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@ I guess I'm lucky. I only told people I for about my WLS. Everyone has been supportive. As the pounds came off and people I'm not particularly close to (colleague's) asked "how did you do it!" or, [this is the best], are you allright!? I said high Protein, no sugar and portion control. If I were to share it with someone, it would be another obese individual considering it for themselves. I am very much like @twinmomm1103 "I'm one of those people that tend to get a little worked up and extremely defensive when someone makes comments like that". I really do think I'd want to take a minute and explain. Much healthier than wanting to drop kick them!

Go to the beach! Wear my "old" jeans and tee-shirts. Stop wearing scarfs to hide my jiggle jaggle neck. Not being out of breath. Starting up with yoga again (oh how I've missed it) I'm at the point where I've done all but the beach and yoga

How insensitive!!! If anyone insinuated this to me I'd sit them down and ask where did they hear it was easy? And explain what I put myself through by getting the surgery, the lifelong commitment to monitor protein/vitamin intake and food restrictions. You don't have weight loss surgery because it's easy. You have it because, for whatever reason, you haven't been able to "keep it off" any other way. Actually, I don't think I'd bother to share why I had surgery. I'd likely say for medical reasons. It does make me angry to hear this and my first reaction is to shame the ignoramus. But...if the person truly doesn't understand it's worth explaining.

The only Protein drink I actually enjoy is Chike mocha or regular. Each serving has 20 grams of protein, 140 calories and only 3g sugar. I will caution you, there is caffeine in it and most doctor's suggest not ingesting caffeine. I had to weight caffeine intake vs not getting enough protein-I don't eat meat, fish or eggs. I was about three months out when I starting drinking it and no issues. If you enjoy broth, mix some plain Protein Powder with a little cold Water and add to broth. If you add the powder to hot liquid it clumps up and is disgusting. I found the bariatric soups a great alternative from Protein shakes but after a while, they're pretty awful too.

You look AMAZING!!!!

I've posted about this before. I'm the one who's not going to lose any hair. Nope, not me. I started taking Biotin, Vitamin e, niacin and folic acid months before my surgery-just to be safe. After surgery I took my Vitamins religously and made sure to get all my daily Protein. Guess what? My hair is coming out in handfuls. It started almost 3 months to the day after surgery. My PCP suggested Aveda Invati. It's supposed to stop hair thinning. There's a shampoo, conditioner and "goop" you put on your scalp twice a day. It's supposed to take a few weeks to work. I've been using it for a week and will refrain from judgement. It is ridiculously expensive-over $100.00 for the three products. The reviews I've read aren't promising and I knew this prior to buying the "system". It's also really drying. It's scary to lose hair. Especially in handfuls. I don't know if the amount I'm losing is 'normal' for those of us who've had WLS. I've thought, more than once, jeez, I wish there was a subforum where we could post pictures of the amount of hair lost while shampooing, brushing, etc. And, also where you could post pictures of how the hair loss looks. Mine isn't really noticeable at this point but I'm only a little over 5 months post op. I agree with Moorecat on using sulfate free shampoos. My hair is/was thick, coarse and curly. I touch it as infrequently as possible and use tons of conditioner when detangling. Also, coconut oil-rub a little bit between your palms and smooth it over your hair.

You may be having a hard time finding Edy's because they changed the name and box. I tried posting pictures of the old/new box but the format was wrong. Here's a link: http://www.outshinesnacks.com/products/bars/strawberry-tangerine-raspberry.aspx Same delicious taste

Debra! I'm so glad you posted this. I smelled like Protein powder. It was if the stuff was coming out of my pores, and it was nasty. I tried alot of different powders and drinks too. Once I started adding food to my diet I didn't notice it.

I'd be devastated!!! Sending you hugs <3

I had it and it took a while to go away. I went to a podiatrist who recommended getting specific sneakers (I don't recall what was so specific about them). She also said I could get cortisone shots if this didn't help---no, no, no. I also was given orthotics and this contraption you wear at night on your foot. I'm not sure what helped it but I feel for you. It's awful!

I weigh myself once/month. The first thing I do is update my ticker and stare. And smile, and hug myself

My understanding is it doesn't matter how much Protein, Water or Vitamins you take. Its just going to happen I started taking large doses of Biotin and B vitamins (hair vitamins) four months prior to surgery and following surgery. I absolutely refused to lose hair and was going to be different then everyone else. At almost 3 months to the day, I noticed hairs on my pillow but didn't think much of it (not true). While in the shower and rinsing my hair, a big clump came out in my hand while I was gently squeezing water out. And, it's been that way since (12/2/15 surgery). I've got thick curly hair and don't notice anything troublesome yet, but I'm only 5 months post surgery. I've looked at wigs, wiglets and weaves-just in case. I also color my hair and lose alot at the hairdresser-she's not as gentle as me. Instead of going every 4 weeks, I bought this product you can spray at your roots. I'm wondering if this will help hide patchy spots too? I try to limit washing my hair to once/week-coarse dry hair loves this. I wet it or spray leave-in in between. And, limit brushing to the underneath at night and morning. Let's face it, if it's going to come out, it's going to come out regardless of when/how much I touch it. There's a name for our hair loss: Telogen Effluvium Telogen effluvium is a phenomenon that occurs after pregnancy, major surgery, drastic weight loss, or extreme stress, in which you shed large amounts of hair every day, usually when shampooing, styling, or brushing. It can also be a side effect of certain medications, such as antidepressants, beta-blockers, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. During telogen effluvium, hair shifts faster than normal from its growing phase into the "resting" phase before moving quickly into the shedding, or telogen, phase. The symptoms: Women with telogen effluvium typically notice hair loss 6 weeks to 3 months after a stressful event. At its peak, you may lose handfuls of hair. How much hair have you lost and is it noticeable? Pam

