OKCPirate

Don't tell. No need. And look stay in the hunt, you never know what is going to catch fire. I'm still at least FB freinds with nearly everyone I've dated over the years. I went out with them for a reason and there was somthing I liked about them, just because the chemistry was not there doesn't make them a bad person. However the pr*ck who said that to @@bellabloom would not make that list.

Dear God NOOO. That is the most obscene thing I have ever heard. I'm sorry, but that guy is a sicko.

A couple of fun pics, when I shaved my chest and stomach right before heading to Mexico for surgery and last week heading out for a run

@@work2Bskinny - holy cow, you look great. I hope you are proud as all get out

@@JamieLogical - I am very happy for you (and your husband)

It's a tool, not a magic wand. It is a powerful tool that provides your besides chance to make permanent change, respect it that much. If you don't...back to where you were.

That is a tough issue right now. Most medical facilticies are using a government funded medical record data base that every government agency can tap into. So explaining your drug use could come back to bite you down the road especially if you want to purchase a gun... Form 4473 line e asks if you have used Pot, if you answer "no", but your medical record says "yes" there may be a knock at your door. BTW HIPPA is no more. Unless you go to a doctor who uses paper record keeping and you don't use third party payer (ie insurance) your personal information isn't private. [smile...like me]

Oh come on, what exit? (From an Oklahoma guy who really loves pulling your chain)

Actually, it depends on where I am. I can usually order the best filet piece of steak I cut it in half and have part of it for Breakfast . I even have worked out deals with hotel staff to make me some special steak and eggs. If I am going home, that part is never a problem. My left overs are breakfast and usually lunch too.

Oh thank goodness for all the low carb/Palio dieters out there...they have blazed a trail that makes my life so much easier

You get there by avoiding carbs...http://www.dietdoctor.com/lose-weight-by-achieving-optimal-ketosis

Vomit, puke...it doesn't quite capture the experience. RETCH is a much closer word for it. Happened twice because I was stupid. Dang it hurt. Dry food, or not chewing slowly enough early on. Just follow the dang instructions and avoid it.

As far as Mexico is concerned, here were the benefits I found: Cost - HUGE, especially if you can self pay Infection rate - much lower on international scale (rooms were bigger, single occupancy, much less equipment/surfaces to wipe down, they had crews in to mop three times a day). Much less idiotic "CYA against lawsuits" than in the US. So no idiot classes, screenings et. al. Most of this is to screen out the worst candidates who are only looking at this because insurance pays for it. Nearly everyone in Mexico I met did their own research and preparation. Doctors do very good job of explaining their expertise. Why? They know they are selling to an international audience. Made research easier. My biggest problem? I was talked into spending an extra day than I thought I needed on recovery. Was board to death. Only plus, found a GNC at mall near hospital and found Isopure Protein. Yes my family balked. They put tons of pressure on me not to do it. Finally convinced my mom (retired RN) to go with me. That got everyone to shut up.

@@CowgirlJane - I don't know why people say that exercising eliminates excess skin. I was fit fit fit as I exercised alot that while losing weight and moving into maintenance and I still had excess skin. Actually, considering I lost more than half my body weight, my excess skin wasn't too bad! Exercise is awesome for so many reasons, but it doesnt shrink or remove skin. I'll disagree to an extent..Putting muscle tone behind lose skin helps some. I'm not going to be able to avoid plastics next year, but yoga, cardio and weight training keeps it from being totally gross.

The short answer is "yes." But I will warn you, the averages are all based on the average person. That means that there are some who ignore the doctors warning and think they can eat pureed Big Macs and be OK, and that is wrong. The sleeve is a tool, not a magic wand. If you are willing to pay the price, track your food and utilize this tool, you can own this. But if you think I don't have to think about it, no you won't. It's really that simple.

When you really wonder if this is the right call, read through this section...http://www.bariatricpal.com/topic/195065-you-know-you-lost-weight-when/ If you don't spontaneously tear up at times, you are NOT a candidate. I still do. It's amazing to me how over a year out I hear about someone's struggles that they have overcome after losing weight how it brings back memories of my past struggles. I don't think those weight PTSD memories are ever going to go away. But these NSV's always bring me hope and happiness.

I wish I had the chair option, and I didn't have the hernia. I'm a side sleeper, but that wasn't an option for the first couple of days, so I was glad for the hospital bed which angled nicely. After day three I was glad to be back in my own bed though.

@@Soli3l that is fascinating. I have not heard of it, but kind of makes sense. Just out of curiosity have you considered logging your food/diet on a site like myfitnesspal.com and finding a sleeve buddy for accountability? Just a suggestion. Most of the failures i have observed have been because of bad food choices (and I admit this is only from youtube.com observations, not in-depth research). I'm not judging, I'm just trying to offer a suggestion that might help you. I can hear your dismay, and want to give a tip that might help you achieve you goals.

@@cindyw41 - Push a pillow to your tummy when standing up. Many hernia repair people swear that helps. (learned about it here). @@PageRN - Congrats, very glad to hear it went well.

I'm posting again How embarrassing if #58 was the winner

I regret this as much as my decision to quit smoking four years ago. NOT AT ALL. I dated hotter women than I did then (OK, this may not be your motivation, but it worked for me). My ex is really jealous (OK, again this may not be applicable). But I have no more CPAP, off all those drugs I don't dread doctor's appointments. I don't get kicked off rides at amusement parks because the seat belt won't fit. People are not worried I'm their seat mate on long flights. Life is so much better smaller and healthier. Heck, do you know how cool it is not worrying about how you are going to get your toenails clipped? (yeah sometimes it is the small stuff).

Dang it Babs, warn us if you are going to be that accurate and funny at the same time. I'm had to run to kitchen to get a paper towel before my screen frizzed from the water I spewed when I read this.

Deep breath...just like they taught you in the Lamaze class...this too shall pass. It stinks. But I swear you will puke if you try it at this point. (I did, I puked).

@@FrankiesGirl "But really all you had to say is that he is an engineer." NO KIDDING, 'nuf said @@Sharon1964 - Sharon with your kink side and wicked sense of humor, you are not going to find happiness with the dry linear types. Your world is one of gray*, not black and white. If you want smart, start hanging around quantum physicists. I have a lady friend who loves smart nerd types. But not engineers, for the same reason as you. 5-15% of the world are non-linenar thinkers. That's your sweet spot. *ahem, not a 50 Shades reference

Nope those days are over post sleeve... Just kidding, Just give yourself time to heal and then build back up slowly...your game will be better than ever. Can't wait to hear your NSV stories.