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I am loving life. Just finished a 6 mile bike ride and I feel great. Never thought that was possible 2 years ago!

I am in The mid cities area. I celebrated my 2 year anniversary today. I would be happy to answer any questions anyone might have!

That is a great way to think about it! Love it! Thinking of my brain this way got me through a lot of bad thoughts!

Well today is my 2 year anniversary and I am so happy I did this!! It has been such a wonderful experience and I keep learning everyday. All dreams have been possible and many have been achieved. My newest is to become a triathlete in October! I am so excited for the challenge. If you are struggling or brand new - this is worth it and you can do it!!! I started at 256 in a size 22. I currently weight 135 and a size 2.

Your brain is just trying to get you to go back to bad habits. In the past feeling upset about how much you had lost always got your brain a cheeseburger or candy bar. Just realize this will pass, and that you can overcome it!!

Good news is you are 100% normal!!! I went through that stage as well, and it did not last too long. Your brain can be your worst enemy. In fact I like to think of mine as being a two year old with the terrible two syndrome. I want it now!!! I want it now!!! If I don't get it I am going to scream. Well our brains scream in different ways now. First they scream about wanting real food. Then it gives you your first stall, and finally it realizes that this is a new life style and goes with the program. However every once on a while the brain try's to scream again and as any good parent you tell your brain you are the boss not the two year old! Good luck!!!

Try to focus on goals that don't include the scale. Weigh yourself 1 a week.

I have been told that it also depends on your protein source. All natural protein - eggs,meat... Your body will absorb everything. If you sit and eat a 40g piece of red meat then your body will absorb everything. However if you take that same amount in a protein powder you will only be getting about half that.

I hate protein shakes!! I get my added protein from egg whites. I add the egg whites to my drinks. It is a special mixture intended for that purpose and other than a change in texture a little I don't notice it at all.

I went from an F to a D. However they look like sad water balloons. .

It may not be protein it could be fluid intake or both. I played an indoor soccer game 8 weeks to the date of my surgery. It was tough on me. Too much too fast. Ease into it, and follow doc directions.

You can run and jog! You are going to be my new inspiration...lol! I used to run a lot, and hated it. I would make myself run about 7 miles 3 times a week, and managed to get my weight down to 130 (back in the early 1990s). It was the only way I could keep my weight down. Now that I can't run, I long for those days that I had the ability to run. I think I'm going to go back to the doc and see what I can do to make that happen. It is possible. I have had three knee surgeries and one hip on the opposite side. I have rheumatoid arthritis and deal with joint pain. However now that I weigh about 135 the pain of running and doing daily activities is so much easier. All things and dreams are possible!!

You can run and jog! You are going to be my new inspiration...lol! I used to run a lot, and hated it. I would make myself run about 7 miles 3 times a week, and managed to get my weight down to 130 (back in the early 1990s). It was the only way I could keep my weight down. Now that I can't run, I long for those days that I had the ability to run. I think I'm going to go back to the doc and see what I can do to make that happen. It is possible. I have had three knee surgeries and one hip on the opposite side. I have rheumatoid arthritis and deal with joint pain. However now that I weigh about 135 the pain of running and doing daily activities is so much easier. All things and dreams are possible!!

I had many goals and my list keeps going. It is what pushes me to the lifestyle change. However my goals were never measured in the number on the silly scale. I knew I did this to get healthy and not for a number. So my goals consisted of 1. playing soccer without joint pain 2. Running a mile without any issues 3. Get physically ready for the police entrance exam 4. Be able to have my husband hug me and touch his arms I am 2 years post op and stopped doing goals about a year ago. While I have maintained my weightloss, I am slipping into old habits. So this weekend I made a goal to do a triathlon. So many times we get caught up in a silly number and when that number stops for a stall we get upset. If you make this journey about overall health and wellness and set non scale victory goals you will be amazed at what you can do!!!

I am 2 years post op and I eat anything I want, but much smaller portions than before surgery. Your taste buds change after surgery, and for me it opened me up to new things. I am a lot more adventurous with food now. During your recovery stage you want to stick to the doctors orders, but you must live your life after that.

I had an idea to train an do a triathlon in October, but I am lost on how to begin. Does anyone have suggestions? Books or websites or general advice?

You will discover a whole new you!! It is an exciting time in your life. Enjoy the ride, and remember that when you have your first stall at about 1 month post op it is normal and don't freak out. It will pass and it does not mean you have stopped losing weight!

Well congrats on your new birthday. I would say the one thing I think is a must do is your official before picture. My husband and I went to the local zoo and took a picture. I went back there for my one year anniversary and took a picture in the exact same place. We will be going back at the beginning of June for my 2 year anniversary. It is a great way to celebrate and really see your changes. We also went to celebrate our wedding anniversary at the same place. They have taken our picture each year. You can really see the transformation. Finally write down your goals for post op. Try not to focus on the number on the scale. Focus on non scale goals. When you reach a goal mark it off and think of a new one. You will be amazed at what things you can accomplish and come up with! Good luck and remember we are all here for you!!

Well we are a shih tzu family! We have one female and then we foster for a local rescue group. Molly is such a smart little girl!!! The first picture is Molly begging for food. All the others are past Foster dogs that have found their forever homes. The last picture is our current foster Eric!

I use double pasteurized egg whites in my drinks. Does not add any taste and with each pump of container is 3.3 grams of protein.

Stephanie,I had surgery 6/5/12. I am 34 and live in Texas. Feel free to send me a message.

Take a deep breath and know that it is normal to feel nervous. An idea that helped me calm my nerves was to start writing goals for post op. Try not to focus on the weight loss number. Think of things you wish for. I wanted to play soccer without hurting all over, and then I wanted to run 2 miles easily. Once you reach a goal cross it off and think of a new one. All your dreams and desires are possible!

It is a deodorant for your intestines. Trust me this stuff is WONDERFUL. My husband does not let me run out ever! They make chewable and the capsule form. I don't care for the taste of chewable ones.

It is a deodorant for your intestines. Trust me this stuff is WONDERFUL. My husband does not let me run out ever! They make chewable and the capsule form. I don't care for the taste of chewable ones.