TheRealMeIsHere!

Weight Watchers, especially the online one allows you to eat anything. Online you can adapt your own recipes. www.Hungry-Girl.com has a lot of recipes that work with Weight Watchers.

My lab says no water after midnight, just enough for AM meds.

You could try snacking on high protein things, Such as plain Fat free greek yogurt, maybe with some Splenda and vanilla, or lemon or lime juice, or fresh fruit. I absolutely love it with strawberries, Splenda and vanilla. Also, avaoiding AL carbs, helps those cravings go away. It is REALLY hard at first, but gets easier. Don't be too hard on yourself, all you can do, mis your best. Good luck with everything.

As far as unflavored, I found egg white protein powder to have the least taste. I can add it to anything, just use a blender when mixing it with liquids or it will be lumpy. I've tried Jay Robb, but there is also this one: http://www.allstarhealth.com/f/now-eggwhite_protein.htm, which will be the next that I try, because that's a great price!

Check with some plastic surgeons. Some are able to get insurance to cover some skin removal and breast reductions. If insurance covered your sleeve, they kind of expect to have to cover skin removal. Maybe you'll be happily surprised. I plan on a panni and breast reduction and insurance should cover it.

I was talking to my sister, telling her that I have 70 lbs left till my goal, 90 lost since pre-op dieting. She asked me if it has seemed to go by quickly. It has gone by quickly, day to day doesn't but week to week, yes, I was a 16 two weeks ago and now I am a 14!! Then I realized, I've lost 45lbs in just over 3 months!!! HOLY CRAP that is awesome. Hope to be at my goal by my October birthday and it actually seems possible.

Are you taking Actigall, or another gallbladder medicine to prevent stones?

Thanks for all the positive support. I've been saving up for a tattoo that I've always wanted. I'll do that in about 2 months. When I hit my goal, probably buy clothes!!

That scares me, too. The nurse said that it's normal to wake up one day and be able to eat 1 1/2 cups of food. I DON'T want that to happen. I'm TERRIFIED it will.

This may sound weird, but I've had similar symptoms from constipation. Sometimes, when I don't have enough protein, I'll get cold, drenching sweats, but no stomach pain.

My nut. said that the body won't go into starvation mode unless I don't eat the required 60-70gms of Protein. 3 weeks and 12 lbs is great!! That is 4lbs a week, good for you!! Hang in there, when is the last time you lost 12 lbs. in 3 weeks? Eating VERY, VERY slowly and chewing well may help with the getting sick.

This is the one that spoke at our support group. There are pics on the site. http://drloomis.com/

I am also 47, next summer I hope to qualify for a paniculectomy. After I heal from that, I hope to qualify for a breast reduction. Age is not only chronological. You sound like it will greatly improve you self esteem and, therefore, quality of life. According to a plastic surgeon that spoke at a support group, the scars are hidden well. The surgeon you chose, can show you before/after pics of his/her work. I also hear some moral reasons against it, ultimately, you have to decide what is best for you, in the long run. If you need to improve your looks, help others, or save for retirement. Do what feels 'right' to you, it doesn't matter what others think. Maybe a counselor would be able to help you sort things out. Good luck in whatever you chose.

I'm also giving away a lot of clothes. As I was gaining weight, I felt hopelessly fat & ugly so wore cheap clothes. Now that I am losing, the size that felt hopeless, now feels terrific, so I want to look good, and care how I dress.

I'm so happy for you. The little NSV's are awesome, aren't they? I had surgery the week before you and as far as weight lost and size lost we are fairly close, I'm down 42 lbs since 1/23. I love going through my clothes I saved ("because I won't be fat forever" is what I would tell myself). My 16's are getting loose and some 14's now fit. I too feel amazing, energy and confidence is way up! Everyday, I LOVE my sleeve. There are days that I feel like I will 'pig out', but after a few bites, my sleeve tells me I am done. Thank you, sleeve.

I just have to tell everyone about the wonderful experience I had today. While shopping for dresses for my sister's wedding, we stopped at Ruby Tuesday for lunch. When I was there 2 weeks ago, my sister ordered an appetizer, salad bar and dinner. I, HAPPILY, enjoyed the salad bar, slowly so as not to finish quickly and end up rushing my sister. Their salad bar is SOOO Yummy! This time, I explained to the waitress, that I had surgery and my stomach is now very small. I asked. if I get the crab cake appetizer, can I get salad bar for $2.99 as if I ordered it with an entree. She had no problem with it. I love understanding people. So I nibbled on the salad, and ate 1/2 a crab cake. DELISH!! BTW their crab cakes are not real bready.

Even if you have stretched it somewhat, it's probably reversible, since you are early in your recovery. Relax, you have to overdo it a lot to stretch it and have it stay that way. Ask your doctor for timing for each stage of foods. If you cannot get info from him, keep checking in on this site. Everyone's doc gives them different info, just do what feels right, pay attention to how you feel when eating certain foods, and go slow so your tummy can heal. Good advice regarding liquids and protein, Topgun.

Good for you!! Awesome to not have buy 'plus size' clothes anymore.