MargoCL

I would wait until you're fully healed as those hot sauces cause ulcers. Last thing you want is ulcers in your new tiny belly.

I have always loved and tolerated all levels of heat, post surgery my belly is much more sensitive

While your body is healing it's also releasing many hormones which could cause a temporary imbalance. As your body normalizes (as best it can) so will your hormones. If you still feel out of sorts, contact your surgeon and he may be able to give you something during this period.

Just curious, you listed all your exclusions, what is it you are exactly looking for?
I know for me personally, I have set expectations or lists of what I want / don't want and rarely do we find that person. I think you have to look outside the box. Stating that you just can't date overweight people because of their possible eating habits is probably the wrong way to look at it. As a person who has always been heavy, I've ALWAYS watched what I eat and have always been active from kickboxing, gym, sports leagues and weekend hiking trips and unfortunately for me the weight just never came off. The best I ever got to was 169 and hovered in the 170's. I was a big girl but at the same time very active person who was health conscious.
Don't just look at the book cover, take a chance and open up the book and you may be surprised your soulmate may be out there.

Just curious, you listed all your exclusions, what is it you are exactly looking for?
I know for me personally, I have set expectations or lists of what I want / don't want and rarely do we find that person. I think you have to look outside the box. Stating that you just can't date overweight people because of their possible eating habits is probably the wrong way to look at it. As a person who has always been heavy, I've ALWAYS watched what I eat and have always been active from kickboxing, gym, sports leagues and weekend hiking trips and unfortunately for me the weight just never came off. The best I ever got to was 169 and hovered in the 170's. I was a big girl but at the same time very active person who was health conscious.
Don't just look at the book cover, take a chance and open up the book and you may be surprised your soulmate may be out there.

I did and I giggled a little. It reminded me that although I look to each of you, you are each VERY human. But it also gave me a little hope that one day if the urge so happens, I'll maybe give it a go, but if it's anything like the experience below... I may be good for a while.... LOL
My BF got a Dave's single from Wendy's the other day and it's the first time I've been near FF since long before surgery. It looked amazing, the smell on the other hand nearly made me take it out of his hand and toss it out the window. (I should mention that I was happily drinking my Protein Shake during this excursion).

I buy a lot of easily pre-portioned meals, (i.e. tuna Creations, Individually wrapped guacamole, chicken salad, hummus). I also span my meals out to 4 - 6 meal servings throughout the day. Since you work night shift, do you still get enough "sleep" hours? It is said and documented that adequate sleep help with additional weight loss. I know for myself when I get 8 hours of sleep my body loses more weight than when I get anything less than 8. Also make sure you are getting enough Water / liquid upwards of 100+ oz per day.

Also if you are looking at average weightloss... then you are on target by this chart...

Yes, I started taking Vitamins, Biotin, Calcium / magnesium / potassium supplements.< em> I believe putting my body into a healthy pre-op state has helped me with a successful post-op. But I also started these supplements 8 months before surgery (6 months before I finalized my plans to have surgery).
I wouldn't over do shakes, but I would try a few to see what flavors you like, but don't over buy as you will quickly find out they will not be your best friends post op.

First of all, the decision to have surgery is all yours. It doesn't fall on your family, friends, etc. The success of the surgery is also all on you. You have to be both mentally and physically ready to make and accept the changes that are about to happen, understanding that the weight did not come on overnight and it will likely not be lost overnight as well.
I had my surgery in the US, but I've read plenty of successful posts from those that have had their surgeries in the Mx. Whether you have surgery in the US or Mx there will be fears and worries associated with it. It's natural. Making sure you set yourself up for success after surgery is key. Find a support group that you can join and have some people to speak with prior to and post surgery for additional support. You have a whole online family of support as well.
Whatever you choose, remember there are people behind you supporting you.

Pretty much like a tighter shirt or leggings made of spandex. It just holds everything in just right. Think of workout clothes just a little tighter and lighter in material.

I buy ladies camisoles always 1 size smaller to help suck things in. LOL.

So, this morning I needed to make a trip to the grocery store and I pulled on a pair of jeans.
I took two steps out of my bedroom and the jeans fell down and pooled around my feet. I started crying. Happy tears, not sad. Those jeans used to fit me pretty snug, and now they are so loose that they won't stay up. I never thought my clothes would be too big on me and it was a bit of a reality check for me making me realize that I'm getting healthier and I'm actually doing it.
I just want to know, did you guys start buying more clothes right away? I can't really afford to keep buying new clothes every few months, so does anyone else have other alternatives? I work from home so I don't need dressy stuff, just jeans and t-shirts. Good Will? Wal Mart?
Thanks

I was given a script for all my pre-op / post meds at the same time. I was given Tylenol and it worked just fine. I think I took 1 post op for a Migraine vs. post op pain.

