JackieBrown

I relied on Ambien before the surgery, but now I use it only occasionally, and even then I cut the tabs in half. I think a lot of this was related to back and leg pain, but with the weight loss I feel lots better. Exercise has really helped, too. You just have to figure out why you can't sleep: stress, pain, noise... Talk to your doctor about this.

When you toss out your last pair of granny panties.

You people are looking gorgeous!

I too haven't told anyone about my sleeve just because I didn't want the diet police monitoring my butt and my plate. What I've done instead is say that I had a hiatal hernia operation and have to eat very small amounts as a result. Once that gets old, I'll just say that I've continued with this way of eating as a life choice.

That being said, how you deal with your family really depends upon the dynamics at play. Since the cat is already out of the bag, are there any people you can talk to privately and get on your side? Make this a medical issue (it is!) that is being supervised by a doctor (it is!), rather than one of the many diets we've all been on. If you can, get some sympathetic relatives on your side and ask them to speak up for you. Give them whatever ammo they need. Have them protect your back and support you and recruit others.

You will, of course, be unable to do anything about the total jerks in your family. You know who they are: they're the ones who can't wait to see you fail on this new diet of yours. Ignore them. Before they become obnoxious, plan how you are going to deal with them: confronting them reasonably, having a meltdown, walking out, shunning them... it all depends upon you and your personality and relationships.

Families are difficult, especially during the holidays. Think of how many "comedies" Hollywood has cooked up about this. So, if it's just to stressful, come down with the "flu" and have someone take your kid to the parties while you catch up on Downton Abbey or something.

To be honest, I do absolutely everything I can to keep my stress level low. I want to keep my hair, I want to stay emotionally and physically healthy, and I'm delighted with my decision to exert final control over my body. And if that means blocking certain people, I say there's no question what side I'm coming down on.

And come here to vent. We've all been there...

I too had a hiatal hernia repair done as part of my sleeve operation. The doctor even had a consent form for me to sign, so this must be a common problem. He even gave me photos of the sleeve and hernia work, which were really interesting. It was like: hi stomach, bye stomach!

You are a success. Think of what you went through to get to this point! And you are where you are supposed to be... you're a host, for Pete's sake! Doesn't that tell you something? Few of us know each other, but we are all friends in a way, since we can talk openly about things here in a way that is pretty rare in this world.

No, the problem is that you need a second or even a third opinion. Believe me, I've fired lots of doctors for being jerks. These doctors don't know everything. I would look around for some good referrals to people who are both compassionate and experienced in these things. Folks who have never been fat will never understand. Period. Get someone who can help you.

And then you find that someone who is on your side and will pull out all the stops. Ask your friends, any doctors your trust, go on Yelp, Google away...

Please, your voice is very important to this group, and we want you among us.

Check out the topic on Plateaus... we've all been there, and you'll be delighted once you get past this slight delay and see the pounds suddenly drop. Have faith and treat yourself well. You deserve it.

You guys are so wonderful. Whenever I have a question, all I have to do is come here and find the answer and the support I need.

I too have been on a plateau for over two weeks. Very frustrating. But, at the same time, I've lost one dress size! The flabby parts seem to be tightening up, so maybe my body's just taking the time to adjust. (It's been my constant companion all my life, but at times this body feels like a complete stranger with a mind of her own.)

So, I've decided to relax about it, wear my "skinny" jeans (skinny for me, that is), and wait for my body to catch up to my mind, which is already wearing a French bikini.

Stunning! And inspiring!

This topic is great. I so look forward to losing weight, but I do not look forward to the nosiness. And so, what I've been thinking about doing is brushing it off, as if I were on one of my fad diets, like: "Thanks. So far so good." Or, "I'm still working on it," and then smile and drop the subject.

Besides, I've found that most people much prefer to talk about themselves, so immediately ask about their lives.

Busybodies like that office co-worker who insists on prying should just be shut down. These people are clueless and should just be ignored.

My surgery is tomorrow morning too. Getting psyched, and all of you have really helped to keep my spirits up, my confusion tamped down, and my eyes on the prize.

I was on a liquid diet for 10 days, and today it is just Clear Liquids. It hasn't been too bad... lost around 10 pounds, which makes this a lot more worthwhile. The second day of the liquid fast was by far the hardest, but by the third my body just gave up, I think, and adjusted.

Looking forward to the new, streamlined me!

Congratulations! Keep us posted on your recovery.

I agree that it's nobody's beeswax. If you tell someone, then it becomes open to discussion. And monitoring. And comments. And "helpful" advice. I'm doing this for me and me alone, and only the husband needs to know. He's taken a vow of silence, too.

When it comes to a big weight loss, I think that people only need to see the tiny portions, and there will be no need for questions!

What an inspiration. Thanks!

November 11th for me. I can't wait!

I just started the pre-op on Saturday. The doc gave me a set of "Health Wise" foods that are not too great as far as taste is concerned, but I'm down a couple of pounds already, so I really can't complain. Surgery is on the 11th, and I have to say that reading the experiences of everyone on this site has been an inspiration. You all have me looking forward to the procedure and the new life to come!

So happy I'll be able to eat the yolks, then. I agree, the best part of the egg!

Have you gone back to your doctor about this?