Malaika

Lactaid hasn't worked for me in the past; however, I may try the lactaid milk for soups.

Did I forget to mention how wonderful we all are?:thumbup: That is what is so great about this forum - everyone is always there to help. I wouldn't be scared of attending the seminar - you will receive a wealth of knowledge -- let us know how it goes!

Welcome to the forum. I am sure you will find all the answers here you need as well as all the support. Check out this thread - you may find it helpful .... Researching Mexican Sleeve Surgeons If you type that phrase into search posts it should take you to the post with the information. Good luck with your journey!

Bearded and I went out to Applebee's last Saturday -- our total bill was $10.00 ... he had a Raspberry Iced tea, otherwise it would have been like $8...and we had leftovers! Tonight we grilled chicken breasts and have 1/2 left! And we are saving money on groceries now and don't have any junk food in the house ... we do however spend a lot on SF popsicles!

I think it was due to the fact that I tried to drink a Protein drink (again) and my lactose intolerance has just gone nuts since surgery ... plus it was still way to thick and the texture almost made be puke ... so I have now scratched Protein drinks made with milk (which most are) off my list. I'm fine now - once it all got out of my system, I was fine. Thanks for the concern! I will be making that Soup as soon as I get the ingredients!

Luckily, I didn't have those issues until I got home - that is what we refer to as the "Peacock Poops" because the blue mixed with the yellow bile turns it a very pretty? peacock green. As Ruthi said - you don't want to trust a "fart" until it passes ...:thumbup:

Is your husband overweight? Has he ever had to lose 128 lbs.? Has he succeeded? Has he kept it off? In my honest opinion, it is your body and your health and if he won't support you, then I would proceed forward without him. I would quit talking to him about it and do what you need to do for YOU. Then after you have the sleeve, you can prove him wrong and show him that this is the tool you needed to be successful in your weight loss. Good luck!

Feffers - that is great -- by the time I get up, I imagine you'll be in surgery -- or maybe even recovery...may the grace of God be with your surgeon! We'll be looking forward to hearing how you're doing!

That's GREAT Mac - congratulations - the important thing is you FINISHED!

I'll be glad when I don't have to shop there anymore either - although I may still continue to get my bras there as these that I just purchased make the girls VERY perky - looks like I actually had a "perk" job - it was AMAZING to me how much more support they give than the BALI bras that I had been wearing. If you want a good bra that gives lots of support get the Balconette Bra at LB - just be sure you have someone measure you for the right size first -you'll be amazed at the difference in support!

Thanks for participating Chancie - now I hope others take advantage of the opportunity to receive clothes and contact those offering to provide them ... let me know if you hear from someone (don't give names, just if others take you up on your offer) - same for you Skinny and Linda

Try taking some liquid tylenol too. I had a massive headache when I got home - however, I finally figured out it was caused by my TMJ so went to see my chiro and he put my jaw back in alignment and it went away in about 20 minutes. Hope your's get better soon - headaches suck! If it doesn't get better, you should email Gaby about it so she can advise Dr. Aceves and see if he has any other advice.

I'm 5'9" so right up there with you guys, too - anyway, I have lost almost 50 lbs. and I still can't really look at myself and see it -- I see that you can now see my breastbone - and my face looks thinner - however, when I look at the rest of me, I don't see it. I only know I've lost weight because the scale shows it and so do my clothes - I've gone from a size 20 pants to a 16 and a 2x top to a 14 and that doesn't happen unless you are losing weight/inches. However, people at work are now commenting on my weight loss on a regular basis. I imagine soon I'll be able to look in the mirror and see that I've lost weight, too. I think it's a common issue.

Yes, it is amazing when you see how much others are eating ... and when it's someone you are living with ... you definitely have to bite your tongue not to say anything. I am also amazed how huge the portion servings are - generally Bearded and I can share a meal and we'll STILL have leftovers - usually enough for at least one more meal, generally two. And people wonder why the US is so FAT!

Oh I'm so sorry you had that reaction -- maybe 30 times is too much - try 20 and see if that makes things better -- the big thing is is to eat slowly (thus putting the fork down between each bite) eat small bites and chew it alot (but maybe 30 times was too much) sorry my idea made you vomit - that's not pleasant!

I have the same restriction on my UHC insurance - apparently the premiums are less if they exempt WLS. That's why I was self-pay and went to Dr. Aceves.

To me, bread is wasted calories/carbs. Wasa Crisps are great, although I could do without the red onions!

Bearded and I went to Applebee's on Sat afternoon while we were out running errands. We ordered the cheeseburger sliders - there were 3 on the plate -- I ate about 5 french fries and the slider without the bun and all but 3 bites ... we ended up bringing one home. (If you don't know what slider is, it's a little hamburger - about 2" in diameter - so not very big)

It would probably be okay on full liquids (according to Dr. Aceves' plan) if you blend it or strained it to remove even the miniscule parts.

Judy - It is my understanding from Gaby that clear liquids are basically anything that you can see through - Water, broth, apple juice, herbal tea, etc. It is also my understanding from Gaby that fulls include things made with milk, Soups, etc. I'll post the list that Gaby sent, it may help some: Day 1 thru 5 ( clear liquids Only ) fruit juice ( apple, grape, cranberry ) Propel Broth Jello-O Water Tea Protein Water by Kellogg?s Water popsicles Clear Protein drinks only ( example Isopure,

What is it exactly?

Exercise will definitely help to tone the muscle under the skin and the skin has some elasticity, so it will "snap" back some -- who knows how much in a year after you reach goal - maybe you'll need surgery, maybe you won't - it's a wait and see. As for me, if I have to have PS after I reach goal, then it will be worth it to me for finally being healthy. I don't think those on Biggest Loser have PS before the finale - I think clothes hide a lot!

I put canned chicken and grated cheese on my salad -- I would say if I don't eat anything else and generally with a salad I don't that I am able to eat almost a side salad size of salad. If I go out to eat and want a salad, then I get one that has some kind of meat on it -- generally the oriental chicken salad at Applebee's - even the 1/2 size, I am only able to eat about 1/2 of it, if that, although I generally always eat all of the chicken. We have a Sweet Tomatoes here that I loved to eat at; however I always got way too much - now that I've had the sleeve, I can't justify the cost of going for no more than I would be able to eat. Haven't tried the salad bar at Whole Foods yet because I still have a problem with my eyes being bigger than my stomach and I'm sure I'd still get too much! Let me know how it goes for you.

Eating slow and chewing chewing chewing is difficult to get used to at first - however it's something you REALLY need to focus on -- start now before your surgery. Take small bites, put your fork down in between every meal and chew at least 30 times before swallowing. Also, practice not drinking with your meals or for 45 minutes thereafter. It takes 30 days to become a habit so they say, and since your surgery is more than 30 days away you have time to make it a habit and won't struggle during recovery.

Charity Welcome to the forum, we're happy you have found us and I think you will be happier with the sleeve than with the band. I never had the band; however from reading about those on here who did have it and went through a revision to the sleeve, I'm glad I found out about the sleeve before going through with the band. Everything your doctor told you sounds right to me. Keep us posted on how things are going and if you have any other questions, be sure to ask!