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Hi there! My name is Barbara Drake, and I'm a health-conscious girl who's passionate about living a happy and healthy life. I believe that our bodies are our temples, and we should treat them with the utmost care and respect. That's why I make it a priority to eat wholesome, nutrient-rich foods and exercise regularly to keep my body strong and energized. When it comes to my diet, I focus on incorporating plenty of fresh fruits and veggies, lean proteins, and healthy fats. I also love trying out new recipes and experimenting with different flavours and ingredients. In addition to eating well, I also make sure to stay active and get plenty of exercise. Whether it's going for a run in the park, hitting up a yoga class, or trying out a new fitness trend, I love finding fun ways to stay active and challenge my body. Overall, I believe that living a healthy lifestyle is all about finding balance and making choices that support your mind, body, and soul. And I'm committed to doing just that each and every day!

I am a little over 3 months post-op. I have lost close to 60 pounds now. I would like to lose another 20 pounds, and am on track to do that. I sometimes worry that I will lose too much but I know I'm just being ridiculous. 😂 I feel good even though I am still having issues meeting protein and fluid goals. I think I am going to go back to having protein soups for lunch to help with that. I've been trying to up my calories but having a hard time going much over 600-700 a day. I have tried all kinds of meat and veggies at this point and have only had issues with some chicken thighs one time, when I ate too much, too fast and got the foamies. All of my rings, shoes, and clothes are too big. It is expensive to lose weight. Today, I had someone not recognize me, which was wild.

Share your latest update! How much have you lost so far? How far along are you? What food stage are you at? What new foods have you tried? Share anything you'd like!

You will do it! Stalls are so frustrating.

I'm several years out at this point, but my usual drink at coffee shops (other than just regular brewed coffee, which is my standard order if I'm there in the morning) is a small iced latte with 2% (or lower) milk and sugar free syrup. But I wasn't allowed to have caffeine for the first six months post-op, so I would have stuck with a brewed decaf with a little milk or half & half (oddly, I don't like coffee sweet if it's hot - only when it's (the coffee's) cold).

Watched an interesting British medical program recently that talked about how caffeine restricts your absorption of iron (by up to 65%). This is a concern because low iron levels & anaemia can be a side effect many experience after surgery. I too was a no caffeine after surgery. I drink green tea which I was allowed so it didn’t bother me. My surgeon is a no caffeine proponent because it can be harsh on your sensitive tummy. There are some who have coffee in hospital so you can never tell. As @Recidivist advised this is a conversation best had with your surgeon.

I'm rooting for you so hard! Hitting 100 is gonna feel amazing!

Congratulations 🎊 I had mine Feb 9 2023 best choice I ever made

I would respond that I could still enjoy food and wine in moderation and have discovered there is so much more fulfillment when life's activities are not limited by an obsession with food and drink. It is the difference of choosing living over existing.

Good for you! I'm so happy that you're able to do that. You know, only 5% of people are able to lose weight - and keep it off - with diet and exercise alone. Only 5%, isn't that crazy?!? Praise the Lord there are alternatives (like medications, or bariatric surgery) for the other 95% of us.