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Oh my gosh, so sorry to hear about Debbie losing her job. That is aweful and hard to get another job in your 50's!! GIve her a big hug from me:redface: Congrats on your two-miler... good for you!!! It felt good didn't it. I have been reading about your EARL saga.. too funny... Yours give you grief when you are gone too long and mine says "oh go on holiday with your girlfriends"... we just have NO WAY of winning do we? :smile2: O. k. CUBA travelog: The resort was killer... a 4 1/2 star resort that didn't disapoint. Champaigne for breakfast everyday, I ate LOBSTER twice, had calamari 4x, Scampi 4 x... food was very good. ALthough, I got sick of omelets for breaky and tried to have cereal one day with milk.. YUK, the cereal is not crispy(humididy) and the milk is WHOLE milk, unpasturized.... tasted like pouring CREAM on my cereal... couldn't eat it like that, too many years of SKIM milk... ha,ha,ha... But the COFFEE con Leche was to die for. Cuba has better coffee than anyone, we brought home Kilo's of it... I wrenched my back lifting luggage the first day, so had a sore back for the week. Luckily I had extra strength Tyl in my stuff so took that several times per day. but I found this WONDERFUL muscle relaxant in CUBA.... its called R U M.... lol So Pina Colada's were my fav. RUM for my back and coconut milk for my _____ constipation (TMI sorry) Then had evenings of trying every liquour on the shelf.. they had all international brands of liquour so it was pretty fine! on a Sad note, the whole resort was full of Quebecer's.... all speaking Fronglesse!!!! Did finally run into 3 other English speaking Canadian couples so we hung around with them. We did have Satalite TV in our rooms, so we got CNN and CTV and all the Olympic games, and YES we watched the Canada / US HOCKEY GOLD GAME...whoop-whoop We watched it enmass in the BEER GARDEN tavern , 75 drunken Canucks crammed into this little bar watching the most important game of our decade on a 19" screen ..... ARGH :smile2: It was too crowded for the bartenders to serve drinks, so they just passed TRAYS of beer bottles back to the crowd, then Pina Colada's Tray, then this drink called a MIAMI VICE... oh it was good. There was one CDN guy Rooting for the U.S. team...he had the prime seat at the bar,a foot from the TV screen... so his penance for cheering for the 'other' side was to pass the TRAYS of drinks back to the rest of us... it was really fun and all in good spirits... I am sure you could hear us all screaming all the way back to MIAMI!~!!!! CONGRATS to the U.S.A. for taking the most medals!!! Your champions did an outstanding job. (I did think your figure skater got robbed though, she was awesome and deserved more...) BUt alas, the weather in Cuba was very dissappointing.. cold, cold and more cold... broken up by cloud cover!! I had my bathing suit on 1 day, and got in the water at the pool only once, to wade across to the pool swim up bar.. Just so that I could say "I got wet".... I read two novels cover to cover and got really relaxed. That part was nice and we had WILD SEX.... o.k. so it wasn't Wild, it was old lady, middle aged sex... but we got thru it without our pacemakers cracking up. Missed the doggies so terribly, and missed all you gals too... there was an internet cafe there but it was mucho pesos, so I didn't use it in protest. Brought home lots of Cuban Rum, and over 1/2 my spending$$ money cause there is nothing to shop for there... no stores.. You can buy RUM, CIGARS, and Coffee... Great flights both ways, hot meal and wine included in your flight. and on the way down they served Champagne to start our vacation off on the right foot... Glad to be home and sleeping in our own beds, ya I let the puppies sleep with us too! Went to visit my Mom yst. she's in the hospital with a broken wrist.. Poor dear Lots of reading to catch up on here!!! Love to you all Ladies:tongue:

