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Quick FAQs Weight Loss Surgery (VSG) Pre-Op Freak Out and Food Funerals

Hello my fellow VSG'rs. This Frequently Asked Question is a 2'fer. I answer the questions: Did you have pre-surgery anxieties and did you have one last hurrah with a Food Funeral?   If you like/dislike my videos, please thumb up or down, and leave a comment about how I could improve the content. Your input helps me become a better Youtuber. :-)   Keep Pimpin' that Sleeve!   Google Plus https://plus.google.com/u/0/b/102076899634252886094/102076899634252886094/posts/p/pub   Facebook https://www.facebook.com/pages/Frankensleeve-Vertical-Sleeve-Gastrectomy-VSG-Community/289332951205311   Twitter https://twitter.com/frankensleeve

joatsaint

joatsaint

 

5 Minute Review - ISOPURE Whey Protein Isolate

I review ISOPURE Whey Protein Isolate, why I use it and how you can use whey protein to boost the protein levels in your recipes.   If you like/dislike my videos, please thumb up or down, and leave a comment about how I could improve the content. Your input helps me become a better Youtuber. :-)   Keep Pimpin' that Sleeve!   Google Plus https://plus.google.com/u/0/b/102076899634252886094/102076899634252886094/posts/p/pub   Facebook https://www.facebook.com/pages/Frankensleeve-Vertical-Sleeve-Gastrectomy-VSG-Community/289332951205311   Twitter https://twitter.com/frankensleeve

joatsaint

joatsaint

 

New Year

Happy New Year! I had an amazing holiday. I can't believe how quickly I threw all my healthy eating out the window. I was on vacation for 10 days. For some reason I immediately converted back to pre-band eating. Which is also known as out of control. After I got off the plane, I immediately went through the drive thru and ordered a family pack of fried chicken strips and a side order of mac and cheese. After that I ate non stop. And I had complete mixed emotions - on one hand it felt so good, it had been a long time since I ate like that. But on the other hand I had about 6 stuck episodes in 10 days and felt guilty a lot of the time. All of my stuck episodes were because I was shoveling food in my mouth as fast as I possibly could. It tasted so good. So good. Soooooo good.   Prior to going on vacation I felt I was on the right track with everything - I was measuring portions, logging my food, eating protein first, cutting out almost all sugar. And I wasn't miserable - I didn't feel like I was dieting. I didn't really miss eating crappily. (Well, except every once in a while when I watched co-workers devour huge pieces of cake ...)   So why did I immediately go back to eating like a maniac? I definitely went to my vacation knowing I would indulge a little bit. But I thought it would be a little bit here and there - instead it was literally every meal with snacks in between.   I know at least for one thing that I am not in the green zone yet. It's been 6 months, and I'm close, but not there. I can eat 2 enormous slices of pizza (ie - half the pizza) and still want more. That is really frustrating. Like, really frustrating. I might have higher expectations for my band than it is designed for. But is it too much to ask to want to be full/satisfied on a small portion of food?!?!? Apparently.   But - I've been back for 4 days and every day has been a good day. I feel off the wagon, but I am right back on and for that, I am so grateful and proud. I was worried it would be the beginning of my demise, but instead it's just a 10 day oops. Hooray me!

colorado_chick

colorado_chick

 

