LisaMergs

That's a great post and terrific questions! I've found just the opposite- I'm finding myself reconnecting with friends I've let go as I went into hiding the larger- and more depressed because of it- I got. My weight gain came over the course of nine years, with years 3-7 being the worst. I began "hiding". This spring, after about a month after surgery, I came out of hiding. Friends were excited to see me! They missed me!!!! How happy I was, not only to pick up where we left off, but that I was finally feeling good. I was never a drinker, but most gatherings do revolve around great food. I ate before I went out, and didn't think twice. No one noticed I wasn't eating because we were too happy chatting. It is certainly liberating to be out and about. Now, almost 10 weeks out, the difference in me is very noticeable, and when I see someone I haven't in a couple of years, usually it's accompanied by a "Lisa, you look great! Are you feeling better??" I've not opened up about my surgery. But they knew I was sick. I simply reply "thank you, yes, feeling much better and I'm finally off all the steroids. ". My advice- surprise yourself with the people who were/are close to you. They will simply be happy you are feeling better, motivated, etc. and likely just accept the fact that you are THERE.

Lmao

Darn that sounds good! Now, what to use instead of a cone??

Lol. Grabbed 3 tops today in the "regular" sized section. Bought XL. - I think I could have gotten away with L. Smh. Who'd -a thunk it so fast??!!!! Lol

GNC and Vitamin Shoppe carry them. The quest website itself is easy to order from and has quick shipping. Try a bag before you buy them in bulk. They are the one quest product I don't like. However my 17 year old daughter who is allergic to potatoes loves them, go figure! Finally got my hands on the Quest chips! Omg. Thank you for mentioning them! I just finished eating mine (sea salt) with refried beans and salsa. I'm in heaven. Also tried the cheddar cheese. Good too!

I just tried the Quest chips. They have 20-21 G Protein per serving (a bag). They saved me! I love salsa and chips, or refried Beans and chips. These fit the bill! Good luck!!! (GNC and Vitamin Shoppe carry them)

So, only WLS people can understand this- I missed sizes. Literally! Blew right past most of 20 and 18! Lol. Shopping today for MUCH needed pants/ shorts (!!!) I found myself in 16's. Wohoo! Long way to go still-72 lbs. but just WOW! This has been discussed before, but yesterday went to put on my FAVORITE white Capri jeans. I almost mourned them as I held them literally 10 inches from my stomach not to mention my legs swimming in them.

I can ditto the above! They had my file on Monday, I called Tuesday to make certain they received it and was told it was already approved! BCBS IL rocked in that sense! Good luck!

Try watching your BMI instead of the scale for awhile. Your gym should have the tool that measures it. When I wasn't seeing changes I had it checked. Now 8 weeks out I'm down to 36 from 48. BMI doesn't fluctuate like weight does. The number IS the number. [emoji4]

Crap. Think of all the happy housewives out there after surgery!!! No need for hubby or devices!

I'm 49 on June 1--- I plan on being DYNAMITE for my 50th!!!! Heck, as it is, I already feel like a million bucks! Almost 60 lbs down from my highest weight! 50 from surgery 8 weeks ago. Now to get to the onederland...25 lbs to go!

Firstly- @ Go green! Sparty On! @@ridgerunner @@gina171 I say we make a 48/49 club since the three of us are in exactly the same place! Lol. Good luck ladies!

Loose skin will be loose skin. The key is exercise and weight training to go along with the weight loss.

Hi LisaMergs!You are well met! Thank you for your advice. It is very encouraging to hear about someone who has had this serious of a problem and is managing well without nsaids. You hit the nail on the head when you said you were dreading being without your advil more than your favorite foods. I have been worried that I will be thinner but in pain. My quality of life is too important. I'm too old to worry about vanity...give me health! Girl you can have both health AND vanity! Take back your life! Lol. I'll be sure to follow your journey!!! As an aside, my surgeon, upon consultation with my rheumatologist, felt bypass was the safer alternative for me- with autoimmune issues. But that's me.

I'm picking up this thread again- Love Quest Bars. Fave is definitely the raspberry and white chocolate. I have not run into the Quest chips. Can anyone enlighten me where to find them? Dub's idea of dipping them into salsa sounds like HEAVEN!

