Rena's got this

Auburn, Alabama here. I've finally given up my 2X and Size 20 clothing also. I got on a local facebook yard sale group and got rid of them that way. It was amazing how quickly people responded to my ad. You might want to see if there is a group like this over in Birmingham.

I've purchased my Nike shoes, and wore them to Six Flags recently where I rode some of the roller coasters! I had no problems fitting in the seats this time!!! Also, I was finally able to ride my daughter's bicycle without feeling that I was making the tires go flat. I need to make some new goals now!

I dyed my hair 3 months out at home. I use a semi permanent color that washes out in 28 shampoos. No hair loss, even from the weight loss. The semi perm color I use makes my hair feel luxurious and doesn't dry it out at all.

If I hadn't had the surgery, I would probably have gotten bigger and bigger. My pre-diabetes would probably have developed into full-blown diabetes within 3 years. My sleep apnea would have gotten worse. My liver would still be showing the elevated enzymes of fatty liver disease. My cholesterol would still be extremely high, and my blood pressure would be nearing stroke levels. I would probably need knee replacement surgery within a few years. Now that I've lost nearly 50 pounds, my A1C levels (diabetes) are 5.2 (normal). I rarely use my CPap machine for my sleep apnea. My blood pressure, cholesterol and liver enzymes are now normal. I went to Six Flags and fit in all the rides, and my knees didn't give out from all the walking. People seem to be nicer to me for some reason....more respectful. I no longer have to struggle to paint my toenails, tie my shoes, or (TMI alert) wipe my backside. I tried to pick up a 50 pound bag of dog food at the grocery store last week. I couldn't do it. Amazing, isn't it?

Yes, I had my surgery on a Thursday and went back to work the following Monday. I thought I could do it with no problems, but found that I was so incredibly tired, that I had to do half days for part of the week.

I was only on clear liquids in the hospital for one day, then started full liquids. After I successfully completed the leak test was when they started me on full liquids, Jello, etc.

I don't really know, but it seems that he could buy a seat in first class for the price of two seats in coach. They are usually a bit larger. If it is in your budget you might consider flying that way.

I would actually love to work at a resort like Six Flags or Disney world. Just to be in a beautiful environment where everyone is having a good time would be like heaven. It doesn't really matter what I do there....could be a tour guide, a landscaper, even running an ice cream stand. It would all be good!

I got a tummy bug when I was 2 months out, and had the dry heaves for part of a morning. Well, a little stomach Fluid was produced, but no food. Other than that I haven't thrown up at all. I get the hiccups when I get overly full. I also had a hiatal hernia repair.

Seriously, don't stock up. I did, and now I have a lot of Syntrax items and unflavored Protein mix that I'm not using. I just don't like the Syntrax like I thought I would.

I'm nearly 4 months post surgery. I would love to eat a personal pan pizza from Pizza Hut, but when I actually get a slice of pizza, suddenly the craving goes away. I might manage to eat the toppings, but I seriously do not want the bread part. I used to eat so much bread that it amazes me when I don't even pick up any when I go grocery shopping now.

I eat steak, no problems at all. I started eating steak when I was able to move up from soft foods. In fact, my meals consist mostly of meat. Sometimes when I'm not so hungry, I'll drink a Premier Protein chocolate drink, but I prefer to get my protein directly from the source. I envy you!!!

I heard a lot of good reviews on the Syntrax Roadside Lemonade and I love lemonade so I went ahead and bought a big canister of it. I quickly discovered that I don't like it and now have a big tub of the stuff that I'll probably take to my support group to see if any of them like it. Just be careful that you like it before you stock up on anything...lol. Learned my lesson.

I am so bummed. One of my goals was to get to a point where I could jog or run again. I went to my orthopedist today and he said that I had arthritis in my right knee and running is not going to be an option for me. I suppose I'll have to find some other kind of exercise, but at this point, just walking more than a mile would be an accomplishment.

I've heard that alcohol hits you harder after WLS. Last night I tried a shot glass full of red wine for the first time post surgery. I got really loopy quickly, but it also went away quickly. I've only consumed alcohol in a social setting, but I'm not sure it is worth it at this point. It never was a high priority for me anyway. Yes, you need to figure out what is causing your symptoms. Sounds like it might be getting worse.

I'd like to hear more about the Chi style of running. Is it like power walking?

Shopping for clothes and dating!

I'd tell myself not to bother with pre-ordering Protein powders. I have a big bottle of Synthrax Roadside Lemonade Protein powder, and a lot of samples, plus another can of unflavored protein that I never use. I prefer just to eat meat for most of my protein, and I still love my Premier Protein chocolate drinks.

Nothing I've eaten has made me puke yet, and I am nearly 4 months post surgery. I can eat bread, mini candy bars, ice cream, fried foods, steak, anything that I ate prior to surgery. That said, I get a feeling when I eat simple carbs which isn't altogether pleasant. Not nauseating or anything, just an overly full feeling that I've learned to dislike intensely. I'm guessing that is the reason that I've been successful in losing 40+ pounds so far. Even though I don't puke, I am quickly learning to change my old eating habits. My food bill has gone down considerably. I hope this keeps up.

I'm on it, mainly at my request because both my mom and sister had to have their gallbladder's out. Neither one of them were obese when it happened. I would be sick if I had to have mine out when there was something I could have taken to prevent it. So far, so good.

Like the others, I really miss gulping Water. It is funny, I didn't realize that drinking a lot of ice cold water would be the one thing that I would miss the most, but it is. I used to be a diet coke drinker...one can a day, but that wasn't hard to give up. Another thing....I used to not like salads at all, but now, they are very tasty!

I've lost 40+ pounds and have been trying on swimsuits, and still can't find one that looks halfway decent on me. My legs look awful with all the cellulite. I look so much better in regular clothes, so I'm thinking I might just not get a swimsuit this year. I'm supposed to go to a WLS support group pool party in two weeks, but I'm sure they will understand...lol.

Pulled pork was good for me. I could chew that until it disintegrated. I didn't put it in a sandwich or anything.

I'm a little over 3 months now. I found the jerky and tried it just before I was two months out. I still love it, and had some every day this week. It satisfies my need to chew.

I have discovered Hickory Smoked Bacon Jerky by Trails Best, with the Duck Dynasty folks on the package. Each oz. contains 11 grams of Protein, 1 carb, and 8 grams of fat. Talk about getting your chewing fix!