.

Denise, I am so so so sorry to hear about the passing of your father. Time will heal the pain of losing him and soon you will be filled with all the happy times you shared and the knowledge that he was able to live 90 years and to see you grow into a wonderful daughter and mother. He may not be here in the physical person; however, he will always be in your heart and his spirit will be with you always. Hang in there!

My doc does not have that. But I used the services of a guy on line that works with obese folks and he was fantastic, no charge. WASa ... I'd like this guys information if possible, please.

True, however, people will grasp at anything to try and lose weight, that's why the diet industry is multi-million dollar industry ... everyone looking for the quick fix. The magic pill that will do the work for them; they still don't realize that everything is a tool ... THEY still have to do the work ... for some that doesn't sink in for quite some time, if ever.

One of my favs is slicing the sweet potato, putting the slices on a foiled lined pan and "baking" them on the grill until soft ... about 20 minutes ... you can sprinkle them with salt, pepper or even a little garlic ... they are very tasty.

I told him that our grocery bill would probably decrease as would eating out bills. I'm hoping he will get up and exercise with me as he needs to lose weight too. So thank you for this idea. Doesn't sound sappy to me at all - sounds like he truly loves and cares about you. Support ast home is very important. I'm gald we'll both have it.

WOW, I didn't know that -- I was taking it in the morning with my other pills ... I quit taking all of it except my RX drugs about 3 weeks ago ... figured the less I was taking at the time of surgery the better and less pills to swallow ... if I start back on it down the road, I will keep that in mind. As usual, thanks WASa:thumbup1:

I know what you mean - everyone at work always asks where someone is going when they take time off ... I just told them we were headed to So. Cal to spend some time at the beach and relax ... it's not totally a lie. The only thing I told my boss was that I was having some "minor health issues" and he said he hoped everything turned out okay. So if push comes to shove, and people notice what I am eating, then I'll go with the hiatal hernia response and if they asked why I didn't say anything, I'll just respond it was a private matter. Good luck on whatever course you choose.

Thank goodness neither of us have any little ones at home ... except our two puppies and he's quite helpful with everything around the house already, so I am quite lucky. Thanks for the response.

No, he doesn't expect me to be bedridden, I think it's more that he wants to know what verbal support he can give or what the wrong things he could say .. that type of help.

We'll (me and Ruthi) will look for you on the 11th after our pre-op tests and expect you to check up on us on the 12th after our surgeries ... we'll "party" together ... I'll keep you in my thoughts and prayers for a safe journey and surgery on the 10th. :wink0::thumbup:

Legally, I don't believe they have the right to ask you why you need the time off if you have PTO time available. That is why it is PTO - PERSONAL TIME OFF ... if you have it available, then all you have to do is request it. No one has the right to question WHY you need the time off. Management has the right to deny the time off for various reasons -- too many people off at the same time, for example. However, if you don't want to tell your boss the reason for the request for time off, you don't have to.

Ok, ok, I give -- I screwed up ... open mouth, insert foot, chew vigorously. :wink0: ... slinking away now ..

Oh yes, I forgot - I also drink crystal lite and the ones made by Lipton (they have splenda in them) - I forgot. Plus, none of us are going to get off this planet alive, so if something is going to kill me, I'm with you - so be it.