Jouselle

I needed more than just pictures too, so I asked people about their health improvements. This is what I got! http://www.verticalsleevetalk.com/topic/93995-health-improvements

That's an interesting goal. I wouldn't have thought of that.

Welcome to the party! It's a bumpy ride, but the people on this forum are wicked uber nice and supportive. You've come to the right place.

My surgeon gave me the whole fire and brimstone, "If you drink soda ever again, your stomach will pop and you'll die!" Sooo, I'm never touching it again. Whether it's true or not, no more soda for me ever.

I'm so happy to hear this! It's really gotten me out of my funk. Keep 'em coming guys! I want everyone to see this.

All these before and after pics are awesome, but please, tell me, have you had OTHER health benefits? Is it true that all those bad things like diabetes, sleep apnea, acid reflux, and everything else goes away? Please post if your health has improved, not just your silhouette. Don't get me wrong, looking great is a perk, but I need more than happy pictures.

Giving up desserts entirely has been really stressing me out. Are there some desserts out there that we CAN have? Is sugar-free stuff allowed? What about frozen yogurt? Will I ever have a pastry again?

Thank goodness, this is what I need to hear. Keep 'em comin'! I wanna be psyched up for this surgery, not doubting it!

Source: What nine months and 152.5 lbs down looks like. I wanna look at this later when I'm losing my mind.

Source: The pre-op diet is NOT a punishment ... it's an opportunity.

My psych told me that even after being sleeved I can still gain back everything I lose. She said its my behavior habits and eating the wrong foods that will not make me successful after the surgery. We need to change our lifestyles beginning with our minds. Nothing like putting your body through all this pain and stress thinking the sleeve works on its own and then gain the weight back. The sleeve will help you in the beginning and it will restrict the portions you eat however in time as you learn what foods can stay down ..that's when the bad behaviors kick in and your back to point zero again. My Dr said a girl ate mashed potatoes and gravy and after 7 weeks she gained 15 pounds again..that's where the idea of "quick fix" comes Along and people misjudge us. Its a challenge and hardwork and is not an easy fix..just a tool to help us. Best of luck to all of us.. Saving this' date=' it's a good point.[/color'] Source: What was your breaking point?

Protein Pow, thanks! I'll check it out. Well, month 1 is over and I've been mostly getting by on sugar-free popsicles. Mostly... I still have a way to go.

For me, it's a bunch of songs by Rupaul. The Beginning, Turn the Night, Champion. She really does a lot of inspiring stuff.

This is really good to know. I'm not sure what to expect. I guess I should expect the unexpected!

I don't really trust my scale anymore. I'll probably poke the doctor's office monthly and ask them if I can use their scale real quick. I hope they won't mind...

I'll just be happy when I can trim down there again. I admit, I am moisturizing that area with a firming lotion. I hope it helps.

Wow, that's quite a Christmas present!

Funny, I started with the blog here and decided to move it out to Blogger.

*hugs* Hang in there. It's gonna get better.

Source: What Real Women Look Like Keeping for prosperity!

Source: Coloring hair Saving this for later.

You were always beautiful. I'm really glad you're happier.

Grats! That's fantastic. *thumbs up*

I've done it too. I've cried in my cubicle. I'm not at that job anymore. But decorating your cubicle could help! Like one of those glowy color-changing lights you can get at Ikea or those earthy-happy stores at the mall. Bright and friendly artwork is good too! Also, you can get one of those natural light lamps, that will help. Good luck!