Texasmeg

When they have lunch at work, we fill our own plates. They had Mexican food the other day and I got some fajita chicken (no tortilla) and some refried Beans. I threw away more than half of it and felt badly that I had taken so much. It seemed like a normal amount, but I forgot about my sleeve!

I had a yeast infection in the folds of my skin - it cleared up with jock-itch powder (recommended by the surgeon). My skin was bright red and rough.

You have to use a lot more willpower in the two weeks before surgery. The two weeks after surgery are tougher in a different way.

It sounds like you are on the right track and I look forward to hearing about your continued success.

First off, congrats on your weight loss to date! Don't beat yourself up - that is always counterproductive for us (but also hard to stop). How did the chicken and Cadbury egg make you feel (physically) since you are on soft foods. I'm worried about your health - I would hate to see you doing damage to your sleeve and ending up in the hospital. Many of us make mistakes and eat things we shouldn't, but if your compulsions are so strong that they might cause you harm, you may want to see a therapist. Take care of yourself & let us know how you are doing.

HW: 232 SW: 223 CE: 187 I had a very challenging week at work that required sacrificing sllep and workouts and included resturant food for several meals. I concentrated on eatin protein & drinking water - made it through with a 2 lb. loss! I'm loving my sleeve!!!

Sounds like good news - did he start you on some medication?

Every morning - naked and after I pee. It keeps me focused for now.

Great job! You look wonderful!

There are risks with changing and risks with staying the same - we tend to consider the risks of change as more important.

I like it too and I buy it at Costco by the case.

HW: 232 SW: 223 CW: 189

I've lost 43 since my surgery on Dec 31, 2013 and am very happy about it. I can't see your HW on the phone, but mine was relatively low at 232.

Thin or normal (we often call that thin). I would consider myself a normal size if I were a size 10 or 12 (at 5'6") and thin if I wore a size 8 or less.

Good to hear about the improvements in your health as well as to see the difference in your appearance. Great job!

I can't imagine taking that many pills right after surgery. Your stomach is swollen and is the size of a drinking straw. You may need to take all day to get them in. I always hear that people are taken off medication immediately afterwards, though. One thing I wish I'd known before hand (though I'm not sure I would have proceeded) is that I couldn't take my anti-inflammtory pill for 3 mos. (I have a herniated disk). I'm doing ok without it so far and am close to 3 mos. now.

That's the brand I used, too.

Congratulations! It's a great feeling.

Can you have a healthy snack mid-morning? I have an egg for breakfast (about 6:30 am) and a high protein/lo carb yogurt for mid-morning snack.

When was your surgery? My mouth was very dry in the first few weeks. I used a dry mouth mouthwash before bed and tried to drink all my water, but it just took time.

I could walk or bike until 6 weeks - then I was released for strength training and Pilates.

I walked or the first six weeks - I got up to 3 miles/day. After that, I got back to Pilates and the elliptical at the gym. Going back to Pilates was rough since I was used to have strong abs and didn't have them anymore. It's good now, though.

Thanks - I'm going to try that.

I am close to being overweight and that is a big goal for me!

By the way, I really enjoyed strength training because, after just a few weeks, I noticed evidence of improvement that I could see in my every day life (plus I developed biceps!). Since then I've switched to Pilates, which strengthens and elongates muscles, and I enjoy that even more. As a non-trainer, but a practitioner, I have four suggestions (I'm assuming this is your first time with strength training, but don't know): 1) Concentrate on the exercises that strengthen your "core" - abs and back. 2) Use your abs during every exercise 3) Each time you work out one muscle or muscle group, also work out the opposite muscle or muscle group (e.g., biceps and triceps). 4) Skip a day between working the same muscles. Have fun and let me know how you like the bowflex!