NikiS

I wish I had a few receipes for you. In fact, I could use a few myself. I'm so borded with food most day I don't even want to eat. I'm approaching my one month (10/20) and I've had grapes. My doctor said I could have some as long as I peel the skin. It takes some time oh but was it ever worth it!

I think you look fantastic. It's only been 4 months since you had your surgery??? WOW!!! Also, I second LilMissDiva's comments. You really do look healthy and happy. You should set your own weight loss goal and not let it be dictated to you. You've done an amazing job so far! Congratulations, Niki

Wonderful! I am so happy for you. All of your hard work is paying off. I say pat yourself on your back and enjoy!! You deserve it. CONGRATS!!! Niki

I'm so glad to read that I am not alone in this. I think counting calories is key. I ahve been trying to restrict myself to 3 oz of yougurt or sugar free Jello. I know all of this is a learning process and reading your posts make it that much easier. Keep up the good work everybody. Much success! Niki

I asked this same question and was told that I couldn't wear a tampon. If it comes during surgery they will give you a HUGE pad that seems to reach from Maine to Spain - LOL and the biggest panties you've ever seen. You'll be fine. I thought my surgry would be reschedule because of my cycle but nope, all was went well. All the best, Niki

I think you look fantastic!!! Congratulations on all of your weight loss and for reaching your size goal. YOU ROCK!!! As far as reaching your weight goal, I agree with Pasquini, are you happy with your size? If you shoot for your weight goal you'll certainly be much smaller than a size 6.

Ditto to Sleeve 4 me's comment...and WOW!!! You look absolutely beautiful!!! The before picture doesn't even look life the after. A whole new lifestyle and a whole new you!!!

That's awesome! You go girl!!

Are you putting milk you in your Protein drink/shake? I put Water in mine. Also, I don't know about other yogurts but Chobani has between 14g-16g of protein. 1 slick of provolone cheese is 5g of protein. Not to mention tilapia, chicken and turkey all have protein. Beef and pork do too, but the first ones I mentioned are high in protein. I hope it works out for you. Be well, Niki

Did you read someone's post and it rubbed you the wrong way?! Don't let it get you upset, instead share with them the proper way or your thoughts on the subject. Like CammyD, I too wish everyone success. It would be unfortunate to have this procedure and for it to fail. All the best, Niki

OMG!!! 40 pounds in a little over a month...that is terrific! It sounds like you are doing wonderfully! It's it great when the clothes you used to wear are sudden way too big?! That's sucha great feeling. I know you were super happy to find out you were preggers - LOL. That would have been a whole new challenge. Congrats to you on your surgery and your weight loss. And I know your hubby will have success before and after his procedure! All the best, Niki

Awww, Sweetie, you have done a fantastic job in the past and I'm confident you will do so again. Yes, you did take some time off but necessary time - you lost someone very close to you. The great things are: you've lost and kept off 60+ pounds and you're engaged!! Those are 2 very big and exciting things. Dwell there and enjoy those things for a while. You sound like you're getting back on track and that's great! Be encouraged and work your plan. Chin up! Niki

I had the "dip" too but my surgeon told me that was the area he removed scar tissue that I had from a previous surgery. I'm only 3 weeks out and my "dip" has flattened some. I'm confident it will go away as I continue to lose weigh. Tell your sister to be encouraged. She'll be fine. As far as the 4 week liquid diet...hmmm. I did a 2 week pre-op liquid diet. Then 1 week of clear liquids immediately after surgery and then a week of full liquids before moving on to mushies. WIth 4 weeks of liquids I'm assuming she'll lose some major weight! All the best to you both, Niki

Thank you so much for sharing! What an amazing account of your recent victories. I am both happy for you and proud of you. Congrats on your weight loss, and all the best for your upcoming half marathon. I pray your knee will recover 100% and that you continue reaching your goals. How wonderful and encouraging! Congratulations again, Niki

I was off my pain meds around day 4 or 5 but I din't drive until day 10 post-op. It really wasn't that bad. But still...be careful! All the best, Niki

Milk of Magnesia definitely works - immediately. Just one thing... cherry flavor is the worse! It's way too sweet!!!

