HatheryOnHerWay

You started out as a lightweight--the weight probably isn't going to come off as quickly as it would for say, someone like me with a high starting BMI. I think you're doing great. Just stick with your guidelines, and you'll be just fine

My advice: get that crap out of the house! That's what I have to do.

i admit I had to Google Germaine Greer! I didn't know who she was. I am not exactly a feminist

Your milkshake experience sounds a lot like dumping syndrome. Probably too much sugar for your system to handle!

I have head hunger, but when it comes time to actually eat I rarely enjoy it. It's an interesting paradox.

Same here!

It took me until about 6 weeks before I felt "normal" again. Hang in there; it'll get so much better!

Haha, it's good to be recognized for something I guess!

Dumping syndrome can happen to people who haven't even had WLS. It's not AS common with the sleeve, but it definitely can happen. My advice is to eat simple foods until you're further along; don't be a dope and drink lemonade and eat beer cheese soup like me. Someday those things might be ok, but not at the beginning....unless you like pooping yourself. haha

Wow, you look like a whole new person! You're so beautiful!!

Haha, I was going to post a link to my dumping syndrome story but someone beat me to it! Hehe

I just eat what I can, then pawn the rest off on the others at my table. It's usually not a hardship for my dining partners to help me out

I ordered a few things. So excited! Thanks!

My husband was unsure, too. You have to do what's best for you, though

I found out today I'm just obese and not morbidly obese. I was pretty excited! Haha

I found this website that has a GREAT article about what to expect after surgery from side effects to relationships to eating and everything else. It does a great job answering many of the common questions we see on VST. http://www.bariatric-surgery-source.com/life-after-weight-loss-surgery.html it's written by a doctor who says right up front that WLS is not the "easy way out". Hope this helps some Pre-sleeve folks!

Building lean muscle will definitely help you burn more calories and optimize your metabolism. I think strength training is an integral part of any weight loss program. One "side effect", though, is the scale may go up or not move for a while. That's totally ok, though--that's GOOD weight As an aside, I think the American obesity problem has less to do with uneducated doctors and more to do with cheap, commercially available diets that are unhealthy (processed foods), the American lifestyle (long work days with little time for meal prep), and declining physical activity.

Interesting article re: starvation mode: http://caloriecount.about.com/forums/weight-loss/truth-starvation-mode And a blog post that is thought-provoking: http://fattyfightsback.blogspot.com/2009/03/mtyhbusters-starvation-mode.html?m=1

Are you eating til you're full to the gills, or just til you're satisfied?

I've seen numerous posts re: doctors saying starvation mode is a myth. Are they all quacks??

I've been drinking the low-cal Gatorade lately because I just can't bring myself to drink enough plain water. The Gatorade has more carbs than I'd like, but right now I figure staying hydrated is more important!

I kind of wish I could keep my moon face. When I lose weight my natural face shape shows, and unfortunately I have a chin like the wicked witch of the West. Haha

I'm losing about 2 lbs a week now, and I'm happy with that. I'm honestly glad I'm losing at a slow and steady pace...it prevents all the whispered "Do you think she's sick?" And "Do you think she had WLS?" comments behind my back. Plus, I'm not too keen on loose skin and will gladly give my poor skin some extra time to bounce back

I wear my saggy-butted pants like a badge of honor! Hehe