Malaika

Lan - Sounds like you are doing much better - that is quite a variety you can eat and I understand your hesitancy to try new things - I sometimes get "stuck in a rut" because I know what goes down easy, etc. Try adding in one new thing a month. However, I think you've got a great variety going on and certain enough options to get good protein from.

Chandra - If you're on mushies you can take your chewables - just chew them really well. From what I have read and have been told, yes, the hair does grow back once the hairloss stops. I don't take fish oil, I am taking Hair Skin & Nails that has Biotin in it, along with Evening Primrose Oil and multi-Vitamins, so can't help you out on the "aftertaste" - but if you have chewables, that issue should be resolved.

I told my my fiance and one good friend before I had the surgery. Afterwards, I told 2 other good friends, a couple friend of ours, and another friend who's husband is getting the band (wont' even go there). I did not tell ANYONE at work as I keep my private life private and people there love to gossip. I also did not tell anyone in my family as they are the worst for judging. None of them live near me and I don't see any of them on a regular basis, so I figured it wasn't any of their business. It's a personal matter and there is no right or wrong answer in my opinion. Do what makes you feel the most comfortable. I've addressed the weight loss issue with everyone at work by the fact that I had a hiatal hernia repaired (not a lie) and had to follow a post-op diet (again, not a lie) and now I am just eating healthier and a lot less (again, not a lie).

Hey Tiff - you're right, she hasn't been online since 12/3 -- I thought she posted something on FB though since then - will have to double check. I know she was going to Arizona sometime, but I'm pretty certain it wasn't before Christmas. I'll text her to see if all is well and advise.

Slim - welcome to the boards, we are happy to have you here. Congrats on selecting Dr. Aceves - he is totally awesome. Sorry for your prior experience with the other doctor - that is definitely a crime. Wasabubblebutt doesn't post on this site any longer; however, her prior posts contain a wealth of information, especially on researcing a surgeon.

Megan Dr. Aceves will look more at your labs, EKG and chest xray than at your weight -- if you weren't overweight, you wouldn't be seeing him in the first place, so don't stress out about gaining a few pounds - DO focus on his pre-op diet of high protein/low carbs (under 30) as that will help to shrink your liver - and that is what the goal of the pre-op diet is, not to make you lose weight -- I think I might have lost 3 lbs on my pre-op? That could have just been water weight too - so don't stress about it!

I take an 2 adult chewable multi-vitamins and 2500 mcg B-12 every morning. I don't take any calcium or iron supplements - my labs showed all those levels were well within the normal range. Should that change, then I will add those supplements in as well. I know there are vitamins available (from Baritatric Advantage, I think) specifically geared toward those who have had WLS. I'm sure others will have more ideas for you as well.

I know what you mean - when I say I have 50 more to go they say "you'll be too skinny" "you'll look emaciated" "a strong wind will blow you away" ... LOL .. they have no idea how much I weighted when I started this journey and have never seen me at a healthy weight ... I intend to see it through to goal ... then we'll see what they have to say!

I want those new sneaks that say they make your butt and legs look better - something to do with tightening up everything when you walk ... those are the magical sneaks I want!

AJW - you look GREAT - what a difference in your face. I love the outfit. Congrats and keep up the good work!

well we can have a real conversation if you want to jump into the chat room. You can do that and still check posts - just right click on chat and select open in new window...

No, you should be fine with that Joon being 14 days out - just be sure to chew them into smaller pieces before swallowing.

and if you don't know or like your neighbors, you could take the recipe for two and divide it in half - it will probably still be too much for you; however, it would probably only be enough for 2 meals, so you could eat it for dinner one night and lunch the next day and be done with it - not too repetitive. Luckily, it takes more than 2 meals for me to get tired of something and Bearded is the same way, so whatever leftovers we have, we both eat for lunch the next day and if there is still something left after that, we'll have it for dinner that night. I've gotten pretty good at downsizing my recipes so generally leftovers only last 1 day. That's pretty good for me, since I come from a family of 9 and when I first got married, that was the only way I knew how to cook and my (ex)husband wouldn't eat leftovers!

LOL ... too funny ... I love edamame!

Chancie - THAT IS WONDERFUL NEWS! CONGRATULATIONS!!!! :thumbup: I know how frustrating it can be to hover so close to onderland - I've been doing it for 2 weeks - so I can only imagine (based on how I know I'm gonna feel) how excited you were to see that "1" on your scale this morning ... and it's not even your "official" weigh in date ... tomorrow may be less than 198. Thank you for sharing your news with us and all your posts I love reading about your progress, it helps me to know that I can do it too! Big hugs, VegasAngel

KitR - welcome to VST - we are happy to have you join our family. Congrats on having your surgery scheduled with Dr. Aceves - you will love, love, love him and his staff- they are awesome. If you have any specific questions about the process with Dr. A, feel free to PM me and I will be happy to answer them for you. I had my surgery on 6/12 and my fiance had his on 7/11 -- both with Dr. Aceves.

Joon - I think you need to do whatever makes you comfortable. As you say, everyone is different. However, I would think that if everyone can notice that you are losing, you have probably lost more weight than you think you have. Why not try every 2 weeks and if you like the results, shoot for once a week. I know all the 'experts' say not to weight more than once a week...except the doctor's who developed the carb addicts diet - they say to weigh every day and take the average of the 7 day weight to determine the true loss/gain for the week. I might get on the scale more than once a week; however, I use Monday as my official weigh in date. We'll be looking forward to seeing your loss when you're ready to step on the scales and share your victory with us!

smart woman:thumbup:

Sure - kills two birds with one stone?

Cool Beans - there will be a guest room waiting for you two!

Lan - I have an idea -- have you ever considered hypnotism? There are licensed hypnotherapist around, a friend of ours is one, but he's in Nevada. One may be able to help you get over your repulsion with food - its something in your subconcious and that is where hypnotherapy focuses ... it's just a thought and I hope you don't take it offensively, I'm really, truly concerned about you and your health - you can't get what you need from only eating cream of wheat. If you need help locating one, let me know and I'll check with our friend and see if he can help.

wondering how long it will take the men to even notice ... where have they all gone too anyway????

Tracy - if you were able to borrow the avitar - and then post it here - you can post pictures! If you need help, PM me.

Jolanda - try freezing small portions - then the "sell by" date won't matter. I also have a seal-a-meal thingy and I use it ALOT - keeps everything fresh and keeps it from spoiling as quick; plus keeps freezer burn off if you freeze items.

Dang Tracey you've really been through the wringer - and every time I read a story like your's I am so thankful I found out about the sleeve before having band surgery. I will keep you in my prayers that there has not been enough damage to prevent Dr. A from removing the band and performing the sleeve surgery. The 14th will be here in the blink of an eye and I will be anxious to hear from you on your surgery.