ladykatie_

@@InfiniteButterfly - I really want to take yoga again too! It's been a few years but when I did it, I just loved it. I'm really excited to start walking, then moving up to swimming, then hiking and yoga and all the "fun" exercises like Zumba... and dancing in general! Good reasons to fast forward time? I think so.

@@ladykatie_ please do not be jealous, it's not all fun and games trust me. For 5 weeks I had no restriction and because I feel hungry in every 3 hours I was eating more then what I should have. I only started to feel the restriction about 2 weeks ago, and now I am able to DIET, yes I have to diet, watch what I eat and count calories coz I could eat more then what I actually do. It's hard work, the only thing that changed is less food fills me up, my hunger is not as bad as before surgery and my digestion is different now. Sometimes I wish I would feel disgusted when I look at food but I still love to eat and enjoy my meal, so it makes it that much harder to actually lose weight. It is going to be a hell of a ride It's crazy how different everyone reacts to the surgeries. What happens to me is I'll get nauseous for like 30 minutes and then I'll "feel" hungry. LOL. It's so strange. I'm still trying to gauge hunger vs. nausea vs. stomach pain. Sometimes I just have no idea what I'm feeling at all except terrible or tired. Do you have any particular cravings? I feel like I only crave savory foods instead of sweets now. Which is the opposite of what I used to be.

...after surgery? What kind of exercises did you do? Were you getting enough Protein? Did that matter? I'm still having a hard time with the protein intake. Whenever I do anything (go to the store, chores around the house, etc.), I get sweaty and tired and out of breath. It sucks.

Hmmm, I didn't use either. Ask your surgeon/doctor/nurse.

Wear what you want to wear home. I'd highly suggest a muumuu or very loose dress. I was upset that I brought my comfy pants as I didn't want anything touching my incisions. So this is what I brought (overnight stay only): Insurance card ID Meds I normally take (one of each) Hairtie Bobby pin iPhone and charger The clothes and flip flops I was wearing Seriously that is all you need PLUS a good chapstick! Even that you don't really need. I forgot mine and they just gave me a chapstick of my own. I fit everything I needed in a wristlet. That should be all you have. God forbid you have to stay longer but if you do, your family or friend, I'm sure, would be happy to bring you whatever you needed. Pack LIGHT! And best of luck!!!

Actually Jell-O was the only thing that has come up so far! I just ate too much, too fast. It sucked tho.

It's still hard for me to gauge hunger/fullness. I feel like whenever I see someone eat, I am hungry. But I know I'm not. I just drink water. I agree cold water is the best and easiest to take in. I can now take bigger drinks of water. (Surgery was 5/21)

Going to GNC today. @@allielee - I actually managed to get 26g in less than 8oz of cranberry juice and it's taken me about an hour so far to get it down.... just to give you an example of what it's like. I ordered those whey protein shots, hoping for the best.

@@green*eyed*girl - You are so lucky and I'm jealous. lol.

Great post. I have to remember this. I really, really, really want to avoid getting worked up over looking at the scale. I need to have my husband hide it from me, lol. I guess my hurry is also I'm going to my sister's new home on June 19th and I'm just praying to baby Jesus that I fit comfortably in the airplane seat. That's all I really truly want at this point.

OH and thank you for all your input and advice! It really does help.

I know I'm probably expecting too much of myself too soon - I've always done that and I'm really impatient. I guess I'll just take it easy for now and just focus on getting the protein in.

Sounds awesome! Unfortunately, probably too thick for me right now. I'm having a hard time with getting my Protein in because I get too full or nauseous. Can't wait to try this when I'm more normal!

I love Water as well! But now I can't take big drinks or chug it, just little sips every couple minutes or so. That's why I haven't had issues getting water in. It's the protein! Makes me incredibly full or nauseous. I hope that doesn't happen to you. Try a bunch of Protein drinks/products before your surgery to find something you like. I hear Premier Protein is really good for a grab and go shake. I haven't had it yet. Right now I'm trying to get a lot of protein in a small amount of liquid (less than 8oz). it's still very hard. Just some thoughts I was having today! I hope it helps you.

I still cannot work out. I live in a desert as well, every time I go out during the day I'm sweating and panting like a dog. It's horrid. But I know it would be better if I could get my damn Protein in!!! (excuse my French) It's been the biggest struggle for me. Today I mixed my unflavored Protein Powder into cranberry juice (sugar free, light, etc.) and it tasted good but I could smell the protein powder. It literally smells like baby formula. It's so disgusting. I'm still choking it down but so far no nausea, just fullness. COME ON POUCH I NEED MY PROTEIN!!! Sigh. I hope I'm not the only one dealing with these issues.

It's not the losing weight that is the question of your relationship, methinks. It sounds like a break-up is inevitable. I was in the exact same relationship a few years ago with a guy like that. I lived with him and everything. I kind of knew from the beginning that it was going to end but it was so easy-going and simple. But hey, no one said love was easy. Also this was way before my thoughts of getting weight loss surgery. I was a big girl though, if that matters at all. I know bariatric divorce is a thing, but I do believe if it wasn't meant to be then it just wasn't. If it is, then it is. With or without the surgery.

I've heard a lot of great things about Unjury. I just ordered some samples, including the chicken soup. I'm hoping for the best! Thank you for the advice!

Thank you for the suggestions. The egg protein is my next step. I need to get to the GNC or health food store soon. I am definitely interested in the Torani syrups too.

YES! The exact same things but I just can't walk outside at all because it feels SOOOO HOT and I sweat and pant like a dog. The veins in the shower thing, I noticed that too but I think it's just the warm Water bringing up the blood and stuff. I don't think that is abnormal. I know I'm not getting enough Protein because every Protein Drink or powder just makes me nauseous. Luckily I haven't thrown it up or anything so I'm getting the protein, it's just really unpleasant. And I'm still only getting about 30g-40g a day and I need to be getting 60g-80g a day. Every day it's a constant struggle especially since I'm still on the liquid part of the diet. Sigh! It's so frustrating!

Will they ever create a Tucson chapter?

I guess I feel lame because I just went for a walk in my neighborhood, got home and felt AWFUL. Breathing hard like a ran a marathon. I actually recovered quicker than I thought I would (about 5 minutes or so) which is an improvement in itself, I suppose. I know about the Premier Protein shakes but I am over the "creamy" protein shakes. I cannot drink but 3 sips and then I'm full to the brim. I've been drinking Isopure and getting about 40g of protein a day with those drinks and my full liquids. I just got my unflavored protein mix in the mail so I'm going to use that in everything I can!

Don't be afraid! I know it's major surgery and there may be some pain, but there may not be as much pain. They often do the surgery laproscopically now, making your surgery sites easier and faster to heal. The hardest part will indeed be the diet adjustment. You will need tons of Water and tons of Protein (as you probably know). Getting those two things in every day has been the biggest struggle for me. I have the water down but the protein is still an issue. When is your surgery date?

Congrats all! Can't wait to see you what you ladies think of it. Mine was just over a week ago.

These are AMAZING! You rock!