Suzi_the_Q

Your surgeon's office probably has a support system in place for you when you need it, if not, a therapist may be the way to go. The head game is real! I'm not looking forward to the liquid pre-op diet either, a lot of people say it's the hardest part of the process- so don't feel bad! Guilt doesn't serve anyone, just move on and do better. One day at a time as they say. You can do this!

Can you try substituting beans or lentils for your current carbs? They are nutrient-rich slow-chain carbs. My dietician is cool with it for my program.

Try looking abroad. I've been doing a lot of homework on this and I found a name of a Dr. in a forum here from a couple of years ago, Dr. Kelvin Esubio in the Dominican Republic. I've been cyber stalking his IG and reviews for months and after I lose it all I'm def going to him! The lady on the forum said she got her skin removal and BBL done (possibly boobs too, idk) for around 6k, but you have to consider travel expenses etc. too. https://www.instagram.com/kelvineusebiomd/?hl=en He's certified by the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery which you can read about here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/American_Society_for_Aesthetic_Plastic_Surgery Dunno how you feel about medical tourism, but it's worth considering IMO.

This thread brought me some comfort. Hope it helps.

I know at least a couple of people here take good ol Flintstones (with iron). Apparently, they are nutritionally pretty close to bariatric ones. Compare the stats and adjust accordingly? Good luck!

Yeah, I have an entire person's worth of weight to lose, that doesn't just bounce back. (I already have a PS surgeon in mind even!) I should have kept it to myself, but I like being open with people I'm close to and we used to be close and recently reconnected. Thanks for the support and letting me vent. ❤️

I had been thinking about it for a couple of years so by the time I brought it up to my PCP I was very enthusiastic about it (and very well-informed). I told her how I'd tried a lot of diets etc. that hadn't worked for me and that I wasn't keen on WL medication. She said normally she would go that route first but because I was so enthusiastic and certain about it (and my BMI was above 40,) she would sign off and help me get the documentation of comorbidities to make sure I'd get insurance approval.

No, they're saying at 5'2" and SW of 232 that they have never had food problems. Not to be overly blunt, but barring metabolic/ thyroid etc. conditions or mobility issues, that's unlikely true. I'm not saying this to be mean, and I'm not calling you a liar either, I want you to succeed and get healthy. (Like I want for myself and everyone here!) Serious introspection and self-awareness is key to both short and long term success. I suggest talking to your Dr.'s nutritionist and psychologist to get your head properly in the game and help you overcome your present and future challenges on this journey, because that's where the real battle is. I'm very glad your asthma has cleared up. I think a lot of us do it and commit to it for health reasons (but divorcing that from the underlying weight issue that caused or exacerbated them isn't usual.) You don't need to be a food addict to have food problems, e.g.: comfort / emotional eating, boredom eating, grazing, chronic unhealthy choices, overdoing carbs, depression, habitual consumption of sugary foods and drinks (candy, pastries, sugared soda, juice, fruit smoothies), lots of fried foods or fast food, accidentally/ unconsciously overeating while watching TV, eating late at night or right before bed, eating until you're full (or even stuffed) instead of to when you're satisfied etc. I think you'll find that everyone here has had at least a couple of these and are doing a lot of head work to overcome it and stick to their food plan. And it's not one size/ one way fits all either. What works for me is actually a stricter (than the Dr.'s) regime 6 days per week with 1 "cheat day." What works for my mom is a set protocols/ diet that she doesn't deviate from because she will completely fall off the wagon if she has any indulgence. I think if you look at your history, you'll find that maybe you do have at least one of the issues I mentioned (barring health/ mobility conditions- and if that is the case I apologize for this rant.) We're all here for you to help you succeed on your journey. So is your Dr.'s team. ***I know if you look at my stats, I look like I'm full of it, but this isn't my first journey, and I only started my (pre-op) diet 34 days ago, losing 12 lbs. My story is on my profile, but in short I'm here due to a combination of sudden severe mobility issues leading to a couple of the above. I previously lost and maintained a 95lbs weight loss for years without surgery. The surgery is just a tool, the hard work is up to you.

Aren't you the guy that a few days ago posted SHAMING others about their posts about struggling with their journeys- your "STOP MAKING EXCUSES!!!" thing??? (And it came out that you were really just posting for attention, like today) THAT kind of attitude is what discourages people.

10 days ago....

Didn't you post this last week under a different name??

It's sad because he peppers in some good info here and there, but it's so ensconced in perpetual navel gazing that it gets lost. Reading the stuff he's posted about women though, plus the narcissism, reminds me of the kind of writing you see from incels, which is concerning.

Isn't it usually?

Thank you so much for sharing your story. I have chronic pain too, so I can only imagine how hard it is to have that and CFS. You're doing great, and are such an inspiration! ❤️

Congrats on your achievement! BTW- what shakes do you use?

If you DO run into your SIL, remind her of her HIPAA responsibilities, that she can't disclose medical information without your permission. It's your business, no one else's.

Have you contacted your surgeon's office? Even as far out as you are from surgery, they generally still offer support in nutrition counseling, support groups etc.

Hey all, I've read and seen a lot of great success stories on here that lost 100% of their goal (or more) and I want to eventually be one of you! So I must ask- how did you do it? What's your secret? How long did it take and how much did you lose? Inquiring minds want to know! Thank you in advance!

When did you start exercise, to what intensity and did it end your honeymoon period (make you hungry)?

Thank you all for the advice! I'm really hoping to hit my goal!

So I just had my 1st appointment with my PT where they do all your measurements, body comp etc. And according to that my "fat-free mass" is 124.4lbs, so they think my goal weight should be around 170.... The HELL you say?!? I have BEEN down to 148 before and I was STILL a little pudgy, hence my personal goal of 130 which is a reasonable BMI for my height. I'm wondering if I'm retaining a lot of water?? I'm having my 1st period in months rn so maybe that's it? I know I have a decent amount of muscle under all this, but still. I've been 170 and it's heavy for me. I guess it's too soon to tell/ worry about it, but it seems weird.

Wear something loose and comfortable since you'll be asked to pull it up for the exam. I recently had my first tests (it's different in the US) and they did an ultrasound of my legs to check the veins for clots/ potential clotting issues. For me they also did an upper GI (esophagus to stomach) Xray to make sure I had no swallowing issues either and an EKG. There will be blood work too. You'll meet the surgeon who will go over surgery options with you. My Dr wanted me to be up to date on my pap smear and mammogram. Re: pre-op: every program is different, they'll talk about it there. Don't be scared, it must be upsetting being declined by the public health service for past mental health issues, that doesn't seem right but I don't know Denmark's health system at all, but generally private practice is not so stringent on prerequisites. Skåål!

Have you tried chia seeds in water? They're kinda slimy but very filling and a good source of omega 3, calcium, iron, and fiber. They expand in your stomach a little and help you feel satisfied.