Candygyrl

I had alcohol this past weekend 5 weeks post op. Class reunion. Vodka/Cranberry juice and a few Jello shots. However it never ever really hit me. I thought SHYAAT!!!! I just wasted calories for nothing! Well that's over, and I'm over it sooo I probably won't have another drink for a long while. My surgeons guidelines say no alcohol for 3 months. There was no pain, burning, or discomfort whatsoever. I just shouldn't be doing it.

I had a class reunion last weekend (actually it was the hubbys but we went to the same school) anyways I'm only 5 weeks post op. I had a cocktail. Vodka and cranberry juice. Slight buzz but not really. Then we went to like an after party. I had at least 6 Jello shots. I could Taste the alcohol but no effect really. I was disappointed. A. For drinking. B. No real effect. What a waste. I was never a big drinker because my Tolerance was low. No more alcohol for me. Plus I'm stalling this week now... hmmn I wonder why??? Living and learning.

I'm at about 6 weeks out with about 28lbs lost. I have my 6 week f/u on Monday and praying for those 2 lbs over the next 2-3 days for an even 30 (or 31, 32) I know I will not lose like that every 6 weeks, but my Dr. us to expect between 20-40 lb loss in the 1st 6 weeks. So if I can hit the median range I'll be happy. Especially with my PCOS, cause we just don't lose the same. I weigh daily, but log every Sunday. I was dropping 05-1lb per day over the last week or so... but I've been hanging out at about 225.4 for the past 3 days so I'm going to stop weighing until Sunday and focus on hitting my Fluid and Protein goals and getting that activity in!

I'm sorry for the hurt you are experiencing. Sounds like you all separated with the intention of divorcing and not reconciling but it sounds like maybe you may have been open to reconciling if he wanted to fight for you. Women tend to always pick apart a womans appearance when she's in her feelings. No shade, I've done it too. I think it's instinctual. We're looking for obvious reasons as to why this woman has your mans affection, attention whatever. But I think its important to understand that although we think that men are extremely superficial-- they really aren't all that much. When a man cheats, or is on the rebound they don't go there someone because they are far more beautiful, skinnier, than you. It usually has to do with this woman making herself available to him. Stroking his ego, taking his side "oh she doesn't appreciate you, If I were your woman I would...." Men feed on this attention, men want to feel good, want to be told they are desirable. I've been married almost 16 years... and even we take each other for granted sometimes. We get wrapped up in our needs, and we get resentful toward each other when "our needs" aren't being met. We become complacent and then before you know it you haven't been happy in forever and no one knows how or is willing to fix it. But are 2 willing partners who listen and accommodate each others needs. We communicate and try to get ahead of the problem and we are both willing to meet each other half way. I'm not sure what happened in your case but it's usually one partner who just doesn't want to play ball. I'm guessing it was him? So you said enough is enough. I don't need this. I'm better off without you. Then this new girl came along and it seems fun and exciting at first and she doesn't nag him. She doesn't see his flaws, or the mistakes he made 2 days/weeks/months/years ago. She see's only the GOOD in him. She laughed at his jokes, she is agreeable to his ideas so she tells him what he wants to hear because she thinks he's a great guy! She's probably not had a man in forever so she's putting her best foot forward, he's taking it all in, It's a perfect time to hit RESET. It doesn't matter how they look, its about how she made him feel. Pretty soon, he will begin to treat her as awful as he treated you and she will learn sooner than later why he's no longer married. That is a fact. SO start the process of moving on. He's not your problem anymore and you'll be better off for it. Best wishes!

@Tonya2bfit I had tons of noises post op. IT was quite embarrassing because I've always had a quiet gut. As far as hunger it may be hard to tell right now with being on full liquids. You may notice it less as your diet advances and trust me you will be able to tell when you're full which is why you want to learn early on to undereat your sleeve. When I was at your stage I was tolerating about 1/4 cup of soup, cream of wheat or applesauce etc. For something like yogurt, I'd eat what I could and come back to it after about 20 min to finish it off. in between, I was sipping Water, and Protein shakes. I will admit I was feeling this sort of spasm in my upper stomach that felt almost like a cross between a burp and a hunger pang. I didn't know what the heck was going on. It did calm down as time went on and I now notice it less frequently and ONLY when I haven't eaten for awhile. Make sure you are eating enough and make sure you are taking your Prilosec. I just learned about silent GERD so some of the symptoms you described may be related.

