mnbsleeve

Hi guys! I have to vote again! Something came up for 9/18. So my new vote is for 9/24 or 9/25 only. Sorry about that! Hope everyone is doing well!!!

I tend to stay stuck for a while, then drop. Like others here, with my cycle I will go up a couple of lbs. but then back down. Again, for me it's been mostly and issue of being stuck 3 or 4 weeks, then FINALLY down :-)

The soups I was eating early on were the protein soups prescribed for us. They gave me the runs! In fact, most of the protein drinks and producsts did and do! I ended with a lactose intolerance which also means "the runs." Once I figured that out, it helped. I stopped the protein soups and made my own broth. The non flavor unjury powder seemed to help and I found one protein shake that did not give me the runs. Recently I've used Ensure, for lactose intolerance. It had many more carbs than others but at lease I am not in the bathroom all day and I feel alot better. I just work off the extra carbs. Hope this helps! All my best!

I'm not an expert, but I know that when I increase activity, or include weight training, I tend to retain more liquids. I does go back down eventually and usually followed by a weight loss. I understand that our bodies need the extra fluid retention to process the needed glucose for the muscles. Hang in there. More than likely it is temporary. Good job on the added activity!!!!

You look fantastic *and* what a great job you did with this sleeve!!!! Congratulations. You look amazing!!!!

I think it's tough because, like Myrori said so well above, it's forced change. We don't just change how we look but our lifestyles become different. We become more interested in different things, or we finally try out activities and experiences we've put off or felt unable to do or try prior, we get more active and we also loose interest in certain activities -- like eating or maybe more sedentary things. All that spells a new life and when you share a life, its a big one to re-negotiate. It's a transition, like many others. But it's doable! You guys may need some counseling support to help get through the initial rough spots. The really hard part is that if you were to postpone or even abandone the idea, there's a good probability that you would resent her big time. And then *that* would interfere in the marriage equally. Hang in there!!!! As Myrori said, get some support. I think it's important to not do this alone!

I know you feel bad about the three week notice, but you know, that's how medical things are! We can't plan them like we plan a vacation! So don't fret! Good luck and hang in there!!! We're rooting for you!

You can do it Tony! Try SF popsicles and clear broth... of course, if you MD okayed them, they help curb the apetite. Hang in there. You're almost there!!!!

I don't know what ATS is and I can't comment on the balance issue, but I think the fact that you are taking belly dancing totally ROCKS!!!!! You go girl!!! :-)

Congratulations!!! I never get tired of reading/seeing people doing so great! It's both inspiring and moving! Hope I can do as well! Enjoy the new you!!! You look great by the way. I love the side-by-side pic on your profile!

Jackie, this sounds really good! Do you know if it comes out okay without the cottage cheese? Would it be too dry? I'm lactose intolerant now. I can tolerate some of the harder cheeses but not ricotta or cottage at all. This recipe sounds really good. I would eat it for breakfast too! :-)

Nancy, it sounds like you are doing fantastic! I can't believe you are only 5 weeks out!! I'm 10 weeks out yesterday and still struggling to get all my proteins in! The shakes make me want to puke! :-) You've made incredible progress on lots of fronts!!!! It really is great to reap the benefits of this effort, not just looking better. I was pretty active before my surgery yet a few days ago I had to go up a few flights of stairs and I suddently noticed how much easier it was!!!! I'm not always tuned in to all the great changes my body is making. Congratulations to you on all the great progess!!!!! Have fun with the walking :-)

Woo Hoo! Sexy Momma!!!! You look great!!!!

Oh how awesome!!!! Great kid!!! and awesome dad!!!!!! Congratulations!!!!

Skyblue, I wasn't eating anything at 10 weeks! I was instructed to stay on fluide for the first three weeks, then graduate to mushies. You should definitely be drinking more than 8oz per day though!!!!! The first few days I could drink 1 oz in about 8 to 10 minutes. That slowly increased but never more than 8 oz in a 20 minute span. You have to keep sipping ALL DAY! I'n no doctor, but I know you HAVE to get those fluids in. In my case fluids included Protein shakes. I know some people are just on clears for a while others, like me, were on thin liquids (shakes) from the begining. That's something your surgeon will decide so check with him/her. Best of luck. Hang in there. Things do get better!!!!!

Tammi, I'm glad you're doing a little better. My intestines took a while to regulate too! It is a big adjustment for our bodies. I am always amazed at how we humans adapt and heal!!! Be sure and take it easy! You still have lots of healing to do! Hope the shopping was fun. Kids seam to love getting ready and planning for "back to school."

So here's my two cents: why the hec not Linda? You're worth it!!!! AND there's nothing wrong with feeling good about yourself. Lots of us have put ourselves last for many years, especially those that raised families, and sometimes cared for aging parents at the same time. It's only a "crisis" if your life is in turmoil and can't cope with the change and challenges of the passage of time. When you're grabbing life and moving forward and feeling good it's called living! :-)

Congratulations Nancy!!!! What you are doing is soooo awesome!!! I think that having these goals will boost you confidence! We're rooting for you!!!! You go girl!!!!

What a transformation!!!! You look amazing!!!! You really got some awesome results in 5 months! Way to go! Congratulations!!! (PS: love that dress!!!)

Congratulations Pasquini!!!! That's awesome! I'm about a month behind you. I'm getting close to wonderland too! I hope I can get there by my three month mark. You've really done great with your weight loss. Enjoy the attention!!!!!!! Go rock that vest! :-)

Wowey Zowey!!! You look fantastic!!!! You don't like you were ever overweight!!! Congratulations!!!! Thank you for your post and picture!!!! I'm taking your words to heart that my year will go by quick too! :-)

God, I hope not!!! (That there aren't any that have gained their weight back, that is)

Congratulations Wishes!!!! Warming up a spot on the loosers bench for you!!! :-)

Just voted for 9/18; 9/24; & 9/25 Vacaville sounds good too!

BlackBerryJuice, I always enjoy reading your posts and seeing your progress through your pics. You have been very inspiring! You look FANTASTIC and it's great to read that you are doing so well! Thank you for your post and update! Congratulations on your amazing journey!!!!