ShellBell25

A suggestion from a friend of mine was to give myself a visual reminder of where I was....and where I was going through the use of motivation jars. Get 2 glass vases (I chose a short, squat one to start because that's how I see myself NOW.....a taller, thin one for the end because that's where I hope to be), find some pretty glass rocks, beads, etc. to place in the first vase to represent the pounds that you want to lose. As you lose, you move 1 bead per pound from the first to the 2nd jar. You will be able to visually check yourself and make sure the 2nd jar is getting more full while the first one is emptying. It's a triumphant moment when you move that bead from one jar to the next. When your 1st jar is empty you have reached your goal....and perhaps it's time to add some more beads and set a new goal! I'm a visual person so this is very motivating for me.....my kids have even joined the fun and ask every morning, can I move your bead today? LOL Hope the picture attaches!

I'm a teacher from Navasota, TX. Sleeved on June 24th....down 35 lbs. Absolutely LOVE my sleeve!!

That's fantastic!!! Wishing you and your husband the best! What a joy!

Chinamama - LOVE that idea!! Then you'd have your money already set aside!

TWsport....so glad to hear that you came through to the other side! Welcome to the loser's bench...sorry it was such a rough start but hopefully you'll be smooth sailing before long! Praying for continued healing for you and for a little more strength everyday! Congratulations!

Wow Michelle, That's a lot going on right now. Even more prayers headed your way as you and your family deal with this sorrow. Perhaps it was better to have the surgery changed to Wed. I will continue to think of you and pray that all things go well for you. So sorry to hear of your loss.

BarNone- Tomorrow's your day! Are you so excited you can hardly stand it? Praying for you and your loved ones that will be going through this with you tomorrow! I am sure that all will go well! Hope to hear from you in a few days that you are doing well! God speed!

My husband & I both found issues with MFP this morning as well. All seems to be resolved now this evening.

So glad to hear it! Everyday gets better from here! The desire for some REAL food starts to go away as you get to eat something. The first week of "head hunger" was pretty bad.But it's all worth it!

My response really is.....this was MY decision. It's not right for everyone, but it was right for me! Someone told me their response was " I'm sorry....Your opinion didn't really figure into what I decided to do so I didn't think to ask you BEFORE I made my decision!" LOL Guess you just need to get to a place where what others say doesn't really bother you. It isn't the right decision for everyone.....but I KNOW it was the right one for me and I'd never go back!

Very cute! She actually may have gotten the idea from Pinterest too!

I too have that goal! I have lost 26 lbs so far and tried it the other day, but it is not time yet! I have a gorgeous diamond that I have not been able to wear for the past 9 years.....so looking forward to being able to get it back on! Congratulations! I know what a great moment this is for you!

Fabulously said! Love it!

Wow! You look GREAT!! Way to go!

Well you won't be able to drive anywhere for a few days so consider that. I cleaned the house real well right before surgery, stocked up on groceries that would be needed, bought some more unhealthy but "quick", easy things for the kids to eat...lunchables, pizza rolls, chicken nuggets, poptarts, popsicles,etc. and a lot of protein shakes for me, mowed the lawn, did ALL the laundry, found the heating pad & all my really comfortable, loose lounge pants. It was nice to come home and have all that done! I was able to move around on my own, even in the hospital, so it isn't like you will not be able to move....it will just hurt a little. My kids are a little older, the youngest 9, so they could get their own lunchables, or make a PB & J for a few days. By day 4 post op I was awake a lot more and more ready to be a Mom again! You'll do fine I'm sure! My kids were very understanding and were quite helpful.....but are glad that Mom's back now!

My dr. says NO GRAPES....but I'm not sure why they off the list??

Penguin13 - You really WILL start to feel better in a few days. Just walk, try to get in your fluids, and rest when you can. I'm still having a bit of trouble with my largest incision 13 days post op, but it's pretty minor. But today I weighed myself and I finally made it under 200 lbs. I first reached 200 lbs. on the day that I delivered my first son, nearly 21 years ago and I have been fighting to get below and stay below since. It is a pretty amazing feeling to know that I will NEVER have to worry about a "2" in my hundreds place again!! I'm loving my sleeve, but the transition for the first couple of weeks was rough at times. Be patient....it will ALL be worth it!

Yes Ma'am! I am constantly amazed that I am not hungry and the pounds keep coming off. I am in a bit of a slump right now but I am not even concerned about it, I KNOW that things will continue as they are supposed to! I have 3 close friends that have gone through the journey before me and they look and feel amazing! A constant inspiration to me! It is just so wonderful NOT to be controlled by food any longer! Don't get me wrong, I'm working my tail off too....trying to get as much exercise in as I can take. I am ready for the change and am prepared to be successful!! I got a "Fitbit Zip" which makes it a lot more fun. It syncs to my iphone automatically and tells me how many steps I take a day, how many calories I burn, you can input your food to see how many calories you are eating, shows graphs of my weight loss, input your daily activities and it calculates calories burned, etc. It's GREAT!! And I find myself challenged to meet and beat my previous numbers!! It was pretty inexpensive too....only $45 at Best Buy. I LOVE it....and I love the challenge it brings me!

It's July 6th and we're all waiting to hear....hope you are doing well!! We've been praying for a safe and successful surgery for you!! God speed!

Yes, with BCBS if your BMI is between 35-39 you must have 2 comorbid conditions to qualify. If you're close, I agree....just eat more until then! I have heard of people wearing loose legged pants and putting on ankle weights for their appointments though. They really don't ask you to disrobe or anything??? Might be an idea? Good luck!

Michelle- So excited for you! I do not think you will be disappointed with this surgery! My prayers go with you and all those who love you and walk beside you on this journey! I look forward to hearing from you after Tuesday to let us all know how things went. God bless!

Wow Mommyg22 you sound like you are well on your way already!! My surgery was shortly before yours...June 24th. I am also doing well and loving my sleeve!

Wow Richard!! Amazing to see it catalogued in pictures! Thanks for sharing! You look great! Very inspirational!