M!@

I think the most important thing to do is take measurements. It is a more accurate indicator of losses. However, I will alternate between weekly, daily or every few days. The question is what function does the scale play in your life. It weighing daily does not work for you, then do something different. I personally like to weigh to track how my body responds to certain things like exercise or sodium or when I don't drink enough Water the day prior. During TOM, I may skip 6-7 days.

It depends on the surgeon. I had a drain for 2 days. It was removed before I went home.

@@PinkGirl, thanks for the info. However, I have tried tons of Protein options and the one I can tolerate and actually like is premixed. So what I am looking for is creative ways to get protein in using real foods while traveling not protein powders and mixes.

As I am returning from a week long trip to D.C., I realized how much I missed my Protein drink. It was a real struggle to get enough protein in without it and let me just say there were not many options. Of course I managed but I was not making goal. This morning, I went straight to the fridge, got out my Protein Drink and now I am enjoying this 30g first thing in the morning. On the next trip I will have to either pack some in my checked luggage or scout for the places they have the kind I like prior to even getting to the location. That being said, if anyone has a new innovative ways to get your protein while traveling please let me know. This includes special orders at restaurants/hotels as well.

Alright so I cheated and weighed yesterday evening because of my lack of impatience. But I did the official this morning...So this weeks weigh-in put me at 217, which is down 5 from last week. Yippee. Lets just hope the momentum continues for a little longer, and I will be in onederland!!! I cannot "weight".

This a new life style, and you are going to have to get used to people asking you why you eat so little. Whatever the story (truth-you had surgery or tale-you are fasting intermittently to gear up for this lifestyle change), you are going to have to decide what you want to tell people and how you are going to go about limiting that information if you choose to withhold. On the other hand, you have to listen to your body. If you want to go, make sure you wear something comfortable, and please don't wear a color which will show the seepage from your incisions should they choose that moment to do so. Just don't overdo it.

Ritchey, thats awesome! I was finally able to weigh today which I should have waited until tomorrow morning as usual but I had spent a week without my scale nearby and I was really having some withdrawal issues. I did manage to lose this week despite the food issues I had to overcome. Just so glad to be back at home where I can at least feel like I have some control.

I would second what others have said. Go if you feel up to it. I was back at work at day 4, but it is to each his or her own. No one asked why I was not eating when I went to a family gather the at 7 days out. I did carry my Water but not the Protein. In fact I help to serve the food to stay busy.

I found I have a hard time drinking plain Water. I have to add something to it like crystal light or diet snapple packets. I will drink mostly that and sip water in between to get use to the plain water. Now I am able to take plain water cold, but room temp is still a challenge. Of course, I am now working on that as well.

That's awesome that you have gotten that far, and hey there is more time left in the day to squeeze more in. There are definitely days where I was struggling. Even up to this point. I have to sometimes make a decision of what is going to be priority (protein or water). It is definitely tough when you can only hold a few bites of food. I am able to tolerate liquid meals better, so I eat tons of soup. Well not tons...but you get the picture.

Ok Fiesty, how are you this afternoon? I was thinking about you all day.

OMG! Hillarious, I know the feeling.

Today is the day! Best wishes to you on this day as well as on your journey through recovery.

MrsSantiago, you are not alone. It is great that your hubby is supportive. My hubby is always asking how I am feeling and whether or not I was able to get in enough Protein, fluids, etc. It is great to have that one person. But is also great to be able to come here, with people who have or will soon experience this amazing lifestyle change and be able to sympathize, understand, and provide encouragement and support for the process. I myself did not tell anyone but my husband and best friend. Even after my procedure I only told one additional person. Some people just don't understand.

Fiesty, gosh I hope the medicines work for you, though I don't have any experience with them.

