CSchulden

I like the Premier Protein bars. Either the regular or the fiber crispy ones. The regular ones are very dense, but pack in 30g of protein. The fiber crispy ones are much lighter (and I found easier to digest). 15g of protein and about the same as the 30g variety in terms of fat (6g) and sugar (8g). I've also bought some through the Bariatric Pal store that have been satisfying.

I absolutely had this problem. I am 9 months out and there are still some days when it feels like the sleeve 'freezes'. It's much less and far between now, though. I would say after 3 months or so, I noticed drinking cold things felt more 'normal'. Good luck on your journey!

I think you're on to something here. A lot of what our relationship revolved around was drinking and eating. Now, that's obviously changed. Maybe they don't know how to handle my new lifestyle and its changes. Thank you for this perspective; it is very helpful.

Thanks so much! I appreciate your thoughts and your devil's advocate approach. That was/is a great concern of mine. I don't want to make my life all about weight loss. I take GREAT pains to make sure I avoid topics regarding my weight loss specifically for that very reason. I wouldn't want to be around me if all I did was talk about it. But, that said, I have posted a lot more pictures of myself lately with family, with my husband, etc. and perhaps she has interpreted those photos in the way that you're suggesting. That would make sense. Thank you for your perspective and good luck to you as well!

Thank you all for your kind, supportive advice. I appreciate the positivity this forum provides. Have a beautiful day!

It's 9 months after my surgery. I am down nearly 70 pounds, dropped from a size 20 and an XXL to an 8 and a M and I feel FANTASTIC! My confidence is up, my energy is through the roof and I now 'feel' thin (mentally and physically), even though I still have about 10 pounds to go until my ultimate goal. I'm even embarking on a new career path that I didn't have the confidence to pursue previously. But, I'm losing friends. People who I've been friends with for YEARS suddenly don't have the time for me. They no longer invite me to parties, happy hours, birthday parties, etc yet they are happy to post where they've been and with whom on Facebook for me to find. They don't 'like' any of my social media posts anymore and none of it is weight loss centric (ok, so I made one comment about losing toe fat). I talked to my therapist about it. Many of the people who have suddenly exited my life are over-weight. Not all, but some. She told me that they are likely jealous and have chosen shunning me as their way of shaming me for bettering myself. It hurts. Bad. And I'm not entirely sure what to do about it. Has anyone else had this problem? Or did I just pick some really crummy people to be friends with? Others, by the way, have been incredibly supportive, amazingly complimentary. I've even made some new friends! So, there are some great people in my life who are there for me; the true friends haven't done anything but support me and they've done so with zest. Thanks for reading. I wish all of you the best on your beautiful weight loss journey.

Thank you! This is really helpful. I've entered the 6 mo. post op slump (no weight loss for 2 weeks). I will use this to refocus and start counting everything out again to get back on that weight loss journey. Good luck to you!!

You look gorgeous!!! Keep up the great work. You've done an outstanding job so far! I know it's hard to look past how we used to look and embrace our new selves. I too went into therapy and it's helped me a great deal. I also weigh myself weekly and take monthly measurements. The rapid weight loss will slow down and that can become very discouraging. That's why, for me, the monthly measurements are helpful. I also try to buy myself one nice new article of clothing or get a massage or do something really nice for myself when I reach a self-set goal. I was cleaning through my old "fat" clothes and put on a pair of shorts that were too tight on me last summer. Now, they are HUGE. Huge enough, that my 10 year old daughter fit into them with me. I keep them to remind myself of how far I've come. Try to find something that shows you just how far you've come in your journey.

I am happy and proud to be 42! I've earned my stripes, my wrinkles, my lines and my new found health! I've never felt better than I do now - I can do so much more, I have more energy and I am truly happier now that I'm not over-burdened with the poor physical and emotional health being obese caused. I have been told that I look like I'm in my 20's again. And when I look at current photos of myself (because, I take them now!) I can see that spark of my true inner self shining through. WLS was the BEST decision I made for myself (aside from marrying my husband and having my children, of course!) and I'm so proud of myself for making the decision to focus on my health and happiness. I will never look back. I hope and pray you also have the same exciting experiences on your journey.

Thank you - that's what I thought too, which is why I thought it odd I was considered "the Perfect Candidate". I don't want to be tricked into spending several thousand dollars on a procedure that isn't going to do what I'm expecting.

After 3 c-sections and losing over 55 pounds, my lower abdomen is a wreck. I am scared of getting a tummy tuck and came across cool sculpting. I had a consultation and was told I am a perfect candidate. I am just not entirely convinced it will work, despite the photos I've seen. Has anyone had any experience with this (positive, negative or indifferent)? Thanks in advance for your insight!

LOL!!!

I've tried the Quest chips, but prefer the Kay's Naturals. They have more of a crunch and taste more like a "treat" to me.

Beautiful!!!

You are such an inspiration! Congratulations to you!!!