LipstickLady

I'd really need to see more pics to decide.

Woooohoooo! Good for you both!

Driving to work instead of walking is the easy way out. Using the washing machine instead of pounding out your clothes in the stream is the easy way out. Buying your food at the store instead of growing/killing it is the easy way out. I could go on for days... Bottom line? I did what's best for me and my family and that's all that matters. I really don't give a flying fart what someone else thinks of my decision.

Like Revs, when I'm p!ssed, I clean. I throw crap out, I scrub, I sort... I'm a tad OCD, so organizing is very soothing and I can get lost in a good scrub session for hours. The end result, unlike binging, is so rewarding and I truly feel that clearing physical clutter clears mental clutter as well. My other go to is Zumba. Nothing like turning up some good loud music and concentrating on a dance routine. You can't stay too upset when you are having a great time and sweating out some frustration. Find a healthy habit or hobby and really go for it. food is not the answer nor is it really your friend in bad times.

I like the Atkins meals. They are pricey but have few carbs and are big enough to be two meals for me. They taste ok, too.

Yes, you will! It's worth it, I promise. From 264 to 157, a size 20 to a size 8, from morbidly obese to athletically slender... Yeah, it's worth it.

I am only 9 months out but my restriction is very tight. I have to eat every few hours because I can barely eat more than 6-7 small bites in a sitting. I always have beef jerky with me. All protein, no carbs, teeny bit of fat. I carry almonds, too, and snack on cheese sticks. I do 4-5 mini meals instead if traditional meals and it works for me,

Wow. If you had asked my advice, which you didn't, I'd tell you that it's going to be close to impossible to hide your change in eating and drinking habits from the people in your home. I'd also tell you that I imagine your husband would feel betrayed/angry/lied to when he finds out what you've done. I am not one that told the world - just my husband, kids and besties - but I can't imagine hiding something of this magnitude from my husband. I pray that you have no complications, but what if you do have a leak or a stricture? What if you develop a lactose intolerance or start dumping? How scary that would be for him if he had no idea what you did! If you asked, which you didn't, I would advise you to trust your husband or ask yourself why you don't. This is a HUGE move towards your good health and one he should know about. Yeah. That's what I'd say if you asked, but you didn't, so I won't.

TAKE YOUR MEASUREMENTS! The scale is a lying whore, trust me. Measure you hips, boobs, arms, thighs, waist and neck. When the scale is being $hitty, the measuring tape will tell you the real story and the one that matters.

I waited four days. Doc said whenever as he didn't operate "down there".

Just tell them you are fine, you are going to be having some surgery that is very personal and that you appreciate their concern. Keep it simple.

Shrimp and veggies! Yum.

This will end. I am 9 months out (almost) and I will feel as if I am starving after a few hours or a workout. A bite or two of heavy Protein will resolve this physically even if mentally I want more. Listen to your BODY not your head and you will do great. It's an adjustment, but one that once you are in tune to, you will be FINE.

I was about 12 weeks out before I could eat a chopped salad from Panera. It was freaking DELICIOUS. I never knew I would crave veggies like I did. Just follow what your body is telling you. It's a good thing.

It could be acid, too. Make sure you are taking your acid blocker, too, or you could be feeding false hunger.

Just keep in mind that anything you gain now, you will have to lose *on top of* what you wanted to lose pre-op. It's not worth it. The whole idea of "nothing tastes as good as thin feels" is SO freaking correct, you don't want to mess it up. FOR REAL.

Just you wait. All of a sudden, BAM!! You look, feel, and ARE completely different. It's a weird journey but one that is fabulous. It's hard to describe until you go through it.

I drink wine or hard cider (over ice, stirred to release some carbonation) mostly. Cocktails make my pants fall off so they aren't usually a good idea. Mr. LL disagrees, but...

I'm sipping a margarita while reading these threads. Pure entertainment.

People notice what you're eating far less than you think. Sip some water or tea, enjoy the company and simply tell anyone that asks that you are having "tummy issues" and you just don't feel like eating. Easy.

Amen, Preacher Man. Amen. This is why I luuuuuuuuuuuv you.

Girl, I feel you. I didn't have even a glimmer of that moment until about 90 pounds down. No one even noticed my weight loss until about 75. Just the other day, at 103+ pounds down, I had more WTF?!?! moments from people who have seen me along the way, than I have the rest if my journey put together. Healthier is great and all, but dammit, people, give me some freaking confetti and whistles! I deserve them. Patience butterfly, that Demi moment is coming.

My excess stomach never did me any favors. It allowed me (with my help, of course) to over eat tremendously. It caused me to have constant hunger and cravings. It got me to 264 pounds and just below the diabetic line. Because of my weight, I was unable to do so many things, and I missed out on so many opportunities with my kids. Five years ago, a lemon sized brain tumor was found in my noggin. It's estimated that it was growing there for about ten years. They cut that out because it was affecting me in a negative way. Six years ago my gall bladder was removed due to gall stones and severe pain. I didn't hold on to any of these things because they were making me unhealthy. My stomach was no different. You would have a cancerous growth removed, I assume, or a sketchy mole. You would fix a bad heart or liver or joint. You would remove a tonsil or appendix if you had to. Why not part of your stomach if it would make you healthier? Think about it.

It was about three days for me.

I've never been one to eat specific foods at specific meal times, so... I am out of the door very early, so my Breakfast is most often travel friendly. Ham and cheese roll ups with avocado, beef Jerky and a cheese stick, a trail mix of almonds, peanuts and raisins, bacon and avocado wrapped in a tortilla. If I am at home, refried Beans and cheese, scrambled eggs with cheese and salsa, crustless quiche. Mmmmmm. I love quiche!