decamom

So before my surgery, I bought a pair of size 12 leather pants at a yard sale. I was still wearing size 18-20 but I loved the pants and hoped after surgery I could get them on. Last weekend I was going thru my older larger clothes (to give away!!!) and trying on smaller stuff and discovered that I wear a size 12! I ran to my closet and got out those soft beautiful size 12 leather pants...I flung off my newly fitting size 12 jeans and slipped easily and comfortably into the leather pants! I was so thrilled!!!! YIPPEE!! Living the dream!, Laura

Thanks all...I am loving my sleeve!!! Best decision for my health and weight I ever made! Worth every single bit of pain and scar from the surgery...every bit! Would any one else agree?? Living the dream, Laura

I recently read somewhere that one can increase metabolism by exercising 2x per day. Anyone heard of this? I went to a strength training class this morning at my local YMCA and am thinking of going to Zumba this evening. Am I crazy??? Or am I onto something? Living the dream!, Laura

RIGHT ON!!! I am so happy for you! I was sleeved May 2 and am down 63 since my pre-op days. I can't believe how much better I feel. Not just physically but mentally as well. I totally hated myself every time I caught sight of my reflection in the mirror. I know I shouldn't be so wrapped up in my appearance but hey...it's part of me. I have had 11 kids and I totally didn't want to look like I had 11 kids! Losing the weight has just made me so much happier. And I know that this time I will be able to keep it off. My sleeve and I are in this together. I basically eat whatever I want to..just small amounts. It is so awesome! Have a blast on your cruise!! How fun for you! Living the dream!!, Laura

No heavy lifting here! I used small weights in the class as it was my first time. I really liked it tho...I am going to try this twice a day thing for the next week or two and see what happens... It sure was fun. Now that I have a little bit of endurance and am not huffing and puffing all the time, the exercise is alot of fun. I love my ZUMBA classes!! Living the dream!, Laura

Syntrax Nectar makes a cappuccino protein powder...23 gm of protein per scoop. And then Unjury makes a chicken broth drink that is fabulous! 21 gms per scoop. If you like your drinks warm...these are both great. Sadly, hot water makes the protein powdered drinks curdle so 130 degrees is about the max for heat. I keep mine in a coffee cup on one of those candle warmer thingies and it stays nice and toasty while I sip away! Living the dream!!!, Laura

Looking forward to that day for myself! Living the dream, Laura

YIPPEE!! So happy for you! Living the dream!, Laura

How far out from surgery are you? I know my surgeon wasn't really too concerned for the first 2 weeks about my protein intake as long as I was keeping hydrated. Sipping is really all you can do in the beginning. I was told that I should shoot for 64 oz each day of fluids but 40 was good at the very beginning. Remember that your protein drinks also count as fluids. So does any Crystal light, broth or other things you drink. Right after surgery, your sleeve is very swollen and can't handle much at once. Don't worry...IT WILL GET BETTER!!!! Keep up the good work! Living the dream, Laura

I am going to visit family in another state this weekend. When I got sleeved in May, I set a goal of being in the 170's by the time I went on this trip. I made it!!!! I am SOOOO happy and excited! This will be my first time flying since surgery. I am looking forward to not spilling over into the seat next to me! Living the dream!, Laura

Lynda, We are really tracking together. My surgery was May 2 and I weighed 220 at that time. Keep it up girlfriend!! We are finally going to win this war!!! Living the dream, Laura

I am SO looking forward to everyone's reactions. I lost 17 before my surgery so I am actually down 57 since they have seen me. I feel so good. Thanks for the encouragement everyone. My heart is overflowing with goodness today!! Living the dream, Laura

Amazing Transformation!! I am so happy for you! Don't let those nasty cravings run your life. You are in charge. You decide when , if and how much to eat or drink. You and your sleeve are partners to reach your goal of health and happiness. Have a beer...once in a while and enjoy it to the max! Once in a while! Living the dream!, Laura

I am hoping to wear my cheerleading outfit from 10th grade for Halloween this year! Living the dream, Laura

I use the Celebration Bariactric Supplements and they are horrid! I just ordered the Bariactric Advantage chews. I hope they are better!! I have to find something I can take for the rest of my life so... Living the dream, Laura

Hooray!!! So happy for you! Living the dream, Laura

Yippee! I am so happy for you! I had alot of issues in the beginning as well but all is good now. Keep up the great work!!!!! Living the dream, Laura

Think of it this way: Your hair will come back but your weight won't! Now that's worth it. Hang in there! I love this attitude. I am going to start saying this to myself every time I clean up my hair that comes out when I brush it! Living the dream, Laura

My weight loss has slowed substantially and am thinking it is the sugarfree popsicles I love. They are giving me too many carbs I guess. So I have been looking at different protein bars and they all have carbs but some web sites say you can subtract the fiber because...I don't understand why. Do you subtract the fiber carbs and just count what's left in your 30ish carbs per day? Can someone PLEASE help me understand this and give me some advice on how to work this part of my sleeve so that my weight will continue to drop. I am really needing some HELP here... Frustrated and pleading for advice... Laura p.s....totally unrelated...how do I get my profile picture to display when I post things??

I am usually a fairly happy, easy to get along with person. I am 8 weeks out and driving my husband NUTS! He can't do anything right. I always seem to be irritated with him. I know this is common. I am just wondering how long it lasts. Will our relationship outlast it??? UGH!

I am in the 180's too and I can't wait to get out! Been here for 3 weeks already. I haven't got a reward out there for myself like your designer jeans...I will have to think on that! Since I got divorced and then married a wonderful man, had my sleeve and am enjoying my life...I can't think of something I lack.... Now that's a reward in itself! Living the dream, Laura

Thanks Amanda. I guess I stopped looking at the big picture and just saw the little one. Appreciate the encouragement...ALOT!!

For the last two weeks I have lost about 1.5 pounds each week. Is this considered a stall? I will admit that my exercise has been down and my carbs have been up. My water and protein intake are still good. Is it just my body punishing me for the lowered exercise and raised carbs or will I have a nice drop someday. I am getting a bit frustrated.... Thank you my sleeved and almost sleeved friends! Laura

Have you tried the unjury chicken broth Protein powder? It is not sweet and tastes just like chicken broth. I find it is a great alternative to sweet Protein drinks. Cheers, Laura

This is what my Dr. told me when I was first sleeved. Staying hydrated is of utmost importance at this stage. Living the dream, Laura