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I am a less is more kind of person. I bought the chewable Vitamins and minerals my nutritionist said to take and talked to my pharmacist about which prescription meds came in liquid or non-pill form, which could be taken crushed and which couldn't. I spoke to my doctor about the pills that didn't fit those categories and was told I could go without them until I healed sufficiently. I'm not saying you should stop taking pills, just that you can consult with your doctor about it. I bought two types of Protein powder from GNC, one was pina colada flavor which I added to various flavors of Jello. The advantage of GNC is that you can get a full refund if you don't like what you buy. As far as what I needed at the hospital: Chapstick. I wore hospital gowns, one frontwards and another backwards so nothing hangs out, and the hospital provided nonslip slippers. I wore home the loose fitting clothes I had worn to the hospital. I watched the calories and carbs in what I bought for each stage of eating. I did not use much Protein Powder because after the first weeks I got all my protein from what I ate--yogurt, seafood, etc. Good luck.

Isn't the balloon temporary? I know I can diet and lose a lot of weight and then put it all on again. Seems as though using the balloon to lose weight and then having it removed would leave me open to putting the weight on again.

My rough was the moment I woke up from surgery. The pain was very bad. The first word out of my mouth was "pain." They must have doped me up immediately because I remember nothing after that until I woke up in my hospital bed. I never needed additional pain medication. I consider the rest of my recovery coasting including the post-op diet. Really, the various stages of diet are so fleeting that I consider them pesky rather than rough, an eye on the prize sort of thing.

It is normal to be nervous. Keep us informed of your progress.

I talked to the pharmacist about which of my meds could be taken crushed or in another form.

I suggest not eating something because someone wants you to do it. Stick with the program. You will be better off for doing that.

I tell the truth to anyone interested enough in my weight loss to ask: that I achieved it and maintain it through diet and exercise. My health problems and medical treatments are none of their business and I am not interested in their opinions.

Tylenol

and iron.

Call your surgeon.

I didn't feel like hosting a Christmas gathering. My stomach was a little sore. My energy level was in the toilet. There are those who had other experiences. It is not possible to know what yours will be.

I use the same recipe, minus the mustard and blender, for shrimp salad.

What should you do? Exercise. For me, the goal is to improve my health and, hopefully, lifespan. Exercise is a major component of a healthy lifestyle. If you start losing too much, you can up your calories.

MDM is right. This man does not sound like someone who will support you on your weight loss program, on your path to better health and longer life. Is it wise to turn to an enabler? Please consider this in your deliberations.

It's the rare person who isn't worried as the time gets close. I reminded myself of the reasons for having the surgery: health and length and quality of life. That put it all into perspective again and, realizing I had no good alternative, I lost my fear.

Please call your surgeon. You definitely should not be getting worse.

This is definitely a challenge. I have no advice for you on the job timing, but want to encourage you to stay with the program. It is well worth it.

Here's hoping your year goes by quickly. UK Cathy posted an excellent idea.

Congratulations on your progress, dogmom! You should be proud of yourself. I wish everyone a happy Thanksgiving. Have fun picking and choosing at the Thanksgiving table!

Is there a way to get in touch with Dr. Garcia or a member of his staff? They ought to be able to tell you his fatality and complication rates.

I am on Synthroid, am losing weight and have had no problems.

It is worth it and you can do it. This is a bump in the road, try looking at it that way.

Have you tried Gas-X strips for the hiccups and burps? They work for me.

I awoke from the anesthesia; spoke my first word, "pain"; was immediately given pain meds that knocked me out and woke up in my hospital bed. I had no pain after that one moment, even when I went home, except for the normal small amount of pain accompanying stretching of the largest incision site. They let me decide when to start walking, but provided lots of encouragement. I was walking a short distance the first evening.

Yes. My nutritionist says to take iron and calcium citrate at least two hours apart.