Orchids&Dragons

I've used keto sticks and a breath meter. Neither ever showed that I got into ketosis, even in the beginning when I was only eating 300 cals/day. I had to have been fat-burning, but never could prove it by the meters.

Does the actual fasting period kick in faster for bypass patients? I mean, food doesn't stay in our "stomach" for hardly any time at all, really.

Thank God for Google translate! Thanks, Fluff!

I know! I mean birthing 4 kiddos did a lot of dignity damage, especially twins because there were even people looking into the room from an observation window! And yes, the window looked straight into my lady parts! But that was a long time ago, now. I guess I felt I had reclaimed a little!

Lex, I am truly sorry for your loss. You need to allow yourself time to grieve. You've been coping the best you could and no one has any right to judge. I am glad that you have found some help for your depression. Take this time to focus on recovery and being healthy. Let the 12 pounds be secondary. As you get healthier, they will drop off. Please take care of yourself and reach out if you'd like to talk.

Mine was an hour, face-to-face. No questionnaire.

My surgeon was David Dyslin, in the Alliance area. He was at a general surgery practice in Arlington when I had my surgeries, but has years of bariatric experience. He recently went out on his own to focus on bariatrics. He's in temporary digs right now while his new offices are being built, but you're not ready for the surgery part for a while yet. Even though I had some complications, I have no reservations about Dr. Dyslin. His new number is 817-832-7227. Also, I have Cigna and had no problems with it. Feel free to PM me if you'd like more info.

UGH- nekkidity - after my surgery, the drain was put in a really awkward place, too low on my right side for me to change the dressings. So, hubby had to do it. Only way to do it was bright light and naked from the waist down. aarrrggghhh! That lower-tummy is soooo fugly! I definitely prefer low lights for shenanigans. I can live with whatever he discovers by the Braille method, but lit up like Times Square was so embarrassing. Even after almost 30 years of marriage, a girl'd like to have a little dignity left!

If your friend said that they'd lost 83# in the last year, you'd be bragging all over them! Be as kind to yourself as you would to them. You've done great!

Hope you feel better soon!

Congrats!! You're looking great!

If you're still doing the same eating pattern after 6 months, I think your body may have adapted to your "new normal" and you might want to change things up a bit. If you're still getting a lot of your protein from supplements, try shifting to more meats. Add a meal or two of just fruits/veggies. Change the timing of your meals. Add a little bit of exercise multiple times a day (for instance, every time I go to the ladies' room at work, I climb 3 flights of stairs. It only takes 2 minutes, but over the course of a day, I can get in 18 flights.) Good luck, Onederland is Onederful!

What do you mean by "objective support system"?

Nope, my DH is almost 6'2", 180 lbs. He'd like to lose about 20 (naturally very slim), but only if he can manage to lose without giving up beer and pizza! He does, however, have blood pressure and cholesterol issues. When my weight got under his about 5 months ago (first time ever), I felt so feminine! I hadn't realized that it bothered me in that way.

You look amazing!

If you have access to counseling, by all means, take advantage of it. If we had a "normal" relationship with food, we never would have gotten obese. The surgery is just a small part of the success. It's much more important to get your head in the game. Good luck!

Welcome and best wishes for a successful journey!

Looking good! Keep up the good work!

My husband was very supportive of my surgery. However, when it came to changes in his eating habits to help make my challenges easier, not so much.

"We’re wired to crave order" I saw this phrase and got totally stymied. Ummm, no. Some of us actually like chaos. It's our home planet and we're happy there.

I'll help! 'Cause I'm sure you'd do the same for me!

We've got a thread for inspiration, I wanted to start one to keep us laughing! Feel free to add anything that makes your heart smile!

Very good article on perspectives!