Tiffykins

For those that were interested in getting together in December, we've decided we'll be there the Monday, December 28th through Jan 3rd. We'll all have to get together once it gets closer and try to plan a little get together. We can just do lunch or coffee, but I would love to meet y'all ! ! !

Anna and myself are chatting tonight for a bit! ! !

I thought I'd open up the chat window early tonight and see if anyone was up to talking a bit. I may be on later this evening as well.

I don't live there, but we could be accountability buddies. We could text or call each other to motivate one another if you wanna give it a shot. I'm planning on starting tomorrow morning even if I just go walk on the treadmill for 30-45 minutes, I'm going. I am horrible with time zone differences, but I plan on going around 7:30am Central time. I want to go at least 3-4 days a week. We can exchange contact information if you would like, and go from there ! ! !

It only happened to me when I wasn't getting in enough Fluid throughout the day. Once I increased my Water intake, the dry mouth subsided. As for blood clots, I did not personally develop one, but there have been a few members here that have dealt with them post-op. I have an idiopathic clotting disorder, and have slow clotting times so they give me drugs to make me clot then counteract that with Lovenox. It seemed counterproductive to me, but it keep me from bleeding out, or developing a clot.

**Stands up and waves, Hi, I'm Tiffany and I hate exercising** But, like you today, I decided to do something about it. I joined our YMCA that is literally 1/2 mile from my front door. I just can't get motivated at home even with all the weights, and crap in the garage that the husband uses 6 nights a week. He is so determined, and motivated, but I would rather not unass the recliner. So, I'll pay the $39 monthly membership fee as motivation to get off my hiney, and go work out. We can do it, we need to keep each other motivated as much as we can.

YAY for good news on your surgery ! ! ! I know that's a huge relief for you.

John has officially been home a month now, and outside of a lot more sex, I have not been working out AT ALL ! ! ! I keep telling myself that I am going to the Y up the street to join, or I'm going to do this or that, but I never make it out of the house. It's pathetic, and I know that I need to do something, but I lack all motivation. I decided today that I am going to get out of the house, and run by the post office and the Y once Caysen gets home from school around 2pm. I know if I am paying for something I will definitely go to the Y. They have great equipment, and some classes that I may participate in. I just need to get off my hiney and do it. I've been eating more calories, and finally this week, my weight loss has slowed down. This last week I only lost 1.5-2lbs which is perfect. I'm very grateful I'm so close to goal, but I know that it's too much too fast. My arms look horrible, and my inner thighs are not looking great either. John commented that my stomach is definitely shrinking, but I know that working out will speed this process up significantly. I need to really find some motivation, and need to set some goals. I'm know that working out will help me feel and look better. I have a friend who lives in CA that said she would be my accountability partner. We're going to set up a goal/reward system, and send each other text messages to hold each other accountable. As for the Halloween function, it went great. The commander's wife bought me a witches hat to wear since I said I wasn't going to dress up. I wore it for a bit, but it is humid and icky. Everyone loved my ghost cookies, and the queso and chips were a huge hit. Of course, we ran into that one friend. She didn't speak to me, nor did I even acknowledge her presence. She waited until Caysen was by himself at the snack table, and went up to him said " hey Caysen what's up?" I had told Caysen all he had to say is "hello" and to be polite. He said " hi " and apparently she didn't hear him, and she snapped at him and said " you could at least say HI". How immature to talk to an 11 yr old is all I could think. John and I were sitting just 10 feet from them at the front table, and she never said a word to us. We passed each other in the hall several times, and all I did was smile, and keep walking. Caysen told me at the end of the evening, "mommy, I'm glad you always look nice when we go out, and you look really pretty tonight." It made me feel great. John agreed, and thought I looked great. I was able to buy a 12/14 cardigan, and tank tops from Wal-Mart, and had new jeans on. It was a good night. I really had a good time, and didn't let someone else's pettiness ruin my night. I did speak to her husband once the event wound down for a minute or two since John still works with him. One more week, and they are out of the squadron, and I never have to worry about dealing with her, or her crap again. I may run into her at Wal-Mart or on base, but at least they are out of the squadron, and I don't have to deal with them at functions. Off to get ready to go to the Y, and write that check ! ! ! I'm going to do it. . .

I signed up today ! ! ! I should be getting a phone call from the training director. They will do a body composition, fat measurement, set my goals and then she will set up a program for me to start on. I'm super stoked. I plan on going tomorrow morning, and just starting out on the treadmill until she can set up an appointment to get my personalized program set up. I ran by Wal-Mart and picked up some new activewear sets. I just wanted comfortable clothes to work out in, and all my lounge clothes are way too big for me to wear in public. On Wednesday when I go to bowling, I plan on running by the BX (base exchange) and getting some underarmour shorts. I can't stand wearing underwear when I work out so I want to get something to keep my fat from jiggling uncontrollably. They have Zumba, spinning, a bunch of different cardio step, yoga, pilates, and core classes are included in my membership. I just have to get a schedule down, and then I'll be on track.

I can't wait to hear your update. I've got you in my thoughts today, and hope you are doing well ! ! !

Keeping you in my thoughts today Judy ! ! ! Fingers crossed for good BP results today. . .

