LouiseC

Your body is full of drugs, hormones, and fluids. This is temporary. It will pass and you will feel awesome! Sent from my iPad using VST

Wonderful! You can really see the change! Sent from my iPad using VST

You look outstanding! And so happy! Sent from my iPad using VST

I was told when I felt ready. I felt ready one week out :-) I was careful and (tmi alert) went on all fours with a pillow under my belly for support. All was good! Sent from my iPad using VST

Wonderful! So inspiring and exciting! Sent from my iPad using VST

It amazes me the differences in diets. I was on pureed from the day I left the hospital, day 3. After two weeks I was on softs. From six weeks I was on a relatively normal diet, with no untoasted bread, Pasta or raw vegetables. Sent from my iPad using VST

Rice flour is the traditional ingredient. Sent from my iPad using VST

Sassy pants, I am in New Zealand, a country economically dependent on diary, so I may have less options! Lol. Sent from my iPad using VST

At work, I use post it notes to help me keep on track. When I finish a Water bottle I write two notes, one for the time 30 minutes ahead which I stick on a snack and one for an hour fifteen ahead which I stick on my water bottle. That way I ensure I don't refill the bottle until that time ensuring I don't take it too close to the snack. I dont eat the snack until the time either Silly, I know, but it works for me. Sent from my iPad using VST

The first few weeks post op I felt like eating and drinking was a full time job. It is all consuming but as you are in a learning phase it is all good. It gets easier. And it is doable. Sent from my iPad using VST

Amazing! You look wonderful. Sent from my iPad using VST

I prefer waxing and I do it at home. I use the wax the professionals use that doesn't need strips, just apply and pull off. I do this twice a week to keep on top of things. I could join the circus if I let it grow! Sent from my iPad using VST

Wonderful! Congratulations. Sent from my iPad using VST

Wonderful news! My fingers and toes are crossed for you. Sent from my iPad using VST

Every time I see magic bullet refered to I giggle. Where I come from we keep magic bullets in the bedside dresser not the kitchen Sent from my iPad using VST

Wonderful! You have inspired me to get brave and get some photos of my own progress. Thank you so much for sharing. Sent from my iPad using VST

I did Optifast for 2.5 weeks pre op and lost 25 pounds. I ould have the shake for breakfast, a bar for lunch and the Soup for dinner. I added a cup of veges to the soup and also had miso soup at lunch with a cup of veges. Sometimes I replaced the evening soup with another miso and veges and followed with an optifast dessert which was divine. This is the recommended optifast diet and was supported by my surgeon and nut. I found it easy really as it varied and was not all liquid with the added veges and the bar. 25 pounds in2.5 weeks was worth it!

Make family gatherings about family instead of about food. Sent from my iPad using VST

Also, I lost 25 pounds in the 2.5 weeks prior to surgery. I did Optifast and stuck to it to the letter. It is possible and will mean better outcomes in the long run. Sent from my iPad using VST

Your recovery will be smoother if you lose weight prior to surgery. The risks will decrease if you have a BMI of less than 50. Also, it is good to get your body used to the changes in diet, to reduce the size of your liver and to have a clean system prior to the surgery. Sent from my iPad using VST

The slime is your body producing mucous in order to clear what it perceives as a blockage in your stomach. I am 8 weeks out today and still get this when I eat too fast, too much, or don't chew enough. Sent from my iPad using VST

Sleeved may 29th and have lost 57 pounds. Loving my sleeve. Eating a fairly normal diet now just no flour based products and rarely make it over 800 calories a day. Start weight 135.5 kilos, current weight 109.3 kilos. Life is good. Wearing a size 16 skirt today. Sent from my iPad using VST

Any other New Zealanders out there? I have spotted an Australian or two but so far no Kiwis. :-( Sent from my iPad using VST