melody2

hope you are feeling better soon. prayers sent your way.

That's beyond super cool! Way to go! Your smile radiates and you can see the happiness from within. Great job!

Happy dance! Happy dance! Congratulations on a great success moment!

Congrats on the weight loss! This is awesome. I think the sleeve is a journey, one that is fast at times, slow as molasses at other times, uphill, downhill and wanders across washed out bridges and various obstacles. In the end, we look back and realize the journey tried our patience, challenged us, frustrated us and made us laugh or cry. Yet, we are becoming better one step at a time, one obstacle at a time, and one success story at a time. You’re on a journey and you're doing just fine. Stay the course, adjust the compass and keep moving. You got this.

after awhile, the sleeve will allow you to eat most anything. however, it's your body that's in the background saying, "i need Protein...i need my Vitamins...i need nutrition." slider foods like fries, chips, etc., are easy to consume in quantities because they are easy to chew; however, you'll eventually become full and the sleeve will let you know, one way or the other. then your body will say, "hello....thought i was getting some protein....." seriously, the sleeve manages quantity not quality. personally, i think its ok to have fries and pizza, just in moderation. they are yummy. just remember that nutrition and healthy foods come first in order to support your physical and mental strength.

you look awesome! great job on the weight loss. you can truly see your smile in the last picture....the one that truly radiates from inside. great job.

Congrats on the two weeks and the weight loss! I understand about the frustration with the job; however, I can only say that as you lose weight you gain confidence and that confidence will take you into the next stage or season of your life (as least it did for me). You'll ride up/down in an elevator with co-workers and you will not look at the floor but hold your head up and begin a conversation. You will have a sense of peace about who you are and that is worth more than any job. Stay the course, treat yourself with gentleness and kindness, remember this is a journey and enjoy the heck out of that journey. You got this.

Pillows. Lots of pillows. Definitely have a pillow for the ride home. Great to hold next to your tummy and minimize the bumps in the road.

Well, it all just sucks right now. The third week is one of the hardest. Ok, so it sucks. You have two choices--do nothing, do something. Pick yourself up, dust yourself off, and get determined. You got this. You can do it. Remember, you still have all of those hormones running around....bound to make you feel discouraged.

you will notice a major difference once you begin eating protein vs. drinking protein. your tummy will say, "whoa...wait a minute...not so fast...not too much at one time...hey, did you really chew that enough....."

I drink Zico coconut water, 16 oz, a couple of times a week. Yes, it has about 90 calories and 22 carbs for 16 ounces, but it contains 470 mg of potassium. Drink it cold.

You're doing great. 50 lbs is a lot of weight. You can definitely tell the difference.

If the pain is non stop then definitely call your doctor. If the pain comes and goes, I would try walking to see if the movement helps alleviate the gas pains.

It's all about the Water. I felt the same way 3-4 weeks out. Someone on the forum suggested I increase my water consumption and I noticed an immediate difference in two days. Yeah, it's hard to think about drinking 64 ounces of anything but it makes a difference. I just keep a bottle of water or G2 Gatorade (watch the carbs) with me at all times. The new water enhancers by Dasani, Crystal Light and yes, even Kool-Aid, or great ways to get flavor without calories or carbs. It's weird...I drink so much Fluid, yet I don't make frequent bathroom stops as you would normally think. But I definitely have more energy.

great job!

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did the doctor prescribe anything for the heartburn or acid reflux? if not, definitely give them a call. it's common practice to take something for the reflux/heartburn for the first six months.

Prayers sent your way for a safe and speedy surgery. It's ok to worry....very natural. Pain is manageable....be sure to let your nurse how you are feeling at all times.....they can help manage the nausea or dizziness. Good luck.

You got this! The next stage is easier.

sorry, just realized you may not be on the mushy food yet.

tuna fish is a great option. i make mine with sugar free relish and lite mayo.

Very normal to encounter a weight stall and Aunt Flo at the same time. Your body is adjusting. Make sure you're drinking water as required. Water keeps you regulated on so many fronts, including that time of the month. I just went through the same situation last month and when Aunt Flo finally appeared, the scale reflected a loss of 5 lbs (3 pounds were from a previous gain). Words of wisdom--try not to weigh 3-4 days prior to your period or 1-2 days afterwards. It will save you worry. Keep up the hydration. Breathe and listen to your body. What's it telling you?

Way to go!

Isopure in the glass bottle is the best. Definitely drink very cold. Sometimes I freeze a little to make it slushy. Apple Melon is a good flavor. Also, you're entering the healing phase of your surgery and sometimes the second week can be harder....it was for me. Be gentle with yourself and remember you had major surgery. Rest, walk a little, and rest. Wear your favorite PJs....don't try to over do things....no marathons in eating...slow and steady. Each day gets better.