Preop protein shake- Slim Fast Iron pill- Is in the multivitamin. No need for extra Multivitamin- Centrum Chewable (w/iron) Vitamin d- Is in the Calcium. No need for extra Calcium- Calcuim Citrate with 600 mg of vitamin D - GNC B-12- from GNC

I told my sister, mother, and 6 friends. oh, and last weekend I shared it with some family. I don't mind letting family know but co-workers, church members, etc....nah, not so much. I'm not afraid of what they'll say I just don't want all of that attention. A small part of me thinks, what if I tell the world and then I never lose the weight. I know... silly thought but it's definitely something I've entertained. Also, when I came back to work (I took 2 weeks off) several people noticed that I had lost weight but (1) it wasn't drastic; and (2) these were the same people that saw me drinking Slim Fast for 2 weeks for my pre-op diet. They assumed that's what did it. When I drink my chocolate Protein shake I hear, "that Slim Fast looks deliciuos or Nik, you're so dedicated and it's starting to pay off."

Oh, I amlost forgot, Slim Fast!!! Creamy Milk Chocolate was my favorite (Wal-Mart's brand)

There are lots of things you can have: Crystal Light, sugar free popsicles, chicken and beef broth, any non-caloric, non-carbinated drink, decaffeinated tea, sugar free jello and of course plenty of water.

I'm only 3 weeks out and I can eat the entire 6 oz of chobani yogurt. Grant it, after that I'm full for the rest of the day, but it's pretty easy going down. I restrict myself because I don't want to overdo it. Also, my tummy let's me know when too much is too much.

You hear so much about protein, protein, protein but no one told me I could get too much protein - YIKES!!! I am probably one of very few people that actually enjoy my protein shakes. Since Day 1 they have never been a problem for me to drink. I had my surgery on September 20, and I thought the weight would simply melt off. I've heard about stalls and slow weight loss I just never thought I'd be in either one of those categories. After all, I'm dinking my protein, taking in plenty of liquids and doing well with food. Exercise is another story all together, but I digress. On post-op day 19, I called my physician's office to ask a few questions and before I hung up I asked if it were possible to have too much protein and was told yes! My protein shakes are 28g and I have 3 of them a day. That's already 84g of protein. Greek yogurt is 16g. That's 100g already and that's without my soft meats (I'm in the mushy phase). Tuna, salmon, talapia, etc. is protein. On average I was getting in close to 135-140g! That's too much. Not to mention, protein builds muscle so if you aren't walking or exercising you may gain. Of course if you're just coming out of surgery you can't really exercise but you can walk which I haven't been doing. No wonder the scale isn't moving!!! My doctor said to decrease the protein (keep it between 70g-90g a day) and get moving! I have lost some weight. I've lost 30 pounds since surgery, and I know I have to take it easy because it's only been 3 weeks but I still need to do my part. Too much protein...who knew!!

I'm 3 weeks out and have had the same thing. If I applied pressure to the area it would go away. My pain was right in the middle...closest to my belly button on the right. I had some scar tissue and that was the area that it was removed from.

This may be slow in coming but I've come to realize something...this change is truly a process and is very, very different for each person. Prior to having surgery, my physician and his staff provided me with tons of information at each appointment. I have a wonderful binder (my bariatric binder) chronicling step by step, and day by day things from vitamins, what to expect before and after surgery, pre-admissions, examples of meal plans, what kinds and times to take in liquids, etc. It is so informative and I refer to it at least 20 times a day. During my appointment, my doctor as well as the on-staff nutritionists adamantly steered me away from certain carbs. I was under the impression as soon as something sweet or some bread like substance hits your palate I'd regret it instantly. It was/is because of this that I have stayed on point. That and I'm only 3 weeks post-op. Anyway... I've read the occassional post where someone may have had a weak moment (nope, I'm not judging) and they never mention getting sick. How can this be??? Of course this is his profession, but I now know my doctor is really committed to steering me away from the potentials of what contributed to me having the surgery in the first place. Yes, these things could possibly make me sick but why go there. He's actually aiding me in my lifestyle change by assisting with changing my mind set. Just one more reason why I love, love, love the bariatric staff at Temple University Hospital!!!

Oh...and I'm not even a month out.