Jessica H

I was required to do a sleep study, but I did not have sleep apnea and no machine required, since I passed.

Dr. Hawver, she's currently the only Mercy bariatric surgeon.

I confess that I ate a whole bag of jelly beans. I confess that I licked the icing off of a cupcake tonight, because it was staring me in the face. I confess that I love rubbing in the fact that I've lost so much weight. I confess that I'm scared I'll fall back into old habits and eat my weight in food again. I confess that my recliner is more comfortable than getting up and doing my Tae-Bo. I confess that I've secretly hid 3 different types of candy in the freezer so my daughter doesn't find it. I confess that I miss the way I used to eat, throwing caution and calories to the wind and just enjoying it. I confess that I'm scared to fail.

I find I have several days where I could eat and eat and eat. It scares the bajeezus outta me! Although I don't go over my 1200 calories, I feel like things aren't satisfying me. Maybe I need to find something new or eat things at a different time. I try to tell myself it's just me being 'bored' and not a genuine hungry feeling. Then I hear the doctor saying in the back of my head, 'Don't wait to eat until you're starving!' I know that over time, my stomach will naturally stretch. And I don't over eat to the point of being in such horrible pain. I hope this is a normal thing I'm experiencing, because I'd sure hate to ruin such a fabulous gift given to me! Thoughts, anyone?

Yes! I have days where I may hit 500 and days where I'm teetering on 1000. Odd how that happens. On the weekends, I find it easier to eat, because I'm not inundated with patients at work. While M-F, I can't exactly eat at my desk because everyone will see. I think maybe I need to incorporate another Protein shake or two. I normally just have one in the morning.

Stay positive! We've all hit stalls, then miraculously drop a few pounds after that. You lose a lot in the first few months and eventually it will slow down. But you have to look at it this way, a loss is a loss, even if it's just one pound. We didn't gain this weight overnight and we certainly can't expect to drop it so quickly. We'd all love to lose 10 lbs a week for months, but the truth is, it won't happen. I've only dropped 9 lbs in 6 weeks, not a huge loss, but I'm very happy with it! Track what you're eating, get in your protein and exercise! You'll see the scale moving again, hang in there!

You should start walking right away. I wasn't cleared for any other exercising until 4 weeks post op. I find that YouTube has a lot of good vids for cardio. I personally do Tae Bo Basics (you burn nearly 400 calories in 25 mins) and Leslie Sansone's Walk Away the Pounds - 1 mile and 2 mile. You want to avoid lifting or bending in your first few weeks. I was up and walking the day after my surgery. The walking also helps with the gas you'll have!

There is no way you're going to get in your protein this early. It will come with time. The important thing is to stay hydrated! Eventually you'll work your way up to the desired daily protein. Don't rush it!!

I cheated 3 days in with eggs, 3 days before my surgery, I chewed and spit a double cheeseburger and onion rings from Culver's. And I had 6 Diet Dr. Pepper's the day before. I think you'll be fine

LOVE LOVE LOVE That pic of you two on the dirt road! You look fabulous!!!

I'm 5 mos out and 69 lbs down, with 47 to go! Before, December 2012 and After, October 2013

I eat PB as a snack. Gives me the protein and the sweetness I crave! Keep some around all the time

I miss my Diet Dr. Pepper. I won't have any, because I won't be able to stop! I was told no soda forever!

I went out with my gf's a few nights ago and felt so incredibly sexy! I had on new jeans (size 14) and an adorable jacket (size XL) with some new knee-high boots. For the very first time, I felt normal. I wasn't the 'fat girl' of my group and felt ELATED! I loved getting up and walking around, just so people could see me And I loved when my friend said, 'You don't waddle anymore.' And I overheard another telling a friend, 'She really looks good!' It's so great to have the support of my friends and to hear people saying how great I look. I feel absolutely amazing! My 'fat girl mentality' is slowly leaving, never thought I could look & feel so good!

Thank you!!

Thank you!!

I wasn't hungry for about 4 days after surgery. I drank, but didn't eat until day 5 really. I could only get in one or two spoonfuls of yogurt or maybe a whole popsicle, if I was lucky. Your stomach (or esophagus) will tell you when to stop, trust me! I didn't feel like anything was missing and no tastes changed for me. Good luck!!

I'm nearly 5 months out and can't eat bread either... unless it's in the form of thin crust pizza or crackers. Otherwise it's very painful. Same thing with rice, I gave it up. Pasta I can do, in very small amounts. I usually get in about 3 meatballs and 5 noodles, if I'm lucky. Figure if it hurts and it's bad for me anyway, I probably don't need it.

I indulge in the occasional potato chip, french fry and candy. I had a spoonful of ice cream tonight with caramel syrup. And the bad stuff goes down TOO easy. I don't want to feel like I can't have these things again, but feel bad when I eat them. Like the other night, my daughter wanted some Fruit Loops. I had a couple and that turned into a handful and if I didn't put the box away, it would've been more. When I fall off, I tell myself that tomorrow is a new day and I'm doing the very best I can. And you're right, we eat it because it 'was there.' Harsh reality is, I'm still eating out of emotion or boredom, but I'm trying really hard to control that. Thanks for having a post like this, I was DYING to confess to someone that understands!

I totally understand. Mine was supposed to be 90 days, but my surgeon was pregnant at the time and decided to take off 12 weeks, which put a monkey wrench in it. I promise you, it'll be here before you know it! Take this time to do your research, get your meal plans together, get a good protein shake (I can recommend a couple) and just mentally get yourself ready. I spent a lot of time looking at pictures and dreaming about this day. Now I'm almost 5 mos out and I'm LIVING that dream! Stay positive and focused. Also, start using MyFitnessPal. It is my BIBLE. I record everything I eat to stay on track. You'll get there girl!

I'm in St. Louis. I am just over 4 months post op. I work for Mercy and had mine done thru there as well. If you have any questions, let me know! And stay positive, it'll go by fast! Mine was also 6 months and it flew by