AliveAgain

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A few years back, I was shopping in a cute boutique with a friend. I knew they only went up to a size 10, but I was looking for gifts for other people. A very rude saleswoman made it a point to let me know, "We don't carry your size in here, you may want to go to the mall to find what you need." Well, today I walked into a Lane Bryant to return some size 14 shorts I bought last month. And wouldn't you know it, one of the saleswomen kindly pointed out, "Ma'am, I don't think we have your size here, may I ask what you're looking for?" Ha. THAT was a first...

Whoop Whoop! I can't wait for that NSV after years of squeezing into seats with metal jabbing me everywhere. Isn't it funny how bathroom stalls seem to be bigger now?!

I wish I could still do tuna fish, but for some reason I've lost my taste for it. I've tried it about ten times now, and just can't get jazzed about it. Used to eat tuna sandwiches somewhat often before surgery. SO ODD!

I used chewable calcium up until about my 5th or 6th week. My doctor told me I could start taking "pill" form at about 4 weeks, so I tried here and there until it felt comfortable. The hardest part was taking it with meals, which meant *some* Water with food (before or right after a meal), which my NUT said was fine just to wash it down. I use New Chapter Bone Health because (for some unknown reason) calcium citrate and carbonate both cause terrible headaches, body aches, and constipation with me. And that's taking it with magnesium, which usually helps prevent those things. However, another my PCP recommended trying these as a different form. She is not sure how well absorbed it is with my sleeve, but feels assured it's fine since my levels came back with good numbers. Plus, she really likes all the supplemental minerals that come with this version rather than JUST calcium and magnesium. It's only 770mg per 3 tablets, but she said so long as I still eat some soy or dairy in my diet -- that's perfectly fine for someone my age (36). And the tablets are much smaller than most calcium *horse* pills, they are more like ibuprofen-size.

I'm interested, though I don't know any of these places terrain-wise. I have bad knees and ankles, so I'm not able to do a LOT of climbing. But I do hike in the Big Basin Redwoods from time to time.

I've read this study and that study, it's well-researched that there is a stigma against the obese. In simple terms, we're seen as part of the world's problem much in the same way people give dirty looks to those who still drive Hummer SUV's. When you have the news blasting at you all the time about the healthcare crisis, fuel costs, and bullying you start to want to blame someone. Often, it's the obese. I know I have a stigma toward smokers in the same way. I know they're people just like you and me, but I often think, "why do you keep up such a nasty habit? why can't you quit?" I'm sure some stranger looks at me the same way and thinks, "why can't you stop stuffing your face? you're the reason my health insurance premiums are through the roof!" It's the same because I never have been nor ever will be a smoker, so it's hard for me to understand what it must be like to try to quit. I truly believe they would be happier people if they quit. The same way that stranger can't understand that diets don't always work for everything, that there can be underlying hormonal or genetic issues as to why I'm carrying extra weight, but they also think I'd be a better person if I lost weight. It's happened to me, too. I've lost almost 80lbs and get more doors opened for me, more smiles from strangers, more engaged conversations. But I can't say it's all because of my weight. I know I've changed, too, from losing weight. I smile more, I laugh more. I'm overall a happier person. Perhaps the vibe I was putting off when I was 275lbs - plagued with migraines, painful PMS every month, constant fatigue, chronic illnesses - wasn't the most engaging? I've had a lot of people tell me that - literally - it looks like I had STRESS removed from my face. That made me do a lot of soul searching.... If you want to know more, there is the National Association to Advance Fat Acceptance with some interesting links.

Zero Water drinking filtration system, a glass-lined or metal reusable container -- no plastic due to the dangers of BPA (estrogen mimicking) especially when bottles get frozen, cold, or warm (in sun). Plus it's better for the environment, less waste, and over time cheaper. Sure, on the go I'm fine with picking up a bottled water if needed, but they never come into my house. Too many studies, frightening!!!!

Yes, it does get better! Everyone is different, so be patient with your body's own timeline. But for me, I was able to take "normal" drinks of water by 4 weeks out. By the second month, I was able to finish a 23oz water bottle during my one hour walk. I can't gulp and gulp and gulp on end without some feedback (usually a giant air bubble feeling then burp). I drink now just as I did before surgery, and you will too.

Check out this previous thread...

