1Day1Life4Now

Muppie, are you having the sleeve or the lap band?

SparkleCat, just take one day at a time. You don't have to make all the changes at once. Its a lot easier to make small changes and build on them. You've already put down the cigarettes so that Is great. You could stop soft drinks and then after a couple of weeks cut out something else. you can do this. Like the old saying goes.... How do you eat an elephant? ONE BITE AT A TIME,! Good luck.

I can't lie, its very difficult. One trick that has helped me is planning my meals in advance. I put my shakes in the fridge and they each have an assigned meal and I have lots of flavor additives for my Water. Im able to eat a frozen dinner each night so that is motivation for staying on the shakes earlier in the day. Good luck to you.

Sounds like you might be stressed. That's always been a hunger trigger for me. You have got to get yourself in the right mindset. It's not about being full, its about being satisfied. We always want more, that's why we are all going the surgery route. Have you started your Protein shakes yet? Protein satisfies that hunger urge more than anything. Once you have limited yourself on daily calories, it will get easier but you still have to keep reminding yourself that you have to be disciplined so you are physically prepared for the surgery. Being physically ready will minimize any problems. I think you maybe overly nervous about the upcoming surgery and you are looking to food for comfort (yeah, been there) You can do this!! Keep your eye on the prize because March 3 will be here very soon. Imagine how you are going to look and feel at each stage of weight loss and the things you will be able to do. Project yourself into that happy place....thinner and full of energy.

That is awesome. That's what its all about... getting healthy so we can STAY healthy. You are an inspiration to us beginners so keep up the posts and let us know how you get on.

I got the book "Weight Loss Surgery for Dummies". I think it is one of the best as it covers everything from Soup to nuts.

Kandace, you are looking fabulous. You have accomplished a lot in such a short time.

At Sams you can buy Premier Protein Shakes and they are pretty good. There are 40 grams of protein per shake and only 1 gram of sugar. I like the Atkins shakes the best but they don't have as much protein in them even though they do taste much better. Have you tried the unflavored Unjury mixed into sugar free Jello? Keep trying things till you find something that works. Just remember that you aren't going to find anything that tastes like Cookies and cream icecream... we're talking diet food here. Good luck. I've lost 15 pounds drinking one for Breakfast, one for lunch and then eating a healthy supper. Plus I have 2 Snacks during the day.

l live in Jackson, Mississippi and Im scheduled for Feb 10th but have not gotten the final approval from my insurance. I hope it comes soon or they will have to post pone the surgery till a later date. I have lost 12 lbs so far and will use my "waiting period" to continue to lose more. Its been slow go on the weight loss but hope after surgery it speeds up. Good luck to everyone.

Congratulations. Hope you have a quick recovery.

Somebody asked me that same question today. I told her I have a shake for breakfast and one for lunch and then a 300 - 400 calorie frozen dinner for supper with all the Water I can drink all day. I can't sustain this diet indefinitely and even though I am losing weight.... I can't keep it off. I've been up and down with my weight for the last 35 years....I'm worn out and I need something more permanent as my body can no longer handle all of the weight variations. Besides who wants to exist on Protein shakes the rest of their lives? People are so judgmental and that is why I have chosen to limit who I have told about this surgery. My husband and daughter will support me, no questions asked.

If you are still on your parent's insurance...you may be covered for weight loss surgery. Check on that first. You are a 22 year old woman and if you want to pursue WLS, then that is your prerogative. Your parents love you and when they see you are hell bent to follow through on this road, I am sure they will then support you. Parents do not want their children to go through any crisis alone... they will eventually get on board. As for self pay.... you are old enough to get a loan if you have a job. Look at all of your options before you decide anything, Good luck.

'I have had all of my tests completed but the Gastroenterologist that did my EGD and colonoscopy called today to say that he had removed polops from my colon and my stomach and though all came back non-cancerous, he said I had significant gastritis. Okay, I knew I had some stomach issues going on but didn't think much of it. Will a diagnosis of gastritis prevent me from having surgery??? Has anyone else faced this? I am so close now that if this doesn't happen I'm going to be so upset. I need some reassurance so please weigh in.

thank, I love cookbooks so I may give these a try.

congratulations. good luck

Thanks ladies, I can't wait to try these. They sound delicious.

Thanks everyone... I feel a lot better knowing this.

awesome job. Congratulations. You look fabulous. Bet your face is beautiful.

congratulations. hope your good luck rubs off on me.

Honey, I think God always has a plan for us and when things don't work out like we thought they would, He always has a hand in it and it's for the better. Just know that it will all work out for the best in HIS TIME and you will have time to get everything together before surgery. Good luck.

Niassy, if I lived in Dallas I would be there in a heartbeat to drive you to and from the hospital but I'm in Mississippi. I understand exactly how you feel about not telling others about the surgery. I'm in the same boat. I'm only telling my husband and my daughter, nobody else. I too am a very private person. Check to see if there are other posters from your area that would be willing to be help. Have you been to any of the support group meetings? That's a good place to start. Help one another by offering support in this process. Please don't go to the hospital alone. You need somebody there to act as your advocate to make sure all the paperwork is done right and your rights are being considered through the process. We are here if you need us. Take care and good luck.

Superfatty, this post made me cry too. Your daughter is one mature awesome young lady. Include her in your process as much as you feel comfortable, because she will most certainly be a source of inspiration and motivation for you. I could feel her love for you in that quote and that is such a wonderful gift. I am really happy for you.

Any thoughts or questions you have should be written down so you don't forget them when you are sitting across from your surgeon. Get answers on post op diet and anything else you might have questions on. Wishing you lots of luck and Hotty Toddy Rebel.

Addiction is addiction, you have swapped one for the other which is not uncommon, there are many folks that slip on this path. I am sorry for your recent troubles, it seems when it rains it pours in regard to personal problems and you are not alone in this predicament. First of all, don't let your ex-fiancé determine your success or your future. Put down the alcohol and take a sober look at your present predicament. He has taken away a lot from you by "dumping" you but he can't take away your determination and self-esteem unless you let him. Decide what you want...to lie down and let him win or stand up for yourself and let this process change your life for the better so you can win. Get another job...any job to see you through for a while. You can find your dream job later... what you need now is income. See if a relative or a friend can put you up until you can save a little money to get you on your feet. Life has roadblocks and detours for everyone, very few people follow a path of roses and sunshine. You have undergone this major surgery to make your life better, please don't sabotage it by giving up. Sending you healing hugs and offering up prayers for you to find the strength to do what you need to do. You have a wonderful support group here. Please use it .

From what I've read, you can't put it in anything over 140 degrees F so I think that would preclude you from using it for baking. I suppose you could add it to Soup, hot chocolate, hot tea and maybe a few other things as long as the temp was 140 or below.