Malaika

We aren't heading back down until October - that will be 3 months for Bearded and 3 months from when I had my last GI.

Thanks for the updates on both you and Penny -- she must be in room 23 or down at that end - seems to have poor connection at that end of the hall.

Welcome Burnout ... I'm Bearded's (better) other half ... you're still pretty fresh from surgery, so just take it easy and let your body heal. Keep us posted on your progress.

Didn't catch it -- can't remember what we watched instead - but it wasn't that -- oh yeah, I think it was Big Brother ... something I still haven't figured out yet and which holds no interest for me at all - however Bearded enjoys it (for some reason).

No, no, no -- you get the eggs -- Susan and I get the pickles. I actually know how to can - I canned green beans, tomatoes, and apples when I lived in Indiana. If you have zucchini, shred it and freeze it and use it later for zucchini bread -- yummy ...canning is a lot of work, but very rewarding and it tastes so good in the winter ... we also had a wood burning stove and it came in handy often -- for cooking and heating in the winter, especially when the power went out during ice storms. Amazing how different things are in the midwest compared to Las Vegas ...

Best wishes for an safe and uneventful surgery and trouble-free recovery. Let us know how you're doing when you are able.

I've heard that if you drop a nail into a glass of coke it will be gone in the morning ...that's scary - what's it doing to your innards if it can do that to a nail? Granted, I've never tried it; however have heard it more than once. (and I know that doesn't mean it's true!)

And ALWAYS right next to the maternity department. I agree with Susan ... and for some reason, they think all fat people are short ... I'm 5'8-1/2" and oftentimes have a difficult time finding pants long enough. Hopefully before too long I won't have to worry about that any longer.

Yeah, it bites big time. I want to be to the point that I can tell someone they're going to love having their sleeve ... so far, I can't say those words because I don't feel that way myself. I hope the day comes when I do feel that way and I hope it is sooner than later.

I'd certainly give it a shot - the answer is always NO until you ask ... they may feel sorry enough for you that they'll actually do it.

This is the first time I've ever heard this even mentioned ... it's an interesting concept, although I don't want to advertise to everyone that I've had VSG. I think there are cards you can carry in your purse, too. Mac posted some links to those sites on another thread.

That's GREAT Deb ... I was doing pretty good but this past week I haven't last a pound -- didn't gain anything either, just haven't lost -- everyone says that's normal, so I'm not too upset. Keep up the good work!

Sending all my thoughts and prayers your way Penny - be sure to tell Dr. Aceves, Dr. Campos, Sergo, Yolonda and Lucy Bob and Susan said "HI"!!!!

Ruthi you're too funny!

I agree with you there Susan ... if it's the right man that is.

I totally understand that feeling -- it's getting better for me though and I am sure it will for you too ... just keep at it - eat what you can when you can.

You could buy something really sexy from VS and Bearded could take some awesome boudoir photos and you could send one to him -- maybe we could photoshop a jag into one too -- then he could have a constant reminder of what he lost and what an ass he was/IS! Just a thought!

I do well to get down 1/2 a cup of coffee in the morning - then when I get to work, I make a hot tea and I usually drink about 1/2 of it - but it takes me about an hour each time -- I guess if all I did was sit with my cup I could drink more at one time. After that I switch to ice cubes and water and try to get in a V8 or Ensure before lunch. If I try to eat anything before about noon, I get stuck -- generally by lunch time I'm able to eat something moist - like tuna or Soup. After lunch, I go back to ice cubes and water and try to finish the Ensure if I haven't done so already. Generally by dinner time I am able to eat a little more than at lunch and I try to get in a few more liquids with ice cubes, water or SF popsicles. I have noticed in the past week that I am able to take a little bit bigger swallow than I have been before and am able to eat a little more (generally at dinnertime) than in the past -- so each week is getting better. I do have the spasms still; however, it seems that if I stick to warm in the morning, it doesn't seem to bother me as much during the rest of the day -- how weird, but so true. Hang in there Skinny -- patience is the key in this journey I am finding.

If you like music - bring an Ipod or something to listen to your music; especially if your surgery is in Mexico - sometimes the TV stations leave a bit to be desired. I also brought my DS Lite - I didn't use it, but had it in the event that I wasn't able to use my laptop.

If I went back to taking all my supplements that I was before the surgery, I'd not be able to eat anything - they would be my breakfast, lunch and dinner -- plus, I'm still having a hard time swallowing anything larger than the size of a pea. I would love to get back on all my Vitamins and supplements; however, I don't relish the thought of them getting stuck and me throwing them up when they do ... I'll check out vitacost.com and see what they have as far as chewables and liquids. Thanks for the info Mac.

Given that you're 2 weeks out, I think that is about what I was eating at that time too. Now I'm up to about 1-1/2 oz. The feeling I get that tells me I'm full is not pain, just a pressure in my chest - right about where Dr. Campos said I was spasming ... if I eat one more bite, I am either in pain, or I throw up. Early on, I would get the hiccups - however, that doesn't happen anymore.

I still can't gulp, although I can take a bigger sip than in the beginning without getting the pain in the chest -- and I'm 6 weeks out ... I am getting better at listening to my body and stopping when I am full. I still have a hard time getting in my protein, but I'm doing better every day. I know what you mean, though, about not being able to quench your thirst -- I don't like that -- I've found if I suck on ice cubes it helps as opposed to trying to drink enough to quench it -- if that makes sense.

Eat and drink SLOWLY Get your Protein in daily Get plenty of rest so your body can heal.

Let us know Carol -- never been to Phoenix or Mesa so might be worth the trip -- and $1000 over 3 years isn't all that bad when you think about it ...

So now you're telling me we're going to need to drug you to sleep while you're here? I'll stock up on the Tylenol-PM :thumbup: