back2barb78

See I have been doing that for years. And I get it both ways- I see someone that I haven't seen in a while and it's the "what the hell happened to you?" look or people who know me now see what I used to look like and again- "what the hell happened to you?" The housekeeper saw one of my pictures from 2007 and asked if that was my cousin. It's so not cute anymore. I'm taking my life back. I now have a career that I can afford to do things but I'm trapped in this shell that isn't me. An acquaintance of mine went to Catalina Island and sent me a video of her zip lining. I cried like a baby. Next year I'll be zip lining, swimming with dolphins, horseback riding- you name it I'm doing it! {)i(} Sent from my iPhone using VST {)i(}

Lots of straws- same as many of you- fears of breaking chairs, love life not like it used to be. In my bathroom when I go to the toilet it faces the mirror so I can just sit there and look at myself- I'm so done with this fat. And I am a nurse and it doesn't set a good example . BTW this weight started again (I had lost 100 lbs before and got down to 160 on my own and gained it all back plus wayyyy more) while I was in nursing school studying instead of working out like I normally did because I wanted to be valedictorian of my class which no one cares about now. I have been talking about getting a lap band for about a year now but had no clue I could start the process myself or that I could pay out of pocket otherwise I would have done this years ago before it got so out of control. I though my PCP had to refer me and she would always just talk to me about "lifestyle modifications" every year at my physical. Whatever lady, I lost 20 and gained 30. I started avoiding her and not keeping my weight check follow up appointment. I don't go to social events anymore and use work as an excuse to hid from people I know because I look NOTHING like I used to 7 years ago. I'm tired of the "you have such a pretty face" line when people used to just say "you're pretty". I know exactly what that means- you're too pretty to be thick and fat like that. My friends brother asked me my name when he saw me last March and seriously had no clue who I was and had a stunned shocked look on his face when I told him- this is someone I've known for 20 years. That said it all. I researched and decided on the sleeve instead.

Great idea using the Isopure to make Jello. Definitely will do that.

What's done is done but you're not far enough out from surgery to deviate too much. I would think it would interfere with the healing process. Follow MDs orders to prevent complications. Three spoons of mac wont be a big deal later for sure.

I bought some Naked juice protein drinks too from that section too. I bought all of the flavors of the Isopure from GNC and I have not tried them all yet, but none of them have really appealed to me. They have a kind of aftertaste that makes me open and close my mouth after a swallow (I don't know how else to describe what it makes me do other than that- like when you taste something funny). But they definitely are more tolerable than the milky ones I've had- EAS, Core power... bleh

Ok. I did try some Protein drinks from the supermarket and they were actually really good. They are by Bolthouse Farms. I'll try to attach a pic. So yummy I'm surprised! The chocolate one is really good. Haven't tried the coffee one yet. They all have 2 servings/ 30gm protein per bottle. I'm not great at label reading but I'm sure they are better than eating a typical bacon and egg Breakfast. I pray I still love them after surgery. I found them in the juice section by the produce at Stater Bros {)i(} Sent from my iPhone using VST {)i(}

I have all of my samples. Now I just have to find the time to try them!

Forgot to mention in 10/7/13 too {)i(} Sent from my iPhone using VST {)i(}

Ok... See it was the mag citrate that did it! That doesn't usually kick in for a while. Whenever I've had one of those I'm not right for 3 whole days! I'm just going to do an enema that morning {)i(} Sent from my iPhone using VST {)i(}

Rocky I was in the same position you are in literally last week. Once I booked my surgery date, I started FREAKING OUT. I started feeling tense in my chest, shoulders, and arms and I was panicking thinking I made a rushed/bad decision, I need to stop being lazy and do this the old fashioned way, I'm going to die..... all these thoughts making me crazy. I finally had to join this site (I was stalking before that (grin)) and I PMd one of the vets on here who had surgery with the MD I'm using. I was on the verge of needing to call my PCP for some Xanax! After she messaged me back and we chatted back and forth, I calmed down and tried to switch my attitude. Instead of looking on here for bad experiences to talk myself out of it, I started researching my Protein drinks and looking at before and after threads and seeing people's progress (most of them lose really REALLY fast after surgery) and think about how great it will be when I get there. I have kept busy with work and I also decided once I lose 100lbs, I'm going to buy myself a Louis Vuitton bag (I'll buy clothes too, but I've wanted one of those for a long time). I'ts really hard and I'm not perfect so I know as Oct 7th approaches, I will definitely need more support. Thankfully everyone I have reached out to on this site is not only doing fantastic postop, but are very kind, optimistic, and supportive. Reach out to a few people and see what happens. {)i(} Sent from my iPhone using VST {)i(}

Oops.. Man's room... sorry

Glitter Dunn Congratulations! You have obviously worked very hard. So now the important question- Name 3 things that have been key to your success thus far after surgery.

