*Dean*

They might say CS are fine so I wouldn't sweat it In any case using it until you can speak to them won't matter. Good luck, Deano

Hey, Just had a look at the nutritional info online. Comparing them with Optifast (OF) the energy is similar 635kj OF vs 869kj CS The Protein is similar 17.1g OF vs 18.7 CS The real difference is the carbs 15g OF vs 26g CS That's a lot more carbohydrates, and would add up to a bit with a few Meal Replacements a day. So it's going to depend how much that is of an issue for them. Sorry to be the bearer of (possibly) bad news!

I have 8 year old twin girls. The other night they came for a 5k jog / walk with me. The other day we went ice skating for 4 hours. I'll be around now to see my grandkids. This is one of the best things I've ever done. For them and for myself.

Hopefully the physio gives you a tick. I haven't really inspired anything really. The people in this thread are crazy!

I agree with Grace. I think this is up there with that ear candling. Anything like this is controversial. I respect everyones choices but I'm a huge skeptic. But I hope you all prove me wrong!

Hey Chitowngirl, I don't have a treadmill. My ideal would be to have one for weather issues or when my wife is out of the house and I can't leave the kids. I think there's pro's and con's for both, but at the end of the day - just run!

I think brain drain will always be a problem for a forum like this and lots of people will move on and not see the need to come here. But I think you're right, minimising it is important. For some people who are naturally 'helpers' like yourself (and I like to think myself) empathy isn't a bottomless pit and I think over time stores can get low and some people probably move on at those times as well. I think as far as roles here, some people wear lots of hats. I like to share my (limited) experience and my hopes. But there's times when I just want to have a laugh with people I've got to know. I do face to face suicide interventions as a part of my work. I don't think I could talk someone down off a bridge everyday, it would be too emotionally draining. On those other days there might be a bit of union jack southern cross on the ass streaking You have got me thinking though. You're good like that! Deano

I have a vitamix as well and use it heaps. I have kids under 10 who like green smoothies now. It's a great way to get your greens and Fiber. I make almond butter, just using almonds and nothing else. I make icecream with frozen bananas, frozen berries and some Greek yoghurt. I made a granita for a dinner party the other night. Frozen grapes and cubes of frozen apple juice. It was a huge hit. And like Beck said clean up is so quick. I'm a big fan. Deano

Yes, never thought I'd be happy to say I'm overweight! But I agree with this article. I think I'll always be a BFB (Big Fat Ba$tard). I think being obese has contributed to who I am and, I think I'm a good person. So I'm ok with that. It's a funny read. If you haven't seen it, take a look - http://www.smh.com.au/opinion/politics/all-you-fat-bastards-of-the-world-8230-unite-and-take-over-20130122-2d51u.html

Pdx, do you think it can be something that can ever have a 'stake in the ground'? I tend to think that it's a way of thinking and a genuine interest in the subject matter for a person at that time. So for one person, maybe at goal in 6 months, with 120 posts might be 'at that place'. For others it might be 12 months and 1200 posts?

My BMI slipped under 30 today. So yes, I'm no longer 'obese' but 'overweight'. Happy days. Deano

1.6kgs isn't slow - that's fantastic. Looking at your ticker you're about 7 kilos away from being half way to goal. It must be seeming all really attainable now.

Just had a visual of a couple at dinner, staring at you - like you were dessert!

My wife is a coffee roaster, so I can't blame my sleeve for that 'bad' habit! I have a couple of espresso in the morning with a slurp of milk. When I'm at work I use a hario to make coffee. It's my latest toy and really handy. On the weekend I have the espresso in the morning and then during the day I use a chemex. I think I have issues!! As far as post op additctions go I'd say Crossfit. I'd been going on and off for 2 years pre op. I liked it, but being a BFB (big fat ba$tard) I felt like I had to go. Now I have a different relationship with training. I don't do it because I HAVE to. I do it because I love it. It's a completely different dynamic

I want a whooosh .........

I hear you! I got down to a healthy weight 10 years ago through diet and exercise. I'd lost about 150 pounds. I felt like I was 'cured'. Now I know that 'goal' and 'cured' are two different things. To be honest I don't expect to get cured when I'm at goal and I'll have to keep putting work in then. And I'm ok with that! Thanks for your insight. I love it.

You must be thinking this is the best day ever! Nice work.

Your surgeon should / will be giving you an explainantion of the common risks. Everyones opinon is subjective. Their experience probably won't be yours. If you think it will cause you undue anxiety there's nothing wrong with not reading that stuff here. Get advice off your surgeon, talk about the risks. We'll be here when you're done! Good luck, Deano

I know what your saying Puja, but I don't think it has to be set in stone. I'll be able to officially participate here in 6 weeks or so. It seems silly to not be able to make a comment one day, but then you can the next. Particularly if your comment is on point. I regularly stop by the lesbian, gay and transgender room for a chat as well. I'm not thinking of turning (but no ones bought me a drink yet either!) Deano

I had a chuck during that. It tasted like a nice combination of sambucca, chalk and cat pee.

Good to hear someone that's gone from a 46 to a 24 BMI put their hand up to making the occasional mistake. You've done an amazing job.

I've thrown up a handful of times, maybe 4. I wouldn't say I've made it happen, but I get a little over full and feel uncomfortable. I'm sure if I left left it and had a walk or a rest I'd be fine but if I walk into the bathroom my body takes advantage of the situation. It's very strange.

Gut of steel

You sound like the life of a party Nice new profile pic!

Depends how low carb you want to go Amanda but I have a bit of (dry) roasted sweet potato. I keep some in the fridge and will chuck it in with some tuna or a salad etc. I don't mind that it has some carbs because I don't eat bread or pasta anymore.