roziecakes

You're doing so well! It took me a little bit before I really started noticing the weight loss by appearence, because I have been really large for so long. However, the best advice that I have, is to look at it not from the appearence point of view, but from a health and well being point of view. Even if you think you don't look different, what can you do differently that you couldn't do before? How much better do you feel? Do you have pride about the big step you have taken? Personally, I believe that appearence should be very low on the list of motivators to lose weight. It is the icing on the cake that will come with time. You're already doing really well! Just keep at it, and I know that you'll see the results you want really soon!

I would never let someone who isn't a professional crack my back. It's just not worth the risk to me. I got WLS so I could relieve pressure on the herniated disc that I have, and I am quite picky about what gets done to my back.

I'm almost 2 months post op, and mine doesn't hurt at all anymore, but mine is also on my left side, and not by my belly button. I imagine if it were in a place where I fold or bend it might get jostled more.

Wow, weight loss injections?! Creepy!! I wonder if they actually work.

I have been told that pineapple juice and papaya enzyme will help break up food that's stuck. I personally have not had a stuck episode or a fill yet, so I'm sure that someone else will have more advice for you, but that's my brief knowledge.

Thanks for posting this! YAY! I'm able to post again, my account wasn't working...

Thank you everyone!!

I found myself in tears this morning as I looked at the scale. It said 299. I have not weighed under 300 pounds in over 10 years. I know it's only a pound under 300, but it seems so huge. I would have never thought I would make it to here. Thanks everyone for the support! Hope you all have had a great week, I just got back from an awesome camping trip

I know EXACTLY how this goes! I really do. When I first started on my weightloss journey my BMI was too high for the surgery. I was SO PISSED. I thought, "isn't this type of surgery for people like me?" and I felt betrayed and sad and angry all at once; *and* hopeless. It took me a long time, but I finally got my BMI low enough and was able to get the surgery with a BMI of 50.

I tell people that I'm making lifestyle changes and that they're paying off, which is totally true! I don't always feel the need to tell people that I've had WLS, but I can tell people that I'm exercising and training for a 5K, and that I'm eating less and healthier, and I wouldn't be lying! As for the cancer jokes, I don't think it's a matter of being uptight as much as it is being considerate and thoughtful when we make jokes about certain things. Just remember that while you might think it's funny doesn't mean that everyone else does, and it's best to keep the jokes like that to a minimum.

That's what I was thinking... 3 bites?! I would say approximately a cup to a cup and a half. And it's true, the band will not keep you from eating. The best way to approach it that I was taught by my nutritionist is to try to get the Protein down first, and make it the greater portion of your meal, and then veggies, then the other stuff. Make the most nutrient dense choices for the small amount you are allowed to eat. A cup of potato chips has a lot less nutrient value than a cup of lowfat chili for example.

I love this quote in your signature: If you mess up, your next chance to change is your next meal! That's awesome!

Thank you! I will definitely do that!! I love your attitude by the way! That's the way I hope to be too. I just want to do it, even if I take longer than everyone else.

I have the wallet card, but I have been considering getting the bracelet, especially because I travel a lot, and if I didn't have my partner with me, and something happened, the EMTs would need to know somehow.

It took me a couple of days to get back into drinking the protein shakes, and even then I could only do a little teensy amount. I am sure that you'll feel better soon. Lucky you, soft foods at 5 days! I had to wait almost two weeks! There is a lot of swelling after the surgery, and that's part of why you aren't able to get much protein in. Don't worry though, you will soon!

No regrets on my end of things! This is the best decision I ever made!

Thought I'd mention, I called and left a message, haven't heard back yet. I'll try tomorrow morning. Must be busy there!

I admit that I used to like the broth out of the cardboard box, but before surgery my mom bought me some in a can, and I drank it, and it was THE NASTIEST stuff I have ever put in my mouth. I almost feel nauseous thinking about it, and will probably never drink it again. UGH. I don't even want the kind in the cardboard box... Anyhoo, I didn't drink any chicken broth after surgery because of that experience... I found that right after surgery the only Clear liquids I could stand were juice, sugar free popsicles, herbal tea and Vitamin Water. I also had some coconut water. After that, I was on full liquids and was back to my Protein shakes, and never had to drink the dreaded chicken broth again!

First of all, in regards to the pain. I had very little pain at surgery and afterward. The only real pain was from the gas, and walking made it go away pretty quickly. The fear of a big commitment at a young age is very real. It's true that this is a big deal and you really need to be ready for it, like having a baby. To me, the fact that your motivation is to look pretty and skinny would be a sign that you're probably not ready for the band. I was over 300 pounds when I was 18 as well, and it took me until now (age 29) to be able to get to the place where I was really ready for weightloss surgery. What have you done so far to try to lose weight? Have you had bloodwork done? What does your thyroid look like? My suggestions are to talk to a counselor, nutritionist, and your doctor and do a lot of research to determine if this is really right for you. I feel like looks are just the icing on the cake when it comes to this sort of thing. What your real motivation should probably be (although we are all different) is health! Good luck with everything that you aspire to do! You have a long life ahead of you, and it's not too late to start making smart choices

I have been told that those of us with infertility problems and PCOS (I am one of those in that category, I'll be 30 in February) will start to have regular cycles and may become fertile again with weightloss surgery. This was told to me by my surgeon. Now, my partner has a vasectomy, so I don't think I'll be having babies anytime soon, but I can tell you that my cycles have been completely regular, and I've had two normal ones since getting the surgery (one about three days afterward... yuck), and that's with no metformin or any other aid. Good luck to you! I hope that all goes well in your Quest to be a mom!!

I think that most surgeons require a psych eval. I was self pay and I had to get one as well. I think it's important. I think that it's important to be mentally ready for weightloss surgery because it's a big change emotionally as well as physically and requires the true desire to make a lifestyle change. Don't worry, it's not because anyone thinks you're crazy, lol!

For those of you who are training to be in triathlons, marathons, etc; you are my inspiration! I can't wait until I'm there. Until then, working on my first 5K! I can do it!

I'd like to see the evidence to back it up that there isn't any effect on metabolism. I saw studies that my nutritionist provided me that say otherwise, and it's something I've lived religiously with for a while. I suppose I could look the studies up on line, but I have them on paper. I'm not trying to be oppositional, I'm just curious, because it's important to me to know the right answer.

One way that I have avoided the 'yucky' Protein shakes is to make really delicious smoothies with protein powder (vanilla flavored). The powder I use is 110 calories per scoop, so I throw in a scoop, a banana (110 calories), some yogurt (the kind I use has 80 calories per 1/2 cup), some sugar free strawberry jam (10 calories per tbsp), and blend it up with some ice, and it's like having a milkshake! I drink half of it for a meal, and 1/2 of it for another meal. It's yummy and doesn't taste like the yucky prepackaged Protein Shakes.

I wanted to tell you that I find your progress to be extremely inspirational. I also have a large amount to lose, and I can't wait until twoderville myself! Congratulations!