Keys Pirate

Heh, can't go wrong with Lane Giant. I mean Lane Bryant It is a chain also for plus sizes and they do have some cute stuff and great bras. The only thing I miss about being fat - I can't buy my bras there any more!! Lol! I don't know where you are staying but the one I used to go to is off of Kendall Drive and the turnpike. Remember too, don't go crazy in there as you will be dropping sizes so fast that you won't get to enjoy your new clothes for long. I think I was in my hospital gown 90% of the time... Oh, you can get Gas X strips in any CVS or Walgreens, Kmart, Walmart, just about anywhere. Yay! C

Vitamin Shoppe for Tight Curves chocolate, Vanilla or Berry; one of the few I could tolerate - actually quite tasty! Still drink them everyday - sometimes I drink the ready made EAS carb control when I can get them on sale. Not as good as the Tight Curves tho. C

I couldn't stand the taste of diet or carbonated (especially my old fave diet coke) anything post op until very recently. I still can't stand Diet Coke for some reason but that's ok cuz it really is crap and I don't miss it at all. I drink diet sprite or Fresca every now and then and use it to make a diet Mojito also! woo! My doc (Aceves) never said never to anything. I was never "addicted" to sodas, however, and I wholeheartedly agree with CurrySusan; if it's a problem and you've kicked it for surgery and your new lifestyle - don't go back. Best! C

