JanetPRN

My signal is a slightly runny nose. Not the "omg- I have a horrible cold" snotty nose, just an ever so slight drip . It my clue to stop eating , or else. I made that mistake only twice ( slow learner) . Going past the point full point is very uncomfortable and not something I ever want to do again.

I am 2 months out and my plan is to wear my new black skinny jeans, put on some heels and work the room! I think if I look good , I'll feel good and feel anything but deprived. On my plate I'll have turkey , my moms sausage stuffing ( the absolute best!!!) and some yams. I may put other foods on my plate for appearances sake. The majority of the people in the room know of my surgery and truthfully , I dont want anyone to feel bad because they think I "can't" eat Thanksgiving dinner. My sleeve of steel will allow to have the things I like, but only in sample size portions. I am looking for to it!

Awesome ! Love the skinny jeans!

My advice is too start your pre-op work up . GERD , sleep apnea may show up on those work ups. Look for another surgeon; lap band is falling out of favor in the medical community due to potential complications down the road. BTW I was approved with a BMI of 36 on my first try. My only comorbidity is GERD. It's possible.

I also have the "RN" in my user name. I am proud to be a nurse, but not too proud to admit I jeopardized my own health by becoming overweight throughout the years. For me ,too many long 12 hour( plus) shifts meant skipping meals because I was too busy for a break, but then only too overeat at home.I also rationalized that I was too tired too exercise. We are trained to educate our patients about health maintenance , but often ignore our own advice. When I decided to take on WLS, I probed medical journals ( ANA/AMA) , docs, surgeons and nutritionists. In some ways, I had to really look hard at VSG because my only experience with that patient population was the people who had significant problems. ( like RJ had). I believe being a nurse can give a person some credibility on forums. We combine scientific knowledge with an empathic ear. It doesn't hurt that gross bodily sounds, smells or functions don't faze us!

I am have never been successful with food journaling, but I will agree that MFP and Fitbit are great. Great synergy b/w the 2 apps. I journal Everything now, it keeps me honest with myself. I'd love to hear more about the bariatric app!

Have you tried taking acid reducers such as Prilosec? It could be a Gerd /reflux issue.The fact that this happens at night ( when you are lying flat) leads me to think that. Try sleeping eleavated on extra pillows or in a recliner for a couple of days to see if it doesn't improve. Good luck , feel better!

Make sure you bring some small hand me downs to return the favor. Some people just have it coming! ( I guess this makes me evil, too)

Start putting your face on your pictures because your confidence needs to catch up with your progress. Remember how inspiring others peoples pics are? YOU are the inspiration and motivation for many of us . Keep up the great job!

Keep up with the vibrant colors, you look amazing , healthy and happy!

I just came back from a girls weekend in Atlantic City. At 6 weeks post op, I was so worried about would I eat - or what could I eat? I also didn't want to be the center of attention when we were picking meals. Guess what? I found I could eat pretty much anything I wanted, albeit tiny portions. I enjoyed some eggplant Parm, Veal cutlet , eggs, bacon, mini cheese burger( no bread) a glass of wine, some pancake, and a little Pasta over 2 1/2 days . I also brought my Protein shakes, apple sauce, instant cream of wheat as a safety net . My portions were small , but I was satisfied. I even sampled a cannoli! Bottom line is at 6 weeks, I can enjoy many (most) foods in small quantities. I also came home 2 lbs lighter.! I try to make good choices, accept my portion limits , and I realize an occasional indiscretion won't derail my weight loss.

I had my sleeve so I don't have to diet any more! If you really really want something " not healthy" I say you should have it. Heaven knows you won't be able to eat the whole thing, just get it out of your system and then make your next meal count for nutrition. If you want nothing but junk food , that's not a craving, that's self destructive. Figure out what it is that you really want. An occasional treat will not destroy your overall progress in the long run.

I'm doing good , down 30 lbs also. I feel great most of the time , but occasionally struggle with getting tired . Absolutely no discomfort , and still trying to figure out a meal plan/ schedule. I am tracking my calories and find it difficult to go over 600 cal per day. That's probably why I'm still tired! How are all doing ?

I have two little 5 lbs dogs, Piper and Trigger, who both like to sit on my lap at the same time. My scale informed me this morning that I lost 30 lbs in 5 weeks. That makes me very happy but it got me thinking- I have lost 6 dogs!!!! I tried to imagine where I could fit 6 dogs on my body at the same time and it made me giggle because the thought is so ridiculous. Let me know what you have lost. I am really enjoying this sleeve thing

I love seeing these pics, so inspirational to us newbies. Thanks for sharing!

One fabulously fit man trumps my 6 dogs , lol!

I love it ! Checked luggage , what a great visual. Congrats !

I hate my chewable bariatric vitamins also. I crush them and add them to a spoonful of applesauce. Much easier for me to eat this way. Good luck.

My Top Ten list for my first month sleeved: #10): The difference between weeks 3 and 4 are incredible. Week 3 still had some gas and incisional "pinches and twitches". At 4 weeks - almost nothing. #9): Glad I waited 4 weeks to go back to work since they frown on nap-time. I really enjoyed my 3 pm snoozes. #8): Eating is minimally interesting. Seriously- I can take it or leave it. My Fitness Pal keeps me honest. #7): I am starting to understand "eat to live, not live to eat". Without the sleeve, that saying just pissed me off because I didn't get it; especially if I was hungry! #6): Single serving envelopes of unjury fit great even in the smallest of purses so I have no excuse to ever skip a meal , or Protein drink. strawberry Sorbet mixes well with Water or diet lemonade and is actually quite good. #5): I kind of feel like my face is melting. I need a really good wrinkle cream . Any suggestions? #4): All my intentions of going to the gym does not equal going to the gym."It's the thought that counts" definitely does not apply. #3): Chopped up meat or poultry can be added to almost any Soup and it doesn't look like pathetic baby food, and counts as protein, fluids and veggies. #2): Birthdays do not need to involve cake, restaurants or cocktails. Hubby had a tough time with this one, so we went to Atlantic City and stayed at the Revel Resort instead. Nice compromise, Ka-ching! I won $240. and # 1) 27 lbs down in one month, 'nuff said.

Depending on your surgeon, you may up to having pureed or mushy foods. A couple of spoonfuls of mashed potatoes with a gravy is probably the most you"ll be able to handle. Don't feel bad, though. Everyone around you will be whining until January about how tight their pants got over the holidays. By Christmas, you will be needing new smaller clothes, I bet!

Serenity, Think of it this way; you have lost 120lbs or the equivialnt of 1 normal weight drinking buddy. You can no longer drink for the 2 of you! You have been moved back to novice/lightweight drinking category, and thats a good thing :tongue2:

Not enough protein, not enough water, and not many calories will cause a body to go into conservation mode for a little while. Do a search on dreaded "3 week stall" . It happens/ happened to all of us. Don't panic, it passes. Keep up on your walking, nutrition and fluids and you will be fine. I think 14lbs in 2 weeks is awesome!

Great pics! You look like you are doing great