keldolbeth

Awesome! Congrats! Now we are both members of the Century Club. lol I know how great these milestones can be... and how easy it is to be pessimistic about weight loss. It is a struggle. That's why it's so great to have the support of everyone here. Keep it up!

I'm bring zucchini tots (from skinnytaste) and a WW dessert made with sugar free angel food cake! I figure I have to bring things I can eat because I know most will not. I have to have SOMETHING!

I didn't have a drain but I did have some problems with my large incision. About 3 weeks out it started getting red, hot, painful to touch and seeping clear gunk. At first my PCP just told me to use neosporin, which helped but then it got bad again. I emailed a picture to the doctor and the CNP. The CNP thought it was a reaction to the sutures dissolving. She called in an antibiotic for me and I haven't had any problems since. At almost 10 weeks it's healed, just a dark (but lightening) scar.

I'll be 10 weeks Monday... I have strawberries regularly- with greek yogurt, on a breakfast tortilla pizza, in pancake bites (thanks EggFace). I bought some red seedless grapes last week and had no problem... until I logged them on MFP and realized how sugary they were. I've also put peaches in yogurt. I've done bananas in shakes and on breakfast pizzas. I've made a few recipes with pineapple, haven't had it by itself. At 4 weeks out I had some watermelon. I haven't had really any problems with fruit.

I had an "episode" like this pre-sleeve... I've had two since, but not as intense. The one I had two months pre-op was the worst thing I've ever experienced. I had the pressure in my chest and quickened heart beat. I couldn't breathe. Pain was radiating out from my chest around to my back. I slept maybe one hour that night. When I woke up I felt a burning in my throat, which made me think it was reflux. I never threw up but I felt like I had to and tried to force it. I went to my PCP the next day and she referred me to a gastroenterologist. He thought it could have been hiatal hernia, gallbladder or an ulcer. An ultrasound and endoscopy later they told me it was nothing!!! I didn't have another "episode" for 3 1/2 months, when I was 6 weeks post-op. It wasn't quite as bad and didn't last nearly as long. I hadn't had too much of a problem with reflux or getting sick from overeating. The only thing I could figure was some spicy cheese I had eaten but I had had it before with no issue. It's frustrating, I understand. I wish I had an answer for you... but at least it's good to know you're not alone! And, yes, do take something to control the acid.

First name = Kelly Middle name = Dolores Confirmation name (lol) = Elizabeth Hence, keldolbeth.

Has anyone had much success with selling their old clothes online? Ebay, Craiglist, etc. I have TONS of clothes I need to get rid of. I went through all of them a few weeks ago and wasn't in a hurry to do anything with them. However, it turns out I'm going to be moving in a month now so I want to start getting rid of stuff as soon as possible. I have so much stuff I'm using two consignment shops, donating some, giving a box to a friend and still have more I want to try to sell online. Ridiculous, I know! Does anyone have any tips? I've taken all of the pictures I just don't know what to do now! Has anything in particular worked for you? Pros and cons of online versus consigning? Also, if you are looking for sizes 26-30 I have LOTS to offer. Hopefully I can get a link posted soon.

I'm a teacher and today was the first day of school. My goal was to be down 100 pounds total by the first day. WELLLLL, I have been stalled at 98 for over two weeks!!! I've been frustrated as hell! I know it's normal but that doesn't mean it's not disappointing. I know I haven't been working out as much as I should but I've been doing great with my meals. I'm kinda obsessed with MFP now when I was so resistant to the idea at first. Anywho, I got all jazzed up for the first day today... I wish I would have gotten a full body pic but I live alone and felt weird asking a coworker. However, I do have pictures from today and from the first day of school last year. THIS is why I'm excited! The difference just from the chest up is pretty damn awesome. And the first pic isn't even at my highest weight. I gained about 15 pounds after this, when I hurt my knee and quit working out. Take a look... I'm not fully "out" to everyone so I didn't want to post this on Facebook or anywhere else but I feel like I'm needing some positivity right now. Love my VST'ers!

