ShapeShifter

I am pre-op, but have read that first two weeks are liquids, then full liquids, then mushies. Based on your surgeon's recommendations, you may find some ideas at this great site: http://theworldaccordingtoeggface.blogspot.com/ You may want to go to the beginning of her journey to see what she was consuming. Good luck!

Beautifully written. Thank you for sharing your strength.

You have had amazingly wonderful success. You already know that you are a warrior woman. It is time to take a hold of the power you own and use it to make the right choices for continued good health. Protien and veggies FIRST! Consider a reward of one square of dark chocolate (lower sugar), or have a chocolate or vanilla protein shake. To me (pre-op) they taste like a sweet treat, even though they are low carb. YOU CAN DO THIS! You have already fought this dragon once... now you need to remind it who is boss.

Happy for you and your great success!

This has been stated to me, as well. When I replied that I have weighed 250 lbs for 20 years, and that the medical community considers me to be morbidly obese and 100 lbs overweight, that no weight loss program has allowed me to lose more than 20-30 lbs, that I am now hurting all over for carrying this 100 lbs for so long, and I am suffocating in my sleep if I don't use a cpap machine... the compassion and understanding comes, as does the unconditional support. I didn't feel insulted, as this person respects and cares for me. I just took it to mean that she sees me through kind eyes and does not judge me for the size of my pants. I am a happy person, and no one around me has any idea of the internal suffering I have carried. When I've shared my truth with them, they have always moved to the side of understand and compassion. I am grateful.

I have chosen to tell people I care about and with whom I work closely. I am single and live alone, and I will need the support of my community before and after surgery. I've worked with the same people for over 10 years, and with PCOS, nothing I've tried has let me lose more than 18 lbs or so... and it is silly to think they will assume weight watchers if finally working for me. I'd rather be upfront with them, and seek their support on my journey. I am grateful for a loving community, all of whom seem excited for me and my new beginning. I agree that there is no shame in NOT telling. We tend to know whether or not support will be offered from those around us. I have been blessed with overwhelming support from doctors, family, friends, and co-workers. I am grateful

You look amazing. Thanks for the inspiration.

Grateful for your wellness and your willingness to share. I think I read somewhere that the point of avoiding carbonation was to avoid ulcers (maybe)? I am pre-op, and do my final weigh-in today, then can turn in paperwork for approval. I remain excited and terrified by the possibilities. I appreciate those 'who have gone before' so freely sharing such experience. Wishing you all the best!

I am pre-op, but have read that the hunger can be stomach acid to be relieved by prilosec or something of that sort. Also, when you are hungry, drink water. It often is a signal that you are thirsty or dehydrated (that goes for pre-surgery hunger, too). To avoid snacking, consider setting a schedule for consumption, i.e., your surgeon suggests 4 meals a day, so eat at 8am, 12pm, 4pm, 8pm (or whatever works for you, of course). If you feel hungry between those hours... drink water. Sometimes making rules to follow can help us follow our own guidelines, rather than being without boundaries.

I had uric acid kidney stones in 1995. I (gratefully) didn't need surgery, but I was told to drink more water to prevent them in the future. Also, you can take cranberry extract pills to keep them away. I once knew someone with gouty arthritis, and he used a supplement for the joints, which I don't recall, but it likely can be found in a google search for joint relief.

Jenny, I am so happy for you! Hope is a good friend. I think I'll hold onto her as well. Thanks for sharing!

Two thoughts - are you on blood thinners for any reason? Or is it possible you may have deficiencies of Vitamins B12, C, K, or folic acid. Did your labs include those tests? Wishing you WELL!

Beware of Levequin. It causes tendonitis. I took it for an upper respiratory infection a few months ago, and I'm still working my way back to normal. It made everything hurt from my feet up to my knees, and my right wrist, too. The pain got better when I stopped taking it, but it was nearly a month before I felt nearly normal. My left knee still gets stiff. It did clear up the infection, though. I'm pre-op, so I don't know about abscesses, but I am wishing you WELL!

I am pre-op, too... and I enjoy the IsoPure NoCarb Vanilla and LowCarb Chocolate. The cookies and cream was too sweet for me. I've also tried the Unjury powders. They were fine, but I like IsoPure better, for now...

