NMJG

Thanks! I need some encouragement!

I split it in two then microwave it for 10 min or so. Adds some Water to the dish to create steam and cover tightly while cooking. The way to tell if it is done is when you run a fork through it, it shreds easily. A friend today suggested "hashbrowns" out of spaghetti squash. Cook it, then squeeze it to remove any liquid. Then cook it in a touch of hot oil or roast until crispy. Crispy sounds good, doesn't it?

Ugghhh, I'm so out of shape! My trainer is a deceptively cute little muscle mouse who is torturing me in the gym along with a dose of eternal perkiness. She says it will be sooo much better in a month that I won't believe it. Just about killed me today LOL. Doing this madness 3x a week. Hope I make it a month. I am remembering why I hate exercise and am such a lazy azz. Gotta turn this around!

For once, my doctor and I are on the same page. My personal goal (buck nekked in the morning) is 125. My doctor's goal is 127 (in the office with clothes on). When I was thin before, I was fairly stable at 140 (size 8) but I definitely had another 15 lbs. to lose, which puts me at 125. Hope to see it in 4 more months. I am 5'4 1/2"

Are you talking Texas bbq or southern style bbq with sauce? Texas style bbq (smoked, no sauce) is a great post-surgery thing to eat, lots of Protein. I think sauced bbq would not be so great post sleeve because there is a lot of sugar in bbq sauce between brown sugar, molasses, ketchup, fruit juice, etc., just my $0.02. Maybe if you scraped off the sauce. I'd also stick with coleslaw instead of potato salad, and skip the bread. And no Big Red lol

4 months for me. My dr recommended waiting for 4 months out. I tried a few leaves here and there around 3 1/2 months but couldn't do more than that.

Thanks for posting, interesting info. The stats are encouraging. Unfortunately, the study is a very small number of patients, 46. I look forward to seeing more published research with larger populations as more sleevers pour into the population over time. Sleevers 10 years from now will have so much more data available than we do.

You look downright sinful, LL!

My nut says shake liquids do not count towards the fluid total, but if you had a glass of milk outside of the shake, it would count. That's just me, tho, others may be different.

I like those big tea ball infusers for herbs and spices. Cheap and they keep the bits out of the water.

Hmmm, haven't thought about this. Tummy tuck maybe. It is just such a gift in itself.

I hope I'm not fat in my dreams because I'm usually naked for some reason. :0

Good girl, get back in the saddle. I had a rough holiday season, too, but am refocusing for 2014. Holiday season is soooo difficult. Best of luck to you.

Yeah, call in and talk to one of the other nuts and get it cleared up. No greek makes no sense.

Not true. Some sleevers do experience dumping, although it is not the norm. However, I agree that 3 days of diarrhea is not likely dumping, but some other issue, such as virus, flu, food poisoning, allergy, etc.

Just my opinion, but I say go to a neurologist. This has nothing to do with VSG.

Yum, this would be tasty with veggie sticks, too.

You are well within normal. Not everyone loses 20 pounds or more a month. Lots of us lose 10 lbs a month or even half that. However, To be sure you are making the most of your sleeve, follow the rules, because they really do make a difference: 1) get in 64 oz of liquids (non calorie) daily 2) get in at least 70 grams of protein or whatever number your doctor recommended 3) try to walk at least 30 minutes every day or more 4) avoid sweet drinks, sugar, sweetened coffees, fruit smoothies, etc.

Yes, it gets better. Every week improves. For me it was around 3-4 months, but everyone is different. Give it time

Am wondering about the effects of massage on our weight losing bodies. I am not a massage therapist or a doctor, but I have some thoughts about the benefits of it, particularly for WLS. Would love to hear others's thoughts on this topic. Of course, I am trying to justify as many massages as my pocketbook can afford, but it is an interesting topic. My thoughts on why massage is beneficial for WLS (again, purely conjecture here, no data to back any of this up) It gets your blood, lymph, circulation etc. moving, which can only be beneficial in aiding weight loss It smooths out fat lumps and helps you lose more evenly The moisturizing oils smoothed into the skin helps with sagging and loose skin Makes you feel good and less stressed so you are better able to stay on plan, eat right, and avoid emotional eating or drinking and junk food Gives you more body awareness, helps you to learn to love your body, improves self image and esteem So what do y'all think?

Happy New Year!

After four and a half months I would say my energy level and stamina is much better. Organization wise and forgetting things, nothing has changed. In fact, maybe worse because I am so preoccupied with getting enough Water, Protein, exercise, etc.

I prefer to share but family often doesn't order anything I want to eat. I tend to order side dishes or appetizers. I also have a card from my dr but have never used it. I embarrass my 20 yr old son all the time because I'm so high maintenance eating out, but I do tip well for good service. My town is very small and the waitresses all know us, so sometimes they worry I'm not eating enough or didn't like my meal. I have to reassure them it's ok. I've given up trying to avoid a drink, they get so concerned. Now I just order Water and don't drink it LOL.

There are lots of people with different views on this topic. For me, negativity and nosiness from others was my reason for keeping it private between my husband and two grown kids. No one else, not at work, friends, other relatives, strangers, etc. knows about my surgery. I am a private person and my healthcare is no one else's business, but that is just me.

Welcome back, Dave! That's an amazing loss. Stick around, we would love to hear about your experiences.