It's not the most fun thing but it's pretty quick and painless. I actually always schedule mine before they have to remind me. It just makes me feel better to have it done regularly. As far as the robe, the only objection I think they would have is for sanitary issues. Not that you are unhygenic, but that's why everything in a doctor's office is disposable. When I go, they usually give me two gowns, one over the front and one over the back. And they have pretty big blankets so that's never been a problem. However, just remember that the doctor is basically going to look at your entire body anyway so there's no real reason to worry about covering up. Between a breast exam, a pelvic exam and the Pap itself, you're all exposed. I know it's not the best advice, but you will be fine! And it will be over before you know it!

Bariatric Foodie has a recipe for WLS-friendly mini-corndogs. I haven't tried it yet but I'd like to! Just Google her if you haven't seen the blog.

How long are you going to be on the pre-op diet? If it's just a week or two, it will be ok... I had to do four weeks and it was brutal. It's basically packets of flavored "food" that you just add Water to. You get to select what you want. You are supposed to have 5 packets a day plus one Protein bar. They were pretty gross so it was hard to get 5 in. After two weeks I was getting very dizzy and weak from the lack of calories. I almost passed out while working out then I threw up when I got home. I talked to Rebecca and Dr. Curry and they told me to just stop working out! Can you believe that? lol I still have several boxes left over because I just couldn't stomach it and cheated at least once a week (since I had already lost 65 lbs). These are my suggestions from the choices for the diet, the only things I liked were the crispy Protein Bars (variety pack), most of the Breakfast food is pretty good- pancakes, eggs, and the oatmeal is great (sometimes I ate it 3x a day), the chicken Soup with noodles, chili, Jello. I hated the other Soups, smoothies, pudding, chocolate bars, drink mixes. But, that's just my opinion. I wish someone would have given me a heads up because I ended up going back there and trading a few unopened boxes for more oatmeal. lol

Check out the Powder Room... there's LOTS of discussion on birth control in there!

I've been doing that too, making two different varieties on one. And I've been doing those same combinations! (Plus, a pesto/ricotta one I got an idea from Egg Face.) However, I've been having an issue with using the Flatouts and regular tortillas for pizza... how do you get the bottom crispy? The edges get crispy but the bottom in the middle is soggy and doesn't do well when reheating. I had read somewhere about putting it on a cooling rack on top of a cookie sheet but that didn't work either. Any suggestions?

I am 8 weeks out. I am definitely going less frequently that usual but last week was the first time I felt like I had to go and couldn't. It got to be very painful, both in my stomach and my bum. I don't usually have constipation problems but when I do I've gotten hemorrhoids and bad bleeding and was terrified of it returning. I had tried Miralax and it made a slight difference. However, I will tell you what solved it for me (I'm sure this is not doctor-recommended and I'll get criticized for it but whatever)... sugar free candy!!! There's a warning on the bag that says "excessive consumption may have a laxative effect." I've had this reaction before so I know my limit is 2 pieces. I bought a bag while I was out shopping with a friend and mindlessly popped probably 5-7. I had the worst diarrhea all night (at least I was at home when it started) but it cleaned me out, I lost 2 pounds and I have been fairly regular since. I just found it humorous since the cure for me ended up being unintentional. I'm not saying I recommend this, just sharing my experience. Good luck!

Being a teacher and having a lot of free time this summer while recovering, I, too, developed a pretty strong addiction to this place. I'm already wondering what I'm going to do when I'm at work all day... I'll have even more posts to catch up with when I get home! I like being able to stay on top of certain topics throughout the day. My best friends and my family have all become very familiar with this site, as well... or, at least me talking about it. I'm constantly quoting, citing or referring things to I heard or learned here.

I have to admit, (where's the confessions thread again?) I've hated on other big girls before. It may be for different reasons than others above cited. Being fat my entire life I am lumped into a group of stereotypes with every other overweight woman. I try, and believe I succeed, daily to defy those stereotypes. I don't dress in baggy clothing, have poor hygiene, eat fast food everyday, have a less than average IQ, sleep with every guy who shows interest in me, etc. These are some of the stereotypes of big women so when I see some doing these exact things it pisses me off. I don't want to be put in a box with those women. I don't want them to reflect poorly on me. I try to "represent" for what big beautiful women can be (even though I'm shrinking now). However, if I see or meet another plus-size woman who dresses nicely, speaks well and walks with their head held high, I feel an instant kinship with them and will usually make an effort to make conversation as well.

