Malaika

:lol0::lol0::lol0::lol0: don't fight it Tracy - we love you just the way you are :lol0::lol0::lol0::lol0:

Dalite - Use a heating pad on your back and/or your chest - that helped me to get rid of the gas they used to "blow you up" during surgery. Walking also was a big help. My surgeon had me on Clear liquids for 10 days following surgery (day 1 being the day after surgery) - so, anything you can see through - apple juice, chicken broth, beef broth, chicken noodle Soup without the chicken or the noodles, SF Jello; SF popsicles; Water, herbal tea. Check out the thread I posted entitled "Dr. Aceves' Information" it has the entire food list for the post-op diet through mushies - it might help to give you some ideas on what is "easy" on your new stomach and will allow it to heal.

Helen - can't wait to see the pictures! Congrats!

I had the same reaction as Chancie - WOW Already ML? That's great and we will look forward to reading your post-op posts!

Rosebud2 - CONGRATS lady - that is so AWESOME. I was only in a size 10 once in my life and that was when I was 16 y/o and weighed about 120 ... I thought I looked great; everyone else thought I'd been sick; so I don't have any aspirations of getting into a size 10 at this point in my life; however, if I can get into a 12 in any brand I will be in 7th Heaven!

Pre-op I really liked the Atkins RTD shakes and smoothies made with EAS Vanilla. There's also one that Target carries - it's in a can and it's Cookies & Creme. Since surgery, the only one I have been able to tolerate is Oh Yeah as it is lactose free. I don't drink them very often as I get in a lot of protein from food now.

Congrats JoAnne - I know you must be so happy to actually be able to CHEW ... the "full" feeling is a work in progress and you will have good days and bad ... just learn to listen to your body and you'll figure it all out!

Well I'd go and check out Sam's Club - they might not have it on their web page, but may have it in the store. If not, let me know and I can pick some up for you and send it to you if you want.

I miss gulping or drinking an entire bottle of water too -- I still can't do that -- I can take larger sips than when first out of surgery; however, I think the gulping days are over. As for the pain, take smaller sips -- that is how I could tell when I was ready for larger sips - there was no pain - if there was pain, I reverted to smaller swallows and tried again a week later. The additives, too, are a good idea. Lipton makes a bunch of flavors that contain Splenda instead of aspartame and they do seem to satisfy the thirst more - not sure why either.

Itstime -- woo hoo -- IT IS TIME ... my thoughts and prayers are with you and we will send extra angels to keep you safe and guard you while you are away from home, along with all the other December sleevers too ... we will look forward to hearing from you whenever you are able and feeling up to it!

Barbara - welcome to VST. I agree with the others - contact your insurance representative and ask them what WLS is covered and/or excluded - I wouldn't wait until January - you will drive yourself crazy with worry and doubt by then -- find out now and the you can determine a plan to work with whatever answers they give you.

That is so COOL Helen - congratulations -- you should have ordered a 14 - by the time the 18 is returned and the 16 is on it's way - you may need the 14 ... oh gee darn, wouldn't that be just awful?

My goal is to be in Onderland by my 6 month surgiversary (12/12) or DEFINITELY before Christmas~

Mr. Nick -- you should be well enough by the 25th to find enjoyment in a child's enjoyment of opening his gifts - just kick back in your lazy boy with the camera and ENJOY!

Dalite - you're normal - we've all been through it - glad you figured out what was causing the headaches - they sucked after surgery -- be sure to eat/drink whether you're hungry or not - you have to stay hydrated and keep your energy up - and WALK - that will help with the pain and the wind! Keep us posted!

I was a virgin sleever and my cost was $9500 -- I think the revision is about $11,500 -- you could email Nina and ask her. Daisy and Ruthie were both revisions, so they may be able to chime in next time they are on line. If you need Nina's info, pm me and I'll send it to you.

I wasn't a belt person before losing my weight either - used to say I looked like a feather mattress with a rope in the middle ... but now that I have a waist -- and HIPS - I like wearing them with tops that are a bit blousy -- and I have to wear them to keep my pants up these days! I've been told it's time to go shopping again, but I'm holding out until after Christmas - I'll be in onderland by then (fingers crossed) !

Congrats to ALL of you on your NSVs - I am so happy for all of you and you should all be proud of yourselves!

Tiff that is so friggin' awesome - I know you have to feel so good about it! Chancie -- I am with you - when I get to Onderland (4 lbs away), my BMI will be overweight and not obese -- my goal is to have those 4 lbs. off before my 6 month surgiversary on 12/12 ... I really hope I can do it! Tiff & you give me the inspiration to believe that I can (and will) succeed.

Bambi - congrats on taking the leap and "drinking the kool-aid." We're so happy to have you as an official member and look forward to hearing all about your selfishness!

Tracy - Bichon Frise are so cute - I had a g/f in Indiana that had one. I have a terrier toy mix and a Shitzu - they are so cute -- never thought I'd like small dogs, as I always had BIG dogs, but these two have stolen my heart! As for your clothes -- two other options -- you could have them altered as you 'shrink' or, if they are the right style, do what I do with some of my tops and find a nice belt that can be worn first at the waist and then low on your hips -- you'd be AMAZED at the difference a belt can make and in the comments you receive!

Hi Madelyn and welcome to the VST family - we are happy you have joined us - and congrats on your 12/14 surgery. Where are you having your surgery and who is your surgeon? We look forward to following your progress and helping you with any questions you may have - just ASK away!

It WILL move again -- just be patient! This is not a sprint, but rather a marathon - the weight will come off! Have faith! Continue to work the plan and exercise (walk) as much as you can.

Yep - it's not only possible, it's probable ... I was in a 20/22w before surgery and now can get into an 16W or an 18 (not W) and those are getting lose on me ... so believe it, OWN it and you'll be there before you know it -- DON'T sabotage yourself though - instead of trying on the 14 ... go to an 18W - you'll be surprised with the difference, then when those get loose - shoot for a smaller size. Remember -- you didn't gain this weight overnight and it's not going to come off overnight (although it comes off quicker than without WLS)

Tracy - I so know what you mean. You did get a good deal, though, and think of it this way - it's the last clothes you'll have to buy in that size. Donate all the clothes you outgrow and you can claim the deduction on your income taxes, along with all the medical costs associated with your surgery! Now I have to ask ... what type of dog? I LOVE dogs! I also almost lived in Mishawaka...my (ex)husband took a job in South Bend and we found a house in Mishawaka; however, he decided he couldn't deal with the South Bend winters and moved back to Greenwood before I ever made it up there!