OKCPirate

Becase too few medical professionals don't realize coffee is not an diuretic. Moderate use doesn't dehydrate you...http://www.abc.net.au/health/talkinghealth/factbuster/stories/2014/02/27/3951831.htm That said...that satisfying burn in the gut that only comes from a great cup of joe in the morning...yeah that's stomach acid. That's not conducive to healing a stomach that was cut. So give it a month to heal. Respect the sleeve.

pfft, I am over year out and it still hasn't sunk in. I wonder who in the hell is in the mirror with me some days. Old girl freind complimented me last night how much smaller my face looks since last month, heck if I noticed it. Just be aware of all the NSV's and enjoy life. Let the stalls take care of themselves.

Enjoy the slow and steady loss...less skin issues. Look at @@Babbs pictures (heck blow them up on your computer screen). You will notice little noticeable lose skin. Now look carefully at this pic... Notice my thighs? I'm testing out at 19% body fat. Those "chubby" thighs are just excess skin that I will have to pay thousands of dollars to get removed. So better slow loss, lots of Water, Protein, stay out of hot water and tanning beds and your skin will love you.

@@Alex Brecher - do "likes" count as a post?

Best thing I won? $2500 from a radio station contest I forgot I had entered. They emailed me the day before it was going to expire. What made it special? I had lost a major client and was in a financial jam, and my daughter wanted to go to on a very special trip. I didn't have the cash to send her. Then I get the email. It was an answer to a dad's prayer who wanted desperately not to disappoint his little princess. I still don't remember signing up for the giveaway. Just wonder if the "dad/daughter angels" were looking after us that day.

@@gowalking - That is a beautiful and inspiring testimony. Thanks for sharing. (sniff)...ok I'm still a softy

It makes sense that you would perk up. When I purchased my latest car, every time I heard an ad for it, my ears perked up. I see the same model everywhere...geez never saw these before, did someone drop off a boat load in OKC? NO. I just activated my reticular activating system (article here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reticular_activating_system). Its the programmable part of the brain that makes you aware of things you are thinking about. Solution ladies?...quit reading woman's magazines...(BTW, the vision they outline as perfection...most men don't want). http://rosiemolinary.com/2012/10/24/an-excerpt-from-airbrushed-nation-the-lure-and-loathing-of-womens-magazines/ Guys, quit reading Men's Health. You will want arms bigger than almost every woman wants. If challenged I'll find the links again, but heck look it up yourself. You don't have to buy into other people's view of health or beauty. As a matter of fact, I think most have never even though of how much manipulation they are dealing with.

@@Dub "I detest flying for several reasons....airports.....long tsa lines......etc. The biggest reason....is my big arse in those seats. Legroom likely isn't any better but the overall fit will have to be." With you Dub. My next biggest pet peeve, people who are five foot nothing who lean back with a vegence and I don't have time to get my knees out of the way. I was on the verge of an extender when I started this journey, look at my "extra now"

I realized something was working when I was getting out of the car...grabbed my bag, passed it over me and then got out of car. Then it hit me, I have not done that since I left the army. My gut would have stopped me from doing that in years past. Thanks WLS, for my next magical trick...

Hot tub and a little protein helps me sleep well. Good snuggling helps too

Trying to come up with ways of getting rid of Christmas left overs. Finished off the turkey tonight with this jewel... http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/turkey-waldorf-salad-recipe.html Note: You can substitute stivia for honey. I also used braised cranberries instead of grapes. Flamed them with a bit of cognag. Any favorites? Got to get rid of this ham . Tough to do when you don't do sandwiches any more.

I fully get why they don't want smoking (all types), snuff, snuss or tobacco. Too hard on stomach trying to heal following surgery. I still find it amazing how the stomach heals and contains all the acid following surgery. But the thread morphed into an interesting discussion. Glad to be with adults who can look at these issues and discuss their concerns in a fun and interesting way with out too much judgement. One of my favorite quotes was from a pastor who opposed Prohibition when he said "Very little good comes from the Absolute Shall." BTW if you have not seen the Ken Burns documentary on Prohibition, worth watching especially in light of the new discussion on drug policy going on today: http://www.slate.com/articles/arts/television/2011/09/ken_burns_prohibition_reviewed_a_fascinating_series_about_the_no.html

Oh that stinks. Had it pre-op and would not wish it on anyone. Dehydration was my major trigger and you might want to watch that. Just out of curiosity, do you smoke? It was worse for me when I did. Talk to doctor about meds to reduce the acid, but remember to let them know about your sleeve. They will want to do Motrin like drugs (NSAID's) which will be rough on your stomach.

I'm a planner by nature so this is right up my alley. My surgery is on Monday so I'm filling my weekend with so many tasks.Thanks for the advice. Made me feel a bit better. Good for you. I had my research done before I sent my deposit. I knew I wanted it done. Prepared for the worst, prayed for the best and prepared for every contingency I could think of. Tested and then purchased all my food for the first month. And then tried like crazy to get in the best shape I could for elective surgery. After all that, I still had two freak out moments. Oh well, we are all human.

Dang what is wrong with just peal and eat? I like vegies - raw, raw, raw!

@@proudgrammy - wonderful stuff young lady

@@WLSResources/ClothingExch - great advice. Any thinking person goes through several freak outs. It's a permanent change, if you are not freaking out, your not thinking.

Arkansas will legalize before we will in Oklahoma but who knows with oil prices down and a looming fiscal crisis maybe the legislature might want save money by ending the free housing program (jail) for people who like exotic herbs. What a goofy thing to put people in jail for. http://mic.com/articles/110344/14-years-after-portugal-decriminalized-all-drugs-here-s-what-s-happening#.PMtaH2gxL Portugal might have a better model on how to handle drug users. The "Dirty Harry" tool isn't a fix for everything.

BTW this is interesting...http://www.attn.com/stories/2902/cannabis-effects-on-metabolism

Tried it in Denver during New Years Highly recommended ????. No carbs. No calories. And if you pick your strain correctly no munchies. Just saying...legally

My favorite thing to do in turbulence is to go "wheeeeeeeeee" real loud. It cracks everyone up and reduces tension.True story

Shop for a better mask. The fabric one was the most comfortable for me. In short yes I had problems with it, but experimenting with the best accessories for you is worth a small investment. http://www.cpap.com/productpage/sleepweaver-advance-improved-zzzephyr-seal-cpap.html This is the one I used. You might want to look into a new pillow esp. if you are a side sleeper.

Yep, and that is great advise. You want to be in the best possible shape before surgery. Put on as much muscle mass as you can (you will inevitably lose some the first month). It makes it easier for the surgeon and your recovery. It worked for me. I was up and walking about 20 minutes after waking up. I walked everyday for an hour and four days in the gym on elliptical and lifting as heavy as I could for the last three weeks before surgery.

Save yourself some frustration and get one of these: http://www.walmart.com/ip/Health-o-Meter-Digital-Tape-Measure/20512802 Body calipers are also a good way to check. There are going to be stalls, especially when you start adding in more exercise and this is a great way to keep motivated and check your progress.