I know everyone is different, but I also believe some people have to know what they are taking and if it’s not an opioid they complain of excess pain. NOTE: I said “some” people. This is not the majority

I was like that my first week for sure and into my second week as well. I would come home from work and take a 30-minute nap to get re-energized. As Matt noted, it does get better with time.

Just keep drinking your fluids and walk, walk, walk. Everyday gets a little better

Just keep drinking your fluids and walk, walk, walk. Everyday gets a little better

Just keep drinking your fluids and walk, walk, walk. Everyday gets a little better

I am 4.5 months post op, I went in with no fears. At 3 months post my weight loss stalled (still stalling), a week later my Hair loss began and about a week after that, I began have trouble swallowing. Because of the trouble swallowing I was having almost no restriction because I couldn’t chew slow enough and had to swallow often. Ultimately a stricture, which required another EGD and balloon dilation. I’m now a week post EGD and even with all that... I still have no regrets, weight loss has slowly began again.

The one bit of advice I have is EVERYONE is different, don’t compare yourself, follow your plan, and seek medical advice if you need it. You paid good money to have this surgery, don’t waste it!

Just keep drinking your fluids and walk, walk, walk. Everyday gets a little better

No matter who you are, the Holidays can be a tough time dealing with family. When you’re a bariatric patient, it can be either a time for those you love to gather around you and help you Celebrate the amazing work you’ve done this year...or it can feel like an emotional onslaught of criticisms, misinformation, and awkward conversations about your new lifestyle.


First off, I just want to say this very important thing, if you take nothing else away from this article, let it be this- People’s reactions to you are based on their relationship with themselves, not you. Always.
Someone who is living at peace with themselves will have no need to harshly criticize, no desire to humiliate, and no feelings of unresolved jealousy. Sadly, once you understand this, you also realize how many people in your life are unhappy with themselves on some level. It makes it a little easier not to take things personally, but I would be lying if I said those things don’t hurt anymore.
So how do you deal with friends and family members who are not living at peace with themselves? What practical steps can you take to be at peace with yourself so that you are able to reject those statements and hurtful judgments instead of internalizing them?
Here’s the bottom line- You will always have people in your life who do not wish you well, who want to see you fail. If you do not learn to look past them and stay focused on you and your progress, and live at peace with yourself- you will experience re-gain. I love the words from Eleanor Roosevelt, “No one can make you feel inferior without your consent.”
1) Start with yourself- You need to be at peace with yourself. Who you are, what you weigh, your progress level, etc. Easier said than done, I know. But working towards that will allow you to bypass other’s opinions of you because you know who you are and where you’re going. A simple way to begin embracing yourself is positive self-talk. Start by looking into the mirror as often as you can, and saying things to yourself like, “I am a beautiful, peacefully person and I love me.” Say hello to yourself. “Hi Ash, you are a wonderful, beautiful person and I am SO proud of you.” It’s going to feel super painful and may trigger some emotions. Process those as they come, don’t shy away from the feelings that embracing yourself brings. If you need to cry, do so. If you smile, embrace it. Enjoy yourself. Changing that negative narrative in your head that so many of us carry around, is step one.