Here, here Inner Surfer Girl!!! Im with ya!

Ridgerunner- Meet me! Lol. You and I were literally in the same boat, but I've had the bypass 2 months ago. I'm 49 in 2 weeks. I've had non-remitting rheumatoid arthritis since turning 40. My BMI reached 48, and as of last December my weight was pushing 280. Steroids did me in-but taking them was literally the only way I could walk across the room. Ibuprofen was my best friend. Literally, 4 at a time. Migraines, other pains -you name it. My greatest fear was not being able to take them any longer. I literally MOURNED losing Advil more than the thought of not eating like I used to. Fast forward til tolday- I have had exactly 1 headache since surgery, and took the Tylenol. It worked quickly. My pains from RA are almost nil. That in itself is a miracle. There were studies done showing people going into remission after gastric surgery. I'm not saying I'm there yet, but after 9 years of daily, debilitating pain, I'm as active as I was before I got sick! So, two months post op- I'm down to 225, and my BMI is now a 36. I have a long way to go- a solid 60 pounds at least, but it's been the best decision I've made. Good luck making your choice. Either way, a new life awaits you!!!

2 months post op and my response is what hunger? Lol. Seriously, I've said it before- I have to set the alarm on my phone to remind myself to eat or I would go all day and it's happened! Like oh crud! I forgot to eat today and then it's a mad rush to get in as much Protein as I can before the day is done. The alarm helps me. FYI- RNY was the absolute best decision I've made in a long time

Good for all!

Oddly enough, you WILL find that post op you won't mind the quantity- in fact, it will be hard to get it all in!

Wasn't their a weight loss program once called "Stop the Insanity"? Back in the 80's? Please please- everyone enough! Omg[emoji23][emoji23][emoji23][emoji23]

Sharon- my own grandmother was HORRID to me! Seriously horrid! I was third youngest of 35 first cousins. I was blessed with having 2 parents who actually gave a crap about me. My dad had 7 siblings. Most alcoholics who were lousy parents. My cousins are all awesome. But I digress- if you didn't NEED my grandmother- whether financially, or to "save" you from a bad situation, she had no use for you. And I was that lone person. She was mean, spiteful I could go on and on. She always lived either next door to us, or upstairs from us. One day she came into our house- I was 14- and started railing at me in her usual fashion. Well, that was it. I told her all of the things I felt about her, being mean, whatever, and she stood there and asked my father how he could let me speak to her that way. My father stepped aside and said "Mom, you've had that coming a LONG time". Of course, after she left he chastised me for speaking like that to a grown up, but he stood up for me where it counted!!! Just adding my story. Tell your mom that if she can't live nicely in Your home with Your rules, she is welcome to leave. And then walk away so she can't debate it!

Erik. I take the flintstones multi Vitamins. Feels like I'm a kid again! Lol Good job!

Seriously??? What do you think a craving is?But they're strong just the same. And while I'm bypass not sleeve, whoever said 8 months was the magic number before you get cravings? Omg people. Get a clue. Is there some "magic button" that is switched at EXACTLY 8 months? Lmfao Oh wait- I see you're preop and just joined today.... So you're either a lurker or a newbie who knows it all

@LondonHawk- they give advise on the "unknown" to cover their arses. There has been, since the late 90's , something called Evidence Based Decision Making or EBDM. It has become COMMON practice where- in the lack of actual studies, when you see something over and over, you treat based upon what YOUR ( the doctor or practitioner) experience has been when treating patients. If they keep seeing the same reaction, result, etc from many people in the same circumstances, REGARDLESS of the presence or absence of research, they treat accordingly. With all that said, in the ABSENCE of any definitive data, a practitioner WILL employ the CYA method- Cover Your Arse. Always. Always. Always. It takes ONE EARLY finding or report to scare someone to FOREVER CYA. Even if it was 30 years ago! Even when evidence has been presented a thousand ways til Monday to dispute it. Because of there was EVER a shred of a hint that a patient may come back and complain or heaven forbid-sue!!!- they will want themselves protected. And I keep referring to "they" and "them" when in fact, I am one of THEM. I don't practice medicine but instead dentistry. Since 1989. And believe me, I have covered my OWN BUTT many, many times!