GypsyQueen

So sorry for your loss. Thank you for sharing your sister's story, along with your own. It's tragic for all in your family and hopefully the kind words of those who respond lend some small comfort to you.

It also removed dead skin cells and is good for the lymphatic system. I learned to use straight strokes, not circular, always brush toward the heart. My skin feels better (softer), not sure if it will look better.

Wow! So incredible! Congrats and enjoy living!!

Speculoos is purchased at Trader Joes, I'm not sure where else. I just mentioned Biscoff cookie spread in another thread, it's pretty much the same thing. Super sinfully yummy. Not on our prescribed eating plan, for sure!

Has anyone experimented or have knowledge of "dry brushing" to help with skin elasticity/cellulite? I have some, but not terrible, loose skin and would like to avoid surgery, if possible. I've read that "dry brushing" can help and it's certainly easy and inexpensive. The question is, is it effective?

Every stage of liquid (pre and post) was bad unless you enjoy the shakes. I was excited once I was able to start experimenting with food, even purée.

I grew up immune to the lure of Oreos, because I don't like chocolate. Then they came out with the Golden Oreos and I understood the attraction. And may I mention another great transformation? Biscoff Cookies (thank you Delta) now has a cookie butter spread. Smooth or crunchy! It is divine!

My very first soft food was a puréed deviled egg. It was delicious!

Looking great, BTB! In another month, you'll be used to yet another new normal.

I've had absolute strangers compliment me several times, so they don't know I've lost weight, just that I look pretty, happy, etc. it's odd, but the most flattering of all. And I like when my dry cleaner says "Hi, Slim!"

It's a simple blood test. Easy to check. Hope you can figure it out!

You are doing great and look fabulous, my dear. Keep it up!

There are some of the funniest, awful, hysterical, gut wrenching reviews on Amazon for Haribo sugar free gummy bears. I laughed so hard I cried. http://www.amazon.com/Haribo-Gummy-Candy-Sugarless-5-Pound/product-reviews/B000EVQWKC

Absolutely no regrets!

I am 5 months out, Thursday. After I got home from the hospital, things were pretty uneventful for me, as well. My ability to eat/drink anything comfortably is a concern because it's not a problem, but that's about it. My sister-in-law is planning her surgery based on how "easy" I've had it. I pray she also has a positive experience, although I warn her everybody's "journey" is different. I don't feel guilty. I feel thankful, but wary. It's now a head game, forever and ever more.

I am 4 1/2 mo. out and can eat bread by itself, or at least rolls and croissants as evidenced by the cruise from which I just returned. But it's really just something we should limit greatly, for a multitude of reasons. It's definitely one of my trigger foods.

We are headed to see Gravity on IMAX 3D as I write! I'll be looking for a pickle, that sounds wonderful. Jerky will be for a future date, thanks for the idea!

We are headed to see Gravity on IMAX 3D as I write! I'll be looking for a pickle, that sounds wonderful. Jerky will be for a future date, thanks for the idea!

Your surgeon should give you guidelines. Mine said to wait a year, but everyone says something different.

June 17th here. And yes, the hair is shedding quite steady now. I have plenty to spare, but it's disturbing, regardless.

Thank you for sharing your success! It is always so helpful to hear from those further along doing so marvelously well!

Just sharing my experience... I had no problem with protein drinks while on pre op, but I had to force it through liquid stage post op. I feel like I wasted so much money on powders (and many other things, lol!) that I will never consume. This is not typical, but definitely a possibility.

I'm right there with you. I just returned from a cruise and it was amazing to be able to take the stairs everywhere! We had a bottom of the boat room and we went up 6 flights, 10 times a day!

I hope you start feeling better soon. It really does improve quickly. Keep thinking about all the positive reasons you wanted the surgery and focus on that being your new reality. Internal dialogue is a powerful thing,