Reigo

I get hungry too and the volume to fill me varies but is more than I expected and I am 5 weeks out.

You look amazing and have come so far! Life throws us horrible monkey wrenches but you have to stay strong! I lost both my parents in less than three years and that led to me putting on 60 pounds (Long with work travel) but it only made me that much more miserable. Food is never a fix and it's not a friend. You realize now that you are at a crossroads so make the turn that will get your weightless back on track. Don't let a job you don't like get control of you. You can do this!

I wish you were in FL! I would be your coach! I seriously think flirting is an art form. I was in Malta for work and the men were delicious and my colleague was also very shy and was so blown away at how I "work the room" and would get us free drinks everywhere we went. She told me to write a book. After 2 weeks with me, she picked up a few tips. Another really easy way to practice is on waiters or bartenders (in non crowded bar). Pay attention to the waiters name and address him by it. When he asks if you are ready to order reply with "Michael, if this is my last meal, what must I have from this menu. I am putting my last meal in your hands so don't let me down" he'll know you are playing around but it's fun. I did this last night and the waiter wanted to suggest everything we ate after that! You can keep it up after he comes over to see if you like it and respond "delicious, will you come with me everywhere I order" or "I knew I was in goods hands with you Michael". Waiters are captive audiences and used to most people ignoring them or being rude so they love a nice customer, let alone a pretty girl! Plus, you are required to talk to them so there's no awkward approaching a stranger obstacle. With a bartender, you can say something like "I don't want anyone else making my drinks but you. Take care of me, and I'll take care if you. And make sure no one slips me anything" As everyone else said smiling and eye contact go a long way.

The smell of garlic is delicious!

I would think if you use a low carb cracker and chew really well, you will be fine. Your mouth is like a food processor

I ate black bean soup puréed to break up the beans and squash soup. I have eaten meatballs with no problem at 4 weeks out. Once I was in mushy stage, I really went to eating soft food like dolphin and salmon and chewed well. I also ate a plantain (just one but love them). I am not much help but I think if you can break down the fibrous tissues and /or blend the soup, you should be fine but ask your doctor. Also, people have mentioned pureeing Wendy's chili so don't see why you can't do something similar.

Wow, tat sounds horrible! Glad you got that out! Guessing you went to a different doctor?

I am fortunate to feel great. I went to work one and a half weeks after surgery (had surgery wed, returned to work on a mon). I think the fact that I can consume 800-1000 calories helps my energy levels and I eat throughout the day so energy doesn't dip. I am going to bed earlier (10pm) but I used to stay up until 1-2am so that's my most notable difference. What is your calorie intake?

Keep us posted!

Thanks! I am one who can eat more and gets hungry!

I had two days clear liquid and did low sugar apple juice, icees, crystal light and some jello. I could not manage any broth. I find it freaking vile! I could barely choke down jello either but it filled me a little

I will definitely like small tasting plates if available. Otherwise, I will try to stick to nice proteins- in Poland I had the most phenomenal goose, and amazing duck and lamb in Malta and Ireland! I plan to skip dessert which was a killer for me often indulging in some unique decadent dessert!

Those are some great suggestions. Just won't have access to a microwave usually they are not available internationally. So do you mix the coffee with Water? Do you do it hot or cold? That sounds like it could 2 dilemmas I have which is that I love a cup of coffee in the morning but don't really want to use cream. I always travel with Splenda too!

Yes! Jet lag is a KILLER but I usually bring melatonin or Tylenol PM to help adjust me. What sucks more is I am salaried employee and my boss doesn't give us compensation time off for all the weekends I give up, which are my family time! For example, to go to India or Indonesia, I have to leave on a Friday to arrive there by Saturday night or Sunday morning, then I am there 2 weeks and fly home on a Saturday getting back Sunday so on many trips, I give up 3 full weekends! Not to mention flying for 25 hours is no picnic.

My doctor cleared me at 6 weeks for alcohol and spicy food and caffeine (although I must admit I started 1 cup of coffee at 4 weeks) I will only order a glass of wine to see how I handle it and I usually have a driver or take taxis so driving at least isn't an issue.

Glad to hear I am not the only one who fills up after 3 bites. It seems lots of people have minuscule capacity.

Thanks everyone! I ordered Quest bars today and kashi is a good idea or maybe the high Fiber instant oatmeal (although I haven't checked the label on it) fruit in the morning should be doable at the hotel. I may bring some powdered coffee creamer but I don't want to weigh down my luggage too much considering I need to pack 2 weeks of clothes too! I love travel but I have a 4 year old daughter so it's really ard on her and my husband. I am an auditor for one of the largest pharmaceutical companies in the world and go all over to our various manufacturing and commercial operation sites basically to evaluate their process both operationally and for compliance with corporate policies. It's not the "sexiest" job but I enjoy it. I love meeting new people, experiencing different cultures, etc. and traveling first class isn't too shabby ;0) I used to come back from a 16 day trip at least a real 3-5 pounds heavier...now multiply the number of trips I do and you will see why my weight quickly crept up!

Luckily I opted for surgery while still at size 16 creeping to 18 but I was so depressed watching the extra length of seatbelt dwindling away! I just need to think of good non perishables to pack which don't require any perpetration. I will grab some Protein bars but those generally seem high calorie and are small and won't fill me much or for long.

I think I have more capacity than most which requires more discipline on my part but at 4 weed out, I can eat a whole Joseph's sandwich pita with 3-4 ounces of meat, 1 slice of cheese and spinach leaves and tomato. I also eat 3 turkey meatballs in a low carb wrap with shredded veggies and hoisin sauce and it seems like a decent size. Before surgery, I would eat 2 wraps to be satisfied so it's less but I definitely can eat more than I expected!

Very impressive

I can't say I have experienced this at all but I have heard people say the sae thing

I have a job which requires pretty extensive international travel, which partly contributed to my weight gain over the past 3 years (gained 40 pounds). Eating out on an expense account 3 meals a day for 15-17 days straight in countries where there is no such thing as skim milk or even artificial sweeteners on the table is challenging to say the least. Ths year alone, I was in Russia, Poland, Turkey and Indonesia (all pre-op) and am heading to Spain at the end of July, followed by the UK in september and France and Turkey again in October and possibly Greece or Malta in December! Now I am 4 weeks out, feeling good and obsessively tracking every calorie I eat which is way more managble with every meal prepared by me. I am stressed about eating out while traveling and I don't have that small of a capacity albeit much smaller than pre-op but I don't get full that easy (6-8 ounces of food is no problem). I do plan to pack Protein shakes and maybe some Protein Bars. I want to at least replace Breakfast and lunch and only eat dinner out. I should also mention I am a big foodie loving to experience fine dining and wine and always adored finding the most amazing restaurants when I travel and trying foods I have never had before. For anyone who travels abroad, how do you manage? Any other suggestions on food to pack?

My insurance had the same requirement and I didn't qualify either. Hopefully, they won't catch the pregnancy weights!

Flirting is all about confidence. Putting your hand on a guys arm, little gestures like that go a long way. You are beautiful, just hold your head high and exude what you feel inside. Lots of guys don't want a meek girl and may be shy themselves so you feeling good in your own skin and just friendly and carefree about it will go a long way. I LOVE the art of flirting but when my weight crept up, I don't feel good in my own skin and purposely don't flirt. I always viewed flirting like a fun game and loved how easy it was to get free drinks or just watch a guys reaction. Now I joke that I am semi- retired (but watch out when my weight is off!)

Confirm with your insurance but if they deny your surgery, post op complications are also not covered.