ShapeShifter

Thank you ladies... your experience is my inspiration... and your support means the world to me.

So sorry you are struggling (and hurting). Have you tried returning to the liquid, hi-protein diet to see if you can re-set your sleeve? I read about someone doing that. Also, if you go to YouTube and watch the journey of AmySDMOM, she has an entry on doing a yogurt fast for a couple of days, which helps her to lose up to 7 lbs.

Also, if you are depressed, that may have an effect on your movement. Can you take short walks, count your many blessings, drink more water? I wonder if the depression is keeping you from accomplishing some of your daily goals.

Surrounding you with light and wishing you WELL!

{{DOOTER}} Patience and persistence will pay off, I promise (I must believe this). Be gentle with yourself and take long walks with loving words for yourself in your heart.

Thanks Mrsteacher. She is a great vlogger. If you haven't found her yet, also look for AmySDMOM, as she is three years out, and keeps a weekly vlog on youtube. She shows what she was eating throughout her process... very helpful. I can't imagine going through this life-altering process without internet access.

Your words resonate with me, dear... as if they were my own. I fear the same irrational thought, not losing weight after surgery, because when I do WW, and plug in my points for the day it says I need to consume 17 more points. If I can't lose weight eating less than the experts recommend, will I lose it when I am incapaple of eating what they recommend for non-surgical weight loss? This forum reminds us that change is possible, and that we have a life-altering new beginning before us, and it will be wonderful. Happy New Beginning to YOU!

I am pre-op, so I can't help too much... but I do understand that caffeine dehydrates. Dehydration causes us to retain water. With limited room in your tummy, you need to hydrate all you can. I remember from my 800 times in Weight Watchers that if you had caffeine, you had to double your water intake. I hope this helps. Also, I've read that some people consume warm or room temp water to start their tummies for the day, in comfort. Wishing you WELL!

Wishing you a safe and wonderful journey. Cheers to your new beginning!

Congrats on your success (in only 4 weeks!!!) I am so excited for you!

I think I've read about people adding flavorless protein powder to increase protein amounts (like to your yogurt and broth, etc.) Being able to drink plenty of water is always a good thing. You are very mindful about making this life change. I know you'll do great - overcoming each obstacle.

Good luck on your test! Happy for your success.

Did you have the same surgeon as your friend. I was reading that surgeons may use different sized (is it) boagies or bougies? Must go back and read more on that. Perhaps you have a little more room than she, and that may not be a bad thing.

Happy for you and your progress.

Congratulations! *envious* ; )

Total nerd lover, here. I love the analogy you've used. Brilliant and expressive. Don't worry... we will be 'your Sam', you won't have to make that journey alone. Congratulations on your great accomplishment so far. I am still working on the insurance angle, and don't even have a date, (I long to be Legolas - light as a feather, walking atop the snow) and so I am the fellowship left for another task, yet carrying you in my thoughts and knowing you will reach your goal. I'll catch up to you in that enchanted place, some day.

PS: I'm an HP fan, too. Love the screen name.

I am still working things out with my insurance company, so I nowhere near having a date. I am so excited for you. Other resources I've found to be helpful for contemplating this new life are on YouTube. If you haven't done that search yet, there are many people out there sharing their journeys, and you can see them change before your eyes. AmySDMom even shows what she was eating during different stages (she is two years post-op now). She made it less scary for me.

You are almost there, and this is going to be great!

I am also in the research phase, while moving through the process to see if my insurance will cover it. I joined a WLS support group last night, and I intend to meet with them regularly to help myself prepare for my possible future. All the best to you and your quest.

Colorchic, I'm wishing you all the best on your revision. I'm sorry it has been such a difficult year. This should be very freeing for you.

So sorry for your struggle emlefe. I have a friend who was housebound and started her exercise program sitting in her chair and curling canned goods. She eventually worked her way up to walking and other modes of free exercise. She has been on disability for many years, so her options were limited, too.

Try to replace those negative thoughts with positive ones. This is only temporary and things will get better. Wishing you WELL!

Barrbdoll... I am wishing you all the best on your journey. I am grateful that these affordable options are out there to enable us to live better lives. I'll be thinking of you on 4/16!

Thanks Gramaof4! What an amazing journey you've had. My reason for checking this route first is that I've put thousands of dollars into the health care system since I was 18... I have never needed it for more than annual exams and a recent diagnosis of severe sleep apnea. I think it is time 'they' do something for me. The place I've found is a Center of Excellence, and includes a year-long program of support, with Psych, Nutrition, Physiologist, as well as surgeon and support team. I want that for myself, if I can get it.

I'm so glad you have had such great success. I believe the Universe will guide me to a similar outcome. Here's to our health!

Congratulations! Wishing you all the best on your journey (and the cruise, too). I've read of many people having surgery right before the holidays, and that must be challenging, too. You will do great!

I've often said that I like to enjoy nature from an air conditioned plastic bubble. I'm sorry you are having to deal with this flair up. Wishing you WELL.

I am so sorry you are hurting. Please know that you are never alone, for we are all one. This community is incredibly supportive and many walk a similar path, with similar hopes and dreams for the future. Hormones are clearly affected in this process, so forgive yourself for being emotional - you are in the process of changing your life and creating your future. Try to consume your required protein and water, for I've read that really helps, and if you can, get outside and take a walk. Start slow and short, and go further each day. That should help work out and release the pain that is trapped in your body, which has been through a bit of trauma recently. This will get better and you will be able to share your experience with those (like me) coming up this path behind you. Wishing you WELL!

Congratulations and Happy Healing!