Year End Review

A hearty hello to all our fat fanatics worldwide! As another year comes to an end, I thought this would be an opportune time to do a little self reflecting. After all, it has been an interesting year for me to say the least. But first, I realize I have been derelict in getting you timely updates on my current status. Quite frankly, I was reluctant to keep posting because I was afraid of what the holidays and my short vacation were going to do to me. Well, I have good news to report. I am down about 2 pounds from the day before Thanksgiving through New Year's Eve! I wanted to be 185 on Thanksgiving. That didn't quite work out. But I was 186.5 today. WHEW! I am really pleased with this number. Why? Because I did an above normal amount of dinning out, family parties, traveling and, of course, the social drinking that comes along with it. I was very conscious of my food intake. When I dined out, I tried to order the right things, always protein. Save the sauces. At Thanksgiving, I loaded up on turkey and ham and passed on potatoes and gravies. On Christmas eve, I feasted on lobster, shrimp an calamari in red sauce. I only had a small mouthful of homemade lasagna to be polite. I also watched my drinking. You know I had to imbibe, so I drank my bourbon straight and my vodka on the rocks. I had a few excellent Cabernets. I even had two frosty beers. My first since March. All in all, I made it through the yearly bacchanal virtually unscathed. I consider this VICTORY. But I can only savor this achievement for a fleeting moment. Year in review - PHEW! 2013 has been a whirlwind to say the least. 1) My first appointment with Dr. X on a blustery January Monday 2) My first lap band support group meeting 3) My first ever visit to a shrink 4) My conversations with Rajeeve 5) My 14 day pre-op diet 6) My surgery 7) My first unauthorized cocktail The list goes on. Suffice to say, last year was a life changer for me. I sit before you today 68 pounds lighter than then the guy that wrote to you in April. That's whole lotta fatass folks. 2014 Resolutions - I have big news for you on this front. I saw Dr. X for my monthly tune up right before Christmas. After he gave me another 1/2 c.c injection, I offhandedly remarked that I wanted to lose about another 20 pounds to get me under my goal of 169. He immediately whipped a calculator out of his staff coat and started doing some ciphering. By way of some secret bariatric calculation, he tells my he wants be to be at 150 pounds! I was FLOORED. ME: "150 pounds? Are you serious? I mean I haven't weighed 150 pounds since 6th grade!" Dr. X: " I'm working from a BMI index. A 28.5 BMI is healthy, but a 25 BMI is golden! That puts you at 150 pounds." ME: "Is that 150 pounds here on the fat ass scale or 150 pounds in the morning naked on my home scale?" Dr. X: "I'll take the 150 on your scale." So I got that going for me. Then he asks me, "When did you have your surgery?" "May 15" I told him. "You haven't even been doing this a year! This is a TWO year project.' You could have knocked me over with a wet noodle. This whole time I was working on a ONE year time table. I was hoping to get to my goal in April. But our dear doctor just tagged on another 19 pounds of weight loss! At 2 pounds per month, that's about a year more. So I guess his math is correct. "You are doing great. You can do this and I will help you get there." he told me. Comforting words did little to ease my shock. But then I started thinking. What's changed? Really nothing. I have learned a new way of eating. I am watching my portions and I'm cutting as many empty calories as possible. So I have to keep counting my calories for another year. So what. I can do it. Can I really get to 150 pounds? Do I really want to be 150 pounds? I really don't know. I do know I have a ways to go to get rid of some excess ass and gut fat. I also know I don't want to be the weakling that gets sand kicked in his face at the beach. So when it comes to my new goal. I guess I'll know it when I feel it. I'll try and be more prompt with the next update. Until then ... Remember YOU CAN'T BE TOO RICH OR TOO THIN!

Johnny99

Johnny99

 

Weight Loss Surgery (VSG) TMI Do You Weigh After A Poop?

Weight Loss Surgery (VSG) TMI Do You Weigh After A Poop? You are not alone!   If you like/dislike my videos, please thumb up or down, and leave a comment about how I could improve the content. Your input helps me become a better Youtuber. :-)   Keep Pimpin' that Sleeve!   Google Plus https://plus.google.com/u/0/b/102076899634252886094/102076899634252886094/posts/p/pub   Facebook https://www.facebook.com/pages/Frankensleeve-Vertical-Sleeve-Gastrectomy-VSG-Community/289332951205311   Twitter https://twitter.com/frankensleeve

joatsaint

joatsaint

 

Quick FAQs Weight Loss Surgery (VSG) Post Op Pain

Weight Loss Surgery Frequently Asked Questions: How much pain can I expect after weight loss surgery? https://www.youtube.com/user/Frankensleeve/videos   If you like/dislike my videos, please thumb up or down, and leave a comment about how I could improve the content. Your input helps me become a better Youtuber. :-)   Keep Pimpin' that Sleeve!   Google Plus https://plus.google.com/u/0/b/102076899634252886094/102076899634252886094/posts/p/pub   Facebook https://www.facebook.com/pages/Frankensleeve-Vertical-Sleeve-Gastrectomy-VSG-Community/289332951205311   Twitter https://twitter.com/frankensleeve

joatsaint

joatsaint

 

Hello size 11/12!

