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I'm sorry you're not feeling well. I had some ups and downs in the first few weeks. One day I read a book of funny jokes - another day I read a book about happy people. I also ate fat-free fudgesicles at every meal because the chocolate made me happy. I hope you feel better soon! ((((((((( Valerie ))))))))

I told family and my co-workers in my divison. We'd already had a co-worker go through gastric bypass and I remembered how people whispered about her "sudden" weightloss. I didn't want the speculation. All of my co-workers have been very supportive - and have been cheering on my progress. My family are more supportive after seeing me for the first time this weekend - they realize that I'm not taking suspicious potions or using "magic Beans." I'm eating normal food in smaller portions. In fact, one cousin looked at me and said, "You're just eating smaller portions aren't you?" Uh, yea... and making smarter choices on what I eat. "Wow," she said, "it's just like being on a regular weight loss program." Exactly. I'm glad I shared with those close to me. No one has tried to "push" food or tempt me like they've done in the past... they realized that I can't or won't eat more than my stomach can handle. What's really been nice, is that most are willing to share meals since I can't eat that much. A couple of friends actually argued who was going to share their meal since they figure I'm helping them by eating part of their meal. Good luck on your journey!

Wonderful!!! Brilliant!!! Super!!!! All words that describe your achievement! Congrats!

What a wonderful, uplifting post! Congrats to you!!!!!

EEEEEK.. i meant to say " I hope it's NOT truly serious" Sooo sorry. How are you doing today?

If you are experiencing pain - please seek treatment. Please, don't delay. I have no clue what you're experiencing but I was told to seek immediate treatment if I began having pain in the surgical area. Good luck, I hope it's truly serious but just be safe!

Yay!!!!! I've noticed that I'm seeing a lot more approvals! Seems like a no-brainer for insurance companies to make the process easier. Over the years - I'm sure I'll save my insurance company many $$'s since I no longer need most of my meds. Goodbye diabetes!!! Goodbye high blood pressure!!! Goodbye potential cardiac procedures!!!

Wow! Wonderful pics! So proud of you!

Love it!!!! I'm flying in a few days - first time since surgery. I can't wait to sit down and pull the seatbelt to tighten it!

My story sounds like yours - I did everything to lose weight and always gained it back. I was my own worse enemy - I accepted the failure time after time rather than working hard to keep the weight off. I'm only three months post-op but I feel empowered. I have the tool that will help me be successful this time! I'm 55 yrs old and have never felt more energized! I actually walked up 4 flights of stairs on Friday and did not feel short of breath. I'm almost at Onederland! What a thrill that is!!! Tiffykins is right - you have to make the right food choices. I also discovered that I'll still have to fight days when I'm very frustrated and want to comfort myself by eating everything in sight. Failure is not an option this time, my future depends on it. Good luck!!!

Congratulations!!! I am but 5 pounds away - and I can't wait! I know you feel wonderful!!! What a glorious day!

Congrats!!!!! I can't wait for that moment!

I am almost 12 weeks post surgery and today was the first day I had a bad day. My husband has been in the hospital this past week and I'm very frustrated with the confusing signals we're getting from his doctors. I wanted to eat everything! Fortunately, I was saved by an inability to eat more than a few bites. I knew I was reacting to my frustration and not because of hunger. I hope to have better control in the future. I agree with NJMOMof2 - drink more liquid and move your schedule around. I actually eat a Fiber rich meal first thing (cereal or fiber one bar) which keeps me pretty full. Then I eat greek yogurt or something really high in Protein. A couple of hours later, I eat lunch - with protein and a vegetable or fruit. In the afternoon, I snack on nuts - something crunchy. At dinner, I have a protein and vegetable (normally eating the same thing my family eats). If I'm good for the day.. I treat myself to a sugar free fudgsicle. I'm never hungry.. but I do know I'm empty. You can do it!!!

Woohoo!!! isn't that a great feeling! Keep it up! The victories will just keep on coming!

