Arts137

Can't hurt to ask, though it might go quickly for biopsy!

I was 423 at my highest and am under 320 now. Go For It!

Thanks for sharing, JRUSS! We are all here for you, and you are not the only member with a history of a brain tumor!

Susy... There is no right answer to cheating. Try hard. Try hard every day. If you cheat a lot you can't win. Listen, there is no way around getting "detoxed". You need to get 3/4/5 "clean" eating days to get the crap outa your system... Then (at least for me) it gets easier. If I can stay away from my triggers for a number of days, I don't crave them any more. But if I (personally) cheat, I am in a VORTEX (cause it's cold) of cravings until I can detox again. For me, it HURTS to cheat!!!

PPI = "Proton Pump Inhibitor" (like Plilosec) and it keeps acid low in the tummy. Talk to your MD, might be a good addition!

Unsure. I do not recall being asked for PCP approval, but I got it to document weight loss attempts anyway!

Thank you! Excellent!

Are you taking a PPI (Like Prilosec?)

Tami, as an Eagles fan, thank you Cowboys!

I believe you have figured out something important. I am at the point wher I just EXCLUDE sweets and simple carbs... all of them. I don't mind not eating them (and I am lucky that I do not get cravings) BUT if I have Just ONE, I am a MESS for days, with cravings and longings and physical hurt. Generally takes 3 or 4 days to recover.

Good NSV for you!!!

I know it is possible, but it will take planning and work! And are you really meaning VEGAN - as in no eggs, no mil, no cheese??? 'Cause that might make it even harder to get your protein in...

Now RJ, isn't this the time for a good old Hot Flash???

YES! for at least 6 months after surgery (and I've never had any GERD, etc. either)

I was given "Optifast" for the two weeks. Note that the two weeks is on a "Full Fast" - but not "Clear Liquids". On full fast most is 'milshake consistancy'. On Clear liquids (usually just the day or two before and after the surgery, you need to be able to see through... Does this make any sense???

I gained 10+ pounds during hospitalization -- all water... BUT THIS TOO SHALL PASS. and I am over 100# down now. YOU ARE DOING NOTHING WRONG. Stay with your program, it'll work out!!!

No, just Water, clear broths, etc. You DO need to focus on getting liquid in but missing Protein for the first couple days is OK.

And getting on the board is a way to connect while you lose weight and take those 'steps to freedom'! Stay with us and we'll stay with you!

Tam, we've been all where you are. Follow Laura's wisdom. Dat crazy lady knows her stuff!!! AND, we are ALL with you!

Yep, Bran, that's what I thought. The abnormality causes unrelenting hunger (as in eating a jar of peanut butter). How will the surgery help? I am heartbroken for this child. Heartbroken.

SO, if there are Board Members who do this and believe it's normal and helpful, this comment is not for you. Take care of yourself. If there are Board Members who do this and think that it is abnormal or unhelpful... consider getting the help you need to change this behavior... rather than "learning" how to do it better...

Ken, sorry, I am the "this is not helpful" camp (and I admit that I have an eating disorder and am addicted to refined carbs). But that said, do some additional research and provide any research that you can find to support your position. Because I don't think this is helpful does not mean I won't read and learn from your beliefs and experiences. As Will Rodgers said: "Good judgment comes from experience, and a lot of that comes from bad judgment."

Lory, "I know I cannot do any white flour or white sugar as I was an addict. It triggers me to want more." Dat's me too. I am fine as long as I don't have 'one'...

Thanks Butter!!!

HAHAHA My program gives me a card that says something like: "The bearer has had gastric surgery so please, please, pretty please let him/her order off the clild's menu" But I just order... and take home what I need ALSO I special order... Like "I'd like a chicken salad sandwich with just the chicken salad, lettace and tomatos - no bread"