I haven't had any Atkins bars post-op but I did them on my 4 month pre-op diet so I second that idea. They do have some good options. I would recommend the ones WITHOUT chocolate, as the fake-ness of it can get sickening after a while. They have an oatmeal square one that is amazing... heat it up for 10 seconds and it tastes like the Quaker ones. Not sure of the stats on it, though. Also, Egg Face has some breakfast tortilla pizzas. Make sure you get low carb/high Fiber tortillas, of course. I've tried a few different combinations... warmed up Peanut Butter with Protein powder and some fresh sliced fruits, flavored ricotta with protein powder (not sure if all dairy is out for you) with fruits. OMG, so good! I hate that PB is so high in fat because I love it and it's a good source of protein. Depending on how far post-op you are, you could try some toast too. I'm almost 8 weeks and have been eating it prolly since 5 weeks out. Low carb bread, peanut butter, cinnamon, almonds, sprinkle of protein powder. I also really like turkey sausage crumbles (I think it's Jimmy Dean) if you can find something suitable to mix it with.

I would recommend Bariatric Foodie. (Just google her.) She's a mother of two and I'm a picky eater myself but a lot of her recipes look very appetizing. I'm planning on trying a few after my next grocery trip. Also, KraftRecipes.com has great recipes and you can search for low cal, heart healthy, diabetic, etc.

Oh I LOVE Good in Bed! Have you read the sequel, Certain Girls? It's good too... not as much about the weight battle but if you love the character it is a great read as well! I wish Jennifer Weiner would make it an actual series.

Girl, you cut to my heart with this one! lol Growing up I always wanted multiple children but as I got older and realized how much work and energy goes into it I knew I couldn't handle it. I barely have enough energy to take care of myself. Furthermore, I knew at my (old) weight it would not be healthy to carry a child. The past few years I started telling everyone I didn't want kids. I think I started to believe it. Now I don't know what I want or believe but I'm letting the idea creep back into my head a little bit. It's scary, I know.

JourneyLite is the surgery center in the same building as his Evendale office. It's where you have surgery, if you're doing the 23 hour or outpatient stay, across from Fast Track. It's separate from his practice. It's not like an actual hospital. You will see it when you do your consent visit and nutrition class. I haven't noticed any hair loss yet but, from what I've read, that happens around 3 months out and I'm not even 2.

I can't say I was 100% satisfied with everything but it was pretty minor complaints (mostly at JourneyLite, not Dr. Curry's staff) and overall it was a good experience. I did 4 1/2 months of Adipex and worked with Rebecca because Dr. Curry wanted me to lose weight before surgery. I love that so many of them have had surgery themselves and understand 100% what's going on. They are all so positive and realistic! I think that's a lot of the reason I've been successful, they had more faith in me than I did. The surgery itself wasn't too bad. It was kind of surreal and went so quickly. (From what I've read on here, we have it pretty easy compared to some doctors.) Besides being a little hysterical coming out of anesthesia, I didn't have any problems. Of course there was a little pain immediately after but I was off pain and nausea meds at 3 or 4 days post-op. I didn't get much sleep while in the "hospital" (I don't know what to call JourneyLite lol) but I was home the next morning and slept the rest of the day. The worst thing is just the lack of energy and fatigue, which I'm still battling. One of my biggest pieces of advice is not to push yourself... take it easy, sleep if you need to and don't feel guilty for just resting.

I confess... - I haven't been to the gym in a month. - I have weighed myself everyday this week (normally only 1-2x a week) because I'm SSSOOO close to the century club! - I get really irritated with some people's "holier than thou" preachy, opinionated attitudes on this site which makes me not post for fear of judgment and ridicule. Why can't we just all get along??? - I'm really sad about getting rid of all of my clothes. All I see is wasted $$$ (because I have A LOT of clothes). - I've only told a few close friends this... I plan on staying single during this journey so I can see what kind of "ass I can pull" and truly enjoy the attention I get!

I live in Dayton but went to Dr. Curry. I grew up in Cincy and my family is there so I stayed with them after surgery. My aunt referred us to Dr. Curry and he was the cheapest I looked at since I was self-pay. Have you enjoyed your experience there so far? Btw, you're not the only one... there are a few others here who have had Dr. Curry. You can search by doctor. P.S. I'm 7 weeks out. You can message me if you have any questions!