OKCPirate

@@Bean80128 - Re-entering the dating world after a 20+ absence has been a mind blowing experience and certainly not for the faint of heart. And many things have changed, esp. with personal grooming (and we'll just leave it right there). But I have a good sense of humor and adventure. I just received a very nice compliment from a woman who I was very interested in but I realized after a week that she really had left over issues with her ex and was projecting them on me, so I took her out to lunch and explained why we needed to break up. She wrote me after a week to let me know that on reflection she thought I was correct, and thanked me for teaching her to value herself again. So dating can be a positive for others if you do it right.

@@gowalking - Great rant, well said

@@blueyedpryncess and @ANewMe9/21 - How did your surgeries go?

@@sbagby1960 - your stomach should be healed, so protien bars shouldn't be a problem. Run by GNC and try Isopure. 40g per bottle. Not everyone likes it but it might work for you.

@@pink dahlia - Thank you, I'm seeing a beautiful attorney and things are progressing nicely and she met my daughter at the Hozier concert last night. I'm taking my time. I was married for 21 years, so when I commit, I am in for the long haul.

@@Sajijoma No kidding, my daughter and I have a 30 day rule...she only meets someone if I have been dating someone exclusively for 30 days. It takes guts and commitment to go out with someone's kids.

Put a pillow between my legs to keep it from happening, it didn't

It has not been a problem. I just tell people I'm not a big eater, get a doggie bag and don't make a big deal of it. Some times I can eat, other times I can't. No big woop. I also get small portions of prime cuts of beef Oh the great stuff I could not afford before the surgery, quality trumps quantity any day.

@@Elode @@Babbs @@jenn1 - Halloween is the one night when you are free to get in touch with you inner bad girl and enjoy...embrace it [Not that the guys don't enjoy it too]

@@SleeveSoon - Good plan, assess the cuts. I was stabbed by one of Noriega's thugs during Operation Just Cause, took a heck of a long time to heal, so I realize cutting into the belly can be a bad thing.

@@Elode - Ehh, no, its a question of being able to sit comfortably, and OK is not that cold

@@byebyefat - well the body part I noticed getting bigger, oh wait, this isn't the guys room Sorry, carry on talking about bra sizes.

@@VLeigh - We all freak out It's OK, we are used to getting those posts. Heck, if I dig around I can find my freak out post. Usually happens a few days before. Post anyway. You will appreciate the encouragement and the support on the other side.

@@lachellove - no, I don't think it is. I think you need to really check what you are eating and drinking. You should be up and running again. We are all different, but that's a long time IMHO

One of the advantages of keeping a food log is I'm able to look back and see if something is missing when things start to feel out of sorts. (Hint, hint lurkers). I don't know if you are or aren't. If you are, look back and see, if not you might want to start (esp. when the memory is starting to slip - only a partial joke)

Just saw this if it helps: http://www.purewow.com/food/How-to-Make-a-Smoothie-Without-a-Blender

@@Elode - Good for him bringing the girls. Way to man up, high five and compliments.

@@FrenchieAndTheSleeve - BTW, great job on the weight loss.

Feel free to message me if you don't want to post this in the open... 1) Are you on any meds? I found I needed to switch from extended release Adderall to regular (I break the tablets up and dose over the day). Some meds actually change how they affect you after surgery because absorption changes. 2) Protein helps as does exercise. 3) Depending on age and family factors don't rule out other causes. It's a dangerous thing to assume "oh this is happening because of this." This type of logic has killed many people. Sometimes this things are related, other times not. Correlation does not imply causation

@@SleeveSoon - Please report back on this. It might be important to someone, and I've never heard it described that way before. I hope its not a hernia, but I know they will check, Sometimes the incision sites are still a little week so might be a signal to back off squats and use the leg press for the moment. That and start building more core strength in the interim.

@@Elode - Glad he wasn't gay NOTE TO LADIES: Ahem, if you can get a guy to talk for hours, there is a special connection. Don't pass it by. Hint, hint.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002EJHEPO?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_search_detailpage This is my buddy. Wouldn't have been the same with out him.

Welcome to the journey. It's a great ride, there are many experienced, caring people here. My best piece of advice is: 1) Walk and get in the best shape you can going in 2) Get your emotional side in just as good of shape by using a cousoler or this book....http://www.amazon.com/Emotional-First-Aid-Kit-Practical/dp/0976852659/ref=sr_1_13?ie=UTF8&qid=1436729032&sr=8-13&keywords=bariatric+book 3) Be very selective in who you choose to tell. There are plenty of "experts" who have no idea just how safe and effective this surgery is 4) Look at the worst case scenarios and see if you can take it. Most of those who did not succeed are actually self destructive who think this tool is a magic wand. I wish you much success as you begin this journey.

@@pink dahlia - well there are several possible reactions - recoil in horror, laugh or thank the stars you don't have to participate. We share so we are not bitter

Yes, went whole days without eating if I was busy. I had to think about it.