I ordered some unjury and synthrax sampler packs, the large chicken Soup and unflavored unjury tubs (figured these were safe buys), and I went to GNC today and bought all the flavors of the single Isopure Protein drinks to taste. They are on sale right now. I also got some different flavored muscle milks, core power Protein Drinks and EAS myoplex drinks. Wow! Lots to taste test over the next few weeks!! Better than wasting money on cases/tubs of things I don't like. I plan on freezing small amounts too or maybe making Popsicles out of them and see if that works. Just some ideas I had! {)i(} Sent from my iPhone using VST {)i(}

That's wonderful Raven! I'll see you there. {)i(} Sent from my iPhone using VST {)i(}

KT If you can let us know how everything goes! I will be arriving as you're leaving. {)i(} Sent from my iPhone using VST {)i(}

Thanks Lolly it does. I will add it to my list. I hate that I don't like the taste of milk, but I'm ok with ice cream (I know weird). I don't eat ice cream often, but I was thinking maybe I can get small containers and freeze the shakes and eat them with a spoon like ice cream. Don't know but I have to get it in and I was thinking that would be a way to trick myself into it. Ill have to get it in somehow! {)i(} Sent from my iPhone using VST {)i(}

Thank you Lolly. I plan on making the Protein drinks my top priority right now. If you happen to remember let me know and if I find out I will let you know {)i(} Sent from my iPhone using VST {)i(}

I haven't tried any drinks yet. I work 6 days a week right now and literally have very little time to prepare. The Isopure brand is on my list of those to try. I hate milk and from what I've heard many taste like milk so I have to figure something out. By the time I will have more time off which is in 5 weeks I have to start my preop diet. What a mess! I need help so I need to search for what people who don't care for milk did. {)i(} Sent from my iPhone using VST {)i(}

You my friend are in very good (and probably ample) company. I'm going crazy here myself. Here are some of my things I need to get done in the next 7 weeks. 1) Go through message boards. Try to at least look at positive ones more than negative ones (this is hard for me as I am searching for reasons to prove I'm crazy for doing this) 2) Research tasty Protein powders. Looks like they are hit or miss. And don't buy too much it seems since I've read here sometimes taste buds change postop. 3) Clean out my pantry and make room for the powder and the broth. Definitely need to overhaul mine. If I don't it will be a reminder of what I can't have. 4) Try not to do anything stupid to get my surgery cancelled or delayed. 4A. Don't worry so much I accidentally have a heart attack. I'm not giving advice- this is my personal list. 4B. Beef up on Vitamins so my preop blood work looks stellar. If I have any bleeding issues hopefully the Iron I take will reduce/eliminate the need for transfusion due to blood loss and will probably help me feel better postop. 4C. Don't catch a cold. Avoid sick people like the plague. That's my short list. I'm sure it will grow over the next 5 weeks. {)i(} Sent from my iPhone using VST {)i(}

Raven123 I will be there Oct 7th. Very nervous and I'm a nurse! }}i{{ Sent from my iPhone using VST }}i{{

Wow!!! That is beyond wonderful progress. Congratulations to you for your hard work. I have been looking on this site for a couple of weeks now but just joined today because I'm sitting here driving myself crazy thinking I'm making a rash decision and not believing in myself that I can do this on my own. The thoughts going through my head I've lost before-I can do it again? But why do I gain it back and then some? I'm gonna kill myself trying to lose weight via surgery. Would I rather die trying to lose weight or die because I'm obese? Why am I thinking about dying? I don't have any serious health problems! I'm gonna get a blood clot. I'm losing my mind! This is all me talking to myself and no I have no mental disorders This is my internal conversation these days and I'm just being honest. This gives me hope that I am making the right decision for my future. I'll still be driving myself crazy until the morning of Oct 7th. Just hope I don't give myself a heart attack from stress because they'll still try to blame it on obesity. Jerks }}i{{ Sent from my iPhone using VST }}i{{