Montana Gal

Just wanted you to know you are in my thoughts. I have been in recovery since 2008, not from alcohol but pain killers and Benzodiazepines. You took the first step by admitting you have a problem....very brave. Sounds like you have a plan in place. But, like most have said here, seeking some kind of outside help like AA or a good addiction specialist will help you stay on track in the future. Please keep us posted.

Thomas brand of Maple French Toast bagels, I really, really loved them! I used to eat them with brown sugar and butter. Sometimes I think maybe I could have a half of one, but I don't dare because it would just make me want one every morning!

I agree with @desdeemona52, give thrift stores a try. It's amazing how many different brands I have found. From Old Navy to Coldwater Creek and many more. I am still very intimidated to go into a lot of clothing stores because it has been so long since I have tried. Goodwill is my favorite, a lot of the clothing doesn't even look like it has been worn. Good luck with your new job, you will do great and look amazing too!

For me, the most awkward moment was when a group of tourists asked me for directions. I pointed in a certain direction and noticed the youngest child in the group was staring at the flabby skin hanging down under my right arm. Even though it was a child, I was still mortified. Have been self conscious of it ever since

I would warn those post op that there will be lots of air pumped into their stomach during surgery in order for the surgeon to see what he/she is doing. When you wake you will more than likely have pain in your chest, shoulders, upper back and abdomen. Walk as soon as possible. Walk several times per day, up and down the halls to help move the surgical air and decrease the pain.

@@Cassie111, I usually find the strawberry Pure Protein bars in most of our grocery stores(Rosaures, Kroger, Super1) and Walmart. Sometimes Walmart sells them by the box or individually.

Five months out and I still love my no sugar added Outshine bars! I use them to curb my night time sweet tooth!

Congratulations! Your smile says it all.....you look great!

Wow is right, amazing job!

Thank you, I will keep my eye out for it!

@@Lifestylechange45, Linzess didn't work for me either. I take different medications for a chronic pain condition and was changed to Movantik. I take Benefiber and Natural Calm daily and Movantik every 2 days. If I deviate from this even a little I am in trouble.

I am so happy for you, congratulations and great work!!

@@OutsideMatchInside, where did you find Protein20 Water? I haven't seen that one...thank you.

I am stuck on my Pure Protein strawberry and Quest coconut cashew and strawberry cheesecake. I do agree though, Quest is a little heavy on my stomach too...so I half them between morning and late afternoon.

For the first 5 days or so I would sip throughout the day on one bottle of clear Isopure from GNC. I would pour about 2oz and put it back in the fridge until I needed more. It worked well, usually used about 1 bottle per day. Hope this helps some, good luck!

I have progressive Osteoarthritis and DJD. I had my hip replaced two years ago. The WLS has not helped the daily pain, but what I have noticed is ease of movement. I can move more and my daily walks last 1 hour versus 20 minutes 4 months ago. Another plus is my Orthopedic surgeon has said I will be able to put off my knee replacement and shoulder surgery for a bit longer. I also take Cymbalta daily and Lyrica as well, both have helped. I wish the best for you, good luck!

Who is he? Patient Relations Director for Bariatric Pal

The last time I went skiing was 1988, I think I was about 200lbs. Like Whitney, I skiied a lot when I was thinner. I fell down after the first 30 minutes and couldn't get back up...even with the help of my ski buddies. Ski patrol helped me onto one of those sleds and they took me down the hill in front of everyone. Watching Whitney struggle brought up a flood of embarrassment and sadness.....had to turn the show off!

I am sorry for all that you are going through. Allow yourself to go through the grieving process. Like others have said, maybe a therapist to help you during this difficult time is an option. I found out when I was 26 that I would not be able to have children, it does feel like a part of you has died....that I understand. But like @@OutsideMatchInside posted, there are other options. Adoption is a beautiful act of love or becoming a foster mom. Even finding out the cost of just freezing your eggs. Later, if you find someone you want to have children with, the possibility of being able to afford all the rest of the cost that goes with it increases with two incomes. You have a lot to deal with right now. One day at a time and breathe!

Eddie Vedder-"Just Breathe" Oh I'm a lucky man to count on both hand the ones I love. Some folks just have one yea, others they've got none Stay with me...let's just breathe...

My surgeon required taking a PPI(like Pepcid) twice a day for the first 30 days, I didn't have any acid reflux with that in my system. I would guess that if you continue taking the Pepcid as prescribed twice a day that you may not have a problem again(hopefully). A good lesson learned for sure! A quick way I used to get rid of reflux was to use 1tsp of baking soda in a glass of warm Water and sip on it, went away within minutes. Also, chewing gum helps by producing saliva which in turn helps rid the body of acid. Now both of these were used before my VSG, so please ask your surgeon's office if they are allowed. I know on some plans chewing gum is off limits. Good luck, hope this helps a little.

That happened to me once too, I heard what sounded like a woman crying and needing help. I ran outside onto my deck about 2am, phone in hand ready to call 911. My neighbor was out on his deck as well with a large spotlight. He yelled over at me to say that all was good, "it's just a few mountain lions roaming the lakeshore for Water." My pomeranian guard dog was hidding under my bed. :-)

Wow, you look wonderful....good job!

@@Kindle and @@CowgirlJane or anyone else who enjoys riding horses. The one big thing I wanted to do whan I lost 70lbs(my first goal) is to take horseback riding lessons and learn to take care of them as well. My question is, should I wait until I am 186lbs or is it safe for the horse to be ridden at 206lbs? I rode once in my life, but I think I was a lot heavier than 256lbs(pre surgery weight), I was so aftraid of hurting the horse I rode REALLY slow :-) I need to start making up for lost time instead of always saying "I'll do _____ when I loose weight" I want to get out of that mind set and stop the waiting.

I wasn't going to watch this either until I saw in the previews that she fainted during a dance marathon and her friends decided to stage a fake funeral type intervention. I did have to see what happened. Her boyfriend Lenny and her roommate and best friend(forgot his name) are both enablers. They are in denial as well and buy and bring her food. In my opinion the boyfriend seem to want her to stay obese....just something I noticed. I don't think I will watch again, makes me sad and angry at the same time.