LipstickLady

So.....uhm... Uh....I certainly wouldn't chat up insurance fraud on a public forum. Just thinking out loud.

Ohhhhh... Do you mean food on the go? Greek yogurt tubes, string cheese, babybels, squeeze applesauce, tuna or chicken salad packets in the little foil envelopes (they come with mayo), hummus cups. I keep a little cooler with me at all times. I use it for my foods and doggie bags.

A spoonful of Metamucil in your Water or coffee. Works wonders and you can't taste it.

Relax. It's normal to hit a "stall" about 2-3 weeks in. Keep working your plan, drink as much as you can and walk walk walk. Your weight will move. Promise.

You can't control other's actions and you can't make "bad food" go away. Yes, he's an ass, but the tests he's laying before you are your chance to conquer your food "addiction". Be grateful for the challenge and the dumpster out back. Utilize both to your advantage.

I taste all kinds of things. Difference is, I'm done after a few tastes. Kind of like normal skinny people. It's very empowering.

I wouldn't say counseling is a must for everyone. I've not had any issues.

I'm sure people have switched one eating disorder for another with all the WLS options, and if you feel that is a risk for you, seek counseling through this process. I started at 264, am now 152. I lost 112 pounds and feel awesome. I feel hungry when I'm hungry and not hungry when I'm not. I make great choices most of the time, eating Protein first, veggies second and carbs last. Are you just starting this process?

I went in sick as a dog. I did tell my surgeon first and the NP told me what cold meds I could and could not take. I had one of the worst colds I have ever had and coughing post op hurt like a bitch. I lived.

Yup. Ask him how many sleeves/bypasses/lap bands/whatever you are doing he's done, too.

You will. You'll just like it better if you step on it weekly instead of daily.

Tell that to all those clothing stores that will beckon you in every time you go to the mall. Just sayin!

Insight? Stay off the scale.

Be excited you can't go back! Embrace it. Love the idea that you will be FREE from the hold food has over you. Food is not your friend, your lover or your answer to life. Once you get rid of the weight, your life will be about so much more. I promise you. Our stats are similar. I can't tell you how fabulous it feels to be NOT FAT. Food can suck it. And that's coming from the worst of binge eaters.

My NP wanted off the protein shakes at 3 months and get my protein from food. I still drank one a day because I had a stricture and could barely eat anything but mushy until my 4th or 5th month. Drink as much as you can. If you can get 40oz in, you are doing great. I am 19 months out. A few bites and I am done, too. Welcome to your new normal. Your hair will grow back. Promise. Metamucil in your coffee or water will help with the constipation. You can't taste it and it works wonders. Find something else that makes you feel good. Relying on food to make you feel good is what probably got you here in the first place. That's a slippery slope you are treading so early out. Chocolate isn't giving you physical energy, either. It will give you a sugar rush and then you will crash. Bad bad bad cycle. Heartburn may never go away. I never had it before but I do know. I take my PPI and tums regularly. You don't want to hear this but chocolate gives you heartburn: http://www.health.com/health/gallery/0,,20443643_2,00.html ChocolateBad news for chocolate lovers: Chocolate seems to cause more reflux than any other food. It’s a triple whammy: 1. Chocolate contains caffeine and other stimulants such as theobromine, which cause reflux. 2. Chocolate is high in fat, and fat causes reflux. 3. Chocolate is also high in cocoa, and cocoa causes reflux. Theoretically, dark chocolate isn’t as bad as high-fat milk chocolate, but let’s face it—all chocolate is bad for reflux.

It's my OPINION (and you know what they say about those!) that you aren't ready for surgery. I know that sounds harsh and mean and sh!$$y and rude and hateful, but it's my opinion. I am glad you are in counseling and I do think that with help you will eventually be able to get to where you need to be MENTALLY and EMOTIONALLY to have this procedure. I am also happy for you that you are being so honest with yourself about your fears. That's HUGE. I am only 19 months out and by no means an expert on anyone but myself but within all the people I know who have had this surgery, the most successful ones are those who are no longer afraid. They are TIRED of being fat. They are TIRED of the hold food has over them. They are READY to give it up and break the cycle of unhealthy eating. They still stumble and they still fall from time to time, but the strength that they need to get back up and get back on the wagon comes from their need to be healthy. The ones that I see fail or "lose slowly" or regain are the ones who have not made the decision to give up bad eating habits, instead letting the surgery decide for them. Eventually your ability to eat whatever you want will come back. You may not be able to eat as much in one sitting, but if you graze all day, you will be able to finish off a large deep dish pizza, a gallon of ice cream, a package of Cookies. I love food. I still think about food far too much. But I also hate it for all the years I allowed it to control my life. I will not allow that to happen again because it really is much more fun to be thin and healthy 24/7 than it is to stuff my face for 15-20 minutes 6 or 7 times a day. It's like smoking. A smoker will only really quit when they are ready. No amount of Patches of vapor or ecigs or resolutions will get them to quit until they make that decision with their entire being. It's OK to be scared and it's OK to mourn food, but do not do this until you know that you will rejoice in your health more than you will miss that plate of nachos.

You are "morbidly obese" according to the BMI scale. Y'aren't too small for surgery, I promise you.

Eat outside? Maybe I am not understanding. What can't you eat outside that you can eat inside?

I'm always right.

Happened to me, too. I waited online with my insurance while the doctor faxed it. The person who received it called me back within the hour to let me know it was approved.

I dump when I eat anything really rich like whole cream Soups, really high quality ice cream, frosting, fudge... Either I vomit it right back up or I have instant poop Soup. I'm glad there's no remedy or cure except avoidance. Keeps me on task. Nineteen months out, here.

Did you just call me FAT!?!?!?!