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The good news is I haven't had a shake in ages! You may get bored for a bit but it is totally worth it. Just remind yourself of that. I don't think most of us ever get over the thoughts of having our old favorites. Once you are post-op you will find that some of them don't tickle your fancy nearly as much as they used to. I used to eat dill pickles by the jar. I barely eat them at all now and I don't crave them. When I go out to eat with my hubby he orders French fries and I eat 3 of his and then start on my grilled chicken salad with no dressing. (only because I am picky about my dressing...not that you can't have it) Once you have learned what your new stomach can and can't handle you will be amazed how things change. We can all eventually eat the things we love, in moderation. We have to remember to eat to live not live to eat.

I really can't stress it enough...DON'T KEEP A SCALE AT HOME!! It is so self defeating! I cannot handle to have one near me or I will weigh myself multiple times a day. I am nearing 7 months out and I have only weighed myself once when I wasn't at the doctor's office. I use clothing as my guide. I bought "goal clothing" and just kept trying it on. Before I knew it I had to buy new goal clothing. Just follow your doctor's orders as closely as possible and I'm sure you will see suprising results before you know it! Keep your head up!!

I will check Amazon, I love that site as well!!

That's a good tip! I have a family to feed but I still find myself "cooking for one" because I don't generally eat what they eat.

Whole Foods would be the perfect place to get them, in fact I believe that is where the Hungry Girl website instructs you to find them. I don't have a Whole Foods near me, although I wish I did.

Sleeve of Steel, I can also eat anything. I've not found anything that doesn't agree with me, which worries me, but you've got it right...small amounts. Anything in MODERATION! I would still try and get the tofu noodles simply for the extra Protein they pack.

Hungrygirl.com has a lot of great swaps of all kinds. You may like to check that out. She does use the Shirataki tofu noodles. I have a hard time finding them in my area though, so good luck!

Raven, I hear you on that one! I'm super excited to have some "guns". They aren't quite as nice as Jennifer Aniston's but neither is the rest of me. I'll take my onw little victories where I can get them. Keep up the good work!!

It could be SO much worse so I'm OK with taking that blame.

Ah yes, it is my little homage to them. I'm a fan as well.

You said the word I always use, "tool". This is a tool. The surgery is just a stepping stone on the pathway to weight loss for all of us!! People will only know what we go through when they walk a mile (or 20) in our shoes. Don't let them get you down! You have far more people who are supportive. I wish as human beings we could remember more of the positive things people say and let go of the negative more easily!! I wish this for myself because I have really struggled with the co-worker who told me face-to-face that I took the easy way out. WEIGHT LOSS IS TOUGH NO MATTER HOW YOU DO IT!!! That's how I feel about it. Thank you for posting StrangelyNormal!!

I've heard good things about holeydonuts.net but haven't tried them myself. I'm super excited to try them but they are pricey with the shipping. Just an idea for other doughnut fans.

If you simply cannot kick your craving then ask a co-worker to split one with you, that way you won't eat the whole thing. (not that you would probably have room anyway)

I'm with you!! I call mine my pancakes or my fried eggs. They are so gross!! I used to be a 40H and I am down to a 38D and need to go bra shopping ASAP because the D cup is sagging in on my saggy lady lumps. I think the only option is implants...not sure I want to go there. We shall see!!

Reese, You are still very new to figuring out what it is your body needs. Just do your best to follow your doctor's orders. In time you will have more room. I can manage to get plenty of Protein and my Water in at the 6 month mark. And believe it or not I don't have to drink Protein shakes or add protein to my foods. I just watch my labels and choose wisely!! This didn't come until probably the 5 month mark. The first few months I felt like I wasn't doing the right things. I worried all the time. This journey isn't just physical, it is mental too. The mental portion has been MUCH harder on me than the physical. The only bad side effect I had from not having room to get all my protein and water in for the first few months was some hair loss. My blood tests still came back with good results. Now at the 6 month mark my hair is doing "better". I have less and less falling out everyday. Just keep your head up, follow doctor's orders as best you can. You will get there!! Good luck!!

I can see how it could become an addicting (healthy) adrenaline rush Fern. Thank you for the tips!!

You go Fern! Congratulations on improving your time, heck, congratulations on competing in a 1/2 marathon!! Keep us posted with the results of the next marathon. How does one go about training for this type of thing? How did you get started? I want to run a local 5K in July. That is my goal!

My surgery was 11-14-11. I was off until 11-28-11 but I was cleared to go back on 11-23-11. My boss was kind enough to tell me not to come back on Wednesday the 23rd (which was the day before Thanksgiving) because we would be getting Thursday and Friday off for Thanksgiving. I had no problems going back to my job, although I was tired as well for the first day or two, just getting back into the routine. My job does involve a lot of desk time but I also do some standing, walking, and minimal lifting during my work day.

This is my first post, I just joined today. My surgery was 11-14-11. Everything went well, no complications. I've never gotten sick from over eating, something I'm very proud of. I still struggle to get my water in but I have protein MASTERED!! I eat small portions several times a day. I keep track of everything I put in my mouth, right down to a stick of gum, religiously. I have almost met the 100 pound loss, now to maintain...ugh! I will find out just where I am on May 3rd, that is my 6 month appointment and the day they take my "after" picture. I feel great!! The best thing I did for myself, besides having surgery, was not to have a scale in my house. Stepping on the scale everyday is BRUTAL!! JUST SAY NO!! DON'T DO IT!! I hope you are all doing well!!