Karla - how about he skips ;0) - Sure glad he's doing better.. Don't really no what was wrong yesterday just quesy and the tmi - ok today ;0) but would love to retire.. I know I would find something to do ;0).. Have fun at your party tonite ;0)... I don't have this yr.. I guess I am just not doing too much Christmas this year at all... Pple here at work were bugging me why I wasn't decorating - told them just too much work just for me and the dogs ;0)... Don't know I'm just pooped ;0) Just day to day stuff is enough to keep up with - then you add Christmas. Well maybe next yr I'll have more time (won't schedule family vacation) and will be more in the mood for it.. Phyl - you are the Grandparents - Age alone is the reason that they should be driving to see you and bring the kids to you - I think that's the priviledge of our age and grandparent status... Maybe they are just bah humbug. Yep 60 miles 120 miles round trip is too much - Don't her and Tracy get along or what... I would think they would want to be w/the whole family on Christmas.. But again this is coming from a girl who has only 1 sibling left - if my Sis was just 60 miles I would go there for Christmas for sure ... Yep back on tract - so much so I have boot camp tonite. Candice - I know I heard just a tad when napping yesterday about the cruise ship - yep lightening doesn't strike twice - if seas were that bad - don't think there was much the capitan could do ... Storms... 30 ft swells - I know that I would be sea sick for sure with those kind of swells .. Hugs on your snow - Ya sometime Walmart is the most exciting thing to do - for me it's target & marshalls since they are across the street.. Well at least if I lived there I would be getting snow days - but losing power - well that would be a bitch - can't watch t.v. or get on the computer - and I'm read a book on my eread that needs charging every 6 hrs ;0).. Well just a quick ck in- bored at work - not motivated today... Maybe tomorrow ..

First of all, JANET WE ARE GLAD you are back!!! Karla, a bear? in WASAGA BEACH? no, but that was funny.... we don`t have any bears around these here parts! We have LOTS of deer, skunks, squirrels.... but no bear or moose... Moose live WAY up north from me... about 3-4 hour drive up north. We woke up today to a FOOT of snow! It was falling all day yesterday, and today, well I am sure LOTS of people stayed home from work. THe snowfall itself is not the problem, as we have awesome truck crews to clear the roads FAST,,,, but its when is comes along WITH wind!!! You desert rats know about the wind eh? well its been blowing 30 mile/hour winds with the snow sqawls so that is the danger... you get WHITE OUTS from the wind... Phyl, you musta heard froom your sisters in Buffalo... it got dumped on too.. worse than us I hear. So I feel like singing Christmas songs now!!! LOL what else is there to do??? Pewter is out shoveling/snow bloowing and Bridget is helping him... I know this cause I can hear her barking her face off outside... she hates the shovel, tries to attach it... SILLY girl, if daddy didn`t shovel paths for her in the backyard she`d be way up past her hiney to pee and poop ( TMI) so she has these trenches to run in... plus she HOPS in the snow to get from place to place.. it is so damn cute!!! wish I had a video Phyl, so to make sure I get this... You wanted to buy a PARK model trailer down there? but EARL thought too much money?B would you then have sold your Aclass??? and just driven back and forth from Seattle to Palm Dessert? Stayed in my jammies all day yesyt. still in ythem now!! its NOON I should be SO assamed. LOL Karla, its o.k. not TMI after youve had surgery... I am glad you pooped too!!!!! Hope it didn`t hurt to much... yikes... now I`m TMI:o Janet; can`t wait to see the picutres... there`ll be great. So glad you had a fabulous vacation.. It must have felt so good toknow that you gave them all those NICE memories forever... You are a special La-La

