*Dean*

And in any case I'm the skinniest, best looking person in the room

It wasn't saying something dumb at all. I think the question is the root of what we have to get our heads around - and it's hard! We're not on diets anymore, and it's hard work getting our heads around that and how to 'eat normally'. I'm sorry you feel that way because I really did try and give a considered answer

I know. And I think it's ****ed!!

Stay positive. You can't do more than you're doing and unfortunately you don't have any control over the insurance companies. I have to say your health system over there sounds stinky!

You'll be fine - we're all a work in progress!!

Why is q u e e r censored? This place is ****ed!!

Hey! I won't be half ***** to be in a posse (especially at 8.30am with no drinks on board) Happy to be the token 'gay friendly straight boy' tho!! He is right about the meat and Beans - you do look tastier .......

Jokes aside. You look fantastic Lars. PS Grace I don't care if this is a mini hijack ......

Oh mama - look at that photo! Aren't we on together? Or something?? I'm off for a cold shower ..........

Yeah, a beans and mince chili con carne is still a go to food for me. I have little frozen packets of Protein goodness in the freezer. Nice new photo BTW!!

Yeah, early on at times I'd feel a bit 'flat' not just tired as well. I thought it might have been the hormones held in the fat? Not sure, but pushing myself to get out and walk helped shake it off for me.

I'm sure there will be a lot of different advice on this. I've been trying to get better at listening to my body through all of this. If it were me I'd serve up a small amount in a bowl. I'd add a small amount of cheese and sour cream, but only enough so the Beans weren't bland. I'd eat them until I felt satisfied but no over full.

Mate if you have a search of the forum. Week 3 and / or 4 stalls are as common as mud. Sounds like you're headed in the right direction. I wouldn't worry about 'tweaking' my calories at this early stage. You sound like you're having a good amount. Make sure your getting adequate Protein. I like to get the vast majority of mine from food. Make sure you're getting adequate Water. Make sure you're moving. Exercising 5 - 6 times a week for 30 - 60 minutes is good. Walking is great early on. Protein / water / moving is all I'd worry about at the moment. Good luck! Deano

The boxes I'd tick before worrying is B12 (I'd get a blood test to check). I'd make sure I'm getting adequate Protein and Water. I like to make sure I'm getting the majority of my protein from food. And exercise regularly, like 5 or 6 days a week. Walking for 30 - 60 minutes is good at the start. Once you have all of that in check for a couple of weeks and you're still tired I'd see my doctor.

You guys get all the good candy! In Australia if you want something sweet you have to bite the arse off a sugar ant.

I actually sit there a bit excited that I'm not preoccupied with food. I'm more preoccupied with my lack of preoccupation about food. Maybe I need help .........

Iggy's right, liquid is liquid. The 'chew it up really good' phase is usually a few weeks away for most. Do you get a diet from your Doc?

Like crossing the road Iggy! Op, leaving chocolate to melt in your mouth isn't going to kill you but it might be sabotaging yourself. If it was an isolated thing, don't sweat it and get back with the program. If you think it's old habits creeping in already, you might want to talk to someone about it. Good luck! Deano

Jerky is a go to snack for me. High protein, low fat and cals. It's great.

I tell everyone who asks how I did it. I get asked often. I've told so many people now I get sick of talking about it! I must have told over 100 people in 16 weeks. Not one bad reaction. Some people really gush at what a great thing I've done, which I like. And they're right. In the 16 weeks I've had 3 people get the ball rolling on having a VSG directly because of my story - my cousin, a work mate I hadn't seen for years and a daughter of a current work mate. She's about 3 weeks post op currently and loving it (you can have surgery a lot quicker in Australia). Long story short - I love flying the VSG flag.

Nice one. Well done! Deano

I agree. Post op I can watch anyone eat anything and it doesn't really bother me.

You've got a good (read: crazy) imagination!!!

Friendships, especially close long ones can be complicated. If she's being eaten up with jealousy and is saying these things, you're the only one who can call if the friendship is worth working on. For me, I'd confront her about it and tell her how much it's upsetting you in your own words. Having said that, you said she's lost half her weight? You are going to steam roll past her in a matter of a hand full of weeks. Once you're feeling great you won't be so phased by what she has to say, if she's still saying it. You'll be like - "This skinny cheating thing tastes as good as a cookie, do you want a cookie??"

AYE CARAMBA!! Nice photo change!!