Malaika

Tiff that is so friggin' awesome - I know you have to feel so good about it! Chancie -- I am with you - when I get to Onderland (4 lbs away), my BMI will be overweight and not obese -- my goal is to have those 4 lbs. off before my 6 month surgiversary on 12/12 ... I really hope I can do it! Tiff & you give me the inspiration to believe that I can (and will) succeed.

Bambi - congrats on taking the leap and "drinking the kool-aid." We're so happy to have you as an official member and look forward to hearing all about your selfishness!

Tracy - Bichon Frise are so cute - I had a g/f in Indiana that had one. I have a terrier toy mix and a Shitzu - they are so cute -- never thought I'd like small dogs, as I always had BIG dogs, but these two have stolen my heart! As for your clothes -- two other options -- you could have them altered as you 'shrink' or, if they are the right style, do what I do with some of my tops and find a nice belt that can be worn first at the waist and then low on your hips -- you'd be AMAZED at the difference a belt can make and in the comments you receive!

It WILL move again -- just be patient! This is not a sprint, but rather a marathon - the weight will come off! Have faith! Continue to work the plan and exercise (walk) as much as you can.

Yep - it's not only possible, it's probable ... I was in a 20/22w before surgery and now can get into an 16W or an 18 (not W) and those are getting lose on me ... so believe it, OWN it and you'll be there before you know it -- DON'T sabotage yourself though - instead of trying on the 14 ... go to an 18W - you'll be surprised with the difference, then when those get loose - shoot for a smaller size. Remember -- you didn't gain this weight overnight and it's not going to come off overnight (although it comes off quicker than without WLS)

Tracy - I so know what you mean. You did get a good deal, though, and think of it this way - it's the last clothes you'll have to buy in that size. Donate all the clothes you outgrow and you can claim the deduction on your income taxes, along with all the medical costs associated with your surgery! Now I have to ask ... what type of dog? I LOVE dogs! I also almost lived in Mishawaka...my (ex)husband took a job in South Bend and we found a house in Mishawaka; however, he decided he couldn't deal with the South Bend winters and moved back to Greenwood before I ever made it up there!

Valleyfree - welcome to VST. I can't answer your question about the insurance, I hope that VSG falls under one of those categories and that you qualify for the surgery. I suffered with GERD for YEARS prior to the VSG surgery - although I still have some trouble with burning if I forget to take my prilosec, I don't have any acid reflux at all since the surgery. You will need to stay on a PPI for at leasts 6 months following your surgery until your stomach figures out it doesn't have to produce as much acid. I'm hoping to be able to get off of it by my 6 month anniversary which is 12/12.

She posted for a bit the other night - she's around here and there

2 days of liquids, high protein shakes/drinks, broth and etc. Then 2 days of soft proteins, then day 5 solid protein.

Not sure who posted this recipe; however, I have been requested to post it again - so here you go (and thanks to the original poster!) RICOTTA BAKE: 1 ? 15 oz. Container of low fat Ricotta 1 frozen pkg. of spinach thawed/drained (squeezed) well - you can also use any veggies (e.g., zucchini and/or eggplant and saut? till soft) 1 C Parmesan cheese (split in 1/2) (Use the fresh grated from the grocery store, the stuff in the can is too dry) 1 egg Mix all together - except for 1/2 C of parmesan -- put in a baking dish ? (I used a 1 quart size) add another ? C of cheese on top and bake @ 350 till golden & bubbly - about 30mins Add marinara or pesto sauce on top once done. Reheats quite nicely! DESSERT: 1 15oz container of low fat Ricotta 1 small tub of Fat Free Cool Whip ? package of SF Jell-O (instant) cheesecake pudding mix ? package of SF Jell-O (instant) chocolate pudding mix Combine all ? let set overnight ? ENJOY.

I will post it right now in the Recipe Sharing forum.

Sweetie - glad it helped - I had to print it out and post it on my fridge as a constant reminder that I could have more than just broth ...

Sarita - don't buy lots of clothing on your way down - truly you won't be in them very long - buy a couple pair of dark pants or skirt and different tops/sweaters - things you can layer and switch around that will get you through that size ... eg - I bought dress pants 6 weeks ago - they are BIG and BAGGY on me and I now have to wear a belt with them to keep them from slipping down (so far not off, but am sure that could easily happen) - so buy a few things that will get you through until the next stage - also, there is a clothing recycle link on here, too, take advantage of it if possible.

They are called Fiber Advance Gummies - All Natural Assorted Fruit Flavors - they are made by Santa Cruz Nutritionals; Santa Cruz, CA 95060 - 1-866-942-2429. 90 gummies to a bottle - and what I bought at Sam's Club came with 2 bottles (for about $9.88) Free from wheat (gluten), milk, eggs, tree nuts, peanuts and soy. Hope you can find them and that you enjoy them ... and even more importantly - they work for you.

Thank you Dan, I am glad to know that I am helping you - never hesitate to PM me if you have any questions.

Congrats Dan that is a great loss considering all the temptations that were placed before you - you will lose so much weight after surgery because of your will power and your determination! Keep us posted!

Glad you're home safe and sound Tiff and that you had a good time. Congrats are eating healthy. I'm glad you didn't gain, but you damn girl 6 lbs!!! (Your doctor isn't going to be happy with you though)

I've lost 54 lbs and my boobs are still in pretty good shape - they haven't become deflated at all - and well, they already were saggy - and Bearded says they aren't sagging any more than they were - so there is hope that you won't get too deflated - I am planning on a tummy tuck for certain after I lose my weight and have saved the money for it (figure that will take about a year and that will give my skin time to do whatever it's going to do) and I'll get a boob lift - don't know if I'll do any implants, that will depend on what size they are when I get to goal.

Congrats to both of you - your dates will be here before you know it and you'll be on the losing side.

I love shrimp -- oh I hope it turns out!!!!

AJW - I actually lost 4 lbs. between Wed and this morning. I didn't over eat at TG; however, I didn't deprive myself either - I did, however, get in a lot of walking this weekend and I think that helped. Bearded and I actually lost weight while we were on our cruise - we ate dinner every night - generally an appetizer (Soup, shrimp cocktail or salad), an entree (ate about 1/3 to 1/2 depending on what it was) and a desert - generally one or two bites ... however, we walked alot every single day so I think that made all the difference ...You're on a cruise - enjoy it and don't worry about whether you gain or not - you can't eat THAT much so even if you do gain, it won't be more than a pound or two and you'll get that off once you get home.

Carolyn -- cute avatar! I had evening primrose oil, so I added that to my regimine of Vitamins - don't know if it will help, but figure it can't hurt.

Okalani - Aloha. Did you happen to take your measurements before your surgery and have you taken them since your surgery? Even though your scale may not be moving, my guess is that the inches are melting off ... also, have you started on mushies or solids? It might be that your body is adjusting to the change between liquids and solid foods ... hang in there; or if you're really concerned, do the 5 day pouch test and see if that puts you back on track.

Sounds yummy, Gin, thanks for sharing.

I never did really measure - I know that when I first started on solids, I could eat about 1/2 of the tiny cans of tuna salad - I think those are about 3 oz, so 1.5 oz and I was eating 3x a day.