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I got a bracelet and knee high boots. Lynda

I agree. Exercise and tracking were key to getting the weight off for me. I exercised 6 days per week ( 3 days of 30 minute strength trading and three days of brisk 45 minute walks) and kept calories lie by choosing low fat dense Protein, nonfat and fat free dairy, non starchy veggies, fruit, and whole grain in about that order. 64 oz of fluids per day, no calories in drinks other than milk. Lynda

As a vet with more than 2.5 years out, I can eat plenty enough calories to gain even while hitting my Protein goal. I cannot rely on getting enough protein to keep me in my calorie range. For me, those are two separate tasks. Calories: Say no to the cookie! Leave the doughnut there! Do not open hubby's can of mixed nuts! Use less mayonnaise! Protein: eat two ounces of firm protein at Breakfast and lunch. Have a cup of Greek yogurt or two cups of soy milk every day. Eat three ounces of dense protein at dinner. Raving hunger? Eat protein, not carbs. I, like GMAT, have spent years tracking and I tend to eat the same things, so most days I stick to a plan that I know is in my calorie range and protein guidelines. If I've been going off the rails, I often track with a whiteboard on the fridge or a little notebook when traveling. I count cups of Fluid and grams of protein. Quick and easy. Lynda

If I had a nickel for everyone who told me that. I stuck with my line " my doctor and I have decided it's the best option for me" no other comment needed. Another good line " I appreciate your concern, my doctor and I..." For family, I took them to support group meeting and to a surgeon appt. that helped them understand. Lynda

Also Sassy, on the food front, I' can't remember how far out you are, but I suggest eating a dense protein instead of the protein bar. I like the roast chicken from Costco. So, I would suggest a morning protein drink, some Greek yogurt mid morning, dense protein at lunch and dinner and a protein drink after dinner. If you are hungry mid afternoon, maybe a cup of skim milk.

Hi Sassy, Happy New Year! We celebrated with family - drinks on New Years Eve and then crab and family on New Years Day. I counted all fluids, including my Protein Drinks, so I see why they are OK with what you are drinking. For me, I stayed pretty full with Greek yogurt, dense Protein, and my protein drinks. I did get hungry, but felt satisfied after eating or drinking a protein drink. I'm looking forward to the new year. As usual, I will spend January getting organized and thinning out my possessions. It's amazing how fast stuff can pile up! I'm also going to ramp up on charity work. During January, I also like to get me time doing solitary pursuits or just with hubby. I've got a jigsaw puzzle on the table, some good books and movies lined up, and we are going to the coast today. I find the beach so refreshing after weeks of holiday festivities. Here's to a happy and heathy 2014! Lynda

Congrats and happy Sugiversary! Lynda

I started cleaning my house, paying bills, stocking up on non perishables, got a cute robe for the hospital, drug down my too small clothes, bought some books and recoded some movies. Basically, I did everything ahead that was possible. Buy cards and presents for events coming up in the next three months. Get your hair cut and any other regular appts. Lynds

Lyndsey, Wishing you a happy and healthy 2014 and that you receive information soon. Thank you for sharing your story with us. I am grateful to find information about all outcomes so that people can make an informed choice. Lynda

Hey no worries. I know that just cuz I like it, doesn't mean it is good for you!

I don't know if it's anyone else's definition of good, but I love Splenda. It doesn't bother my stomach like some artificial sweeteners and for me, it has the least aftertaste. I few I do not like include Stevia, Sweet n Low, and Equal. Lynda

Congrats! Lynda

With more than 100 lbs lost, it's cured for me. Lynda

Welcome to the Century Club! Congrats on a terrific 2013 and here's to a happy and healthy 2014 at goal. I've really enjoyed your comments this past year. Looking forward to another year of support and camaraderie with you here at bp. Lynda

That header does not show when viewing from the apps instead of a web browser. Maybe that is going to be fixed? Lynda

Oh yes, take it from me, NEVER TRUST A FART! I had an accident within a couple of days home from the hospital and promptly burst into tears, scaring my poor mom and hubby half to death. Lesson learned. It does go away but watch out in the early days. Best wishes on your journey. I'm saving you a spot on the goalies bench. I've been here two years in March. Lynda

Congrats Madam! And great drawing LV! Overweight is a great place to be as far as health is concerned. My bariatric doc had a little chart that showed overweight BMI who exercised were healthier than normal BMI that didn't exercise. Lynda

And I'm very post. It's a great world out there with the tampax and pad box saved for company! Don't miss that row in the store at all! Lynda

OK, I know the secret: make each serving a few grams and you can call it 0! http://www.hmrdiet.com/Inspire/Blog/P/161 Lynda

then use a little notebook you carry in your purse. Even a little pad of stickies will do. That's what I use when traveling. I find some cute ones in the dollar bins at Target. Lynda

OMG. http://www.cnn.com/2013/12/04/tech/innovation/microsoft-smart-bra/ Lynda

Maybe try cutting certain foods and seeing if it helps? My tummy rarely grumbles now that I'm so far out from sugery, but it's still a little noisier and I burp a lot more. Lynda

I track using a whiteboard on the fridge. Fast and easy. Hash marks for each cup of fluids and tracks grams of Protein. Lynda

Hi Susie, I got to goal by weighing every day and tracking my food and Fluid. I also exercised six days a week ( cut back to 4 days a week at goal). I think the exercise helps speed up metabolism. I kept calories low, choosing lean Protein, fat free or low fat dairy, no starchy veggies, fruit and whole grain in that order. I drank calorie free drinks and use Splenda instead of sugar. I still weigh my protein and measure most other foods to control portion size. And I get at least 64 oz of fluids a day. I participated in the challenges here (I think valentines day is the next one), checking in once per week. Although I weigh myself daily, I only tracked my weight on Fridays. Lynda

Hi Lisa, My plan is to limit high calorie treats, get enough fluids and Protein, weigh daily, and exercise 4 days per week. It's kept me at goal so far, and I'm sticking with it! Glad to hear you've got the GERD under control. Lynda