Orchids&Dragons

I've been using Toppix hair fibers in the part area so that the thinning is less obvious.

The texture you achieved looks perfect. Were they at all gummy?

I also like hot teas. Right now for the holidays, you can get these flavors from Bigelow: Peppermint Bark, Egg Noggin', Salted Caramel, etc plus there are several makers of Chai teas. After the tea steeps, I add a little milk and stevia and they are delish, very "desertish"!

You're only 2 months out. Plenty of time! You'll get there eventually. I still need supplements sometimes.

It's all about knowing your audience! ?

I use the Fairlife milk to get the protein. I dissolve the cocoa in a little boiling water first since it's so hard to get totally dissolved, then I add the milk and stevia and heat it through.

I'm a hot cocoa type myself, made with stevia.

My youngest graduates from college tomorrow!!! Yippee!!!

That looks wonderful. How long ago was your surgery?

Don't beat yourself up for 174 calories! It's 174 calories of real/not over-processed food! This is where you want to get to, not run away from! Personally, I consider a 10/1 ratio acceptable of calories to protein (174 calories vs 17g protein) for real foods. Sure you get more protein/calorie in protein drinks, but you want to move away from those as you get further from your surgery. I think you're doing fine!

? That could be the title of a very entertaining thread!

Nothing has bothered me so far, either.

I can't speak for anyone else, but in my case, I think it has to do with being older. Plastics is an "investment". You younger pups have more time to reap the benefits

Well, really, you can run up and down a few flights of stairs if you'd rather!?

You look fantastic, congrats!

The first month is very unpredictable. Some people lose straight away, others don't. It depends on how swollen your insides are and how fast/slowly you heal. Some doctors recommend no weighing until after one month.

@NYJenn You were doing so well. I'm sorry you're going through this.

Before surgery, I only told people I was positive would be supportive. I wasn't interested in debating pros and cons with Negative Nellies. They didn't get a vote. Told the rest of the family afterwards and pretty much said "support is welcome, not criticism"

I'm 9 months out. I'm usually 800-1000 calories/day. But I'm one of the lucky ones, i don't have real hunger, just cravings. I don't eat more when I work out. Her comment that she only counts calories is worrisome. She really needs to track her protein intake as well as vitamins and minerals.

60-65% is the average. Whether or not you can do better than that is determined by a combination of factors. Part of it is your food/exercise choices. Part of it is genetics. Part of it is any other health issues that you already have. The psychologist is being both conservative and also probably assessing whether you have realistic expectations. (Sometimes you'll see posts on the boards from people who thought they'd be losing 20-25 lbs every month until they hit goal.) But, having done lap band, you know it's a long haul, not a sprint. It's not unfair or mean for her to let you know the range of outcomes. For those of us who started in the morbidly obese category, believe me, 60% makes a huge difference, even for those who cannot go further than that.

You need to focus on where you will be in 10 years, with and without the surgery. Make it a simple "yes, no" choice. Which will lead to my better life? Think long term, it puts everything into perspective. Good luck!

Prayers for a smooth surgery and a speedy recovery to you and Batty! See you on the loser's bench!

Maybe they just want to shut me up. Apparently, to medical personnel, having a hole in you really isn't a big deal. But, I can testify, to an accountant, it's downright freaky!

Hey, if they can't love the whole you, faults and all, they're not the one. Just telling the truth!

Nah, when it's the wrong person, better to kick them to the curb early!