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As the saying goes, "summer bodies are made in the winter". CW: 149.9 Goal: 132.9

No regrets. Doubts, fear, and worry- absolutely along the way, sure and totally normal. My suggestion is to be willing to do whatever it takes to be successful. For me that meant following the rules of my program. I did not cheat on my pre-op diet. I focused on Protein first and then veggies post-op. I did any and everything to be successful my first. Keep asking questions and reading these boards. You're off to a great start.

Saw this post

I was on a low dose pill for 18 months after surgery. It did not effect my weight loss.

Great! Looking forward to what 2017 brings. I set goals every year at this time post them on the fridge and remind myself all year long what I want to accomplish. I love this time of year because I get to dream big. Happy New Year! [emoji322]

That grey suit and bag, on point! Congratulations on your weight loss. You look great!

I find it sad but motivating. I would be in total denial if I pretended that I got to over 260 pounds without some of the same mental issues that many of the participants have. I watch it and it makes me eat better for the rest of the day.

Dashing Dish. Best shake recipes hands down.

I started out light and progressed from there. I also increased the intensity of my cardio.

I did and still do exercise. I workout 3-5 days a week for one hour, depending on my schedule. I do mostly strength training now but initially did cardio as well .

Flintstones complete tablets not gummies.

You can do that. I was advised to add powdered milk to things early on for that reason. Here's an article on protein amounts: http://www.quickanddirtytips.com/health-fitness/healthy-eating/know-your-nutrients/how-much-protein-can-the-body-absorb?page=1

I think half a cup of anything is too large of a serving at two weeks out. Fage yogurt is a great suggestion. Personally, I would pass on the cream of wheat as it won't help with hitting protein goals unless you mixed in protein powder.

Similar to Old Navy; Ann Taylor, Loft and Macy's (Style & Co brand) carry three different cuts of jeans based on your body shape. I find the latter to be a softer denim over Old Navy. They also offer 3 inseams to choose from though tall has to be ordered online. I recommend going to any one of these store and if their curvy fit works for you, then they will all work for you from these three stores. A tip: curvy fit at AT and Loft is also called Julie and Kate fit.

I used lotion and added an essential fatty acid supplement to my vitamin regimen and my dry skin went away.

Unflavored protein powder is an option and I bet sample packets. Unflavored does not mean flavorless so I masked it, mixing it with Crystal Light or into sugar free pudding. They also make a chicken soup flavor that gives a much needed break from all the sweet flavors. At 2 weeks, if you are cleared for puréed foods, Greek yogurt and cottage cheese are good choices as well. When I struggled with shakes, I was told to add nonfat powdered milk to things to up the protein content. Good luck.

At 5 days, focus on liquids vs protein. Meaning if you fall short on one but can hit the other pick fluids. Keep at it, as the swells goes down, your capacity will slowly increase. Same with shakes, experiment with the brands, consistency, and temperature. Initially I had to thin shakes out with extra water; they were just too thick.

Are you on a ppi? I didn't advance that fast but once I was on soft foods/mushies versus liquids, they were either low fat and Protein or protein enhanced, e.g. fat free pudding with dried milk powder added to up the protein content so things like mac and cheese didn't make the list. To cope with cravings, I made sure I followed the rules, drink at least 64 oz and no eating until at least 15 minutes after drinking and no drinking until at least 30-60 min after eating. That rigid structure took my mind off of things same with walking. I made sure I walked a few times a day, trying to go further each time. I guess the real answer is that I made sure I wasn't bored. In doing that, I realized that cravings weren't real. I mean I experienced them but if I was distracted, I forgot all about them.

Are you wearing a lot of your old clothes? Sounds like a trip to Vicki's is in order. He'll notice then. [emoji160]

Thank you and Merry Christmas.

Keep on, keeping on, it does get better. I promise. [emoji4]

Good for you! I get a little tired of the posts asking if not following doctors orders is okay. Frankly, you'll be able to eat those collards soon enough. [emoji4]

The pill was fine for me post op but we used condoms as back up. I had sleeve so it could vary if you are having a different procedure. As you lose weight, you may need your dosage adjusted as well so condoms gave us piece of mind.

Thank you and congratulations on your upcoming surgery!

I agree with you as surgeons are not dietitians and giving nutritional counseling is out of their scope of practice. Calcium carbonate is not well absorbed regardless of if you have had surgery or not so I think you are on the right track in learning for yourself on this one. My NUT recommended Flintstones complete (purple bottle, chewable not gummies) and I still take them almost 4 years later. I also take calcium citrate and extra Vitamin D (was Vit D deficient well before surgery). My NUT now recommends a line of bariatric vitamins but that's profit motivated, my surgeon's office sells them.