Lila21

I will definitely ask that question! I am betting it's probably OK once in a blue moon...

Thanks guys! I am purging my medicine cabinet so I don't accidentally take something that's off the list!

Fingers crossed for you! That's how I am doing it, too! My surgery is on the 14th!

+1 for the crockpot! have the exact kind of worklife you do. I hate coming home to cook when I feel tired, but the crockpot has made it much, much easier for me! One thing I highly recommend if it's just you and your hubby is to get a smaller crockpot, too. I have a big one and a little 1.5 quart one which is perfect for cooking for 1 or 2 people. Crockpots work best if they are pretty full, so if you want to make smaller portions, this is a GREAT option! Along with my small crockpot, I got a really great crockpot cookbook for smaller crocks. It's perfect for 2 person meals. I can't remember the title of it, but if you are interested, send me a personal message, and I'll remember to find it for you. Another of my "go-to" easy, high-Protein options is to make omelets--you can make them with egg whites or egg beaters, and you can throw in veggies, a bit of cheese, or some grilled chicken and make a quick salad, and you have dinner in about 15 mins. I

Well said. P.S. Weren't people CRAZY to get Michelle Obama's arms? I seem to remember this being a "hot news item" right after the election :-)

Thanks for sharing, that's great news!!

I am about to quit drinking coffee, and I have to say.... it's a bit scary. I've had coffee every day of my adult life except for when deathly sick. Even when I go camping, I bring dried coffee crystals!! This one will be a bit tough! :-)

I would love to say so much more (but I am late for work!! :-))... but let me just say how much of an inspiration you are, and how much I have valued your support during all my pre-op questions... Not only the ones I've asked, but the ones I've seen you answer that I never even thought to ask! Thank you so much for all this, and for sharing your story. You look just amazing and HAPPY!

I don't think you should cancel your trip, but I do think you were right to stand up for yourself. My boyfriend used to make fun of my fat all the time, and according to him it was OK because he could poke fun at himself. But, I don't think it's for other people to draw the line at what kinds of things they can say--it's up to YOU. If YOU feel uncomfortable, then they should stop. Period. Having said all that, I agree with Irene. Don't let the haters spoil your fun.

Yeah, believe me, I feel your pain. My doctor moved offices in the middle of my collecting data. Do you know how hard it is to get records from a 70 year old crotchety doctor in the middle of a move? Let's just say, we were not each others' favorite people during that time. She went so far as to tell me I was on her "Pain in the Ass" list. :-)) So... yes, this stuff is always a pain!!! But you will get through it!

Many, many congrats to you! I can imagine that must feel just amazing!!

Bumblestich! I am on the 14th, too!!! Feel free to friend me and we can get through this together!!!

Wow, thank you so much for sharing. That was really powerful. I think she makes a great point about how your growth can be tough on a relationship but that honesty is the key bringing things back together again.

I've been thinking a lot about this as I am due to be sleeved in less than two weeks (yipes!). I have only told my best friend, my boss, and few other people (I'm single, so I don't have have a partner to share it with). But, the more I think about it, the more I feel like this isn't anyone else's business. People don't tell me when they have their gallbladders taken out, they don't tell me when they have a stomach ulcer, or problems with their bowels, or backs. Why is it anyone's right to know the intimate details about my personal health choices. If I meet someone who is obese and wants heip, I might share it with them, but I really don't feel like this is anyone's business but mine. It kind of offends me that other people feel like it's their business to know all the inner details of my health decisions. I don't ask about the intimate parts of their lives, and I feel like I am due the same courtesy.

Yes, the forum is so supportive. I feel the same way. I hope it goes GREAT for you! Post when you are on the other side!! Sending you healing energy~

this sounds sooo good. can't wait to try it!!

haha. Sorry, you are way too sweet to kick in the ass! :-) Seriously, though, this too shall pass. One thing I thought of the other day was that my friend who has had one of the few successful band stories that I know of was losing around 1 pound a month at the end of her weight loss journey, but she still got to goal!!!! How's that for tortoise and hare!? You will get there!

Jeez, I would *hate* to have to move to a warmer climate :-))

There are also some cheap Spanx at Target. I have to say, though, the Spanx I got at Lane Bryant is pretty heavy duty, much more so than the Target ones. But, I can't imagine wearing that every day and still breathing :-) So, my guess is that the Target ones (or whatever knockoffs) are just as good for every day use...