Do you like my picture? I have a booty now!   Happy Snowmageddon everyone! It is negative 4 degree over here in the St. Louis Metro Area and over 12 inches of snow. I so want to go outside and play in the snow but it was too damn cold!   New Year Day was my 8 month bandiversary and I went shopping on last Friday to celebrate. So I went to my new favorite store “Dots” and brought me an outfit.   I found me some cute pants but they didn’t have a size 14 but something told me to try on the 11/12. At first I hesitated because I was tempted to go over to the plus size section and find me a size 14. But I then I heard my best friend Lesley voice saying “hoe you better not go over there!” in my head.   I finally tried on the pants and I was stocked when they fit! I even did the squat test in them and passed, but they were a little bit tight around my stomach. I took two pictures one showing my stomach and the one shown above. I sent them to Lesley and she told me I look fine in them.   I just like to say that I am still stock that I have a booty now! LOL my ego gotten a little big especially after the 46 likes I got on my Facebook page!   Anyway I called in work today and I have my two other friends over here. We had an official sleepover last night over here. I think I am going to convince them to do Walk away the pounds 3 mile walk. With or without them I am going to.   Don’t worry about me I am good in the Midwest I have wine and protein mix to last me! LOL   God is good!   Thanks for reading.

LadyDiva618

LadyDiva618

 

Quick FAQs Taking The Psychological Evaluation for (VSG) Weight Loss Surgery

This Frequently Asked Question: What happened when I took the weight loss surgery psychological evaluation? https://www.youtube.com/user/Frankensleeve/videos   If you like/dislike my videos, please thumb up or down, and leave a comment about how I could improve the content. Your input helps me become a better Youtuber. :-)   Keep Pimpin' that Sleeve!   Google Plus https://plus.google.com/u/0/b/102076899634252886094/102076899634252886094/posts/p/pub   Facebook https://www.facebook.com/pages/Frankensleeve-Vertical-Sleeve-Gastrectomy-VSG-Community/289332951205311   Twitter https://twitter.com/frankensleeve

joatsaint

joatsaint

 

date changed BUT I'M APPROVED!

So my date got changed to the 27th due to the holiday the previous Monday! I received a phone call from Kelly (the Dr's assistant) on Dec 27th that she has submitted the date change to the insurance and she will notify me when she gets an answer. The next day the 28th I got a call from my insurance telling me I have been approved!!   I have to go in Jan 14 to meet with the anesthesiologist and nurse to get all my pre-surgery labs done. after that is just waiting for the day!   I'm beyond excited!!       BTW I have medicaid with Fidelis. very quick approval no 6 months diet requirement and my doctor only requires 2 day liquid diet!!

HipsAndLipstick

HipsAndLipstick

 

Home Sweet Home

Home at last!   What a December we had, it was great seeing friends and family but i was very thankful to be home Saturday. Now for the horrid part, UNPACKING, YUCK OH!!   The Friday before we came home i had my first postop appointment with Dr Burton. I was down 12 pounds and he put in a 1ml fill so now i have 5mls in my 10ml band.   I had my first dance with acid reflux on Saturday our travel day. It felt hot and burning down in my neck and every time i swallowed it felt like there was grit in the back of my throat. I did a bit of research on lapband and acid reflux, and found out it was caused from having my 8 month old daughter in the baby carrier strapped to my chest for an hour. Before bed i took some mylanta (antacid liquid) and i was totally fine 10 minutes later and it has not come back since.   I am having big problems with severe constipation, so today i am going to amp up my water BIG TIME and add some benifibre to my cups of tea.   I am also feeling a bit fuzzy today, because i have a bad throat infection the last 2 days and am finding it so hard to swallow. I for the first time in forever skipped my bipolar meds last night because it hurt so bad to swallow. Today i have had 2 cups of hot tea with FF milk and splenda and it feels really soothing going down. So i am a bit fuzzy headed and am not thoroughly steady on my feet, luckily my older boys are being a great help and we are all just having fun playing games and watching Disney movies on the projector. Too hot to go outside at this time of year as you can fry an egg on the sidewalk and i am NOT kidding.   I went to see my local GP yesterday and he is working with my surgeon to learn how to do the fills and un fills. Dr Heald (yes what an awesome name for a dr right!) is a fantastic dr. He gets a lot of bad reviews from others we know but he has been nothing but amazing with us, coming to meet us in the hospital if we have a true ER need, and was our first visitor when my daughter was born. His nurses are fantastic too, the whole clinic is a credit to this little town and we are so lucky to have such a caring team taking care of our medical needs and being our good friends.

