VSGAnn2014

I'm with @@cindyw41 ... the Quest chips are pretty bad, IMO.

I'm not a frequent marijuana smoker, but I think reading this thread is lowering my IQ.

Damn, all these pictures are SO inspirational! Thanks to everyone for posting them. Amazing work!

DAMN, Craig! You look wonderful. That was so FAST! Seems like you just got on here.

I didn't manage the insomnia very well. I honestly think the insomnia contributed to my continuing weight gain through my 50s and 60s. There's all kinds of research that links insomnia and weight gain. Here's what I'm doing these days that's helping a lot: * Post-WLS I'm drinking less coffee than I did before -- no more than a cup a day. That is helping. * I'm exercising a lot more than I did 100 pounds ago -- and that physically "wears me out" and lets me rest better at night. * About 50% of the nights I take either a Melatonin or half an Ambien. It helps. Sometimes. * Since WLS I go to bed when my husband goes to bed, in other words -- at the same time every night. Following that sleep schedule rule really does help. * I manage my reflux a lot better since WLS -- meaning that I actually take my H2 blocker antacid (Ranitadine) every day and on time. * Since losing 100 pounds, I don't have stress incontinence and don't have to get up during the night to pee anymore. Not a single time. * Finally, I'm just a lot less stressed at 100 pounds less than I used to weigh than I used to be. I fall asleep easier and generally sleep better throughout the night. However, one thing I have NOT conquered that still messes with my sleep is to deal with the damned cat who always wants out when I'm sleeping soundly; I then have trouble getting back to sleep. I think the cat and I are going to have a serious discussion. I think he's going to have to spend the whole night outside from now on. Thanks for making me focus on this a little better. The cat won't appreciate it, but I do.

I'm not going through menopause *now* -- but I went through it almost 20 years ago. (I'm 70 years old.) What I know about menopause is this: What others experience during menopause may or may not bear any resemblance to what you will experience. There's a long list of symptoms that women may experience, but not everyone experiences all of them and, more importantly, the severity of those symptoms varies dramatically. For instance, I was bothered very little by hot flashes. They were infrequent, didn't last long, and didn't upset my routine. My biggest menopausal complaint was insomnia. Prior to menopause I slept like a rock every night. My sleep patterns never returned to those "slept like the dead" nights. But that could also just be an aging / maturational change. ??? My mother reported that she had also experienced few noticeable menopausal symptoms. Two of my four sisters sailed through menopause, but the other two struggled badly. Sorry I can't be more definitive.

Duplicate post Sent from my SM-G900V using the BariatricPal App

Sent from my SM-G900V using the BariatricPal App

Sent from my SM-G900V using the BariatricPal App

I am in awe of all you healthy, good looking people! We have all shown such great courage and commitment to have had WLS and taken back the reins of our lives. Respect! Sent from my SM-G900V using the BariatricPal App

No straws? Really? Are you sure? http://www.bariatricpal.com/topic/369090-the-great-straw-debate/

If I can trust My Fitness Pal, one ounce of mixed nuts is: 170 calories 15 grams of fat 6 grams of carbs 6 grams of Protein 2 grams of Fiber So what are the miraculous nutrients in nuts that benefit us?

I took liquid hydrocodone only twice after coming home and probably could have skipped it. The pain post op was very minimal. Don't anticipate a painful recovery. It may not be that way for you.

Jeez, @@FLGrammy ... what an awesome, relevant, helpful post!

@@KMA0910 ... You have completely transformed yourself and (I bet) your life! Congratulations to you. What a great job. Those "before" pix of us are startling, aren't they? (I hardly recognize myself sometimes.)