heycrystal2052

Her story wasn't true, she's an online "Forum" troll.

Her story wasn't true, she's an online "Forum" troll.

You ladies are good, awesome work!

Listerine Strips are now my best friend. Believe it or not, sucking on candy bothers me as well. I get something I can chew (not gummy) or something that dissolves. Oh the joys of life, we gotta love them!

Be careful w/ the Muscle Milk, it has a ton of sugar and isn't one of the suggested protein drinks. You want to stay away from fruits that are heavy in carbs/sugar (banana) and if you eat fruit, eat it very early in the day. Also, make sure it is a fruit w/ a high water content. That way, it will go towards your drink count for the day. I made the mistake of eating fruit as a snack before bed, and that was the reason I stalled at one point. The sugar and carbs, did me in. In that sample menu, I see a lot of breads, that's not the best idea either. I'd suggest, you take that menu and go over it w/ your surgeon. I'm a year and a half out, and I don't even eat a lot of the foods on that list.

I don't chew gum, the gas is unbelievable. If I need a little "refresher", I'll chew for a second or two, then spit it out. As a whole, gum isn't in my life anymore.

Chewable and liquids, they make life easier.

Just as the above person said, make sure you identify what is hunger vs. thirst. Most of the time, when between your meals if you get hungry, it's thirst. Just sip on water/sugar free juice, and it will soon subside.

I agree w/ Jess, I've heard many stories about the lap band, and most are not good. My previous supervisor had it done and she would have a lot of issues w/ slipping and w/ the fills. Due to the things I read and those I know who had it done, I made sure the lap band would not be considered in my case. It's a temporary fix to something that should be long-term.

I'm not a fan of this show, I usually find myself getting very upset as I see that person take advantage of their health and life. Sure, most have severe issues and some are just plain lazy and could not give two craps about themselves. Now, every now and then, you do have some that are raised to be unhealthy. From day one, their parents fed them and lacked loving and building solid adults and for them, I do enjoy watching their reach for success.

Wait, that can actually happen? O.o

Eh, I just sit back and eat some cucumber like it was popcorn and watch people play their game. Although, there was someone here in Texas, who went in for WLS and ended up losing both legs. Dr.Kim, no way! Sadly, the story being told here. False!

This was one thing that scared the crap out of me, losing my hair. I started taking Biotin well before the surgery and have been loyal to it, since. I have natural and very thick hair, if I lost any, I have no idea. It seems to be a lot thicker and is growing. I just read a study where Biotin at 10,000 is harmful to the health, so I now alternate from 5,000 and 10,000.

Oh, you'd be surprised! I love beef jerky and beef sticks, my Dr. recommended Ostrim (Ostrich). They're high in protein and are beyond delicious. For me, it's the perfect snack. Check it out, you can find them at GNC, but I usually buy most of my things on Amazon.

Bread, no. Tortilla's, no. Well, I can't say no. If I do, I'll have it once a month. I feel both are a waste and offer no benefits what's so ever. I replaced a lot of "breads" w/ lettuce wraps and it seems to really work. I have noticed, they're now making protein breads and tortillas, but you have to really read the nutrition labels, they're not all they appear to be.

You look WONDERFUL and I'm so happy you found your way back to being focused, that's someone who is in complete control. I think many of us have had that feeling, I'm on my second pouch reset and I'm okay w/ that. I know where I've failed and it's time to get back to it and continue to drop some of this weight. If I may ask, are you in counseling to help with staying on course?

I love steak, but I've gotten to the point where I feel it's a huge waste. I can only eat about 2 ounces and I'm done. Usually, if I have a steak, I'll share it w/ my boyfriend. I always tell him "Be happy babe, I'm a cheap date". LOL! Chicken, Ostrich, and fish/seafood are my go-to's. Since I can't drink while eating, as someone said, make sure whatever protein you do eat, make sure it's very moist.

Thankfully, I don't have that issue now, but I agree. Colace or Milk Of Magnesia, just drink a lot of water and you should be able to avoid that issue. Although, I know in the begging, it's easier said than done.

My Dr. said I can eat fruit, but limit what fruit and the amount eaten. If I do eat it, I'll eat a fruit that has a high water content (Watermelon, Cantaloupe, Pineapple), but I'll do that several times a month and only in the morning. I agree with you in gist, you do have to worry about the sugars. I don't drink juice unless it is sugar free and most of the time, aspartame free.

Good morning, all! When I began my initial research on getting the Sleeve, I read many stories where relationships failed. I swore I "we" wouldn't be one of them, but it happened. Later seeing it was the BEST thing done, other than the surgery. I began to wonder how often that really happens. Who I was when I met my ex, is nothing compared to who I am now. I was dead within and allowed myself to settle for many things and that included a very broken and unhealthy relationship, goodness. We both were very morbidly obese and when I began to desire more for myself and my health, he started to resent and even attempted to sabotage my successes. After my surgery, he "supported" me, but really didn't if that makes sense. Four years, was evaporated over several months. Almost two years later, I'm the happiest I've been in many years. Dating, how have you all adjusted to that (if, you're a single person)? I'm dating a very wonderful man, one who even as post-op supports me 100%. I'm getting the breast lift and reduction soon, and w/ explaining my want and need for it, he's supportive w/out trying to talk me out of doing what he feels is already perfect. How do you all handle going out to eat? Do you all feel an insecurity, that only our community can understand? How does this all work? lol

Where you feel the guilt of messing up, let that be your constant reminder to not repeat those actions. Popcorn is something I didn't eat until I was past my first year ( I didn't think I had the discipline to stop, before that point), and I made sure I received the okay from my Dr. I don't eat regular popcorn, I always get the 100 calorie pack and that is more than enough. Thankfully, I don't really have the "want" for popcorn anymore, so it is never a real issue. I've noticed, just in general, we all have our "must and must nots", so you'll never really get a true answer unless from your Dr. For example, some people believe it's okay to drink sodas while there's a ton, who are against it. Some people are okay with eating Cheez It, I tried that as a snack and gained two pounds, so for me, that's not okay and has never been eaten again. You'll have your moments of messing up, but self discipline will be your vice, trust me, you can beat it! A month after my surgery they built a Carlo's Bakery (Cake Boss) close to me, can you imagine the battle that was going on in my head. I asked my Dr. if I could have a bite of a cupcake, due to the special occasion. His response: " Are you able to walk in and smell everything, without feeling compelled to eat the sweets? If so, sure you can go." Discipline takes time to build and you will get there. Don't beat yourself up, just know there are better things to eat, things that will benefit you more and will not cost moments of shame or guilt. I am now able to visit the shop and eat just a small cookie, and I'm out. Samples, are Heaven!

To be honest, I have no idea. I was never into cucumbers in the past, but now, I can't get enough. I'd think when you're able to eat soft food or maybe solid? I'd think soft.

YES, this is what it is all about! ** Going into it, my only issue was being morbidly obese. I didn't have any health issues then or now.

And they contain 96% water, they will also help w/ your water count for the day. The little things

I agree. Sometimes, when I really need to focus on protein, I'll cut up a chicken breast and have it as my 2 hour snacks. I can't get in 4 ounces, but throughout the day, I can do it. If I'm a little hungry in between, I'll drink water and that takes care of the issue. Sometimes, hunger is simply the body asking for a liquid.