D_Carrimko

D_Carrimko

 

Quick FAQs Pre-Op (VSG) Weight Loss Surgery Tests

Weight Loss Surgery Frequently Asked Questions:What tests do you take before being approved for weight loss surgery? https://www.youtube.com/user/Frankensleeve/videos   If you like/dislike my videos, please thumb up or down, and leave a comment about how I could improve the content. Your input helps me become a better Youtuber. :-)   Keep Pimpin' that Sleeve!   Google Plus https://plus.google.com/u/0/b/102076899634252886094/102076899634252886094/posts/p/pub   Facebook https://www.facebook.com/pages/Frankensleeve-Vertical-Sleeve-Gastrectomy-VSG-Community/289332951205311   Twitter https://twitter.com/frankensleeve

joatsaint

joatsaint

 

Quick FAQs Changes to Expect post (VSG) Weight Loss Surgery

Today's Frequently Asked Question is: What changes can I expect post weight loss surgery? Here I list the changes I have noticed the most and how I deal with them.   If you like/dislike my videos, please thumb up or down, and leave a comment about how I could improve the content. Your input helps me become a better Youtuber. :-)   Keep Pimpin' that Sleeve!   Google Plus https://plus.google.com/u/0/b/102076899634252886094/102076899634252886094/posts/p/pub   Facebook https://www.facebook.com/pages/Frankensleeve-Vertical-Sleeve-Gastrectomy-VSG-Community/289332951205311   Twitter https://twitter.com/frankensleeve

joatsaint

joatsaint

 

Took the Wind out of my Sails.....

I think we all have weight loss goals. After getting below 200, my next goal was to weigh less than my hubby.....177. When I hit 176 I did my skinny dance (glad no one took a video while I was acting silly)   Yesterday hubby asked what I weighed.....169.....he gets on the scales, and, you've got it, he's 169, fully dressed......I couldn't tell him that's what I weigh buck naked.....totally took the wind out of my sails........I'm very happy for him....he's a skinny guy but carries a little weight around the middle (envision 1/2 a basketball) that he wants to lose.   As I keep aiming for the finish line, I know I'll hit that goal [soon], again. Happy New Year everyone!

PGee

PGee

 

Quick FAQs How To Break A Stall (VSG) Weight Loss Surgery

We all dread it, the stall or plateau. That thing that we all have to go through when losing weight.   If you like/dislike my videos, please thumb up or down, and leave a comment about how I could improve the content. Your input helps me become a better Youtuber. :-)   Keep Pimpin' that Sleeve!   Google Plus https://plus.google.com/u/0/b/102076899634252886094/102076899634252886094/posts/p/pub   Facebook https://www.facebook.com/pages/Frankensleeve-Vertical-Sleeve-Gastrectomy-VSG-Community/289332951205311   Twitter https://twitter.com/frankensleeve

joatsaint

joatsaint

 

A New Year/ an old problem

On January 15h I will be going to my 4th appointment with my primary doctor. It will be another bad appointment... I spend Christmas with my daughter in Phoenix, AZ and we ate a LOT. We are all experienced cooks and her husband is a gourmet cook. And eat is what we do - We eat to celebrate, we eat because we love it - truly enjoy it - and whenver I come to visit them, which happens once or twice a year, everyone cooks their specialty and we eat enough to last us the whole year. As I read "Beyond the Refrigerator" I see myself on those pages. I know my weight problem is more than just lbs on a scale - there is an eating disorder there. An eating disorder that I have passed on to my daughter, who seems now to struggle just as much as I do. The worst thing about our eating disorder is that no matter how big or small we are at a given time - we just can't see it. We "Feel" fat regardless and we allow that to dictate how we feel about ourselves, what kind of mood we are in that day, what we wear, where we go - if we go... My daughter is about 30 lbs overweight since the baby (He's 18 months) as she is still nursing him (Attachment Parenting). But she might as well be 130 lbs overweight as awful as she feels all the time. It's really heartbreaking to see her anguish and pain and to know I have (as a single parent) taught her to be that way. That is all she knows. I know it's time for optimism and positive thoughts and New Year Resolutions but all I think about is how my choices have affected my girls in the past and how my future choices/ Surgery/ Weight loss will affect them in the future. I know there is no point in worrying and pre ocupying myself, but my heart is not at peace for them. Anyway - I am going to begin a low carb, high protein regimen this weekend (when I can get to the grocery store) and work on those 13-20 lbs weight loss I need to accomplish pre-surgery.