Yeah, been having issues using the Flickr services. Here is the full link that seems to be working now! http://flickr.com/gp/51124392@N03/C69F6h

Hi everyone! I've gone away from the PDF and have posted 90% of everything on Flickr. It's all there with sizes, descriptions, and asking prices. I'm willing to pack up, get estimate from post office, and then work via PayPal for simple payment. All so much cheaper than going out and buying from stores! I have some other items not yet photographed or pictured (storage limit on Flickr) -- like some professional work pants from Liz Claiborne, mostly in size 18-20. And some size 16 jeans from Lane Bryant. Let me know if you see anything you like via personal message

It's hard to say since everyone seems to bounce back differently. I don't think I could have gone to a concert that soon out of surgery in that hot of weather without exhaustion. Your body is going through MAJOR surgery and will be in healing mode, which means it's putting all it's energy into your abdomen and won't have much to give elsewhere. At 10-14 days post op I was still having a hard time just walking for 30 minutes in cool weather, with yoga pants on. I couldn't put on anything with a button, zip, or closure for about 2-3 weeks, comfortably. Plus, just because you will have the fluids with you may or may not mean you are able to get them in. Some new tummies do fine with sips, others have a hard time getting in what their bodies need. I think you'll know best before you go, but I'd have a back up plan of what to do if you can't. Don't push yourself and then end up back in the hospital -- IT'S NOT WORTH IT

I would advise against as they are VERY high in sodium, at least the ones in cans. Too much sodium is not good for the heart and won't help with hydration. Do you have a nutritionist who can advise you? Plus, nuts were off my plan until two months. Not sure where you are post op?

May I ask what are your specific numbers? Calories, Protein, carbs, fluids? Are you exercising at all? I know it's hard when the scale stops moving, I've had more stalls than I can count. But they do pass, and it's always a mystery to me what made them happen in the first place. I think for me a lot of it is menstrual/hormonal. The scale slows down just before I start my TOM and until about 7-10 days in to the next cycle. They say the drop in hormones can slow it down, then rev back up when they start surging around ovulation. Keep to the plan, mix it up however you can (more protein, more fluids, more or different exercise) -- IT WILL HAPPEN FOR YOU!!

Hey there! I noticed you posted this in late May, but I wanted to let you know that I just posted a bunch of size 22 items I'm selling FOR DIRT CHEAP on Flickr. Feel free to peruse and see if there is anything you're interested in! I know the feeling, as currently have only eight tops and three bottoms that fit me Best of luck!

Thank you everyone who has replied so far! I will be marking things as sold and taking down the pics once the items are shipped and on their way! I'll be keeping the items posted for a while and continuing to add more pics as I take them!

My doctor said no pill for 30 days before/after due to risk of blood clot complications. Have you asked your doc of this is OK to do?

I've heard it's best to reintroduce alcohol at home as well because some of us will not react well with the new sleeve. I've heard it's common to get drunk off of just a few sips, or get flush and sweaty from the sugar alcohols. Sorry, can't speak from experience -- I don't care much for alcohol so not sure when, if ever, I'll try it again. But women in my support group talk about alcohol ALL THE TIME. Also, remember to count those (empty) calories! Red wine is the best, and measure. Most of us Americans "think" we know a glass of wine, but really the way we pour is more like 2-3 glasses (well over 8-10oz). But yes, please wait at least 6 weeks to 3 months!

Tight calves and plantar faciitis are the reasons for my heel pain. See a podiatrist to be sure. But what helped me were the Rubz massage ball for the foot, better shoes with Superfeet orthotics, and rolling/stretching the calves. Google foam rolling and ball rolling for those muscles, there are videos to show you how. These plus basic stretches could help.

I was a 40H in Lane Bryant bras at the time of surgery. I can't wear their bras now b/c I'm a 34 band size and the smallest they make is 38. However, I love their full-coverage bras so I had a tailor take in the band on two 38G bras. Cost $15 each. They work, for now, but the straps are a little uncomfortable b/c they rub under my armpits with the "smaller band." I dropped in band size first and fast losing about 4 inches in the first two months. The cup following a little bit here and there, then it's been back and forth ever since. It's hard to predict what you'll need in the future, but I'd bet you'll lose in your back-fat first. But remember the rule with bras: If you go down in a band size, you need to go up in a cup size unless you lose in both places at the same time. It's hard for some people to grasp, but it's true. I am wearing a 34H bra right now in the Freya brand, but can wear a 32G in the Aviana brand. Go figure. I would check out HerRoom. I've ordered over $2500 in bras and swimsuits trying to find one that works for my size. Unfortunately, their sizing charts are from the manufacturers and are not always accurate. But their customer service team has been very good to me with all the returns (I sent back easily $2200 worth of merchandise) and free shipping.

Really it's whatever you like and what is comfortable. But yes, high-intensity intervals is one of the best ways to lose weight. Just doing 45min on a treadmill all the time will work for a while, but you run the risk of repetitive injury and eventually it will not work as well as it once did. My personal trainer gets my heart rate up with simple things like marching, side-walking, lateral ball touches, plank toe taps, and mixes it up with some resistance band and weight work. She (personally) loves to get her heart rate up on the treadmill then get off to do some weight and core exercises, then back on the treadmill, repeat. I know trainers sound fancy and expensive, but (most) of them have good knowledge of what works. Or you can Google, probably find some videos. I liked working with mine because she helped me correct my form when it was slightly off, help prevent injuries, use of the wrong muscle group. I would highly suggest swimming, it's one of the best workouts for your overall body and gets (my) heart pumping more than treadmills.

