About 6 years ago I was heading out on a business trip, flying Southwest Airlines.  Now I'd been flying them for over 2 years already and made a regular 1-2 times per month trip with no problems.  Occasional looks from seat mates when they had to cram in next to me on crowded flights but otherwise no issues.  Knew enough about their seating program to get to the line early and insure an aisle seat.

Checking in and going onto the plane when the business agent pulls me aside and says I have to buy two tickets to ride the plane.  I take up space for two people so I need to pay for two tickets!  I was furious but had to travel so I paid for the second ticket.  By the time he was done with the credit card and issuing my ticket went onboard the plane to find no seats (two together) so the friggin' flight attendant had to bump some people to get me two seats together.  I was so mortified, every time someone came down the aisle and motioned for the empty seat I had to tell them it was taken...by the other half of my ass hanging over the seat.

I've never flown Southwest since then.

Still fly a lot, in fact so much taht I regularly get bumped up to first class so seats/size haven't been an issue.....and now since the surgery I can fit in any seat!! Whoo hoo!!!

Still get a seat belt extension on most flights but the buckle and clip are now only a few inches from each other.....I hoping for the next big fart to be the "extensions.....I don't need no stinkin extensions!!!" moment.

JIM

Dan,

You look great and should be proud of the accomplishment.  The old Dan is still a valid reference point for people to see and deal with you on a personal level.  They compare new Dan to old Dan and see a big delta change (for the better)

Give it a little more time, maybe another year or so and the reference people will use will be the current one...they'll stop seeing the big change and just notice you for being you.

It sounds corny and trite but you veterans continue to be the type of example us newcomers need to see.  It helps us keep focused and realize there is much more life to live...... and to live well is the best thing we can do.

Weigh to go!!!!!

Jim 

These lists are great but I want to add one item:

Greek yougurt. 

It's creamy and lacks the tang of some yogurt that some people don't like.  It's fairly well available at regular grocery stores in our area and can be found at most health food stores as well.  Slightly thicker than regular yougurt and available in non-fat (0%), low-fat (2%) and regular.  The beauty is that is carries almost twice the protein as regular yougurt.

They sell a single serve (5.3 oz) of the non-fat it's around 80 cal and 13g of protein.  Add some pumpkin seeds, almonds or walnuts and you can boost the single serving to almost 22g.

I use it in the morning for breakfast and it mixes well with sugar free preserves for a fruity yogurt.  Add fresh fruit (blueberries, strawberries) and it tastes like heaven.  I also add to chili or eggs as a sour cream substitute.  I even use it to make a dipping sauce for grilled chicken, sort of like a ranch or taziki sauce and it helps moisten the meat.

DxE,

You honor us with your request oh great and wise one! LOL

Serioulsy though, I find that I cut an paste large chunks of the back and forth you find on this forum into documents.  With guys from all phases of the journey (newbies, wannabee's, post-ops, yearlings, old timers, really, really old timers) there is a lot of really good info that flys around here. It happens so fast and fortunately most of you are patient and don't hesitate to "re-run" a particularly good or informative posting.  I've got my Supplies file (where to get stuff), a Recipe File (Smoothie Bible, Chili recipe's, Breakfast and Lunch ideas, etc.),a medical file (various posts on medical concerns, symptoms, physiology, how we are piped and plumbed, etc.)-even have a large type copy of BajaAddicts Bristol Chart!!!

Handouts, specifically around common topics, is a great way to keep the information flowing....think USA Today mentality...quick little snippetts of info focused around a single idea or area of concern.  I've shared the "smoothie bible" I got from the Locker Room with half a dozen people already.

The key would be to focus on our common concerns:

Dealing with life-where to get the supplements, food, shakes, support stuff. Not advertising, just pointing to potential suppliers, places to get the stuff, etc.

Dealing with living-how do we go out for meals, how do we reacclimate into "normal routine" while learning about our new pouch/band/sleeve.

Hope this rambling gives you some ideas.

Jim (Bigdog80)

I found that opening the capsule up and putting it in a shot glass on top off either 1) liquid bullet protein or 2) liquid vitamins made the whole thing easier.  These two liquids are "heavy" enough that the Uriodol doesn't mix put stays on top or just into the first layer.  I figure the liquid vitamins are only needed until I'm done with the Uriodol but the protein shots are a good second option

The shot glass makes for a one gulp.....

Now if you add lime and a little salt then we'd really be talking! LOL

Good Luck

Bigdog80

I second everything that's already been said but here's a "strange" bit of advice that I remember from my surgery 2 months ago.  Depending on the level of "hairiness" you have, shave the back of your hand and forearms.  This removes the hair from the areas where they insert the IV and prevents them from getting caught in the tape.  Sounds weird but I know it save a lot of post-op pain from getting the IV switched, bandages after blood samples, etc. Good Luck, we'll all be thinking about you and wishing you a safe and speedy recovery and landing on the Loser's Bench

Lance,

I found at Vitamin Shoppe (similar to GNC) a protein pudding that is pretty good. Get the powder form (the pre-mixed tastes like ground up shoe leather) that gives you 25g and mixes up into a pudding (for the soft phase).  Use skim milk instead of water and it gets a boost to 30-35g.  Taste is pretty decent

Bigdog80

Come on Boner, you haven't lived until you get to spend a weekend doing Intercourse, PA.

Yes, laughter is the best medicine

Bigdog80

Let me just say the aroma of that one is incredible....way to go!

Your monthly mileage goal is a trick I'm adding to my routine.  Been a long time since I've even seen a mile in anything resembling a run--think slow amble with multiple stops "to catch the view"  GASP! WHEEZE!

Keep it UP!!!!