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Thank you Alex. I absolutely credit much of my success to this forum. I had an excellent bariatric team but it was access the wisdom of the Bariatric Pal members that helped me really navigate the journey.

Hydration was key for me when I felt that way.

It makes you hold more water in your intestines as opposed to being a severe type of laxative so it can take a few days to work. As such it is generally considered safe to take longer than a week as stated on the package. I would suggest calling your doctor on how long they say you can take it but either way, yes take it daily while using.

Dulcolax was my savior for the first month. Miralax did nothing for me.

Favorite protein bars: Fit Crunch, Combat crunch and Power crunch bars. I also eat Think Thin and occasionally Quest bars.

I didn't start to shed hair until a few months out. I did lose some but I have a lot hair so it was only noticeable to me. The shedding lasted for several months and then just started to slow down and eventually stop. I do remember the new hair growing back in,m. By 18 months out- it was all grown back. This picture shows my hair, it was taken around this time (Sept or Oct) in 2014.

If you like C4, you're far enough out to use it. My hubby drinks it. I'm a Amino Engery girl. I use Xtend by Scivation for BCAAs as a workout drink when I don't want caffeine.

Don't suffer, I suggest going to Urgent or Prompt Care.

16.5 pounds in two weeks is great as is a snack like cottage cheese. Maybe If I had eaten more of that, I wouldn't have gotten to my highest weight to begin with. You're on your way!

@@FMoore2004 I work out 3-4 days a week for an hour. I schedule it.

No, I have not.

I do have extra skin and would love to get a body lift someday but until thenstaying lean, that is having a lower body fat percentage makes a difference.

Yes I've heard of it. I think Lane Norton is big on it.

@@KristenLe Thick thighs for the win! I leaned out this summer, focusing on fat loss (as opposed to just weight loss) which definitely helped my legs and tummy, that plus wearing 4" stillettos helps.

I have loose skin but found that it took a good two years to see what skin was going to rebound. That said, believe me, I have bat wings on my arms, sagging upper thighs and boobies, and a lower stomach that hangs low and is not cute. Wearing flattering clothing helps as does lifting weights and lowering my overall body fat.

Hi, it's good to be nervous. I was nervous too before surgery. Hopefully for you, your nerves represent understanding that you may voluntarily undergo a life altering, major surgery. If so, who wouldn't be nervous? My advice, ask questions from everyone- your medical team, your surgeons other post op patients, and all the folks on here. Asking questions and feeling fully informed helped calm my nerves. Good luck to you.

It to me a year to hit my goal of 140. Generally, I maintain at 135-140. I gain or lose weight based on my body goals at the time. This summer, I dieted down to 131-133 because I had my HS reunion and needed to get into that dress.

Your macros depend on your goal. Are you dieting, building, etc. I always aim for 1 gram of Protein per pound of goal weight. When cutting (dieting) I reduce carbs and up fats. When I am bulking (building muscle), I up carbs and cut fat. Try this calculator: https://www.katyhearnfit.com/macro-calculator.html%C2'> From there, tweak your ratios based on what you know regarding your maintenance calories, etc. For example using BigViffers macros of 170 protein and 1700-2200 calories, I would gain weight. To lose I need to hit around 1200-1350 calories. Set your macros in My Fitness Pal or similar and try them for three weeks. If they are getting you the desired outcome, stick with them. If not, then adjust.

I did a lot of cardio in the beginning to take advantage of the honeymoon or rapid weight loss stage. At about 7-8 months out I added in more weights. I found that extreme low carb/keto zaps a lot my ability to lift heavy so if you are trying to lift, eat a balanced diet in addition to getting in your Protein.

You can PM me.

OP- you're right, it's not about one night's dinner of chicken fingers and fries. In fact, I'm inclined to say no harm done; it was only one meal and several days out from surgery. What this is really about and what Babbs and others are pointing out is adherence. A LOT of people are unsuccessful. Haven't we ALL heard, "Oh 'so and so' had that surgery and she gain all her weight back". This isn't to say that you will be unsuccessful but to say that you have a choice. I actually don't reply to a lot of posts on here because they are redundant (use the search bar people!) or pointless (seriously, how many times can people ask for Protein shake recommendations). I responded to yours because, I was you once. I remember posting during my pre-op diet how BADLY I wanted to eat. My diet was two weeks of liquids. The first week was torture! It was the people on here who kicked my virtual butt that bolstered me and I got through it. I made choice when I had surgery, despite all of the discouragement of those around me. I did it anyway. I made choice when I heard my doctor give me a goal weight that left me still 25 lbs overweight. I didn't accept that as my result and set my own goal. I want you to choose you. Good luck with your surgery. Where you go from there is up to you.

OP- you are not the only one who has cheated and so while not trying to beat you up- you rightfully should be concerned that you may not ready. This isn't to say that perfection is required but it is to say that there are countless people who have this surgery without being equipped with the tools to handle challenges. If a week or two pre-op diet can't be adhered to, what about a lifelong requirement to measure your food, eat Protein first, etc. You may or may not be ready but if you have doubts, then please resolve them before doing something irreversible.

Just to clarify, Quest absolutely is not using their original formula. The old formula did not have corn Fiber or high levels of saturated fat. I switched to Power Crunch and Fit Crunch bars- they taste Ah-mazing! I also agree that the new oatmeal Quest bars are good.

How much? Completely depends on the food: Half a cup of cottage cheese= stuffed, Grab bag of Cheetos= not full and hungry again in an hour or two.