Teachamy

I see that you're a jeans girl too! I just bought 4 pairs of expensive jeans at a consignment store (Paige, Citizens of Humanity, Lucky, and Seven for all Mankind). I have been wearing all the 31's and 32's! The 29's are still a couple of months away, but I am so happy to be happy about what I wear! I think it's great motivation. Good for you!

Such a difference! Way to go!

If you are talking about broth, it makes sense that you can eat so much. Soups with extra starches or fat could become problematic.

I am so sorry about your friend! I hope he gets better soon. It is normal to feel fear before surgery, especially in light of your friend's complications. I was scared too, but it was the best thing I have ever done.My best wishes to you and to the recovery of your friend.

Your arms are AMAZING! Wow! Beautiful.

I have had a Mirena for 7 yrs. (I'm on #2) Prior to surgery I didn't have a period, so I was shocked when I got one after surgery. It wasn't heavy by any stretch, but it required a pad or tampon for about 2-3 days. I went out and bought up the feminine products aisle. It hasn't happened since. Did they have you on a blood thinner during surgery? I am on Pradaxa daily, and I think that has something to do with it.

Not really, no--but I've seen this question asked before, so I know you are not alone! You could always check with your surgeon or OB/Gyn, but if it's not causing you problems, it's probably OK.

Agreed with Megpie. Get OFF the scale. As women, we tend to gain weight at certain times of the month, or after a salty snack. (It's all water retention.) Keep fighting the good fight and give it a few weeks before you step back on the scale. You will be pleasantly surprised!!!!

Years ago, I bought a Weight Watchers digital scale. It was NEVER consistent about my weight. I prefer to stop by my bariatric center because their scales are calibrated and the staff can always give me the feedback I need to keep going! Of course, at the center I don't weigh "in the buff", but it doesn't matter--I wear the same thing every time. I am very glad I threw that old scale out long before surgery!

I dont' weigh in every day. In fact, as I think about it, this is week 3 with no weigh-in. (I'll get to it tomorrow!) my point is, if you stick with MFP or some other tracking device, and you go by how you feel in your clothes and the NSV's you receive by way of compliments, etc., you don't need to rely on the scale so much. It makes me crazy to monitor every little fluctuation.

Keep up the great work! That is awesome!

Early on in my recovery, I would hit a wall around lunch time and would be exhausted the rest of the day. I still feel tired now, 4 months out, but I think it is mainly because of the drug I take to slow my heart rate. It knocks me out like a sleeping pill at night, and keeps me exhausted all day. Chronic fatigue is no fun. I hope this is just early in your recovery for you. If so, it will lessen.

I liked Dana's quote. One of my own is "A snack is a noun, not a verb." Maybe not what you meant by inspirational, but it's inspirational to me!

Yahoo Carlotta! That is fabulous!

I am 4 months out and I definitely feel hunger. It takes a lot less to fill me up, but I do get hungry by lunch time or snack time. I just try to remember to eat a snack before I feel any hunger pangs, or by the time a meal rolls around, I'll eat too fast.

I agree with Irene. Her answer is very thorough. For myself, I try to avoid grains when I can, as I have Celiac and I find most gluten-free products have refined (and fattening) flour. I eat a lot of vegetarian Protein, tofu, hummus, fish and dairy. And I am beginning to find fruits and vegetables that work for me, now that I am 4 months out. My nutritionist recommends under 50 grams of carb per day, which usually is doable.

Once you get this figured out, I recommend Fiber gummy supplements. I take 2 a day, unless I didn't have a BM the day before, then I take 3-4. They taste like a treat and they keep me regular.

I felt like I had made the decision for surgery and gave myself the worst flu the world has ever know. It does get better. Sorry you are going through this.

But 7.4 is a lot better for you, isn't it? I get my first post-op A1C next week. I am eager to see it. If you're doing a lot of snacking and not tracking, try MFP. It helps remind me to check my blood and check my carbs. Mainly, I use it for calories, and can't go without it. (I guess I use it the way others use the scale.) It keeps me honest and focused. It reminds me to reach for the sugar free popsicle instead of something calorie-laden.

Agree with everyone about the Protein bars. They are satisfying, but the carbs are far too high. I think 1 a day is a lot. I've been trying to limit them lately because they are total sliders for me. I'm sure you'll see a difference once you cut down to 1 (or none) a day! Here's what I ate today: -2 Weight Watchers cheese sticks -coffee with 2 TBL half and half -1 Feel Good Foods chicken spring roll -1 bartlett pear -1 Rudi's gluten-free wrap with 1/4 c. vegan "chicken" salad and veggies -2 sugar-free popsicles My calories are low today because I indulged a bit yesterday, but I always shoot for 750 calories a day.

I hate the use of the word, "cheating". You are making choices, period. If you set yourself up to fail, you will. If you are lingering in indecision about the choices you are making, then yes, postpone the surgery. Once you are healed 3-4 months out, you will start making bad choices again if you don't decide that you can do this successfully.

I am not sure what you're saying... Do you measure your food? The advice I've always heard is measure what you tolerate best and always stop before you feel full.

I am definitely losing inches, and I know I am losing, but I try not to weigh too often, or I lose my mind.