TealSister

218 lbs = Aug 24 Thanks!

oops

They sound wonderful! Agree: anything to help with more fluids. My nut/surgeon said no green tea. I'm not sure why, but I'm going to ask at next week's support group meeting. If I get the okay, I'm going to try some of these!

Great NSVs!

I had full clear liquid diet for two weeks prior (no Protein, no fruit, no veg, just clear liquids/protein shakes). I figured they would be able to "see" if I cheated. Just say no!

Piping in again. One major bonus with going to your own facility's support group is that you are all doing the same thing. On sites like this, there are so many variations of what's right and wrong. Meeting with people who are all on the same plan makes things so much easier and less tempting to stray because of others who do things differently and don't have adverse consequences.

I wore loose clothes so the pants continued to "fit" for 2 months post-op. When they started to fall off, I just hit the local Goodwill and bought 8 pairs of various sized pants (you can get good brands!) for $3 each. Now I have grown out of most of those so I need to make another trip. Your sizing will change so randomly that I wouldn't suggest putting a lot of $$ into clothing at this point!

I would definitely go if you are going to be there anyway. It would be nice to check it out pre-op to know if it's a good group to attend post-op. Support groups can be a key to success. My hospital is only 1 hour away, but it's still a long drive at the end of the day. I've only been to one support group - the guest speaker cancelled last minute so it was an open forum. It was great to bounce ideas off each other and learn what has worked/not worked for them. Just my two cents

@@CowgirlJane When I do eat real food, I tend to make fairly smart choices. You are correct that with not much hunger it doesn't seem worth it to actually make something. Plus my picky kids aren't huge fans of the food I like. My husband is much more open than he used to be. Four or five mini-meals scares me because of the food/water rules. You are absolutely right I need to use this time to get a life long plan moving for future success! Thanks!!

@@Babbs I can't believe you even suggested that!! I just blindly follow the no straw rule, while blatantly ignoring other rules. WTH. I love Water - plain, with fruit wedges, with flavor, ice, no ice. Pre-WLS I could drink 100+ oz / day with no thought. Yes, I think using a straw would definitely help me!

That's 75% of your excess weight GONE FOREVER! :) *amazing*

@@jane13 I wish I could just chug water! It's the sipping that is making it so difficult - especially when I finally DO go for a walk in the heat. I was in your beautiful state last week for vacation and it was still hard to get my Water in even when biking or swimming. I'm working on the art of sipping though.

I'm struggling with the journey right now. This tool is amazing, but like everything else in my life, I am sabotaging myself. God forbid I be happy or succeed at something. GRRRRR. I am almost 5 months out and have had a respectable weight loss so far. Struggling with Water consumption, exercise and smarter food choices. Pretty much everything. My day -- I fill up a 32 oz water bottle in the morning and this lasts the entire work day. Around 9 am I have a Premier Protein shake. At lunch I usually have a Protein Bar or cheese/almonds. Then for dinner, either "lunch" again or lean protein from my family's meal. Not a terrible day plan, but notice the lacking 64 oz of water and exercise. And actual real food. The counselor I see has also had WLS so that helps some. I guess I'm just looking for words of wisdom from others who have struggled and found their way, reiterate why the rules are necessary. Tough love (but not too tough!) Thank you, fellow sleevers!

@@ladycook9713 WAY TO GO!!

Don't you find it frustrating to compare lbs lost? We all have such different body types, starting points, amount to lose, etc. I think it would be a little more apples-to-apples to discuss as % of excess weight lost. For example, I have lost 83 of 137 excess lbs, so I have lost 60.5% of my excess weight. Anyone with me on this?

Can you do capsules? I couldn't stand the chewables either so I started taking the Celebrate capsules (auto-ship on Amazon) and have been sooooo much happier!

@@cslove AMEN! <3

Following. I'm active in church activities, but feel I'm missing something in my faith life. I have joined a bible study group that starts next month. I'm hopeful that will be a bridge.

Totally get it. I now just let them bring me a Water - it saves a lot of confusion HATE not being able to take a small sip with meals. It does get a little easier (in my vast 5 months of experience). Hang in there!!

My rules are no caffeine ever again. That being said, I have had 3 cups of coffee and 4 Starbucks Protein drinks (TERRIBLE CHOICE) in 4.5 months.

Prayers sent. This surgery is a gift!

Order placed Thanks!

What does "coffee" mean? I clicked on this topic because I was having my 3rd cup of coffee in 5 months and feeling guilty. Guess I mis-clicked?

In response to OP... I am almost 5 months post-op and did not attempt any alcohol consumption until last week on a family vacation. I haven't even been tempted to drink and have been just fine being the DD when out with family and friends. It's funny how much more confident I feel already - less liable to drink to have that liquid courage to "be me". Last week on vacation, I had a few sips of white wine one night and a crystal light / vodka two times. I felt a buzz, but like others have said, it went away rather quickly. It wasn't anything earth-shattering and I don't know if I'll do it again. If I do, I will stick to the vodka/water/flavor.

Thank you for sharing your story. Unfortunately, I'm sure many of us can relate to all or part of it. Best wishes in your continued success with life and your new WLS journey!