Joni

next stop will be sytycd auditions!!

I can so relate. I have been depressed for a bunch of reasons, and who did I turn to? My old friend FOOD. This is life. It's a journey with twists and turns, ups and downs. We didn't have this surgery to go back to our old ways, but relapse is always looming ready to put its claws into us. I say BS! We are in charge, NOT food. You will win at this, I know it - and so will I, and everyone else who wants to....

Don't freak out if you gain weight while in hospital. I brought home an extra 10 lbs! And then found out most people do. It came off the first week, but still, if you're not prepared it can freak you out. Also, I loved my heating pad in the hospital and after.

It felt so good on my tummy, very soothing. Good luck.

You are doing fantastic chacha!! Those support groups help with keeping you focused, as well as helping the newcomers. I love tracking food on fitness pal. It's easy and I think it will be very helpful as the journey continues. Keep up the good work!!

Amen to that! Congratulations. There is a book (free for kindle) titled God Sees You. And it's on this topic because we all feel God doesn't hear or see us at times. I've just started reading it but it is pretty powerful and she says she will "prove" how God does see and hear us. You just said it too!! I'm so happy for you.

Thanks for making me smile!!!

Oh, that reflux! I'm new to it, and now taking prilosec 40 mg am and pm. If I have something to eat to close to bedtime, I will wake up with burning pain. I keep TUMS on my nightstand for just that reason. And if the prilosec is not going to keep working, I'll ask to switch to something else. I'm 6 wks postop, so I hope time will make it better!! Good luck to you.

Wow you do have a lot going on! You absolutely will be able to work things out for yourself! And this forum will give you so very much support. I don't know what I would have done at times without the wonderful people here. So lean on us whenever you need. My preop was very hard, but I made it; and you will too! Soon you will be on the loser's bench!!

I did not have a drainage tube, only a catheter which was removed the day after surgery.

Your new life awaits!! Good luck and congrats on your decision!

Hi Vicki - I will be 6 wks postop tomorrow. I too stalled around wk 3. I lost 1 pound in 3 wks. Very discouraging. Then this week, I got on the scale and lost another pound. The next day, 1 more. Everyone is different. I want to see loss every day! As a matter of fact, It would be nice to weigh in the morning and night and see loss both times lol......Hang in there. I call this a real roller coaster ride!

I had been the same weight for over 3 wks, then instead of losing, I gained a pound. I am 5 wks postop. Being the same for 3 or 4 days is nothing. Could be retained fluids, body adjustments, time of the month, etc., etc., etc. This will be ongoing so please don't fret. I figure it will come off when it comes off, and I'll just take it as it comes. You might want to put the scale away, and get it out once a week or every 2 wks to stop the madness...lol.

Very inspiring blog post ChaCha! I missed you! You've made some major food changes for your diet. I was just at Whole Foods and looking at better quality foods, thinking that just might be the way I want to go. I'm 4 wks postop now, and eating soft foods. Quantity is still very small, and I too always put more on my little plate than I can come near to eating!! Which is okay with me. Weight loss has been slow, but who cares?! I'm fine with that too. Congrats with your progress!

What pure joy!!! Congrats!!

Great plan. Take charge and you will do it. God bless.

Yep, you'll be fine. Just make sure you have a few days before doing liquids. Soon, you'll be sleeved!!

It truly is a new life and a new way. Congrats to you!

Yes, there are so many here that went to Mexico. I would definitely go with someone recommended here by many. That strip mall sounds very scary. Good luck, and do your research until you feel comfortable.

I'm in my third week and protein is a struggle every day for me! The only way I can get it in is to drink protein shakes. I think as time goes by and we can eat more the protein will be easier to get. I know there are a lot of people who are years out and still drink protein shakes to get in their protein. Just go at your own pace.

I too LOVED my coffee. Gave it up 2 wks preop for liq diet. I am now 2-1/2 wks postop and still not drinking it. I was amazed that other than a couple headaches, I was okay with withdrawal. I may drink it again sometime in the future but don't have a plan to start again right now.

You look radiantly happy in your picture! Congrats on your weight loss too.

ditto - my blog is simply to have a journal of the 1st year. I want to be able to look back and see how it all evolved. And if it helps anyone else, that's awesome! I post questions, etc., to the forums almost every day too.

I hear you. Kinda on the same page with your feelings right now. I am just going to have to go to bed earlier too. Can't wait til I finally reach the stage where I am eating a regular diet. 2 wks postop right now and just starting pureed phase....

Aren't you the one who was sooooo anxious and scared?? Glad it went well!! Now relax!!

Ok, the darn chest worry is over. You are young and strong. You will not have complications. You will do just fine and begin a wonderful new life. Go for it!! Say your prayers and get through this preop diet. Mine was a horror, but I did it and you can too. You will feel proud and have a sense of accomplishment when it's over. Good luck to you and God bless.