Madam Reverie

Thats an amazing way to look at it and I thank you. Clearly my head is up my arse and has been for a considerable amount of time. x

Oh, I would be the absolute worst person to ask on this one.. My response to their horrid remarks about a co-worker would range from 'Yeah well, you're hardly a Rubens painting yourself, are you?' or 'Yeah, and you're a regular Brad Pitt, baby' and other such childish utterances. Sounds like you're dealing with it in a very lady-like manner.. by barely acknowledging them. Their age-group is sadly what defines them. I'm sure most of them would prefer it if women had stayed in the household, perfectly manicured, chained to the sink, looking after their progeny whilst making sure their dinner, pipe and slippers were ready for them when they deigned to return to the household after a 'hard' day at work. Oh god, don't get me started!!!!! I'd have a field day with this one! They're idiots. They neither deserve your time, attention and more importantly, emotion. Fight the power, sister x

The fact you've had a 'whoaa' moment, is amazing. I won't lie, I've had variations on that theme. Largely due to walking into a shop, picking up a size 18 and my partner saying 'what are you doing, that'll be huge on you'... I have also had the 'holy cow, look how skinny my legs have gotten'... But as far as the true metamorphosis.. from the Sloth to Demi like some others.. It hasn't happened. I cannot believe that its the social circle I knock around with. I am reasonably restrained, but when I see the massive transformations, I've found it nigh-on impossible not to say 'Holy cow! Look at you!'... That just doesn't happen to me - ergo the statement about general indifference and remaining me - just a lighter version. Its amazing that you've recognised how amazing you look and I thank you most sincerely for your kind words about my presentation. I don't think that way about myself at all. Maybe that's the problem. I was expecting some reaction - any reaction - good or bad. So far all I've got, is well, tumbleweed! x

Exactly. They are very tasty and very handy indeed. Best of luck

Another option, if you like yoghurt? Is a product called 'Upbeat'. You can find it in Tescos next to all the yoplait/benecol/yakhult drinks. Its a strawberry or mango flavoured Protein drink that seriously tastes like yoplait. It has 20g of protein in a small bottle. Its amazing. They were my go-to thing for about 8 weeks. Bit pricey at between £1.50-£1.70 a bottle. But if you can get them on special, they're fabulous. It really is like taking a yakhult and super tasty, too. No gammy protein aftertaste.

Well, I'd say as long as you're doing it in a really overly-nice way.. ala 'Oh, I'm so sorry for bothering you again, just wondered if anyone has cancelled this week? I know you must be exceptionally busy and I really sorry for harassing you. I empathise with you having to deal with people harassing you all the time. Yes, the NHS is being abused by the Government at the moment, isn't it. Are you going anywhere nice on holiday this year? Oh, your hair looks lovely. Are they pictures of your children? Aren't they beautiful...' Kind of thing! If you can veer away from desperation and shine with a sparkling personality, they'll remember you for the right reasons - not the wrong ones! Also, after a huge dose of flattery, telling them about your work situation and covet some empathy from them. This might make them think of you first... Know what I mean? Worth a shot, for sure. Did you get any names of the person who would be responsible for scheduling you? If not, you might want to do that and work on them first and foremost!

What's a 'mini thigh lift'?

Alcohol is a tricky one.. Best to avoid.... Cocktails? Go for a very mild one (and perhaps only the one at first) and probably after 6-8 weeks. Booze can hit really hard and no one likes a sloppy drinker. But again, before the abstinence fundamentalists get on one... Best to avoid alcohol until you get into your groove with the weightloss and new healthier lifestyle... So a few months.

Erm, I think this says it all....

lol that's funny. I craved a pickle too, just after my operation. What I did to soothe the craving was to get the pickle jar out, stick my finger into the vinegar and lick it. Did me the world of good to taste something that was vaguely normal! As long as you don't try to eat a pickle, you'll be fine

Girl your profile pic makes me chuckle every time I see it pop up. You know that is what I picture you looking like. You are too much. I enjoy all your posts. You are so positive, upbeat and motivating. Thanks for sticking around on here for all us newbies. You are a great resource to us all. Aww that's very sweet of you, thank you. As for looking like my picture? Erm, perhaps, when I first wake up in the mornings after a heavy night out

Harass them daily It's the NHS.. They're used to it. They can take it

I had the same problem. I had to acknowledge for my brain and body to work as they used to, I needed to eat more regularly. Consequently, I used to eat 6 mini meals a day. Made all the difference. I also found if I ate plain white carbs, it was like I'd been run over by a bus afterwards. Consequently, I rarely eat potatoes now. I know you're worried about the stall - but don't. Whilst your weight is static, the inches will be dropping off. It is quite weird how it happens. But it does. Evaluate your diet, see whether you're getting the calories you need to survive. As for the cognitive function, I found taking theanine which is an amino acid worked wonders in getting my brain back into gear. Wishing you all the best

