MsTipps

I was given a pair of see-through paper pants to wear under my surgical gown. Not glamorous but I was asleep by the time they were rooting about. Xx

I had decaf throughout preop and from the day after surgery x

Teehee! This made me giggle. I've done something very similar. I'm a wuss and hate plucking my eyebrows so I use veet hair removal cream for sensitive skin and just shape my brows with that. I put it on, forgot about it, left the house saying good morning to my neighbours and drove to work. It was only when I felt the burning sensation as I walked across the car park I realised what I'd done! Xx

So having tried several combinations of vitamins and minerals..... I've finally found Baricol Complete which I think covers everything we need. They're not exactly delicious but I've tasted worse. Does anyone see anything missing that I should be taking? https://baricolbariatrics.co.uk/baricol-complete/

Lol I had no idea some people were such PRUDES! Its given me a laugh for sure. "Goodness gracious - a willy in your bum? How outrageous! I've even heard whispers of people putting it in their mouths! HEAVENS!" I always prep before a backdoor session - always have. Haven't noticed one tiny bit of difference since my op. No matter what he's packing in his lunchbox, it ain't ever gonna reach my pouch LMAO xx

@JNS0711 some people include their heaviest weight, preop stats or surgery day weight so you cant just look at the numbers. Like Marc said, some people lost nil before surgery then boom - the water weight falls off then it slows down. Some people have a steady slow burn. This is going in all the right directions for you. It's early days. Make sure you hit your protein and water goals and try to stay positive xx

You know that's averaging like 4.6 lbs a week, right? X

@fulamuso and @cabookie11 everyone loses at different rates. I lost 2lbs this week and I'm happy with that cos it's in the right direction. If weightloss is slower, the less chance we have of loose skin and looking like a burst balloon. Don't be down or disheartened. Look at how far you've come. Fulamuso, if you're starting weight was 257 and you've lost 16lbs, that's like 6.3% of your TOTAL body weight OR 16.7% of your EXCESS weight!!! You're doing well. xxx

Everyone is doing so well!!! Are you guys using a website called "eatthismuch"? I'm finding it useful to get ideas of new things to try. You can adjust calories and input nutritional goals like how much protein to get in or carbs/fats etc. It make me feel like I may stop relying on protein shakes

Having a companion sure helps - especially if you have kids to look after etc BUT it's entirely possible to get through this without one. Buy your protein powder etc before surgery and make sure your housework/laundry etc is up-to-date - that way you have a few days to just relax. I was fine going shopping etc within a couple of days but only lift light bags so I'm sure you'll do just fine x

Congrats on your NSV - that's awesome!!! I haven't tried on a pair of jeans for ages as I got sick of disappointment. Might try now I'm on track! As for your flu - that sucks. It's a particularly bad season. Keep well hydrated and hope you feel better soon xx

This is extremely tough. I really feel for you. It sounds like there may be deeper issues than just insecurity relating to your weightloss if it has been going on for such a long time. If you both are committed to making it work, try counselling again as no problem is insurmountable but remember, it takes TWO to make it work. You can't pile all the pressure onto yourself. As far as the kids go, it's better to have two happy parents who live in different houses than two sad and angry parents under one roof. X hugs X

Hey @Albus, I went privately for mine as the waiting time and the number of hoops to jump through for the NHS were off-putting for me. I stayed within the UK and went through Tonic who made all the arrangements with Nuffield for me. I started with a free consultation with the Surgeon who discussed my options and what was/wasn't suitable for my personal circumstances. There was no pressure and I followed up with a phone call to confirm my decision to go ahead and my chosen procedure. I had psychological, eating and exercise questionnaires to fill in as well as regular phone calls and emails. They sent me pre and post op diet guidelines by email and the dietician was very helpful. On surgery day, Tonic arranged all the transport etc... both the surgeon and anaesthetist came to discuss everything and check I was ok. The nursing care was faultless from beginning to end. My op took about 2 hours including a leak test. I wasn't catheterised and had no drains when I woke up. The dietician, psychologist, wellness coach and Tonic rep are on-hand whenever you have any questions or problems. My GP has agreed to do the regular blood tests to monitor vitamin levels etc for free (my Surgeon organised this before surgery day) and I will go for my first big check at 6 weeks. I have a 5 year care package so the same team will support me for 5 years even if I move house. It was certainly the right thing for me. I'm not sure what it's like going overseas for surgery but there's plenty who do who will advise you. I would discuss what follow-up care would look like if you went abroad with your GP.xx

Thanks @Seahawks Fan I'm seeing this as a marathon instead of a sprint so not gonna panic when it doesn't vanish super quick. Staying positive. X I'm OK now thanks @sleeved2win. Nearly puked at the time hahaha! I have a wonky scar now but still healing well ☺ xx

Yes! My 4 year old was great. My 2 year old tried but OMG she got me good and burst my stitches in one of the incisions. I felt them pop. So gross! Xx

