StacyS

Awesome job! Doesnt it feel great?!?! Amazing what 30 or 35lbs can do to you, huh?! Good luck on the next 30!!

Ok... so if you've read some of my posts recently, I've been complaining about being in a stall or not losing inches or anything. I received some killer advice on this board and took it to heart. I stopped consuming 2-3 Protein shakes a day and decided to get most of my protein in via food, I stopped weighing myself everyday, and I up'd my Water intake by double! So, here I go last week with all my changes and what happens? I get hit with my kids' cold/flu! I've been out of commission since last Thurs and am finally back to work and feeling somewhat normal. The bad news? I havent been able to eat anything substantial since last week and have only been able to finish 1/2 of a Protein shake. I know I'm depriving my body of the nutrients it needs to survive but nothing is going down. I made chorizo and scrambled egg for BF and was only able to eat maybe 3 bites. I have baked chicken for L today and am hoping to get most of the 2oz in but I highly doubt it. Anyway.... on to my scale VICTORY!! I am officially down 30lbs post-op!!! (Ticker to reflect this later) YAY!!!! My "stall" has broken since last week due to all your help and advice!!! and for my NSV.... I fit into my size 14 slacks today!!!! So very excited!!! One more freakin pound and I'll be in ONEDERLAND!!!! Doing the Happy Dance!! Thank you all for your encouragement and advice!!! Thank you, Thank you, Thank you!!!

Yes, your taste buds do change; however, you do need to purchase some things to have on hand when you get home from the hospital and the week after. Here is a few things you'll want on hand: chicken, Veggie, Beef broth! Clear Protein drinks, either RTD (ready to drink) and/or powdered mix - I used Isopure RTD as well as Syntrax nectar mixes (I purchased the sample pack from www.mybariatricpantry.com) I highly recommend you doing this now and saving it for after surgery!! It's only like $13.00 and they give you one of each flavor! I also purchased the bariatric hot chocolate from them and drink it every morning. Creamed Soups like Campbell's soups- your choice of flavors Progresso soups- this is great blended up for added flavor after the broth gets old Fage greek yogurt - you can flavor it up with splenda and/or crystal light SF Pops SF Jello SF pudding You can also make homemade veggie Soup, chicken soup, etc and freeze them in small containers and defrost them as needed Again, go to www.mybariatricpantry.com and check out their samples! You need to pay attention to their carb/protein contents tho on some of their products. Some of their RTD stuff has caffeine in them. But if you buy their sample packs of Isopure and Syntrax Nectar, you're safe!

I MADE ONEDERLAND!!!! 198 this morning!!!

I MADE IT TO ONEDERLAND!!! I weighed in at 198 this morning!! Horrah!!!!

Thank you all so much!! It's hard cuz I ask my hubby everyday if I look skinnier and he always says "nah, not really". But that's cuz he see's me everyday! So, after I posted these pics I emailed them to him and he was like "WOW... now that I see photos side by side you can really tell you've lost weight! Great job honey!" That just made my day!

You are too sweet Kelly! Thank you!! ((blushing))

I had a wonderful Dr in Northridge, Ca. It's kinda far from Long Beach, but if you're willing to travel for an appt, I would HIGHLY recommend him. Here is his info: Dr. Uthaiah Kokkalera Center for Weight Loss Surgery Northridge Hospital Medical Center Tel: (877) 448-4448 Fax: (818) 775-9354

Thank you!! I meant to say *done to my face... not down to my face.... LOL Sorry for the large pic too... I couldnt figure out how to resize it on here.

So??? did you buy it and try it yet?? How well does it work?? Where did you buy it from? The website or did you find them at Bed, Bath, and Beyond?

Magnesium Citrate!!! This cleans your intestines out really good!! I know this isn't the most "ideal" way to break a stall, but it worked for me!!

Hey my fellow April Sleevers!! How's everyone doing? So... most of us should be on solid foods now, or at least transitioning to solids soon, and I was curious to see what everyone is eating, what works well for you, and what kinds of food simply dont work!! I'm on soft foods and will be going to solids next week. I'm really scared since I'm still not able to finish a full 1/4c of anything yet that's not pureed. How did all of you transition to solids? Did it work immediately or did it take time? Hope you all are doing well!! Stacy

O, I'm done and sleeved already!! But thank you!!

So, I'm on soft foods now and made my World Famous (in my families eyes) baked chicken teriyaki last night and brought some in for lunch today. I didnt eat any last night but here I am today, trying so hard to eat it when it dawned on me that it tastes, it tastes... Blah!! As if it really doesnt have any flavor. Has this happened to anyone else?? Is this what everyone says about our taste buds changing?? Are more of my favorite foods gonna start tasting blah to me???? Or did my chicken just not come out right this time?

What exactly do they tell you when you call? I have BCBS-Fed and once they receive your case, they have 5 days to process it! Which means, they should either have an approval/denial within those 5 days!! Call them everyday to check the status of it! When I called everyday they were all really nice to me and said that the case was being reviewed or they were missing paperwork, etc. They never said "it's being reviewed". They've had it since May???? That doesnt sound right at all... I would call and ask to speak to a supervisor!!