Congratulations @@triplethreat !!! I know that had to feel great! The first of many shopping NSV's I'm sure. I'm hoping by October, my birthday month-- I will look forward to Shopping NSV's. For now I'm just enjoying the fact that my clothes currently fit me well. I tend to wear my clothing pretty snug, lots of material with stretch.. so I've been able to get away with wearing sizes that I have no business in. I don't imagine I'll be doing any shopping for a hot minute but I have a feeling that even when I do, unless its something insane... I won't be satisfied. I feel like I've been there before recently so it doesn't count (even though it does). Like for example-- I bought some fitted button up shirts for work when I first started this job 2 years ago. I gained some lbs and had to retire it or wear as a layered look with a cami underneath, and a crop sweater over it. I'm back in the shirt today, comfortably just like when I bought it and although I'm glad I to be back into it, I'm still like whatever I should be in it anyways. When it gets too big for me to wear, then I'll be satisfied. Keep up the great work!!!

@@Lexigurl82 First of all... you are beautiful. I know you can't see this right now because you're so broken but you really are. Your ex is a straight up BUSTER. Know that you have done the absolute best thing for you and your daughter and I just want to applaud you for having the COURAGE to take such a huge step. Many women live in this kind of turmoil and because they really don't believe they deserve better-- they stay. YOU made the first step and not only did you leave-- but you filed for DIVORCE. Please know that This too.... shall pass. Lexi, this is your time. I know it doesn't feel like it right now but in time you will be able to look back on this day shaking your head and smiling at the same time. It's time for you to start loving YOU. You've had the WLS-- and been quite successful thusfar. Congratulations!!!! Continue with healthy activities it's this kind of thing that can derail us back to bad habits but DON'T EVEN. The 5 stages of grief associated with dying apply to Divorce just the same. Some stages you will skip past quickly, some you will linger around in longer. It's ok to be sad. To cry. To break things. To be ANGRY. But then you must move on so that you can grow as an individual and transition into the next phase of your life that GOD has waiting for you. It is amazing. Don't worry about dating right now. You're no where nearly ready for that. You have to heal first so that you are ready for the right one. OR else you might find yourself back in the same situation. First and foremost allow me to recommend personal counseling/therapy. I know this is not a very popular option but-- check your insurance benefits. Many plans have a Mental Health benefit that most of us never take advantage of. If your co-pays are too high, reach out to your Employee Assistance Program (EAP). Its a great resource available to employees to help you cope with stressors in your life. If you belong to a church you can also seek pastoral counseling. I went through therapy for about 4 months. One night a week. 1 hr. No judgement. Psychologist was neutral and helped me to identify reasons that led to my thinking and behavior, and provided tools and behavioral exercises to help improve my thinking patterns, and responses. I had to DO THE WORK chile, because she couldn't be with me 24 hours but there were things I would work on until my next visit and we would review and move forward. This helped me to look at life with a new perspective, see the positive in myself so that I could focus more on becoming a better version of myself. That was the mind part. I began eating healthier, exercising, taking care of my body. Then I had WLS. That was the body part. Many men who are themselves insecure, will prey on others with insecurities as a method to inflict control. He had not problem with your weight gain because it was no threat to him. He asked you if you were going to leave after having WLS because this was a threat to him. That's his problem, not yours. Then the soul... whatever helps you to tap into a higher power, spiritual connection-- meditation, prayer, scriptures-- Bottom line all things need to be in check mind body and soul. Spend some time to yourself to do some reflecting and create a vision board for what and who you want to be. Fit, stylish, Social, Traveler, whatever. Create a list of things you want to do. Yoga, Spa, re-connect with old friends, visit a new place, get your hair, nails, feet done. Go to the mall buy a new lip color, let them makeup your face. LOVE on YOU. IF you look good, you'll feel good. Spend time with your daughter. I encourage you to work on yourself first and foremost because everything you do affects her. If you're moping around and depressed-- mad at the world, mad at her dad. She's taking it all in. Trust me kids pick up on these things and when mommy is sad... she hurts too. Be open to discussing her feelings. I understand your feelings toward his friends and family but at the end of the day... their loyalty is to him. My sister in law and I are very close but I KNOW-- if there were something going on... her loyalty will always remain to her brother. Sometimes people just don't want to get involved or cause drama. That doesn't make it right, but this is a time for you to purge individuals out of your life and its up to you to pick and choose who you want in your life. I do wish you the very best. I have a feeling this time next year for you will be much different but it is a process and there is light at the end of the tunnel. But it starts with you! Best wishes Lexi!