Ladies, I know we will get through this. We are definitely trying to learn our new bodies, particularly the stomach as it does what it wants to without consulting us. I have been doing ok to day, no nausea or vomiting. I have been walking like crazy. I am away for work and cant weigh in but I am putting in some serious miles on this Fitbit from walking every where. I think there are a few people at the training who are intimidated by how little I eat, makes them feel bad for pigging out. Of course, I have no intention of saying I had surgery to them so i let them think what they may. NSV's: I am at a hotel, and the towels are the same size I have at home.....they wrap around me without a gap. Oh am my incisions are already healed for the most part and beginning to fade. Hang in there ISP's (incredible shrinking people). We will get through these hangups!!

Tera, I am sorry you are going through this. I had my surgery on 13 November of this year. I was not given anything beside iv fluids the first day, then given sugar free Popsicle the next day. Wow you are already on purees! I was on liquid (broth, juice, and Popsicles) until day four. I did not have a Protein goal to meet. I added this in on on day four when I was taking1-2 Protein shakes a day. I did have the nausea, but quickly learned that i had to block the iv when I stood up to walk. I am nearly a month out now and do have nausea and vomiting on occasion but it is generally due to drinking to soon after a meal, eating too fast on too much even if it is just a quarter of a bite. Most often the too fast is the problem. I noticed in the hospital I did a lot of spitting which I was told was not due to nausea but the tube from surgery. I hope you start to feel better and will be on your way home soon.

Hey Ladies, I am just checking in. I have been out of town this week and let me just say it has been a challenge. I have vomited so much this week. I keep trying to figure if I am eating too fast or my body does not like the food I am putting in it. Also I don't have my protein with me, and the training has been keeping us so busy that I haven't been able to get out and find a replacement. Just 2 more days and I can get back home and back on a routine. For now all I can do it eat boiled egg whites and cheese, drink water, and get in my vitamins. I will weigh when I return to see when I am. I hope all is well with you ISP (incredible shrinking people).

1. Wearing a single digit size 2. Being able to exercise as much as I want without my doctor harping or worse causing more damage 3. To not feel like I have to take a picture standing sideways 4. To feel comfortable enough to take lingerie photos for my hubby as a gift 5. And finally, not being completely self-conscience when my husband wants to pick me up. It is not that he can't it is that I just haven't wanted him to. He is all about cuddling and affection, so lets add sitting in his lap, I could probably go on with this one.

You know there are lots of good comments and suggestions that I will not repeat. Do something to shock yourself, not him. It sounds like your mind is made up. The actions that you take from this point is up to you. When you go forward whichever the direction, don't let the reason you take action be to get a reaction out of him. Let it be to make you feel good, to surprise yourself, to be able to walk with your head held high saying "yea, I did that". You have tried to be what he wants you to be and do what he wants you to do or what he says he wants you to do. But shut all of that out, and ask yourself what you would say to your friend if she was going through the exact same thing and was sitting in a chair across from you. Make sure you are standing in a mirror when you answer, so you can hear it from yourself loud and clear. I just got an image of you smirking saying "f*** him"! Just be happy for you.

Congratulations on your success! Can't wait to join you.

After 10 years of work with no vacation, I say it is fitting to say you are taking time off for yourself. I called mine a me-cation. Though I was only out two days, a Friday and Monday, so I had the weekend. I know it sounds crazy that I went right back, but in my current position, I had the option to extend time off if necessary, though it wasn't needed. For me though, I wanted to stick to as close to the truth as possible. which I have been able to do thus far. During the pre-op diet and liquid diet phase, intermittent fasting. Just say what will most appropriate for you. But I believe another poster said it, announce the time out, don't just leave them to speculate.

Shout out Belize, how are you doing, We haven't heard from you in over a week now.

Woot Woot!!!!!!!! So what number are we looking out for next. I know I was going for the 25lb increment, but I think I like your way Ritchey, 210's here we come...

Fiesty, I feel you on the smell, and thought of food making me sick. I will walk into a place or someone will offer me something and I am literally holding my breath as I shake my head no. Sugar smells horrible. Other than foods, my sense of smell is just really sensitive. I just walk around checking the air. I probably look weird but who cares.