NikiS

Whew...I remember those days. I was so excited to do the pre-op diet because that meant I was getting closer to having surgery. Hang in there! If I remember correctly it was around Day 4 that things got to be easy-breezy!

I'm sure your friends and family have your best interest at heart but like you said you have to do what's best for you. Everybody is different. You know how you want to feel and what you want to look like so why not go for it?! I say pray about it, talk it over with people you trust - ones that will support your decision, and then do what's best for you. Whatever you decide, I wish you all the best!

First, thank you for being so transparent. It sounds like you have a lot on your plate. Please allow me to apologize in advance if this comes across the wrong way and I pray this doesn't sound harsh but the change in your family really isn't up to you. It sounds like you want more for them than they want for themselves. You want them to be healthy, happy, to have no weight induced illnessess, and you'd like for them to practice better eating habits. These are all wonderful things. However, they have to want it for themselves. It would be nice if love alone could fix this but there's probably more to their eating than the love of food. I pray that your successful weight loss will encourage them to make a decision to follow in your footsteps. Even if they don't decide to have a surgical procedure, eating right and exercise would be great steps to take. Here's wishing you lots of success. Chin up, be encouraged and continue to pray for your family.

When I read things from the men's forum I always smile...I just can't help it - LOL. I also learn a few things as well.

I'm so sorry you are experiencing so much pain. I think each person's recovery is different. Two days out I was ok and by the 4th day I felt 100%. Trust me, as time goes by you'll feel a little better each day. Be encouraged and take it easy. Don 't be so quick to recover. You don't want to hurt yourself by doing too much. All the best, Niki

Aaww, Honey,don't be discouraged. A quarter pound isn't bad. Like some of the others have said it could be any number of reasons why you gained. That great thing is it's motivated you to continue in your journey and has encouraged you to work out. Be encouraged and keep up the good work!

CONGRATULATIONS!!!! I too am 3 months out and half way to goal. I wanted to lose 100 pounds and I am already down 50. I had surgery September 20. 3 months and minus 50 lbs...I'll take it! Congradulations again and keep up the good work!

These next 3 days will go by in a blur and before you know it you'll be on the losers bench. Like you carbs are not my friend. I would definitely say I am a carb-aholic!! Let me encourage you not to give in. Carving thin is so much more rewarding than craving food! Enjoy this journey and delight in your success. All the best to you!

Wow...your time is fastly approaching. How do you feel? Are you getting anxious, excited, nervous... "D" all of the above?! I am sure you will do well. It sounds like you are keeping a level head especially through the liquid diet. That to me was harder than the surgery - LOL. All the best to you and please keep me posted.

It's been a while since my last entry. It hasn't quite been 3 months since I had surgery. My official anniversay will be December 20. To date, I have lost 49 lbs. My Christmas goal was to be 50 lbs lighter but since I am so close to achieving that goal I amended it. My new goal is to be a total of 55 lbs lighter by Dec. 31. During my short journey there are things that I am still learning like the importance of slowing down when I eat, not eating too much, not drinking while I eat, and the the ever present vitamin! I take my multivitamin on a daily basis it's the calcium citrate that I sometimes forget. Lately, exercise has been null and void. I know... I have to get better with this. I'm sure the weight would melt off faster if I incorporated a regular routine. Not all is lost...I do eat healthy and I am very conscious of my protein intake. At my last doctor's appointment I was told the majority of my protein should come from food and that I should only use the shake as a supplement if I miss a meal. Another plus is since surgery which was on September 20, I have gone from a snug size 20 to a comfortable 16. Ross has become my very best friend. They have some really cute and affordable clothes in there. Despite the smaller clothes, to me I look exactly the same. I guess I'll see what everybody else sees soon enough. This has been an amazing, life changing, well worth it experience!

I agree, the orange is a lot of juice so you may not feel as full. Poultry, pork or even greek yogurt may have a completely different effect, at least it does with me. Also, depending on when you had your surgery, you may not feel such a tight restriction just yet because your stomach muscles are still in shock. Trust me, your full factor will definitely kick in. Mine was around the 3 week mark, but each person is different. Lastly, please keep in mind portion control . Measure your food and don't eat large amounts because you can. After a while your new tummy will feel uncomfortable and begin to protest. All the best to you and congratulations on your surgery! Niki