Valentina

You don't know me nor my beliefs. May God forgive you for your mockery of me and my prayers. Prayers going up--especially for you, LipstickLady. PS: Is this enough, Alex Brecher??

Look into your own mind/conscience, -- within yourself lies your answer. Prayers going up. @kindle: exactly! I tried (in vain) to get your (and my) point across: Look into your own mind/conscience,--within yourself lies your answer. I was reprimanded for my opinion--which mirrors yours. Let's see how your opinion is received. I strongly agree for it is the same as mine. Prayers going up for more open minds.

pureed foods can be anything you cook in a crockpot and then into a blender. Make is really yummy and savory. It may not look great, but the taste? YUMMY!!. And of course--greek yogurt--my favorite. Or a hearty home made bone Soup,or chili-- blended, add some nutritional yeast for more Protein and flavor and yum yum. See? now you've made me wanting to go downstairs and make soup! Pureed stage ? Step outside of the box , be creative and have fun. Prayers going up .

Welcome to both you and your sister to the "Losers' Bench". There are many members here who care very much about your feelings. I promise we do. We as a group understand what you are going through at each level of your WLS journey. Most of us are of kindred spirit and supportive nature. When you have a concern or even a rant, post it. There will probably some member who has experienced the same issue and can advise or at least share in the experience. There will be times when you will be meant with a member who for the lack of a better expression is a wee bit cranky. Try to think of them having a bad day and just ignore them. There are many more supportive folks here than "snarks". We care. We really do. WLS journeys are individual, yes, but when joined with other with similar experiences, the journey is that much more joyful. Again, I welcome you. Keep posting and letting us know how you two sisters are doing and what you're up to. Prayers going up for you, new friends.

Welcome to "The Losers' Bench". Now, it's time to stop. Take a deep breath and rest for a moment. Then: GET YOUR ARS UP AND GET GOING DOWN THE PATH OF YOUR JOURNEY!!! Make it a joyful one. It can be. Keep your head turned to the sun and enjoy every challenge. Prayers going up for you, Friend.

Aaah, but I am sincere. The answer to the question lies within. Thank you for your opinion, though. Prayers going up. PS: Alex Brecher: Is this really appropriate verbiage for one member to address another???

Yep. You screwed up. Now get over it and get back on track! If you are concerned that you have "hurt" yourself, then please call your bariatric team. Yes, you will probably get a meaningful scolding, but they are the ones who know you best and can guide you. My surgeon--5yrs ago told me, "You, like everyone else will probably test your boundaries and live to regret it." Make it a learning experience. I bet you won't be repeating your mis-step anytime soon, right? Make your journey a joyful one. It really can be once you learn to work WITH your new body--not against it. Listen to it. Feel it. It speaks only the truth. Trust it. Trust yourself. Now. "time out" is over. Back to the business of your WL journey. The sun is shining---enjoy it!! Prayers going up for you, Friend.

Look into your own mind/conscience, -- within yourself lies your answer. Prayers going up.

I am now 5yrs out and still do not feel "hunger". I actually had to set my cell phone alarm to remind myself to eat. Everyone's journey is different. In some ways, I am lucky because I don't feel hunger, but in another way I don't enjoy the "ceremony of food" any longer. I don't enjoy socializing while eating (I'd rather be somewhere else--doing something). Eating to me is just something I have to do to live. Soooo, if I see something that I used to crave, I know it will taste yummy if I eat it. That is when I have to stop and think, "why do I want that? Am I hungry? No. Will it taste good. Yes!! Is it time to eat something? No. Then I can rationalize (I'm a very "black or white person") not eating it. I schedule all of my eating times--Snacks included. If it's not time to eat---I don't. Kinda sat at times, but it's better than being morbid obese. Prayers going up.

A-a-a-men, A-a-amen, A-a-men, Amen, Amen, Amen. (remember the song? ) Well said, Christinamo7. Well said, indeed!, Sista.

You've done the most important step---you've acknowledged and you're standing "at the station"--just waiting for the push to "get back on track". You know what you're doing. You know what you have to do. You're almost there! I had a terrible problem with "night grazing". I actually moved my bedroom upstairs--away from the kitchen. I also made up my mind that anything I ate after dinner was to be liquid. I take a "smoothie" made of Protein powder, calorie free liquid, frozen fruit and ice cubes to bed every night. It has really helped me stay on track. You can do this. I know you can, because I can see it in your posting. Hop on the train and continue your WL journey! Make it joyful. Stress less and participate more. Keep posting. We care about your progress (and your stumbles). Prayers going up for you, Friend.

Ahhhh, the ol' "to tell or not to tell" saga. "Here we go around and round in circles"

Yes, I do believe that we are kindred spirits.---spirits with sparkling bubbles!

