CanyonBaby

@@liannatx Oh my! I haven't seen those, yet, that may just undo me!!! Thankx!

I have been using the CeraVe, as well, and that huge tub of cream is very inexpensive and the best cream I have ever used (and I have used many over the years). I actually use that cream on my face if I am not going to be outside that day. If I am outside, I use the Neutragena Visably Even with the sunscreen in it. BUT keep it away from your eyes...wicked stuff in the eyes (can melt a little, thus working it's way toward the eyes). The great thing about the CeraVe is that it truly DOES last all day...I have to wash it off at night before I put on the night dose. You can feel it, like it was just applied, almost slide off! Great stuff, versions I have seen are the cream, day lotion with sunscreen, night lotion, and a facial wash, plus hand lotions. All found at Walmart.

Well, for what it is worth, try and relax as best you can, for that will help bring BP down, as well. I'm glad you went in and had it checked, smart move. Maybe (if you can spare the time) treat yourself to some favorite, calming past-times. Do you have any hobbies that would take your mind off it? Any great places to take walks/hikes? Just some ideas to maybe give you a little peace in all this. All the best to you...

I guess the first question to ask is if your local hospital has a support group, and if they offer meetings for the general public to attend. Or maybe there is a clinic that would offer classes? I don't know how things are done in Canada for this surgery, but an information session would be a great thing for you to attend. I attended one at my hospital about a month before my surgery, and that is how I got all of my information about virtually everything WLS. Another idea is getting a book or two on the subject, there are several out there. Information is power, so arm yourself with as much info as possible, thus little or no surprises! Good luck to you!

@RJ'S/beginning What is the saying? Oh yes, the only difference between God and a surgeon is that God doesn't think He's a surgeon. I think I have that right...

Congrats on your decision! I had it done in Spokane on 12/3/14, and I don't regret it a bit. I'm down about 50lbs, and free of diabetes, among other nasty issues, so in my book, it was a success. Where in WA are you, if you don't mind my asking? Let us know how you do, you are in our prayers!

Did you have hernia repair, as well? That can take a while to feel better. I had my surgery on 12/3/14, and to this day I still have trouble getting water down. My surgical team says it could take up to a year to feel "normal". Oh boy!

@@kyrickchick64 I got a couple different sizes off of QVC, a huge one for when we have company, and a smaller one for the 2 of us. Try a whole chicken in it. just melts in your mouth! Leftovers are great for anything calling for cooked chicken. And don't forget to freeze the leftovers in small, usable sizes!

@@MrsSugarbabe And you can add orange (lemon....) extracts (just a tiny drop, mind you!) to the shakes if you don't want to add extra sweetness, which is what is getting the better of me these days! HMMMMM....how about adding a drop of rum/maple/ALMOND extract to the vanilla shakes? Off to try it, what do I have to lose....oh, only pounds!

I know this probably won't help, but my PCP told me that even though I was losing the excess weight, some people will just always have blood pressure issues. No explanation for the high BP, just the way we are. I'm guessing genetics. She said I probably will always have to be on the meds for it, but until my next appt. with her, I am not on any, just to see what it is going to do. Keep us informed, if you don't mind, as to what happens with yours.....

Have you started taking your measurements in addition to weighing yourself? Exercising will show loss in measurements, and you probably know that muscle is denser than fat, so that's why you need to do the measuring. As the muscle replaces the fat, it might weigh more (the density thing), but will be smaller in size. So look at it from that perspective, with fresh eyes. You should be happy with what you see!

What saved me was the sugar-free popsicles...LOTS of them! And SF jello. Your body says it needs solid food, and the drinks just don't do it, so the only option for me was those two. Get creative and blend flavors for the jello. And try using SF liquids to make your own popsicles for more flavor options. Good luck!

@@ElleTx Try adding the Water Enhancer drops to those flavors of shakes...might just "shake things up"!!! HaHa! Seriously, maybe try the tropical or mango in the vanilla or orange cream..might make it more palatable, and you won't waste them! Let me know how it tastes....

I wrote it all down so I can show her. Thanks again and have a good evening!

I've had both surgeries, gallbladder in '06 and sleeved on 12/3/14. Not much pain for me for either surgery compared to several others (22 in all) I've had, but one thing I did learn from all those surgeries is to give them time to heal before going whole hog at work or at home. If you can get easier duties at work, do it, make sure you ask about it. You don't want to have a relapse or end up in the hospital with a real big problem. You loved yourself to have this surgery, now love yourself and care for yourself through the recovery. Best of luck to you!

Keep that beautiful chin up, sounds like your Dr. is on your side! They have their ways of getting things through, so have faith! Let us know how you do, ok? Good luck to you!

If you do have gallstones, they probably will take your gall bladder, so no lie there. Maybe just change the subject (subtly), focusing on the person you are talking to (because most people LOVE to talk about themselves and will gladly switch to talking about them). You don't have to talk about it, just say you're uncomfortable talking about it, if you are, and switch subjects. Easily done!

@@proudgrammy another typo....should have said GREAT and supportive!

@@proudgrammy - I love you! You are so grest and supportive of everyone here, THANK YOU! I, too, had a mother like you (God said "enough, already" and took her home 15 years ago at age 64), so I know your grief, but you are SOOOO important to those of us on this website. Again I say THANK YOU! And God Bless YOU!

I see my NUT on the 16th, so I will ask her about it. That would be an awesome thing, please let us know what you think of the program and the vitamins, if you don't mind. Thanks!

On to the "new" other half - YOU! Bless you in your journey!

Meat is very dense, so may I suggest using a pressure cooker to help tenderize it? The process also has the fantastic benefit of developing incredible flavor, AND is best on the less expensive cuts of meat, like chuck roasts. I like to sprinkle powdered onion soup mix over the roast, then add a couple of cups of water. The time it takes to cook is way less than typical roasting, and it doesn't heat your kitchen up in the summer! There are lots of brands of electric pressure cookers out there, which is my preference, and they can be very inexpensive, as well. And you can do so much with them...don't forget to get a pressure cooker cookbook with it!

Keep in mind your body is in shock at having something so drastic done to it. But if you are following your surgical teams rules, you will lose, it may take a bit, though. Have patience and persist with the right track, and be kind to yourself! You are human, and are going to make mistakes. Learning from them is the key! Bless you!

I thought I'd try throwing the unflavored Protein powder in just about anything wet, scrambled eggs, hot/cold drinks, Cereal w/ milk (hot or cold cereal), stew...just trying to get in extra wherever I can. My thought is this: If 60-80 grams is enough in shake form, then how come I am still losing hair? I get all that protein and then some, but I am wondering if we drink it all, for the most part, won't some (or lots) wash out of us? Is enough getting absorbed? So I thought I'd try sneaking it in wherever I can, to see if it makes a difference, but I'm pretty sure I won't be able to tell. Worth a try, I guess.

When you get to the puree stage, just throw the soup in a blender or food processor. I add unflavored protein powder AFTER the cooking to get my quota in, it just makes it a thicker. Add a little milk or water to thin it out, if you need to.