When you hit the pureed stage, things will change dramatically. You won't be able to run marathons, but the energy levels will improve, but you'll almost have to re-stock your calorie levels quite often. Probably about 6-8 mini-meals every day. I still get hungry every 2.5 hours after eating. My advice (and don't anyone flay me for it, because it was a necessity for me and it worked), don't worry too much about low fat/low calories for the first few weeks. Because you're eating so little, you need to get the most energy and nutrients out of the small amount you're eating. So, for example, I had a roast dinner with roasted lamb, roast potatoes, carrots, peas, all mashed up with gravy to make it the right consistency. Made me feel like a different human being. Keep the food clean and wholesome and you'll do just fine.

Awww Yay! Its a great feeling, isn't it? Enjoy!

From a woman's point of view (Me): That is awesome. You look 20 years younger, fit and healthy. From my man's point of view? (Cause he was looking over my shoulder?): 'Nice fish'... Says it all really! Many congratulations

Oh, it is sooooo all about watching the measurements change during stalls... Don't let him step on the scales. Lots of distraction required. I was bordering on horrified after a huge stall when I finally measured my waistline. I'd lost 6 inches. I kid you not! Lots of fun activities to pass the time

Stop your self-indulgent whining, throw out all the crap you've purchased, take some ownership for your actions and commit to shifting those last few pounds. There will be no pity-party here when you're a fully grown adult in charge of your own destiny... How was that? Get on it and best of luck

I was in the bath within 3 days.. I had special second-skin waterproof dressings on my wounds. They were a god-send and absolutely water-tight. A bath was invaluable. See if you can get some of those fabulous dressings and away you go

Go get 'em, tiger! Wishing you the best of luck, a smooth surgery and a rapid and pain-free recovery

Totally normal It's your vagus nerve being stimulated to let you know that your little sleeve has had its fill. This can also present itself as hiccups and sneezing! It wears off after a while. I still get hiccups, so I'm good with that. Its like my little cue. As for Protein, endeavor to try and get it in as soon as you are able - when on clear fluids, try and get some Isopure clear or something similar to it which has protein in it. When on full liquids, you can progress to the 'milky' Protein shakes, yoghurty type stuff.. Even milk... Wishing you a very happy and speedy recovery

lol thanks, Sherri! No, seriously! When I see fonts that are really small, I'm like 'Oh god, I can't read that'. Glad that I could read it now and can make your acquaintance properly! Again, welcome to the madness and congratulations on your success to date and your continuing success. Certainly seems like you've got all your eggs in order, so that's only a tremendous thing for the future. And as you clearly have a sense of humour, it's a double-win x

Sheri, welcome to the madness! I would have loved to have read your post, but I can't see it without a magnifying glass! My peepers aren't what they used to be! Would you mind upping the size of your font so I stand a cat-in-hells chance of being able to read it, my dear? Sorry for being a short-sighted old bat

In response: Point 1) Because I don't always agree with how those who have expressed their 'displeasure' have couched it. There is always more than one angle. Every opinion if delivered appropriately is valid - and diversity of opinion leads to discussion and balanced reflection. I do not 'attack' (unless 'attacked' and more often than not, I can't be bothered to respond) and I find the broad accusation of such to those whom simply had dissenting opinions, lumping us ALL into the one category as 'bullies' (which is only applicable if every one who disagreed showed an element of collusion in their actions), as objectionable as some of the content and tone of the original inflammatory post. 2) That's absolutely correct. Posts can be taken the wrong way - can't they! Therefore everyone should be mindful of what they're saying and how it's being perceived - which is why, as per point one, I chose to 'chime in' if I do not think the 'dissenting' opinions encompass what I believe to be one of the 'core' issues or objectivity is required. 3) Address the hypocrisy? Yep, it's hypocrisy-o-rama round here, don'tcha think?!

http://monstersupplements.com/store/p/5677/1/ - although I don't know why, but on my screen it doesn't allow you to add to basket. http://www.amazon.co.uk/Isopure-Protein-Isolate-Clear-Flavour/dp/B0089A657U/ref=sr_1_fkmr1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1391990069&sr=8-2-fkmr1&keywords=isopure+clear+buy+uk This is amazon.co.uk - not a bad price, too. Half the price of what I paid originally with Monster supplements. As for taste - they're not completely awful. I stomached them because I needed the 32g of Protein they provided me whilst I could only drink Clear liquids. Don't buy 8 cases like I did though! In my humble opinion, the green one is better than the yellow and the yellow is much better than the red - but it is all personal choice. Sadly, we only get the three varieties over here. In the states they have over 40 flavours or something! I'm sure the others taste much better - but we have to cope with what we can get and for what they deliver, they're ideal for us. Best of luck