MINI-Me

Congratultions!!! I did not have surgery there, but attended their support groups for my first year. Very good surgeons and a great group to work with. Keep us posted on your progress. As for did I wish I hadn't "done it"? My first few weeks were tough - getting used to the eating program, worried about leaks, hurting, gas, uncomfortable ... but somehow that all passed. I'm loving my new body and how I can actually do things that I want to do without being worried about aches/pains or people watching "the fat girl". I'm slowly working my way through maintenance and finding what I can/can't eat to maintain my 125-128 "bounce" allowance. Today, I am at 130#, but just finished up with PMS and feeling bloated today. I'm sure that's it. But, I hate seeing the scale up in another set of numbers. But, in my "prior life", that would have been 5 pounds plus a pig out session to lesson the pain ... well, you know the cycle. Make a decision based on what is right for you ... live life ... enjoy life!

Glad to hear that you are on the road to recovery ... just take one day at a time.

Hmmmm ... being as it is your boss, you may want to tred carefully here. But, it seems like she doesn't have a problem stating her thoughts. You should be allowed the same courtesy.

I tend to get mad at the attention. Just like feedyoureye ... I was worthy of attention and notice before. I'm the same person inside that I've always been. Maybe that's why I always thought "thin chicks" were snotty - they were simply tired of all the superficial gawking!

You are doing an AWEOME job. Thanks for sharing!

I have hypothyroidism and met my goals. Just be sure to have your bloodwork done more frequently. They are still trying to find the right dose for me - my needs have gone down quite a bit as my body has gotten smaller. They test me every 3 months & adjust as needed - having an overactive thyroid is bad (or worse) as an underactive one.

You look terrific. I love the smile and the dress ... the whole new you is AWESOME. Best of luck as your journey continues!

When I was newly sleeved, I either shared with someone saying "I'm not really hungry, would you like to share" or ordered off the appetizer menu. You can also get creative with moving your food around on the plate. (Now that I've lost 85 pounds, people either know about the surgery or assume that I eat just a little to keep "my shape" ) Good luck!

AWESOME! Rock it!

Best of luck to you. Sorry you didn't have a great experience with your pre-op visit. But, glad that you felt comfortable to have the procedure with him. He is definitely confident in his skills. Keep us posted on how you are doing with recovery.

Congratulations! Show off that new body & be proud!

I see lots of coffee kisses in your future (and his)!

Thanks. You WILL get there ... Look forward to hearing about your picture experience too!

Great attitude. Sounds like you found your HAPPY PLACE. And, that's what it's all about!

Yahoo!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I tried watching carbs at first, but found it was just too tedious. I didn't get that many since I focused on protein first and there wasn't a lot of room for other items. But, I ate mashed potatoes, yogurt, mac-n-cheese, etc from the beginning. For some, they really have to restrict carbs in order to lose. Luckily, I didn't have to watch that as much. I don't know if other people "can't" eat "regular goods again" or if it's just their body's requirement to eat low carb in order to lose. Also, some have trouble with breading - especially at first. Around the 6-8 month mark, your stomach and nerves are healed and you find you can eat just a bit more. At one year, I noticed that I could eat twice as much as I could at first. Of course, that means 3/4 cup to 1 cup so it's not like I can go to a buffett or anything. Still have to make healthy choices - protein first & then allow some time for the "tastier" treats.

Consider yourself ((((((HUGGED))))))) from across the pond today!

What about a different approach? Why not stop dieting & "do maintenance" for a while. If you find you can easily maintain and like what you see in the mirror and your labs, be done. If you can maintain, but feel like you are ready to try losing again (say in 3 months), go for it. Nothing says you have to make a FINAL decision today. Give yourself some time to enjoy your new body and decide what goal really is for you. I am so proud of you. You have done so well and have had the best attitude. I really wish we lived closer (or on the same continent) - it would be so cool to meet you face to face and just "chat". You are awesome woman!

My surgeon "allowed" me wine at 2 months out. He reminded me it was empty calories, but that I would be ok - just take it slowly. And believe me, I had to! Those first glasses were strong & it took forever to get them down. But, it tasted sooooo good! Since about 1 year out, I enjoy a small glass every evening. It's sorta my little "treat" and I incorporate those calories into my daily caloric allowance. It's also supposed to be good for the heart, so I figured my little treat is a good one for me too. But, I would strongly advise any newbie sleevers to talk to your surgeon before starting any alcohol - especially in the losing phase.

WooHoo! Can't believe we are going to have sun this weekend. Anyone have any special plans? My family is going camping. Should be fun!

Great news! You are getting closer!!!!

Congratulations!!!!

I was outpatient as well ... Surgery at 7:30 and discharged at 2:30 with a pain ball and liquid pain meds. I had pain, but don't think a hospital stay would have stopped that.

I wore a size 8 skirt for like 3 days when I was 17 ... I wieghed 126 for probably 2 of those day ... And slowly went back up (I had lost 96 pounds my Junior year of high school) ... I graduated in 1987 ~135 pounds and a size 10. Today, I bounce between 125 and 128. I mostly wear a 4, but depending on cut and manufacturer, sometimes a 6 or Junior's 7. It may be vanity sizing, but I must admit it feels pretty good to put on a size 4. I LOVE MY SLEEVE!

MINIs are made by BMW so they are a little more expensive than similiar cars. You can go to www.MINIUSA.com and built one to your specs and see the exact price. You can e-mail the spec sheet to a Motoring Advisor (aka Salesman) and they can help you get just what you want. My first car I chose very modestly and got a very nice convertible. My latest one is "dressed to the nines", but I got a good trade-in value, so that helped with my payment. Keep me posted on your surgery!