GradyCat

I've always been lucky I guess because when I gave up sugar, I never got the sugar-withdrawal headaches that everybody talks about and giving up caffeine was easy too. Now two years post-op I still do everything sugar-free and caffeine-free.

Hello my Kentucky friend. I'm in Louisville and like you, I had my WLS 2 years ago and like you I suffer from anxiety and depression. I had a really hard time in March/April of this year and was suicidal for the first time ever and I was eating TONS and TONS of chocolate. I gained 10-12 pounds. But I stayed the course with my meds and kept seeing my therapist every 3 weeks and it's slowly helped. I started back on track 30 days ago and am losing weight again and have a better out look on life. Depression is real. It's tough. Hang in there. Don't give up what you worked so hard to get in the first place (weight loss) and try to focus on that when times are tough.

That's gonna be tough to lose 20 lbs in 17 days, you know that, right? That's a lot of pressure to put on yourself. I'm supportive and encouraging of your desire to have the WLS, but could you possibly postpone it until Spring to give you a better opportunity to lose the weight so that you aren't under so much constraint during the holidays and during COVID and everything?

Mine stopped falling out but it never grew back despite taking Biotin hair and nail supplements. But I already had thin fine hair now it's just thinner.

You'll have a three week post-op appointment with your surgeon, won't you? Be sure to bring it up then.

I nap every day and can't sleep at night but I don't think it's because the daytime naps keep me from sleeping. I have both anxiety and depression and I take Ambien for sleeping at night. I had it before the WLS too, though, so I don't think it's WLS-related for me.

Treated it like a regular Thursday. With COVID, no family gathering. Made a pot roast for me and keto sausage balls for hubby. No food focus. Stayed on track.

Me too! I don't see myself as "big." I never did. That's why it surprised me that I was "obese" because I never saw it. I feel average now, even still just under 200 lbs.

I think just straight up would be best at this stage.

I'm two years post-op as well. I thought it was COVID but maybe it's related that I too have been online shopping a lot lately. I returned to "grazing" during COVID and gained 12 pounds, but I've lost half of them back again and I really appreciate my small stomach keeping me from being able to eat too much or the wrong things. Even when I "graze" it's healthy things and my macros are in line for losing weight. So I'm happy. My problem is just the opposite. Even when I was huge I never saw it. I don't see my fat. I think I'm "average" but I'm still "large." My body dysmorphia must be dyslexic. ?

Perfectly normal. Try some sugar-free popsicles, they count as water intake. Have you tried putting any Crystal Light or flavored powder in your water? Sugar-free jello also counts as water. As far as protein, in another week you'll be able to add scrambled eggs and some soft or pureed foods, so that'll help. Hang in there, it gets easier in a week or so.

Best wishes to any and all December sleevers . . . hoping your surgeries haven't been postponed due to COVID, and wishing you success on your weight loss journeys.

It's temporary but a great reminder that you can't have spicy Indian chicken for a while or eat too fast. Eat slowly, slowly, slowly. Sip slowly, slowly, slowly. I think you'll be okay for a day or two without protein and you'll recover shortly.

No, I didn't experience any pain at all. This doesn't sound right. Why won't your surgeon see you? Maybe you really should go to the Emergency Room. I'm so sorry you're going through this.

Good Luck to all the November sleevers and best wishes on your weight loss journeys.

Breakfast: Chocolate protein shake Lunch: 1 beef taco and 10 chips with salsa Dinner: 2 pieces of deli ham with 1 piece of cheese Snack: 1 oz of peanuts

I couldn't help but laugh because your post says you're going to see a "barbaric" therapist! ? I assume you meant bariatric therapist. It's kinda funny. That being said, I found when I was eating 800 calories/day that it was too little and my weight stalled so I stay around 1200 calories to continue losing weight. My nutritionist never set a calorie goal, just protein, water, and reasonable number of carbs and portion sizes.

If these kind of pills worked, everyone would be thin and no one would need WLS. Just sayin'.

Yes you'll be able to feel "full" quite quickly once on solids. But even then, don't wait for the full signal, keep your food quantity within 1/4 cup to 1/2 cup as prescribed by your nutritionist.

Everybody and I mean everybody stalls at Weeks 3 or 4 and you're doing nothing wrong, it's just how it works. Hang in there. Don't give up. Stay focused on hydration and getting the protein. It'll pass and you'll start losing again. I promise.

Surgery is just a tool. I'm a chocoholic and could still go the rest of my life with only eating chocolate and cookies and never any food but I know it's not healthy for me and I refuse to do it. Thank goodness the WLS made my stomach so small that I can no longer sit down and eat a box of cookies in one sitting. Grazing is a problem and I have to be mindful every single day not to do it. So I don't buy any sweets or let them in the house. I have sugar-free and carb-free chocolate "treats" to satisfy my sweet tooth. Whenever i have a craving, I take a drink of a chocolate protein shake.

Hooray for you! Celebrate!

You've GOT this! You can do it. You've done great for 10 years out. Be proud of yourself.