bormannk

bormannk

 

Quick FAQs (VSG) How Often Do You Weigh Post Weight Loss Surgery

Weight loss surgery Frequently Asked Questions - How often do you weight yourself after weight loss surgery? It really depends on the person and how well they can handle seeing the scale going up and down. I am more *cough cough* obsessive about it than most people. I tend to weight myself when I first get up, then again after a poop, then after I pee, and then again after work or exercising.   If you like/dislike my videos, please thumb up or down, and leave a comment about how I could improve the content. Your input helps me become a better Youtuber. :-)   Keep Pimpin' that Sleeve!   Google Plus https://plus.google.com/u/0/b/102076899634252886094/102076899634252886094/posts/p/pub   Facebook https://www.facebook.com/pages/Frankensleeve-Vertical-Sleeve-Gastrectomy-VSG-Community/289332951205311   Twitter https://twitter.com/frankensleeve  

joatsaint

joatsaint

 

Reflections

I'm excited about 2014. I accomplished a lot in 2013 and I can only imagine what god has planned for me in 2014. In 2013 I moved back to Texas, started a new job that is actually using the degrees I have, learned to relax and not to worry about everything, got back in church and got my momma to go with me. I bought a new car, went to Destin Fl, swam with dolphins, made the decision to have the lap band surgery and lost 58 pounds, several sizes and gained a lot of confidence. The clothes I'm wearing now are from 6 years ago back in my college day. My knee pain is pretty much gone. I no longer have the excuse of not being able to do something because of pain. I hoped that by having surgery I would be able to decrease my BP medicine but so far I haven't been able to do that but I'm okay with it. Even though it's not decreasing I feel great.   2013 was a great year for my church family. They started in March in the Holiday Inn conference room but by September we had a building and the congregation is continuing to grow. We have had several baptisms in Jesus' name. It's amazing how god works the church needs an accountant and guess who has a degree in accounting? That's right this girl. We need a music ministry and god provided it to us. 2014 is going to be full of a lot of learning and remodeling for the church.   I normally don't do this but In 2014 I have the following goals:   1) Get down to 140 lbs. 2) Better my relationship with god. 3) Learn more about non profit accounting. 4) Grow professionally. 5) Grow emotionally. 6) Run a 5k.

JessicaLynn04

JessicaLynn04

 

Starting Point

This is very hard. My date for surgery is January 14. Yesterday I started my Optifast diet. Shakes (vanilla and choclate) are okay and so are the soups. Not so fond of the bars--hope they will change out the bars for more soup. Back to work tomorrow so will see how it goes, Hopefully I will be VERY busy and that will keep my mind off food. Any suggestions, tips, recommendations are very welcome. Still trying to figure out protein drinks for post-surgery. Today - 232 lbs. Hope to keep this updated every day.

#1HogFran

#1HogFran

 

Still Waiting

So I've been waiting since March 2013 for confirmation off funding for the Gastric Sleeve, Still nothing. My hospital hasn't called me either. I have called them roughly 4 times, and they keep saying that it's sorted that end, we just need funding confirmation. So I tried and tried and tried until I gave up.. Most people are just like "You haven't given up, it just takes time" but I did give up. I've had to see people who have less heath issues, weigh less, tried less and still don't like the outcome get the operation. Jelousy really isn't the word, more like anger but so so bitter, such a hypocrite, if someone wants something so bad and they work for it, they deserve it, right?   I have tried for this operation for years, and I've only just realised that the last 3 (ish?) months, I haven't tried. I'm really angry with myself! All that time I could of been chasing them up, doing everything in my power for an answer, even if it means bugging them, I shouldn't care.   So yeah it's now 2014 and I haven't got a new year resolution, I have goals. Chase them up on the operation - I won't give up! I can't. They promised me this operation, so now I have to work to get it.
2. Don't be so down - I have been really down on myself lately, and I joke my way through it but I now know that I need to be positive and know that I CAN do this!   3. Socialize - I literally can spend days just at home offering to babysit or just on the laptop/writing. Just so I don't have to go out, I hate it when people look at me, my mind automatically turns to paranoia "they're talking about me" "she's judging me" funny thing is, I was the one judging them for thinking they're judging me.   4. Diet! - Yess I gave up on that too, I need to loose some more before I go bug the surgeon.     So yeah, that's all I have so far, but it's a start, right?   Hopefully this time next year I'm well on my way and hopefully without jinxing it, waiting/had the sleeve done.   I'm only really making this blog so I can motivate myself and look back in a few years and (hopefully) be proud of myself. I'll be posting every week, so for now.. That's it  