Hey folks! That's another couple of pounds for me to happily report are gone from my life forever this Wednesday weigh-in. I'm at 233 even though I'm super grumpy and hormonal ☺ how are you guys getting on?xx

I tried to order a half portion of soup at a cafe and got refused. Tried the kids menu - it was unsuitable. The place didn't do starters so I left empty handed. Hope they do medical cards in the UK x

OMG yes I love lamb of God, megadeth old school Metallica, prophets of rage (ratm), system of a down, slipknot, rammstein, slayer, rob zombie, five finger death punch etc too - they only come to the big summer festivals though as they have such a big fan base. you're so right. It's the people and the atmosphere that makes it special. I love going into the mosh pits. You can be ragging someone one minute and the min they hit the deck your lovingly hauling them back up so they don't get trampled lol x

There's a lot of homeless people who I've handed doggy bags to in the past. Most really appreciate the gesture and it's certainly not going to waste xx

@sleeved2win the line up is: day TBC, unknown stage(C) Anti Clone day TBC, unknown stage(C) Balls Deep day TBC, unknown stage(C) Bloodyard day TBC, unknown stage(C) Cypher16 day TBC, unknown stage(C) Donkerkarnuffel day TBC, unknown stage(C) Eradikator day TBC, unknown stage(C) Evile day TBC, unknown stage(C) Feed The Rhino day TBC, unknown stage(C) Fury day TBC, unknown stage(C) Gehtika day TBC, unknown stage(C) Hanging Doll day TBC, unknown stage(C) Hecate Enthroned day TBC, unknown stage(C) Hell day TBC, unknown stage(C) Internal Conflict day TBC, unknown stage(C) Jonestown day TBC, unknown stage(C) Lawnmower Deth day TBC, unknown stage(C) Obzidian day TBC, unknown stage(C) Raging Speedhorn day TBC, unknown stage(C) RSJ day TBC, unknown stage(C) Savage Messiah day TBC, unknown stage(C) Senser day TBC, unknown stage(C) Skindred day TBC, unknown stage(C) Sodom day TBC, unknown stage(C) Stoneghost day TBC, unknown stage(C) Vicious Nature day TBC, unknown stage(C) Winterfylleth day TBC, unknown stage(C) XVII They're less well known than the bands that go to the bigger festivals I go to in the summer but this is a nice winter warm up ;D xx I think Skindred are great so that will be a highlight for me. Summer I have Download booked so far. Hoping for Hammerfest and Bloodstock if possible.

I havent eaten out yet but I'm going away for the weekend to a heavy metal festival so I know I'll find it tricky. I forsee a lotta soup minus bread! @Creekimp13 I love the idea of having a medical card to order from children's/senior menu. I will definitely be asking if they do them here in the UK at my next consultation. I was thinking either order a starter only or asking for a half portion may be an option but the children's menu maybe a better solution. @michaeli while we all adjust to our new lifestyles, we've gotta stop feeling guilty. Like @Rainbow_Warrior said, I too grew up in a household where plates were to be cleared and if they weren't it was an insult not only to your family but to God for what he had provided for us and to the starving people of the world. It's only now that I'm training myself to stop feeling bad when I can't clear my plate. If my kids leave stuff cos they're full, I don't have to eat it for them. We are not garbage disposals and don't need to feel guilty or give restaurant staff an explanation if it makes us uncomfortable. Be kind to yourself.

Not wanting to be a Debbie downer BUT...... I think you need to be stopped for 4-6 weeks as a minimum before surgery due to all the nasty complications like increased chance of infection, poor wound healing and higher chance of respiratory infections alongside the pressures of anaesthesia. As for your question, different surgeons test at different intervsls by different ways including urine, blood or breath. Be aware that smoking cessation products containing nicotine will give a positive result. Cold turkey is by far the best way to stop but I've heard vaping nicotine free can help in the early days. Good luck xxx

@fulamuso looking good!! You're all doing so well. Happy valentines to you all. I'm at 235 now so slowly but steadily heading in the right direction ☺ x

Hey hun. I was told to add in puréed food slowly... one day at a time. I did 1oz-2oz of this and that in week 3 then week 4 added more stuff into the mix. The dietician is happy with that and now has said she wants me to try more texture like salads and crispbreads next week. The fitness coach told me to just focus on walking til week 6 so I don't think you need worry about it. Xx

My preop calories were to be under 800 a day. I chose low fat low carb protein shakes like phd diet whey, isopure, precision and even slimfast if out and about. If you're in the USA, I hear premiere protein being discussed a lot. They don't seem to sell it in the UK. If your plan says liquids only then that's exactly what it means. No sugar free pudding etc. If you don't stick to it you could jeopardise your surgery so do it to the letter. Phone your surgeon if in any doubt about anything as this is definitely something you need to get right.xx