VSGKirk

I'd say you can have those things when your specific programs says you can - it varies so greatly from one program to another I've noticed from participating in the forum for the past 8 months.

Hugh Jackman comes out of the closet and asks me to marry him... oh, wait... was this supposed to be VSG related?

Been there...Done that! Progress, not perfection Feel better!

Morgan, don't be embarrassed - that is what the forum is for! I think your gut instinct that this could be dangerous behavior is spot on and I would avoid doing this. If you are looking for suggestions - I would try stepping back each time you feel like you need to do this to figure out why you feel compelled to do so in that moment. Be mindful of what you are feeling right then and there and try to allow yourself to really be in tune with what is really going on with you. I know this sounds very general and vague, but I guess what I'm trying to say, is allow yourself to feel whatever it is you're feeling and move beyond it in a non-food related way. Only you know how to move beyond this, it's not a one-size-fits-all scenario. But congratulate yourself for being aware that this might not be the best thing to do and reaching out to the forum with such honesty. That IS something to be proud of!

I dealt with it with humor... I took video of myself throwing myself on the ground in front of the gym throwing my best 2 year old-esque tantrum I could muster up. I had to deal with it with humor. Because in all realness, no one really cares what other people look like at the gym. You are there just doing your thing, they are doing theirs and that dialogue in our heads is what is silly. You deserve to be there just as much as anyone else and speaking from experience, it's much bigger in your head than in they gym. You can do this!

You're doing great! A positive attitude increases weightloss, I'm certain of it - keep up the great work!

Keep up the great work and enthusiasm!

8 months out and everything seems "normal" and "routine" for me - that's a good thing! I don't feel like I'm doing anything really different or special. I just make better choices now and eat in smaller quantities, not because I feel like I "should" more like because I "have to". It's just the way it is... so yeah, total non-issue!

You're probably grieving the loss of the old you... But oh my, what a wonderful, fantastic, crazy future you have ahead of you

I noticed it after drinking protein drinks. I can assure you though, it gets better!

Maybe you're just bored? I used to confuse boredom with hunger. Congrats on making it through surgery and welcome to the Loser's Bench!

What's 6 months for a future that will lead to health and hopefully a longer life? Let's look at this from a glass half full... you have insurance that will eventually cover this. I would gladly have traded 6 months for the $17K I spent on the surgery. Hang in there and don't look at this from an all or nothing point of view. You have clearly aligned yourself with a program that is first and foremost concerned with your well-being. That's a great thing!

Must...resist...temptation

Stephanie, I applaud your bravery for listening to your own intuition. You should only absolutely do this when it feels 100% right. Kudos to you for sharing your story and letting people know it's okay to change your mind. I don't think this reflects negatively on the surgeon or the surgery center at all - In fact, just the opposite.

I think 5 weeks out you're still adjusting quite a bit - give yourself some more time. And if all else fails, once-a-day Cialis is amazing

What will you be blending? I just used one of those hand wand style blenders - but I was just pureeing soups and chili.

Have you considered he IS being supportive? He may know you better than you know yourself and if he's worried for you about the lifestyle changes that are necessary to make VSG surgery successful, there might be something there. Maybe you could demonstrate your willingness to make small changes before surgery to reassure him that you are in the right mental space to take on a 3rd surgery.

Oooops, just noticed where this was posted. Sorry ladies!

Just go to the gym alone and then casually mention all the guys (and maybe some ladies) "noticing" your progress... He'll be there with you next time

If your doctor allows, I would suggest milk of magnesia... The metamucil stuff seems to make me very uncomfortable with all the fiber soaking up all my water and stuff.

I love guacamole!

I don't think that fear will ever leave. But I think it can be managed and overshadowed by the feeling of health and wellness. The sleeve provides a chance to hit the "reset" button in your life and provide you with the physical restriction you need to work on the emotional and spiritual new you. Break down your journey minute-by-minute and always keep in mind, everything you do should be a conscientious decision. Learn to be okay with your decisions and open-minded enough to make adjustments and corrections. Be as honest as you can be with yourself and set realistic expectations. Most importantly, love yourself no matter what...period!

Probably the best advice I can give a pre-opper is that in addition to WLS, your attitude will ensure a successful journey. Moaning and groaning about head hunger, "stalls", working out, etc will only cloud your ability to fully appreciate this "gift" of modern day medicine to those of us struggling with obesity. I will say, without a doubt, my attitude has been my biggest secret weapon throughout this amazing journey. Is this easy? No. Am I always feeling fantastic? No. Are there times I wish I could turn to copious amounts of mexican food to drown my sorrows or express my happiness or just because I'm bored? Hell yes! I make a conscientious decision, minute-by-minute to make this journey the amazing thing I had hoped it to be. Don't ever hesitate to reach out to me if you need a pep-talk! We are all in this together!

You GO, guuuhrl!

Qween - you are losing at a really nice pace. Anything more than at that pace is you losing muscle. The most important thing you can do right now is keep your Protein up and avoid muscle loss. Stick with what you're doing and be patient - you'll get where you want to be, I promise!