crocodoxie

Yeah, glad you got through surgery! For the first week, I was exhausted...and napped, napped, napped. Hang in there, it gets better soon enough.

One month after surgery, I am officially off my insulin. I've been insulin-dependent for about five years. Happy day.

I saw my rheum. this morning. We just lowered my Lyrica -- from 100 x2 to 75 x2, and we might be able to take it down to 50 x2 next month! The more weight I take off, the easier it is on my body so far. It doesn't take the zapping away (I had shingles three times (once on my head), think it might have triggered that part - the zapping in one spot on my head)..but my tender spots, some aren't as tender! He says with less pressure/swelling inside my body, it's probably helping. He suspects when I get below 200 (30 pounds away) I'll see another big improvement.

Michelle, if that's the Somerset one, I had back surgery there last year! I'm over in Hunterdon. Good luck to you both with your ongoing journey. I had mine August 1st.

Blog, Vlog, Scrapbook, keep notes...I think it depends on what inspires you to keep going. Whatever inspires you, and you'll continue after those first few weeks will help you pick what process will be best for you. EX: I could say I'd scrapbook, but I'd set it all up, and two weeks later set it aside. I'm a writer (by trade), so writing for me is natural. I'm trying vlogging, but that doesn't feel as natural. I'm trying it, but we'll see how it goes. Do you like visuals? Words? Charts? Excel? I'd go toward what will make you happy. Good luck on your journey.

I've looked into one, but maybe I should look closer! Thanks. Love crispy stuff.

For the first six days, I was tired, sore, and focused on getting in my fluids/protein. On the seventh day, it was like I turned a corner and pain shifted to discomfort. Hang in there!

I'm still around. I had surgery August 1st. Hope your surgery goes well today!!!

For me, the heating pad also helped my back when I'd twist funny to try to get out of bed, or whatever. It was soothing for whatever ailed me.

Mentioned it on the the other thread. I subscribed. Good luck on the journey.

Thank you for the inspiration! I'm almost one month out. Pictures like yours really help me know what's possible. Congratulations...you look amazing.

My doc's office suggested I dilute the protein shakes early on if they were too sweet. It thinned them, and made them less sweet. Not sure if that would help. I do the Syntrax Nectar, so they are clear, not milky, more like a juice. Not sure if that would help.

Sorry you had a bad experience. I've also been happy with mine. We do regular blood work like clockwork, though, I have both thyroid and diabetes issues, so my endo has been wonderful in helping me get better regulated.

Waves from NW Jersey. I'm in Hunterdon. Here's to a rocking journey. I had mine recently, too. Will be fun to see how we change and lose. Best of luck to continued success.

It's a natural reaction. Don't panic!!! I've been through scads of surgery, wasn't worried about the actual surgery, but a week before I started to realize how much of my life revolved around food, restaurants I love, places we go and end up eating, favorite comfort foods...I circled them, reminded myself that I needed to get healthier. Had surgery Aug 1 and am so happy I made the transition. I know that each day I'm working toward a healthier, stronger body. Food is fine, and I can enjoy something, but it's no longer the focus of my life. I look forward to that change over time more than anything. It no longer owns me. You've got this. You made this decision for a reason. Embrace those reasons this week. ((big hugs))

Jess, I'll look you up.

You're doing great. Keep working the program. What an amazing transformation!

Hi Quanda, welcome to the board and I hope your journey is a wonderful one.

Thank you! Seeing posts like this helps me see there's hope. I'm one of those ppl that worry it will work for everybody else in the world, but not me, haa.

Greensleevie, thanks for sharing. I love that.

I had my son and husband there, and most the time I wanted to sleep or not socialize. I apologized, I'm sorry, I'm just not chatty...or I'm going to nap...You'll be on pain meds, sleepy, and when you want interaction, get up and walk. Your nurses will be in often, and you may have a roommate. That was more than enough interaction for me! I appreciated them wanting to be there, but I was in no mood to entertain. I cared about one thing...being comfortable/sleeping!

Great job, and what a change. You've not only lost weight, but years. You look so much younger.

Fabulous!!! Clapping for you.

Hang in there. The first week is rough, but then you're going to feel so much better! Like James said, walking helps with the gas. Nobody said you had to speed walk...but just moving a bit at a time makes a difference.

Good luck on your journey, and welcome to the board.