InfiniteButterfly

I started puree at 2 weeks. I was never so glad to have eggs or refried beans in my life (although now that they're a dietary staple, they're not nearly as exciting)

I can eat about half a bar. I find the aftertaste disgusting (although they're better heated slightly). I couldn't imagine over-eating them. Now the Powerbar Protein wafers, on the other hand? Those I had a couple times and I won't buy them again because I found myself wanting more and more. I guess it's all up to individual taste. I bought a whole box of Quest (I really should have tried them first...those things are going to last FOREVER!)

I eat three meals and two Snacks a day currently (usually mid-morning/post exercise and mid-afternoon). I usually hit around 800 calories, and make my Protein goals most of the time now. But yes, it does seem like a lot of food at times. And then I remind myself that a mid-afternoon snack used to be a bag of pretzels (grazed over the course of the afternoon) instead of the cheese stick it is now. And meals used to be a plate full of food that I polished off in no time instead of the 2-3 ounces of food it takes me 30 minutes or more to eat now. Seems strange to worry about eating enough and planning to make sure I take in enough calories, but it's better than the alternative

I was approved for fruit at 4 weeks, with the caveat to eat very small amounts because of the naturally occurring sugars in fruit. I enjoy a piece of canteloupe, honey dew or watermelon on occasion (I buy the little containers of pre-cut fruits and share them with our bearded dragon...who loves the one fruit in the mixes that I hate: mango) It's expensive to buy it that way, but less expensive than wasting most of a melon. At two weeks out? I couldn't even think about anything as solid as fruit. I would have been scared of hurting something. I was just moving into puree at that point.

I've seen a lot of recommendations to take biotin to help prevent or reduce hair loss (I've been taking it since a few days post-surgery after reading about that) Haven't had any loss so far, but only 9 weeks out, so it may be waiting to take me by surprise.

I get all of my B vitamins in Super B Complex...they're by Nature Made and have a very strong vitamin smell (so definitely not what you're looking for, but I figure you can rule them out )

I think a lot of people here have hit the nail on the head: very few people will pay attention to what you're eating or drinking. It's not a bad thing to consider your choices before you get into any of these situations though. I know I always work better when I'm mentally prepared with what I'm going to do/say in a given situation. But one of the other suggestions was right on point (I was going to suggest it myself): can you take the food component out of some of the social gatherings? You've described your friends as being fit and active, so suggesting a hike or bicycle ride, even a walk around the park, would not be amiss. And if you're trying to live a healthier lifestyle, it's not unexpected that you'll eat differently. If they're friends, they won't question your choices.

I had tremendous joint pain (knees and hips primarily) prior to surgery. Immediately after surgery, my thighs got in on the act. My legs hurt so badly it was difficult to sleep at night. But once the weight started coming off and I was able to walk on a regular schedule, the pain decreased to the point that the only time my joints bother me is when I overdo it exercise-wise (but it's more likely I'll get muscle aches) What is your Vitamin schedule like? I take my multi-vitamin, B-12, Iron, Calcium, Biotin and a super B complex. I honestly don't know what levels are good, but those are the Vitamins recommended by the NUT and surgeon. I'll be getting my follow-up labwork done first week in August, so I'll know then if it's working. If you think your issues may be due to vitamin deficiency, it certainly wouldn't hurt to give your doctor a call and get his opinion. I would think you would have less aches as you're putting less stress on your joints.

CW: 241. Still moving in the right direction!

Congratulations on taking control of your life I hope the road is smooth for you and your daughters.

Excellent point. This is the one thing my therapist has said from Day 1...attitude will make the difference between success and failure, so I've tried to maintain a positive attitude throughout the process. It really does make it easier when you think positively

Hmm...I just use Tumblr and post daily about the journey. I would be interested in prompts if you find someplace decent

You're just trolling now. Grammar and proper use of language is important if you actually have something to say and want it heard. But by all means continue to throw your child-like tantrums and you will be treated much as any other toddler that behaves so poorly.

Walking and/or swimming on a daily basis is pretty good exercise for this point out. I walk or cycle most days (I do lift light weights every other day as well, because I would like to minimize the loose arm skin, and I've got heavier dumbbells on their way to help with that). The only motivation I have is stepping on the scales and seeing the numbers getting smaller, or trying on clothes and finding things fit that I never dreamed of getting back into. I was 285 the day of surgery (HW 310 when I started at the bariatric office), and CW is 241. That's motivation

Day 2, two sets of 30 seconds. One in dolphin plank, the other straight-arm plank.