2) Be honest- When someone says something that’s offensive, it usually comes from one of 2 places: a poor relationship with themselves, or a lack of education. Use your best judgment to determine which it is. Keep in mind, there are a LOT of myths and misinformation surrounding bariatric surgery. Don’t assume people know more than they do. Think back to before you became an expert on Bariatric Surgery. How many questions you had, how many myths you thought were accurate. Seek to educate. But be honest, if someone makes a hurtful comment, let them know. Keep it simple, “Hey, that was uncalled for.” or “Please don’t say things like that to me.” Try to stay calm and in control.
3) Take a break- If you need a break, take one! Go for a walk, get out of the house, go listen to music alone. Don’t feel bad for needing a break. Family time can be stressful, don’t allow others to jeopardize your progress. When you’re stressed and anxious, you’re more prone to overeating which puts you back on that harmful cycle you’re working so hard to stay off of. Give yourself permission to stay home sometimes too, you don’t need to be at every single family gathering. It’s okay to opt out. People may get offended, they may try to make you feel guilty, but remember- it’s not about you. It’s all about how they feel about themselves. Those who are at peace with themselves will support you and do their best to understand where you’re coming from.
4) Stay focused- This is a tough one. Holidays pull our focus in so many directions, it’s easy for us to lose focus on our goals. Be proactive about making plans for yourself for food and exercising during the holidays. Being ahead of the game and staying on top of your plans will make you feel peaceful and accomplished. When you feel this way, your confidence is harder to shake and you will feel more secure. When you’re focused on a goal, it consumes your focus and the other things that pop up to derail you just fade into the background. Stick to your routine, take your supplements, and stay on track. You can do this!
5) Stay connected- Join a support group in-person or online, find an accountability buddy, hire a coach, or grab a friend who will keep you focused without judgment. Someone you can call, text or write to keep them updated so they can provide you with the encouragement you may not be getting from others this season. Having connection fills an emotional need that many try to fill with food. If you’re getting that need met, you won’t be as tempted to eat for comfort. Connection is something we all need, so make it a priority to have someone in your corner this holiday season.
Remember, at the end of the day- this season is temporary. All the food, all the family, all the hustle and bustle. The things that can make or break this season. It’s all temporary. You are what you carry into the New Year. Your health journey is what lasts. Keep your sights on the long term. You can do this, I believe in you!

I kind of agree with the gentleman at your meeting. Now, I will say, I don't know how he's able to tolerate all that meat so early, but I agree with him about depriving himself. I also allow myself to have certain things that other people who have had this surgery wouldn't dare have. I eat chocolate daily. It's something that I really enjoy. Now, I don't overindulge in it, but I do have a bit every day, and I make sure to track it.
I've dieted for a large portion of my life, and what's always happened before is that I'm really strict, then I'll allow myself to have a little something on special occasions, then I get completely derailed and can't get back on track. Well, this time is different. I don't count anything as getting off track really. This is a lifestyle change; it's not a diet. I choose to primarily eat healthy, but every now and then, I eat things that aren't necessarily good for me. This is how I plan to keep this going for the long term.

My BF supported me (or so I thought) up to surgery and even afterwards. It wasn't until a couple of weeks ago we had an argument that the truth came out that he never wanted me to have surgery. And as it turned out he was afraid of what the future would hold. Would I still want him like I do today; How would my feelings, attitude, etc change. He reminded me that with WLS it's not just our body that transforms but our entire demeanor.
It's sad that it took 2 months post surgery and almost a year in prepping to have the truth come out. But once we sat down and really talked about the surgery, my progress, our future it helped us move on as a couple. He now takes the time to ask how I'm doing with everything post surgery. I guess we had so much going on in our lives, that I didn't even notice he didn't ask me prior.
I'm sorry you are dealing with this situation, it sucks. My personal opinion is to take a day / weekend - go away (if you're still together) and spend some time talking about what has happened. Make sure you're both on the same page with your future plans too.
Wishing you the best....

You look amazing!

I would wait until you're fully healed as those hot sauces cause ulcers. Last thing you want is ulcers in your new tiny belly.

I have always loved and tolerated all levels of heat, post surgery my belly is much more sensitive

I hate to say this but online dating is the easiest way to get back in the dating pool.
It will help you regain that dating confidence.

I met my bf on Tinder, we've been together almost 3 years. Some people think it's a hook up site, but I think it's what you make of it and how you use it.

Being in NYC, I'm sure there are a ton of groups where you can meet people face to face. I used an app called "meetup" and it was for various meetup groups, like singles for dinner, or sports clubs, etc. I met a lot of great people that way (of all age groups).

Go have fun! You deserve it!

I rarely use Protein Shakes anymore unless I'm adding it to Decaf coffee.
I am getting my 60g of protein in daily, my surgery was 8/20 - It sometimes takes up to 6 meals a day, but it's doable.
tuna Creations has flavored tuna and salmon with 13-16g protein, coupled with cottage cheese - 20+ grams of protein per serving.
Yogurt - Dannon Light and Fit Greek and Oikos Zero is 15g of protein per serving
The idea is to now slowly ween yourself off protein shakes and move to more solid foods to get the necessary Proteins. It's out there, you just have to not be as picky and accept this is for nutrition.
My meal portions are no larger than 3 oz and are usually more so around the 2 - 2.5 oz mark.

My Nutritionist said no directly post op, but I would be able to consider them about 6 months post op. (4 days post op now)