**LaSaJaTa**

**update** I've been working with the head trainer now for the last few weeks. He scares me! :-) I love working out with him though, he's no nonsense, which is what I need. He explains everything, and me, like the sponge that I am, and just loving all the information and details. He's not a huge advocat for the machines, and is a believer of the free weights ect. I'm learning so much....for example, I've learned that I hate, hate, hate squats! Anywhoo, just wanted to touch base and let everyone know that I'm happy with the new trainer, and am enjoying the experience, so far!

I agree!! Once of the great things about this site is that it was so easy to work with...why fix something if it isnt broken? Seems like they made changes to accommodate MORE ADS!

What you're experiencing is normal. Hormones too! Be patient, let your body heal. I felt exactly the same way you feel, in the beginning. Then, as I learned how to use the tool I got, things got easier. Don't stress, and you know what, it's okay to feel sad....but then snap out of it, and lift up your chin, and get back to the job, of learning the how, when, why and what of the sleeve. You'll be fine, trust me!

Appeal, and keep fighting. Self pay may be another option, think Dr. Aceves... Do not gain weight in order to qualify for your program! That is counter productive and not good for your body!

All those things are true, so what?

Don't worry, if you check my other posts, you'll see that I struggled too, for 2.5 weeks. But alas, like everyone told me, the stall ended, and I've been breezing through. I too became very sad and worries, DONT WORRY.......

I teared up just reading your post. I could tell how excited you are, and I'm so pleased you did not give up! VSG is the best option, and you were so right to FIGHT for it! Good for you!!

Ladies, not to be a killjoy, but please, please think this through. You are making a life altering decision, and it's not an easy task. I must tell you that I believe that if you're only in need of loosing 40lbs, perhaps you should consider an alternate option. This surgery is drastic, and although I LOVE my sleeve, frankly, I'm concerned that you're thinking of using this tool to loose just 40lbs. Sorry, do not mean to upset or offend, but wanted to throw my 2 cents in....

**UPDATE** Well, I went in, spoke with the "big cheese" this time, and guess what, he get's me! I told him about some of the challenges, he called the head trainer into his office, explained the situation, and the head trainer told me that he is a big beleiver of working to muscle failure, to build muscle and burn fat. He told me that he would take me on as his client, and shift some stuff around so he can work with me in the early mornings. I then found out this morning, that my original trainer was fired! Not sure how I feel about that, but perhaps they had their reasons... Thanks for the great support and feedback!

Check with your Dr and so some research online about the Titianium. You may also want to check with an alergest...(sp?)

You are doing amazing! You look fantastic, and I'm so happy for you!!!

Thanks so much for the feedback! MLKPAS: Yes, I have told the trainer, on several occasions, what my goal is, and why. I've also sent him an email detailing my diet, and my "thoughts" about how I want to train, and why. I'd also had the same conversation and sent the same email to the head of the trainers at the club, and asked him for his feedback, which was positive. He said he would talk to the trainer, but nothing changed. BLACKBERRY: Thanks so much for the info....and the detail on the protien issue. I do not want to bulk up, but I wanted to be sure that the time I was investing in myself at the gym was being put to optimum use....Sounds like my thinking is correct, and the approach with the higher weight, lower reps is the direction I need to keep, right? BRYN: Thanks for the vote of confidence. In fact, I really do not know much about excersie. Actually, I've never worked out a day in my life, but in preperation for starting this part of my journey, I did do a lot of reading....I need a trainer to help me learn how to use the machines, and help me create a program. Also, and most important to me, is that I needed someone to teach me about how to do the movements correctly. They say, it's not how many reps/sets you do, it's how you do them, in order to get maximum benefits. I'd still love more feedback, so if anyone has anything to offer, please, please speak up!! Thanks for the support!

Don't give up! Fight for what you want....it's so worth it, trust me! The hidden weights seems like a good solution... :-)

Count me in too. Was sleeved on 15JUL10, and had an absolutly, amazing experience!

Wildiris, I loved your post! I personally beleive you are right on! Mellifits, don't dispair. I went through a stall of about 2.5 weeks, then it finally broke, 3 weeks ago. I lost 3lbs, the first week, 3lbs the 2nd week and 5lbs the third week, then last week, nothing. I got my period on Friday, so I'm thinking that for 1 of the 4 weeks a month, the scale will not move for me, which is fine, cause I know the inches are still moving. Remeber, the scale is not the only instrument we use to mark our losses...stay strong and stay on track! Cheri, *hugs*. Thanks for the email. Hope everyone else is great!!!

I was told between 600-800 calories per day.

Hello All, So, last night, I went out to a great hotel for a special dinner. The chef made this wicked Soup, it was chicken Lemongrass. Man, it was like a party in my mouth.... The question: The soup had chunks of chicken (small), mushrooms, and a bunch of other "small" things in it. You still had the "chew" the chunks. So, if you're eating something like this, and you're not supposed to drink pre/post dinner, are you messing up your sleeve? Thoughts?:thumbup1:

I get the slimies too, seems to be when I each chicken...I'm in my 9th week, and can eat about 3oz of steak, no problem. Chicken, deadly....

Coops, I personally feel the same way as Cheri....and do/did experience the slow loss due to low intake of cals. When I up my cals, the weight comes off. I suggest you increase fats to get the higher cal count, rather than carbs. Keep track, and let us know what happens, k? Cheri, sounds like things are going well for you too! I'm so pleased! I had a good week this week, 5 lbs. I've been hovering at about 3/week for the last few weeks...so I was happy to see the increase. I've started with my personal trainer (I hate him) :-) 2 days after my 1st workout I sat down on the toilet and could not get back up LOL, funny yes, but not really.... I'm back to the gym tomorrow morning 6am, (I think i must be sick in the head). Hopefully it won't be as bad as the first time!!! Hope everyone has a great week.

I think we want to burn fat, not calories, right? In order to burn fat, we need to build muscle...

Don't worry! Trust me. I went throught the SAME thing. Almost 2.5 weeks before my stall broke!! The best advise i can offer is 1. Make sure you're getting in your fluids and 2. Be sure you are eating your calories!! 3. Take 1 day to "shock" your body by eating more calories than normal (up your fats, not your carbs). They weight will come off, I PROMISE.

GG, I agree, he and his staff and facility ROCK!! They saved me too!!

Dr. A's office cleared me for salad last week...I love Arugala salad and have had it a few times this week with no difficulties...chew, chew, chew.