Tiffykins

I wanted to make a correction to my post about our 4 mile walk to the stadium. John just called, and I asked him how long it took us to walk there, and he said about 40 minutes because we missed kick off which started at 7pm. So, least to say, that makes more sense than 20 minutes for 4 miles. I started thinking about Rosebud said, and it didn't make sense. So, I guess it was a bit longer walk back as well. Good news is that I wasn't huffing and puffing or hurting afterwards.

Congrats on getting your date ! ! ! I use the GNC Solotron Chewable multi-Vitamin with bioavailable Iron. I used gummy adult Vitamins for a month, and I found myself lethargic and exhausted. When I really read the label, I found that they did not contain iron. They are berry flavor, and have the texture is not bad. They are similar to a TUMs texture-wise. I love them. I take 2 a day. I like the Optimum whey Protein. On bodybuilding.com you can find a 16 flavor pack sample for about 18 bucks. I like the Extreme Milk chocolate. It has zero texture, no foaming or frothing up when mixed. It mixes completely in Water in a shaker cup. No protein taste or smell. I'm not using them anymore as I get my protein from food sources, but it's the only one I could stand taste and texture.

Sugar free pudding ! ! ! I loved the butterscotch and boston cream pie flavor.

I hated belts before surgery. I looked like a big wine barrel being cinched in the middle. Now that my waist is smaller than my hips, and I'm not as round, I had to pull out a belt to keep my size 16s up. The belt was one of those that comes with a pair of jeans from Cato. I couldn't even get the thing cinched last year not even in the first hole. Well, now that bad boy wraps around to the other side of my body. I have kept some of my "fat" clothes thinking I'll get them altered. I just can't decide when I'm going to do it because I am trying to wait until I get to goal or below to pay for alterations. This is uber personal, but I literally hate wearing panties. But, I knew I'd have to wear them at the hospital. Least to say, I hated buying huge panties before surgery, and I couldn't keep them up after 2 weeks post-op. I've kept one pair as a reminder of where I was, and where I'll never be again.

Ha ha ha Carolyn, I love your NSV ! ! !

Chancie that is so awesome, and that is so cool that one pound will change drop your BMI, and get you to onederland. You are amazing, and I'm so happy to have you in my life during this journey. Thanks Tracy ! ! !

I had to keep up with John, plus the walk there was mostly downhill. The walk back took about 35 minutes because it was uphill, and we were walking against the winds.

Tracy, you know I adore you, but I have to agree with Bearded. Support doesn't always come in forms of rainbows and daisies. Unfortunately, sometimes blunt, or even harsh words/advice are needed. I know this process has been difficult for Lan, and I wish I could help her more. But, really her battles lie within herself, and she is going to have to "get a grip" on it so she can be happy and successful.

That's awesome Helen ! ! ! I love returning clothes.

I know my complications contributed to my quick loss. I also know I'm partially responsible for the quick loss only because I couldn't bring myself to eat. There were times when my surgeon threatened me with a feeding tube. I look back at the first couple of months, my stress levels, and realize I had what my surgeon called "on-set anorexia". It was easy to not eat, I was never hungry. Plus, food disgusted me. I literally had to force myself to eat or I knew my surgeon would hospitalize me again. I also had a lot to lose. Starting the VSG revision, I stand 5'2", and weighed in at 263. My "ideal weight" is 129-140 pounds per the NY Life insurance tables (our health insurance uses the guidelines). So, technically, I had a lot to lose, and it's been noted a lot that the more someone has to lose, the quicker they drop the initial weight. Men seem to lose faster also which is always unfair. Maybe because I carried all of my weight like a giant beer-belly (like most men), that contributed to my quick results. I have been able to get my loss to slow down by increasing my carb intake. I eat 3 meals a day, and have snack in between meals every other, or every 3 days.

Your body is recovering, and trying to figure what the heck you did to it. I really believe it's our bodies rebelling to the changes. Our anatomy is literally adjusting to a complete transformation in what we are feeding it. The body may hold onto a bit of weight as a defense mechanism. Don't get too concerned, the weight will start dropping again, and definitely increase your Fluid intake. I lost rapidly, then it slowed down a tiny bit, then picked right back up.

It's been a couple of weeks since anyone posted any new NSV's so I wanted to bump this thread, and see how everyone is doing. I have one, it isn't very exciting, but I thought I would share. While John and I were in WV, we attended a WV University football game in Morgantown, WV. It's been John's dream to attend a game up there, and I got box tickets for 50 bucks for the biggest rival game of the season. We decided to rent a hotel room, and stay the night up there. The college is 3 hours from his folks place. Anyways, we knew parking would be a nightmare. The hotel desk attendant told us it was only a 10-15 minute walk to the stadium. We thought it would be a nice little walk, and give us a chance to see stuff around the area. Come to find out, it was a 4 mile trek up and down hills to get to the stadium. BUT, I walked it like a champ. It did only take us about 20 minutes, but I have short legs so I don't walk fast. I'll throw out there that it was also 29 degrees out, and my knees NEVER hurt, ached, or throbbed ( I would of never been able to make it pre-surgery). I told John we were going to get a taxi for the way back. But, at the end of the game, we sucked it up, and walked back. The temperature had dropped, and the wind was whipping around at about 15mph, but we managed. My hamstrings were a bit tight the next morning, but I don't if that was from the walk or the after the game celebatory lovin':001_tt2: I got at the hotel ! ! ! WVU won, and so did I.

