FutureSylph

I'm so glad to hear you're feeling better!

Even with such an optimistic estimate, the math says you're still beating that time. Twelve pounds off in nine days -- if you maintain that loss rate (and I'm not suggesting that you should), you'll have easily surpassed 30 pounds off in a month.

That's the hardest adjustment for me, too. I'm not 100% compliant, but I'm doing my best -- literally watching the clock after meals most days until it's "legal" to wash it down.

Spoken like a true pre-op. ;-D

Only if you're adding foods that aren't already in the database. (Most are -- it's just a matter of finding them.)

I was practically bedridden before surgery, so I don't have a "normal" to get back to at the gym. What I do now is water aerobics five times a week plus (very light) strength conditioning twice a week. It may not sound like much, but it's currently the right amount for me. Slowly and surely getting stronger all the time feels fantastic.

No, you won't need charcoal pads. Bring phone and charger if you're tech-dependent. That's really about it. You'll be home before you know it. Best wishes for your surgery!

Sure. Click on your user name at the top of the page, then click "My Surgery" and fill it out.

My heartfelt condolences. Pouring peace and solace on your family.

I think you did a marvelous job explaining it. Made me happy all over just to read those words. Congratulations!

As another example of how individual it is, I'd be thrilled with losing 3-4 pounds per week. That wouldn't be at all slow for me, much less "sloooooooow."

Some instant pudding flavors are vegan, but do contain sugar -- so are unlikely to be on the bariatric hospital menu.

Not stupid, not crazy, and I'm glad you got it out. This is a great time to learn to indulge and comfort yourself with things/rituals not involving food. (A new down pillow with heavenly linen spray was my big comfort splurge right after surgery.)

Steamed (peeled) squash was my first. It was delicious, and my pouch didn't have any trouble with it. Good luck!

Great idea! I've given a bunch to other nervous pre-oppers at my WLS center, and I'll throw the rest in my luggage when I go visit my own grandchildren.

These. Great for people who haven't learned what 2 (4, 6, etc.) ounces looks like, pretty much useless thereafter.

I went overboard with prep spending. (I'm a bit of a control freak, and that was my way of dealing with pre-op jitters/fear of the unknown.) One of the best things I bought: a 16-month planner with squares big enough to write in surgical appointments, weeks since surgery, diet change days, etc. Two things I wish I'd decided against: portion cups in various sizes (I used a grand total of about 25, not 200 each of three sizes!) and a big stockpile of protein shakes which I now can't abide.

I regret that I can't eat and drink together, which was a lifelong habit, but that's about it.

He certainly seems like a keeper! Your dinner looks scrumptious.

I finally got to Onederland yesterday, after a weeks-long stall at 200. Feels fabulous, doesn't it? ?

It's not obvious to me. Almost three months post-op, and my fairly robust social life hasn't been affected at all, except that many people have commented that I look terrific.

I've never heard of a restricted diet lasting that long. Usually regular diet starts at about six weeks post-op, and pureed/soft (solid) foods start weeks before that. The chief focus should be on hydration, not nutrition.

Bunch of oldies, because I'm old. Pointer Sisters, Rolling Stones, Bob Seger, Gloria Estefan, Robert Palmer, Bette Midler, Led Zeppelin . . . Chances are, if it was recorded before 1990 and is uptempo, I have it on a workout playlist somewhere.

I can't chug water like I used to, but at 11 weeks post-op I'm taking "normal" sized swallows (not tiny sips) of fluids.

I use a weird mix -- adult salad/dessert plates, children's flatware from Ikea, and baby bowls. (I feel deprived if I put a half-cup of soup in a regular bowl.)