MrsGamgee

The sleep apnea testing has me a little freaked out too. I'm fairly certain that I don't have it (I only snore when I'm sick or dealing with seasonal allergies, and the only thing that wakes me up at night is my husband's snoring or my bladder) but my nurse and my surgeon are pretty convinced that I do because I have a short neck. I just don't want to be diagnosed with something I don't have based on assumptions based on my physiology. (Sorry for the rambling comment) Sent from my SM-G920W8 using BariatricPal mobile app

Interesting and helpful! Thanks! Sent from my SM-G920W8 using BariatricPal mobile app

I told my husband that I didn't want any candy/chocolate/food related gifts, and I bought the kids each a new book and some glow-in-the-dark stars for their room. Dinner was a fair bit richer than what I've been having lately, but I still managed to keep it within my allowable calories for the day (it meant a pretty sad little lunch though... lol). I even had a small dish of ice cream afterward.

My family observes Lent (Lutheran here). This is the first year our kids are participating in lenten disciplines. Their choices were interesting. Our oldest (7yo) chose to give up sweets, which will be a challenge for her. Our youngest (5yo) gave up Star Wars. His toys, books, tshirts, and movies. It's going to be a long season for him. As for me, it may seem new-years-ish, I am giving up all carbonated beverages. I've been struggling for the last couple of months to cut it back and it's now time to do away with it all together. 40 days to break a bad and very old habit. Sent from my SM-G920W8 using BariatricPal mobile app

I just had some 'before' pictures taken and man... just blech! Sent from my SM-G920W8 using BariatricPal mobile app

I don't have any advice to give, but know I'm in your corner, hoping and praying that this mess gets sorted right quick. Sent from my SM-G920W8 using BariatricPal mobile app

Bravo! You're a rock star!

Soda has been a difficulty for me too. I'm still pre-op, but I'm trying to wean myself off it now, per my nutritionist's requirements. I don't think I want to go back to it, even flat, after surgery so I'm trying to find alternatives now. I've only had soda three times in the past month, and I've found that I can't drink it as fast as I used to as it makes me gassy. Water, of course, is my number one choice and has been ever since I was diagnosed with T2 diabetes 5 years ago. But I'm particular about my water (grew up drinking filtered/purified water, so municipal water has always tasted gross to me), so I don't often drink it when I'm out, and that's my tricky spot. I'm not a big fan of Crystal light as I find it tastes like chemicals (the iced tea flavour is about the only one I can stand). I have found that the Vitamin Water Zero is okay, but it's tricky to find a variety of flavours around here. You can try making your own iced teas, or flavoured waters to help. Do some experimenting. You might find something that can help you through. Good luck!

Something else to consider... are you on birth control pills? I have had more than one friend/family member find that hormonal birth control, while it is fantastic for contraception, can sometimes do a serious number on your libido.

I would second the idea that even if you aren't seeing the pounds come off, you are very likely losing inches. Take your measurements... waist, hips, neck, upper arm, upper thigh. The inches add up quickly. You are doing great!! Sent from my SM-G920W8 using BariatricPal mobile app

Congrats Cats!! And hang in there kakatlady... I understand the frustration! Walking with you in it... Sent from my SM-G920W8 using BariatricPal mobile app

Thanks Fluffy... and that video looks like it might be helpful! When I can breathe again... [emoji4] Sent from my SM-G920W8 using BariatricPal mobile app

Just need to vent a little, if I may... So January was a little bleak. I struggled with the weight I gained over the holidays and was really feeling bummed about this whole process. But things turned a corner and the scale started moving in the right direction again. I've lost all but half a pound of my holiday weight. Exercising in the winter months is a challenge as we don't have funds for a gym membership, and we live in a small condo without much room for indoor workouts, so I've been chomping at the bit for the snow to be gone so I can get back out walking (my preferred exercise). Cue this week... two solid days of snow (about 20 cm) follwed by extreme cold (-35°C, feels like -43°C). And then this morning I woke up with a kick a$$ head cold. I know I'm whining. I'm suffering from what my mom calls PLOM disease... poor little old me. I just needed to vent my spleen. Sent from my SM-G920W8 using BariatricPal mobile app

I think when it comes time for me to do the liquid diet, I might try to make a bunch of freezer meals for my hubby and the kids... and then head out for a walk during dinner. Cooking for them is going to be a challenge for sure. Sent from my SM-G920W8 using BariatricPal mobile app

Good luck! Sent from my SM-G920W8 using BariatricPal mobile app

I'm super impressed with the variety you're getting! I confess I hadn't given much thought to the liquid diet except the nasty fake sweet protein shakes. I'm taking notes! Sent from my SM-G920W8 using BariatricPal mobile app

@oregondaisy This is a concern of mine. I've was a solid D for years and years. Then I had two kids... and they sort of deflated a bit. Now, facing WLS, I'm sure they'll end up looking like tube socks. Sent from my SM-G920W8 using BariatricPal mobile app

I'm considering a tattoo as well, for when I get to my goal weight. But really I will probably do my first celebrating by shopping at 'regular' clothing stores rather than the one reasonably-priced plus size shop here. Sent from my SM-G920W8 using BariatricPal mobile app

I'm pre-op but I have a history of these irritations. One thing that helps me, but may be a little on the TMI side, is to make sure my underwear is between the folds... so that there is fabric to protect the skin. Sent from my SM-G920W8 using BariatricPal mobile app

These are my reasons why... I want to be around when my kids graduate from high school, I want to meet my grandkids someday, and I want to grow old with my husband. Diabetes, hypertension, and high cholesterol had me looking at the rest of (probably shortened) my life as an ill person and I'm so terribly sick and tired of being sick and tired. Sent from my SM-G920W8 using BariatricPal mobile app

I think I look like Ursula the sea witch (from the Little Mermaid) without the good boobs. [emoji16] Sent from my SM-G920W8 using BariatricPal mobile app

You got this Fluffy! [emoji16] Sent from my SM-G920W8 using BariatricPal mobile app

Oy! What a mess! I am hoping and praying that it's just a paperwork mix up that is quickly rectified! Sent from my SM-G920W8 using BariatricPal mobile app

I can't speak to pregnancy after WLS, but I second the suggestion to get your progesterone level checked. In order to maintain a pregnancy through the first trimester I had to use progesterone suppositories because my body didn't produce enough. Sent from my SM-G920W8 using BariatricPal mobile app

I have a 5yo and a 7yo, and I have talked openly about my surgery with them from the beginning. We talk about what healthy eating and activity looks like, the fact that I'm doing this to improve my health, and that it's not just to be skinny. I think if you're clear about your motivation and what you're hoping your outcomes will be, then they will understand. Sent from my SM-G920W8 using BariatricPal mobile app