*Dean*

I could swallow whole pills 2 weeks post op, but I only take a multivitamin. Are they the types of meds that you could take a small break from, for a week or two?

After my bloods were done I was told I only had to take a multi. Will see how it goes next time. I'm 8 weeks out.

I only take a multi post op and have been taking it as a whole pill after two weeks.

All good tips. I only have one thing to say - WHAT A GREAT PROBLEM TO HAVE !!! That is all, Deano

Hey Kennedy. I'm sure you'll get there soon. VSG has been a great thing for me already. There's a LGBT presence on the forum. There are also a lot of LGBT friendly members also. I'm straight (married 16 years) My wife and I lived in a gay community in Sydney Australia for 15 years before making a sea change. I've thought there are a number of similarities between coming out and disclosing WLS. I haven't wanted to say that out loud until you said it, because I worried about offending someone. Lets face it you don't choose to be gay but you choose to have WLS. My WLS surgery is well and truly out there. I've told everyone. Anyone who has had a conversation with me has been supportive (I'm 8 weeks post op). I'm prepared for the day someone won't be, and I'll forgive them their ignorance! People have asked me if I've encountered any negative comments. My standard response is 'People are either going to support me in this or say something stupid'...... Since being on this forum I've told people there's no reason WLS should be anyone's dirty little secret. If someone has walked in my shoes and yoyo dieted forever ....... I'll allow them an opinion Good luck on your journey! All the best, Deano

Kelli, Shell and I were having a conversation at lunch about stomach stapling. We weren't 100% sure what the difference was with VSG, but we suspected that with stapling the stomach may have been folded in on itself / left intact. I'd been meaning to look it up for ages. It looks like we were kind of right. You might have already known this, but for anyone else whose curious. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vertical_banded_gastroplasty_surgery

I love food. I still cook. Watch cooking programs. Take cooking classes with my wife. I'm fussier about what I eat because I can only eat a small amount, but my relationship with food is better. It hasn't affected the people around me except that they're happy that I'm healthier and happier. If my wife was eating a bag of chips in front of the TV, I might have some hommus and some carrot sticks. Or nothing, and that's ok too.

Nope. You get a lot less self concious and pre occupied with food. I couldn't care less what other people are eating, or really what I'm eating to tell the truth. Going out now is more about being social and catching up with people and less about the food and what I can consume. I order what I think will sit well (I'm 8 weeks post op). I eat my Protein first. I eat slowley and usually finish (eating, not my plate) about the same time as everyone else. I have never, for second, felt like I was missing out.

I don't think you'd think anything was 'better' as long as you're sucessful. Lap Band is older than VSG. But I'd assume if someone has got to goal with a band they don't really care. RNY is decades old. If someone had a by-pass a few decades ago and are still at goal, I don't think they'd care that they don't have a VSG. Who knows, it might be 15 years until there's a 'better' proceedure - how long are you prepared to wait? Good luck Deano

That's terrific in 3 months! Another 15 pounds and you'll be half way to goal. Your killing it. Good idea with the desktop background. Deano

Speaking of keeping things in your handbag (and no, I don't have a handbag!). I got a heap of mini Protein bars from Aldi. They look suspiciously the same as the Aussie Bodies Protein FX mini bars. They're small 30g bars. About 90 cals, 9g Protein. I keep a couple in my kit bag in case I'm stuck at a job and can't get anything else. Good for a snack. Definately a good size for a sleeve. Aussie Bodies $2.20 + Aldi 99 cents I can't tell the difference. Deano

That sounds awesful! You poor thing.You definately did a job on yourself! Good luck tomorrow, you're young and healthy (now) you'll be fine Ummmm with the fall ........ was there alcohol involved?? Deano

I've had dry chicken breast come up twice. I'm yet to try red meat (except for mince or my low and slow BBQ lamb that is juicy and falls off the bone!) One time we were at an Indian restaurant. Fortunately I recognised the signs and excused myself. It's all part of the evolving process I guess. A lot to do with what we can eat and how quickly we can eat.

Hey. I haven't experienced anything like this - I hope you're feeling better now. Deano

It was great to meet you guys. The more people that come along to these things the better, although I have to admit, I was pretty pleased with myself having lunch with two good looking girls. It was funny, us all filling our takeaway containers after lunch. I'm not sure how, but mine was filled to the top. Have a good one, Deano

They look great!

Best money you ever spent - I'm sure you feel like you have your life back. Well done, Deano

That's awesome. Imagine how you're going to look in 4, 6, 8 months???

If you think you can do it on your own maybe you should have another go on your own? I know for me, after decades of dieting I knew I couldn't do it on my own. I'd lost all optimism in weight loss.

Hey - I'm 8 weeks as well. I've lost 47%. I'm not taking any notice of that 60 - 70%. It's only an average!

That would be great. I work at Boondall, but have to go into DPP tomorrow and drop something off. I don't think I have anything on. Will check my diary in the morning. I'll PM you my mobile. Deano

Thanks Elle - that's awesome information. I've had a look at all those web sites. I think I'm leaning toward to Vitamix. I'm in negotiation with the Minister for Finance. At the moment it's looking like the end of January after school fees are paid Thanks again, Deano

You're going to be fine . Sending prayer your way from Australia.

Sad but true. WLS is like some other things in life, it can bring out the best and the worst in people.

Looking good - congratulations!