Lissa

Awesome! You're already getting the NSVs!! I'm happy to see that the NSV appreciation is spreading!

I'm sliding over, Angie! No need to push me! Congrats and welcome to the loser's bench!! It's all warm and toasty for you!

Yay!! That's an awesome NSV! I can't wait until I'm back into good enough shape to run myself. I ran track in high school and I can remember loving the time I spent on the road alone in the early mornings. I'm so proud of you and happy that you enjoyed the run!!!

Oh, better, I got you beat on this one! LOL I am a paralegal, so, before surgery, I redid all of my legal documents. I redid my Will, Living Will, Health Care Surrogate. I wrote letters to my kids, listed all of my passwords for banking and important websites, made sure my kids were listed as my payable on death beneficiaries on my accounts, and then hid all of that in a safe place, giving the key to my best friend in case it was needed. The weekend before surgery, I spent time with my youngest son, called my older son, and made sure I talked to my siblings and friends. I wanted to make sure those I loved KNEW it, just in case. Of course, I made it through surgery with flying colors, just like you will! One good thing came out of my craziness (I'm NOT calling you crazy, btw). My best friend updated all of her legal documents, password list and banking information while I was digging through my stuff. She was only 48 at the time, but it seemed like a good idea. It was a good idea, because she died suddenly in January. Since we had waded through everything together just a few months before, it made it very easy for me to help her family deal with closing down her business and finalizing her financials. Her husband had pooh poohed us when we were doing the updates, but he was thrilled that everything was spelled out for him when she passed away. So, it's a good idea to have all of that stuff updated, but don't do it just because you're worried about the surgery. Do it because it's a great idea to have things handled before there is a need for them to be handled.

I'm an optimist by nature, although I'm not sure WHERE I got that attitude. I've been on a couple of message boards for over 20 years with the same two groups of ladies and, over time, we've probably discussed everything under the sun. One of the gals on those boards started calling me the "Queen of the Silver Lining" because, no matter how bad a situation was, I was always looking for the positive in it. Sometimes I feel almost like Pollyanna because I just ignore a lot of bad things that happen. Maybe ignore isn't the right word, but it's like I don't even recognize how bad something is until I'm hit over the head with it. IMO, if that's what it takes for me to stay cheerful, then that's fine. I have my days where I falter, but I keep reminding myself that I've come SO far from where I was. I'm down over 90 pounds from where I started. I can walk longer distances than I could handle before, and I feel like I've lost 20 years off my age. What's not to be thrilled about? I still have a long way to go to get to my goal, but I WILL make it there. 7 and a half months ago I could not imagine that I would willingly go to the gym every day, or be thrilled when I got off the exercise bike dripping sweat. I couldn't imagine that I'd be happy to do calisthenics or to lift weights, but THAT is where I'm at now. I ride the bike (almost) every day. I lift weights daily and even carry a small weight in the car so I can do biceps curls when I'm driving. My future's so bright, I gotta wear shades!

Are you taking Biotin? If not, start now. It won't stop the falling out, but it will help with new hair growth. As a bonus, your nails will get stronger too. Also, make sure you are hitting your Protein goal every day. That will help to slow down the hair loss, as well as encourage new growth. I'm trying to grow my hair a bit longer, kind of stupid right after WLS, but that's how I roll! LOL I just had mine cut into a bob so that it won't look so thin and straggly as it grows out. My hairdresser said that the hair loss is improving.

Someone here on VST turned me on to putting my protein powder in my decaf coffee instead of using powdered creamer. It's helping me use up my stash of protein powders that I bought before surgery and it tastes delicious. As a matter of fact, I'm MORE likely to have a cup of decaf now because I can make it fit better into my plan. The beauty of drinking decaf is that I can count it as liquid just like my water, too. Win Win Win.

I won't lie. The pre-op diet is the toughest thing to do, but the rewards are SO worth it! You'll see weight loss, feel better, and be better prepared to follow the post-op diet. It also helps to start detoxing your body from caffeine and sugar so that those issues are out of the way before surgery. Hang tough! You can and will do this!! Good luck!! We're keeping a spot on the loser's bench warm for you!

It could be nothing, perhaps just a bit of pressure on an internal stitch which is most likely. But, this early post-op, it could also be something that needs attention. Call your doctor's office and talk to them. It will make you feel better for them to say either come in or don't worry about it.

