Tiffykins

Hi JoAnne and welcome to the forum. I honestly think this is more than a program. It's a complete lifestyle and mindset change. For me, the sleeve forces me to make better decisions. I have yet to feel "real hunger", and I'm 3 months out from my revision. I had a lot of faith in the band in the beginning because it did work until I lost restriction. When I started researching my revision (due to complications with the band), I knew the sleeve would work because it's immediate restriction. I struggled with my weight for years, and I decided that being fat came with much higher risks than having surgery again. I absolutely love the restriction I have when I eat. I have had several ups and downs with my revision post-op, but I have no regrets. The sleeve works. I won't deny that every day brings either a struggle or success. I have my bad days, but they are fewer as every week passes. Some days it's easy to make bad choices in what I put in my mouth, but the next day I make a better decision. I have to make the effort for the sleeve to work. I could eat ice cream, mashed potatoes, and junk food every day, but I would not be using the sleeve as it was intended. I hope ramble of mine helps some.

Caysen and I went to see G Force. It's definitely a kids movie, I almost dozed off in the middle of it.

I am definitely not coordinated enough for that, but it does look like a good time.

I always use dump rubbing alcohol on my calves if I get a cramp and work the muscle loose.

We went to a movie today after lounging around the house this morning. I hope you start feeling better soon.

Do you have a YMCA near you? Our YMCA offers Zumba classes.

I agree dating sucks. I stayed single and strictly dated for almost 4 years before John and I met and started dating. My mom never thought I would settle down, and I was not looking for anything serious when John and I met. I was perfectly content with just dating. I never committed, I refused to let anyone I date meet Caysen. I truly believed that I would be "single" the rest of my life. Well, then along came John and BAM here we are 3.5 years later, married, and living a great life. I agree with your friend, you have to get out there, and be available. I got asked out at the grocery stores, WalMart, the park, and I swore by making sure I looked pretty decent before I went out anywhere. My mom taught me " the world is a stage, and you need to dress for it". You do have to go through some frogs to find a prince, but it'll happen. Just stay POSITIVE.

You look so amazing, and I can honestly say you're a true inspiration.

Non scale Victory My favorite one to date has got to be fitting in the booth at our favorite Mexican restaurant without having to move the table closer to my son. Plus, having lots of room between my belly and the table. The others: Seeing all the bones in my feet and ankles Having just 1 chin My son wrapping his arms around me and getting excited that he can clasp his hands for a "real hug". All of my rings and bracelets being too big Buying regular sized clothes from Old Navy Having my dermatologist not even recognize me until she read my chart, that was an amazing feeling.

I'm all for sharing YOUR personal experience, but is there really a need for you to explicitly seek out to discredit someone else's post. I'm pretty sure everyone here, and on OH are adults and able to make responsible decisions on their own. I would hope if they are considering WLS they would be able to do their own research, and realize the difference between lies, and opinions. For God's sake, she isn't even a member here any more. So, why continually bring it up. You can share your experience, opinions, and facts without "bashing" someone else. It only makes your credibility at most questionable, and it seems like a personal vendetta against someone on an internet forum. It's lame and immature in my opinion.

My thoughts exactly Mac. Instead of Dr. bashing I guess the cool thing to do is bash members who chose to no longer be a part of this forum.

I'm glad you're getting close to getting a date. Good luck on your appointment next week.

Epic failure today trying to mix the vanilla flavor with some greek yogurt. I have it in the freezer with hopes that if I make it like ice cream or frozen yogurt that I'll be able to tolerate the taste. I took 3 bites, and I wanted to throw up.

drinks All you pay is the $3 shipping. I think Mac has/does use this brand, and liked the Orange flavor. I just ordered my free samples, and I'll update when I get and try them.

