Miss Topaz

I moved to a new state a year ago and still have some organizing to do. That *should* be distraction number one, but.... Since I moved, I haven't gotten my coloring books back out. I plan to do that, along with the jewelry making supplies I put away a couple years ago. I enjoyed that and have a big investment, but my job at the time required long hours. Will be good to pull that back out and make gifts for friends. I also plan to walk my dogs longer, do more hiking (dragging hubby out) and re-join a gym in my city for strength training.

OMG - I have to start thinking of a name for my sleeve when I have surgery! Hilarious!

You look great! I know it was hard to post these, but stand proud girl!

Has anyone seen any pumpkin flavored protein bars or powders? I'm not overly fond of the pumpkin pie yogurts that have been offered the last few years, but looking for options other than the pumpkin mini muffins in the office.

My husband used to say he was going to buy me one of every gemstone. I do have many, but my absolute, hands down favorite is my puppy, named Topaz. I think he knows, as he hasn't bought me gemstone jewelry since except a blue topaz I will have to consider using my stripper name on other forums - great idea Mine would be Bubbles Lee

Fantastic! Congratulations! And thanks for being an inspiration!

Thanks for the ideas! Hubby also found thinkThin protein and fiber bars on amazon in pumpkin spice. NUT recommended less than 3g sugar for pre-op diet and these have 5, but he ordered them. He figures it's better than caving in to everything else pumpkin spice, and I gotta agree. But I'll be trying pumpkin puree and spices!

checking in. not a great week for me. lots of long days at work for some reason. Did get 3 miles in

Sounds like you're maintaining pretty good control of yourself, even while cheating. Popcorn and veggies instead of whole pizzas and sweets. Good job! You'll be fine, but like others have said - don't cheat on the liquid diet

I like Premier Protein shakes - vanilla, caramel and strawberries and creme are my favorties. Hubby likes the chocolate. I get them at Costco or Sam's for best value. When I make smoothies with fruit on the weekends, I used lo-fat vanilla muscle milk powder. It's only 15g of protein though compared to 30g in premier protein, but helps me get fruit on the weekends since I'm less likely to snack on it then than at work.

You look fabulous!

My husband knows I'm having surgery, of course, and is very supportive. My brother also knows. His support is guaranteed as he was sleeved about 3 years ago, and earlier this year his young daughter was in pre-op, but so successful in losing on her own, she opted not to do surgery at this time I'm not sure yet which of my friends I will tell. I have told one I'm considering. She was supportive as she knows I wouldn't go into something like this without a lot of careful consideration and her attitude is "you need to take care of you." Not sure of my best friend though. Years ago she knew someone who had a bad experience and she tends to be a worse case scenario type. Last year I moved 1600 miles from most of my friends, so it will be easy to keep quiet for a while. Co-workers? My medical history is none of their business, but I'm a very open person and my staff does care. I work with very fit young military officers all day. They will wonder about my sick leave. I already plan to tell them I'm having hiatal hernia surgery if they press. Not sure if it's a lie yet or not. I'm hoping they just ask if I'm ok. They already know I'm working on high protein, low carb and am losing, so they may not even wonder. They're super supportive of that and one told me recently she's proud of me for my strength.

Love this idea! I created an instagram for my WLS but haven't posted anything yet. Plan to though! VSGEM - the "gem" for Miss Topaz"

I really need this! Count me in! And my dog thanks you!

love it!

Hey all, I saw Premier Protein tropical punch flavored water at Sams Club the other day. Has anyone tried this? Normally I prefer my water straight up, with no flavor, but thought it might be a good option for the clear liquid phase. Hate to buy a warehouse sized pack to find out it's horrible tho.

what a great idea! I regret now that I just finished a pre-made premier protein shake! Should keep those for busy workday mornings.

Doc calls it genetic predisposition. I stopped being really active, but never really lost the eating habits that I had when I was athletic. And emotional eating. Never really a food addiction, but poor portion control and a more sedentary lifestyle.

I'm hoping to celebrate the same for my birthday, Thanksgiving, and then after, Christmas. Stay strong! Congrats and Happy Birthday!

Good job staying strong! But, someone with a bag full of big macs to hand out is pretty randomly weird, even for Boulder. Good thing she wasn't offering vanilla pepsi!

Aww, the timing sucks. But so excited for you that you had your surgery. Congrats!

I did carb-sin today, but have been trying to be very good on vacation. It's really hard eating out! I made sure the carbs were good ones. However, that's not the revelation. Saw myself in a shop window today and thought "ugh - look like fat tourist". But then I realized - the next time I go on vacation, I won't look like fat tourist! I even bought a hoodie in the shop, knowing that as I shrink, I would be able to wear it for a short time. Looking forward to that next vacation, with more energy and less restrictions due to size!

Colorado is great but the drivers are horrible. Much less green than Maryland, but lots of wide open sky, which is more fantastic than you'd think. In a year I haven't found any favorite restaurants yet- which may be a blessing when about to get sleeved!

Congratulations! At Anschutz? I look forward to hearing how it goes - and watching you succeed!

Glad to hear you're all doing well! Congrats!