hope2Bfitand40

I was 224 pounds with a BMI of exactly 40, no comorbidies, and Aetna covered the surgery.

Grammie, I did got to the site. I printed the list of high protein foods, it's a great resource. Thanks again!

Thanks for the link NewGrammie!

Thanks for the explanation between a slider and a trigger. An excellent reminder!

No it doesn't have to be something that melts, and you were right the first time, it is a food that doesn't fill you up. For me it is Cheez Its and I'm starting to the the Oh Yeah protein bars are a slider for me. Bummer, but really lean protein fills me up the best.

I bought the Unjury protein chicken broth. It really helped to "eat" it at night so I felt like I was having a savory meal. It also gave me a chance to have something other than a sweet protein drink. I also added decaf instant coffee to my chocolate protein drinks to take the sweet edge off.

My experience is the same as COSleeveDude. I can drink, but not gulp. Too large of drinks cause me to be a little uncomfortable, but it passes quickly.

I have experienced this twice. Once after I ate "moist" bbq brisket; the other time after eating a full sugar slushie. Both times it was a great reminder to stop eating things I shouldn't. The results were extreme diarrhea and cramping for a couple of hours. I was really uncomfortable. It can happen with the sleeve, but I think it is from eating very high sugar or very high fat in foods. I'm back on the bandwagon, no "moist" bbq...

You can and you will!

I use one scoop of Chike (chocolate) and one scoop of Click. It is just the right amount of sweet/coffee/caffeine/protein.

I've been off track too, my surgery date was March 6. Today I cut out the carbs (again) and ate sensibly. I also got 20 mins on the elliptical, first time in forever. I really haven't exercised at all since surgery. Over the past few days, I've been thinking long and hard about where I am. I've lost 45 pounds, and I look "normal" and feel fabulous! But, I didn't go to all that effort to stop here. I decided that I was on a liquid diet for a week prior to surgery and two weeks after, I CAN start over, drop the bad carbs, and exercise a little because I now have experience with RESULTS that I have never experienced before. So, I don't know how it will turn out, but I am in the same place you are and today I pulled up my bootstraps...you can too! I'll say a prayer that we both find our motivation to go the distance!

Please don't get discouraged...the weight will drop off. I have been a slow loser, but seriously still faster than anything else I've tried! Stay encouraged!

I wouldn't change a thing! I am so happy with my progress, but I have learned at 6 months post op that carbs are still bad for me and they mess up my hormones. I wish I wouldn't have let the carb-creep happen so quickly. I wish I had made this decision 10-15 years ago.

I've highlighted mine three times and I am 6 months post op. I had a bit of hair loss, but nothing noticeable to others.

IMO, there is no reason to tell his boss all of the details; it really isn't relevant. In fact, my own boss didn't want to know what kind of surgery I was having when I took time off. Your husband should just say that you are having surgery. That's it!

I used the Unjury chicken broth for a long time and it was a fabulous break from sweet protein shakes.

For me it was the towel. It has been so long since I could wrap a regular size bath towel around me!

I wouldn't eat them. I was supposed to stay away from strawberries for 3 months because of the seeds.

I don't think you can get back over with a birth certificate anymore. I believe things changed about two years ago...

I need help with this too. I'm starting to sleep more and also take a bath to relax...that's all I have so far...

I echo all of the other posts here, as I have experienced much the same as you all. One other option besides buying new clothes is to have your pants altered in the butt and waist. It helps to reduce the bulk around the middle and let some of your new shape show. One more thing, beautiful is not having a perfect body. Weight loss does not equal perfect. It is mental and physical health that is beautiful. Try to stay focused!

I worried about everything, wrote a will and goodbye letters to my family, just in case. I didn't have any complications, and didn't give those letters to my family. Complications happen, but the odds are in your favor!

I will be 5 months post op on the 6th, and yesterday I really cheated and ate a small 5 Guys hamburger with four or five fries for lunch. I didn't eat all of the bun, but otherwise, I ate the whole burger. I was full, it tasted pretty good, and settled fine with me. By dinner, I was back on track and had a Protein Shake. I know I won't do that all of the time, but bottom line is that you will feel mostly "normal" sooner than you think. Today, I remember that "normal" got me to 238 pounds, and I'm grateful to be less than "normal" now; but not freakishly focused on food and liquids as I was right after surgery. It is totally live-able once you heal.

OTR, yep, I bought it from my sister, but I didn't sign up!

I don't like them, they are super sweet and don't have as much protein as other shakes. I really like Chike, and it is much less expensive.