SuperDave

I have been a "coffee geek" for years. I blend and roast my own Beans, experiment with various grinding and brewing techniques. I have a ton of coffee and espresso roasting, grinding and brewing equipment that I have acquired over the years. The chase for the perfect cup has been an obsession, to say the least! (I know, I'm weird!) But for now, it's on hold. Was told to give up caffeine for a year, and decaf seems pointless. So, I just look at it as a distraction from what I need to be focusing on now. Sweet delicious coffee will still be there when I am ready to have it back!

Definitely looking good! Keep up the great work!

I told those who I consider to be true friends from the start of this whole process. The reactions, from both the fat and skinny ones was mostly positive. If anyone has a problem with me doing what is best for me, I would consider them more excess weight that I need to drop.

Cream of broccoli would be fine. I ate broccoli and cheese soup (with the broccoli strained out) with no bad effects. If you have difficulty with it, it may help to make it a little thinner than normal.

Congrats! You are almost there! Keep up the great work!

My pain got better in the matter of a couple days. Getting in your fluids is probably the hardest thing at this point. It took me a week before I was really able to get what I needed in a day. Just constantly take little sips! Also walking may help with some of the pain, since you are probably still full of gas at this point.

Welcome and congrats on the surgery and weight loss! That's not a bad pic at all, it's just how we all look in the hospital!

Awesome! The time will go by quick. Good luck with the surgery!

Mine was 2 weeks. The first few days were awful, after that not a big deal.

If my physician puts his "affiliation" over my health, he is no longer my physician. Period. That is ridiculous! Best of luck with the approval!

What they said ^ ! Don't worry about it. Your body will adjust and you will lose. Just do what you are supposed to do.

I was instructed to do it for at least 90 days, longer if the pills are unusually large. I normally mix with a spoonful of yogurt, it seems to hide the flavor well. For something really unpleasant tasting, I use tabasco sauce. I love that stuff anyway!

It doesn't happen to everyone, but it does happen to a lot. I've been making fun of my brother for 20 years about his hair loss, so I'm doomed! Stupid karma!

Great work! Keep it up!

When I went to the first seminar that started this whole process, the VERY FIRST thing the doctor said when he started speaking: "Everyone who is here to look good in a bikini should leave now. You are in the wrong place!" I'm not sure why that has stuck with me, since I've never been into bikinis, (on myself at least!) But it has helped me remember that this is about being healthier first and foremost. Everything else is secondary.

Think about it like this. The risk of health complications if you do not make a change are far greater than the risk of complications from surgery. Having surgery is actually the safer bet! Good luck!

They started me on it in the hospital, the morning after surgery. My surgeon said it actually helps the healing process, so it should be fine. If you have concerns, call the doctor!

Hey there! November 10th for me as well! The best thing I have found for hunger in the full liquid stage is hot Cereal, like cream of wheat. That seems to fill me up and last longer than a Protein shake. If you have already tried that, I don't know what to tell you except to hang in there! pureed (almost real) food is just around the corner!

+1 on the antacid! I was told to take a crushed Prilosec (or equivalent) twice a day for 90 days post op. I also noticed that I felt hungrier the one time I forgot and missed it. Definitely something to look into!

Tabasco sauce. It completely covers the flavor.

Congrats and good luck! The time will fly by!

My surgeon nicotine tested me twice. I wasn't smoking, but was using nicotine gum and e-cigs. I had to get off of those as well before surgery. It's worth it!

You don't need to give anyone a reason for what you do. It is your decision. Say something like, "Oh, I had no idea you were an expert in the field of what is best for me!" It normally shuts people up.

Awesome! It's a great feeling when a plan starts coming together!

Wow! Very good work!