Well. I thought. I was clear. When I said "or at least I thought so". So just to be clear. Once again. I don't think that ERRBODY felt that the OP was being condemned. I THOUGHT SO. There were plenty of valid, heartfelt, sound nutritional advice being given by MANY. There were a few members who were sneak dissing in MY opinion. Again I've also made it clear that we all have different personalities and the delivery of some are just a little #Ididnaskyouforallthat to me. I respect the polite nudging of Veteran and Newbie members alike for the OP to refer to her NUT or offering other healthier alternatives. But some individuals throw obvious shade and honestly it makes ME uncomfortable. It makes ME not ever want to start topics on things I sincerely want to know about for fear of fire and brimstone. So I leave it up to others to be the sacrificial lamb. And if I'm not mistaken... I don't think I was completely and utterly alone in my thinking despite the effort of some to convince others that it was one lone ranger who "got a little crabby". Im the first to admit certain foods are bad news FOR ME. I know my triggers. Everybody's triggers are different. Some are sweets, some are fried, or carbs. I know carbs might slow down my weight loss but everyone is different so I try not to project my issues on others. People are going to do what they want. Again I'm barely 1 month post OP so what do I really know? Really. (((Sighs))) Moving on... Another newbie here, too. In the overall scheme of things we are all newbies, no ??? Your post made me laugh. Ooooohhhhhhh chile. Grinning hugely at that. Good stuff. You are right. No judging.....just a knee-jerk reaction to cheezits. It reminds me of when I quit smoking.......and my wife started smoking two days later.....wut ? Are ya shittin' me, woman ?????? True story. Bish tortured me that way. Opening up a box of Cheezits would be just like that for me......torture. OP may have much stronger resolve. I'm a weak mofo. Another newbie here, too. In the overall scheme of things we are all newbies, no ??? Your post made me laugh. Ooooohhhhhhh chile. Grinning hugely at that. Good stuff. You are right. No judging.....just a knee-jerk reaction to cheezits. It reminds me of when I quit smoking.......and my wife started smoking two days later.....wut ? Are ya shittin' me, woman ?????? True story. Bish tortured me that way. Opening up a box of Cheezits would be just like that for me......torture. OP may have much stronger resolve. I'm a weak mofo.

@@ShelterDog64 Yaaaaas hunny I mean the clap back is so real! It's not about whatcha say but the delivery chile... some members offer genuine heartfelt advice/opinions others get a little stankface. Those individuals I just actively ignore. Opinions are like-- eh never mind. Because again I'm still new so what do I know? Lol! Hey I realize I've taken extreme measures to achieve weight loss so don't get it twisted I respect the process. I expect nothing less than to reach my goals and stay there. But we can't all be perfect. I've made some not so great choices despite knowing better but the pressure to be perfect can be a bit much sometimes. So it took those not so great choices for me to do some self reflecting and choose to do better.

Oooooh chile... sips tea (unsweetened of course) I don't think anyone was DEFENDING Cheez-its, I guess some people feel like its not that deep. She just asked a question and the wrath of God was bestowed on her by some or at least I thought so. I should know because I myself have passed judgement ONCE about a woman and her bacon 3 days post op. I soooo regret that because none of us are perfect and it is a support forum not a nail em to the cross forum. We come here to discuss things with a community of people with similar interests because these folks have been through it and we often share our experiences and opinions as I'm sure you already know. I don't know very many people in the real world (in my life) that have had WLS so some of us are quite new to this and are looking to discuss our questions and concerns with those who've gone through it. We're not looking to be coddle anyone but people don't want to feel condemned either. As a NEWBIE, I find this site very helpful. There are some discussions that I don't agree with and some members that rub me the wrong way but I just move on...

Good for you @@charley27 Sometimes you just have to see for yourself and then you find they're not all they were cracked up to be. cheese in the oven sounds like a winner I just thought it would melt versus turning into a crisp. I bought some Colby jack individually packaged slices yesterday. 80 cal, 5 g Protein. I also bought wheat thins flatbread crackers to enjoy with tuna.... I think I'm going to pass on the flatbreads and make some cool Snacks with tuna, tomatoes, cucumbers and Colby jack cheese for the teens. I think the flatbreads with those toppings would be a great snack for them! A little too tempting for me though. I hate I'm like that. My name is Candace... and I'm a CARBOHOLIC

Jeeeeeeeez Louise! @@charley27 if you want crackers by all means pick the best option and test the waters. People will be touchy about this subject because something like that is well known around here as a slider food. I say as long as you're aware of this introduce new foods with caution. Crackers can be a slippery slope for some of us. I'm very new on this board but I read about people in their journey 8 mos out or 3years and 8 mos out discuss their struggles with regaining and sometimes it begins with a gateway like Cheez-its. So yes we all crave a little crunch. Some of us are well in control and can have a handful of Cheez-its now and again, for others its a trigger food. Govern yourself, give it a try, see how you do. Only you can be the judge. I had 9 wheat thins with a single serving cup of hummus. I swear the scale jumped up 2 lbs lol. (Unlikely cause) but you get it. Crackers were advised by my NUT to be had Usually with a Protein and in very limited amounts. It doesn't seem to have enough protein to be worth the calories but variety is the spice of life. Take care.