Well, I'm so used to not having sweet stuff like that, I don't want to tempt myself! I just don't trust myself. But.... to be honest, I sort of remember someone was giving out teeny samples. That's when I was having "issues" with what I had for lunch. So I took it and put it aside... on top of my purse, in my basket! I did eventually eat it, but I think it came back up with that latte I was drinking!! LOL!! Sorry.... TMI!! Pre-op visit went great. First they took my weight... lower than the Wii or TOPS weight on Monday but I'm not logging any new weight unless I'm still down on Monday. Then they took more x-rays and measurements. Then the doc's PA came in... as I told Candice, not quite old enough to shave, but very nice. I had a long list of questions that I wrote down during that class last week. I liked all his answers... like, spinal and femoral block with some light IV sedation... asleep but not deep anesthesia and the block will help control the pain for 24-72 hours. Won't bore you with the rest of what we discussed, but I was pleased with all his answers regarding various different things they'll be using, etc. I will probably go home Thurs or Fri, they said. Apparently I could go to rehab if I wanted to, but they don't ususally do that if you have someone at home to take care of you. And my friend that had hip replacement at the same place a month ago said do NOT go to rehab. She says she had horrible care there. Doc kind of talked us in to buying this ice pack thing. Comes with a big sort of thermos jug with tubes.. you fill it about half way with Water, then ice and put the top on. Tubing attaches to wrap around thing for your knee. Then it pumps the ice water through the thing continuously. Sounded like a good idea at the time... $125 but Medicare won't pay, so we bought it. Then when we got home I started having "buyer's remorse", thinking... I'm ALWAYS cold! Why would I want that thing pumping ice cold water up and down my leg???? So I hope it isn't a waste of money! Sheba is a really pretty tabby. But who knows who the little slut paired up with??? LOL! Oh, Janet says a white siamese. Hmmm... might be pretty little kitties! So sorry about all your stress!! Job stuff sucks!! That's horrible! Glad the car thing worked out well. Gotta ask two questions: was the guy wearing a wedding ring and did you get his phone number!??? LOL Miss you when you're not here! Yes, I am brainstorming things we can do next year, too. Did we decide the NO thing, cruise, etc is out for sure? Earl & I are probably going to do a Mexican Riviera cruise out of L.A. in about March if anyone is interested. And about what you told me in Canada??? I'm old... I forgot!! LOL

TMI!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Same here... I've been doing great and then quickly became bloated and uncomfortable... could not even pass gas. I took some miralax, but needed something immediate... Resorted to glycerin suppositories (I know, yuck and tmi, so sorry!) and it helped almost immediately... I was miserable last night but much better today!

Tomorrow will be a week since my surgery and the pain is getting better everyday. It’s really just 2 incisions on my left side that seem to hurt the most. I still can’t bend down or over and I’m sore to the touch. The day after my surgery was pretty rough. The pain was awful and I actually ended up throwing up twice just from sucking on a sugar free popsicle and sipping water. I ran a slight temp that night and the next as well. I haven’t had to take my blood pressure medicine since the second day home from the hospital which is awesome! The first 2 days were so hard to try to take my pills and vitamins but now it’s not so bad. I’m squeezing in 30-40 ounces of water a day and about 2 protein shakes. I tried a ricotta bake recipe I found off the Bariatastic app today and I was only able to take about 5 bites. It was delicious though! I’ve tried a few nibbles of some baked beans and I can eat cottage cheese ok. Weird thing is I feel hungry a lot! I went expecting that but I get full so fast. I went for a 1.6 mile walk today which felt great and drove for the first time today too. That actually made me really nauseous though which I haven’t been feeling since the first day home. And I know this is TMI but had my first bowel movement today since the surgery . That was so painful though. I think I need to ask about some kind of stool softener! The part that makes everything all worth it is I feel thinner already! Clothes and underwear are looser and my hubby already noticed a difference! As of this morning I’m 13lbs down!