Hello Elisa! (and Tiff! You Gorgeous Momma!! ) Great to hear from you and so cool on your upcoming trip to the Keys and S. Florida - you'll have a great time! You've definitely picked a few of the 'not to be missed' attractions of the area and I am happy to share a few more with you. One thing I have to tell you, however, is I am so NOT a girly girl - it's not even funny!! I think I've had one massage in my life, one pedicure and maybe two manis... lol! So, my reflection of what to do may not be indicative of your tastes. I am very much an outdoors, athletic type (much of the reason I was sleeved) and my recreation time speaks accordingly. With that, do be aware that it is downright CHILLY here in January as is the Water. That said, it's entirely possible that we will have a warm snap with air temps in the high 70's, maybe even low 80's but don't count on it. If you want to swim, bring a wetsuit to put over your swimsuit! I don't spend much time in Miami so I can't give you much advice there; I know South Beach is a hot area as is Lincoln road - it is a road that is closed to car traffic with nothing but chic shops and restaurants up and down that's kind of neat. There is a lot of art in Miami if that is your thing. South to the Everglades, one of our favorite places for nature and bike riding - don't miss it if you want to see alligators, Roseate spoonbills, many birds of prey and so much more in their natural element. BRING A CAMERA (duh!) - it's a great time to go as well as the bugs are at a minimum. The park is very large with good access on the north side (highway 41) and on the south from a town called Florida City. We are closer to the south side and there is a lot to do in corny old Florida City; there is a winery, a coral castle, a ridiculous fruit/veggie flea market type thing called Roger is Here (?!), airboat rides, tons of indian history and attractions (miccosukee tribe) and more. If you go thru the park to the town of Flamingo, you can kayak or canoe or even camp. Once you get into the Keys, take your time. Not much to do or see in Key Largo except Pennekamp State park for kayaking (mangrove tunnels are really neat) or taking a glass bottom boat tour. There are a ton of dive and snorkel boats that go out of Key Largo too if you are interested. The reef that parallels the Keys is amazing... Oh, before I forget, on your way back up, maybe take Card Sound Road rather than 'the Stretch' or main highway; Card Sound is very scenic and back country. There is a cool restaurant (the only one as a matter of fact) there called Alabama Jacks that is better known for its ambiance than food... Tavernier and then Islamorada (where I live) are next. Again, diving and fishing are the primary things to do around here. There are a zillion good restaurants too but, unfortunately, seafood is not cheap; they really capitalize on the tourist dollar, sadly. Our favorite restaurant is Lazy Days. There is a place called Theater of the Sea in Islamorada that is pretty neat; like a mini Sea World. Check out World Wide Sportsman for interesting shopping - it's got a Hemmingway boat inside as well as a huge fish tank and some cool stuff. There is a great bar upstairs with a fantastic view. If you happen to be here on the full moon, there is an excellent full moon party next door at Morada Bay. It gets pretty nutty and is a ton of fun! There aren't many beaches at all in the Keys and the few that are here are man made - mostly. You can stop at the Cheeca Lodge for their beach and to explore the gorgeous property - or to get a massage. Also in Islamorada and a little more laid back you'll see an Outback Restaurant/Hampton Inn; (a chain) stop in for a bit and check out the little beach. They often have live music outside and they used to do ultralight flights from there but I don't know if that is still the case. You can go fishing on the Captain Michael if you think you might enjoy that; they run out of Robbies Marina twice a day. Even if you don't fish, do stop by the marina and feed the Tarpon- they are mind blowing. They also sell a lot of neat, locally made stuff there. Onward to Marathon - the Turtle hospital is fun as is the Dolphin Research Center - definitely worth checking out but not so cheap... Next door to the DRC is a restaurant called the Wreck - great food and tons of it! If you like Stone Crab, Keys Fisheries in South Marathon offers $1.25 claws at the bar only. Yum. Then you'll get to the 7 mile bridge which is cool; 7 miles over the ocean - many movies were filmed there. Not a lot to do or see in Marathon - it's really kind of a mom and pop, working Joe kinda place. On your way south be SURE to stop in to No Name Key off of Big Pine - the Key Deer are there (the only place in the world) and most concentrated near the No Name Pub (good pizza) but it's not easy to find...The deer are about the size of a labrador retriever and will come right up to you looking for a treat... Best to see them late in the afternoon. They are amazing. There is also a Blue Hole there with a friendly (?) gator and the like - it's one of the only natural fresh water sources in the Keys. Not long before Key West is place called Baby's coffee on your left; stop in for a cup - you won't regret it! Ton's of cool stuff in there too. OMG there is soooo much to do and see in Key West! our favorite area is the historic waterfront where there are a bunch of old schooners and great bars, restaurants and people watching. Must try a Key Lime martini but only at a place called the White Tarpon - everywhere else they are crap. Be careful tho - any more than two and you will be on the floor! Go for a sunset sail on any of the schooners; we are partial to the one called the Western Union as we were married on her but they all do a great job. All of the restaurants are good; you really can't go wrong. We love the Rum Barrel. Of course Duval Street can't be missed. There is another bar called Captain Tony's off Duval that is the oldest bar there and the ceiling is covered in... bras... and is known for their Pirate's Punch (we sound like absolute lushes but adults go to KW primarily for one reason...!) We really enjoy the Butterfly Conservatory - more than we thought we would - it's very relaxing and just plain neat. Again, take a camera. If you go there, you won't be far from the Southernmost Point and a nice beach. It's good that you are spending 5 days in KW - you won't get bored, I promise. Make sure you spend plenty of time walking around and getting off the beaten path; there are no unsafe areas to worry about. You will find a super old cemetary, an historic bar called the Green Parrot and the Truman Annex with a free ocean museum and a couple of old military boats. Also, take the trolley around town; it is tourist to the max but it really is an excellent tour with information to be gleaned nowhere else and they go all over the island. You'll have a blast, no doubt about it. We have been living here for over 6 years and we still go to KW for a getaway on a regular basis. And please, you are not being rude in the least, I'd be looking you up if I was coming your way, without a doubt! Feel free to ask any more questions you may have, I'm happy to help! And good luck with your sleeve!!!!!!!!! Carol p.s. I'll post this on the board too in case anyone else might be coming this way.

WOOHOO!!!! Gary, you rock!!!! I knew you would do it soon!! You look absolutely fantastic, by the way, I could not believe my eyes when you were here. Rich was especially stunned! He's up to 50 pounds down but is doing it the hard way... again! So proud of you, of all of us! You guys need to plan on coming down again, anytime. Me, I'm still hanging at 101 lost - goal was 104 but I just pulled that number out of my head. I've been fluctuating between 153 and 156 for some time now. If the remaining three pounds comes off, fine but if not, that's fine too. Probably tmi but it's only coming off my boobs now and I can't spare any more! so I really do think my body is where it wants to be. YIPPPPPEEEEEEEE !!!!!!! Say hey to Larry for us! C p.s. are your girls still considering VSG? Can't wait to hear the next chapters...!

