Maddie

My hubby actually bought me some new panties, he said mine drooped so bad in the seat that it looked like I was carrying a load. LOL Not only did he get me some new panties, but he got the right size!!!!! When I had my surgery, I wore a size 12 and now am in a size 8 panty. YAY Gratz to you for you panty victory, hehe.

Thanks Christie, that means so much.

You are doing so great. I'm impressed and so very happy for you.

I'm 5 months out and I know what I see in photos to be true. But, I still find myself looking for "wide" places to sit, etc. We were in San Antonio last month and my back was killing me. Hubby said sit over there and I was like yeah right. Then I realized I could fit there, it's strange. lol.

Thanks so much, ya'll are all so sweet.

Thanks so much everyone, I really appreciate alll of your kind words.

I am so very happy for you. What an inspiration.

Take the joy where ever you find it. WTG.

Glad to hear things went well for you. Take good care of yourself. Best of luck.

Huge gratz to you. What a great success story. Thanks for sharing it with us.

I'm so happy and proud for both of you. WOW, great job.

Sounds like you are doing just great. Glad to hear it. Keep up the good work.

Christie you look fantastic. I am glad to hear that in months when your weight loss is a little less, that you are focusing on inches lost to stay positive. So proud of your progress.

As you mentioned, many don't have insurance and can't afford it. I am a member of the WLSFA (Weight Loss Foundation of America). They are a non profit organization whose goal is to educate about obesity and to provide grants for those who can't get surgery any other way. They recently announced their first recipient and it was just wonderful. You can find them here: http://wlsfa.org/ In the morning, I leave for San Antonio for The Texas Meet and Greet. Where members from the Texas weight loss community will meet for a week end conference and reception. I am so exited. I help support them as I feel like you do. There are so many out there who need help.

From the trauma of surgery, and being pumped full of IV fluids for 5 days, I actually GAINED 26 lbs. in the hospital. Plus your body can hold lots of water from the swelling alone. It took weeks for it to come off. But, once it started coming off and my body began to heal, it remained a steady loss. Don't throw in the towel. Just give you body what it needs, listen to your surgeons guidllines and it will start coming off. Best of luck to you. Hang in there, we are all pulling for you.

Glad to hear you're doing well. I was worried about you after the accident. Good luck, sleeve sista!

When I was pregnant with my 2nd child my feet grew from a size 7.5 to a 9 and I only weighed 167 lbs when she was born. Since surgery, I have lost 84 lbs. and still in a size 9. My wedding rings fit for the first time in years. I have only had 3 episodes of constipation since surgery. I think it was due to the pain meds. No problems now.

The thing that worried me was how would I now deal with my emotions, since I couldn't run to food like I used to. It turns out that it's not been so tough. Everyday I am getting healthier and happier, and that demon rarely surfaces. My family had been so worried about my health for years, so when I told them I was doing it, they rejoiced. They saw it as a way of saving my life and they have rooted for me since before the surgery. I am very blessed indeed.

You are very welcome. Best of luck on your journey.

Prayers going up for her and her family.

Best of luck tomorrow, wish I could help you with the protein, but the only one I like is chocolate.

Besides my sleeve, the best tool I use is journaling what I eat and drink everyday. Grazing can be very dangerous, especially if you don't know how much you're consuming. My dr told me to eat 3 small meals a day with a miidmorning Protein snack and a midafternoon protein snack. So that's 5 times a day I eat. Here is a typical day for me: B: 1/2 Protein shake S: 1 cheddar cheese stick L: slice of turkey and 2 laughing cow cheese wedges S: 1/2 protein shake D: grilled Tilapia and green Beans I feel content all day. Hope this helps.

Gratz on your success, you are doing great and look so good. Keep it up girl.

Great post!

Thanks for the update Christie, so glad you are feeling better.