Maddie

It will be over before you know it. Best of luck to you.

You were unable to drink as much in the first few days due to swelling. It's normal that you can consume more now that you are a week out.

You know what you should and shouldn't eat, a small infraction won't make you a failure. Have some fun!

Best of luck for a speedy recovery. Keep us posted.

Today's weight: 221

You are very brave indeed for being so open and honest and for that I applaud you. We have all made bad choices in our lives and some have long lasting and devastating effects. But, look how far you have come. You identified your problem, got rid of it and even had the courage to stand up to it. I know family pictures are so valuable to us all, but bravo for not letting yourself be blackmailed. You have proven to yourself and to him that you are now willing to stand up for yourself and make the proper choices needed for you to live a happy, healthy life. Gratz on what you have accomplished over the past few years and best of luck on future successes. Hugs, Maddie

If this is someone who will notice what you do/don't eat, just say that you are working on a new healthy diet. It's true and she doesn't need to know anything more than that. As far as scars, they are really small and generally fade quickly. Working shouldn't be an issue, but remember you are restricted as to how much you can lift, so try not to pick up the little ones if you don't have to. Best of luck on your surgery, keep us posted.

Since you are only 2 days from schedule, it's probably ok, but be careful.

First of all, thanks for letting us know what happened and why you haven't been around. It's great to know you are doing well now. I can't imagine how horrible for you and your Mom. Thank God you received proper treatment to get you breathing again. I sure don't blame you for going home after that episode. Best of luck in your future whether you choose to have the surgery or not. I hope you find peace from the anxiety and bad dreams.

Welcome. I hope your surgery goes well and that your health improves.

Best of luck and to you too, Lootzie. Keep us posted.

Thanks for the info. I'll check it out.

I felt EXACTLY the same way! I thought those same things over and over. But, this surgery wasn't the "easy" way out. It's anything but easy. For me it was the only way. Diets weren't working or we would have never even considered this. What you need to focus on is how very lucky we were to find a solution. Finally a way out of the vicious cycle that has consumed our lives. We have a new chance at a healthy life. Hang in there, it gets better.

I can only hope I do as well as you. Thanks for sharing your success with us.

I won't lie, the liquid phase was tough. He just needs to remember how important it is. As far as chewing tobacco...every time he wants it, shove a sugar free popsicle in his mouth. hehe Best of luck to both of you.

I'm excited for you. I thought mashed potatoes and refried beans were pretty special after all that time on liquids. LOL Enjoy!

Huge gratz! You have proven to the rest of it, that dreams can and do come true. Well done!:thumbup:

Just so you know, I'm looking forward to the reading more.

Thanks for the link, YUM!

That burning can be scar tissue too. Sometimes when you stretch or move in a certain way, it pulls. Even though it hurts, the good news is, that it is a good thing when you tear that scar tissue. It can keep you from being restricted later.

WOW, you are doing so well. That's a lot of weight loss! Keep it up, and best of luck with your surgery.

You really got my attention (and got me teary). I wish for you all the things you are working so hard to achieve. Thank you for showing me a better perspective on how to view weight loss. It's so easy to get caught up in just the physical aspect of it and I think keeping our "true" goals in sight can help us stay motivated even more.

I actually got bento boxes for me and my grandchildren. I always try to make things fun for them when they come to spend the night. They love the bento boxes and are always very anxious to see what's in them this time. I like my bento box, but as Christie said, is now too big. So, I'll have to hunt for something else. Target here I come, LOL.

I thought this was a pretty interesting way to learn to slow down when you eat. Diet Dinnerware - Helps with Portion Control and Eating Slowly to Lose Weight

Oh, Pennie, I am so sorry you are struggling like this. I am still a baby sleever so haven't experienced anything like you are. I hope you find your way through this. Best of luck to you. Hugs, Maddie