Long....don't change your ticker. That weight will come off by the weekend. Try to get enough fiber this week. Throw a cup of canned spinach in you diet once a day until you anniversary date and see what happens. It always seems to get things on track for me...flushes my system and gives me energy. Not eating any at this stage and really miss it. It's worth a try. Allie, Teach and Long....I bet if you took a poll, 90% of ppl complain of slowing down on wieght loss the closer they get to goal. Try to be patient. You will be "yahooing" b/4 you know it. Then all you need to do if figure out what it takes for you to stay at goal with cals and exercise. When are you planning PS, Allie? I guess the only thing I would like done is a mons lift (yep, it's been discussed here b/4) and maybe a thigh lift. The tummy and girls come out of this pretty good....arms are barely affected....I am lifting weights and it has helped tremendously. Just not sure if I want to go through yet another surgery but know I would feel better (ego) if I had the thighs and mons done. I put a question into Dr. Schulman yesterday regarding the sagging mons and how it relates to (trying to say this without tmi) sexual pleasure. I have noticed in the last couple of months that things just aren't the same as b/4 in that dept. In a 30 yr marraige and things have not changed with DH and I...just think it is a physical thing and where things down there are now hangin'. Do any of you know anything about a mons lift making a difference in the bedroom???????

Ok, here I am I'm sorry to have left you hanging for so long. I kind of shut down when I don't feel we'll. The surgery went well, first day is a blur, I slept through most of it, that evening I was up almost every half hour going pee which was exhausting since I had to get disconnected from everything then reconnected every time. I'm sure the hospital roommate was not pleased with me. I didn't like the morphine button, it just made me feel nauseous and really out of it so I didn't use it much the first night after about 10pm so I was very uncomfortable all night. The next day, I had to have blood work and X-rays done and didn't get to start liquids of any kind till about 1pm Thursday. At that point I was given liquid pain meds that helped me sleep and didn't make me feel crappy, it was heaven! I slept so sound and when I woke up felt sooooooo much better. I was walking the halls mostly because I couldn't find a comfortable position to sit or lay since the day before but man was I out of it. I went home Friday and have been just laying low, I walked out to the mailbox and up and down the stairs to get protein drinks a couple of times but have mostly been sleeping. Today I will work on staying awake a little more. I haven't had much gas, but burping feels like a hiccup that hurts and I was finally able the fart last night and that was great! Haha! Tmi I know. I don't bruise really easy so I have a few small bruises but nothing like some people get. Advise for people in the future...definantly do the breathing exercises while in the hospital, they really help. I hope everyone has a problem free surgery as well! Best of luck! Pre-op weight 226 and I an 5'2" 204 day of surgery Surgery date 10/3/12

I am so glad you asked about not having a BM since before surgery!!! I havent either so am curious about others. Even though we have had only liquids, I would think that we should still be having liquid BM's. Sorry, i know that is TMI!!!

Biliopancreatic Diversion with Duodenal Switch is the original. SIPS/SADI-S/Loop DS is the new version. The new version was created to mitigate some of the issues with the original i.e the diarrhea issue as well as lessen the malnutrition issue (still higher risk compared to Gastric Bypass, Gastric Sleeve, etc, but better statistics than original DS). However, the downside is you have slightly less calorie and fat malabsorption, statistically slightly less weight loss, and there isn't enough long term data to tell how patients are doing 10-20 years post-op, but that data is available for the original DS. However, statistically SIPS still has a higher weight loss percentage then Gastric Bypass even if it doesn't beat out the original DS. In the end it comes down to 1. if your surgeon even performs the SIPS version of the surgery (which is actually easier for them to perform then the original) 2. if your insurance even covers the SIPS surgery because some insurances consider it 'experimental' due to the lack of long term data and 3. which surgery you actually want. I chose the SIPS/SADI-S/Loop Duodenal Switch for myself because I didn't fancy having to deal with diarrhea all the time. Didn't expect that I'd have to deal with constipation issues at times and my system trying to empty itself at others (at least twice a week my stomach is like "ohhh you're going to be in the bathroom for a WHILE" and I literally empty everything out. Diarrhea still happens on those days. TMI, sorry, but I thought you'd want to know all the nitty gritty stuff to help make your choice). Also, there is something like a 3% you will develop either Celiac Disease or a Wheat allergy. That's for any malabsorbative surgery (DS, SIPS, or Gastric Bypass) and they don't TELL you that. I developed a wheat allergy. I was tested for it after I had classic symptoms of dumping syndrome after I was TOLD that wasn't possible. I tested positive for a wheat allergy. Anyway, it's unlikely it'll happen to you, but I tell people because a 3% chance means 3 out of every 100 people so it's worth mentioning and I'm irritated that they DIDN'T mention it! I still would have had the surgery, but I would have like to KNOW! Also, they didn't tell me that it's possible to vomit old blood after the surgery. Again, doesn't happen to everyone, but it happened to me and scared the SH*T out of me! I was still in the hospital and panicked and the nurse came in took one look at the blood in the bag and was like "It's old blood. You're fine." and then walked out. Like WTF?! Anyway, I'm almost 16 months post-op with the SIPS so if you do decide to go that route feel free to ask me any questions about my own experience and I'll do my best to answer. Hope things go well for you at your appointment!

