ArmyOfMe

Don't be sad. You can still have their cheesecake. They have a Splenda cheesecake for diabetics (quoted the waitress), etc. Also a low carb cheesecake.

Terry, they have a specific portion of the Menu called SkinnyLicious. It's all lean foods and they state the calorie count under each meal. http://www.thecheesecakefactory.com/menu/skinnylicious/ They even have Splenda cheesecake. I about fell flat on my face with happiness.

Speaking from personal experience so far, food is on the bottom of my list --- this coming from a person who lived for food and by the fridge/pantry. I no longer have that never ending hunger sensation and the need to always have food by my side while watching TV or surfing the net. Thanks to this wonderful gift, food is no longer my enemy.

Go back to basics. Protein, water, cottage cheese, liquid soups, etc. Balance it with an varietized exercise routine. Just don't allow your pouch to become lazy/cozy by getting it used to the same foods and work out routine.

Amen indeed!!

Went to the Cheesecake Factory for the first time (I know, pitiful) and had the Chicken & Mushroom Lettuce Wraps off their SkinnyLicious Menu. Amazeballs!!!! Ingredients: Chicken, Shiitake Mushrooms, Green Onion, Ginger, Garlic and Water Chestnuts Sauteed with Mushroom Soy. Served with Crisp Lettuce Leaves

Congrats on your amazing accomplishments. Obviously, you look and sound so much happier. You are just as much an inspiration and mentor to us rookies. Keep up the good work!

Don't lose hope. The sleeve is just as effective as the RNY procedure. There is only a 5% - 10% difference between them weight loss wise (depending on which chart you are looking at). I would def. chose the sleeve over Lapland if I was in your situation. Most surgeons are refusing the Lapland procedure because of how high the complication rates with it are. I'm surprised the Lapband has not been banned yet.

I suffer from migraines, have been since high-school. I take Tylenol only. If it gets bad, I use my trusty liquid Lortab that I have kept for bad days.

Good for you! That $4000 requirement is ludicrous. I am surprised that surgeon is still in business.

I too am the full time cook in the house since my husband works long hours. Honestly, I have absolutely no problems. Just as your husbands, mine is the skinny one too. I cook regular meals but include more protein based ingredients. We both eat the same home cooked meals, the only difference is that, I eat much less while he eats a regular portion. Man hates fast food and sweets, so I have it pretty easy with him.

If the PCM's office made this mistake, they better fix it fast. Don't let them get away with their lack of professionalism and lack of common sense. You worked hard those 6 months of supervised diet. Ride their asses until they find the missing months and you have the whole file in your hands. I dislike unorganized ignorant staff.

Grilled chicken w/mashed potatoes, soup of the day, grilled seafoods, veggie or fruit cup. There are options, just have to look closer for them. Above mentioned, are my safe foods when ordering out. I'm fine with rotating the same choices.

I didn't walk a lot after surgery. I was too drained and also in the middle of a big move. Currently doing well in the walking department. I get tired and dehydrated much more easily but doable. I prefer walking over the strength training I'm on. That crap hurts like hell. I can imagine my muscles bleeding from so much soreness.

Constantly tired and cold but somewhat functional. Have fun on your trip!

Sublingual Gas-X was my best friend after surgery. I took them as needed. Pills/chewables are less effective compared.

Are all hummus dips gritty? I can't get over the sandy feeling on my tongue. Ruins the whole experience for me.

My best advice is to document everything with your PCM. Most insurances want proof that after massive weight loss, you have a lot of loose skin that causes other major problems (infections, severe rash, etc).

I had my surgery 2 hours away from where I lived, reason why I decided to book a room with the hospital hotel. I had to do the mag flush and being on the road was the last thing I needed. So yeah, I used those 24hrs before surgery to relax. Glad I did so. Resting my mind and body before such a major surgery helped a lot.

Yeah, extremely.

I wouldn't want to know to be honest. Turns my stomach when I think about it. Glad I saw the thing before I touched anything.

It's on my list of "have to try it out", as well. Looks delish!

It's a real challenge going to a restaurant post-op. Most times, I stare like a blind bat at the menu not knowing what to order. I usually end up with soup of the day, grilled chicken salad (I can only eat the chicken, rest gets played with), fruit from the salad bar, or Mac and cheese. I'm a very cheap date these days.

Go with the Appetizers, Sides (steamed veggies or baked potato, cup of fresh fruit) and the soups. These are always safe. Grilled seafoods and chicken are good protein. Always eat meat first.