NikiS

I seem to be cold a little more than before and I'm pretty sure my Iron levels are ok. I keep my heater on at work because it's always frigid in here - LOL. If you're alway cold I say wear a sweater, take all of your supplements (with iron) and think warm thoughts! All the best, Niki

Whew... there is so much going on in my life right now, I really don't know where to begin. Guess I'll start with the latest change of events... I have/had a friend at work that I chatted with throughout my work day and went to lunch with daily. Not often, but a handful of times we interacted outside of work (I'd invite her son to my son's birthday party, an invitation to a cookout, etc.) Anyway, two weeks ago (11/4), my job suffered a tragic loss when one of our partners passed away unexpectedly. As a result, the office closed early and she and I didn't have a chance to really talk. Fast forward to last week (11/7), I assumed she wasn't in the office because I hadn't seen or heard from her. Our late partner's funeral was 11/8, and she knew him well as they worked on the same floor. I called to check on her the following day and got super shot, snappy answers to my questions. I'm thinking... ok she needs some time. So here we are, into another week when everything comes to light. Yes, Ole Girl was upset about the passing of such a wonderful man, but the reason she's not speaking to me is because I didn't tell her about my surgery - CAN YOU BELIEVE IT?! As of today I've lost 40 lbs and my co-workers have been paying me compliments. Well she tells a few of them she knows I've had something done and she thought we were better than that and the least I could do was tell her if I'm on diet pills, had surgery, etc. When a co-worker asked her if her feelings were hurt she said no, she upset because I owe her an explanation and until I tell her what the deal is she doesn't have anything to say to me. Really?! She's upset because I didn't tell her my business. I don't mean to be so cavalier about it but... oh well... guess we just won't be talking. Admittedly, for a little bit I was in a state of you've-got-to-be-kidding. However, as time passed, so did that feeling. I owe her an explanation?!? Really?!? WOW!!

All the best to you. Here's wishing you a very speedy recovery. Can't wait to read about your success.

You and I are in the same boat. I've lost 36 lbs since surgery (9/20) and from some of the reactions I've gotten you would have thought I lost 100 lbs. Don't get me wrong, I love the compliments but not all of the attention if that makes any sense. Food doesn't have the same appeal it once had. There's no one thing that I crave and if I didn't have to eat I probably wouldn't. I've been asking myself why now? Although I don't have buyers remorse, how come food didn't lose it's unrelenting grip on me then?...how come now? Things that make you go hmmm. I'm waiting for my eyes to see what everyone else sees. Some of my clothes are definitely loose, and the scale is moving but to me I look exactly the same. And yes, I did laugh at the boob slippage comment - LOL So here's to being weird - in a good way LOL. Congrats on your weight loss. Keep up the good work!!

"Nik, those pants are way too big for you now. You should retire them."

GNC has something called Pro Performance whey Potein 28. There's 28 grams of Protein per scoop. Add 1 scoop to 8 oz of Water. It has 120 calories, 4 grams of carbs and it's DELICIOUS!!! Love, love, love the chocolate. Good luck on whichever product you decide to try. Niki

CONGRATULATONS!!!! This is just the beginning, there are so many victories to come. All the best to you, Niki

I can drink quite a bit of Water while on the treadmill but if I drink too fast I will get a very dull cramp - which doesn't last long. Initially, it may be hard for you to drink but as time goes by it does get very easy. Before you know it, all of the sip sipping will be out the window and you'll drink regularly. I'm nearing the end of my 7th week and probably sipped for the first 3 weeks. All the best, Niki

Challenging but worth it Should have done it sooner Happy, rewarding, transforming, and interesting

That's definitely a NSV and by the way... CONGRATULATIONS - LOL! Seems like all of the "Bs" disappear with the weight loss... booty, boobs, bumps, and bulges. :biggrin2:

I notice a difference in my tops but not enough to try a new size and I have a few pairs of pants that I have to retire. I can't remember if they were a little baggy to begin with but now they just don't look nice on me. However, despite people saying I've lost weight, I certainly haven't gone down a size in pants. I think the things I wore weresstretched to the gills and now that there is a little bit less of me the clothes aren't fitting how they used to. Also, what about the people that say they can lose 10-15 pounds and go down a dress size?! That is not my testimony. I know I'm expecting a lot and I've only lost 36 lbs since surgery (9/20) but I thought I'd have to shop for clothes by now.

I'm 7 weeks out and I've been eating salad for about 2 weeks. I have to be careful though, salad is a slider food for me. If I don't put chicken breast in it I can eat a nice amount before getting full (about 1.5 cups). Umm umm... good stuff! Enjoy! Niki

It's still really early since you've had surgery and your body is still going through all kinds of changes and adjustments. Sugarfree popsicles are a great way to get in some liquid. Also, the little measuring cup that comes with some meds like Nyquil, I believe they are an ounce. Try putting a little water in that - even if you don't fill it up - and every 10-15 minutes sip some water down. Temperature plays a part in the amount of liquid you consume, at least it does for me. Please don't be discouraged. It really does get better.

Wow...this is the first time I've ever heard about this.

Good questions. I'm 7 weeks out and there is definitely some arm flab and a little leg giggling when I walk UGHHH!!! I just recently started walking a few miles on the treadmill but I will incorporate the 5 lb weights.

Wow..this really stinks!! I'm still trying to understand how they would give you a surgery date without knowing if you would in fact be able to have the surgery. It's a blessing that you don't have diabetes or sleep apnea but in this instance it would definitely qualify you for surgery even with your low BMI. I know a few people who have the Lap Band and they've done wonderfully. I say research it and weigh all of your options. If there is a chance for you to appeal, definitely do so. All the best and please keep us posted. Niki

I'm more than happy to be added as your friend and welcome to this wonderful site. It has been so helpful to me. Just about any question you have will be answered long before you ask it. Congratulations on your surgery tomorrow! I will you all the best!! Niki

Congratulations and here's wishing you a speedy recovery!

I am definitely losing more inches than weight these days. Like you, some of my pants simply can't be worn anymore because they are way too big - and that feels great!

I don't see the post of the sample diet. Can you please re-send.

I've eaten french fries, chicken fingers and fried chicken before. Grant it, they were bites and not whole orders of food, and nothing happened to me. I wasn't uncomfortable at all but it's not something I see myself doing again any time soon. Also, and this may sound weird but all of the fried foods that I tried all seems super duper salty. They were purchased from places that I frequented in the past and I doubt if they changed their recipies but it was way too salty for me. That alone if enough to make me stop eating it/them.

I am only 7 weeks out and it seems like I've been eating regular food for quite some time. Me and the mushy phase didn't work - mind tricks - LOL. Shrimp and fish are wonderful starter foods. And believe it or not, chicken goes down pretty well. It's very filling and a great source of Protein. Because it is a dense food, like me, you'll probably stay full for a long time. I'm sure whatever you decide to venture and try will be fine. Remember to take your time. Sometimes I find that I still eat way too fast and that can be unpleasant. All the best and let us know what you decide to do. Enjoy! Niki

I have gone out a few times and I too have gotten an appetizer as my meal. Even though it's only a little bit of food, I still have leftovers to bring home which isn't a bad thing.

You look amazing! Congratulations on all of your hard work and on your success!!

I'm a little over 6 weesk out and I sometimes get this same pain except mine is usually under my left rib cage - right now it's on the left side of my abdomen. It's not daily and it doesn't have me doubled over, it's just annoying. I notice when I don'r drink enough liquids or if I eat too fast the pain occurs. Walking definitely helps. All the best!