Tim H.

You're right. It is scary. And I hope I don't look as bad as some of these "befores" when I reach my goal weight. But I'm trying to prepare myself for the reality that I'll more than likely have to have surgery. At my heaviest, I was more than 200 lbs overweight, and I don't think my skin is going to bounce back from that.

I was a classroom teacher for about ten years (high school English), but now I'm working as a school librarian.

This tip comes at a good time for me. I'm struggling to get down my water. Sometimes it's hard to drink it plain. Thanks!

I didn't go alone either, but like Amanda said, I think I would have been fine if I had.

Tomorrow, I'll be three months out from surgery, and I'm down 85 pounds since starting my pre-op diet on March 1st, when these before photos were taken. I had my surgery with Dr. Garcia in Tijuana. So far, so good. Lots more to go, though.

I had my surgery done over spring break and I took 2 additional weeks off. Honestly I could have gone back without the 2 additional weeks, but I'm still glad I had them.

Next Sunday night, June 23rd, Food Network Star will feature a Cinepolis theater. From the previews, it looks just like the VIP section in the theater that's just up the hill from the Marriott. Might be worth checking out if you're considering watching a movie while in Tijuana.

http://www.cinepolis.com/_CARTELERA/cartelera.aspx?ic=44 This link lists the showtimes for all the Cinepolis theaters in Tijuana. You want to look for the listings at the Galerias Hipodromo shopping center. It's just about a mile or so up the hill from the Marriott. If the listed movie has "Sub" next to it, that means the movie is in English with Spanish subtitles. Remember that VIP tickets are about 10 a person, but they are very nice, comfy seats. Worth it, in my opinion. The non-VIP would be cheaper, but I'm not sure how much. http://www.waymarking.com/waymarks/WMDZ5Z_Galerias_Hipodromo_Cinepolis_VIP__Tijuana_Mexico This link just has a few pictures and a little info about the theater. Hope this helps. You can probably catch a cab ride for 5 bucks or so if you don't feel like walking.

I'm not sure.

Misty_eyes, how are you liking those resistance bands? I'm thinking of ordering the same set.

Congrats! Very pretty.

I really like Dannon light n fit Greek. Only 80 calories and really tasty, and I can't stand plain Greek yogurt.

I use Syntha 6 vanilla ice cream flavor whey protein. It's pretty good. Kind of sweet, though. I like it better than the Wal Mart brand vanilla I have.

I made these today, and they came out nice. I'd grade them a B. I'd like to try them with a different juice, like orange juice. I think with that change, they would be an A. Anyway, in a blender mix -2 scoops of vanilla Protein powder (I used Syntha 6 vanilla ice cream) -1 container of Greek yogurt with fruit (I used a 5.3 oz Dannon Light N Fit pineapple) -8 oz of light fruit juice (I used some low cal strawberry banana 50 cal) -1/2 tsp of Orange extract When blended, pour into popsicle molds and freeze. I used some smaller molds, and this made 8 pops. Here is the nutritional info: Per pop Calories 64 Protein 7 Carb 5.8 Sugar 2.9 Fat 1.5 [ATTACH]13824[/ATTACH]

They taste a little like those orange push-up pops we used to eat as kids.

Yes catch a cab (or walk) to the Cinepolis theater just up the hill from the Marriott. I highly recommend the VIP package - awesome leather recliners. Less than 10 bucks... can't remember the exact cost. They also have ushers who will bring you a menu and serve you. My guest ate a full meal. I just ordered bottled water. I saw Jack and the Giant Slayer there in March. It was in English with Spanish subtitles. I found a website that listed the showtimes and whether the movies were SPA (in Spanish) or SUB (in English and subtitled). Wish I could remember which site it was. Oh, if you pay with American money, they cannot make change at the theater, so try to take different denominations of bills so you can get close to the exact dollar amount.

I'm also a teacher. I had my sleeve done over spring break in Tijuana with Dr. Garcia. I went through Ready4achange and Alma was my coordinator. I had a high bmi (over 50), so my cost was $5200 plus the cost of my passport, plane tickets, etc. With everything, I probably spent $6000. I highly recommend Dr. Garcia.

Last night I made these up. I had one for a snack earlier today, and it was delicious. This is a great way to get some Protein in, especially if you have a hard time tolerating shakes. I'm going to experiment a little with the recipe and change up the flavor of Protein powder and yogurt to see what other flavor combinations work well together. Dannon Light and Fit yogurt would knock about 8 calories off per pop, too. I was just out of that brand when I made these. Double Chocolate/Black Cherry Protein Pops In a blender, combine the following -2 scoops of chocolate protein powder (I used what I had on hand, the Walgreens brand) -1 6oz container of Greek yogurt with fruit (I used Great Value's Greek yogurt with black cherry) -8 oz of unsweetened vanilla almond milk After blending, pour into popsicle molds. Freeze and enjoy. This recipe filled five molds for me. Here is the nutritional information for each pop: Calories 94 Carbs 8 Fat 1 Protein 13.4 Sodium 83 Sugar 5

Mmm. That sounds great. I could also do a vanilla powder, blueberry yogurt, and a little lemon extract. I think I'd like those flavors together.

The black cherry and chocolate go really well together.

http://www.verticalsleevetalk.com/topic/82505-double-chocolateblack-cherry-protein-pops/ Hey, check out this thread. I froze some Protein last night, and it was very good. Much easier to tolerate than the shakes. My recipe is there. I mixed in some Greek Yogurt to give it some creaminess.

I had my surgery on March 18th in Tijuana with Dr. Garcia. So far, everything has been great. I've lost 70 pounds, and I'm feeling awesome. I still have a long way to go, though.

I can't wait until I can stand in a chair to reach something without fearing it's going to collapse under me.