Water, decaf iced tea, no calorie juices. Are you allergic to all sweeteners or just aspartame? Try shaking up your diet and exercise routine. Add calories, add exercise, then try subtracting some of both. You may not be stalled unless you are not losing inches. Our bodies do take a break sometimes and that's when I've noticed that things re-shape themselves. Good luck!!

That's because there aren't a lot of complications, but we have several sleevers here who have had complications. Jasleeve had a leak, stent, and TPN, as did SandyD, MeMeMee, Tiffykins, and a couple of others whose names escape me right now. If you research those names, you'll find their threads. The complication rate is very low, but you must do your own research to reassure yourself that this is right for you.

Oh, go for it!! I think it's wonderful that you are standing up for yourself and you can do the job! It sounds like they are seriously looking at you for it, too!!

It depends on whether you are using the phone or the computer application. On the phone application, go to the friends (bottom of the screen), then click on requests at the top of the screen and type in the name of the person you would like to request. On the computer application, I have no clue, unfortunately.

Because of Egg Face, I bought an ice cream maker at the thrift store a few days ago. Going to try it out tomorrow because I have to freeze the disk first. I also have a stock of the SF Torani syrups and a lot of cheese because of Michele. I was given a bento box that I don't use nearly enough, and I have discovered ricotta bake. YUMMY!!!

I normally have: Mini Babybel with meds Breakfast is either a Protein bar or an egg and sausage lunch is dense protein (4 oz chicken breast, hamburger patty, a few shrimp, etc) dinner these days is often a stir fry of beef and veggies Water is my number one diet building block these days. I usually drink a bottle while I'm taking my meds, then one when I leave the house to go to work, another bottle at work, one on the way home and at least one more bottle of water after dinner. I use a lot of mio drops in my water as well. If you're interested, a lot of folks here use My Fitness Pal to log our meals and workouts. I'm Lissa912 on there and would be happy to add you as a friend. MFP allows you to either show or hide your daily meals. I keep mine visible to others because it helps me maintain accountability. It's a great place to get ideas about what to eat.

I haven't been able to tolerate really spicy food yet. Pre-op I loved jalapenos on my nachos. Post op, the jalapenos bite me big time. I'm hoping that I'll be able to add some spicier food back in as I get further out. I also became lactose intolerant post-op, but that seems to be resolving itself now. I drank some milk a couple of days ago and had no ill effects.

Pookey, I think this is one of the most heartfelt posts I've ever read, anywhere. I know you're sad about your mother, but I think you're doing exactly what she would want. You are standing strong in the belief that your decision to have WLS was right for you and you are taking care of you! ((Hugs)) I know it's tough when you're used to being strong to admit that you meed a little support. I think that's bravery! Good luck, and I know you're going to continue to win this battle. Your mother is in heaven watching you and smiling because she is so proud of you and the woman you are!

I started out barely able to do 3 days a week. Now I'm up to 7 days a week and feeling marvelous darling! IMO, it's better to start slow and build up to it. Jumping in both feet first is a sure way to hit burnout in a hurry. I'm working on the mindset that this is a lifestyle change, not a diet or exercise "program". So, what I'm doing is working things into my daily routine and trying to make them permanent. Start slow and build up to something that you know you can maintain long-term.

I work out every day. Most days I do half an hour of cardio on the bike, but every day I do my weights. Low weight, high reps. I keep my weights on top of my entertainment center, so every time I stop in front of the tv, I life some weights.

If you know what you're looking for, you can still find all of my scars. The only one that is noticable is the one on my left side where the drain was, and it's less than 1/4 inch across and a light pink. I'm 7 months post-op and even I have a tough time finding the rest of the scars.

I, too, started out researching the band. There is a forum for Lap Banders just like VST and I spent a ton of time over there, reading and researching. One of the major things that stood out for me was the rate of complications with the band. Once I went to my surgeon's seminar, I was sold on the sleeve. Then I started researching the sleeve and it was so dramatic that the sleeve did NOT have the complication rates I saw for the lap band.

Congrats! You're on your way!

Congrats on the NSVs!! Love the one about the shower!!

Congrats! Welcome to the loser's bench to all of you! The first step in your journey to a new life has been completed! YAY!!

Congratulations on taking that first step! It's scary, but liberating to finally admit we need help! Good luck with your journey!!