CaliKat

Started @ 246lbs 7 mo later @ 169lbs

Unless you are force drinking and gulping hugely- I don't think it's possible as liquid (liquids - not smoothies) passes thru the pyloric valve immediately.

I buy Endamame in the shells (pods) from Safeway/Target in the frozen veggie isle. Some brands you can steam in the bag and they are already salted- but I prefer to buy it natural and toss in boiling/heavily salted water for 3 min. I wait until its cooled and eat- eat just the "beans" and toss the pods.

You're gonna want savory after choking down all those sweet Protein drinks! Don't go out and spend a bunch of $ on protein stuff you may not like- just get broth based soups from a normal grocery store and strain them in a fine mesh collender- drink broth now when you are on clears and if no one else in house will eat left over bits- freeze for mushies. I had minestrone, French onion all sorts of chicken, Italian wedding soup, miso, etc durring the liquid phase and it was heaven to have an alternative I liked when on clears- and not a protein infused frankenfood!

I have found myself getting "hungry" too (I think its really just head hunger). I am drinking lots and choose Protein only when I feel ravenous. Making sure that I dont head right to the cinnamon raisin bread or the cheese-its is key- choose your Proteins & make them available. I also make sure to track what I eat on those days- its easy to munch, munch, munch up to 2000 calories when you arent paying attention! My go-to when I am a bottomless pit are: endamame beef Jerky hard boiled eggs & mustard pickles shrimp cocktail thick cut deli meat I cant eat enough of any of the above to do much damage- endamame especially... a whole bag keeps me busy for hours and has no fat and minimal carbs & cals!

Surprisingly- the Nature Valley ones aren't "that" bad* for you and are available at most supermarkets. In the grand scheme of things- having 1/2 of the NV Protein bars and a Muscle Milk Lite makes a pretty good snack or meal. I have a super busy job and they are my go-to meals a few times a week. *Providing you just eat one and don't rely on them for all your meals.

We sound alike in many ways- I was a volume eater.. Technically obese but never looked like it. Massive quantities of food at a time, still healthy but about to cross a line into diabetes or HBP land. I started having terrible reflux about a year before VSG and had no control over it. The surgeon found and fixed a moderate hiatal hernia durring my VSG at no additional charge- I haven't had a single instance of reflux since then... Nothing, nada, zero. My surgeon was located in CA- amazing surgeon and I would do it again in a heartbeat and frankly, the cost was a drop in the bucket compared to a life of obesity. Good luck on your decision and feel free to PM me if you seek additional info.

Sorry to burst your bubble- at 7 months out it still gurgles, groans, growls and raises hell. It's loud, proud and most vocal when actively digesting! Get used to it- It's your new soundtrack!!

Do EVERYTHING your doctor says- if you are confused at all.... Ask your DR or NUT. Follow your eating plan for best results. You can't turn back time and "un-graze"... So drink your Water, measure your food and avoid temptations like parties if you can't help yourself. As time passes it will get easier and you will figure out what works for you. Good luck.

Girl- keep your head up and don't let the haters get you down. No one knows that walking in your shoes was like- that trainer lady has no idea what your journey has been. Keep posting your successes!!

If you can scrounge up 10500- you can find the 6000 you need too. Think about filing your taxes early and getting your refund then, get a P/T job at a seasonal store, borrow from your 401k or even try to get a personal loan via local credit union. Maybe even sell your car and get a junker for the next year till you are done with surgery payments. It may be a pain to have multiple loans, but it's totally worth it. Good luck

I get food sweats when I eat too much or too fast. Not common- but happens once/week or so.

I love spark people. Good website and iPhone app

I did warrior dash this weekend in NorCal. It was a freakin BLAST! Hands down the funnest 5K I've ever done- worth the $65 entry fee. I HIGHLY reccomend it if you are into fun, crazy costumes and having a fun workout. I had no problem with the obstacles and the ones that were "hard" you could take your time and some peeps helped. If you really couldn't do it, you could just go around. Prepare for mud, mud and mud and tie your shoes really TIGHT! P.s. the attached pic- the t-shirt WAS white and the leggings were light grey- lol!

Shopping at Nordstroms 2-3x a week(was a shopaholic before VSG tho) and shaking my (almost) skinny ass for my BF!!! Oh-la-la!!!