Healthiernewme

Amazing:)

I would also fail in that situation. My family will have to get used to eating fruit cups with sugar free whipped cream:) They can eat their junk but I ain't making it.

I'm getting sleeved 5/9. Thanks for comments:)

I don't have many pictures of me (not even face shots). I was looking to for one to post and I don't have any. I also haven't hung up any of my weddings photos -- you know the event that I paid a gazillion dollars for and hired a professional photographer. We don't even have any family photographs. My memories are filled with photos of the kids - none of me. I've noted that I really am happy with who I am until I look in the mirror; then, I don't recognize the person staring back at me. Apart from my health issues, in my heart ... I don't feel that hugely fat. It's amazing how a layer of fat makes you look like a different person. I'm tired of getting together at family gatherings and the topic of conversation is always losing weight and the pure shock at how much I've gained. Truthfully, sometimes I start that conversation because I feel defensive... Hey, you tend to develop a coping mechanism. I want to live my life ... I don't want to feel like getting dressed is a chore. Going to the store and feeling like a failure because I can't find jeans that fit me right... Oh, the dreaded muffin top when I sit down. I swear it constricts my breathing. Ughh. On that note, I only have one pair of jeans that fit me right now. I also have a closet full of clothes that are way too small. I don't know why I keep them. I wear the same the same work clothes every week because I don't like to think about putting outfits together. I like the comfort of knowing exactly what I'm wearing ... to assure I have no disappointments. This is all apart from knowing that if I continue on this path, I will develop more health issues related to weight. Don't get me wrong, I have parts of my life that I'm very proud of -- career, family, etc. I just want to live a longer and healthier (and more physical) life not being ashamed of how I look. I just want to be able to tie my shoe without getting winded. I just want to take a family photo and put it on the wall ...

I get liquid vitamins from a friend who sells Vemma. It's a great multi-vitamin and tastes good also. PM me if you want the info. I don't feel right posting it on here.

Wow. This is a great thread. Thanks for all the honesty.

I'm on the pre-op liquids now, so I feel your pain. Just drink ice cold water with lots of ice. The cold water really helps me. Also, make sure you're getting enough protein from your shakes (some have more than others). I leave my soup for dinner (just had it) - makes me feel like I'm having a meal. Then, I have the Jello 1/2 before bedtime so I feel good going to bed. Hot tea also helps. We can do this:)

Good luck!! Keep us posted.

Thanks for sharing. I really only have 1 cup of coffee a day. I guess I can start diluting it with 1/2 decaf, then go to 100% decaf. I only have a week to go... ughh.

Wow. That is some awesome weight/inches loss! See you went to Dr. Alvarez... on pre-op diet now and getting ready for my turn next week:)

Wow... great progress!! Congrats! Your story is definitely an inspiration to me. Thanks.

Like people keep saying ... this surgery is not on your head. We all have problems we deal with. Now that you don't have food to fall back on, you are focusing on something else. Now is the time to get some help to work thru why you have turned to alcohol. Sure, everyone here can offer advice, but what you need to do is put in the work and go get the help you need. I pray that you look for and find help. Get to the root of the problem.

Ugh... so frustrating when people can't mind their own business and are rude. One part of me says ignore the ignorant, but the other side says tell them that they shouldn't talk about things they don't understand. Just like you don't comment on their [fill in the blank].

Are you guys allowed to have caffeine during pre-op? I have coffee on my list of approved liquids, but I don't know about the caffeine??

Great accomplishment!

Love shopping! I'm so looking forward to buying new clothes in smaller sizes:))

Sitting here cracking up ... LOL. I'm on liquids -- so, let me go put some taco seasoning in my soup...

Great job on the liquid diet! Wishing you a quick and safe surgery, and an uneventful recovery:) Great job on quitting smoking too... wow.

Yeah. Your body is detoxing. drinks lots of Water to help with the elimination. Maybe some green tea. I know it sucks, but hang in there! This too shall pass.

Are you drinking caffeinated tea/coffee? My list of acceptable liquids include Carnation Instant Breakfast Sugar Free made with Skim milk and 98% Fat-Free Cream Soup made with skim milk (1 can per day). You are also on the third day, which means it should start to get better soon. Hang in there!

Great to hear everything went according to plan:) How are you feeling?

It's crazy you guys are having this discussion. I just finished watching a pre-op video by my surgeon where he said that there should be no such thing as following his pre-op and post-op instructions at 98%, only 100% - nothing less. He's a conservative surgeon, of course, but has managed to scare this sh** out of me; therefore, I'm giving this my 110% ... no joke. If it isn't on the list, I'm not going anywhere near it.

This is your journey. I would just focus on you... you can't control how others feel/act. That's why you have us and this forum:) We'll cheer for you!! (BTW - love the rock/backpack analogy too)

Wow. 2 months and what a difference!

So ... is everyone ready for their pre-op diet? My surgeon told me I had to keep the calorie intake between 800-1,000 calories per day during this phase. I'm already starting to stock up on protein shakes, but I want to plan my liquids to make sure I'm doing everything right. Me + no plan = failure:(