@@*susan* I really commend your patience in continuing to answer these questions. Pity the Omar groupies continue to try and deflect attention from the real issue.

At nine weeks, my taste for food hasn't come back. I walk by fast food places on my way to voluneer work, and the smell of greasy food makes me vaguely nauseous. Okay, more than vaguely. But then, I haven't been able to eat fast food since my gall bladder came out years ago...but sometimes the smell can drive you crazy. My only real cravings pre-surgery (chocolate and salty snacks) both make me deathly ill now :/ And I do pack Snacks wherever I go for just-in-case. I don't trust myself to not make bad choices if the urge hits, so I try to cover the eventualities. Good luck

Heh...I have posted on FB...at the beginning, I had a daily progress report until I started a blog on Tumblr. Which links to FB At least two of my friends thanked me for being so open, because they've thought about surgery but were scared to proceed. I figure if I help even one person make a positive, healthy change then I'm doing good

I have been completely open about my surgery to those that ask. I am not ashamed that I needed to take this step. No more so than when I got my thyroid removed a few years ago (I had more questions when that scar was healing than I've had about my weight loss, honestly) But I was pretty up-front about the whole process. People that I worked closely with through my volunteer work knew long before my surgery that I was having it done (several of the other women there had also had the surgery, but long enough ago that a lot of things changed, so their questions mostly related to the process itself), and the questions now are about how I'm feeling, what I can and can't do at this stage, etc. I haven't heard a negative comment yet. I'm not saying there are none...but none that I've heard. And if someone wants to complain that I'm cheating because I had surgery...well, I have two works for them and the first one rhymes with duck I don't have time for negativity in my life. I'm making positive changes and to hell with anyone who wants to bring me down. I don't need them in my life. I think the only negatives at all were from my bf, and that wasn't so much with regards to cheating or anything...he has a fear of doctors and hospitals, and wished that I didn't need to go to the extreme of surgery (but he understood why I was doing it and supported me whole-heartedly even with his reservations)

I'm an artist, and I went back to school shortly before surgery, so I was covered as far as things to do went. I find I can sketch much better now that I don't have food in my hands or residue on my fingers. Yay for no grease stains on my sketch pads!! I also have craft projects standlng by if I'm not up for drawing. I crochet (we got a new kitten, so I made a bunch of nip-filled balls for him), and I learned to make paracord keychains and bracelets. And I spend a lot less in craft supplies than I used to spend on food, so I still come out ahead But like others mentioned, going for walks or picking up the dumbbells (once you're cleared for it) are also good ways to keep the hands busy. I really didn't want to even think about food post-surgery, so it was fairly easy to distract myself. Not that I didn't get bouts of head hunger, but luckily, I was able to stay distracted and ignore it.

Yep...I found carbs essential once I started working out. Those whole-grain sandwich thins aren't bad. I know I'm able to exercise/cycle much better when I have an egg with cheese and half a sandwich thin rather than just a Protein shake for Breakfast (my exercise is always in the morning, before my body realizes what I'm doing to it ) My total carbs are still usually under 50 for the day (probably still on the low side, but for now, I have enough energy for the amount of exercise I get in)

Started today...using the dolphin plank variant (which I'm not used to, but I figure by time I hit day 15 or so, it will save my wrists) 2x20 seconds (I use a tabata timer, and did two sets)

Great article I credit counseling for helping my partners and I stay on an even keel. I expect there to be bumps in the road, but I'm hoping we stay strong through them.

I've had depression most of my adult life. Yep, I'm quite sure it had something to do with my weight being as high as it was. I have stuck with my therapist pre and post surgery, and she has been invaluable in helping me get a handle on my depression, to the point where I am currently weaning off my anti-depressants. A year ago, when my doctor said that they were meant to be a temporary measure, I laughed at him. I had been on anti-depressants before and there was nothing temporary about them (I lost my insurance and couldn't afford them for a while, but went right back on when I got new, better insurance. Which is also when I started my bariatric journey) I found that between the therapy and losing weight, I can be a lot more pro-active in combating my depressive episodes. I can take a walk or get some exercise to boost my endorphins. But I never would have gotten to this point without a good therapist and the positive mental changes that have accompanied losing weight. I don't mean to give the impression that it's all sunshine and roses post-surgery...but I'm able to deal with my depression a lot better now.