First, CONGRATS on upcoming graduation and your surgery - wow! Redefining yourself, eh? I can relate, I had my surgery in Jan of this year and am a 3/4 time student - waiting to hear if I'm accepted to nursing school here starting in Jan. So, yes, you should be just fine. I had my surgery on a Monday, flew home to florida from Mexico on Thursday and went back to school that Saturday morning. I felt great and ready! I've never been fuzzy headed - if anything my head is clearer. If you're having surg in Jan, you will be absolutely fine and rarin to go by Feb or March. Your biggest challenge regardless of surgery is getting in enough time to study for the test; gauge your test date more on how ready you are for the test. You'll do great!!! Good luck and keep us posted! Cheers! C

I'm pretty happy that I can eat anything; I would not want ill effects like barfing after eating this or that. That's not why I did this. I can eat anything and everything. That said, what I choose to eat is a different story. Oh, let me back up a sec - I tried ice cream about a month ago - the first time since pre-op (about 8 months at the time) - ate three big spoonfulls and felt like crap for about 2 hours afterwards. Had to sleep it off. THAT one I'm glad made me feel like crap cuz ice cream is my absolute favorite food and I could sure see the writing on that wall! Lol! Besides the ice cream, I've only had a few bites of sugary stuff here and there and, in retrospect, none of it made me feel too great. Anyway, choices; I still avoid carbs like the plague with the exception of a bite here and there and that is only recently since being so close to goal. So I guess I can't really say what lots of potatos or rice would do to me but I think I would be fine with it. I've literally had a couple of bites of bread since surgery. The nice thing is I just don't crave the stuff anymore. In fact, I just told my husband yesterday as I was preparing my lunch that I could live on this combination of grapes, cheese and nuts. It's so much easier now to make good choices - it really is hard to explain until you've been there but I've been just amazed by the whole transition. Yes, this is something we have to do for life but I don't see the unimaginable difficulty in that anymore like post diet weight loss pre op. BTW, sliders are foods that you can eat pretty much without stop - they just slide right through you never making you full at all - just fat! Junk mostly like popcorn, chips, nuts, that kind of stuff. Cheers! C

I have to throw in my 2 cents here. First, I wonder how much exercise plays into this grazing equation... I haven't heard mention of it from anyone. I exercise a LoT with about 100 hard miles/week on my bike so that in itself makes my nutritional needs different in itself. Second, I know I'm the minority here but grazing has been law for me. There, I said it. The reasons are multifold but before I go into that, I should mention (to Thinoneday, specifically) that I've been hugely successful thus far, 90 pounds in 6 months, no real stalls, 101 pounds total in less than than 9 months, only 3 pounds to go (but the last few seem to be coming only from my boobs... UGH!) and I couldn't be happier. My calorie count has been 1000+ (sometimes well over) for many months now, carbs 30-40, fat - a lot because of low carb. Working like a stinking charm for me. Here's why I do what I do and have pretty much from the start of solids. 1.) I have had on going acid issues from the start and a little bit of food does miracles for me as far as soothing. Yes, so does Gaviscon, ppi's are a whole nuther story as are neutrallizers and I've done my share of both and still do. Anyway. The last thing I want to do is go to the grocery store "starving". So, I always have a hunk of cheese or some Jerky or something handy. Magic. That said, the acid thing seems to be improving slowly but surely so I am hoping to get away from always feeling like I need food within arms reach. 2.) Full blown sit down meals for me nowadays are really no fun - I am full so fast at meals, wish I could eat more and usually end up uncomfortable for a while afterwards. To me, that situation is more dangerous than a few almonds or a wedge of cheese anyday. The flip side to *that* comment, however, is sometimes I DO crave a nice full feeling and sitting down having a 'normal' meal is definitely the answer. I do still like to cook and the huge home cooked meals of yesterday are long gone - I'll make a nice, low carb Soup or piece of meat or whatever works for the family and myself. Last night was fajitas for example, a great graze/meal combo type food if that makes any sense. Also did some deviled eggs for Snacks. yum. 3.) My job. I am on the Water on a boat almost all day five days a week and the food served for lunch is the same everyday. And, while its low carb-able it gets reallllly old so I bring snacks. Also, since I am the captain, I can't really sit down for a meal as I am always 'on' so to speak. 4.) Also improving is my very vocal stomach! It's mostly funny but I am also in school and it makes so much noise sometimes that I have to put something in it to quiet her down or people start looking at me funny! It's not even hunger, usually, but it is very distracting and annoying when I'm in a quiet classroom. So, as long as I continue to make good choices - and that is SO easy these days - I figure I'll be just fine. I always have a fun variety of yummy, healthy food around to choose from, I rarely - hardly ever - crave crap anymore and if/when I do I can usually just get over it or am satisfied with just a bite or two. Things are sooooo different post sleeve. I've never felt so optimistic about sticking the course - for the rest of my life - ever. Moral to the story here is it's a different ride for EVERYONE and we shouldn't give anyone a hard time if it's working for them! I think these 5-600 calorie a day diets are nuts once on solids and impossible to sustain long term, ESPECIALLY if there is exercise involved. Just my opinion, not trying to bash anyone and I'm certainly no doctor. But, I could never do it, never would want to do it. I'll never stop enjoying food and don't want to, I just have to do it much differently than before. I love all the input here and reading everyone's stories. You guys have ALL been hugely instrumental to my successes, I want you all to know that. Wooohooo! C

