Lila21

I think you can easily say that you AND your husband are on a low carb diet. I know what you mean about being defensive. I really feel the same way right now. I don't know if that might change post-op, but for now, I don't want to tell the world. I figure I will have enough challenges without worrying about being judged for having WLS. On the other hand, I don't want to feel like I have to hide what I think is a good and healthy choice. I think at least at first, it's not a bad idea to keep it close to the vest.

So, from what I see, your appetite seems to have spiked at the same time you stopped taking your PPI. It seems like that functions as somewhat of an appetite suppressant (from what I've read). Maybe before you try appetite suppressants, you should try the PPI and see how you feel... just a thought. :-)

Hey there! Glad it was helpful! My little 1.5 crock is this Proctor Silex one. I love it! I also have a larger crockpot that I use when I want to make a big batch of something and freeze some of it. That one is a CuisineArt, and it's a bit pricier. However, if you don't want to shell out the buxx, I think cheaper ones work just as well!!! The cookbook is called "Not Your Mother's Slow Cooker recipes" by Hensperger. It has some really great simple recipes that should be perfect for WLS. Hope that helps. Feel free to PM if you have any questions!

I was told by the coordinator that they have two weeks to respond. My response took about one business week. Hope that helps!

OMG, I am the exact same way!!! I HATE to touch raw meat!!! I am so squeamish about it!!!

Awesome, thanks for answering my silly question! That looks like the perfect post-op tool!

I OK, I'm going to sound silly here, but looking at the picture, I can't understand how you use it. :-) Do you kind of crush the meat with it? Would you use the same motion as when mashing potatoes with a ricer? Sorry, as you can see, I am *not* much of a chef, much less a pampered one :-))

Best of luck to you, Holly!!!! I hope it goes great!!

I have these protein "bullets" (they aren't too tasty, warning!) that I can mix with water to get in protein. You could also try Nectar, which is more like a juice. It comes in flavors like lemonade and peach. Hope one of those works for you.

I've heard a lot of people say this. What I wonder is whether your tastes return eventually....

I'm a bit late to the party, but I just wanted to pipe in and say you look AH-MAY-ZING! I think there are just different ways that people cope with change. I know that for my part, a friend of mine had the lap land, and when she lost weight really quickly, since I really didn't know anything about it, I was a little worried that she'd get too thin. But, of course, she looks great and is very healthy and fine. I wasn't rude enough to mention it to her, but scared me a bit since I didn't have any education on the subject. Once I saw that she stopped losing at a healthy weight, and looked and felt extremely healthy and happy, I stopped worrying. So, it might just be that people are under-educated like I was. I think people worry anytime they see a big change, so don't take it personally--I think they are just adjusting, and once they feel confident that you are healthy and fine, they will settle in. I think you look just amazing, and I, for one, take a lot of inspiration from how healthy and vibrant you appear!

Great info!!! Thanks Tiffy! I'll verify with my surgeon. Maybe it was in the pre-op instructions that they were being strict about it (I've read and re-read the instructions, so now they are getting boggled in my mind).

I think it's pretty normal, but try not to go overboard. You need to shrink your liver prior to surgery so that the surgeon is less likely to have a problem working around it.

Wow.You are looking so great! Thanks for sharing with us!! You look so radiant and healthy, too! Congrats for all your hard work and success!

I will definitely ask that question! I am betting it's probably OK once in a blue moon...

Thanks guys! I am purging my medicine cabinet so I don't accidentally take something that's off the list!

Fingers crossed for you! That's how I am doing it, too! My surgery is on the 14th!

I was told that I can't take ibuprofen post surgery. Does anyone know what pain meds are OK to take? Aspirin? Acetaminaphin? I'm confused on this one.... Thanks!!

+1 for the crockpot! have the exact kind of worklife you do. I hate coming home to cook when I feel tired, but the crockpot has made it much, much easier for me! One thing I highly recommend if it's just you and your hubby is to get a smaller crockpot, too. I have a big one and a little 1.5 quart one which is perfect for cooking for 1 or 2 people. Crockpots work best if they are pretty full, so if you want to make smaller portions, this is a GREAT option! Along with my small crockpot, I got a really great crockpot cookbook for smaller crocks. It's perfect for 2 person meals. I can't remember the title of it, but if you are interested, send me a personal message, and I'll remember to find it for you. Another of my "go-to" easy, high-Protein options is to make omelets--you can make them with egg whites or egg beaters, and you can throw in veggies, a bit of cheese, or some grilled chicken and make a quick salad, and you have dinner in about 15 mins. I

Well said. P.S. Weren't people CRAZY to get Michelle Obama's arms? I seem to remember this being a "hot news item" right after the election :-)

Thanks for sharing, that's great news!!

I am about to quit drinking coffee, and I have to say.... it's a bit scary. I've had coffee every day of my adult life except for when deathly sick. Even when I go camping, I bring dried coffee crystals!! This one will be a bit tough! :-)

I would love to say so much more (but I am late for work!! :-))... but let me just say how much of an inspiration you are, and how much I have valued your support during all my pre-op questions... Not only the ones I've asked, but the ones I've seen you answer that I never even thought to ask! Thank you so much for all this, and for sharing your story. You look just amazing and HAPPY!

I don't think you should cancel your trip, but I do think you were right to stand up for yourself. My boyfriend used to make fun of my fat all the time, and according to him it was OK because he could poke fun at himself. But, I don't think it's for other people to draw the line at what kinds of things they can say--it's up to YOU. If YOU feel uncomfortable, then they should stop. Period. Having said all that, I agree with Irene. Don't let the haters spoil your fun.

Yeah, believe me, I feel your pain. My doctor moved offices in the middle of my collecting data. Do you know how hard it is to get records from a 70 year old crotchety doctor in the middle of a move? Let's just say, we were not each others' favorite people during that time. She went so far as to tell me I was on her "Pain in the Ass" list. :-)) So... yes, this stuff is always a pain!!! But you will get through it!