TakingABreak

I have to agree. I don't know if its these doctors are giving completely unrealistic expectations, or the OPs who think that its purely magic and there isn't an ounce of effort or time involved. Either way. I'd say all of your advice is spot on. I have nothing better to say.

Honestly, if I were you... I would cut out the bread and potatoes. They are notoriously slider foods and this may be why you aren't feeling restriction and can eat more. I would give it a week long test phase and see if you eat less with just protein and non starchy veggies. We all tend to "normalize" our diets over time the further out we become, but sometimes we have to get back to the roots. Not to mention, you are only 3 months post op, and those foods are a slippery slope, especially at the amounts you are eating. I'm 8 months post op and can't even eat 2 pieces of bread, let alone with protein.

I can also relate to the anxiety of getting rid of clothes. In fact, for the longest time I didn't want to even buy smaller clothes because it made me feel self conscious to wear clothes that actually fit. Eventually, I went through and sold everything and donated the rest. I felt so much better and I felt a lot of relief. It felt it was one page out of this chapter finished. I was so proud of myself, just like when I make goal on the scale. It was better than the scale. I guess, I have made this a lifestyle change, vs. a diet. Diets are temporary and I don't see this as a temporary change. I will never allow myself to slip back into my old habits, much less gain enough weight to go back to my former size. My former t-shirts, I keep for night gowns. Every night when I get into bed, I remind myself, that this is where I was, this is where I am now.

Woot Woot!

Looking GREAT!

^^^^^THIS!

Yes its bizarre what happens to us, I do get a runny nose.

Awesome, thank you!

If you did get together, I'd come and be your videographer! Great excuse to see one of my favorite states!

Thank you!

You look great! Happy Birthday

Oh, ok! I didn't realize it can be stored under the toilet. I'm going to check it out. Thanks for the tip @SleeveinIL

I don't mind heights, hence the zip-lining and the roller coasters... but something about free falling out of a plane... YIKES. I wouldn't even mind parasailing, but probably to do with the fact that there is water below.

Might have to make me a trip to Aldi.... Question though @Matt Z do you keep your Squatty Potty out in the bathroom all the time? Or just when its time to do the business... I just wonder if it gets in the way?

Some things I'd love to do now, not in any order: 1. Renew my vows. My husband and I didn't do it the traditional way, partly because I was embarrassed to have a formal wedding at my former size. 2. Go on a vacation with LOTS of outdoor activities. I'd love to go paddle boarding, kayaking, snorkeling, hiking, horseback riding, zip-lining... you name it... I want to try it. (With the exception of skydiving). 3. Start a family. This is something very motivating for me. We were unsuccessful trying for the past 5 years of marriage. I'm really hoping that we will get pregnant fairly quickly after my 12 month waiting period. 4. Get professional family photos done. 5. Go ride rides at an amusement park.

The PCP who oversaw me during my hospital stay, suggested that I drink Pedialyte. I noticed it really helped when I couldn't get my fluids in.

I'll be honest I don't know, I always buy the single serve ones at the grocery store, because its pretty much the only times I even use protein powder. I've used probably 3-4 different brands and they all worked perfectly. I can look tonight to see if I still have one in the cupboard and let you know.

I've used this recipe a few times, and varied up the chocolate protein powder. Always turns out great. https://www.bariatriccookery.com/simply-gorgeous-protein-brownies Also, I've made this one with unflavored protein powder, usually Isopure. https://kalynskitchen.com/recipe-for-low-sugar-whole-wheat-and-2/

My experience was that they did a "carb overload" the morning of surgery, which for me, was like 3 AM, because statistics show you heal quicker if you have an excess of carbs in your system during surgery. So I had to drink two, 28 oz min, Gatorade, or 100% juice the night before and morning of surgery. I was on clear liquids only in the hospital, which was 5 days due to complications, and then 1 week of full liquids after I got home before purred phase.

My girlfriends keep telling me, stand up straight, hold your head up high. I was really bad at that before. Its a work in progress. My next goal is 180lbs, so I'm well on my way! And yes, I'm very very pleased. In fact, prouder of myself than ever before. I don't even think graduating college made me this proud.

Welcome to the loser's bench!

Thank you I do walk around with my head held higher, lol. Taller, maybe? Anything's possible!

Thank you!!!!!

You look awesome! Congrats

The things that seem like a struggle now, will become less and less difficult. It will become normal, in fact. It seems like a major disappointment now, but I promise you that the scale and the NSVs will keep you motivated and grateful that you did this. With anything in life there are drawbacks. This has way more positives to regret.