Ghamara

Yes, any doctor worth their credentials will make you stop smoking. And most of the process is not “fun”.

I did appreciate if they didn't eat stuff in front of me pre-op, but really post-op I wasn't interested in their food at all so even though they still tried to be kind with it all, I told them it was honestly fine and to not worry about it. I did appreciate the effort though -- so I think it is an individual thing. Just done bring in or make his favorites and he should be good.

I take it from my highest weight -- but I didnt really think much of it because it was during this process that I started to lose weight, so I dont think it really matters in the long run.

I agree with this post. I feel great and it reflects in my whole demeanor. I am not someone that likes the focus on me in the spotlight, but its a huge change and people are genuinely happy for me and wish me better health. Its not all about looks, but someone that looks less tired, in less pain, more vibrant and full of energy and confidence is "better looking". I have only been somewhat offended once, someone asked me how much I have lost. I dont think that is anyone's business except my own, I simply said I prefer not to share that information because I dont like to focus on the numbers themselves, but on how I am feeling. I dont know if it offended her or not, and didnt really care

So far no regrets or complications. I do miss loving my old foods like pizza, fried foods & fast food. Those things just are not good now, I can eat them if I wanted, but they seriously are just disgusting to me now. While that is a good thing for health and weight loss, your mind struggles with it. That comfort that you used to get from those foods just isnt there now. Its almost a hassle to think about what I need to eat or want to eat. I guess there is just no food passion now, and I miss that. Having to keep up with drinking and vitamins is a minor annoyance, but nothing to really complain about. Its also easy to get into a pattern of snacking on things, those calories really add up so dont let that habit come back!

I do the same things the others have said. If I cant share with someone, or add onto their meal (some steak places do this normally) then I will either order an appetizer if it isnt something fried (since nothing fried seems to taste good anymore OR feels good after eating). If I have no other choice than to order a huge meal, I ask for a ToGo box when I am ordering or as soon as they bring it to me. I then immediately place most of the food in there and no one seems to even notice or care. I have never been asked anything or looked at strangely. A soup or salad is another way to go. Unfortunately, I have had the instance to where I took the food, but we were still out and about and I ended up just throwing it out anyway, but sometimes you don't have the choice to try and save it. Most people don't want to share because they don't understand how little you will actually eat, and how much they actually get.

Yes -- it IS a fad. Its just the next in line of many low carb diets. I love low carb, so I am not bashing the lifestyle itself, but it is annoying to see the "latest & greatest" when they are all basically the sameISH -- and all work (but so does anything that you can work on and stick with).

I am also 4 months post op, and I am never hungry. I can pretty much eat anything, I dont do so well with breads that arent toasted (they tend to feel stuck) and stuff like pizza crusts (still bready) --- but to my huge surprise, I dont even care about those anymore. I really like my tortilla pizzas that I make and that is all I feel that I need. I dont feel like I am missing out at all. You start to take an inventory of real estate in your tummy and you just seem to naturally choose different foods than you used to. I can go out for meals just like normal...but I stay away from buffets. I usually either split the order with my "date" or I just asking for a "TO GO" box up front. That is usually easiest and doesnt lead to awkward questions about if I enjoyed my meal so that I feel the need to over explain. I have never had anyone question either scenario. I feel this has been a wonderful experience and I would definitely do it all over again. In four months I am virtually pain free and feel like a new woman, inside and out. I feel like me again!

I had my surgery Monday and went home Wednesday. I feel great, so far no complications. I wasn't even having any pain the past few days until I kind of overdid it yesterday. I am trying to take it easier today & remember that I just got out of surgery I hope everyone else is doing well!

I am set for August 21st at Riverside -- very excited