It's totally doable. I started off at a super tight 22W, should of been in a 24W, and today I'm wearing a regular 14, or 15 (in juniors). I didn't buy clothes until I got to an 18, but those only lasted a month. I was in a 16 for a couple of months, but now they're falling off of me. So, I had to break down and buy some size 14. I went from a 26/28 (3-4X) top to a Medium in most tops, some Larges depending on the cut of the shirt.

So, I started my weight loss surgery journey last October when I had the dreaded lapband placed. As of today, I've lost a total of 100 pounds. I lost weight initially with the band, but gained some back when I lost restriction and complications started. I've officially lost 93 pounds since revising to the vertical sleeve gastrectomy, and a total weight loss of 100 pounds today. What an amazing life-changing experience this has all been ! ! ! I haven't been this weight since probably my sophomore year in high school. I'm more active, and definitely happier with my relationship with food. I am in more control now than I have ever been. People ask me "don't you miss eating like a normal person?" In all reality, there are some days where I'd love to throw down a few pieces of pizza, but I also know that I can be completely satisfied with just one piece of pizza. I eat anything and everything I want just in smaller portions. I love this new life, I love that I have control, and have found other means to deal with life stressors, and all the ups and downs. Food was my best friend. It was my comforter, my security, my void filler, my everything, now it's just fueling my body, and I'm able to be free of the chains of emotional eating. Just a few more pounds until I hit goal. I did just start a new workout/strength training program at the YMCA so my loss will slow a bit, but I'm toning and strengthening my entire body.

Ohhhhhhhhhhhhhh I never thought being home could feel so good. We got in about 1:00 a.m. We had a good time. I had a lot of trouble eating because #1 they eat absolutely nothing healthy so I lived on Protein bars, and meat. I was able to eat some stuff on Thanksgiving, and it all tasted so good. All in all it was good trip, but we won't be going back for quite some time. John made me step on the scale when got home this morning, and I dropped 6 pounds while we were there. I guess it's a positive to an extent. I tried to eat, and make good choices. But, when everything they cook is fried in bacon fat or Crisco, it makes it a little difficult. Luckily, I was smart enough to take Protein Bars, and stopped off and bought yogurt, and other things I could tolerate. Hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving holiday. I'm trying to get caught up with everyone. It seems like I've been gone forever with all the new members, and new posts. I also see a lot of people had surgery this last week, and hope you are all doing well.

It was the weirdest thing that I just looked at all that greasy, fried food, and was so "turned off". By the 3rd day, Caysen was asking for a simple bowl of Corn Flakes with a splenda packet because he couldn't had all the ickiness. I have my 6 month follow up in December, and I know I'm going to be "in trouble" with my surgeon because of my loss, but I promise I haven't been the best sleeve patient in attempts to get my loss to slow down. I had gotten it slowed down to an average of 2.5lbs per week this last month, and then BAM this happened. I hope me getting back to the gym this week that will help slow it down. If I make goal by the first of the year, I'm going to get a good long lecture from the dietician and surgeon.

I couldn't eat more than 2oz of dense proteins(meats) when I started solids. I had to chew, chew, and chew. I needed to have lots of condiments when I ate meat with the band. This little "habit" transferred over when I had my revision. I still catch myself eating gravy, ketchup, anything wet to help get the meat down. Funny thing is, I don't technically need it anymore with the sleeve. I ate turkey and ham on Thanksgiving with nothing on it, and it was fabulous to actually be able to taste meat without a condiment of some sort. Anyways, sorry for the ramble. When I first started solids, I only ate 2-3 times a day. I would have yogurt (still do to this day) for Breakfast then 3-4 hours later I'd eat meat. I have never been able to eat more than 3 meals per day. Now at almost 6 months post-op, I can eat about 4oz of dense Protein, and 6-7oz of mushies (not combined of course). I could easily only eat once of twice a day because I never get hungry, but I force myself to eat at least 3 meals a day.

I thought I would hop in chat for a bit tonight if anyone is interested in joining in.

I'll be thinking about you Judy ! ! ! Be safe in your travels, and update us when you can.

Ohhhhhhhhhhhhhh "the girls" look pretty sad these days. I call them my deflated Water balloons. I went from a 42D/DD to a small 36C at this time. I inherited the lovely saggy boobs from my mom, and they sag a bit more now. I do have excess skin that looks kind of icky if I don't "put" them in a bra correctly. My husband doesn't care in the slightest that they sag a bit more. I plan on getting new ones after pregnancy.

Hey Dan, and welcome to VST. Way to go with your pre-op loss thus far, the sleeve will make some of the decision-making process with food so much easier. I look forward to keeping up with your progress.

I wasn't able to have any fruit with tiny seeds until I was about 2-2.5 months post-op.

Congrats on getting clearance for surgery. I wish you the very best, and make sure you keep us updated ! ! !

Great job, Bob ! ! ! Nice tat, btw.