*Lexie*

Speaking from the other side of the surgery fence, I have struggled with this as well. What I eventually decided is to set my goal for 150 and then if I want to and am able to keep losing, then I will.

And follow your post op diet. If you eat solid food too early, that is a risk. I had a friend who had a leak, was hospitalized for quite some time (probably 2 months) but still says that surgery was the best thing she's ever done. Complications are real but very rare. It's something to keep in mind but not something that should scare you away.

Hmm, my nut didn't have any of those requirements. Interesting how the post op diets vary. I was just told to eat Protein first. No requirements on the amount of fat in the protein.

I think you look great in both photos. It may take a few more months up to a year before everything settles and skin snaps back. If that doesn't happen, you can always explore fillers. I am getting Botox around my eyes as a reward when I hit goal.

My husband is my food buddy. Like you, I always spent a lot of money on food and now I'm super cheap. I don't want to pay for a whole entree when I will only eat a few bites. I just bum food off of my husband's plate or get a Soup or small salad.

Not to mention all those unrealized healthcare costs for all those doctor and hospital visits for ailments we'll never develop because we are at a healthier weight.

166 today.

Can you use the patch or something to help? Cold turkey is a little brutal.

Not even a little one. I'm 10 months out and getting close to goal. Best decision for my health that I have ever made.

I didn't but my approval came back really fast, within a few days. It doesn't hurt to call and check up on it. You do pay for this insurance so you have that right.

I have similar feelings unless it's someone I'm very close with. I think for me, it's because I've grown comfortable with being invisible and having people notice my weight loss and want to talk about me makes me feel a little vulnerable. If so, it's my issue and not other people's. I mean, I'm as guilty as the next person for gushing over how great someone looks and my intentions are good. It still makes me uncomfortable but I keep my stock answers handy and just keep repeating them. Hang in there. :-)

P.S. Welcome to the site. It's a great resource to help you through all this. You will not regret getting this surgery. It really is amazing.

Yes and I wish I knew what to say to make you feel better. I am 10 months out and I'm still afraid of failing. And I'm a little afraid of succeeding. Sometimes the attention can be a little uncomfortable. There's comfort in being invisible. The great selection of clothes do help with the fear of success. I recommend some shopping therapy.

Those food funerals are tough. I kept doing the same thing before surgery. Just do your best and remind yourself that you will get to eat all these things again. It might be a while and certainly not in the same quantity but it does help curb the desire to eat everything you think you'll never get again. Can you switch to caffeine-free coffee for a while and try to get used to it? Then maybe just start cutting back on the Diet Cokes. Baby steps.

For me it was about 3 or 4 weeks until my energy started coming back. I took 4 weeks off work and was so happy with that decision simply because my energy level suffered. But trust me, when it comes back, you get a nice bonus. I have so much more energy with every pound I lose.

I can see where we might apply this to being at a healthy weight and I think it's an interesting discussion topic. Though I think you can have physical health issues (cancer, lupus, HIV, etc) and be mentally healthy and strong.

When I was on all liquid post op, I felt like I was constantly having something. I never felt satisfied. As soon as I was able to move to soft foods, that changed and I felt satisfied and ate less often.

There is a post at the top of this forum titled before and after pictures. Should keep you busy for hours. I really enjoyed looking through it.

I agree, not worth the risk. I missed salad quite a bit too. I ate it for a while once I got to that stage and then realized that it's difficult for me to get my Protein and my salads are not the healthiest as they are just a delivery method for fattening dressing. So now I avoid them altogether.

Hi Alpha, you will probably be tired for a month or so after surgery but then your energy will come back. I'm 10 months out and training for a marathon. Last Saturday I ran for more than 2 hours. I have had to make some changes in order to stay hydrated and keep my blood sugar at a decent level during these long runs but overall, it's not been as hard as I thought. I actually have tons more energy than before surgery. I hope this helps address your concerns.

My stomach made all sorts of noises for a few weeks after surgery. It's quieted down since then. Congrats on your surgery, you'll get under that 200 mark very soon. And then it'll be on to the next milestone.

Nope, that would make me mad too. Plus it sounds like she is discounting your hard work. Maybe she's jealous or just doesn't have any respect for other people's business.

Love this topic! My pet peeve is my family wanting to go to restaurants that I have no use for anymore. I got a promotion a few months back and my husband wanted to Celebrate by going to Cheesecake Factory. That really wasn't a celebration for me, I would rather have a new outfit. And every dish at that place is huge, there was nothing I could order. The other thing is choosing between eating and drinking. Sometimes when we go out, I want something tasty to drink like a flavored ice tea. But if I get that, I can't eat and vice versa. For me it's not just about following the rules, I literally get sick if I eat and drink at the same time. (probably for the best)

I'm 10 months out and have had issues with vomiting since starting solids. My surgeon says it's likely to go away after a year or so. With meat, I've noticed I have more issues if it's dry at all. I can only handle chicken breast if it's really moist. I store mine with Water so it doesn't dry out. If I eat too much or too fast, I also throw up. Also can't eat anything spicy or fried or anything too sweet. Don't really need those last two anyway but it would be nice to have spicy food, I miss it.