BarnGirlWK

Okay, I tried the Quest Cookies and Cream now. I like it. Cookie Dough next, if I can find it. Thanks.

Congratulations! You look wonderful. These pictures really do tell a story all their own, and provide perspective. You really, truly did lose half of yourself. Again, congratulations!

I'm not sure who first said "Forgive and Forget", but I do not buy into that mantra at all. Forgiveness is something you do for yourself. It is a gift "to you" "from you". The other party need not even know you've forgiven them. Forgiving someone, even if they have not asked for forgiveness, releases you so that you are no longer hanging on to the way in which you were wronged. But, there is a lesson there, and the lesson is important to not forget. So, maybe "Forgive and Don't Forget the Lesson" is more like it, for me. But if you truly have forgiven someone, move on. Perhaps the lesson was that you cannot trust that person with personal information about yourself. Or you cannot rely on that person to keep a secret or a confidence. Or you know that that person will not be there for you in a way that you need. Or you cannot be with that person in certain situations. These are all lessons that take experience to acquire. "Gently" remind yourself of the lesson, and carry on. Do it for you.

I have two guys in my life who are my favourite friends. Even when baited, they will NOT respond, reply, make a comment in any way, shape, or form about a woman's weight. Truly, the best kind of friends to have. I even lead in conversations with, "A few months ago, when I kick-started my weight loss efforts . . . " and *crickets* No comment whatsoever. Nothing. One of them, bless his heart, keeps tracks of birthdays like nobody's business. One day, I asked to see his 'birthday tracker', and yes, looked to see my name on the list. "Year of birth" was blank in my case. I love having this friend. Love! Okay, so, I'm 50-some pounds down. And some notice, but not all. I go to the gym 4-5 days a week. These are my everyday people so I know it is hard to tell when someone you see every day loses weight. But, I must have turned the corner one day not too long ago because that day, everyone was coming out of the wood work to comment on my weight loss. Even people at the gym I never even noticed before. One fitness instructor said, "Someone needs new gym clothes - WK!" One fellow fitness class member was shocked when I said 50-something. I guess I hide/carry it well . . . blessing/curse.

I love it. Congratulations. You deserve it. Questions: - how much weight did you lose? - how long did it take to lose the weight? - how long did you maintain the weight loss before the surgery? - any tips you wish to share? - anything you wish you had done differently? - your age (range is fine)? Many thanks.

I find the Quest Peanut Butter Cups are drier than a popcorn fart!! Maybe I need to try other flavours?

Thank you, everyone. Sounds like I need more Biotin (did not know), more Protein (did know) and more fat (yeah, okay) I'm interested in a 'coconut oil' treatment. I have coconut oil. Do you use it solid at room temp or melted to more liquid? And I'm definitely going to look for Spring Valley 5000 mcg Biotin at Wally. I only found two brands and one of those brands had two different dosages, 1000 mcg being the larger. What about shampoo? I heard something somewhere about a shampoo with tea tree oil in it? Anyone else? BarnGirlWK

10,000 mcg? I thought 1000 mcg was a lot. So, 1000 is the largest dosage I've seen, does that mean you take 10 tablets per day? When was your surgery? I didn't notice hair loss until after 9 weeks after or so. Thank you @@Elode

Sad, but true . . . none of us will ever take the first step until WE decide that WE are ready to take it. And, admit it, we've all been at the point before the first step. And it is scary waaaaayyyy before it is every exciting. You're doing what you can. You are expressing your concern, you are showing your love, and talking about options. He needs to feel like he gets to make the decision.

What I great feeling. Enjoy it! It is sincere.

Oh, yeah, "You've got such a pretty face!" I used to get, "You've got nice eyes!", which always told me that there was obviously nothing else to compliment on. Fine!

Thank you, you've helped many. And you are beautiful.

@@JanetPRN, you made me laugh! Along the lines of "Do you boobs hang low, do they wobble to and fro? Can you time them in a knot, can you tie them in a bow" kind of way. Hilarious!

I am struck by how pretty you are. And you were before surgery, too. I actually like the pic with the elephant because it shows you out there living life. I echo the comments made here about your courage and candid sharing. And I echo the comments on how you look amazing. You are young. And there is a chance that your skin will still shrink back. Personal decision, I know. Congratulations on such wonderful success.

These are the things that really matter, after all. May you keep on chortling!

@@geelynn - Wow! 42 pounds in one month (plus pre-op) is a major success!! I'm a big fan of acknowledging and celebrating the milestones. This is a major victory. Enjoy it. And keep on keeping on!

fun-ny!

Thank you Bufflehead. I like your ideas, and they all seem so easy. I have ground turkey already separated into small servings. I have refried Beans (which I heat with a pinch of cheese). I have found any Soup (commercial or homemade) tolerates well - easy to puree, too. I have all the ingredients for the ricotta bake - time to make it!

Surgery Aug 24. My incisions are all healed, though the scars are thick and heavy. Two days after surgery, I developed a rash around each incision site. Kind of like heat rash, raised bumps. I thought I may have been allergic to either the medical tape or the Neosporin. Once I stopped dressing them in gauze, I thought the rashy-ness would go away. Not! In fact, in some ways, it worsened. And I was concerned. But I let it run its course and it has settled now. No scabs. Just raised scars that I need to deal with, too.

I love it!

Well, we are all on very different pre- and post-surgery diets. My surgery was Aug 24 (six days ago) and up until now I've been only on Clear Liquids, no protein: broth, Jello, popsicles, Water, ice. Today will be the first day that I introduce Protein back in. So, the next week will be full liquids only, but does include yogurt, pudding, cottage cheese, vegetable juice, soup, and Protein drinks. My tummy gurgles with new foods introduced. I'll need to take it slow. I'm feeling great, no pain, no gas, no nausea.

Hi. Out of hospital now and resting at hotel. my experience at Mi Doctor hospital was mostly good. he staff and doctors are terrific. I am not in pain or discomfort. on the road to recovery. no scale, so I don't know my current weight. I'll know soon enough, though. My diet is Water, broth, gatorade, Jello, popsicles. Until I get home on Friday. No Protein before then. good luck to everyone.

good morning. I had y surgery in Tijuana on Sunday. Sandi in Florida is in now having surgery. I'm at the hotel for two days of recovery now. and then i head for home. My experience has been mostly good, with very few moments that weren't geat The Mi Doctor's hospital is small and efficient. No concerns there. Diet is currently water, gatorade, broth, popsicles, jello. No protein until we get home

Hi, well, I have to say I like the 'empty' feeling. Makes me visualize myself flatter in my fluffy places. It hasn't actually been that bad. Two mugs of chicken broth so far, I'm on my second sugar free Jello. I had tea and Water. It is temporary. Just like giving up your red wine - temporary - IF you choose to add it back in afterwards. They say 6 weeks, though, without alcohol. I can do it, though I have a wedding in that time frame, too. I may pour a glass of wine and nurse it all night.