Jamie, Moving on is a wonderful but scary journey all in its own. I wish you nothing but happiness and contentment. Have YOU taken time to get to know and love the "thin you"? Have you become best friends within your own skin (now that there's less )? I mention that because once YOU realize what a dear and special woman you are within your own self then others will also see it --shining from within. Enjoy your "alone" time. Enjoy living alone--getting comfortable and strong within yourself. Then---- GO AND GET'M! Prayers going up for you.

Wonderful post! I'm stealing it for one of my screensavers, thank you. Now that I am 5yrs out, I have to keep reminding myself that my journey is exactly that---my journey. I will not lose weight as fast as newbies or even as those who are only 2 or 3 years out, but I am losing and maintaining. This is my journey and I am joyful on it. Prayers going up for all of us.

Now that I "walk in the sunlight", I tell anyone who wants to ask--the WLS facts. My memory isn't good enough to remember what story I told to whom. It's much easier to just tell the facts--simple and to the point. In the truth, facts never change. That is much easier to remember.

An experienced and motivated scheduler should be able to schedule all of you required one on ones on the same day. It will be a lLLoooonnnngggg day, but only one. I did scheduling for a few years. Will it be easy? No. can it be done? Sure can! As far as the surgery date and giving notice-----do you happen to have a hernia or an ulcer???? Those two things can't wait for a lengthy approval process at the workplace. Understand?? Ask for three surgery dates to choose from. That will give you more "breathing room" for negotiating with your workplace. ​Are you close enough to another bariatric center where you could attend the required seminars there? One Center of Excellence in NY has on-line seminars for those who can't attend in person. Think outside the box. With a good relationship with your bariatric team and some creative thinking you should be able to "get r done". Good luck. my friend. Prayers going up.

--and so it begins! Hang on! You're starting a journey of your life time. Make it a joyous one. Welcome to "The Losers' Bench". We've been waiting for you. Prayers going up for you, Friend.

For me: Entering into Onederland Losing my sweatpants while surf fishing for a Striped Bass Being approved for skin removal surgery Finding friends on BP Being able say, "Prayers going up" and not being mocked for it.

Exactly what she ^^^ said. I am 5yrs out (today) and have been taking Vit. D, B12, B complex, Calcium and a Multivitamin ever since and will continue to do so. Not a bad sacrifice for all of the rewards I've received . Call your bariatric team about whether a surgery postponement will be necessary. Only they will know what's right for you and your hubby. Keep us posted. Prayers going up.

I know of your pain! You must consult with your bariatric team and get their sage advice. They will know what is best for you. However: This is what I did----after getting approval from my bariatric team. I put some peeled cucumber, seeded tomato,basil and chives into a blender with some olive oil,pinch of sweetner and balsamic vinegar---blended the "pulp" out of it and had a small glass of "ambrosia of the Gods". I was soooooo sick of sweet, sweet, sweet that just the thought of drinking one more Protein shake had me gagging. I was approved to have one of my liquid salads three times a week. It really helped me get through the liquid diet phase. Now, if I were to do the liquid salad again, I would add some nutritional yeast, so there would be some protein in the drink. Good luck and remember---you are not alone with your salad yearning. Keep posting and letting us know how you make out. Why? Because we care, Silly! Prayers going up.

Wonderful posting, ladies! I used to put my daily pill vial in my bra where, at times the vial would still be there--nicely tucked under one of the girls the next morning! I think I remember putting items in my bra pocket and NEVER finding them again--like socks in the dryer. However, last surf fishing trip, I lost: my pill vial, loose change, my car keys (that was a big mess), and a well capped fishing lure! I have come to the conclusion that I have gone from a 44C to a 38 extra long. Oh, bother... @Christinamo7--you really do need to place a copy of your "new selfie" and post it on your mirror! What a wonderful gift to yourself. You are having an amazing journey. Hang on and enjoy the ride!

My surgery date is 7/27 so I'll have a whole year to get back down to the shore. I'll keep you posted. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App I'm holding you to that!! I'm having skin surgery this summer, so a 2017 rendezvous it will be!! The ocean will wait...

Time to check in with your bariatric team. They will have the answers for you. I hope it's as simple as changing brands. I'm hope'n! Be sure to post and let us know what your team tells you. We care and , YES-- we are nosey!!! Prayers going up for you, Friend.

Hello, Friend, I spend most "Striper Seasons" in Laurence Harbor, NJ. ---surf fishing. So, here's the plan: When you are ready to "conquer the dunes", let me know and "conquering we will go". Whenever you want---"The New Jersey shore beckons"! You will be amazed how soon that day will come. Keep posting , so I will know to be ready!!! Prayers going up for you and your "beach bum" journey. :0