blonde ambition

Yes, I notice too! My husband used to always say I needed to reduce my portions...and now his portions look HUGE (they are not, just a lot more than what I eat). Yes, I was a full courser at restaurants too, it seemed that was "normal", others did it as well...I guess just not all body types can handle that type of eating.

I had my surgery July 15th. I actually went up almost 20 lbs during the 6 month waiting period...really inexcusable. I was stressed out, had just started a new job and was eating out like everyday. If I hadn't done that, I would be under 200 now But, I'm happy with the weight I have lost! I have not done any excercising yet, still in recovery from the gallbladder surgery. I am hoping my energy level from before comes back soon. The doctor told me yesterday to just push myself, and it will come back. I'm very happy that I had it done. If you ever have any questions, please feel free to contact me. I live about 30 minutes south of Harrisburg.

Myself, I was a Diet Mt Dew addict. I'm 5 months post-op, and I occasionally buy one, but only end up sipping a bit. It makes you feel really full and "burpy", which I've never cared for. I still love the taste. I sometimes let it go flat and drink. You could always do that, if you love the taste.

I understand your feeling. Thankfully, I only spent $400 out of pocket, but still...the thought remains. All I can say is imagine what the medical costs would be down the road. And if your time is money (say like a lawyer/doctor), what is you time left in your life worth? Not everybody is made the same. There are different biological issues at work. Lose the weight and enjoy life. That's what I keep telling myself

Hi Faith! Doing okay....I had to have my gallbladder out in mid November...bleah. My energy had never returned 100%, and now it is even harder. I'm hoping that helps. When did you have your surgery? Thanks for responding

Hello! Looking for local support, perhaps a lunch-time walking buddy. Hope to hear from y'all soon! [sharedmedia=trackers:tickers:17828]

Thank you, Rogofulm. That analogy really helps. I am confused whether I should be shooting for 600-800 calories per day, or 1,000-1200 (not near that right now)...Is the higher number for "later"? Our roads are terrible for walking, no shoulders. I can try to walk during work hours, though! I have an elliptical that I thought I would start slow on. I used to do 30 minutes, high and low setting, no prob...but getting out of bed and listing around the house felt like a major effort today. I did a lot of gardening yesterday, weed pulling, lifting logs to take to the burn pile. It may be why I'm tired today. It seems like if I feel good and do a bunch one day, I sure pay for it the next day! Ah well, it will get better.

Thank you VSGAnn2014. Really off topic question, but how do you get and integrate one of those body weight ticker things? I'm totally new to the forum world...been snooping for years, but never partaking until now! Thanks again.

The support group is held in the evenings. I have 3 very young children, and need a baby-sitter, as my husband works second shift. I can drive for an hour to take them to my in-laws, which I am considering doing. I do think it would help. I started a new career in sales this January, with basically no money coming in for a sitter. I used Care.com, but the several people I contacted did not work out. I'm joining the PTO this year, so I'm hoping to find local moms that can help me with my kids for situations like this.

Thanks, dsdesigna. What does happen you don't get enough calories? I asked at the dr's office, but they were kind of vague. I will start using myfitnesspal again.

Hi everyone, I just had my gastric sleeve surgery on July 15th. It was a lot more painful upon waking then I had expected, since I usually have a pretty good pain tolerance. The first days, I felt depression about the way I felt, and my inability to eat anything. Then, I was kind of happy that my appetite was completely gone. I had my follow up visit last Thursday, and I was down 14 lbs. The surgeon said that this was great. But, there were several days that I just didn't eat or drink hardly anything. I was worried about not having enough calories, starvation mode, that kind of thing. When I was on full liquids, I was trying a few bites of solid food, just to see what would happen (throw up, other reactions, etc). Nothing ever did. Right now I am on the soft foods stage. At first, I would feel a burning in my chest, which I was over-joyed that I did have the "full" signal. But, I was only able to eat like 8 Beans, or two bites of soft chicken. My surgeon said that this was because my new stomach was swollen, and that this would change soon. So, I have noticed the past 3 days that I can eat more, and I'm scared. I'm worried about stretching my stomach. My mouth and my stomach seem to be at odds with each other, my brain hasn't caught up. My mind is stubbornly telling me to eat more, but I feel the full burning. I have NO energy to exercise, and an inability to attend our hospital's support group. My diet is a greek yogurt in the morning, try to drink 3 Protein shakes per day (nectar, 23 g protein each), try to get all of the Water, lunch a can of chicken, dinner maybe beans and chicken, something like that. I've lost 2 lbs since last Thursday, but I'm just nervous that I should be losing more. No foods so far have caused any type of adverse reaction, even when I have forgotten to chew very well. I was surprised by that. I thought that sweets would make me sick, but unfortunately they do not. I've just forbidden that chocolate be brought into the household. Also, I can't seem to have a bowel movement without coffee. I was not a coffee drinker before. I have been very constipated, but regardless of colace, Probiotics, aloe juice, laxatives, nothing seemed to work. I had a cup of coffee this weekend and it resulted in painful diarrhea, but at least it worked. I wasn't supposed to drink coffee, but I can't stand the scale not moving. I'm sorry, this is a lot...I just want someone to talk to, someone to help. I am petrified that the sleeve won't work for me, that I'll screw it up. Any thoughts are appreciated.