BeagleLover

Wow! You have every right to feel very proud of yourself. Sounds like you're so much healthier!

Congratulations! Your hard work is definitely paying off!

I just got a book, "The Bariatric Foodie Guide to Perfect Protein drinks." I haven't tried any yet, but they look good. Also, google recipe bariatric protein shakes and see what looks good. If you make them yourself, you can make it to your taste. Hope this helps!

You can say to the others that have parked themselves, "This is my house, you are not welcome here. You have to leave." If they don't, tell the police these people have broken in, that they are squatters. The police will remove them. You'd have to prove/show documentation to the police that the house is yours (i.e., lease). From a practical point of view, find the time your sister is someplace else. Get a locksmith to change the locks. Don't give the sister a key. You don't need this! I hope this helps you calm down and relax!

Wowie Wow! All that running?! VERY impressive!

Good to know! Lesson learned here too. Thanks!

I am two months into the process of getting approved. Dr. Brebbia will be doing my gastric sleeve surgery. He does an informational meeting first (in Olney, MD) to explain the different types of surgery. There are also free monthly support meetings for people who are pre- or post-surgery, as well as monthly nutritional meetings. The bariatric coordinator is Kenneth Alexander. The actual surgery will be done at G.W., a Center of Excellence in Bariatric Surgery. I think it's a terrific program.

You have made a *wise* decision to get live a long and healthy long life. The diet will make it possible for the surgeon to minimize any issues during surgery. I know you will be able to do this before and after the surgery. I wish I were as far along as you are and could get it done sooner! Best wishes.

Yes! I go here Medstar Montgomery ON Prince Phillip Dr. in Olney. They have a great comprehensive program. Call the Bariatric Coordinator, Kenneth Alexander. Surgeon: Dr. John Brebbia (do a search of surgeons on Bariatric Pal). All the surgery is done at G.W. in Washington DC, a Center of Excellence.

Congratulations! Are you able to get protein drinks down?

Kimquilts55, Do you happen to know when the bowel obstruction happened? There have been great strides in bariatric surgery. My understanding is that it's relatively safe.

Oh, I forgot. I'm finding the book, "Emotional First Aid" helpful too.

Hi! I've been there too. 50 pounds is a LOT of weight! Reaching out may help, for example, therapy, pre-surgery support groups (once a month), Overeater's Anonymous. Hope this helps.

Hi! I'm from northern Silver Spring, near Burtonsville. I noticed you were 5 days out. How are you doing?

Losing both jobs must be VERY unsettling! It sounds like you are reaching out, taking effective steps towards a healthier lifestyle.

A therapist could help you, preferably one that works with bariatric folks. Hope you feel better!

Yaaaay! Congratulations and best wishes!

I just want to relay a topic I recently heard at a bariatric support group. The person in charge of running it talked about a co-worker's experience, who was a nurse. She had very little-- 2 small glasses of wine. She drank this on a Friday at a BBQ. On Monday she went to work, and someone smelled alcohol on her breath. She was fired. The bariatric doctors had to submit medicaljournal articles to help her get her job back. So, be careful!

Sounds like you're waaaay too hard on yourself. Yesterday I went to a 7 hours seminar, "food Addiction, Obesity and Diabetes" by Dr. Gina Willett. Holy smokes! I had NO idea how incredibly complex all this is--- genetics, environment (physical and mental), how processed food is made and "neuro marketed"... so many things that are a factor in how and why we eat too much. It sure is *not* only about will power. Please go easy on yourself. As far as sticking to the supervised diet, one book that is helping me is "Emotional First Aid." Among other things, It's about our self talk, how to set up our environment to succeed, what we tell ourselves when we are in a grocery store to make it OK to buy something we will have a hard time staying away from. I've also ordered the "Bariatric Foodie Guide to Perfect Protein Shakes" which should have tasty recipes. I want to enjoy what I'm eating or drinking! I enjoy looking at the blog, "The World According to Eggface." I suggest you focus on the future. I imagine it will be a lot easier to move around--- won't that be great! You are giving yourself the opportunity for a long, healthy and happy life.

I suggest looking at http://theworldaccordingtoeggface.blogspot.com

Just to be clear, I'm not talking from personal experience since I won't have my surgery for another 4 months. If I were in your shoes, I'd try the softer versions of Tofu with Asian flavors.

From what I've heard on this site, many people seem to turn the corner on Day 5. Hope it doesn't last long. Just do the best you can. Congratulations, you did it!

Has your doctor given you any guidelines? At my 2nd NUT meeting, we were told to try to get 60 - 80 grams of protein in. Also, the people gain weight because they eat more often. I haven't had surgery yet, so I'm speculating... it seems that you'd need more protein to maintain or gain muscle mass. Couldn't you just have a couple more "snacks" of Protein drinks?

Your post really stuck with me... how are you doing?