BobbieVSG

BobbieVSG

 

Happy New Year! 3 + years This Struggle is real!

Hello Family,   I am 3 plus years out of VSG surgery and I am going to tell you frankly it is not easy to maintain. I am stable in my current situation (housing, employment and even reconciled with my husband!) but I realize that if you don't take advantage of that first year of losing you screw yourself!. I am somewhat resentful of my surgical team because they never really was support for me. I didn't eat right I didn't exercise I didn't take advantage because I thought that the weight would come off and stay off. I wasn't even completely sure what my surgery weight was. I blame myself for not asking the right questions and holding the team responsible for my care.   So here I am 3 years later... with still a significant weight loss but a regain of 20 pounds. when I moved from NY to VA in 2012 I weighed between 168 and 171. I moved to MD in 2013 now today I weigh 186. That is a huge difference!   What did I do wrong? Well it took a while but I realize that: Number 1, I didn't eat right I just ate less of the wrong crap! 2, I didn't exercise ...and if I did it was very sporadic 3, I didn't take care of what was causing me to over eat in the first place. 4, I took my surgery and rapid lose for granted thinking :its the sleeve I will make my goal automatic and I wont regain. dumb dumb dumb   Ok so I know now what I did I need to fix it. I need to do all of the thing I should have done 3 years ago...Is it to late? Hell No its not thank God I still have my tool its still there waiting for me to do the RIGHT things.   The Plan Eat better: This is a huge struggle for me I am a carb and sugar addict. I went to see a NUT here in MD and she had no idea what VSG was so I will continue to look for the right NUT Exercise: 6x's per week 60min cardio 4 xs and cardio and weight mix 2 xs Accountability: I am coming back to my community for support I started a Vlog on you tube and I am going to be a regular on here and on FB groups here is the link below.     My goal is to lose the extra 20 lbs and then 20 more to get to goal...I know this is going to be hard because my body is in maintance mood. I hae been between 186 and 188 for more than 6 months.   Wish me luck!   Peace and Love Ro

meltingcoco

meltingcoco

 

Quick FAQs - How Much Can You Eat After (VSG) Weight Loss Surgery

Here's joatsaint and Frankensleeve coming at you with another (VSG) weight loss surgery Frequently Asked Question. How much can you eat after weight loss surgery?   If you like/dislike my videos, please thumb up or down, and leave a comment about how I could improve the content. Your input helps me become a better Youtuber. :-)   Keep Pimpin' that Sleeve!   Google Plus https://plus.google.com/u/0/b/102076899634252886094/102076899634252886094/posts/p/pub   Facebook https://www.facebook.com/pages/Frankensleeve-Vertical-Sleeve-Gastrectomy-VSG-Community/289332951205311   Twitter https://twitter.com/frankensleeve

joatsaint

joatsaint

 

Quick FAQs - What Can I Eat After (VSG) Weight Loss Surgery

Frequently Asked Question: How do I transition to full foods from the puree diet? As I healed from (VSG) weight loss surgery. I came up with a simple test that let me know almost immediately if my stomach was going to tolerate a new food.   If you like/dislike my videos, please thumb up or down, and leave a comment about how I could improve the content. Your input helps me become a better Youtuber. :-)   Keep Pimpin' that Sleeve!   Google Plus https://plus.google.com/u/0/b/102076899634252886094/102076899634252886094/posts/p/pub   Facebook https://www.facebook.com/pages/Frankensleeve-Vertical-Sleeve-Gastrectomy-VSG-Community/289332951205311   Twitter https://twitter.com/frankensleeve

joatsaint

joatsaint

PatchAid Vitamin Patches

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