Those posts are from months ago, and the a couple of the members that were bickering back and forth, are no longer members of this forum. The thread was dead, and then drug back up months later for whatever reason. The entire bickering was done and over with. I agree the thread should of been closed, or deleted, but I guess some like to keep the drama going, or stir the pot once it simmers down.

I'm not sure if the heated argument can cause a leak so I can't help you there. But, I did want to welcome you to the "loser's bench", and hope your recovery goes smoothly.

I'm really sorry the appeal was denied. I hope you are able to make arrangements for you to get your surgery date ! ! ! We're all pulling for you and your future success.

Hey Carol, and welcome. I'll keep you in my thoughts for tomorrow. Keep us posted, and update once you feel up to it.

Everyone has a little slip up here and there. I think the instructor thing would be awesome for you. I seriously need an inkling of your motivation. I still haven't made it to the Y to join. I keep saying, "I'll do it tomorrow". . . Glad the stall broke, you're doing great, and yay for new workout clothes ! ! !

I promise that wasn't meant to sound snippy. A lot of people say they get hungry after eating carbs so that's why I said I wasn't trying to argue. I just wanted to share my personal experience. Pasta hasn't given me much problems. I had some Suddenly salad pasta salad with the family last week, and didn't have any issues. It's been a couple of months since I've attempted any type of rice. The couple of times I did try it, I was cramping, and in pain for a couple of hours. Stovetop stuffing had the same effect after just one tiny bite. I rarely eat mashed potatoes, but on days when nothing else works, or tastes "right", I make some instant potatoes, and have about 1/4 cup.

I didn't have a strict pre-op diet for either of my surgeries. For my band, I had to do clear liquids the night before surgery, and low carb a week before surgery. For my revision from band to sleeve, I had to do high protein/low carb for a week before surgery.

I have drank a couple of sodas here and there with zero issues except a little belch after I drink. My surgeon said that sodas are just wasted calories, and just take up space. He is not a firm believer that the stomach will stretch out just from having a soda every now and then. As for alcohol, I was cleared to drink alcohol at the 4 month post-op mark. Some surgeons say 6 months, some say wait until you are at goal. From what I hear, alcohol does not taste the same after this procedure, and I haven't even attempted to drink anything. Some people say they get drunk on a small amount then sober up quickly. Apparently, there isn't a "happy medium" with our new tiny tummies.

I am so glad to hear you are doing well ! ! ! Be safe in your travels back home.

Not to argue, but mashed potatoes have been a lifesaver for me, and I never "feel" hungry after eating them. I also have never had a true stall. The longest I've gone without losing weight is a few days. The gurgling, and pressure will subside. I had the same issue when I transitioned to mushies. I kind of had to make things a little more runny during the first week, and things went down easier without the pressure. If you aren't comfortable with some of the mushies, back off of them for a bit, and then pick them up and try them again later.

Clean the junk food out of the house. Leave and go for a walk when your family eats. Your staple line is still healing. Food particles can get lodged in there, cause a severe infection, and possibly lead to a leak. Speaking from experience, a leak is not fun at all. If you think you can't live without food right now, get a leak, and postpone your healing even longer. I wasn't able to consume anything, liquid, ice chips, ABSOLUTELY NOTHING by mouth for 21 days due to having a leak after my revision from band to the sleeve. **Edit to add** I developed the leak because of the damage the band did to my stomach. I was only 2 days post-op, and still was not able to eat or drink anything when the leak was found on my 3rd and final leak test a couple of hours before I was discharged. I'm not going to sugarcoat it, and tell that everything will be okay. Surgeons have post-op diets for a reason. It isn't to punish you, or make you miserable. Your body, mainly your stomach has been through a traumatic experience, and you have to allow it proper healing time. Find a nutritionist/dietician, and a counselor/therapist if you aren't already working with someone to work on the mental aspect of this huge lifestyle change. I was not willing to "cheat" and risk another leak, or further complication because I couldn't keep crap food out of my mouth. It just isn't worth it especially considering you are a self-pay patient. I agree with the sugar-free popsicles, Protein drinks, try the Special K protein Water packets and SF Jello. Also, Edy's NO sugar-added fruit bars are wonderfully yummy, and help me stay off the sweets.

Like I said, don't allow his ignorance defeat you. He probably hasn't dealt with being obese, or he doesn't care. Either way, you have to do what is best for your life and your future. If he isn't supportive, stand up, and make the changes. It would be great if we could all have supportive significant others, but it doesn't always happen. And, to know you're supporting him, he definitely sounds insecure. He's more worried about his meal ticket being taken away if you leave him. If he truly loved you, he would NOT insult you, he would support you, and he would never try to insinuate that you are simply "lazy". I had a leak, and it was repaired successfully. I was on antibiotics, and had a 2nd hospitalization about 6 weeks after my revision from band to the sleeve. BUT, I would do it all over again without hesitation. In 5 months, I've dropped 90lbs. I feel amazing. I am 5'2", started at 263, and this week I'm at 173. I am a mere 23lbs from my initial goal weight, and I would go through all of it again to feel as good as I do today. Leaks do happen, but definitely research your surgeon. Find other patients who had their surgery performed by that surgeon. Gather as much information as you can. You'll feel more comfortable with more information, referrals, and reviews from other patients.

I took those stats were specifically for that study, and not across the board for all sleeve surgeons. Maybe I read it wrong?

Best Birthday Wishes ! ! !