VACookey

Yes, it stands for original poster. I couldn't remember the name and was obviously too lazy to scroll back up and look. ~hangs head in shame~

I don't think you should take a vacation 3 weeks after surgery. You'll be on a 10 pound weight restriction. You won't even be able to lift your luggage. If you can reschedule, you should. OP, congrats on enjoying the cruise!

Oh I know, the first few weeks were so hard. I was constantly thirsty but it hurt so much to drink. Have faith, it WILL get better!

I think you should start lifting weights. Just get some 5 or 10 pounds dumbells and check out youtube for some ideas on exercises. There are tons of things you can do easily at this point. I lift weights 3 times a week and not only has it helped my weight loss but it's also helped tone up my body better than I expected. Actually, on second thought, I have a set of dumbells where you can adjust the weight from 5 to 25 pounds. I do shoulder on 5 but can do biceps on 10. So having something adjustable is better than buying a bunch of different weights.

I'm almost 6 months out and mine are still visible. They're slightly pink instead of red, so I guess that's a good sign.

I read years ago that a donut was one of the worst things you could put in your body. Even at my highest weight, I could scarf down lasagna and enchiladas followed by a chocolatey dessert, but I wouldn't touch a donut.

Not that I'm sick or anything, but I was curious if anyone has been sick with the flu since surgery. Specifically, is it any worse than usual? Since you can't eat that much, you can't throw up as much, right? Also, is the risk of dehydration during the flu greater for gastric patients? Inquiring minds wanna know.

I've had dreams about sandwiches too! Specifically, I eat half a sandwich really quick and then remember that I shouldn't. Then I sit and wait for the pain. I've had this same dream several times since surgery. Weird!

I can only speak for what's been successful for me: Next to no sugar, lots of protein, low carbs, and plenty of exercise, specifically lifting weights. I work out 3-4 times a week with a combination of cardio and weights and I'm very happy with my results. I see that the weight loss is now slowing down but it hasn't stopped. I'll be at 6 months on September 7th and I'm just a few pounds away from 100 pounds lost.

I learned this when I had a gall bladder attack and was told I just pulled a muscle during sex (I kid you not): The ER's sole purpose is to make sure you aren't dying. Once they determine that, it doesn't matter what the diagnosis is. Call your regular doctor in the morning. I never rely on the ER to figure out what's wrong with me.

I wish I could eat 1200 calories. I've gotten up to 1000 a few times but generally I'm around 800-900. I just think 1200 would be so much healthier. And it might even help my poor distressed hair.

Mine does that when there's something under it (like a dust bunny or something) or the battery is getting low.

Almost 5 months out and I can't chug. I don't have to sip but if I drink water too fast I feel kinda sick for a few seconds.

No, I don't think it's been slow at all. I have 2 weeks where I lost 1.2 pounds. That was the lowest. Every other week has been about 3 pounds. I eat kinda boring stuff, mainly because I'm afraid of getting sick. Scrambled egg with cheese or weight control oatmeal for Breakfast, grilled something and veggies for lunch and dinner, and two Protein shakes a day. I had a horrible weekend eating-wise. I went to a pool party and most of what they had was tons of potato and macaroni salad and Desserts. The only protein source was pork BBQ which made me sick. So I wouldn't be surprised if I lose NOTHING this week. I really need to figure out how to eat when I'm not at home and not in control. I didn't plan this weekend out AT ALL.

About 90 pounds

I grill a lot. I love my Foreman grill! So I buy packs of chicken, beef, and fish, then freeze them in small servings. We use a food saver (best purchase EVER). When I want chicken for dinner, I'll grab a pack out of the freezer and thaw it out during the day so I can grill it at night. I do the same thing with veggies. I buy a bag of green beans or asparagus, take a few pieces, wrap them in wax paper, then put them in the freezer. I just take out the little bit for each meal so I'm not wasting any food.

Congrats! I'm at almost 5 months and I'm down 90 pounds. Isn't it amazing how fast this has happened? I'm loving every single second of it!

Of course, maybe once you lose some weight and can start doing some freaky deaky pretzel moves, he'll come around.

WOO HOO!!!

Statistically speaking, it's the only way out. Studies show most people who lose their weight through diet and exercise alone gain it back and then some. The odds would not be in your favor trying it any other way. Perhaps you should google some of the many reports that show it's almost hopeless for obese people to lose weight on their own and keep it off. Maybe he'll come around? A little?

See, that's part of what I meant by letting my body do what it's going to do (as long as I stick to eating healthy). Wow, 137 does seem scary but if that's where I end up then so be it.

I stopped several weeks before surgery because I didn't want to deal with caffeine withdrawals while dealing with healing from the surgery. I started whitening my teeth so that I wouldn't be tempted to go back to them. I feel a million times better without all those nasty chemicals coursing through my body so I have zero desire to drink one again.

That's how I feel. It's not even worth it to me. And I feel so much better getting all that caffeine out of my body.

I'm actually thinking about going to the farmer's market and getting some free range chicken instead of the store bought stuff. Can't hurt to try it.

Wait, you mean butter's not supposed to be white? And cheese isn't supposed to be orange?