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That's fabulous!! How encouraging to see! Great job!

The liquid diet does get easier! Beest of luck with your surgery this week!

My kids were my biggest factor in deciding to do this too! Best of luck on your stress test and surgery!

They are probably used to seeing faster weight loss b/c of a lengthy liquid diet. It seems like those with the fastest weight loss have the longest liquid diets in many cases.

That's amazing!!

I am 7 weeks post-op and would definitely do it again. I have had previous abdominal surgeries for 2 c-sections, a fibroid surgery, and a hernia repair and the sleeve was by far the easiest recovery. There was some pain, and I took my meds for it. I didn't try to be tough and go without, and I only needed meds for a week. After that, it was the fatigue as I adjusted to my new intake that was tough, but even that was gone around a month out.

I have craved sodas a couple of times, but not forthe past couple of weeks. I hope I am really through that addiction's withdrawal!

What did you not like about their program that caused you not to follow it? My clinic's program dictates a minimum of 800 cals and 75g of Protein per day for all patients. My dietician said lower calories can slow weight loss. I was frustrated at 3 weeks of 1 pound weight losses but she told me I was right on track and keep on. Sure enough, I lost 10 pounds in the following 2 weeks. I am tracking my foods in a paper journal, but using labal info and info from MFP to be sure of the counts. I am just more regular when using a book.

I was a nervous wreck about approval too, but I think the vast majority get approved. I met a guy at the support group last month who had a liver transplant. There was a womanwith MS too. You're more than likely goingto be appoved.

I met the surgeon who is the head of the department at the info session. Then had many appointments with my dietician and classes to attend. Plus the psych stuff. Imet the surgeonwho preformed my surgery 10 days ahead of time, and saw him at 3 weeks post-op. NowI will see him every 3 months this year then yearly.

I wonder if wherever he saw pics of Snooki was specifically showing before/after pics or specifically talking about herweight loss. He sees you daily and the changes are harder to notice. Also, some guys are afraid to mentionanything weight related b/c if not worded just perfectly, they can end up eith a mouthful of their own foot! I would consider making your own before/after flyer to print for him and ask if he saw this hot brunette who lost over 50 lbs!

I am doing OK. I followed the program guidelines very well for diet progression and I haven't found any foods that disagree with me yet, and haven't had trouble getting my protein and fluid goals met. I dropped a lotof weight on the pre-op liquid diet and right after surgery too. Then, even though I felt I was getting slimmerthe scale only said a pound a week for the next couple of weeks...so I put my scale away to avoid the frustration. I am keeping my food journal faithfully to be sure I stay on track.

I thought their program was very thorough and good. I had my kids at Hershey so I was comfortable there and my primary doc told me they had the most comprehensive program in the area. Just reading what some people say about the advice of theirdocs/programs, I feel I got a TONof great teaching and advice from the HMC program. I had my surgery July 19.

You'll feel so much better after you kick the carb monster out again! I am a talker, and when stressed or anxious I really feel a lot better after voicing my frustrations to someone (my poor husband!) and getting some basic encouragement or reassurance.

I am from Harrisburg! I had my surgery at Penn State in Hershey.

I told my family and closest friends eventually during the pre-program or right after. I still have not told most of the people in my life and I prefer it that wway for now. Once you tell, you can't untell!

The backs of my legs feel wrinkly and rough already...only 6 weeks post op! Gonna try the plamers stuff!

I think it looks thinner in your face.

I have had a love/hate relationship with diet soda for years. I have also craved it since surgery and just try to satisfy the craving with crystal light, which pretty much works. I know that everytime I have given it up in the past, then try to go back to moderation, I've never been successful. Same as with weight loss attempts. Therefore, I personally am not willing to risk attempting moderation with flat soda.

Awesome and encouraging!

My program says a minimum of 6 months, but they prefer waiting a year for alcohol.

You look great!

Right after surgery I started with the Isopure ready to drink stuff. It did help me for getting fluids and protein. IDK if you're on any medications, but I had tobe taken off my diuretic by 10 days post op b/c of the dizzy and weak feeling. Abbout 2 days after stopping that I felt pretty normal again.

The not drinking while eating thing is indeed a forever rule. Though you may be able to get away without realizing it has slowed the weight loss in the beginning, it allows more volume and therefore calories into your new small stomach. My dietician explained to me that this is the number 1 factor associated with weight regain in any WLS patient.

I had a troublesomefirst pregnancy followed by a twin pregnancy and got TONS of unsolicited advice. Also, with all 3 of my kids being preemies, I got more of the same. I learned a phrase my OB taught me and have used it A LOT over the years. "I've discussed this with my doctor already. Thank you!" I've used many variations of this in the years since, and think it should fit nicely in this situation. "I'm following my doctor's orders and am being closely monitored."