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I used Penzey's Northwoods seasoning on the greens (brussel sprouts) I ate pre-op. I still use it post-op on lots of things.

Six weeks out, started with less than half a quest bar.

My new fave treat these days is cottage cheese with sugar free raspberry jam, yum! I can't do the sugar free torani syrups, they seem to not agree with me even pre surgery.

The US does not have a great healthcare system either. I went to Mexico and without hesitation I can say I received better care there than I do here. I find it ironic that I have the best health insurance I've ever had, yet my care has not been on par with my expectations. My surgeon in Mexico identified a few issues that my doctor here ignored and refused to look into after I asked both verbally and in writing months before my surgery. I'm currently looking for a new doctor. I don't know if the doctor is necessarily the problem - I think insurance regulations and the "get em in get em out and make the most money doing it" mentality is the problem.

I finally broke down and bought myself some new bras, made me feel like a new woman! I also moved from a solid D into a C, but my band size didn't decrease that much.

I found a nutritionist here locally in Seattle, she just closed her practice. I am due for bloodwork but also need to find a new family doctor as he left the country for a missions trip. I am wondering if I'm anemic since I'm cold so often. I also probably need follow up for my acid reflux that I'm still struggling with. I see a scope in my future.

I am 3.5 months out. Today I had: Before I left for work - slice of boars head chicken breast Missed my usual premier Protein shake when I got to work Had 2 pieces of beef Jerky mid morning 1/2 tuna cake (similar to a crab cake), 2-3 bites of salad Quest bar 2oz salmon (dinner) Evening snack - slice of boars head chicken breast with cream cheese Pretty typical day besides missing my Breakfast shake. My appetite has picked up a bit, worries me. I have 3 meals and 1-2 Snacks, today I had 3 snacks! I also worked out at lunch and had a super busy work day. I wonder all the time if I'm eating too much. 66 lbs down since December 16.

I went to Mexico in mid-December, no regrets! I had excellent care with Dr. Ariel Ortiz. No complications and 66 lbs down. Start drinking lots of Water now. Stop soda, start multi-Vitamins. I started exercising a few days a week 2 months before surgery and I think it helped my recovery. Work on taking small bites and eating slower.

I work with a nutritionist that works with mostly WLS patients. Take this for what it is worth, I have no idea if this is valid. She explained to me that the skill of the surgeon is important because if the sleeve is not shaped correctly in the beginning, later on it can hold more food. She compared it to being shaped like a bell when shaped incorrectly- wider at the bottom. She said that while you would lose weight fine, it could hold more food later and make gaining easier, she told me this is why it is so important to select a surgeon with a good track record.

Premier Protein has been my go-to since pre-op. I know myself so I knew that ready to drink would work best with my schedule (12 hour workdays because of long commute). It comes in strawberry, vanilla and chocolate, does not need to be refrigerated (although it is much better cold) and is easy to grab n go. I take five to work every monday and have one most mornings, or afternoon snack. I am over 3 months out and still cannot get all my protein from food. Premier is economical too - $24 for 18 shakes at costco.

It takes a bit to learn routines (six classes for me), but Zumba has a great cardio burn and is a lot of fun!

I totally agree.

You were at OCC same week as me! Congrats!!

Way to go!!

Yes! And much less tolerant of being treated poorly or spoken to in a condescending way. Its like I'm losing patience along with the weight. I just keep telling myself it is the lack of carbs in my diet that makes me less tolerant

I tried them, like them but unfortunately they trigger sugar/carb cravings for me, they remind me too much of candy. Quest bars don't trigger the sugar cravings for me.

I have the same problem. I broke my tailbone in 2006 and think that is part of why I have pain. I also have pain when I lay on a yoga mat on my side (hips) and when I sleep on my tummy at night (ribs). I had padding for SO long it is strange to get used to! I'm not even halfway to goal yet

In hindsight, I would have been comfortable going alone. I also saw several solo travelers in the lobby. Don't get me wrong, I was thrilled to have my husband along!

I forgot to mention, surgery date on 12/16/13!

Doing great! HW - 280 SW after 2 week pre-op - 262 CW - 217 5 ft 8 - 44 years old Surgery with Ariel Ortiz in TJ Eating is fine, although I'm fighting head hunger and carb cravings somewhat. I think that's because we are at review time at work, sorta makes me anxious. I'm still drinking a premier shake every day and have no problem with that, not tired of them. Intake is probaby 500-600 calories per day. I'm taking Zumba classes 2-3 days a week. I'm adding a strength balance core class 1X per week starting today because I lost SO much muscle along with the weight. Love the Zumba, adore it! I was a size 24, now 16W or 18 regular. I'm in a weird place size wise. Still in plus size and regular women's are just a tad too tight. I think I might be in this size awhile as my loss seems to be slower now.

Best of luck to you SoCalMom! Turn on international roaming on your cell phone plan before you go. The coverage at OCC is spotty at best. It is better in the suites than it was in the lobby. We forgot to turn on our roaming and found ourselves calling our phone provider when we landed in San Diego. You will do great!

Clothing NSVs are so encouraging! I have a hard time seeing the changes in the mirror so smaller clothing is very tangible proof. I go to put my jeans on and think those will never fit, but they do! Amazes me every time.

The first month is so hard, it can be a very trying time. I had serious buyer's remorse for the first 5 days because I couldn't keep fluids down. I had a problem with acid. A liquid antacid worked much better for me than the crushed pills. My surgeon figured that out and I was good to go. After I healed I switched to pills (tip - get a prescription as it is cheaper than buying it over the counter) and they work fine. I turned a corner during weeks 5 and 6, I bet you do too! I will be three months out on 3/16. I'm at Zumba 3 days a week and feel great! The biggest problem I have is keeping my pants up! Keep your eye on the prize - things will get better!

Bad surgeons exist everywhere no matter what the price point. Period.

I had reflux before surgery but had no symptoms except an irritating cough. After my sleeve surgery it was discovered that I had a good amount of scar tissue in my esophagas from several years of acid reflux. My surgeon removed the scar tissue and fixed a hernia I had. Post surgery I now KNOW that I have reflux because i have symptoms (heartburn) which are controlled with prescription prilosec 2X/day (cheaper to run through insurance than buy it over the counter although it is the same product). The only difference is I have to stop eating 2 hours before bed or I wake up with acid in the early morning hours. Spicy food for dinner seems to be a no-no for me too, but I can have it earlier in the day.