Sorry is this is TMI, but yes, I had diarrhea starting post op day 3 until post op day 7. I added some benefiber in my shakes and it went away. I was expecting the opposite problem.

Hey... me too... oops. TMI.:faint: heh heh heh just kidding! or am I?!?!?!:heh:

I have to agree with what most people are saying, which is that you should stop blaming outside circumstances that could be changed and instead look inward, being very blunt and realistic with yourself. Alcohol should not be consumed by people who have had a sleeve for ideally 6 months to one year after surgery. There is a special digestive enzyme in your stomach that processes alcohol. Since 85% of your stomach has been removed, there is very little of that enzyme (if any) to process alcohol. You could actually end up with alcohol poisoning and be in the hospital getting your stomach pumped. If cereal is a "trigger" food (a food that you can't seem to stop eating once you start) then don't buy it. There are a ton of things that I just can't buy because I know I can't control myself and I will eat all of it! Grocery stores sell pre-cooked chickens, usually for $5. If you want something quick and easy, you could get a chicken and eat off of that for a few days. Also, Protein shakes with milk will give you protein and what your body needs to feel full. I tried Isopure Water for the first time today. It smells kinda weird but tastes OK... and dang, it filled me up. I'm actually burping! (TMI) Support groups work when you work the program. Do you think it would be acceptable for an alcoholic to attend an AA meeting if they just kept drinking and drinking, week after week, year after year? Just going will not help someone until they actually hit rock bottom and make the decision to stop. The point is, it is horribly difficult... horribly horribly difficult to stop eating... (I am literally fighting it every minute of the day) but it is something you have to fight just like any other addict. Your stomach is not likely stretched all the way out, but you could be doing damage to your insides. Your hair is falling out because you are not consuming nutrients. The majority of people who get a VGS will have hair fall out - this is because your body is working to keep the more important parts of your body working (like internal organs and muscles) and ignores things like hair, nails, and skin. I've noticed in a lot of your posts you mention things you can't do, such as not being able to cook. I can't cook either, and that was a big fear of mine. So, what am I going to do? I'm going to sign up for cooking classes. In the meantime, I look up stuff on youtube that looks basic enough for someone who can burn water! My nutritionist gave me smoothie recipes that use frozen fruit and yogurt. The frozen fruit doesn't go bad for ages (cuz it's frozen) and the yogurt isn't anything fancy. Then I just add Protein powder and put it in a blender. It literally takes 5 minutes and you can't screw it up. To conclude, it's easy for anyone to tell you what to do; however, you sound very depressed on top of everything else, so anything people tell you to do will seem unrealistic. I have been through therapy myself and was on antidepressants from the time I was 15 up until last year when I finally got good therapy (I'm 33 now). So, I do understand depression... everyone is just like, "Well... don't be sad. Think positive." Gee.... why didn't I think of that? I'm cured! haha. The point I'm trying to make is, PLEASE reach out for help... either to your primary doctor to work with you on getting the correct type of medication for you, or to a licensed therapist that can help you through this. If you can work through some of these issues in a non-judgmental environment, you will feel more positive about your outlook in life, then things kind of click into place slowly but surely.

