ShapeShifter

Feel better soon, please. And yes, I think you should count it. Update your ticker today!

I have UHC and have to do the 6 month weigh-in thing. I had started an herbal cleanse with my chiropractor in January, and the surgeon's office said I could continue on that path, since it included weekly weigh-ins, and a specific low-carb eating plan. I lost about 14 lbs in the first month, but since then I just gain and lose the same two lbs. I have PCOS, and I've learned that I will just never be successful without surgery. My psych eval was almost delightful. The psychologist was also a bariatric patient. Like Kathryn, I did a computer questionnaire and an interview. We discussed family history and parent's weight, things like... have I ever hidden while I eat and other eating disorder indicators, and what to expect with a life-altering surgery. She said to tell those who will care for me right after surgery, that I may express regret and ask "What have I done to myself?"... but that everyone says that, and it always gets better. I've enjoyed the process so far, and have been grateful for the time to adjust and learn. Good luck! I hope you find a way to move forward sooner.

I have PCOS, but I'm pre-op. I've been on depoprovera for a few years, and I love it. No period, and no mood swings. I can't say that it causes weight gain, because I've been around this weight since diagnosis in my early 20s... long before depo.

I think, at your age, you have a better chance of skin elasticity. Try watching some VSG youtube vlogs... I can think of one woman with similar stats who even looked great in a bathing suit after surgery. I'm in my 40s and have been around 250 for 20 years. I've already decided to be okay with skin, because I can still cover it with clothing. Covering 250 lbs with clothing doesn't hide anything. I'm guessing 150 lbs will be a different story. All the best on your journey!

I can tell that you have always had a magnetic personality by those photos. You look amazing! Congratulations on your great success and thank YOU for inspiring others!

Good luck going back to work, and please be safe. Don't lift more than you should until you are cleared to do so. And... yay for YOU, sexy!

I felt like I didn't sleep at all for mine, but they were able to determine in the little I did, that I stopped breathing 54 times an hour. The worst part is the glue they put in your hair to keep the sensors in place. I had to go back a second time for my cpap study. I do love my machine, but I'm hoping it won't be a forever relationship, if you know what I mean.

If you are handling water so well, could you add flavorless protein to your water? Unjury has one that you can compare to beneprotein. I've not done that research yet. Then perhaps you could consume more things that are healthy, but not necessarily high in protein content. Good luck!

Taking Biotin pills and using Nioxin Shampoo for thinning hair can help with regrowth... but everything I've read, so far, tells me that there is nothing to do to stop it. The hair that was interrupted in the growth process at the time of surgery takes three months to reach the point of shedding. I have been assured by many that it does grow back. All the best for minimal loss, dear.

I am pre-op, but through many years of dieting, I noticed that I always lost weight from the top down. It would show in my face and upper body before it appeared in my belly and hips. You are doing great!

Relieved for this good news. Wishing you well upon your journey.

I am pre-op, dear, so I'm not sure I can offer comfort. I still have another month of weigh-in before submitting to insurance, but I relate to the need for encouragement. Some days I feel this is absolutely what I want and other days I wonder how I came to this decision. Change is frightening... but my experience has been that once I get to the other side of fear... change is also rewarding. Everything will be okay... beautiful transformation awaits!

I am pre-op, but I wonder if the upset caused by the multi may not require a couple of days back on liquids to heal the discomfort it caused... then return to mushies, and try a different multi. So sorry you are going through a difficult phase.

I did work with my therapist a few years back. It is well worth the time. I realized that I had an internal dialog of self-loathing. I decided that I was no longer willing to say to myself things that I would never say to another. Some of the conversations were started by my mother, who never intended to harm me by worrying about my weight... but things like... no man wants to marry a fat woman... were my daily bread. I no longer had room for rotten words, when I chose to sustain myself with love... with words that I WOULD say to others. We should all treat ourselves with as much kindness as we offer those we love. I'm so glad you are doing this for yourself. You are worth every ounce of hard work. No one deserves your love more than you!

You look fabulous! So happy for your success.

Heartbroken for your struggle. Grateful for your recovery. Wishing you WELL!

Absolutely... and I am an extravert, Aquarian, with a ridiculous number of close, friends. I don't plan to advertise on facebook... but those who are in my daily life and sacred circle are my greatest support system, and I feel I will need them in the months ahead. The choices we make for ourselves should always be to our benefit, and if you know someone won't be supportive, I completely understand not sharing. We need all good energy coming our way! Here's to your joyful journey!

I like Isopure Zero Carb and Low Carb shake mixes. I like vanilla and chocolate, and am trying cookies and cream next. Unjury has a savory option with their chicken broth, but you have to be careful not to get the water too hot, or the powder will clump.

I follow AmySDMom on Youtube, and she does a yogurt fast once in a while that helps her drop several pounds... kind of like going back to the basics for a reset.

You look fabulous! Enjoy that great weather.

Carrying you close and knowing that all shall be well.

I completely understand the choices made... such a personal thing. I have chosen to tell all of my people, as we connect. One of my core values is honesty and being authentic. When someone asks me what is new in my life, it seems weird to me to withold the fact that I am preparing to change my life in a very big way. If someone asked me how I suddenly was able to drop 50-100 lbs after carrying this weight for 20 years and doing WW, Jenny Craig, FatSmash, etc., I prefer to speak my truth than to say that I am doing the same thing I've always done with a different result. Also, I wanted to hear the horror stories, so that I could make an informed decision. I have not yet heard a sleeve horror story, actually. When I met with my nutritionist, and asked why I can't lose weight while consuming 1600 calories a day... and she said that with PCOS (poly cystic ovarian syndrome), I would never lose weight without surgery. I will offer this to anyone who seems to be unsupportive of my choice (along with a description of how I used to suffocate when I slept, and now sleep with a machine), but frankly... I am surrounded by loving, supportive, remarkable people... and I have been overwhelmed by love, enthusiasm, and complete support from doctors, boss, co-workers, family, friends, and the WLS support group I've already joined... including a list of people who want to care for me after surgery (I am single and childless, and live alone with my 19 year old cat). I can't imagine denying them the opportunity to be my heroes. If people really care about you, they will want you to be happy, healthy, and whole. If they share horror stories, it is because they care about you, and fear the risks of surgery. If you take the time to help them understand your struggle and inner turmoil... they will come to support your choice. If they don't... they are confused and probably not worthy of you.

Fat cells store hormones, so you are losing fat and releasing hormones. This too shall pass. Ask for patience and understanding and let everyone know you apologize in advance. ; )

Tips from the world according to eggface... http://theworldaccordingtoeggface.blogspot.com/2007/08/pureed-foods.html Enjoy!

Fat cells store hormones. As you lose the fat, those hormones are released into your body. Hence the temperature issues and emotions. Keep taking in fluids in any form that you can. This, too, shall pass.