Texasmeg

According to the State Dept. website, Japan requires you to have an original prescription signed by a doctor and a letter stating the purpose of the meds. Even then, they may not let some through (and the State Dept. said it isn't clear which ones - they don't have a copy of the list).

I am also a proponent of strength training. I think my abs (where skin is loose) look much better now. Also, it can be done in such a way that it is also a cardio woorkout. For those of you that have bad knees - i have those plus a herniated disk. My trainer has designed a program to strengthen the muscles supporting these areas and to stabilize them. Pain has lessened considerably. I amaze myself daily by bending my knees and squatting to pick things off of the floor!

HW: 232 SW: 223 CW: 158 TPL: 74 TPG: 70 TPNG (new goal): 82 I lost 1 lb this week. Only 8 lbs from my final goal!

My balance is awful and my hip flexors are tight. My trainer has been trying to combine balance and strength training (e.g., one legged squat to row and rear lunges while he throws me a medicine ball from different locations). I do fall over sometimes - but I'm improving!

How exciting! Wonderful job, keep up the good work!

I believe that, as painful as it is, this phase is absolutely necessary to reset our minds. I call it "hitting a wall." It will get better every day and, very likely, you will look back on this process with gratitude.

Piggy

I have a desk job and went back after two weeks. I usually work 50 - 60 hours/week, but told my boss I would only be working 40 for the first two weeks. I did ok, but was really tired at the end of the day. After two months there were no issues at all.

We are at 86% of our goal! If you think about it...18 people have lost almost 2000 pounds! That is INCREDIBLE! Congratulations to each and every one of you for your hard work and dedication to this journey! That is amazing - 18 people with an average of 111lbs and 86% of goal! Way to go December 2013 sleevers!

HW: 232 SW: 223 CW: 159 TPL: 73 TPG: 70 Total pounds to new (final) goal: 82 Lost 1 lb this week

Congratulations! Did you do anything special this week?

At eight months out, mine still makes loud noises, just not as frequently.

All I can say is, how did you get in my head and read my thoughts? I have a "goal" of 150 lbs., but don't want to turn this journey into a diet. I don't want to look for ways to cheat, feel guilty, and eat more. I do want to eat according to the healthy guidelines I am following and I want to keep working out several times a week because it makes me feel great. Let me know when you have an answer!

You certainly want B-12 and Iron levels. Vitamin D would be good to check as well.

Getting Premier Protein by the case can be tricky - it starts to solidify over time (though I've heard someone say it is fine to "drink" after that). You have to "drink up" pretty quickly to keep it from happening.

It absolutely will get better (and faster than you will believe). Hang in there and ask yourself the same question two months after surgery - I know you'll have the answer then.

I've been there, too (pre-surgery). My husband is a diabetic, though, so we had challenges. They have lots of delicious fish and meat dishes and don't serve Pasta like they do here (as a meal - it is a small dish that is part of a meal). Everything they fix is simple and about the freshest, most in-season ingredients. It is nothing like US Italian food. Try to pick the dish with an in-season food. In the fall, it is often mushrooms. Breakfast is usually coffee and a sweet biscuit - look for places that advertise "American Breakfast". The biggest problem I think you will have is, if you go to a nice restaurant, they serve several courses (appetizer, antipasto, pasta, meat/fish, salad, fruit/cheese, and then dessert). They serve side dishes along with these. You can take each course and play around with it (without really eating) or you can tell them what you want (the waiters are snobs and won't be happy, but that is their problem). Of course, everyone seems to drink lots of wine, too. When we went to Croatia, I found that they don't sell Protein shakes so, unless you mix your own from powder, you will have to try to eat meat and cheese often. You should try to find a store and buy some sliced meat and cheese (or greek yogurt) to store in a fridge at your hotel. Just tell people you are eating healthier and stick to your plan as much as possible. When I went to Italy (pre-surgery), I ate anything and everything I wanted. However, I walked nonstop all day and evening and ended up losing weight unintentionally! Good luck and let us know how it went!

Your husband says you move differently - like you are younger!

I have had tremors in my index and ring fingers.

Cowgirl, I'm so sorry for your losses and am glad that you can share your grief here. My thoughts are with you as you struggle with the grief and maintaining your transformation. Take care.

Stayed the same this week, but not sure that tells the whole story. I did an hour of strength training three times and an hour of pilates. I suspect I'm building muscle. I'm feeling strong!

Congratulations!!! It's a great feeling!

I think it is easier after you start to lose weight. The weight loss motivates you to do more and the exercise helps with the weight loss. I've been happy to see my skin tighten up by doing more strength training. Find something you enjoy doing - that helps a lot.

Me too, please!

I told them I was having surgery and didn't say what it was for. I was surprised when colleagues began to ask what it was for (I thought it was a rude question). I told them I didn't want to discuss it (and I'm sure they thought I was rude!).