SuperDave

Having weight loss surgery does not mean you are lazy. Being morbidly obese is a life threatening condition. You are seeking a medical solution for a medical problem. Looking at it any other way is counter-productive. You don't need the negativity. Friends who cannot support your decisions to improve yourself are not friends at all. Do what you know is best for you! You have got this! As for the protein shakes, I look at them as a necessary evil. They aren't exactly known for their deliciousness! Some are better than others, but the more important thing is that they meet your nutritional needs. Find something that you can tolerate, has low carbs and high protein. Mixing up flavors and brands sometimes helps, as you may find you get tired of the same thing all the time. You can try making them at home as well. I definitely think it is a good idea to start drinking them early, just to help yourself get used to them. Plus they are a great way to lose weight on your pre-op diet. Hope this helps somewhat! Good luck on your journey!

It is definitely not irrational to have some fear. This is a major life changing commitment. I would be more concerned about someone who has not had any of these thoughts! Just don't let your fears control you. Fear is something you have to overcome, along with your relationship with food and the lifestyle that got you to this point. It gets easier the longer you do it. Eventually your fears go away and you realize you can do this. It is all worth it in the end.

Congrats on taking the step. I will tell you, it is not always easy. I wanted to give in 100 times. But now, 3 years post surgery and maintaining under my goal weight for over a year, it is just how it is. It is no longer a struggle. Box of donuts in the break room at work? Don't care. Out with friends at a restaurant and worried what they will say about my eating habits? Don't care. Afraid of negative comments for having weight loss surgery? Nope, don't care. Loose skin? Of course I have loose skin, I am far under half the weight I was 5 years ago. Don't care. You will get there brother. You will be amazed at the change. You will wonder how you ever let yourself get the point you did, and then you will resolve not to let it happen again. You got this!

My "maintenance and loose skin" is the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. I am 10 times healthier, happier and better adjusted. My professional and social life have greatly improved. I recently bought a car based on what I wanted, not on what would fit me. I buy clothes because I like them or because they look good on me, not because that is what was available at the fat guy store. Food has zero power over me. I enjoy new hobbies and activities because they are fun instead of work. I guess you can dwell on one or two negatives, but why would you? There is too much good that came from my weight loss. Who cares about the rest?

They are the same people they were before. You are the one that has changed. Some people deal with change well, others do not. Embrace the new you. Don't worry about the old.

Make sure you are taking an antacid every day, it helps with the hunger. Then enjoy a delicious protein shake! I promise, in the long run you will be happy you didn't give in after 9 days. You can do this!

Congrats on hitting your goal! It feels great, doesn't it? I stopped obsessing when I had been under my goal weight for a year. I decided I basically had it figured out at that point. I weigh myself once a month now, just to keep myself accountable.

Protein shakes are definitely not known for their deliciousness. I sort of look at them as a necessary evil, lol. You can make your own at home using kefir (liquid yogurt), protein powder, almond milk and ice in a blender. I add peanut powder to make a peanut butter flavor shake, or sugar free syrups in different flavors. Or you can pour the ready to drink ones over a lot of ice which thins it as it melts. Having several different brands and flavors helped me as well. You quickly get tired of the same thing over and over, it helps to have a change.

When you will be okay to try anything new is up to you, as no 2 people are exactly alike. My advice would be not to rush anything. The goal of bariatric surgery is not to see how soon you can start eating again. The idea is to completely change your habits. Thinking that there is something that you have to try is an old habit, even if that thing is completely fine for you to eat. You are 5 days out. Relax. Give it time.

"I don't want to sabotage my diet." "I'm following my nutritionist's (or doctor's) advice." "Just trying to eat healthier." "I appreciate your concern, but I am doing what is best for me." All of these things are 100% true without giving away more than you want to share.

For about a year after surgery I counted total carbs. I did that because anything that didn't count as a net carb, (fiber and sugar alcohol) was likely to screw with my stomach and I wanted to avoid it anyway. Now that I am in maintenance mode, (2.5 years post op) I watch the total carb count, but only count net carbs. Whether I am counting it or not, I still like to know exactly what I'm eating.

Sounds like you are doing fantastic! Keep up the great work!

I had my first stall at 3 weeks, then probably every 2-3 months after that. They suck, but they pass. My worst was at 240 pounds, and lasted 3 months. I really thought I was done losing, but I didn't give in. I went on to lose another 55 pounds after that. Moving to the next stage may help break the stall as well, it always did for me. Your body gets used to a routine and needs to get shaken up once in a while.

Don't give in to the cravings. It takes a long time, but you will get over it. At 2+ years post op, I rarely even think about bread or Pasta anymore. You are better off without it.

Hang in there, it will happen! I went through several stalls in my 260 pound weight loss journey. Every single one was worth the final result. You have got this!

I don't know if it is different for men, but I didn't lose any hair. I was ready to go bald too!

The pain will pass in a few days. As others have said, chewable Gas X is your friend! Hang in there, it will soon be a distant memory. It's all worth it in the end!

Great job, keep it up! It does feel amazing!

First of all, congrats on your success so far. Great work! To answer your question, there is no need to rush to "eat normal". The nauseated feeling will eventually pass. Stick with liquids and Protein shakes a little longer if you need to. I am 2 years out from surgery, and despite swearing that I would never touch a Protein shake again, I still drink one every day. They are convenient, filling and healthy. My first solid foods were things like a scrambled egg, soft cheese, tuna salad or Beans and cheese. The blander the better! Just be sure you are getting your protein and Vitamins, and you will be fine. Your appetite will come back. Enjoy the feeling of not wanting to eat anything while it lasts!

Maybe you shouldn't get either. You haven't had surgery yet and you are already trying to figure out how to best eat Cookies and cakes after you have it done. If you still plan to eat sweets, just avoid the problem altogether and don't have surgery. Problem solved.

I had one for my surgery, but the only reason I know that is because I asked. It was placed and removed while I was out.

Maybe I am weird, but I don't really notice what is on other people's bottles. I really don't care what anyone else is drinking, or what they are drinking it from. I imagine most other people are the same way, but I could be wrong!

I am 2 years post-op, so what I am eating now may not apply to you, but I will share anyway. A normal day for me is an egg and 2 sausage links for breakfast. Yogurt and nuts for lunch. salad with chicken or some other Protein for dinner. I'll have a Protein shake or bar for a snack at some point during the day as well. On weekends I mix it up a little and eat whatever I want, but stay under 50 carbs per meal. Yes, it is pretty boring. Sometimes it seems like the only variety I get in my diet is changing the flavor of yogurt or protein shake. But, it has worked and continues to work for me, so I continue to do it. I just try to satisfy my cravings on weekends and ignore them the rest of the time. You will figure out what works for you. Best of luck on your journey!

I am nearly 2 years out from surgery and I still have this. I know everyone is different, but for me this is just how it is now. It is really not a big deal. I don't really notice anymore. Keep up the good work and best of luck on your journey!

It only gets easier! It is very nice that your husband is being supportive by walking with you. Keep it up, you have got this!