It depends on where you are post-op and your doctor's goals. Mine gave me an IDEAL breakdown of 70-75% Protein, 10-20% good carbs (green veggies, fruits, some grain), and 5-10% healthy fats (olive oil, avocado, almonds). If you consider there are 4 calories in every gram of protein, and you're aiming for 70-90g of protein on say a 600-800 calorie diet (what most patients are for months 2-9), then it can be more like 45-60% depending on the day. Twenty percent sounds too low to get adequate protein

My appetite goes back and forth on me as well. Some meals I feel like I could eat a full 5-6oz amount of food before I feel full, and other days I'm full at 3oz. I know my appetite opens up after doing longer, more strenuous exercise. I also get that slightly bloated, distended feeling around the intestinal area for a few days after. I'm still eating the good stuff -- lean meats, green veggies, skip the fats, the refined carbs. There is no weight gain, in fact mixing it up from higher caloric days to lower seems to help break minor stalls. I wonder if when we eat "more" ounces the food is not digesting in the stomach enzymes enough before being pushed into the next stage? When food is not broken down enough, usually the intestines are unwilling or unable to grab all the nutrients and kind of wants to "get it out of here" faster. I told my husband I needed his help, since he's usually with me for every meal to make sure I get back to measuring. I got to a point I could eyeball 2oz of chicken, fish, steak on the nose. Same with veggies, yogurt, etc. But when eating out, other sleevers in my support group have told me to ALWAYS get an empty plate and measure your food before you take one bite. The worst things to do is to split with someone or order a full entree and not portion out what you will eat right then and there. My weakness is that my husband will order say, a bento box. I eat 4 pieces of sashimi, some edamame, then I'll have a little chicken teriyaki...oh and a bite of salad, maybe one piece of the roll he ordered as well (rice picked off)....did I mention I had a few sips of miso Soup before? Instead, I need to put what I SHOULD eat on a small plate and STICK TO IT without picking away at the box. The other thing I had to get back to doing was food journaling. I got off about a month ago because I started to rotate the same meals, Snacks, etc. so much I practically had the numbers memorized and I got comfortable. However, I think it's a good reminder to journal the meals and snacks before their even eaten. That way I know when to stop. Fact is, my stomach is pretty satisfied with 2-4oz of food, or about 200 calories. It's the head hunger that kicks in after that. Not always bad, just remembering what it's like to be at a summer cookout, having fun, letting my guard down, distracted with conversation. Does that make sense?

Before I jump into this rant, I want to let everyone know that many years ago I worked as a waitress. I know that it is some of the hardest work I've ever done, physically. The incentive is to "sell up" by selling alcoholic drinks, sides, pushing Desserts. They are making a living, and I respect that very much. That being said, can we talk about the art of listening to your customer? Unfortunately, I come from family and friends who love getting together and eating out. And I should note most of them are at very healthy, ideal weights so I'm usually the "biggest" in the group. But whether they are extremely athletic or just have amazing genes, they can order the fried app, burger with fries and a few beers. I don't mind, the food is not the problem. I'm still in that great place where I'm rarely hungry and don't have cravings. Sometimes just seeing fried foods or the smell of greasy stuff can turn my stomach now. Call me lucky? But what happens is that for some reason I'm the one the waitstaff likes to focus on. I'm the one that they ask, "Just the side salad with chicken? Are you sure that's all you want?" Or when I order the grilled shrimp appetizer, and ask them to hold the butter during cooking (please use olive oil) -- and they show up with the full entree with rice or mashed potato side. When I ask WTH, I get, "I'm sorry I thought that's what you wanted." When I'm thinking in my head, that I'm positive I said "appetizer" and even pointed to that section on the menu. Even when I order the side salad, I get the full meal portion. WTH? "I asked if it was going to be your meal and you said yes, so I figured you meant to order this one and not the side." They are all accommodating when I correct them, which I have to do in front of everyone, calling more attention to my new eating habits. They don't charge for the larger thing, take it back, etc. When they don't, I'm then trying to eat my 3-4oz of food, leaving what looks like an entire meal untouched on my plate, and I get the "Is everything OK with your meal?" question multiple times during the meal, again in front of everyone. I get it. People are human, they make mistakes. But I do not remember waitstaff getting my order wrong so often before surgery. Of course, I'm presuming they're thinking, "The fat girl will not be happy with that little food, I'll give her more." But that's a slippery slope to presume their motivations. I'm reaching a place where I don't look forward to these occasions, of eating out. It's not about the food, it's about how what/how little I'm eating is such a focus. I've used the "I don't feel well" or "I'm not that hungry" excuses, it gets me by, but it's getting old. Has this happened with anyone else?