MINI-Me

How exciting. I'm totally jealous about your pre-op diet - I had 2 weeks. I just took a look at your stats. We were very close at the start. I am 5'6" and surgery at 203. You are going to have an amazing journey!!!

You both are doing awesome on your journey. Congratulations!

I am with pumpkin on the lemonade. Loved Crystal Light before surgery and now I could care less if I see it again. I'm sort of like that with pizza. But, I think it's more because I know I will be so full after 1 slice of thin - I was used to 3-4 pieces prior to surgery. Just doesn't seem worth it for one slice. Otherwise, I have added most other foods back. I remember days at the beginning that I didn't really like something, but a month or two later, it tasted good again. But, with being able to eat so little, I insist that it taste good if I'm going to take the time to eat it.

Awesome news! I agree with the other posters - you will definitely have a different insight to P.E. (I too was the fat kid that was picked last & had no coordination!)

A W E S O M E !!!!!! So proud of the work you've done. People say this is "the easy way" but we all know it is hard work - physically and mentally. You should be soooooo proud of yourself!

You are getting so close! Keep us updated on what you learn.

Wow! How quickly things change. This was a thread I left on my subscriptions because it was positive and uplifting. I too believe in "free speech", but I also believe in "if you can't say something nice, don't say nutin' at all". We should all be able to share our thoughts - even differences of opinions in a nice, non-confrontational way. Can we get back to that?

ok ... Here goes. Please no flames about my menu. I've been doing this for a while & I was losing even with the diet soda and beer. Total Calories - 979 Carbs - 38 Protein - 90 Early Morning - 2 String cheese 160 cal, 0 carbs, 14 protein Early Morning - Diet Pepsi - 12 ounce Breakfast - 3 Turkey Sausage Links 120 calories, 1 carb, 13 protein Breakfast - 1/2 Thomas Thin Bagel 55 calories, 12 carbs, 3 protein lunch - 3 oz chicken Breast 120 calories, 0 carbs, 27 protein Lunch - Dole NSA Peaches - 25 calories, 6 carbs, 0 protein Snack - Pepperoni Beef Stick - 110 calories, 1 carb, 11 protein dinner - Yield from .25lb Hamburger Patty - 195 calories, 0 carb, 20 protein Dinner - 4 Steak Fries - 120 calories, 16 carbs, 2 protein Dinner - Diet Pepsi (fountain drink) - 12 ounces Snack - MGD 64 - 64 calories, 2 carbs, 0 protein Snack - Jell-O Cup - 10 calories, o carbs, o protein

I can sooooo relate. Here's a post I made last month http://verticalsleevetalk.com/general-vsg-support/7193-why-cant-they-just-say-congratulations.html Just try to stay focused on the hard work you are doing for yourself. It hurts like crazy when you aren't supported by the ones who love you the most. Just know that while we are virtual strangers, we do support you and think you are doing awesome!

Came in at 1046 calories today ... ran up and down the stairs a few times so I'm sure I burned off the "extra" 46. Good day to be back on track!

Thanks for the information ... And, AWESOME news on the insulin removal.

Good for you. Can't wait to hear how things go for you. You will ROCK IT!

Stacey - I know it is soooo much easier to say than to be living through, but you are doing well. You are right in the middle of the 5-10 pounds per month average weight loss. I've had months where it wasn't hitting those numbers every month , but I am averaging in there. So ... hang in there. It will get better. Can you NOT get on the scale for a whole month? Take your measurements today & then on September 13th take your measurements and weight? I KNOW you will see a difference. Take the challenge!!!!

I found that I could not tolerate much, if any, of the Protein supplements, shakes, ready-made or not. I was a bit panicky, but finally found 2 that got me through. I rarely, if ever use now. Just one note - don't let your Water (milk, etc) get above 105 degrees or the Protein powder will clump. Believe me - if you have a hard time getting down well-mixed protein, you don't want to try clumped protein. YUCK!!!! Any whey from Amazon - [ame=http://www.amazon.com/Optimum-Nutrition-Instantized-Protein-2-7-Pound/dp/B000GIUQOG]Amazon.com: 100% Any Whey Protein: Health & Personal Care[/ame] I add this to yogurt, oatmeal, hot cocoa, etc Serving size: 1 scoopAmount Per ServingCalories70Calories from Fat0Calories from Saturated Fat Amount Per Serving and/or % Daily Value*Total Fat0g (0%)Saturated Fat0g (0%)Polyunsaturated Fat Monounsaturated Fat Trans Fat Cholesterol0mg (0%)Sodium30mg (1%)Potassium Total Carbohydrate1g (0%)Dietary Fiber0g (0%)Soluble Fiber Insoluble Fiber Sugars0g (0%)Sugar Alcohol Other Carbohydrate Protein17 (34%)Amount Per Serving and/or % Daily Value*Vitamin A0 (0%)Percent of Vitamin A present as beta-carotene Vitamin C0 (0%)Calcium0 (8%)Iron0 (0%)Flavor0 (0%) unjury chicken Soup - https://www.unjury.com/store/protein/reg/chicken_soup_flavored_protein.shtml

Prayers are going up. Let us know when you are post-op.

You may need to add some snacks to get in the protein. Give us a few sample daily menus - maybe we can help out.

Congratulations Brenda!!! Update - my friend had the surgery yesterday and is doing well. Hopefully we will be able to add her as a no-Diabetes success rate as well.

WOW! I am so proud of you. Feels great, doesn't it??? Just think ... those 18's will be falling off soon enough & you'll be looking at the 14's (and smaller)!!!!!!!!!!!

Sometimes people make comments like, "It's just melting off you - do you even have to work at it?" I do everything I can not to slap them! I want to say "Do you know how many mornings I've wanted to cry because the scale isn't moving?" And yes, I'm working very hard at it - making lifelong changes in my life and eating. So, looking back 62 pounds in 6.5 months may seem like it's falling off, but I remember the heartaches. And, these last 6 pounds are driving me insane - I too am playing the down a pound, up a pound, down 2 pounds "game". WE WILL SUCCEED!!!!!

Thanks for understanding where I am coming from.

I too went to Vegas 2 months out ... I was afraid to ask my doctor about drinking so I sent him an e-mail . He told me it was fine to have a glass or two of wine. So, I did. BOY! That first glass took a LONG time to go down. Ended up having to put ice in it because it got too warm. And, be warned it will hit you faster than you realize! I do have a nice glass of wine once or twice a week now - no issues at all. (But I do stop at one - more than that and I get VERY tipsy!) This is one of my little anticipated "treats" that I give myself now that I am within site of goal.

I can see where you are coming from and appreciate your feedback, but I really don't think so ... It's like people are finally noticing me now (weird since I now take up less space) where before I was just "there".

I personally believe that God gives us varying "doses" of the Fruits of the Spirit. So, maybe you didn't get a lot of self-control when it comes to eating. I'm certain you have it for other important areas of your life. From your various posts on here, you seem to possess many other fruits. I too believe that God opens doors to allow us to be the person He wants us to be. Consider this one of those doors. Congratulations on your decision. Focus on the positives and enjoy your journey.

Stacey - I am so sorry that you are struggling so much with this mentally. I know it must be hard to stay positive when you aren't seeing the results. Just try to stay on plan - your body is holding on to everything it has, but it can't continue this forever. The weight WILL come off. I can't remember - do you have a nutritionist that you can talk to?

Are there any tickers that sow % of weight lost? That would be a nice equalizer for us to use. Lightweights may appear to lose pounds slower, but really they are losing at the same percentage.