Ok Chilo, deep breath. Like Tiff counseled me when I was about where you were - you're getting back to life and just living and what you are going through now is totally normal. It's easier to eat and it's more difficult to keep it under control - BUT - it's sooooo much easier to keep it under control now, right? I mean, 1000 calories - that's nothing!! I'm at about 1500-1600/day and still losing albeit very slowly. The only tiny red flag I see in your post is the carbs - 90 is a bit high if you're watching carbs; I suggest if you're going to tweak anything, that's your target. Keep logging your food/exercise as tedious as it gets. I do the same on myfitnesspal.com still and have no plans to stop although some days I really have to force myself. Another nice thing is you mention "giving up" - well, in my opinion with the sleeve, that's almost impossible with the great restriction we have. Yes, we could graze ourselves fat again, but really? To me that would take too much effort! Lol!! So you're about half way through your total loss and I can tell you, the first half goes a WHOLE lot faster than the second half but we are learning soooo much in the process and getting ready to make this a lifelong thing - your body is figuring all this out too. Give yourself a break, chin up and keep on keeping on, you're going to be just fine. C

Ok, I've done lo-carb on and off thru the years and am doing it again now with my sleeve with huge success. Anyway, I've also tried a couple of lo carb cheesecake recipes over the years and was mostly disappointed. Until last night - I got the urge to try it again and SCORE! I can't even believe this is sugar free with 2 yes TWO carbs. I was skeptical of course but this one really is delish!! This kinda thing makes me remember the glory of eating low carb - bacon and cheesecake -YES!!! http://lowcarbdiets.about.com/od/desserts/r/lcarbcheesecake.htm :bounce: p.s. I doubled the crust - just because. amazing. I also did the dry, 400/200 version.

I'm not seeing anything different on the app than I saw this morning. It's still asking me to upgrade the software on my phone before I can download the app. I have 3.1 and need 3.2. I have issues with this phone and am afraid its going to crash it completely if I try to reformat it now. Can you bring back the old iphone app or one just like it? Pleeeeezeeee? Anyone else with me on this one?? C

Oh!! I DO see it! But definitely WaY more cumbersome than before... I must be getting old... Anyone notice how formatting just gives you html tags now too instead of the actual formatting...? Good grief. And why did we make these changes...? C

Hey Diva, Thanks for that but nope, not getting the green piece of paper... bet it's an OS thing... I'm still on XP on this computer, will try my other laptop that has windows 7. Still frustrating that I might have to use one computer for one feature and another for other features... ugh! Thanks again, C

ok, I second Tiff's comment about the mouseover needing to come back, especially for those of us that have crappy internet... Also, where is my personal collection of stuff that I have posted? Can't find them in the CP... I'm a firm believer in; If it ain't broke, don't fix it! Not likin it so far but trying to keep an open mind... C

Congratos Mini!! You are one of my many heroes on this board and you are one that I always knew would hit goal!! One of your later posts was grumbling about the last few pounds - I am SO there!! But, like you, I know I'll get there - our bodies just need to decide when at the very end there and it's ALL GOOD!!! I am so excited for all of us! What a long, strange trip it's been, eh?? Hugs to you!! C

Alex, I can deal with the changes here - if we must - but pllllleeeeeeeze hurry up and fix the iphone version! I can't even use it at all! I'm supposed to downloand a "forum reader" app and upgrade my (dying) iphone, etc. Also, the new iphone forum has no new content link, etc., etc. And here we thought the old iphone app was bad, this one is terrible! You're killing me! Thanks!!! C

