JeanZ_RN

@@Sweet Pee I'd like to get whichever book it is that you've found useful. Could you post the title and author, please?

Congratulations! You're a good ambassador - thanks for spreading the word about WLS!

I have been dealing with these same issues recently, and I came across a book that I highly recommend: Attached: The New Science of Adult Attachment and How It Can Help You Find-and Keep-Love by Amir Levine and Rachel Heller (Dec 30, 2010) This is an excellent book for those dating and looking for love and those already in a relationship that is not working and they wonder why not. The authors do a great job explaining attachment theory not only from a scientific perspective but also from a real world perspective with examples. People basically have one of three attachment styles: >> Anxious = Often preoccupied with their relationships and tend to worry about their partner's ability to love them back. >> Avoidant = Equate intimacy with a loss of independence and constantly try to minimize closeness. >> Secure = Comfortable with intimacy and are usually warm and loving. The book is about the frustration people feel in relationships when these types cross. The more an Anxious wants to be close to an Avoidant, the more the Avoidant withdraws, fearful of losing their independence. Most with an Anxious style function fine in all other areas of life then discover they are very anxious in relationships, to their dismay. Anxious types many times confuse the feelings of being anxious with excitement toward a potential partner with an Avoidant style and miss out on people with a Secure style because they perceive them as boring. People with a Secure style tend to soothe and help Anxious types, while Avoidants trigger those with an Anxious style, which can lead to hopeless pursuits and wasted time. Two Avoidants rarely form a relationship because there is nothing to hold it together so they just drift apart. Through open and honest communication in relationships you should be able to identify if a possible partner is someone who can meet your needs. The book teaches that you always benefit from honest communication because it moves you toward your goal of the right relationship regardless of the outcome.

I'm considering some kind of fix for my "chicken neck," so I'm eager to read about others' experiences. @MichiganChic would you consider posting before and after pics?

What is your work situation? Floor nursing in a hospital? Admin job? And how long is your work day?

Big step, congratulations!

The 2nd ingredient is hydrolyzed collagenic Protein isolate. I'm pretty sure I read elsewhere on this site, some time ago, that collagen protein is not usable by our bodies. (I have not researched that statement.) Jean Z

My stats are below. I didn't/don't exercise, and I'm 60 years old. Best wishes!

"How long after sleeve does the weight [loss] completely stop?" Weight loss after surgery is not based on how far out one is from surgery. It happens because we change how much we eat and the kinds of food we eat. Therefore the weight loss will stop when you change your diet again.

My weight loss has "uncovered" something that feels like a bump at the lower end of my sternum (actually it's the xyphoid process), and it just protrudes. It doesn't hurt, it just seems odd. I asked my PCP about it, and she says it was probably always there and I'm just noticing it now because of the weight loss. Hope yours is the same!

Here is my version of the very simple rules I have to follow if I want to get to my goal weight and stay healthy: Consume 60-80 gm Protein per day and 60-80 oz of Clear liquids per day. Every day. Do not drink anything for at least 30 minutes before a meal or snack. If you forget and do drink, re-set the timer and wait another 30 minutes before you eat. Eat dense protein first at every meal. If you have room, eat a very few bites of non-starchy veggie in addition. Decide how many meals and/or protein Snacks you're going to have per day* (or how many calories) and stick to it. Every day. Do not eat between meals. Wait at least 30 minutes after every meal or snack before drinking anything. If your mouth gets really dry you could rinse after eating, brush your teeth or chew gum. I avoid alcohol because I'm concerned it would decrease my ability to resist bad food choices. Follow those rules at least 90% of the time, and you will succeed. For the other 10%, do not beat yourself up - just get back on the wagon immediately and Sleeve On! * The two ways I know of to lose weight are 1) Low calorie; 2) Low carb. I chose low carb because I can eat more volume and I don't have to count calories - the Atkins diet. I eat every 4 hours (8a, 12n, 4p and 8p), and I keep my carb intake as low as humanly possible. Both factors contribute to my never being hungry for very long at a time. Best wishes!

Wow! Congratulations!

My numbers are close to yours. I'm 5'3" - see my signature block for details.

Done

That precaution holds for any type of incision.