melody2

definitely make sure you're eating slower, taking very small bites of food and resting a couple of seconds between bites. this helps the first 4-6 weeks after surgery

Yum! Thank you for sharing.

Yeah for you and welcome. You're right...it's a tool that controls quantity but it's still an individual choice on quality.

Yes. Made famous by Kate Middleton before the royal marriage....she and her Mom followed the diet for several months. It's basically the Atkins diet with more seafood.

I love this idea! Wish I had started the scrapbook in April, when I had the surgery. It's never too late. Thank you for sharing.

Yeah for you! A great way to celebrate your success.

Oh my gosh, yes! It doesn't make sense, but being larger makes you almost invisible to people. I've only lost 40 lbs and yet people are now holding doors open for me, smiling, etc. And yet, I wonder if I'm more approachable because my confidence is returning and I make eye contact, smile, etc. Interesting question. Thank you for the post.

Depends on the airline but I think you will be fine. As a frequent flyer---few tips. Fly during "off-peak" times of the day and days of the week....this will ensure the flight is not packed like a sardine can. Of course, this tip is becoming less valid as airlines reduce the number of flights. Book a window seat...you have a little more wiggle room on the side. Of course, the exit row seats are the best. Be sure to ask for a seat extender when you first get on the plane, before you sit down....ask the first flight attendant you see. The extenders tend to go fast these days. Wear comfortable clothing and shoes....nothing that binds. The seat tray in front of you may not go down all the way....best to test before they offer an in-flight beverage. Again, depends on the type of aircraft. Smile. Make eye contact. You are a valuable human being and have every right to be there.

What a great post! Excellent NSVs!

Great post! Thank you for sharing. Congratulations on the surgery!

Great post! Congrats on the weight loss. You look awesome!

i'm 11 weeks out and 34 pounds down. i would like for it be 134 pounds down but i'm also trying to adopt a new healthy lifestyle, making good food choices. i'm thinking habits adopted now will serve me better long-term. from what i've seen on OH and other forums, you're very much on track. my NUT was very positive about my weight loss results and didn't have any concerns...says it was very normal.

it's a lot to read and try to remember. i finally created a notebook and kept everything in one place. and definitely write down things your NUT or doctor told you during the pre-op visits. there were times after surgery that i couldn't remember an instruction and had to refer back to my notes. wait...a minute...maybe that's just me and an age thing. good luck with your surgery!

This is very normal. Your body is still healing and trying to find its way, so to speak. You have lost 19 pounds. That is an accomplishment that can be celebrated. Be gentle with yourself and give yourself time. You got this. Stay the course.

great post! thank you. congratulations on your weight loss.

At first it's difficult to distinguish between "head hunger full" and "stomach full." Your tummy is full but your head says, "Really....that's it....that's all you're eating...." For me, tummy full means a few hiccups followed by a, "Hmmm.....will it hurt if I finish that last bite." I've learned the "will it hurt" thought appears because yes, I have consumed too much at times and had to walk around to get rid of that, "Oh my gosh...I just ate Thanksgiving dinner twice and I'm miserable," feeling. As your tummy heals, it will let you know when it's full.

It happens. You begin to "retrench" to what was comfortable before. Get determined that you can do this! You can do this! Work the plan we were taught prior to surgery---protein first, then fruits and veggies. Oh yeah, gotta have the Water. Believe me, when you eat the Protein first there is not much room for a cracker. However, it is nice to "crunch" something. You got this.

.....hmmmmm....

It definitely gets better. Feeling the food enter your stomach is a little weird at first, sort of like being pregnant and feeling the baby's movements (in a smaller way of course).

Yeah for you! I can hear the enthusiasm in your message. Thank you for sharing.

Way to go! What a great feeling!

If my insurance had not paid I would have considered this option. I love my sleeve and the weight loss so far. More importantly, I love how I'm growing and changing in other ways, beyond the scale. I don't judge the individuals who had surgery in Mexico. Like me, they too wanted a new lease on life. I think they talk more about their surgery in Mexico as a way to reassure others who are considering. Let's face it--when you mention having surgery in Mexico you immediately think the worse. There experience ease the minds of others who are scheduled and I think that's a win-win. And, I've posted comments about my wonderful surgeon in the US. It's call living in the "social media" age and sharing life experiences. Sure, it's marketing, in a way of sorts, but no one is twisting your arm to share you life experiences.

Thank you for sharing your story.

One large and three small.

Did you try the Premier shakes? They are somewhat tolerable. I tried Muscle Milk at first. It was horrible. Yuck. Yuck. Yuck.