Traci J.

Look at it as an average weekly loss, so you've lost an average of 4 lbs. a week, which is good. Anything over 2 lbs. a week is a good steady pace, so don't get too down on yourself. It'll come off. I stalled at between my 4th and 5th week so my loss wasn't what I was hoping either, but I've never lost this much and kept it off in the past, so I'm happy!

Can you up your carbs to where you start gaining and then hold it there? That is what I worry about to, my Dr. wants me at 150 but honestly I think I'd look sickly at that weight. I'd be happy with 180.

My surgeon said no lifting over 5 lbs. for 3 weeks, you don't want to cause a leak. He told the lady in my class that her grandchild would have to "crawl" up on her or be put on her lap, which she wasn't to thrilled about.

Take some gas-x, walk as much as you can, try a heating pad, and roll your shoulders back and forth, squeeze your shoulder blades together for a few seconds and release, gently rub circles on your belly to help move it around, and stretch as much as is comfortable. It gets better so don't let it get to ya.

I'd ask yourself how many times you've lost weight just to gain it all back plus some. I to was overweight, basically stuck at the same weight, for 10+ years and lost/gained the same 20 lbs. ...too bad I need to lose 120 lbs. If you think you can do it on your own, then why haven't you done it already? If you think you can do it on you own, and maintain the weight loss...then do the weight management. I myself knew I'd end up gaining it all back in the end, cause I'm a carboholic....so I had the sleeve done. Now I don't even want carbs and I know the weight I lose will be gone forever. Whatever you choose, I wish you well. Do what is right for you and feel good about it.

Congrats and I hope everything goes well with this one. It's hard to find a good one these days, so good luck.

soups, malt-o-meal, try the ricotta bake (search it), thin sliced ham, cheese

Congratulations, I hope everything goes well for you and that you have a quick recovery.

Congratulations! You may not be thrilled with the actual weight loss, but look at your inches lost...that's awesome! Keep up the good work and you'll be the bell of the ball come wedding time

If you drink beforehand, it takes up space in your stomach so you can't eat as much. If you drink during or right after it'll help wash the food out of your stomach so you're not "full" as long and will tend to eat more often....that is if you're hungry at all. I'm never hungry anyway, so I don't have to worry about that.... yet.

I didn't have one for about a week or so out, then have had one every other day since. You're not taking in much at this point so your body is holding onto it all. It'll improve.

Hey Dana, my nut said to stick with 700 calories a day until I see her again in April. I was sleeved 2 days before you, so we should be on the same stage....depending on our Dr's I guess. Have you tried warm decaf tea or coffee? Maybe those will sit better in your stomach. I myself haven't had any problem with anything so far, I've been lucky I guess. As far as foods go, I need to spice mine up quite a bit more than I used to....change of taste buds I guess.

Whatever helps you get it in, decaf tea/coffee, water, crystal lite, etc...

The weight loss will start back up, you probably just hit an early stall. Stalls will happen, your body has to adjust to the sudden weight loss. Also take your measurements, cause if you're in a long stall you will probably be losing inches instead. I'm 5 weeks out and still not getting all my liquids in, but my nut said that was normal at this stage. Just keep your eye on the prize...you'll get there. Good luck!

http://theworldaccordingtoeggface.blogspot.com/2009/10/party-time-confetti-bites.html Check this site out. I made the ham, egg & cheese mini muffins and froze them. I take 2-3 out and microwave them for about 45 seconds...great for quick snacks.

You look great! Keep up the good work.

Trust me, it is. I also was sent home off my diabetes meds, which is the reason I did the surgery in the first place honestly. The gain is from all the gas they put in you and the swelling; you will drop. I lost 21 lbs. in 21 days ...then stalled. Be prepared for the "3 week stall", I'm sure I've broke it but haven't weighed yet. Try to only weight once a week so you don't go nuts; I might weigh once a month. Good luck and hope you recover quickly.

You look fantastic! I don't see another 50 lbs. on ya to lose. Congrats!

Did you take your measurements. A stall at 3 weeks out is extremely common; however, when you're not losing weight your body is catching up to the weight you already lost, so your body will shrink. I stalled from my 3rd to 4th week, but lost 3.5 inches total also. Don't cheat, follow the program and you will continue to lose. You are going to have stalls, just part of the process. Good luck!

Yes, your calves should get smaller, but you might also lose a shoe size or 2. You probably should've waited on the sexy boots, but hopefully they'll fit great soon.

Congratulations on your success. I hope I'm 80 lbs. down at 4 months out. Keep up the great work. Thanks for sharing.

Congratulations, and we'll see you on the losers bench soon. Good luck!

Don't stress too much about it; I'm 5 weeks out and still only getting about 32-40 oz. in a day of liquids, but otherwise doing well. I have no signs of dehydration.

Awesome! You have an extra month before summer to lose more weight Wishing you the best and a speedy recovery.

I have never had PMS problems, but being 5 weeks out and due for TOM everyone in my house has noticed how snappy I've been. I've told them it's my hormones and they don't see why surgery would cause that.....but then again they don't understand crap! ...see, there I go again. If it continues I will talk to my Dr. about it, maybe up my anxiety meds or something, because I don't like being like that.