The Candidate

Welcome to the forums! For those who only choose to tell a select few, of which I am one, it doesn't always equate to shame or embarrassment. It definitely didn't in my case. For me it was just the surety that I could never "untell" someone after I told them. And from there I no longer had control of who they might tell. I'm a very private person. My personal business is mine alone. I didn't make announcements or ask for outside opinions with other medical decisions I've made, so this was no different. I told my immediate family and four close friends, that's it, and I've had no regrets. Good luck!

Welcome Raven, and congrats on making the decision to better your life. You will find tons of support here. Good luck on your journey!

I just try and mix it up. Protein shake, Popsicle, and then when I'm sick of the sweet, a little savory broth, and then repeat. Helps a little. Good luck!

Congrats on your soon to be surgery! You're going to do great!

Congratulations! That's an amazing triumph!

Congrats! So happy everything went well! Keep walking and you'll feel so much better. Take care!

That took a lot of courage to post and we all appreciate your incredible honesty. I am only a 6 day out bypass and I promise I will heed your example. You are an amazing woman, I hope you know that. What happened to you could happen to any of us, at any point. Thanks again.

You'll do fine! ????

I've never heard of it either, but I think it's great! What a motivation maker and a way to applaud the post ops and prepare the pre ops. I'd do it definitely.

Congrats on your approval!

It's tough, no question. I only have to prepare meals for myself, so I can't help with that issue. But if you have any hobbies, use those, or other activities that will keep your hands busy, and require a certain degree of attention, to keep your mind off of your diet. I'm 6 days post op, on liquids, and I still use this tactic to keep me distracted and on tract. Good luck!

Never going to stop @@OKCPirate! Never going to stop! ????

We'll all be waiting for you here on the other side. In fact I'm dusting off your spot on the bench right now! ???? Just remember to breathe, go with the flow, and do whatever they tell you. The first few days are rough, but will pass by in a haze. You'll do fine! Let us know how it goes and good luck!

Congrats! So happy everything went so well and you're already back home. Nothing better than being home to speed up the recovery process. Get some rest and good luck!

Congratulations! What an incredible milestone!

@@dbfn My hat is off to both you and Kate for doing the injections on your own. Especially with the side effects you experienced! Hope everything is all better now!

@@maregal So happy to hear you're feeling better and already back at work! Every day is a day closer to health and happy living. Congrats!

@@OKCPirate On your question about my picture, is a meme your profile pic? If so, yes, I did recently change my profile pic. Previously it had been of a beautiful lavender angel, who was weeping. I fell in love with that pic about 9 years ago when my best friend of 35 years died of cancer at the age of 45. The weeping and beauty intermingled seemed an appropriate tribute. But shortly before surgery I decided I didn't want to identify myself with weeping anymore, as I was just too happy these days. So I switched to my current one. And I am definitely Dory (the blue fish). It makes me smile every time I see it! ????

This is an exciting time, as we all know. And the excitement will only continue from here. Best of luck on your journey!

You can find biotin pills pretty much in any store that has a vitamin section, or you can do a search and order them online.

@@Running2theSleeve Thank you! I'd heard, but never quite envisioned how wonder the view is from this side. You're very kind! ????

@@kimby1029 Thank you so much! I appreciate the well wishes!

Congrats on being a post op! The best is yet to be. You will get there. Good luck!

I'm a new RNY, only 5 days old, but I can relate. I thought and still sometimes think the same things you are. But I know that ALL my past diets have failed miserably. In my mind the risk of failure was less than the absolute of staying the way I was. At the very least I'm going to go out trying, instead of sitting on the sidelines being miserable. Good luck with your journey!

Congrats on the graduation! Every marker crossed is another milestone on the way to a healthy life!