HatheryOnHerWay

My advice: get that crap out of the house! That's what I have to do.

i admit I had to Google Germaine Greer! I didn't know who she was. I am not exactly a feminist

Hicups are my sign for telling me that I am full HH

Same here!

It took me until about 6 weeks before I felt "normal" again. Hang in there; it'll get so much better!

Bet you didn't know you're the VST Patron Saint of Dumping Syndrome, did you?

Haha, it's good to be recognized for something I guess!

Dumping syndrome can happen to people who haven't even had WLS. It's not AS common with the sleeve, but it definitely can happen. My advice is to eat simple foods until you're further along; don't be a dope and drink lemonade and eat beer cheese Soup like me. Someday those things might be ok, but not at the beginning....unless you like pooping yourself. haha

Wow, you look like a whole new person! You're so beautiful!!

Haha, I was going to post a link to my dumping syndrome story but someone beat me to it! Hehe

I just eat what I can, then pawn the rest off on the others at my table. It's usually not a hardship for my dining partners to help me out

I ordered a few things. So excited! Thanks!

No' date=' but I have an incision below my belly button that is large and vertical wasn't thrilled about it and because I don't see anyone else with it. It healed nicely though. I would Make an appointment ASAP to have it checked out by your physician. Called them because your situation needs to be checked out if its green and fuzzy.

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I have a horizontal incision under my belly button from VSG...and that is directly on my vertical scar from gallbladder surgery. So I have a cross under my belly button! It's really dorky.

My husband was unsure, too. You have to do what's best for you, though

I found out today I'm just obese and not morbidly obese. I was pretty excited! Haha

Building lean muscle will definitely help you burn more calories and optimize your metabolism. I think strength training is an integral part of any weight loss program. One "side effect", though, is the scale may go up or not move for a while. That's totally ok, though--that's GOOD weight

As an aside, I think the American obesity problem has less to do with uneducated doctors and more to do with cheap, commercially available diets that are unhealthy (processed foods), the American lifestyle (long work days with little time for meal prep), and declining physical activity.

I found this website that has a GREAT article about what to expect after surgery from side effects to relationships to eating and everything else. It does a great job answering many of the common questions we see on VST.

http://www.bariatric-surgery-source.com/life-after-weight-loss-surgery.html

it's written by a doctor who says right up front that WLS is not the "easy way out".

Hope this helps some Pre-sleeve folks!

Interesting article re: starvation mode:

http://caloriecount.about.com/forums/weight-loss/truth-starvation-mode

And a blog post that is thought-provoking:

http://fattyfightsback.blogspot.com/2009/03/mtyhbusters-starvation-mode.html?m=1

Are you eating til you're full to the gills, or just til you're satisfied?

I've seen numerous posts re: doctors saying starvation mode is a myth. Are they all quacks??

I've been drinking the low-cal Gatorade lately because I just can't bring myself to drink enough plain Water. The Gatorade has more carbs than I'd like, but right now I figure staying hydrated is more important!

I kind of wish I could keep my moon face. When I lose weight my natural face shape shows, and unfortunately I have a chin like the wicked witch of the West. Haha

I'm losing about 2 lbs a week now, and I'm happy with that. I'm honestly glad I'm losing at a slow and steady pace...it prevents all the whispered "Do you think she's sick?" And "Do you think she had WLS?" comments behind my back. Plus, I'm not too keen on loose skin and will gladly give my poor skin some extra time to bounce back

I wear my saggy-butted pants like a badge of honor! Hehe

I'm surprised by the "I only lose 1-2 pounds per week" comments...that's all I lose, and I'm very pleased with it. How much do you think you're supposed to be losing?!?

My surgeon uses that cow membrane thing on all his sleeve patients to prevent leaks. I was pretty grossed out. Haha

I just use those little Ziplock containers that you keep like salad dressings and stuff in