Aww Shad...hope you're doing better now! Here's what the Mayo Clinic says about dumping. It's not something I've ever had. On the first day of a rapid diet change, like going from a carb loaded diet to no carbs or vice verse, within hours I just get (warning TMI) explosive diarrhea and my body will clean itself out but none of the other side effects they talk about with dumping. .

OK, my #1 fear about having getting sleeved is pain. I have never had surgery, never had kids, never even gotten stitches!! I've never broken a bone! I find menstrual cramps debilitating!! I have a really tough job where I sometimes have to work with terminally ill people, and I lost my mom when I was a teenager, and I am a TIGER when it comes to dealing with emotional pain, but I am so scared about the hurting. And I know myself, I am going to be ALL OVER those pain meds- luckily, I can take two-four weeks off from work so my main priorities will be getting Water, Protein, and walks in. ANd I can do all of those things doped up on Vicodin! But my question for you is, have you had any other procedures? What was the pain like, specifially? Was it gas or incision? Can you feel your stomach inside your body hurting? TMI?

MsHansy: Would it help to chew on ice cubes or those SF ice pops. I have thought about freezing some of the Isopure dirinks and then blending to make a slushy type thingy, but I'm not sure what that would do to the Proteins in the drink. Just think, only a week and a half to go! Ajoneen, sounds like you are doing great with your eating method. I'm definatly dealng with some head stuff and will be focusing on the things you mention to try to keep control when I get to solids. Harley: Way to go! You are doing really well. Busy: Could the shoulder pain/headaches be tension at this point? My shoulder pain definatly changed yesterday. I tried a heating pad on my shoulder and some massage to my neck and shoulder. It did feel better for a while. Whenever I take something for pain it's always for that dang shoulder pain. The belly is totally tolerable in my opinion. Hope you find some relief soon. My 22 month old DD has been puking all yesterday evening and all night tonight. I am so afraid of getting a stomach virus. I am being really diligent about washing hands, but I have been so close to her the past feew days, I know I've been exposed. I really hope I don't get this virus.....TMI..although if it helped me to poop which I have not done since Sunday I might feel differently about it. Christine

Hi!! I'm currently in the ER everyone! I haven't been able to keep ANYTHING down these past two days. Not even a sip of hot tea. So, my doc sent me here for IVs and meds. I felt much better after vomiting so many times (sorry...TMI) but I'd be on a road to dehydration if I didn't come. Pray for me!!! 8 days postop -- sleeved 8/12. 30 pounds down since 7/29.

Hi everyone.. I was sleeved on May 6th and I'm doing pretty good. I can't drink protein shakes cause it goes in and right out the other (sorry TMI) but it happens until your body adjust to everything. So I'm stuck eating chicken and fish already to get my proteins and doing well...I do have an issue that I have asked my doctor about some nerve pain right at my belly button area. It is like a burning pinching pain when I laugh or move wrong. Just wondering if anyone else had this..

I dont think I want to go to the hospital again. At home all things are better. Heating pad for the shoulder, liquid Tylenol(good stuff!) for pain, lots of juice and broth with unjury added. Im a happy camper now. Very minimal discomfort. I don't think I will ever stop passing barium. (ya-TMI) Im off to take a shower. Yes Fenton showers are wonderful!!!!! You can't have too many. Hugs to all.

I just wanted to add that I agree with the posters above who said it isn't the same as vomiting. I am just like you- I would rather have the runs all day than throw up once. TMI I know! :thumbup: I probably PB about 2 times a month and it is mainly due to foods I used to be able to eat suddenly I can't eat anymore (byebye Pasta of any kind). It is just the food and some saliva (slime) without the nausea or stomach acids. You know when it is about to happen, but it isn't the same as being nauseous and vomiting. Does that help? Anyway, I will definitely deal with it as I have lost almost 120 pounds in 8 months and have an exciting new life now. Good Luck with your band.

