NJMOMof2

I like cute wine glass charms or serving type dishes. Ourdoor gardening stuff and the ever popular flowers work too.

I asked my dermatologist and she said there was a study that compared Maderma to just massaging the scar. There was no difference. She said if you massage a raised scar each nite, it will help it to heal flatter. I keep forgetting and know at some point I will get a tummy tuck, so maybe some of the scarring will wind up lower on my abdomen! LOL

My doctor used a size 40 bougie and said he removed 85% of the stomach. I have no reflux issues at all and neither do 2 other people who used the same doctor. My opinion is that the smaller the stomach the higher inclidence of reflux. I am happy with my outcome. I cannot eat more than a 1/2 cup of food and have been losing steadily.

My doctor said that after 2 weeks you have a 'zero percent' chance of having a leak. That is why he wanted me on clears for 10 days and yogurt and eggs for the next 4 (yuck). Wow...I'm glad that's over

You seriously need to kick that addicition LOL....You are going to be horribly constipated!!!! Either don't buy it or buy single sticks so you arent' tempted to eat so much. Also, you need a variety of healthy foods to balance out your diet. Good Luck

I have Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of NJ and they got rid of the 6 month wait right when I went through the process to be submitted (dec 10). Before that time my friend had a revision from a band to sleeve and after 3 denials did get approved and didn't have to do the 6 month wait. Be sure to call because requirements change and you may not be aware. I was approved very quickly. Within a few days of submitting and approved the first time. I was very surprised. Good Luck

If my stomach wasn't a road map telling the story of 3 weight loss related surgerieS, I would wear a bikini...but I will settle for a cute tankini and NON TOUCHING THIGHS!! LOL

That lady is just OVER-opinionated and rude. Just thank God you are not her child and feel bad for her son, whose own mother doesn't support his decision to get healthy!!!!!

Gum is my LIFESAVER!! Not drinking with meals doesn't bother me but I really want it after dinner!!! I pop in a piece of gum and it helps with the thirst...also with 'head hunger.' I have never chewed so much gum At any time I have at least 3 different flavors in my purse. I think these doctors 'over think'

Happened to me about 4 weeks out...right as I was returning to work (of course). Always happened in the morning after sleeping all night with no fluids. I now drink a glass of diet gatorade (called G2) and it really helps. I still occasionally get this feeling and it's my sign that I am not drinking enough. Happens mostly if I bend down then stand back up. Hope this helps! Liquids are so important!!!!

I had no complications and I have never heard of such serious complication. How are you doing NOW??? Hope it all worked out for you.

On the website, www.theworldaccordingtoeggface.com there is a whole section on low carb pizza's. I have made some of them and they are delicious. When my family eats their pizza, I make my own. The crust is low carb pita shells. I also buy turkey pepperoni. It comes in bag and they are tiny. Delicious. I was at the beach and we went to a pizza place. I got one slice of white pizza with broccoli. I ate a couple bites of the pizza then just ate the broccoli and cheese off it. We were away so I allowed myself some. I am 4 months out

HI Everyone. I am 4 months out from surgery and doing great. I am religious with getting all my Protein in and eating the right portions. The problem is that my hair is a mess!!! Not only is it falling out in droves but the worse part is the texture. It's a frizzy mess and is uncontrollable. Luckily I have a lot of hair so it's not too noticeable, but there is hair everywhere. I have to lint brush my clothes and pillow every day. Did anyone notice a change in the texture of their hair?? I do have an appt to get it cut off but any advice would be greatly appreciated

Thanks for your comments. I made an appointment to get my hair cut shorter on Saturday and I am going to dye it to rid myself of the highlights. Maybe the overall color will help the texture. I'll post some pics with my new do! Thanks.

My therapist who specializes in people with food issues has a tele-support group. I went to her in a group setting and it is very reasonable. I went to her for over a year after I had the lap band out and before the sleeve. It made such a difference. Her website is...www.liveyourhighestgood.com. Her name is Louisa Latela. If your not near NJ, you can have the conference call from your house. She is amazing..

That is unbelievable!!! I can't imagine you not losing weight the first 4 weeks. Just keep your chin up and keep doing the right thing....It will happen for you.

Don't weigh yourself. Give yourself a week of following your plan to the "T" and then weigh yourself. No sense making yourself upset. So you snacked?? Forgive yourself and move on. Once you get a good few days of being on your plan.. you will feel great!!!!

You've gone this far without it...why go back.???? And there are other meds you can take for nausea. You had this surgery to get HEALTHY!!

I am a stomach sleeper and as soon as my drain was out (10 days post op), I slept on my stomach for 8 hours a night. I am sure a one hour massage will be great and won't be a problem. Enjoy yourself

I was wondering what happens when you reach goal. Do you just stop losing weight or do you have to increase your calories???? I obviously not near that phase in my journey but I always wonder!

All your symptoms are normal at this time. Just really take tiny bites. I still use baby forks for food and bought a candle warmer to put my plates on so my food didn't get cold. Before you know it, the pain and gas will be gone. Good Luck and congratulations

It's all part of the learning curve. I think Cottage cheese is tough because you can't really 'chew" it. Measure you food, especially in the beginning. I am 4 months out and still can't eat more than a 1/2 cup of food. In the beginning it was barely a 1/4 cup. Keep up the great work and congratulations!

drinks with caffiene do NOT count towards your daily liquid intake. I had a cup of coffee in the morning before surgery and since surgery, I switched to decaf. I figured why go back.