Thank you. One of my biggest issue is texture of the Protein drinks. I can't do anything "thick". Can I mix the Jay Robb with Water? I mixed the Chike sample with the 4oz of water, and it was "slimy" for me. I even let one chill for a couple of hours in the fridge hoping it would go down easier. Milk and me have never gotten along very well. I can't stand Skim Milk, so I buy 1% for the twice a year that I may drink some milk. Now that I've had surgery that will probably not even happen twice a year considering, I would only drink the milk after dipping Peanut Butter Cookies in it. I really hate my taste buds right now. My stomach is an entire different story. I can tolerate mexican food fine, I've even had some chinese chow mein noodles, and mac-n-cheese, but I just want to eat the right food, and actually enjoy it.

I had complications with my revision. I will have to say that my situation is not common, and my stomach had numerous adhesions and was damaged by the band. Here's links to my story: http://verticalsleevetalk.com/tell-your-story/32-not-looking-back.html http://verticalsleevetalk.com/band-sleeve-revisions/290-home-recovering.html http://verticalsleevetalk.com/post-operation-vertical-sleeve-gastric-surgery-vsg-questions-answers/861-little-update.html There's a couple of replies in each thread detailing my entire ordeal. I was also hospitalized in mid-July due to Fluid pockets that were found in my abdominal cavity. I was hospitalized, drains placed, and rehydrated for 1 week. They concluded that the fluid pockets developed after the leak repair surgery, and some bacteria stayed in my body. I had the drains in for 3 weeks, and was just released for full activity on August 24th. My biggest hurdle that I'm struggling with right now is eating. Nothing sounds appetizing, nothing tastes really good when I do eat, and of course, my arch nemesis of Protein powders/drinks. My surgeon wants me to eat 4 small meals a day consisting of at least 15grams of protein. Problem is eggs, and cheese, deli meat disgusts me now (I ate a lot of it in the beginning) are not working for me right now. I am lucky if I eat twice daily, and I'm not getting anywhere close to 60 grams of protein per day. I just recently ordered new samples, and I have only tried 1, it didn't settle well with me at all. I have another one in the fridge chilling as I type. Hopefully, I can find something that works, I'm finding more hair in the bottom of the tub.

I get worn out very easily. I'm not sure if it's lack of calories, or just that my body is not used to a lot of activity. I was restricted for so long, and now being released, I think I try to do too much too fast. I get all "gung ho" and then afterwards, I am so exhausted.

YAY YAY I'm so excited for you and your progress ! ! ! You're doing amazing. . .

I hadn't actually weighed myself today because I was so busy. . . I just hit the scale and almost fell off it when I saw. . . 199! ! ! I am so elated that I had to share with someone. . . For those just starting this journey, don't give up, keep the faith, and know that success is within your reach! ! !

Ohhhhh yes, I know, but I love them. I feel like it's a "special treat" instead of All Bran.

I add Splenda and a few pieces of dry Cereal for some crunch. Usually, I add either Fiber One or All Bran. Sometimes when I'm feeling fruity, I'll add Cap-n-Crunch crunch berries cereal. I've tried Fage Greek Yogurt, and now eating Oikos vanilla Flavored greek yogurt. I have to add Splenda to both of them. I like both brands. The Oikos is a bit smoother than the Fage.

It's beyond frustrating. Plus, I'm a planner, and have learned you can't plan anything when it comes to the military. It never fails that if we plan something the military will screw it up. So, it's a lot of hurry up and wait. I want to know an exact date, but most likely it will change, or he'll get held over somewhere, and then the disappointment sets in. I've kind of learned to just "roll with the punches", but I still get frustrated with the system. Thanks Susan. . .

I have a projected date, and it's still end of September. Due to OPSEC, I'm not allowed to discuss specific dates, troop movements, and other sensitive information. Once he's out of that area, I am allowed to post that he's on his way, or when he gets to American soil, I'm allowed to talk about him being back safely. I still do not have a specific date. It's a ballpark, and I have to wait until he's out of that area before I'll know anything.