WhoozisAnyway

Lissa, you have been the most inspiring person on this site. Happiest of surgiverseries to you. Sent from my iPad using VST

You won't have any problems with small pills, even right after surgery. I moved back to non-gummy Vitamins about 12 weeks out and have done fine. What I don't do any more is take several pills at a time (I used to gulp down a Vitamin, allergy and PPI at one time). Sent from my iPad using VST

I can tell a huge difference and you look beautiful! Isn't this exciting?! Sent from my iPad using VST

I was almost 50 lbs down before most people noticed, go figure. Even though I dropped from a size 22/24 to a 12/14! Just today my boss said something for the FIRST time, and I'm 63 lbs less! Some people feel uncomfortable saying anything, and others (especially those who see you every day) simply don't notice! Don't let it get you down. Sent from my iPad using VST

Amazing! Sent from my iPad using VST

I'm lactose intolerant, so I use SpiruTein brand mixed with soy milk and sugar free Torani syrup. Currently I'm using a Cookies and cream SpiruTein with a splash of SF caramel. vitacost has the best prices on SpiruTein that I've found. Sent from my iPad using VST

You look fantastic! Sent from my iPad using VST

I still have one for breakfast every morning during the week. Easy, nutritious and yummy. Sent from my iPad using VST

OH, added NSV, I'm now off my thyroid meds on doc's orders! Now the only prescription med I'm on is for reflux. Went off blood pressure meds right after surgery. Sent from my iPad using VST

Spent several hours at the mall today. I haven't done that in 5-6 years. Today I went to "normal" stores, bought clearance shorts and capris in a size 14R (down from 22/24W 6 mos. ago), shoes 1 size smaller than 6 mos. ago, and two shirts in a size SMALL (down from 1-2X). The size small is an outlier 'cause I've got some big hooters, but I'll take it! I can't remember the last time I didn't have to shop in the "big lady" section. Still can't believe this is all real. Sent from my iPad using VST

Did your insurance deny it for a specific reason, or do they not cover bariatric surgery at all? Sent from my iPad using VST

I'm not sure how, but that was the only pain I had. Felt like a big bruise just under my collarbone and hurt to take deep breaths for a few days. Other than that, though, recovery was a breeze and nothing compared to my sinus surgery just a few months prior. Sent from my iPad using VST

I'm not even 5 months post op, but last week I ate an entire slice of pizza (granted, this was "designer pizza" about half the size of a Dominos or Papa Johns slice and without the crust) and freaked myself out. I can count on one hand the number of times I've had a bread product since surgery, but it was enough to scare me away from unhealthy foods again. With a dense Protein like steak I can still only eat 1.5-2 oz at a time, but simple carbs like bread, crackers or pizza dough go down much easier. Lesson learned. Sent from my iPad using VST

I sure am! Can't have thin hair AND grey roots, lol! Sent from my iPad using VST

4.5 months post surgery. I'm 5'5", started pre op diet 2/25, lost 20 before surgery on 4/9, and 42 post surgery. Bit of a slow loser, but it has averaged 10 lbs/mo. Started in a size 22/24 pants and 1x-2x shirts, now size 14-16 pant and M/L top, dress size about a 12. Sent from my iPad using VST

Thank you! Got the shirt at Marshall's, wore it to a Duran Duran concert last week (AWESOME).

Exactly. I wouldn't keep any old photos of me, so my only "before" shots are those that I downloaded from friends on FB. Thus the blurry fat photos.

Thanks! My advice would be: 1. Do what your doctor says and follow your pre and post op diets carefully 2. Exercise (I'm currently doing Water aerobics 2x week, 1 hour elliptical 2x week plus strength training 1-2x week) 3. Use a food/exercise tracker like MyFitnessPal 4. Say goodbye to fast food permanently 5. Stay away from Pasta, rice, bread and potatoes 6. Have fun and don't let stalls or off days get you down - they're just blips on the radar screen!

Wow, what a difference! Doesn't it feel fantastic?

Still only halfway to goal, but I'm really getting excited now. First photo was 274, second is 213. Surgery was 4/9.

LOVE this. Hilarious! Sent from my iPad using VST

That may be the best NSV I've ever read. Sent from my iPad using VST