Jami, Strax does not have a very good reputation and I would absolutely second guess what they are telling you happened. How? Go see another gastro with weight loss surgery experience (Enrique Whittwell in Miami is wonderful) and/or visit an attorney. The attorney visit should not cost you anything since they don't charge unless there is recovery. I can't believe I'm recommending a potential lawsuit but.... The best of luck to you, C

Well, here I am! 100 stinking pounds lighter and I couldn't feel better - I feel like I am "home" - back in the body I was supposed to have. I feel like a million bucks, I feel like an 18 year old. I feel like I have a chance to STAY this way for a change! That's the best part. This has been one helluva ride but I have absolutely no regrets at all. I would do it again in a NY second. Overall, my experience has been... boring? No complications, no drama, just good stuff all the way. It is a head twist, however, and it takes some getting used to - I imagine more for some than others. It's been pretty easy for me. My only "issue" has been acid and it's keeping me from losing the last 4.4 pounds... it will come though. And I know my ticker says 99.6 pounds but when I started I could not measure to the tenth and I'm 10000 percent sure that I was probably OVER 254 by at least .4. So work with me here!!! Lol!! Yes, I want to lose another 4 pounds and I know it will come off. The last bit of weight has reeallllyyyy come off slowly but I am eating as if in maintenance for the most part. I still am VERY conscious of carbs - I know my ass is going to explode if I go over 60 but I do - barely - on occasion. But you know what? Keeping my eating under control is pretty easy - nothing at all like before. So, here's some pics - finally - I can't even believe that's me pre-op... how did I let myself get like that - again - and how did I live like that? Forward, right? Argh! I am not doing something right loading these pics, not sure how to get a decent sized photo in here... they are all in my albums if you're curious. Woooo! First pic 254#, January 22, size 40 shorts and tight, size XL shirt and the belt *barely* buckled. Size 42DD bra, size 18 in women's pants 22/24 blouse. With a tape measure, my waist was at... 44"... omg. Second pic 204#, March 2010 - wow that came off fast! Not so sure on the sizes as they were going by so fast at that point. I remember I couldn't get into a size 12 shorts that I bought around then. Now they fall off... Somethings up with my camera... Third pic - 154.4 taken the other day during TS Nicole - I've been waiting all year to wear the boots! Heehee! Anyway, size small uniform top, size 32 shorts (too big), same belt as pre op but goes almost 1.5 times around me. Waist measures at 32! Bra is 36 B!! I've NEVER been a B!!! My husband and I both are a little freaked about that one. My ribs stick out higher than my boobs when I lay down. Good God. Anyway... women's size *6* in shorts and pants - did I say SIX?! lol! Never been there either! Good luck to us all, C

Hey Folks, I'm feeling like a turd here so I wanted to follow up and let you guys know how much this board and all of you have meant to me during this journey and, of course, now as the journey continues. It's a journey for life afterall. Anyway, I feel bad for not saying that first and foremost on my post here. You all have been hugely instrumental in my success thus far. And thanks for all the amazing comments from you guys...! YOU ALL ROCK!!! Thanks again for everything you've done for me and for each other. :w00t: C

I have such a love hate thing going on with coffee it's not even funny. I do drink coffee everyday and have since about 2 weeks post op. I make it pretty powerful and put in 3 equals and powdered creamer. I used to just drink a cup in the morning but lately I've been indulging my craving for an afternoon cup. Problem is, the caffeine no longer curbs my appetite and the acid sets my stomach off like crazy. I drink my cup and don't even start it unless my gaviscon is nearby. It's ridiculous. I'm having such a battle with acid. I should just not drink coffee then, right? Whatev. Anyway, I thought maybe it was just the caffeine so went with half caff, full caff, etc. A little better and the half caff is not so bad really when I make my own blend. In doing more research, however, I'm finding that it doesn't matter if its half or full caff - both have tons of acid in them. So, back to the drawing board. Just yesterday, I found Puroast on line - sounds yummy, reasonable prices (coupon code good1) and free shipping so I didn't have to order a ton to compensate for the shipping to find I don't like it. Those of you that live near a Trader Joe's, they have a low acid version if anyone is in the same boat as I am... Anyone? So, I have my coffee at a cost... to be continued... BTW, I switched off my ppi about 6 weeks ago and onto a prescription strength neutralizer that doesn't seem to be doing much at all. SERIOUSLY considering going back on... ARGH! Good luck! C