TwinsMama

I disagree with this a bit. It really depends on the person and how much restriction/types of meals they eat/etc.. I have a friend who is quite successfully losing without eating every 3 hours. She eats 3 meals and on her late working days (twice a week) she eats 1 snack in the evenings. Some of us are meeting our goals at 3 meals eaten for 30 minutes. I am meeting my goals at this point and I never eat more than 3 meals. I even tried to snack (as my Dr said if I get hungry in between). That literally only happened the weeks of my cycle. I'm leery of people eating too many times a day because for some it can lead back to bad habits of eating meals instead of Snacks all day long. Edit: Also, because I'm getting all my fluids, I'm staying very satisfied between meals. Maybe once you get your liquids up you'll feel satisfied with less meals per day.

I came in to work today with a bag full of (new and gently worn) clothes from my coworker. She had RnY earlier this year and is passing along clothes so I don't have to buy. I love her so much for this! Such a great surprise and much needed.

This so much...as I sit here with droopy pants on.

I agree Brighteyes. Plus my hubby (when we were dating) used to ask me what color I had on when we emailed each other. He'd ask in Spanish (so as to not alert my spam filter). Now, I love that when I get dressed he is often not in the room or asleep. So when we see each other during the day, I usually flash him. It is such a turn on for him. I refuse to have sloppy, horrible looking under garments. Just so not me!

So sorry you're going through this. Even with all the knowlege and planning, actually going through it is so much different. I hope things get better for you. Over time they will, but right now is the hard part. Remember nothing worth having comes too easy. Keep going forward and don't look back.

Because I tell everyone who asks that I had surgery, some people ask me all the time (almost daily because we work together) about how much I lost. It doesn't annoy me, in fact it is funny when I say nothing in the last 8 weeks. I had surgery 10 weeks ago. They almost always don't believe me since I'm losing so many inches. They generally respond, "no way, you look great...well it's better to lose inches anyway". I used it as my motivation to keep working hard. Being accountable helps me, but I do realize not everyone likes to be on the radar. Everyone should do what they feel is best for them and not think twice about it.

I too was told 30 minutes. However I was told if I get hungry in an hour or 2 I can take another 30 and try to finish my iniital meal. But that is only with at the most 3 meals and 2-3 Snacks (which I admit I never do the snacks). I've found after 30 minutes of eating I am generally full until the next meal. If I do get hungry it is usually because my meal didn't pack enough of a Protein punch.

Depends on the insurance, self-pay, location, etc. I would say, even if you don't have to do much of the paperwork, it might still help in the long run to do some sort of pre-op liquid diet, meet with a Nut, and have a Psych exam (if you can find a good bariatric psychologist). These things will help you with success in the long run.

Also, it helps to know what your triggers are. If you find yourself eating the wrong foods, stop and think about the why. So often it is a mix of old habits, boredom, etc. If you can isolate your "why" you may find you can be better prepared to make good choices the next time. Best wishes to you!

Now I want some soup for dinner. That sounds delish!

Yup, I even tried hypnotism. What I found is that I'm a giggler and couldn't stop laughing at the guy. His "calm/sexy" voice was really corny and hilarious. Yes, it is freaky!! My story is similiar to many above...for 2 years my Dr wouldn't approve me for surgery (recommend/refer me to the program). During that time and under her supervision I did the Hcg, pills, gluten-free, vegetarian, etc. You name it I tried it. Finally after 2 years I told her that I was either going to drop her or leave with a referral. She submitted the referral during that visit. It took another year to finally have surgery but during the WLS program I kept thinking couldn't I just lose this on my own. I kept going even though I had my doubts. What you're feeling is absolutely normal. I'm glad I kept going. I knew deep down, this was my best option to get the weight off and keep it off. I haven't looked back since.

Looks like you're post-op so perhaps not gum. I would say if your triggers make you want to eat, the best course would be to not put anything in your mouth. Instead can you...go for a walk, read, write/journal, etc. Basicially anything that does not involve eating/drinking/chewing. You'll need to reprogram your brain to not associate your triggers with anything "mouth" related.

Congrats! Does this give you enough time to do the liquid diet?

Looking good, congrats!!

I did when I was pregnant so I feel your pain. I would say to ask your Dr specifically about it. Also, if you can (in the meantime) take baths at night. If that helps you and keeps you from having to take more meds that sounds like a good option. Hope someone else can weigh in and help.

My program was 6 months. Then it took another 6 months to get a date due to the surgeons being so booked. During that time I was able to tackle things that I was not able to get done during the first 6 months. Specifically, I worked on losing more weight, tackling head hunger, sipping, timing meals, planning meals, building my leave at work, etc. It also allowed me to get my immediate family on board prior to surgery so that post-op I could recover and not have to explain every little thing to my kids. It was something I was very unhappy about at the time, but grew to love and appreciate.

Oh yes, Ross, Marshall's, etc. have great cute panties. Closer to goal I can go there but being larger right now, no so many in my size. Edit: not so many

Yes, yes. I cannot wait to be back down to my fave size 38DD. I was so comfy and cute at that size. Plus the bras were adorable. I was a 48H at my highest and well, I spent over $150 (on sale) on 3 bras that were decent but not cute.

I would say shoot for at least 800-1000 cals. Also make sure you're getting 80-90g of protein. As Brandy said, keeping your carbs low will help too.

I have a desk job. I took off initially 1 week that turned into 4 weeks (I had complications). I'd say request 2 weeks and then do maybe a week of 1/2 days if possible. I was uncommon but I've seen people go back really soon then have to take a few more days because they rushed it. You're going to be tired (and most likely in pain) so give yourself extra time and then if you don't need it, you can go back.

I'm literally laughing so hard I hurt. I want a shirt that says...Don't eat after dark or else ghosts, vampires, and FAT creeps up on you at night. Of course this has to be in that chiller font. Best laugh of my day!!

This! My Dr also tried the whole, let's try every diet TOGETHER and it will help you lose. Needless to say, 3 years later and I'm sleeved.

Years back there was a show (Dateline, 60 minutes, I can't remember.) that had a Dr that did a study that he said found, if you don't deny yourself and eat whatever and however much you want at any time, you'll eventually get tired of junk foods and lose weight. I think I was in HS at the time and was working really hard to watch what I ate and work out so I didn't try it (though I was tempted). Well a year or so later they did a follow up...turns out the women in the study not only didn't lose weight...they all gained A LOT and then none of them ever got tired living on a diet of junk food. WORST ADVICE EVER! I still remember that follow up and how upset those women were that they gained. Funny thing, they felt they were the failures and not the Dr that clearly gave them bad advice. So all this to say...yeah anyone can eat whatever you want, whenever you want, and you won't gain weight.

I find comfort in my restriction too. It sucks on those days when it feels one bite is one too many. So I feel you about the knot in the chest/tummy. I hope my restriction remains this way at least until goal. I need all the help I can get.

The Vitamins I take are Flinstone Complete (2 times a day), B-12 (liquid or dissolving drops once a day), calcium citrate (2 times a day). So far so good with my levels. Don't worry about too much Protein the first week. My Dr told me to concentrate on liquids and then as I got that down, add in protein.