DetChatt

I'm not a fan of HCG, so I'll just leave my opinion at that. IF you choose to continue your liquid extreme low-calorie diet (which is beyond extreme for your current size), your body is going to react in a not so pleasant way. You still need nutrition that you can't get from a vitamin. Broth has very little nutrition. At least you are doing the protein shakes, so I'll give you that. Please consider some other foods that are on your approved list that won't add a lot of calories or fat but still give you some nutrition. I average 700-800 calories in the early stages (and still 2 years later), and I lost quickly. (I also lost half my hair!)

I always check menus out online ahead of time, so that's a good place to start. Fish is always pretty easy for me to get down, and I avoid things that could be problematic. I also agree with maybe trying something other than a restaurant for a first date. Maybe it's just me, but I always feel like I'm on an interview sitting there like a trapped rat. Not that I've been on a date in like 5000 years.

I don't remember feeling that way. A compression garment might be too tight. Do you have a snug fitting cami or tank that you can wear under another shirt maybe? That might be enough. Hope you feel better.

I had it, too, in the left shoulder. Thought I was going to die. Mine came and went the first few months, but finally after one of my fills it stopped completely. I think it can start from the gas, but it's definitely nerve related later on. Hang in there. It'll eventually go away.

Get used to the word plateau, because this will be the first of many. Just push through it by maybe cutting back a few calories and adding in some extra exercise. I think the body takes a little mini break from all the weight loss now and then. It's perfectly normal. As long as you don't gain in the interim.

MiraLax is wonderful. Half a dose every day to keep things moving along. (Don't wait until you're constipated.)

Noooooo frowny face! LOL Hey, I never thought I could do it. I was over 300 and willing to settle for losing HALF of what I needed to. If I can do it, anybody can. It'll happen before you know it.

Cottage cheese does it for me big time.

I hope you all give it a chance and don't have to go through with a removal. It's not easy, but those stages pass. I know it doesn't work for everyone and there are complications, but those are fairly rare.

That suit won't fit for long (for GOOD reasons) !! Way to go!

Gyms should be over 18. That sounds like a lawsuit waiting to happen. I'd be annoyed, too.

I say if it's something you want to spend your money on, then go for it. I personally did nothing over my journey, and I have very little excess skin. I think a lot of it is genetic, so it's hard to say up front who will have the problem and who won't.

I turn 50 this year *gasp*, but I can still answer. LOL The older I get, the harder it definitely gets in regard to my weight and metabolism. I did lose about 2 pounds a week average (some weeks more, some weeks none) during the last 2 years since banded, but it has slowed down considerably since I hit "normal weight" status (but still trying to lose about 25 more vanity pounds). You may have to ramp up your activity to help speed things along. That really did the trick for me. Mind you, I'm no runner or anything. I do mostly walking and hiking, elliptical, and toning with P90x. But I know to put in some extra walking or hiking time if the weight isn't budging.

You definitely should step away from the scale (literally) and maybe focus more on measurements. I weigh weekly but only log a monthly weight and also measurements at that time. I may not lose pounds but still lose inches as the fat changes to muscle. Women's weight especially fluctuates since we tend to retain water more than men do, so that number on the scale may not be a good indicator of where you are. Congrats on the great success so far!

My blood sugar is always crazy low, and the doctors freak out when they check it. You definitely need to call your doctor and have your meds adjusted. Your liquid diet and what lies ahead is going to play a very big part on your blood sugar. You need to watch that and keep a very close eye on it.

That's awesome! Way to go! I know under 200 was a major milestone for me, too.

You've gotta want it enough to stop. There's no other answer or solution. Think of it as a plateau you've hit. Now you've identified the problem, and it's time to fix it. Think of how great you'll feel once you've pushed through this and go on to losing more and feeling healthier again. I know it's hard, but it really is worth it. Be accountable and get someone to help you stay accountable if that's what it takes. Good luck !!

I hardly ever eat out. It's just not worth the extra junk and calories to me, no matter how healthy I try to choose from the menu. But I'm a shrimpo with a slow metabolism, so I have to really watch the calories. I don't think I'd have been as successful if I'd been eating out or eating any kind of normal food (just smaller quantities).

HaHa. I was a TEEN of the 70s. Nuff said.

You look amazing! Great job. I just passed my 2-year mark myself. I agree those last 20-25 pounds are a bugger! I'm not going to stress about it though. I went from a 24/26 to now an 8 (almost 6 if I don't want to breathe LOL). I can't complain.

I've ridden rides since the band with no problem. Most ride restraints aren't anywhere near the port which is my only potential tender spot.

MiraLax is awesome. Take a whole capful for now (you can even up it to two doses 12 hours apart). Dissolve it completely in any liquid and drink it right away. Maybe chase it with hot coffee or tea to make sure it all goes down. It is a softener and mild laxative with little to no side effects. Even now, I take about a 1/4 cap every morning before my coffee, because I don't eat enough to be as regular as I'd like.

That's a pretty aggressive return to work date. I thought the same thing since I have a desk job and work from home, but I felt pretty beat up and dehydrated for a few days. Are they prepared to let you have a few more days if you need it? Good luck with the surgery. Congrats on the beginning of your exciting journey!

Muscle Milk Lite is pretty tasty but pricey.

You probably need to thin it by mixing it with skim milk or even water. Over the counter protein shakes are very thick. No way could I have gotten one of those down postop day 3. I used the powdered mix from the doctor at that stage.