Dorian

Here is a progress picture of me! Christmas last year and Christmas this year! Merry Christmas to me! [ATTACH]39066[/ATTACH] [ATTACH]39067[/ATTACH]

Wow you have had a long road to get where you are!! Ask as many questions as you need. I did the same pre op and I also researched to the point of obsession! I am 8 months post op today and down 132 pounds. My best help was the people who had surgery in the same month as me. It is great to be able to compare with someone at the same stage as you are. We had a pre op and a post op group. They are the best!! As far as your skin question most insurances consider it cosmetic unless you have documentation showing rashes or other skin problems. Hope that helps. Keep asking away! That's what we are here for J.R. Best wishes! Dori

Not true!! I got my Protein in from the start and took all Vitamins. I did have some hair loss, but mine started later than all of the April people and I had much less. The hair loss will likely happen but to what degree is what varies!Here is a link to an article with some good info. Good luck! http://lisapacker.hubpages.com/hub/Gastric-Bypass-Hair-Loss-Can-It-Be-Avoided

Hi. I am not a doctor but I am thinking it could be a vitamin deficiency from the research I've done. I also remember that my paperwork said to call the surgeon if there was any easy bruising in the weeks after surgery. Since you are 8 weeks out I don't know if this would count or not. It is always best to call the surgeon's office anyway. They are your best bet for the correct answer! Good luck and keep us posted so we all know!

Roads should've been good for the ride! Hope they have a ball and the Packers win!

Thanks so much! It is amazing to go shopping and fit in alot of stuff and have to chose what you like. I'm so used to fitting in only one thing and having to take it whether you like it or not.

I always worry too! Don't think the snow will be bad in Green Bay, but could be a hairy ride there. Hope all goes good so they can enjoy their great gift from momma!

Went to goodwill today to find something to wear for Christmas. Every year my sisters always dress up and I was always in old jeans and a sweatshirt, looking fat! This year I will be stylish in my size 14's! Got 2 outfits and a few extra shirts for $25. Not a bad haul! [ATTACH]38914[/ATTACH]

I took vicodin routinely for my back issues. I took it whole with no issues.

I just updated my ticker and it shows 37 pounds to 170! I guess I didn't realize that it was THAT close! 37 pounds seems doable to me after losing 133 so far! I think that may be too small but we will see. I had stalled for a bit but now the weight is coming off again. I have been more active since my back surgery and especially now since my leg pain is getting better. I really was hoping to be in Onederland for Christmas but that is 8 pounds away so not counting on that. But by New Years for sure!! We have freezing rain going on now and an advisory through the night. Then BIG SNOW coming on Saturday and Sunday!! Definitely a white Christmas this year! LOVE IT! Hope all the April peeps are doing good!!

WOW, what a topic! Glad I don't have this issue!!

I never had any trouble with drinking, even shortly after surgery. I was able to drink Water pretty freely too. I tried the sipping but had a hard time with it! I can drink normally now for the most part. Once in a while I will drink too fast or too much and then I get the pressure feeling in the chest. Ask your surgeon to be sure it is ok for you just to be sure though!

Congrats on your surgery date first of all! Second of all, RELAX! You will not fail if you follow your surgeon's plan! It sounds like you have jumped through hoops to make this happen, so you obviously WANT it. You have also done your research so you should know what to expect. I am fairly sure that EVERYONE has the same fear of failing when going into such a big surgery because we have all failed at dieting before. It is important to remember that this is only a "tool" and you must continue to do your part! the weight WILL come off and you will be amazed! I wish you the best of luck and remember that we are here if and when you need some support! GOOD LUCK!

Ahhh...The "last supper syndrome! " Almost all of us have done it. Mine lasted for 3 or 4 days. I had dieted so hard before surgery and lost almost 40 lbs. When it came right down to surgery time, I wanted all of my favorites one last time. I gained 11 lbs by the time I had my pre op meeting. The nurse blamed it on a different scale but I was mortified! I had 1 week to lose it before surgery which I did. I had no pre op diet by the way. Anyway, you are not alone. Just don't do what I did!

You look so teeny tiny! What an amazing transformation! Congrats to you!

You sound like an awesome couple! The sense of humor will help you both thru the first few days! Nothing wrong with letting the nurses know ahead of time that you have a low pain tolerance. They can be a little more mindful of you right post op. Relax cuz you will be just fine. Best wishes to you, and your wife!

After the surgery, you will be physically unable to eat a big portion! I started with 1/4 of a cup and sometimes that was too much. One scrambled egg would be too much or a yogurt. It is amazing that you can go from eating 4 eggs at a time plus sausage and toast to less than an egg. Hang in there! You will be soooooo glad!

I'm 5'8" and can't remember the last time I was at 180 so I don't know if I would look too thin! Guess I'll be happy were I end up as long as I'm feeling good!

I'm down 132 too! Great job girl! I agree how time flies. Seems unbelievable that it has been 8 months already! What did you set your goal at? I also have a large frame and set my own goal at 170 but am thinking that may be too small for me?? My Dr never set a goal, just to follow the plan and see where I stopped losing.

Too funny!!! I've felt like doing and saying that NUMEROUS times while dealing with my back pain! You and I would get along so good!!

Wow you are looking good! My surgeon never set a goal for me but the goal i set for myself was 170. I am at 208 so not too far off. Loss had slowed for me but seems to be picking up this last two weeks. I dumped once too bad it was late. I stay away from any sweets cuz I'd be done in a heartbeat. They are my downfall. Glad you are off the meds and blood work is good. Keep it up!!

Glad you got a second opinion. UW hospital is great. Hope they can help! Good luck! Oh and the Lions lost! Woohoo!

Wow hope they get you in soon! Enough messing around! Such a bad time of the year for all this too!

Been having some really good days lately! The leg pain is getting better every day! Today i did some cleaning which made me feel good. Have also been doing some shopping and getting out of the house! Weight is at 208 today which is 132 down! There is a light at the end of the tunnel for me!

Exactly especially since my hubby is from texas! Will be rooting for the Ravens tonight for sure!