Hi there, I met with my regular physician before my surgery and discussed the plan for my meds. She told me that I would most likely be able to stop BP meds within a day or two of surgery. True enough, my blood pressure was normal the 2nd day after surgery. I spoke with my doctor and she advised me to continue monitoring my BP but that she felt that I was not going to need medication anymore. I haven't taken any blood pressure medications since. Definitely talk with your physician! Congrats on your decision to start your new life!

I wish there was a way to wiggle my nose and you'd be waking up from surgery already. I, too, was anxious and scared. As the day of surgery got closer, I knew in my heart that I was going to be fine but still felt the fear of not waking up. I said a prayer as they gave me the "happy" shot in my IV, and felt that I was in great hands. I'm 11 weeks post-op and haven't regreted it for a moment.

I'll just be an echo here - but I wanted to say that you are NOT alone in your feelings. I've had other laparascopic surgeries so I should be somewhat secure in knowing how I'll feel afterward. I couldn't have been more wrong. As the day of surgery approached, I was anxious and shaky. I realized that I was nervous because this was a new beginning for me. I couldn't keep the smile off my face in pre-op. I've never regretted my decision. I'm looking forward to a really bright future.

Congratulations on your weight loss! I wish you good luck and high spirits throughout your journey! Welcome to the group - there are some truly wonderful people here to share and help you along the path to a new you! Take care, Shanny!

You're in my thoughts - just said a prayer for you. It's just the beginning of a new journey.

What wonderful news!!! Congrats on your loss!!!!

Thanks for posting and keep us updated! I am very interested in your progress. I know I'll need some surgery but if I can have some non-surgical help on the inner thighs, I'll be happy. Good luck!

I was told that I couldn't take pills without crushing them for the first 8 weeks. If the pills couldn't be crushed (like time-released or fish oil), I was given an alternative. I ate the crushed pills with yogurt or mashed potatoes. How long has it been since surgery? What guidelines did you get from your surgeon? I had a problem just sipping but things started easing up in about 7 days post surgery. Things are going well now - I'm almost 10 weeks out - however there are times when I gulp too much. Yea - then you get that awful pain in the middle of your chest... literally takes your breath away. I wish you well!

Hello Imogen! Good luck next week! My friend lives in Kingston. She had the same experience - National Health Service wouldn't pay as there was no money available. She paid for it herself in December 2009. She's lost (doing the math) a bit over 8.5 stone since then. I'm sure you'll do as well!

Welcome Lysa!!! Congrats on your weight loss! On the day of surgery, I weighed 242. At my second follow-up visit with the surgeon's office (about 5 weeks post-op), I had lost 22 lbs. I asked the PA if I was "on track" with weight loss. She said I was a bit ahead of schedule. I was told that they anticipate an average of 10 lbs per month with some months being more - some much less. I've had two stalls - just finished being stuck at 212 for about 12 days. Then yesterday, I'm a pound lighter..and today, a bit more. I can tell a big difference in my clothing so I'm not so stuck on the number on the scale. Of course, I am really pleased about the change in my need for or lack of need for diabetes and high blood pressure medications. Since I was cleared to eat regular foods, I've found there are days that I can eat more than other days. I try to plan my menus, but I've found that I am not always in the mood for a particular food or flavor. We're told to eat 3 times a day, but that doesn't mean you're limited to 3 times a day. I'll have a bit of something extra in between meals. I'm always trying to get in extra Protein and Fiber. I'll have Jerky, yogurt with granola, almonds,fruit, or a portion of a Fiber One bar. I'm recording everything I eat - and average between 700 - 900 calories a day. I'm trying to stay low sugar, but I'm not necessarily low on carbs. I have to remind myself to take my Vitamins - I've never been consistent before now - but I know how important it is to my overall health. We're all in the same boat but we're different - you'll find the right combination of food for you. If you are taking the recommended vitamins and still experience weakness - please discuss with your nutritionist. You're doing great! Stay motivated! Again, you're among friends!

I have a big smile on my face after reading your post. What a wonderful feeling! Thanks for sharing your joy!