GypsyQueen

This is just my opinion, but I think there are a lot of things that we are told that are meant to protect us from ourselves or as a blanket rule for something a percentage of people may experience. The straw, for example, is certainly something that helped lead many of us to obesity. We can down sodas/milkshakes/slurpees/etc. so much faster, right? Some people may experience the gas/air issue, but many do not. If it is a blanket rule, many will listen and follow orders that will help them avoid having possible gas issues and probably (more importantly) falling back into old habits. Gum and popcorn are other popular topics. There may be valid reasons to avoid all of these items, but done "responsibly", they are probably fine.

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Absolute Awesomeness!

You look amazing and happy! Congrats!! Love the mirror framed photos!

Yes, the protein content is surprisingly and disappointingly low. Happy to hear things are rapidly improving for you!

Actually, Wendy's chili is my surgeon's fast food of choice. It's not spicy unless you add the extra sauce, and jam packed with Protein and Fiber. Goes down well during soft food phase. Otherwise, I traveled with packed foods to avoid any issues (or temptations!). Best of luck!

Slapping body parts sound better when it's not your own body parts slapping!!!

I struggled so much getting shakes down, it slowed my fluid consumption. They lasted only through the purée stage (one a day at that point), but my protein goal is lower than yours at 63 vs. 80. I drank milk 3x a day (okay to add a little cocoa) and only the highest protein foods possible until I could increase my food capacity upwards a bit.

Ditto! Feel better soon!

My taste "buds" never changed, but some things don't sit will and are not as satisfying as they used to be, so I'd say my "taste" has changed.

Yes, went home this weekend and my mom had nothing but yummy comfort foods and then baked my absolute favorite cookies for the kids. DANGER! DANGER! DANGER! I knew this would be the case ahead of time and had even packed my own foods along, but I ate what she fixed instead. I think I experienced a bout of dumping. It was not pleasant and a lesson learned. I ate the meals moderately, but darn those cookies. Old habits are easy to fall back into.

Eustis, just south of the Ocala forest.

In and out in an hour. Procedure without any extras (hernia, gall bladder, etc) lasts 30-45 min.

Went for my 3 mo. post op on Friday, saw a PA I had not met before. He looked around the room and asked where the bariatric patient was. That it couldn't be me, because I was svelte. SVELTE. My new favorite word!

Sizes run so differently than they used to.. They got smart and yesterday's 12 is now an 8. Good news for us! It's motivating. I am 162 currently and have a 16 year old skirt in size 12, new shorts in 10's, size 8 capris and a stretchy jean skirt in a 6. I am a pear and carry my weight in my extremities, that makes a difference too.

I am 44 and suffer from premature osteoarthritis. Having lost 75 lbs now, I cannot express my joy at how much better I feel. Maybe not younger, but oh so much better.

I feel your pain. My son made pumpkin muffins tonight and they just called to me. I ate 1 1/2, but could have eaten the entire pan, I'm sure, as nothing seems to bother my sleeve of steel. It will be our battle for life.

Even thoughI'd rather have the waddle than a double chin, it is the first time I've felt old. I don't think I'm the plastic surgery type. Anesthesia and I so don't get along. But I did go to dermatologist and have a mole, an age spot and all skin tags removed. Plus a chemical peel. That helped a lot.