Lissa

Can you get Mio drops there? I love them for changing the flavor of water to something I can tolerate. Orange Tangerine and Strawberry Watermelon are faves.

I just did it again. Used Chocolate Peanut Butter Whey Protein Powder (from wally world), a whole banana, SF Vanilla Torani Syrup and 1 cup of soy milk. It tasted pretty good when I pulled it out of the ice cream maker! We'll see how it tastes this evening while watching tv!

It shouldn't be too big a deal. Don't tell them about your ancient history.. if you're 40 and you tried pot in college, you can leave that out. LOL My psyche consult told me I would be an alcoholic after surgery. She was wrong. Just stay calm and it will be okay. They're trying to weed out the people who won't be able to handle the changes to their psyche from losing weight. You're "normal", right?

I don't have an LB card to cut up! Thank goodness!! However, I know what you mean. I'm just in between the women's plus and women's regular clothes, so shopping right now means that I MUST try it on... and it has to be tight if I'm going to wear it for more than a week or two. I bought workout clothes last week that are already getting baggy. I'm happy dancing for you today! That's a GREAT NSV!!!

Woo Hoo!! Great job!!!

Appeal it (again, if that's the case). You can't have an approved surgery without anesthesia and, no, you don't usually get to choose who does that part!

Great NSV!! Good for you for doing what it takes to make yourself more healthy!

I tell anyone and everyone. IMO, there's no way to remove the stigma associated with WLS unless we the patients are willing to share our positive journey with others. You never know whose life you may save with your testimony.

As we get further out from surgery, our sleeves do normally allow us to eat more food. That's why we have to be diligent about changing our eating habits before we get to that mark.

Congrats!! Lissa

Misty, Only eating 3 times a day? Nope. I eat at least 5 times a day, but a meal may be a slice of cheese and a slice if deli meat with some pickles rolled up in it. Lissa

Happy Surgiversary! I love your quote in your signature as well!

Welcome to VST!

Congrats! You both look very happy!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Joni, This is one of those weird things about the human body. The more you do, the more you WANT to do. Make yourself get up and walk just inside the house for now. As you get some stamina back, you'll want to get up and walk some more, maybe even walk around in the yard outside, then you'll want to walk the block again...and again ... and again. I started out feeling just like you and, after 30 minutes on the bike this morning, I did a few minutes on the elliptical, then tried another new cardio machine. I could have kept going, but my gym partner was ready to head out, so we left. Oh, then I did 24 flights of stairs and I just made myself a to do list as long as my arm. It will all be done by this evening. I'm 8 months out and I cannot believe how high my energy level is these days. But, start slow and you WILL get there.

I agree with Wheetsin! Call your nut and up the water intake before you end up in the hospital with dehydration. You might even want to call your doctor and see if s/he recommends that you get an iv to rehydrate you at this point.

I second, third and fourth Coops' post! That's pretty much how I did it. Start low and slow and up the reps, not the weight.

That's the key, ladies! Find something you like (or don't mind) and then JUST DO IT!!! I've been kicking tail (literally) on the exercise bike and finally found an elliptical I can use without balance issues, so I now have an alternative workout. I also tried something called the Arc today at the gym. THAT machine is weird, but I think I may like it better than the elliptical. I'll try it again on Friday when I'm not already wiped out from kicking it on the bike!

Congrats to you Estella! Isn't it wonderful to feel like you're in control?! Joni, I wondered how you were doing! It does get better, and very quickly! Before long you will be feeling so normal that you will forget sometimes that you had this surgery!

BKMama, I want pics when you do!!!' I was so thrilled to be able to wear heels again, of any kind. I don't know where I'd wear knee high boots in Florida, but I seriously want a pair!

Amazing! Great job working that sleeve!!

Yes, most men do get better looking with age... or maybe our perceptions change so that the young surfer dudes just look like kids to us now. I dunno. Some men are very kind to "middle aged" women, but it always comes with them trying to stick their tongue in your ear. EWWWW

Wow!! Awesome job! We're sleeve sisters since I'm an August sleever as well! I'm amazed at how well you've done!

Goodwill is an amazing source for small plates. I bought myself some lovely china plates for my new "dinner service".

You can pretend you're gay and go have a male makeover. Just talk with a lisp the whole time you're there and no one will suspect a thing! I say that, if it makes you feel better about yourself, you should do it! Go for it! What do you have to lose? A couple of small lines...that's all. I think my "elevens" are congenital because I've always made that particular face. Your other alternative is to smile a lot so that you get the crinkles next to your eyes. That would make you look "distinguished". BTW, I think it stinks that men get better looking with age and women just get older!