Jus1Nita

Last straw for me was standing in the dressing room at Lane Bryant trying to find something to wear on a "first-date" and instead of looking young, sexy, and appealing, I looked like someone's 5 ft. 2in. grandmother in a printed sundress with a cropped knit cardigan because there was not way in the world I was letting these fat arms see sunlight. There I stood, short and stout in a printed sundress and cardigan, which took all the sexiness out of the dress. I looked hideous.... I have small legs and a huge mid-section, so the dress stood out like a tent instead of hugging my legs to create a sexy look. The dress was so wide on the bottom, and it dragged the floor because Lane Bryant's clothes are cut for tall, large-framed women. I threw off the dress, and stormed out of Lane Bryant that day, cancelled the date, because there was no way I was going out with this handsome, totally fine 6-1 Adonis, looking like some old short, fat church-lady. I went home sat at the computer and scheduled myself for the next seminar at L.A. Bariatric in Marina Del Rey, CA. Within 3 months, I was sleeved. My entire process went like clock-work, and seemed to take on a life on its own. Because I had no medical issues, I was concerned that it would not be approved. But the insurance company approved it on the first letter. But working in the fashion apparel field where appearance is a priority, my job probably purchased the best bariatric plan because everyone on my job is getting WLS, which is why no one scoffs at it, and we talk freely about it. :-) I eventually had my first-date, and to my surprise, he was totally supportive of my decision, even though he preferred that I just do a supervised nutrition plan, and when I told him I do well on those plans but I could never get past 30 lbs, and its back in the other direction. My "first-date" and I are still going strong, and I am 5 lbs. past my 30 lb. turnaround. For the first time, I got past 30 lbs. and I am so thankful for the decision I made to feel better about myself.

Whewww... it was only beans! LOL I read "Taco Bell" and my eyes got as big as saucers thinking you were eating burritos and tacos. LOL Yes, refried Beans were a friend of mine 3 weeks post-op. Recently discovered they are high in carbs, so I cut back.

What helps me to abstain from all the bad foods is staying away from discussions about food! This thread makes me very hungry so I've been trying to figure out how to stop it from sending notices to my email. LOL. How do I "Unsubscribe" from this thread and constant talk about food! HELP! LOL Yay! Figured out how to "Unfollow" You all enjoy your day!

Your story is my story to the "T". I actually called my doctor and asked how much did he remove, and wanted to speak to anyone who was in the OR and witnessed the surgery because I didn't feel as though the doctor removed anything. From the first day of surgery, I was up out of bed flying around the hospital. In fact, the nurses had to keep up with me. LOL I drove myself to the hospital and my sister and mom came the day of surgery and stayed overnight nearby so that I can be driven home. Well I was in no pain so on the day of discharge since I was not on pain meds, I drove myself home while my sister rode as a passenger. LOL What I learned is that the "full feeling" everyone talks about after they've eaten two bites does not hit you until the nerves in your sleeve heal. Now, that I am two months out, I am uncomfortably full after about 2 - 3 ozs. of solids like dense Protein. I can get up to 4 ozs. of soft foods and feel full. Before the nerves healed, it was business as usual... I felt hungry all the time and never felt full. I remember getting frustrated because I was so hungry. I was like... What happened to the "since the portion of your stomach that produces ghrelin which triggers hunger is removed, you will feel less hungry". Well, I found out that it takes a while for the body to rid itself of the ghrelin after surgery! Again, now that it's been 2-months post-op, I can go forever before realizing that I haven't eaten because I don't get hungry. Ok, now that I've written an entire book here, LOL I say all that to say, give it time, stick to your post-op diet, even though you feel you can eat solids, your sleeve is still healing and the nerves are repairing themselves. Once the nerves are repaired you will begin to feel full just from looking at food! LOL Be careful, it takes your brain a little longer to catch up, and you'll find yourself fixing a plate with your normal portions and only eating two or three bites. When the time comes that you are back to eating solids, use a small salad plate instead of a large dinner plate, and measure your food. The plates I have were humongous, so I went and purchased smaller plates.

I generally believe people are smart! They know themselves and they know their body, they know what they can and cannot do, which has assisted them in making the choice to have WLS! Whether honeymooner or not to WLS, many here have a long history of dieting battles, and what I see from all the posts and everyone's story that has been shared, is just that... a sharing of "their" individual story and what works or doesn't work for them. Technically, if we want to give credibility to our advice, suggestions, and encouragement based upon seniority, I would pretty much say we are all veterans in our own right because we have struggled for years with the battle of obesity. This is a place where we "share" our stories, and if it helps someone, great! There is an old saying, "Eat the meat and spit out the bones". In other words, we use what we can glean, and cast aside what is not for us". No offense, no foul if someone else's story or suggestion is not the same as ours. If I could remain a honeymooner for life... All the better because that means my attitude remains uplifted, optimistic, vibrant, new, fresh, and zealous on this journey, instead of becoming an old grumpy, condescending vet that has it all together! Have a lovely day ladies and gents, and remember.... STAY BEAUTIFUL!!!

The one thing you have to remember with ecigs is that it still contains nicotine. During your pre-op labs they test for nicotine, because it is the nicotine that constricts the blood vessels. Now there are ecigs that are zero or very low nicotine like 5mg. I think they are called Squares or something like that. Since you have been 6 months nicotine-free, I wouldn't put the nicotine back. Try finding e-cigs that are 0mg nicotine.