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I have similar challenges with my family. I decided not to tell the family about my surgery - instead just told them I am changing my diet completely and I would appreciate them not talking to me about food and not expecting me to attend food related event. For a few of them, its going great. for others, not so much. About 2 months after surgery, I needed to lay down the law officially. I made a phone call to each family member saying our conversations going forward need to not be regarding food at all. If they want to talk to me, food cannot be in discussion. No more lunches, no more dinners. I would love to spend time with them with a cup of tea or going for a walk. It's been a learning process for both of us. As an Italian, every family get together revolves food and large amounts. So they are trying.... I think. But at 8 months, I still remind my mother, where our boundaries are. Just last night in fact.... something powerful happens when you take control and tell the family this is how it will be. You can do it... set up your success and you will feel stronger for it.

Love it.... I lost my pants last week at the gym.. too bad I could not tell - had to have someone say... you know we can see your underwear.... normal for young boys, but for middle aged women....

thanks for the info.... GREAT Stuff.

@ - yes i traveled during the week before surgery and then my trip was post 10 days after surgery ( I was in soft food phase - so shakes, Soup and lots of yogurt). My surgery did not have a liques diet until 2 days before surgery - at my trip I was on a pre-op diet but not liquid only. I will say - my first trip was hard (I was still building strategies). I am now better at planning. Reach out (send my a message) if you want to talk live about how I travel now.

@ - HI! My travel is usually the same way. I use Quest Protein packs and a shaker in additional to high Protein Bars (like Premier Protein, quest and think thin) to help as Meal Replacements if I need something for protein. I have also gotten good at finding good choices in airports - like jerky! And some places now stock yogurt... yeah!!!! Also - I am no longer afraid to ask for it prepared just as I want it. No starch, double veggie. And bring tupperware.... the to go boxes from restaurants tend to leak!!!

What a fun topic... so here are the ones I have been mixing lately. And I am tired of the same old same old too. Favorite with premade Protein shakes. 1) pure protein chocolate with PB2!!! Love Peanut Butter and chocolate. 2) pure protein vanilla cream with sugar free Salted Carmel Torani sauce (two pumps) 3). I freeze banana and then when they thaw out they are almost liquid. So take a banana, PB2 and pure protein chocolate shake in my hand mixer. 4) pure protein vanilla and sugar free raspberry Torani sauce 5) just found pure protein Cookies and cream. This one is fun over crushed ice. With Powder 1) ice, milk, Quest chocolate and PB 2 (do you see my theme) 2) ice, milk, quest chocolate and sugar free peppermint Torani 3) milk, fit frappe chai (and I do this one hot according to how Bariatric foodie does hot protein drinks) 4) quest banana powder, Water, pure cocoa powder and a sweetener (like splenda or stevia)

Bummer... no weight loss this week. 224.

Hi!!! Stepping up my working out and finding my tummy is a challenge with the extra skin. Anyone try this before? Sweet Sweat http://www.amazon.com/Premium-Trimmer-Sample-Workout-Enhancer/dp/B00EIWU2FE/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1449079179&sr=8-4&keywords=sweet+sweat Or Waist Trimmer http://www.amazon.com/EzyFit%C2%A0Special-Cyber-Monday-Waist%C2%A0Trimmer-Sale/dp/B00T3Q3G4E/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1449076386&sr=8-3&keywords=stomach+wrap

Start slow.... the exercise workout might have been too much too fast. 1) Drink lots of Water before a heavy workout. 2) if you get dizzy... make sure you take a break and hydrate. I walk 45 min a day and do the elliptical for 45 minutes. However, I worked up to 45 min in 10 min and 5 min increments. So maybe try a 15 min step program for a few days. Then add 10 min for a week and then add another 10 min for anther week. Remember - go slow otherwise you will get discourages. Hope this helps.

hi... I travel twice a month for work. I took a 5 hour flight at week 3 after my surgery. I still used my compression socks (really I still wear them after 8 months) and I did my walking up the aisle every hour and everything was good. I also did lots of leg moves while sitting in my seat. I think if you make sure you move a lot during the flight - you should be fine.

hi everyone.... I felt the same way as you. Yes - took Biotin, yes - use biotin shampoo, yes - upped Protein to 80 g.... still lost hair. At 7 months is lessened and now at 8 month I see new growth. You will come out of it... promise.

Hi Ladies, I have lost over 120 pounds and up till a month ago I did not buy new bras. I know... lazy, scared who knows... So last month went to Nordstrom, was fitted and have new bras. Let me tell you - my back feels better. So advice - do not be like me.... go get new bras for each 25-30 pounds lost....

Please know that we are thinking about you and wish you and your son godspeed. Take care of your self and focus on today - not yesterday and not tomorrow. Just today....

hi ladies, I had the same issue and gallbladder was removed two weeks ago. It's all fine. Here is the good part - he used the same scares for my sleeve - no new scars. YEAH! Surgery was so much easier than the sleeve and I went home same day. Now I am learning what foods set me off. So far its nuts (peanuts), and sausage. High fat foods - who guessed it.

Hi - sorry you feel unprepared. I can help you - I checked back to my food journals. At three weeks post surgery I was onto soft foods at this point. Amount - I was eating about 1/4 cup of food or 2 oz if I was weighing out my food. This was usually 3/4 of a scrambled egg, 2 oz of tuna (or 1 1/2 oz tuna and 1/2 oz of avocado) or 1/4 of Soup (but I only ate the contents - not the broth). Drank broth first then eat the food part later (after waiting about 15 minutes). If I was eating yogurt, I could never finish the cup container. I would usually do 1/3 - 1/2 at a time of yogurt. When I was eating right after surgery - you want to make sure you eat or drink - NEVER At the same time. Does not feel right. this is also when you need to learn what "full" feels like. .

had a GREAT one this morning... towel wrapped around me completely this morning....

WOW - big week for me. totally not regretting my decision to skip thanksgiving. 224.

@@Angry banana - great user name. I totally get your comments. I struggle with my family eating too. Now that i am 8 months out, my family wants me back to presurgery eating habits and they say to me often. For instance, dad ordered for me when i was late to the restaurant. And he ordered fried calamari. Hello! No gallbladder dad! Remember its a learning for them too!

Success....my husband hugs are awesome! Success....i can jog 5 miles. Success...i see my neck in my shadow! That is a fun one.

. I can give you my experience. Hair started to fall out at three months and kept going until eight months and now I finally have a little growth coming at nine months.

@@tracy amanda- I had the same problems as you. One of the things that I did during this early weeks is increase my anxiety/I depression medication that I am taking. That helps with a lot of the emotional stuff. Talk to your doctor he might prescribe say Ativan or Xanax or something to help you get it. Hormones are out of whack. I am sorry to say- it might get worse. At about 3 month my anxiety went back to normal.

And happy thanksgiving back to you! Remember today is about family and friends not food!

Completely agree with you. I have resorted to wearing thermal underwear. I have to I'm so cold. Now I will say this, there are times that I'm not as cold and that is the time that I'm in a stall. When I'm Coldest this is when I'm actually actively losing.

Try using the protein powder and then make as much watery mixture is you need. Maybe this way you can get it to a consistency that works for you. Remember the blender is needed for the protein powder to give it a good mix.

Jello helped me at this stage. Try chewing jello and see if that helps.