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Those don't look bad....

Absolutely go see your PCP! I've gone to mine every single time anything skin related is bothering me to get it documented for insurance purposes. I think after a couple more times I'm going to try submitting it for approval.

I am thinking it's probably normal. You still have swelling going on in your stomach and it's going to take time. All of the sudden around 7 months I noticed a big change in restriction and now I have to be pretty careful about just eating to where I am satisfied and not over-eating. Good luck!

First, happy birthday! Second, I agree a day or two of liquids might not be a bad idea. Your sleeve is not healed yet and won't be completely for some time. It can easily get irritated. Pasta and rice can be especially rough because they can swell in your stomach. Thirdly, I would just echo what someone else said. One big thing is learning to Celebrate things within the guidelines of what you need to do for the first year post-op nutrition-wise. It's big in our culture to equate celebrating with food splurges. It's a totally change of mind set to switch that off. Good luck to you!

You look great! Congrats!

Great job! You don't even look like the same person!

I've never tried them because I find them too high in carbs. But, I guess if I were to choose between Protein chips or regular chips, I would go with the protein ones! Can't be any help with recommendations as I haven't tried any. Just read the labels carefully to make sure of all the nutrition facts. I think a lot of times things are labeled as "high protein" but are also high in sugars or fat or carbs or something else. know what I mean?

I think that feeling of saying goodbye to the foods you love is a totally normal thing. I clearly remember a several month long "food funeral" that I had before my surgery. I actually ended up gaining a few pounds! Even with all of that, I've been quite successful after surgery. And I only had to do liquids the day before my surgery as well. No worries! It sounds like you have done the research and preparation necessary to be successful. Good luck on your journey~!.

Great idea! I started a blog to document my journey (linked in my signature) at my first pre-op appointment (about 9 months before surgery) and I still update it a couple times a week. It has been an awesome tool for me to keep track of my journey and to reflect on everything that has happened in the past year + because you'll find that it is a lot to process!!! I also did it in hopes that it would help other people who stumbled across it. So, I think it's a great idea for you to do this and I think you'll be glad you did. Good luck on your journey!

Mine probably stopped at about 7 months post op and really started growing back in around 10-11 months. Now at 13 months post op I have new short hairs cropping up everywhere. Don't worry!! It will come back!

I don't think everyone does. The one program I went to didn't, but then the one I ended up choosing did. It really wasn't a big deal at all. I was in and out in a couple of hours and honestly the worst part was getting the IV. My hubby and I even stopped for lunch on the way home. :-)

You might want to try some different Protein products...not necessarily the shakes. If you go to BariatricChoice.com they have tons of "liquid" products to choose from..... juice flavored drinks, jellos (which I personally loved right after surgery), Soups, etc. My personal favorite is the BariWise protein hot chocolate. I'm over 1 year post op now and I still have a hot chocolate a couple of times a week.

Wow that does seem physically impossible to stay the same weight. I understand not being able to go under a certain weight for insurance purposes. I was in the same situation. But if my program wouldn't let me gain 1 single pound or start over, honestly, I would probably be looking for another program.

I travel occasionally ...probably once every 2 months. I did travel about 3 weeks after I was sleeved and was surprised by how well I was still able to stick to the plan. I usually get a room with a mini fridge so I can stock it with my "necessities" ...ie, greek yogurt, low-fat cheese sticks, and Protein shakes. That way I know that I have an option if all else fails. I also find that I am able to find something to eat at almost every work function or restaurant.

You look great! Good work!

That is awesome! You've done a great job!

I think it is definitely perfectly normal! I remember very vividly having a complete emotional meltdown about a week before surgery. It is a lot to deal with...the physical plus the emotional. Those first couple weeks are tough, but the biggest things are to keep moving and work on the liquids. The Protein is good, but it will come. You'll do great!!!

Yes, I definitely think about food more. You have to really..... And I think part of it is because I'm mindfully eating instead of mindlessly eating. But, you're right, it does seem like the trouble nature of the relationship with food is never ending...even at goal weight!

If you are ready for it and prepared, it is SO worth it! I am 1 year post op and have lost 141 pounds. It has been an amazing journey. Feel free to check out my blog (linked in signature) for more pics and pretty much my whole journey. I started keeping it right around my first pre-op visit (9 months before surgery) and update it a few times a week. But for a quick one, here is me at my surgery weight and then at my 1 year anniversary.

Wow! Thank you all so much! You are seriously too sweet and you make me feel pretty good! :-) I kind of wish I had waited to make it because I could have added my 1-year post op pic. Maybe I'll re-do it..... lol

No problem! That's why I kept it! So hopefully it will help someone else on the journey. Don't dread it! It's tough, but it's also so exciting! The more prepared you are going into it, the better it will be :-)

So I've been waiting for this for a while, but now I can say that I have lost more than I weigh! I've literally lost MYSELF!! Weight: 138.6 Weight Lost: 139.8 Sweet!!

Yes I think I lucked out. She's amazing

Yes I go to a therapist every week who specializes in eating disorders and regularly works with WLS patients.

Well I can't speak for everyone but, I think a lot of times it probably has to do more with unresolved food/mind issues than anything physical. It is still totally possible to compulsively overeat with a sleeve....it's just an all day thing instead of a big binge. As soon as I started feeling those urges coming back, I got myself to therapy. I've been working with an eating disorder therapist since then and it has made a huge difference in my long term success.