*susan*

Just want to give kudo's to Diva, excellent post and I agree 100%!

I think mine is finally having come out of my shell. Before, I would dread any kind of social interaction. I stayed home as much as possible. When I did have to attend an "event" of some sort, I always tried to fade into the background and not be noticed as much as possible. I felt the only thing people noticed about me was I was the biggest girl in the room. Now, I am more out there, I look forward to social outings and making new friends. I am no longer afraid to just walk up to a group of people and join in on the conversation. Living is fun!

Ugh, the constipation was awful for me the first several months after my surgery. I feel for you. The only thing that worked for me was good ol' Milk of Magnesia. My surgeon recommended it after I tried several other things that didn't work.

Wow, I wouldn't have minded losing a little bit on mine, lol. But nope, I have been a DD for years and even after over 100 pounds lost, I continue to be a DD. I just wish the girls were firm, but they definitely lay down when I do now, lol.

I am absolutely not capable of drinking with meals. If I do, it feels like everything just swells up inside of me and is going to explode. This is tough, because I tend to enjoy really hot and spicy foods, and a drink every so often would be nice.

I love almonds, they satisfy a lot of cravings. My downfall was always the salty, crunchy foods. Two things I really like that satisfies that are 365 Veggie Straws, which I get from Whole Foods, and Special K's cracker chips, especially the sour cream and onion ones. They are both lightly salted, and you can eat a good quantity of them for about 110 calories.

LOL, looks like straws win!

2 1/2 years out and I am still on them. I never had a problem before the surgery, but since, if I just forget to take my Prilosec in the morning, by noon I am ate up with acid. As others said, your mileage may vary.

Woot! Congratulations girl, I am so happy for you. It won't be long now!

I am not a diabetic, so I can't really give an educated answer on this. I can tell you just prior to my surgery, I was borderline diabetic, and since the surgery, that is no longer an issue. As far as surgery choice, you need to pick which one you are comfortable with. Do not let anyone push you into something if it is not what you want, not even a physician. Get a second and/or third opinion if need be. This is your life and your body, you own it, no one else does. Therefore, the final choice in what is done to your body, especially when it is a permanent one, needs to be yours and you need to be comfortable and happy with that choice.

It is absolutely normal to have doubts going into this. This is a life-changing surgery. But as long as you have done your research, educated yourself about the positives and negatives, and are mentally and physically ready, then you will be just fine. It is important to remember that, contrary to popular belief, the sleeve is a weight loss tool. It is not the "easy" way out like so many people claim. You still have to be prepared to eat healthy and exercise. Otherwise, even with the sleeve, you can still gain weight by eating junk.

And, now that I think about it, while I was in the hospital, they had me sipping my drinks there with a straw.

LOL, just for hoots and giggles, I checked my food and exercise program to see if I get credit for sex, sure enough, there it was listed under "sexual activity". Even more incentive to do the fun deed!

I have heard that before as well. To be honest, I have used a straw from day one and never had any problems. I haven't noticed any additional air in my tummy or anything else.

Oh man, these look good. The s'more one is calling to me, lol. Thanks so much for sharing!

Babigirl, you will be surprised, the pain is really very minimal with this surgery. For myself, I didn't even take any of the pain medication at all.

You have to order them from a team beach body coach. PM me if you would like me to put you in touch with one.

Cheri, you are going to experience so many emotions between now and your surgery, it is just crazy girl. Excitement, fear, mourning the loss of food, you name it. Just remind yourself that this is the best gift you can give yourself, a healthier you! Be excited, look forward to new clothes, being more active, all those things you couldn't do before. You will be so much more confident, happier and healthier. And remember, you don't have to mourn food, because really no food is off limits if it doesn't upset your tummy. We just have to learn to eat like "normal" people and remember everything in moderation.

I just downloaded MyNetDiary onto my Android phone a few days ago and am absolutely loving it. It costs about $3.00 but was totally worth it in my opinion. They also have an online site with a lot of great features. Best of all, the online and phone do two-way sync.

I love the P90X protein bars, especially the chocolate fudge. The peanut butter ones are awesome too!

Same here, my "sexual appetite" has increased to a crazy level. But, my man is not complaining in the least. Let's just say, he is well satisified.

LOL, you guys are great. I think a lot more men and woman might be inclined to get the sleeve if they used this as a marketing tool!

I did have one. As others said, I guess it depends on the surgeon. It wasn't really a big deal though, in my opinion.