i1Linda

Carolyn, Something tell me you did not gain 3.5 lbs of FAT. That is OVER 10,000 calories more than you burn. More likely, you are retaining Water due to decreased exercise and increased carbs. I had knee surgery on 12/16 and weighed 173.5 lbs. I weighed on 12/26 and weighed 179. I know that I had not been following my plan - no exercise except PT, drinking alcohol, snacking on carbs, etc and my knee was still swollen - but I was pissed off anyway. I got right back on the program and dropped back down to 173 by 12/29. This week - another 4 pounds lost. I haven't lost 4 lbs in a week since early out. So give yourself a break, get back on your program and work that sleeve. It's an amazing tool that helped you enjoy the Holidays with friends and family while losing 5 pounds. That's pretty cool. :thumbup1:

Yay - I weighed in at 169 today. Woo Woo! :thumbup1::w00t: Dee Dee - the exciting thing to remember is that you are still losing. I remember in diets past where a two pound weight loss was a great week. With only 5 lbs to go until GOAL you are definitely almost there. Cajun - good luck at the doctor today. You're right, 9 lbs in 10 days is really moving. Hey - you've crossed the half-way point. :w00t: Congrats on the weight loss, sorry for the circumstances in which you are losing that quickly. They always say you got to "take the negatives with the positives", in your case, "take the positives with the negative". Chancie - sorry to hear about the ear infection. But 9.5 inches in a little over a month is AWESOME. Keep up the good work. It is definitely making a difference.

Maggie - Before surgery I only told my husband, my best friend and my parents. I didn't want to hear anyone's opinion on the matter. I was nervous and debated on whether or not to tell my parents - my mom is 5'9" and skinny - I wasn't sure if they would be supportive, or if my mom would understand. In the end, I ended up telling them the week before surgery. They have been super duper supportive. After losing about 40-50 lbs, I have found myself telling people that I wouldn't have thought I would have ever told. This surgery ROCKs and I don't mind screaming it from the roof top. Congratulations again and we're here if you need anything.

Hi Amy! Welcome to VST and congratulations on your surgery date. My husband was/is wonderfully supportive as well. We are SO lucky.

Maggie - Congratulations on your surgery date. I have only heard wonderful things about Dr. Aceves so I'm sure you're in GREAT hands. Keep us posted on your journey.

Cool. Thanks. I will have to try it.

The Mahi Mahi sounds yummers! I think I have Mahi Mahi filets in the freezer. I will need to go buy some ginger tomorrow. :thumbup:

Thank you!! Shopping is starting to get really fun. I'm in so much trouble - I can feel my wallet already starting to burn :thumbup:

Where in Kroger? Seafood department? Frozen foods? I would like to try it.

Okay - I'm only 5 months post-op (tomorrow) and have thick hair to start. I am seeing some hair loss but not horrible. Much less hair loss than post-pregnancy. Now that was a lot of hair coming out.

BigTex - Awesome idea on the Sunrise CL mixed with vanilla Protein Powder - It sounded so good, I had to go make one - YUMMERS :thumbup: I am sipping it now while watching my Cowboys.

Hi Marci - Welcome to VST! Go for it Girl!!! This surgery has been the best thing I have ever done for myself. Initially it was all about "doing it for me" - I thought I was being selfish but did not care. I was TIRED of being fat. In reality however, it has been wonderful for my entire family. I am so much happier (even though I never thought of myself as unhappy), healthier and more energetic. My boys can hug me and wrap their arms all the way around (something my 8 year old pointed out - I love that). And of coarse, my husband loves it. Congratulations of your surgery date. We're here to support you every step of the way.

Bernadette - I was right there with you - dead set on getting the band. I was a walking, talking LapBand commercial. I went to Dr. Nick's seminar and something about Grehlin caught my interest when he talked about the sleeve. I went home, found this site and learned so MUCH more about the sleeve and the complications of the band. Whew! I have so many people here to thank for a narrow escape. Take care girl.

Wow Bob! You're getting skinny. WTG :thumbup::thumbup::thumbup:

Hi Mica! Welcome to VST! I'm sorry to hear about your struggles with the band. It must be disheartening to go through with the surgery and then have complications later on. I too initially thought the Sleeve sounded too invasive for me. But luckily, I found this site before I got banded and learned before hand what you and so many others have suffered through. All things considered, I think the sleeve is far less invasive (they go in once, remove a large majority of your stomach, you heal, you're on your way to a healthier life) - so much easier. If you're able, I would take Stoongal's advise and attend one of their support groups. You will learn a lot that can help you on this journey.

Tdriver - Post-op you obviously start with Clear liquids and slowly progress to solid food. Once you start eating things that need to be chewed, you will get a feel for how much chewing is necessary for your sleeve. Initially, when I started eating solid food, cut my food into little pieces, like feeding a toddler. Today, I cut my food up the same as I would for my four year old. Much smaller bites than I would eat pre-op but not tiny. I probably chew 10-15 times for solid Protein (maybe less sometimes for softer food). My sleeves tells me when I screw up and eat too quickly and/or don't chew enough. The food hits my stomach like a rock and I am really uncomfortable (sometimes painful) for a few minutes. It's a non-subtle reminder to eat more slowly. Some people will vomit, but I haven't since I was in the hospital starting clear liquids and my tummy was swollen. Overall, I haven't found the chewing process difficult, especially after my tummy healed. You will learn to understand the chewing needs of your sleeve.

Bernadette - Wow - what a terrible experience. I'm glad you got your band out before something worse happened. I am so thankful I found this site before I got the band and got sleeved instead. Initially, the band sounded much less invasive. Long term, I'm certain the sleeve is the least invasive. I'm glad you are feeling better. Have a speedy recovery - sip, walk, sip, walk. :thumbup:

I think it has 5 gram of protein - when made with 8 oz skim milk it has 13g. When I was post-op I added a little unflavored protein to it (not much - just enough to bump it to 20g).

Woo Hoo!!!! Way to go Mamie!!!!! :thumbup::thumbup::thumbup::thumbup:

NewMe - Welcome to VST ! Good luck with the insurance approval process. Please feel free to ask questions if you have them. I have found lots of knowledgeable & supportive people here.

You're almost there Angel. Hang on. For me, the pre-op was the WORST part of the whole thing. Yes, I was in some pain and discomfort post-op, but I wasn't hungry anymore. The pre-op with a normal tummy is the worst. Midwest Girl is right on, you'll look back on the pre-op diet as just a big inconvenience. The SLEEVE is so worth 2 weeks of pre-op misery.

We are all a bit scared - it's surgery. I got a bit freaked out before knee surgery last month. It's completely normal. I can't imagine watching THAT program right before WLS. I would have a major freak out - I tend to worry about things. Hang in there - you're almost there. :crying:

Woo Hoo! That's awesome Nick!

Cardio Coach ROCKS!!! Can't wait until I am cleared again for my elliptical - dang knee surgery.

Longhorn - Dr. Nick uses the drain for the same reason. The Fluid coming out, lets him know what's going on inside.