Malaika

I don't consider the way you eat with the sleeve to be a diet ... I consider it to be a new lifestyle with a new way of eating and I don't plan to ever be on a diet again the rest of my life. I intend to use the sleeve for the purpose it was designed for -- a tool to help me lose all this weight and I plan to do whatever needs to be done to make that a reality. I don't know that I've ever been skinny ... however I know I have weighted a WHOLE lot less than I do now and I intend to work my butt off (as well as other parts) to get back to that point. I am not going to let ANYONE tell me I can't do it! And if they did, I'd prove them wrong ... PROVE YOUR DOCTOR WRONG AND MAYBE HE'LL QUIT THROWING OUT NUMBERS HE DOESN'T KNOW ANYTHING ABOUT!

Just red I wouldn't mind, I get small hives and they itch like crazy.

Definitely colder up that way ... I lived just south of Indianpolis for 27 years and saw my share of cold Indiana winters ... have to say I don't miss them at all. My nephew will graduate from Purdue this year.

Curious Serious -- where in Indiana? As to the calling up CNN being equal to telling co-workers ... I'm right there with you!

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY WASa!!!!!!!

Well once you lose all your weight you'd BETTER post some pics

I was going to ask who you were talking too...I will be going down there on the 10th if you want me to pick you up some ... and IF there isn't a limit to what you can purchase and/or bring back across the border. WASa any idea?

OH ... you just brought to mind something I need to talk to Dr. A about .... I'm allergic to the adhesive on that tape ... when I give blood and they tape it, you should see the rash; heck, you should see what my skin looks like if I use a bandaid ... okay esteemed RNs ... is there an alternative to the surgical tape or am I just going to look like a red mess once I am allowed to remove it?

Definitely worth the time to view. I'm happy to say that the schools around Las Vegas have finally removed the McDonald's, pizza Huts and Vending Machines from the school cafeteria. It's sad the number of obese children there are in the US. As a child, I wasn't heavy - that was because I was always outside riding bikes, skating, playing baseball, etc. There were no computers or video games and we only had 1 TV in our house and my dad controlled that. I can't stomach fast food ... gave it up years ago ... occassionally I'll have a "craving" for a Wendy's burger or Arby's and I'll give in ... huge mistake. Don't know if it's all the fat or what, but let's just say, generally within an hour of eating it, it's left my body. Then I remember THAT's why I don't eat the "fast" stuff.

Oh heck yeah ... the more the merrier ... join the (June) conga line :laugh0:

I am already lactose intolerant, so I avoid milk, ice cream and definitely whipped cream ... I can eat cheese and yogurt no problems and limited SF pudding... if the milk is heated - like tomato soup, it doesn't seem to bother me. I've even tried soy and rice milk with the same results as regular milk. Needless to say, I'm not EVEN going to be trying any milk products for quite some time following surgery. The gastrointestinal issues I have from dairy products is enough of a deterent to even consider trying anything along those lines. Whipped cream is the absolute worst ... I ate it one night and thought I was going to have to go to the ER I was in such excruiating pain. Once my g/f stopped laughing at me for the "self-inflicted pain" she told me a holistic remedy to help alleviate it. Also discovered a heating pad on the belly helps immensely ... I will be bringing mine with me to the hospital.

Wow, that's too bad ... you're REALLY missing out SteveO!

Said a prayer for you this morning Tiff -- been thinking of you and will be anxious to hear how you are doing ... when you are ready ... HUGS.

I have always heard that DQ uses ice milk, not ice cream .... either way, it's milk ... and I am sure there is a lot of sugar added for flavor. Guess the reaction is one way to keep you from doing that again huh?

You might check on Amazon or e-bay and see if someone is selling one ... check Craig's list too ... you might even go to bowflex online and see if they have old manuals you can get.

Sorry Denise, but I can't even phathom that she would spend that kind of money and totally blow the pre-op diet .. what's she going to do when she gets to solids? And even if nurses do make the worst patients, she should KNOW how important it is to follow doctor's instructions. She should have had a psych eval before having the sleeve -- she's obviously got more problems than just being overweight. IMO, she needs to seek some counseling to help her figure out why she can't follow directions and why she would jeopardize her life for a few bites of pork & beans when in 2 months or so she could have had them anyway. I hope she gets some help with her puking. So what if she can't go back to Dr. Aceves. She is a nurse, she obviously has some doctor contacts she can call upon or she can always go to the ER! Keep us posted.

I might have 18% in my foot!

I have found that to be true with me, as well. Right after my divorce when I lost 80 lbs (more if you include the weight of my ex-husband :001_smile:) I didn't deprive myself of anything ... I just ate way less ... instead of a pint (or quart) of ice cream, I'd have a small scoop in a custard dish, instead of a full-sized candy bar, I bought those miniature ones, and would have one of those ... I was also working out at the gym 7 days a week. I have also found that if I tell myself I CAN'T have something, that is ALL I can think about and 'crave'. We will all have to learn and share more skinny peopole secrets!

Curious Rosebud2, what BP medication do you take?

DARN ... battery charger? I went out and bought stock in Everready and Duracel ...

I appreciate the hint -- I'll remember that when I get down there (I hope) ... how long do you need to use the MUPs Nexxium? I have the caplets ... will I be able to take them at some point?

Rosebud2 lives in Las Vegas, and we've talked on the phone and email. Ruthi and I will be going together and Efuyera will be there - her surgery is on the 10th -- so it will be nice to meet some of my "sisters" face-to-face. I am THRILLED to have found the VSG forum on LBT and to now have our own site ... I have gleaned so much information and have, hopefully helped others ... regardless, it's nice to be able to be free to talk about it ... the only one who knows is Bob, my fiance, and my nurse friend, Lisa, who is so busy working and when not working in the Peds ICU spends time at the hospital with her father who is dying from cancer ... other than that NO ONE knows and I don't intend to tell anyone. So thanks to ALL of YOU!

THIS IS THE LIST NINA SENT ME BY EMAIL: Some items you may want to consider taking to the hospital with you: Pajamas, the nurses and doctors will be checking your incisions so you might be more comfortable in your own pajamas than the hospital gowns, however, hospital gowns are provided if you prefer. Non skid slippers, thongs, or slip on shoes of some sort. The hospital floors are very clean and waxed, so you'll want non-skid. It will be sore to bend over so you won't want to tie shoe laces so slip on shoes are easier. A favorite robe, many times it is comforting to have a favorite robe. Computer - if you have a laptop you are welcome to bring it. The hospital and hotel are set up with wireless internet connection. Any of Dr. Aceves' staff can give you the password at the hospital. You do not need a password in the hotel. Cell phone - Most cell phones work well in the hospital, if your phone does not work most of the staff will loan you their phone. The electrical system is the same in Mexico as the US so you do not need a converter for your hair dryer, computer, or cell phone charger. Shampoo - this is provided by the hospital but many prefer their own brands so they prefer to bring their own. Book or other reading material. You will not likely feel like reading the day of surgery but you might the day after surgery. Loose fitting clothing to wear coming home. You will likely feel a bit bloated after surgery so bring a sweat suit or something very loose fitting and comfortable for your ride home from the hospital. I do not suggest bringing much cash with you. Unless you want to do a little shopping the day before your surgery there is no need for much cash. You will want to purchase dinner the night before surgery and $25.00 per person will cover that easily, less for most restaurants. If you want to have access to cash then credit cards are a safer alternative. You will not need to convert US dollars to pesos, you can use US dollars for your companion in the hospital cafeteria and all businesses around Mexicali if you choose to do a little shopping.

Wow you look great ... thank you for sharing ... we are about the same weight/size and most of my weight is in my stomach, so your pictures/story give me motivation and hope.

:thumbup:ME TOO please