TheRealMeIsHere!

It all depends on you. The sleeve is only a tool, how you use it determines your success. My highest weight was, at least, 275, I have maintained 115 =/- 3lbs for about 2 years

OMG, LMAO!!

took me over a year, at goal, to see myself as 'skinny' You look awesome! Congrats!

coffee can effect healing, ask your surgeon, but you may need to wait longer. If the surgeon OK's coffee, you definitely want to stay with decaf. This soon out, you need to be careful about things that contribute to dehydration.

Amazing progress!!! You are so lucky that this is an option at such a young age, before obesity has lasting negative health and psychological effects! Keep posting your continued progress, you got this!!

My NUT recommends a 4:1 ratio of protein to carbohydrates. If you need sweetness in your cottage cheese, try add cinnamon and no calorie sweetener. We should not be eating anything with added fruit and sugar, that will just hinder weight loss and may cause cravings. Dannon makes a Light & Fit Greek yogurt that is delicious, or you can take ff plain Greek yogurt and add no calorie sweetener and your choice of extract, cocoa, Crystal Light, Duncan Hines Frosting Creations (they have no sugar), etc.... Here is a recipe for cannoli cream that is AMAZING!! 1 Cup of fat free ricotta (or Sorrento Low-Fat deli style, it is very smooth & creamy) 1 TBSP fat free/sugar free instant pudding mix (vanilla, cheesecake, etc…) 1/3 Cup of Water 1/6 Cup powdered milk 1/2 to 1 tsp. extract (vanilla, rum, almond, etc…) Blend all in a blender or bullet. Nutrition for the whole thing (it is actually 3-4 meals for me) Fat-0, carbs-17.5, fiber-0, protein 25, Calories-185

Couldn't get all my Protein till about 18 months out. My Nut kept assuring me that it's ok, as long as I take my Vitamins. She advised me not to eat ANYTHING that wasn't a high protein source. No veggies, fruits or anything else. Just keep sipping and doing your best. I was constipated the entire time, the doctor prescribed daily Miralax and Colace. I no longer need those, now that I am eating vegetables and able to drink more liquids. You need to stop at the first sign of fullness, so you can only do what you can do. Yes, the shakes do count as part of your liquids. Maybe pour a small amount at a time, into a glass, or maybe one of those cups you can freeze to keep it chilled. Straws can introduce too much air into your stomach and cause stretching, that is why they should not be used. And at 4 days out, it is perfectly normal to have not had a BM, you were empty when you went into surgery, and have consumed little since, and all of it in liquid form. That being said, don't be surprised if liquid in = liquid out. That gets better as your diet progresses to more solids.

True, they are FAR better than white flour or other simple carbs. but my NUT says still too many carbs and not enough Protein and every one gives different recommendations. I wasn't allowed ANYTHING not high protein/very low carb until I was getting my 80 gms protein per day, took me 18 months till I could even have non starchy veggies, lol

Too carby for what my NUT recommends. I rarely eat Beans, due to that

I recently found out you can cook with Protein powder. I have made pancakes, SUPER AWESOME!!! muffins, delish and Cookies. All wonderful and high protein/low carb. Happy New Year to all!!

I am the same way Kindle, I do not see them as offensive, comments either.

EXACTLY kindle! I don't see it as judgment, either, just honesty

sometimes we can be in denial, regarding our weight and a good friend would politely let you know that you are putting on weight. And, again, it doesn't sound like the person said that she looks BETTER, just that she looks DIFFERENT

Fat is just a descriptive word, it is only an insult if you take it that way. Now if they said something like big as a house, or tubby or some other derogatory slang, that would be different. Remembering where I was, helps me stay on track. Good friends WILL tell you that you are fat. The person didn't say that you look better or prettier, now, just that you look DIFFERENT, which is accurate. I would hope that you look different after such an extraordinary weight loss accomplishment. Congratulations!

I would take it as a compliment the way it was meant. With such a dramatic weight loss, it was an honest comment.

Insurance will only pay for medically necessary procedures to reduce infections, mobility, ADL's, pain etc.....

when I had a panni/TT it took months before the swelling went down and I could get into my regular size. The Dr. said it could be 6 months till you see final result after plastics

Sounds like alot of carbs. Carbs will make it difficult to lose or maintain. Bread/Pasta/rice/cereal/potatoes and other starchy veggies should be a rare treat. Maybe a bite or two only a couple times a month. This will also decrease cravings. Try to focus on lean fat free Proteins and non starchy veggies. Ie; lettuce, cucumber, green Beans, cauliflower, broccoli etc.... Hope this helps. I know that if I eat carbs more often than that, I can gain 2 lbs overnight and am left with cravings for more.

YES! I fill in the gaps, by munching on a salad, made with non-starchy veggies, maybe a hard boiled egg or lean turkey and ham. As dressing I mix 1 TBSP light mayo with red vinegar or thin some regular or light dressing with unsweetened rice vinegar, apple cider vinegar (great with honey mustard) or white balsamic.

Have you tried going through your insurance? Mine covered TT/Panni 100% due to recommendation from pain management for spine problems and it's impact on my ability to exercise in order to keep weight off. Check the insurance website for criteria for panniculectomy

What is the procedure to remove 'dog ears'? What is the recovery like?

cool, Sue, thank you for the info!

Thank you Sue, what about recovery while it heals? Any restrictions on activities? How big is incision? How many stitches?

I, too, had trouble reaching my protein goals. And was told by my NUT, not to eat ANYTHING that was not high protein, low carb, low fat. Took me 18 months before I could include non-starchy veggies in my diet.

yes, that would be better, or yogurt, egg beaters, etc.... anything high in Protein, low in carbs/fat. You should not be having the cereal at all, it will make you hungrier and create cravings. And liquid and solids should be eaten 15-30 minutes apart, not together, as that can also make you hungrier because the food will pass through quicker. so no liquids 15-30 minutes before or after eating. My NUT also advised that cereal/milk or soup should be avoided, as it breaks that rule. If eating soup, I was told to eat the solids and broth seperately