TheRealMeIsHere!

Pain is really minimal, usually. I had alot of swelling, so had to take pain meds as prescribed for about 3 days, then was fine as long as I took TEENY sips. Good luck

Have you tries EAS AdvantEdge RTD shakes, they aren't as thick as some others? Or are you required to drink certain ones prescribed by your doc? Also, if not required to stick with certain ones, Designer whey, mixed with Water and crushed ice, in a bullet is DELISH. You could experiment with flavors, chocolate with PB2 is one of my favs. Alot of people, also, like nectar Protein powder

two websites come to mind: http://www.hungry-girl.com/ GREAT recipes and tips! MANY favorites. http://theworldaccordingtoeggface.blogspot.com/ Haven't used the eggface site much, but is highly recommended. Hungry Girl, is the awesomest imho!

I was able to sleep however I wanted. Do you have a problem with reflux? maybe that's why

Good luck, I hope it gets approved!

@@livvsmum what kinds of things did you put in the appeal, that may help? I would love to have brachioplasty!

@@livvsmum are the Spanx pretty snug? I was told by my surgeon, that the longer I wear compression, the better the result. She said six months is optimal. So since this was probably my only chance, wanted to do all I could, so wore compression for 6 months, which is really just a drop in the bucket. You look WONDERFUL!!

Have you tried baking the bars? TOTALLY changes the texture! Try a chocolate chip one, cut into small pieces and bake like Cookies. About 350* and watch closely, they only take a couple minutes. Taste like little Friehoffer's cookies

Cheddar is my absolute FAV!! Sour cream & onion, a close second. GNC usually has buy 3 get one free.

I LOVE them!! Especially sour cream & onion, and cheddar/ sour cream. They are a bit more airy than regular chips, but DELICIOUS!! Be careful if that is a type of trigger food for you though.

He DID spoil me for anyone else, though. Now, I can't even contemplate a relationship that is not with a true soulmate, as he was. I've been alone since Sept. 2007, when he had his accident. Yes, 53 is NOT old at all, and 20 or 100 years are never enough. You have such a wonderful attitude towards your relationship!

Congratulations! Is it Dr. Judd? I hear wonderful things about him and ORMC is an AWESOME hospital! Check my pics of it, like a fancy hotel!

So sorry for what you are going through and at the same time overjoyed that you've gotten to experience that kind of love. I was lucky enough to have that kind of love in my life, for 5 short years, until he was killed in a motorcycle accident.

You probably still have alot of swelling. I, too, found it difficult to consume much. It took me 18 months of ONLY protein (no veggies or anything else) until I could reach my daily protein goal. My NUT told me teeny bites and that chewing extra thoroughly helps. Sounds like you are doing a great job! And the word 'only' should not be before 33 lbs in 3 weeks, that is AWESOME! As far as the stall, it happens to everyone, you may still find that you are losing inches/size. Congrats on your progress, so far!

For optimal results and to reduce swelling after a TT/panni, 3-6 months of compression is recommended. I went with the 6 months, as I was lucky enough to have insurance cover it and went through so much to get the body I want, that I wanted the BEST possible outcome. Six months, in the scheme of things, is really a drop in the bucket. It also is more comfortable, as the muscles heal.

My surgeon, I woke up with it on. Then after a period of time I bought these http://www.walmart.com/ip/Cupid-Women-s-Extra-Firm-Control-Waist-Cincher/23653041 and http://www.walmart.com/ip/20932092

I had a panni/TT. For a week or so, had to sleep sitting up and walk like Quasimodo. Pain was minimal. Drains were a pia, but not nearly as bad as I thought. I thought I would've been laid up and barely able to function, but that was NOT the case. I actually felt like I got back to my normal activities very quickly! Wore compression for about six months. The doc said that the longer, the better the final result. Best of luck to you!

now, THREE of you could fit!! Great job!!

I think hair loss is inevitable but getting your protein will minimize the loss. Having thick hair, my hair loss, despite getting my protein, was not noticeable to others. A lot of people have good results with biotin, also.

Could be what's called a 'dog ear'. I had one, from the drain that was the last to come out. Once you are completely healed, if it's still there, insurance should cover the removal. Had my done in office, with local anesthetic. Double check with your surgeon, though, to make sure that it's nothing that needs to be looked at to make sure it's not an infection or anything else.

AWESOME job!!! You are so right, the sleeve is really just a catalyst or tool and you have made all the right changes to make the best use of it. That is so important to make those changes at the beginning when you have the most restriction. It's harder to make those changes later as the stomach expands. Way to go!!

I'm retired on disability, but that does not mean I wish to be sedentary and alone. On the contrary, I would love to find people with similar interests to be around. I love being active and work out twice a day, at home, on my treadmill & recumbant stationary bike. Being active, on the move and with others in between is what I am craving. I am HORRIBLE at small talk or making conversation on the phone, which is why I'm at my best, when I can meet someone while doing something we both enjoy and/or in a large group. My interests include hiking, walking, cooking (low carb/fat & high protein), couponing, beaches, horses, tandem paragliding, concerts, haunted places, geocaching, bowling, pool, cities, day-cations, etc....Pretty much anything that requires movement within my capabilities, or an adrenaline rush, lol! BTW, some of the things that I enjoy, I suck at! Doesn't mean I don't enjoy it though, lol! I do not want a serious relationship, just some companions that I can call on to do things with, people that 'get' my crazy, lmao!

It worked because you put in the effort and determination! Great job!

so your surgeon or nut hasn't had you on a specific eating plan up to this point? I rarely eat fruits, due to high carbs. I eat at least 80 gms of Protein per day

Congrats on the successful weight loss!! As you get closer to goal, the stalls happen more frequently. Just continue to exercise, drink plenty of Water or no calorie liquids and stick with fat free/lean Proteins and non-starchy veggies. If I eat any potatoes, sugar, flour, rice, bread Pasta, etc...I am hungrier for a day or two and I will be up a pound or two for a couple days so I avoid those things 99% of the time. I workout 2X a day (morning & night) 7 days a week. I am able to eat more now, so I add extra non starchy veggies to my meals and Snacks. Good luck and continued success!