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You have to admit we have been through some funny stuff. There are all kinds of indignities to being overweight. But the stuff we have gone through in our VSG journey - all in the name of beauty - are above and beyond the norm. I will do an entire post on the rope-down-the-nose test, but that was one of the weirdest things I have ever had to do. And I am convinced that the doctor knew what he was doing when he picked a cute, incredibly personable young lady for that job. 'Cause I'll tell you one thing, if she was not sweet, funny and personable, I would have strangled her with my slime covered nose rope. BLECH. Or when the nurse, in getting me up to walk around the hospital floor at 10:30 at night was having to fix my gown. I do not know what she was doing back there but (no pun intended) it seemed to take a long time and my fanny was cold. So, I will post here, as I am not sure that my silly humor is always appreciated by unsuspecting readers when I reply on the various forums.

I was skipping around reading different posts on Facebook, and found an article by Dr. Laura Berman (you know, the sex therapist on Oprah), and she's talking about her challenge of fighting breast cancer and what it's like going bald during the chemo treatments. While reading that article, she said something that struck me SO deep, that I wanted to share in hopes that it hits someone else too. You see, I'm scared to death of who the "new me" will be. Will I still have my self-deprecating humor? Will I still enjoy what I do today when I'm thinner? Will people still like and love a thinner me even though I've been overweight all my life and this is how people identify me? I'm going to have to learn that my overweight self today isn't want defines me. That being a thinner me and having health and happiness is OK! Here is the quote: "It is amazingly empowering to let go of something you think defines you, only to discover you are a truer version of yourself without it. It’s like letting go of an anchor that’s holding you down." ~Dr. Laura Berman I'm ready to meet that truer me!!

Week 16 (4 months post op) Last week’s weight – 203.8 This week’s weight – 204.0 Total weight lost this week – I gained .2 pounds Total weight loss since surgery – 42 lbs Average weekly weight loss since surgery – 2.5 lbs Had to weigh in a day early this week due to a trip I am taking that is going to keep me from a scale tomorrow morning. I must have jinxed myself last week because this week I experienced my first gain in 4 months. I’m attributing it to not being as careful eating this week (we’ve had a giant local festival going on which involves a lot of food and alcohol). I’ve kept up the exercise (3 miles) although I might need to shake up my exercise routine a bit. Luckily it was only a .2 gain so it is not disastrous but I guess when you keep seeing losses week after week it was a bit of a shock. I should still be on track to be under 200 lbs by the time school starts (August 20th). Some thing I noticed this week was how badly alcohol was irritating my stomach (generating lots of acid). I am actually thinking that this is a good thing (It definitely makes me think twice before having any!). I am not sure if that is a direct result of the surgery or if its age. Either way I am fine turning down drinks in order to keep my stomach happy. On the NSV front I pulled out my driver’s license this week to see when it expired and I am now below the weight I have on it (Woo Hoo!). My challenge this week is a three day class I am taking (lots of eating out). Hoping my renewed commitment to watching what I eat helps me make wise choices from menus.

Had my sleeve surgery this morning. So far, so good. Have been up walking. (Nurses say I sprint down the halls.) Gas pain has not been bad at all but abdominal pain was intense earlier but not bad at all now. Trying to keep an upbeat attitude and the nurses are very happy with my progress. Earlier, sipping was very painful but it seems to be much better now. I'm sure there will be bumps along the way but my wife and I will get through it together. Thank you to all of you for the incredible information on the website and the aupport. There is no way I could make it this far without all of you so there is no way I can express enough appreciation.

live on beans/veggies. those are the good things we banders can eat food is meant to be enjoyed (in small amounts when its high fat/high cal foods).

We are so on the same page. I was doing the same thing for awhile, but eventually, I had to let the biggest stuff go...I went from a 3X or 4X down to an 18 or a XL this year....I am not spending alot of money on new stuff yet, I still have a ways to go but I did buy some summer tops and found some smaller pants and capris I had stashed from my skinnier days...got a pedicure and a haircut, a new handbag...hey I'm a whole new ME!

You are very talented. By the time I figure out how to thread the machine I am a basket case. Go girl.

Thats fantastic!!! Great job girl! Keep up the great work! You are all over it!

Awesome job! I also find that my iPod helps me keep going, whether it be on the elliptical or treadmill, or jogging outside. I push myself to "just get through this song" then the next one comes on and I think - "I can do this one too" and before long I've hit my goal. The more upbeat the better, helps me keep my feet moving!