BigGirlPanties

that's what I was going to say @@woo woo ... I'm not on FB much...but I'll have to try the link to check it out

how sweet!!!! Sounds like you've got a good one there.... best of luck to you

Many have had it done in Mexico and were very pleased...I hope all goes well

There are recipes posted on this site...and some good recipes from The World According to Eggface...but more recipes are always appreciated

Yes, most pre-op liquid diets are two weeks to shrink your liver for the lapriscopic. Surgery. But each doctor is different, and it could vary... but the majority is 2 weeks

You may qualify for free protein shakes, etc...try InsureNutrition.com...just fill out the form...they do the rest....

I have read most of these posts and am in totaly agreement about the type of "friend" she is and that you need to take care of YOU... that being said... I read this on this sight in articles recently: (summed up) ************************************************************************************* Obesity was classified as a disease in June 2013 by the AMA (etc) * multi-metabolic and hormonal disease state 1. It impairs normal body functioning 2. It has a set of characteristics, signs, and symptoms 3. It decreases life expectancy 4. It can lead to harmful conditions, such as type 2 diabetes, hypertension, etc 5. It CAN BE a genetic disorder! It is the number ONE killer ... so take care of YOU how you feel is best and let her go... you don't need that kind of negativity in your life...EVER... and for her to POST that about you...it leaves me speechless... Best of luck to you...we are ALL behind you... take care!

@@Alex Brecher were we to send "resumes" about leading a group to you? If so, I'M IN!!! I'd love to have one that's closer to me to go regularly...

loading now... we shall see...not much for using apps on my phone...but I'll try it for YOU, @@Alex Brecher

5 weeks is harder...you should check with your NUT... since I'm WAAAAY past that, I can have Snacks like almonds, etc... you are too soon...you probably don't have somewhere to keep popsicles... good luck...be interested to hear what they say...

My hubby always wants to take a walk with me when he gets home...problem is, we are on TOTALLY different shifts, so when he gets home, I'm about ready for bed I'd love to exercise with him by my side for motivation... but, for now, it's just me and my "puppies" ... That's a good point about the food... in the beginning we "cleaned house"... now that I'm in full swing, I am not tempted by junk...truly not... if I "over eat" something, it'll be Protein or almonds or something like that... I haven't had any carbonated beverages since surgery, and don't miss it AT ALL...which is surprising, since I was a HUGE DC drinker!!! If I'm "hungry" and nothing appeals to me, I have a cup of tea and by the time that's done, the hunger has passed...which works great at home...not as available at work, unfortunately... but... we keep on keeping on

I did set a personal goal with a "prize"...after I lost 100 pounds, I bought a Coach watch (on sale mind you) because before then, they were too small... I feel great wearing that everyday as a reminder of what "was"... on that same note... some time ago, I found a beautiful, braided belt at a thrift store for $1.00; only to find out it was Coach!!! It was too small, but I bought it anyway, thought I'd sell it on ebay or something... well after we moved, recently, I came across it and it FIT, with room to go into the loop!!!! No one ever sees it, but I wear it everyday for that same reason...it makes me smile to know I "made it" so far... I am holding steady...still have some more to lose, but I'm not gaining...so I'm happy over all... I, too, have RA and no cartilage...so I had to lose weight before surgery was considered, but I couldn't lose weight because I couldn't more...vicious cycle...this surgery has been a life saver for me, and I look forward to the NEXT surgery of getting my knees done... and maybe some plastics...down the road

I just know my DH is on my side...what I (we) DON'T need is someone telling us NOT to eat such and such... if you want to talk; you need someone who will listen and not judge... if you want an opinion, you'll ask for it, otherwise LISTEN...SUPPORT...BE THERE... When I was in the hospital, I sent my hubby to work so he didn't stay and stare at me all day...LOL... he wanted to stay with me, but I didn't want to feel like I had to "entertain" him...so I asked him to leave so I could sleep... whatever you are comfortable with. Don't know that I can give you specifics to "relate to"...sorry My husband lost weight by just cutting out carbonated beverages and cutting back on his carbs as well... so he is healthier and happier too Good luck...

curious if insurance covered you

Is yours covered by insurance?

You can go to InsureNutrition.com and see if you qualify for FREE protein shakes (30g) and scar cream and vitamins!!!

you can probably have cheese...I always have an insulated bag for my "stuff"... I fill a Water bottle 3/4 of the way and freeze it so it works as the cooler/ice bag and then I can drink it ... Protein powder can be added to anything...so that's always good... you may want to check with your dr for road trip items that are allowable, as each dr is different... good luck and have fun!

DANG!!! Didn't even think of that...bye bye Bioten ... my hair is fine...my nails are not doing well, but I can add Vitamin E for that, I think... Never put 2 and 2 together!!! Thanks...very helpful!

Now that I have some stamina to stand and look thru stuff...I have found some great bargains at Goodwill... the other day the color was purple...but ALL orange and yellow tags were $1.50... I found several items...but if I had more time and if my legs weren't starting to "give" I probably would have found more... You have to be willing to hunt... but you can usually find a treasure or two

ditto you have realized what you are doing....you just need to stop and follow your doctors program... the first few days are the hardest...it does get easier if you stay the course... good luck

@RNBSN786 I was going to say the same as @piercedqt78 no need for the shell of any kind...ever ... just have the fixings are you are "good"... enjoy... I really don't miss the shell (soft or hard) at all anymore...

very informative... I appreciate the knowledge!

That hurts my heart... first that she is not helping/standing by you secondly because she has to ask her husbands permission!!! I can understand them being worried... maybe they need to access this website because many people talk about how clean and wonderful the situations were in Mexico... Is is a money issue for them? good luck...so sorry...hopefully someone will stand by you!

@Pretty_In_Purple that's rather unusual...that will not happen each time or for everyone... that's the first time I've heard someone state that...but, of course, I'm not on here 24/7 Good luck