It may not matter, but I have been doing mine once a month, i.e, January weight, February weight, March weight, etc. I'll weigh in next Monday and will be able to turn in my paperwork to insurance. Hopeful! Good luck to you...

I once knew someone who was denied joining the army because, as a baby, he had a hole in his heart repaired. He was perfectly healthy at 21, but they wouldn't even consider him. I'm sorry for your disappointment, but I believe there is an even better dream soon to be fulfilled, that has been waiting for you to let go of the old one. This is how the universe works.

Have you tried the MiO drops. I'm pre-op, but don't like sweet drinks and water goes down much easier with flavor. I use a tiny squeeze of MiO, which lightly flavors the water without making it too sweet. Another option might be to try some of the sugar free vitamin waters... or could you squeeze some lemon or lime into your water? Good luck, dear.

Be sure you are getting your required protein, based on surgeon's guidelines (70-100 grams I've read), and 60-80 ounces of water... just sip all day long. This is advice I've read in many places. Your protein shakes DO count toward your water intake, according to the Nutritionist I've seen. Good luck!

When I was in my early 20's, I gained 100 lbs over 4 years and went to doctors for years to determine the cause, as I did not consume enough food to cause such drastic weight gain. After years of searching for the cause, along with a 48 day cycle, I had an internal sonogram and was diagnosed with PCOS. Side effects being weight gain and difficulty losing weight (insulin resistance), as well as infertility - which never really mattered to me. Last month I saw the Nutritionist at the Bariatric Center of Excellence, and I asked her why I am not losing weight at 1600 calories a day (myfitnesspal says I should be losing a pound a week), and she said it is because I have PCOS. I asked her if I will lose weight with VSG. She said WLS was the only way to lose weight... but not with the lap band. I felt very validated, after years of trying every program under the sun and feeling like a failure.

Hey there! I'm pre-op, but I do add PB2 to my shakes. It has 85% less fat, as the oil has been pressed out and peanuts powdered... no sugar added. YUMMO with chocolate protein powder.

I'm so sorry you are struggling with these emotions. Remember that the fat-loss is releasing hormones into your system, and much of this will improve over time. I am pre-op, but I have already found a local WLS support group, to help wrap my mind around the change that is coming, and to develop supportive relationships with those who truly understand what I am and will be going through. Might there be a group in your area that you may join? One thing I can offer is the knowledge that people don't see us the way we see ourselves. You are a remarkable woman who is taking care of herself, and improving her life. No one is looking down on you... that would be your emotions playing tricks on you. Get outside and take a walk when you are feeling this way... let nature heal your spirit and remind you that you, too, are about to bloom. As for the food-pushing boyfriend... perhaps you could try using your "I feel" statements to remind him that you feel like he is not supporting your hopes and dreams of a healthier lifestyle when he chooses to eat poorly in your presence... of course, you are sure he doesn't mean to send that message, and he will surely respect your request in the future... as anyone who loves you would. Last night, friends came over without their usual bottle of wine to share, because they respected my choice to keep my liver in good shape prior to surgery (not even scheduled yet). They made me feel so loved. Wishing you all the best...

I am pre-op, but I've read a lot of posts by people who started losing again when they elevated their calories. I know this will work for you. Also, AmySDMom on youtube says she does an occasional yogurt fast (all meals are yogurt with added Protein - she did a video about it) and loses pounds that way. You are doing amazingly well, and I know this shall pass, soon.

I am pre-op, but I've read it may be that you are really just thirsty (drink more water), that antacids can help, or that it could be head hunger. Hoping (for my future's sake) there is some truth there. ; )

I'm guessing that the weeks of liquid diet cleansed your system of the toxins, and you are feeling them much faster when introduced to your cleaner system. At least with this slow introduction and testing of foods your tummy will like, offers an awareness of what your body doesn't like. I'm sorry you are so sensitive. I have a friend who has to make her own food due to gluten issues. It is stressful when you can't just trust you will be simply nourished when dining out. Wishing you WELL!

Knowing that all shall be well. Wishing you all the best on your journey!