Glad to hear everyone is doing great! I can't believe some of you all have been banded for a month now. WOW! The other day they had a marathon of Big Medicine on TV. I watched them all again. Love that show and always learn something during that hour. That other show about Brookhaven Obesity Clinic is just too sad. Plus I don't understand it: the staff knows these people are calling out for food, so put a stop to it already! I have a ways to go for my first fill but I'm reading what you all are going through with some trepidation. I think I'm going to be scared to finally start eating and chewing again. TMI alert - Right now I think I'm having a hard time telling the difference between hunger and gas pains. Last night was really rough and I ended up doing that slime thing. (First time and hoping my last.) I'm not sure what happened either. The only thing I can think of is my chewable calcium pill. That sucker is huge. Without thinking I popped the whole thing in my mouth and chewed and swallowed. I don't think I chewed it enough and took too big a swallow. My sides hurt and my breast bone hurt. It wasn't good. Then I was up almost all night with diarrhea. On the protein drinks - I found High Protein Boost is really good at 8oz for 15 gm of protein. I got some powder protein from The Vitamin Shoppe. I use 1/2 scoop of the banana flavor in my cream of wheat with LF vanilla flavor organic milk. Oh so good and high in protein. I did order some samples from Bariatriceating.com. I want to have a good selection so I won't get too bored with the same flavors. Missy, WTG getting into twoerville. That is awesome. :clap2: Angel, you were banded 2 days after me and the bloat and gas pains got me within the same time frame. Have on hand plenty of Gas-x, either the strips or the chewables. Drink slowly and try to belch often. Another thing is to recognize when you are full. (I'm still learning this.) Oh and not to sound like your Mother, but sit up straight while you eat and even afterwards! I'm a big sloucher but found that sitting up straight helps with the digestion. Boy I wish I could address everyone but my old brain goes on overload after reading. :faint: Take care everyone, and KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK!

I won't be there for themeeting. Bummer that would be awesome. I won't be home till Sunday. I still take prilosec for acid even though dr Le toldme I could go off of it. I stopped it for a while and felt the same as Lee. So I just take it. I don't mind. I no longer take bp meds, cholesterol meds, and I'm cured of my sleep apnea. it's a great trade off. Oh and sorry if TMI, but before I lost all this weight I would sweat so bad on a trip like this walking around Disneyland all day. But now I feel normal. No more sweating like a stuck hog. Yeah. Lisa

Ah Suzzzie - the "curse". I can completely relate!!!! I'm just coming off of mine and I've been a tad cranky - especially since I can't have MIDOL anymore!!!!!!! There are times when I watch my family eat. I see the huge bites or how fast they are wolfing it down and it truly makes me nauseous! Then, very sad because I know I used to do the same thing. My fill is tight so I'm still getting used to it (going on 2 months now) so I sometimes look at the food and almost cry because I want more, I know I NEED more but I just can't do it. Back to the "curse" - mine has caused me nothing but grief since I was 12. It has adjusted the schedule to invade every important event in my life. (some were a good thing). All dances in high school, prom, college trips, wedding night, trip to Australia (this one really hacked me off, I couldn't go snorkeling at the Great Barrier Reef because of it), every wedding anniversary, birthdays, my first cruise, and any other vacation/trip I've been on. I truly have the CURSE!! I even try mapping it out before scheduling a trip - my body just adjusts to make sure it can make an appearance. TMI, huh?

On another note - I think I know where my funk has come from and why it has been around so long. I am blaming hormones. As you all know, my lady hormones have put me into early menopause... well, since starting the 5:2 WOE I have seen more of my friend than I have in the last 3 years! This time she came with no warning - and without TMI she was heavy and I had cramping which I haven't had for a while! Not sure why this is happening, as I've said before, my doc told me that my ovaries have pretty much packed up! This has been going on for over 3 years - I think it probably started before my sleeve, but my weight was always a convenient excuse for the medical world to blame any bodily inconsistencies on! Can the 5:2 change hormone balances? Is this why the scales isn't being kind to me? I dunno, but it certainly explained part of the funk!