GradyCat

Don't let the jerks get to you. First, they don't know you. Second, they were immature. Third, you are on a journey where you hadn't yet reached the goal, but you're working toward it. Strangers can't know that. Strangers shouldn't have any control over your emotions. I know it's easier said than done, but we care about you and won't bully you here on this forum.

That is awesome, congrats!

I have been trying to remember whether my surgeon's rules were no carbonation for the first six months or no carbonation ever again. That being said, I've been having two carbonated beverages a week for two years now, so I guess it's okay? I can only drink a couple of ounces at a time because the carbonation bloats me.

I had one while I was still in the hospital and then every day afterward at home. No issues.

That's good to know. Always looking for protein in ways that I don't have to cook.

That all rings true with what my surgeon told me and what I've read on these forums as well.

I hear ya. I had VSG in 2018, didn't lose all I could have, lost 65 pounds, then gained back 30 during COVID. Just recently lost the 30 back, but I still need to get down 30 more pounds at least. The good news is that the surgery still is the tool that keeps me from eating too much food. It stops me when I'm full. I can still lose weight. I'm focusing on protein, very few carbs.

Portion control rather than calorie counting is the key at this point. Eat only 1/2 cup even if you can consume more, don't do it.

No your cold/sinus issues won't show up in the blood work. Drink some Emergen-C each day for the next two weeks to be in your best health going into surgery.

You've got a lot of drama going on in your life. You could benefit from therapy/counseling on these issues as you go through your WLS journey.

Okay, so we've heard all our lives to get 64 oz of water each day. But why? I just watched a YouTube video with a doctor whose name I can't pronounce or spell say that our bodies naturally tell us how much water we need. We have a built-in mechanism to keep us from drinking too much. He said that the 8 glasses a day is an arbitrary number.

That's great, Stephanie. The first 24 hours is the hardest due to not being allowed to drink water or eat and all the nausea, but by the 30th hour you'll be feeling great. Walk as much as you can.

I can't see why I would ever need it.

You can do it! We believe in you. Good luck on your WLS journey.

Good to hear from you. Glad you're doing okay. You only had to stay one night in the hospital? I had to stay two. Take it easy. Sip little sips of water all day long. Rest as much as you want.

Welcome and congratulations on getting a surgery date scheduled. Browse the multitude of threads and forums here and you'll find a plethora of information, advice, and experience from others at all stages of the WLS process.

Welcome to these forums. Here you'll find tons of information and advice and real-life experience in the threads and forums. Not all insurance is the same. Mine didn't require 6 months pre-op. I was about 3 months start to finish from applying to pre-surgery appointments to approval to actual surgery date.

You are not broken or beyond repair. Many people have "food funerals" before their WLS, but if at all possible try to start eating NOW like you will be after your surgery and it'll make the transition a whole lot easier.

You've got a busy schedule coming up. Keep us updated on your progress and take good care of yourself.

Good to see you here. Congratulations on your WLS. Take some time to explore the threads and forums and you'll find tons of fantastic information and useful advice as you go through your WLS journey.

Hi Melanie, I gained approximately 30 pounds during COVID and only recently lost them back. I did Weight Watchers and other diets and focused on protein and portion sizes to get my act back together. I'm also working out 3-5 times a week. It's a constant struggle, but the good news is that the WLS still works as a tool when I'm making the right choices.

Many people here talk about not being able to tolerate the protein shakes, but I had no issues with them. Like others said, maybe you could water them down or try a different brand or a pre-made shake instead of a powdered shake. Sugar-free popsicles count as liquid. So does sugar-free jello.

Here's something that might help. I've never used the powdered protein. I use the pre-made liquid protein drinks. Specifically, I use GNC Lean Shakes which are LACTOSE FREE!!!!! I think Fairlife might also be lactose-free, but you might want to check into that. The GNC Swiss Chocolate is my favorite and it has 25g of protein and tastes great. Are you drinking any Gatorade Zero to get some electrolytes in to hydrate you? It's sugar-free.

I take a Lactaid only when I eat cheese or dairy, which is not very often, and I take it immediately when I start eating the dairy food. It works instantly. You don't have to worry about taking it 30 minutes before or anything, just when you start eating dairy. It doesn't build up in your system, it's an "as-needed" medicine for quick relief. I think it fights the enzymes that causes the bloating the diarrhea from the dairy. I carry it in my purse at all times in case I end up eating out somewhere with something that has cheese on it. And no, no more diarrhea if I eat dairy as long as I take a Lactaid.