Hi Little Dog Lover-(I am one too ) You've been through alot and I'm sorry for your pain. I'm also an alcoholic (sober since 5/25/2000) and I congratulate you for seeking treatment! You can do this-believe in yourself. Please keep us posted. Hugs

A woman I work with lost over 50 lbs following the Ideal Protein diet. Prior to my RNY she urged me to try it saying the food is amazing, you're not hungry and the weight falls off you. Okay. Since having my RNY, I've been on the hunt for new sources of protein. I've tried a few brands of high protein oatmeal and none of them have the chewy texture of oatmeal. Plus, they foam. I've been told by a couple of people thatIdeal Protein's oatmeal is delicious. It has 130 calories and 18 grams of protein. It also costs a fortune. $35.00 for 7 packets on ebay My box arrived last night and I had my first taste this morning. While it may have a little more texture to it than the others (ProtiDiet, bariwise, etc.), it doesn't taste much different. Definately not enough to justify $5.00/serving.

Congratulations! You're an inspiration!

At just about three months to the day, I started to shed. I've got long hair and while shampooing it, pulled out a big clump of it. I can feel it slithering down my legs while I'm showering It also likes to collect in my butt crack.

Yayyyyy you!!!!! It is a wonderful present you're giving yourself.

I was given a list of acceptable Vitamins by my surgeon/dietician. I chose Flinstones chewables-2/day. I have a tough time taking vitamins. These are easy for me to take. I also take extra Biotin and B complex because I'm hoping the extra keeps my hair from falling out. [i realize this isn't rational but it makes me feel better ). And, calcium! http://www.amazon.com/Flintstones-Childrens-Complete-Multivitamin-150-Count/dp/B001G7QQEU/ref=sr_1_1_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1456872268&sr=8-1&keywords=flintstones+complete

I'm just about 3 months post op and have been doing FANTASTIC. My daughter and I went to one of our favorite healthy eating restaurants. I hadn't been there since surgery. Without thinking, I went to the salad bar at a restaurant. Few leaves of spinach, grated carrots, grated beets, and a little tofu salad. Next thing I know, my plates almost empty, I'm stuffed and wanting to vomit. I know I ate too fast. I also didn't chew as completely as I should have. I don't even remember chewing. lunch was at noon. I was uncomfortable until about four o'clock. I didn't feel like eating until eight o'clock. Even then, I had to make myself have a little Protein. I wonder if it was the raw veggies, not chewing properly or both that was the issue?

Hi viaasskick . Is it the surgeon who has the requirement or your insurance? I went to Brigham and Women's Hospital for my RNY. They offer the stupid classes () but you don't have to take them. Only if your insurance requires. Mine didn't. I was told to lose 50 lbs before surgery but didn't have enough time. I had everything required by my insurance company prepared and ready for my first visit. After my psych evaluation and dietary class I was approved. Surgery was a little over two months from my first visit. Check and see what your insurance mandates. Lastly, there's a great bunch of people on this forum. We support each other and don't want to see anyone fail. RNY isn't an easy fix. Lots of people go back to old habits and gain weight back. Or, get sick from not knowing what to do post surgery. We're here to help. We want you to succeed. Hugs, Pam

I remember the feeling well I was literally gagging down Protein drinks. All I wanted was a tiny taste of apple sauce. It was making me crazy. I stuck my tongue on a little bit and was satisfied and terrified at the same time. sugar free popsicles were my saving grace. Hang in there!

I love when people post before and after pictures. I feel so proud of them! I'm filled with such joy and happiness for their accomplishment and transformation it sometimes makes my eyes sting. So inspirational!

Amazing! I'm cheering for your hard work and success! You inspire me! You are just stunning. Thank you so much for posting. I had my surgery 12/2/15. I'll be posting when I get closer to my goal.☺️

I was thinking the same thing. The first month I lose 30 lbs. This month I lost 13 lbs. I think I expect too much. 43 lbs in two months is just amazing. I know I'm not getting enough Protein and am thankful for this forum for pointing out how critical it is. Day 61 post surgery and I'm having Chike for Breakfast and yogurt for lunch with lots of Water tossed in between. Pondering dinner.