Mama always told me I shouldn't talk to strangers, BUT....

...you guys are like family!! So I know I've been MIA for awhile, but it's summer time, and I've been out and about, but I still feel a sense of responsibility to my OH family to check on from time to time.

Well, I am 3 weeks out and I feel great! I sometimes wonder if I even had this procedure done! But then, when I eat or drink, YEAH, I know I've had this surgery! LOL The restriction is there.... I've progressed to soft foods like beans and cheese and soft fruits. Man, it is a struggle to finish anything! I was getting chili from Wendy's but would waste so much of it, so I made my own with turkey ground meat, and I've been eating that for the past couple of days. Sprinkle some cheese on it and I'm good to go! When I look at how much I eat NOW as compared to how I USED to eat!?!? It's unreal! But I can't lie...sometimes, I miss it. I miss not being able to go to McDonald's or BK or the pizza buffet and just EAT!!! But, there is a greater good here, and I accept that. Hey, IT'S JUST FOOD!!

I have not had a soda or anything sweet since surgery, and while it gets to me sometimes, it's not that big of a deal. To date, I still don't get hungry, so that really helps me with my food struggles.

Juice and water: It's hard to get all my water in, but I'm still working on this. I've been drinking V8 Splash. Yes, there should be the word DIET in front of it....no excuses for that one. I guess I could have used those extra nutrients because I was hardly getting any at first... But now, since I'm starting to eat more solids.....OK, accountability steps in now.... Only diet V8 Splash from now own. And water...for some reason, I can drink it from a cup and with ice. From a bottle?? It just doesn't work for me. So I'll keep drinking it like that. Hey, you've gotta do what's best for you!

Exercising....well, I've hit a snag right there... Ok so at first, I was soooo tired and drained!! I could barely do ANYTHING and start huffing and puffing from exhaustion. But I noticed that this has gotten better, perhaps since I've been eating (and I use this term loosely...) But anyway, exercising has slipped and it's my fault. I've got to do better with this. I was doing so well!!! But that devilish treadmill.... I HATE THAT THING! LOL But the bike and I became good friends! LOL But it's not too late. I just gotta do it....

Well, as far as weight loss, I'm not sure. I'll weight at the doc's office next Tuesday, so by then I'll have an accurate report of loss. But over all, so far, so good! I really can't complain!

My words of wisdom: This surgery is life changing. I knew that going in and it's proven itself to be true post op. Please know what you are doing before undergoing this procedure. There is no turning back. I think the thing I miss most is gulping and drinking my water or Coke as fast as I could... Small simple things like that, but when I look at the long term results, I know it will be worth it! So, along with most others on this site, I will say this: HI, my name is Amanda, and I LOVE MY SLEEVE!!

Glad you are doing well!.

Food is calling my name but I am not hungry. I still have to feed my family so I have stuck my finger in piza sauce, I also had a few bites of mashed potatoes last night, but today is purees day. I'm now lactose intolerant(GB removed) so I don't know how I am going to function--love cheese.

Thanks!! And too bad about the intolerance... So far, I'm still able to handle dairy. Don't know what I'd do without it!

Pizza sauce..... man, I miss pizza! LOL And i'm single with no kids, so I don't have to cook for people so that's a bonus for me! Don't know if I could handle cooking for people and I can't eat any of it... More power to ya!

I love your story. And congratulations on your weight loss success. Keep up with that excercise as much as you can.

Thanks for the encouragement! It's not easy, but soooooooo worth it!

Thanks for the update I hope you continue to do well. I love how down to earth and realistic you are. Love your posts!

Awww!!! Thanks so much!

Allright! I'll cabbage patch to that!

And I'm doing the running man to your 50lbs!! You go girl!!

Sounds like you are doing awesome!  I love your self awareness - you know what needs improved, and now you can just do it!  Keep up the great work and keep rockin your sleeve!