Happy Camper

I wonder if sugar content is part of it? I use Bariatric Advantage no issues.

Michelle so beautiful

Seriously girlie, you do NOT lok like the same person. So SEXY!!!!!!!!!!!

I had several but outside of high blood pressure, knee problems on and on...the "final" was...my husband said he wanted me around with him in retirement. Our daughter had the band and lost 70 lbs, it was the first time he was open to surgery as an option, and I was no longer afraid. He was tired of seeing me lose weight only to regain year after year and my struggles with hurt and failure. Someone said to me "How many morbidly obese senior citizens do you see?"

4oz boiled shrimp with a couple TBS cocktail sauce....and handful of salad with light balsamic vinaigrette. YUM!

I never even thought about going with a chain! I think I will just go to the jewelers....thank you!

Great question, I have been struggling with this as well. I have tried the plastic ring sizer from walmart..no go. Totally uncomfortable then I used a bandaid wrapped around. Figured next would be yarn. I just wash my hands a lot and so I can see that getting funky very quickly.... Maybe our sleeve friends have some ideas!

Heather, wow! I hope your foot/leg gets better. You have done so well and are inspirational. I did not realize your resounding success earlier

Heather, Heather and Kaite....Ladies thank you so much. I just want to finish up, get to goal and help others as I can. Best to you in your journey!

Hello Sleevers and soon to be Sleevers! This feels so funny to talk about myself but, I am so Happy...I wanted to share with you all. Especially, anyone thinking they are not sure they can take a chance. You need to believe in your surgeon and yourself. Best thing for me was my support, primarily my husband who has been to ever y appointment and both surgeries (yes I had a complication requiring a second surgery and setting me back...just a bit). Friday I went to see my surgeon and wonderful supportive staff, including Nurse and Marketing Manager...yup, Marketing Manager who was walking by and the nurse called her in...she saw my success and asked if I wanted to apply to Model in the organization's upcoming "Fashion Show", can you imagine? OH MY?? I then stood up from the table to prepare to leave and she said "oh wow look at you, you are model material". I just about fell over. Annually the Western Bariatric Institute in Reno, NV hosts a fashion show using local vendors and featuring their success stories. Apparently they have so many, you must apply to participate. But, what the heck...I will apply and see what happens. So, we walked outside and took a photo for the application and I thought, well I would post it next to a pic taken about 5 months before my surgery on November 1, 2011 and share with you all. I am looking for full body pics and will try to post those as well. One thing that came from the check up, was that I told my nurse, I was a little concerned because I definitely can eat more and I get hungry more often. She wants me to stick with 1100 to 1200 cals daily and add a probiotic and keep up my exercise. So, the only change was to add a probiotic. All other levels were great and my potassium is coming up, slowly but surely. Daily: Bariatric Advantage (BA) multi, Orange flav BA - Calcium Citrate, Cherry BA - Vitamin B-50 Complex BA - Vitamin D Biotin - 2 daily, 5,000mcg Omeprosol - 1 in am (PPI) Potassium - 4 daily (40mg) Probiotic - kerogen 2.4 billion CFU (all I know is it puts good stuff back in your gut) One more thing.. I bought a pair of Tommy Hilfigger Capri Pants this weekend, and I asked the young lady if the outfit was to young for my age and she said "wow, your legs look awesome", "no way, your outfit is age appropriate". It was strange because the last time I really shopped jeans and such, we all wore high wasted pants. NOT THE CASE TODAY. So, thanks for letting me share and hopefully, if you are someone researching your options, this may help even if in some small way. I just know, I never thought I would be this size, and feel this way again in my life. I am thankful to all the folks here on Vertical Sleeve Talk who are supportive and who share real stories so that we could make informed decisions to make changes to our lives. Take care

Congrats to all of you for reaching goal...fantastic. Not sure I will make it in a year but, heck overall am so happy and thankful. Wearing a bikini...wow did you ever think? HIP HIP HORRAY!

Thanks Deana, you will do great on your journey!

Congrats, you have begun a new life!

Congrats Dooter..do make sure on your trip home you are sipping, do not want to get dehydrated and it is so easy to do.... Take care.

H e l l o Lisa...that was me hollering to you and giving you a great big welcome ....well from a bit of a smaller me today (hehe). You will find this forum is filled with wonderful people who are supportive, informative and caring. So glad you will be getting healthy and no more happy...f word. You will just be happy!! Anytime you need anyone we are all here for you and anyone else who would like to chat. Sending prayers for your upcoming surgery! I am sure you have all of your information ready, but we are all here if you think of something last minute. Best to you.

Sounds really good right now! Great point about the English Cucumber and seeds! Take and mix a little albacore with light Caesar dressing and use the Cucs as crackers... Yum!

Nannous - I was sleeved on November 1, so I am almost 10 months out, sorry if my information was confusing. Honestly, with the abscess I developed and second surgery it did put me behind the curve and I was still okay with it just because I have felt so much better with the weight off. So cool you are ROCKIN that sleeve!! Whoo Hoo! Take care of you!

You can do it! You will read about much here and it is so helpful. Make no mistake complications can and do happen..you must measure your personal needs and willingness to move forward. Whatever you choose, you will do great. You have taken the first step to reclaim your life! Thank you for the compliment, I feel so wonderful!

Fantastic Day! I kept hope for you! Yeah! You will love the journey and outcome. Keep it up folks, we are gonna fill up the losers bench!

Thank so much Megin...you know I love the fact you and I are almost the same height. I think close in size overall too For Many years I swore I was 5'11" and now looks like I am 5'10" based on recent measurements. you have done so well with your sleeve, I just always look forward to hearing from all friends. Best to you!

Hey friends....guess what? I was selected for the Fashion Show! (((smiles and girlie giggles))). I will check back with you all once it is all over, maybe I will have some fun pictures! Thanks so much for all of the well wishes, I just found out today!

Oh my YES! It drives my hubby nuts that we are so far apart in temperature...then introduce hot flashes and I have my own Personal Summers without notice...I am hoping soon my body will level out

Great job! Can't wait to see the new you in your new cruise picture.

Wow 160 flipping pounds....lady you have done a fantastic job andlook beautiful!!!

Ken, It happened again ...I tried to launch and it was just black screen. So I opened safari and went in the old way. From there I got your instructions here and followed it exactly AND IT WORKED! Thank you for your help!