NMJG

Oh myyyy! amazing pix and hard to believe how much you've lost. Congrats on an amazing accomplishment.

Oh my, I really feel for you. I can imagine all sorts of zingers to say to her (hindsight is so much fun.) how about, "actually, I'm leaving for North Korea right after surgery, how did you know?" Or, "I am a POW, I was held captive in Afghanistan (no offense to real POWs). Or, "Really? If I don't put food in my mouth I won't be fat? How does that work, really I never knew that!"

DH is Dear Hubby or Husband

The thing I'm most worried about is getting my wedding ring off. My hands are so swollen in this summer heat, I'm afraid I won't be able to get the ring off for surgery.

Got my date: August 12. I started the process in early April, went to the big presentation by my doctor, psych eval, pre-op tests, waited for insurance, and finally got my clearance. Meanwhile, I'm stocked up on different protein powders trying to find one I think I can live with LOL, learned a lot from people on this forum, and can't wait to get going. If anyone is interested, I have United Healthcare and they were great. My plan is particularly generous, so no pre-diets or anything like that, just needed at least one co-morbidity for my BMI (I've got a bunch, so that was covered!) My doctor is Dr. Acosta at Del Sol Bariatrics in El Paso. He's a really nice doctor and very knowledgeable. I have a lot of confidence in him.

Sun, I did not have to do a supervised diet. Approval took about 3 weeks from submission.

Hahahahahahah that's excellent, thanks for a chuckle....

The tests are different for every clinic. Don't worry, unless you are a real fruitcake, you will do fine. Really. They aren't looking for normal neuroses, they are trying to weed out really messed up folks who will fail after surgery.

wow, so inspiring. you look so glamorous! great job!

I like the Premier Protein shakes from Costco, too, so convenient since it's premade. For powder, Syntha 6 is my favorite so far. I can't believe the difference in brands. Some are just so nasty. I ordered a bunch of samples like others suggested. It's a great idea to get that figured out, because I'm not dreading the liquid phase now.

August 12!

Good luck! All the best to you. Dream about all your fabulous new clothes and how awesome you will look in them

Girl, we hear you. This was major surgery and you deserve some rest. Can you take any time for yourself? Does the hotel have babysitters or a kids' club? Good luck!

I use Myfitnesspal.com and it's great. I have the app on my phone, too, so it's always with me.

Awesome! The shape of your face is really coming out!

What a terrific transformation

I've heard Strivectin works, but I haven't tried it although I've got some in the closet. Maybe someone else here has tried it.

Yay for high protein! You can make your own "Greek" yogurt, as it is just strained regular yogurt. Take a quart of plain regular yogurt (fat free, 2%, whatever) and place it in a strainer lined with cheese cloth. Let it drain overnight. You can also put the yogurt into a cheesecloth sack and hang it over the sink overnight. The next morning you have Greek yogurt. We used to call it "yogurt cheese" 20 years ago. You can also mix in herbs and salt/pepper into the yogurt before straining. It's very tasty spread on veggies or whole grain bread. I suppose you could mix in stevia and sweet flavoring before straining, too, if you didn't want savory. If you make your own homemade yogurt, this is how you can "Greekify" it.

Very adorable

Talk to your surgeon. My doctor's office says no caffeine because it causes dehydration and can make you hungry and encourage you to eat. For me, it's just not worth it. I started weaning myself early so I'll be off completely by my surgery date. I still have an occasional cup of real coffee (or even closer to my heart, ice tea), but I really feel the caffeine kick in when I do.

I have read on other forums and doctor's sites that bread, especially white bread, is quite uncomfortable. Toast or crackers were recommended. I couldn't find an answer why that is so, but Mrs. Havelock's suggestion about swelling makes sense.

Congratulations! I love your new curly look, too!

ROTFL, oh you guys crack me up.

Y'all are so polite. I'd just tell them to F themselves (pardon my French!) We are with you, RJ. You don't need their approval, you just need your own approval. Good for you for doing this, and good girl for posting here so we can give you support. I kinda like the smacking upside the head part....

Pet pix! Oh yeah! I've got a bunch of rescue dogs and cats. Here are two of them, Lizzie the Dutch Shepherd mix and Tibbers the tabby.