Mmmmmmm keep em coming. I can't eat chicken breast right now but I can't wait. These are all good tips.

@@Suziesue1706 I really hope that helps you. I was sleeved 7/1/16. I'm now 5 weeks post op. I'm at about 27 lbs lost post op. My goal is to get to 30 by next Monday. I lost 14 the first week stalled the 2nd week and early into week 3 I started losing again at an average of about 3-4 lbs a week. I'm waiting on the stall but praying it doesn't come for awhile. So all in all its going well I think. I screwed up during week 2. I was pushing the limits and trying foods I had no business eating (hot dog, chips, soda) But I put a stop to that and recognized that the surgery is a tool, and will not prevent you from eating things you shouldn't. That really scared me--how easy we can let old habits creep up-- but it also empowered me to make better choices from that point forward. By week 3 I was back on track and trying to create a plan to reach my Protein, Fluid and exercise targets. By week 4 I was implementing those plans and trying to make it stick because I felt like its been 1 month and I can't just keep NOT hitting my goals because I'm still trying to "get the hang of it". So it's week 5 and I'm getting the hang of it. Some days are better than others. Everyday is a new day to push reset. Not really struggling with food choices at this time. Just struggling to get it all in. So because of that I push most of my Proteins and fluids between 8am and 6pm. I drink one premier shake, 2 greek yogurts and a snack like hummus, or tuna to hit 80% of my protein goals before I get home from work. I drink from a 24 oz Water bottle so I prepare it the night before, I start on it first thing in the morning I'm refilling it usually by lunch 2pm, and done by the time I get home from work. if I workout, I'll have a little more, If I'm outdoors, I'll have a little more. I know I could probably force myself to drink more in a shorter time but right now I'm maintaining just fine and will continue to pace myself. Eventually I will get there. Right now, I don't exercise everyday (shame)-- But again, I will get there. Right now, I'm exercising about 2 days a week, 1 hour. In 2 weeks I will increase by 1 day, in another 2 add 1 more day, and then I'll be content with 4 days a week. I'm not where the exercise physiologist wants me to be, but I'm where it works for me right now. The other 2-3 days a week I will do strength and toning exercises like yoga, pilates, stretching, dumbells and such for a min of 30 min. Everyone has their own journey. I don't compare myself to others and I don't try to do what someone else is doing unless I think it will benefit me. Some of us are more motivated less motivated, organized, disorganized, We all have different personalities, and things that either trigger us or motivate us There is no one size fits all in this journey. I remember casting down judgement on a member because she ate bacon 2 or 3 days post op! And then I turned around and ate a hot dog and Doritos 8 days post op. The point is none of us are perfect. I wish you well and hope that your situation improves very very soon!

@@Suziesue1706, Sorry to hear about your liquid intake struggles. I know the feeling. My NUT suggested at least a 40oz intake for the first 4 weeks and to gradually increase from there. Fluid intake includes clear liquids only. Refer to your clear liquid guidelines but just to name a few-- sugar free Jello, popsicles, Gatorade or PowerAde (sugarfree), diluted fruit juices such as apple, white grape, cranberry, Tea, Broths like chicken, beef, bone broth has the highest protein content. The protein shakes and such count toward protein intake NOT fluid intake except in the case of certain drinks protein waters, and fruit drinks which are designed to help bariatric patients meet protein goals. Otherwise, according to my NUT those are not factored in terms of fluid consumption. Everyones guidelines are different and it may count in your case. The whole point is that you don't just have to rely on WATER to meet your goals fluid goals. Some people are able to do a gallon 2 weeks out, some people are barely able to get through a bottle 6 weeks out. Think outside the box. If you for example eat your meals three times a day at 9am -1pm- and 5pm, then within 30 minutes AFTER those meals you should be taking in some form of liquid. The little 8 oz bottle waters worked well for me because it was little. So mentally it did not look like much and I was able to get them down in about 10 minutes or less. You have to be diligent. It won't just happen- you have to make a conscious effort and damn near force yourself to do it. Sometimes when I leave the house and go to the store for instance. I tell myself, you cannot get out of this car until you finish this water. So if I have to sit there for an extra 8 minutes 10 minutes or whatever I do it but it works. I prefer to drink water. Not everyone does, soooo kudos for getting the 20 oz in that's a start! Maybe try to drink 8 oz within 30 min of waking. Then plan to have at least one meal that is liquid based like a bone broth (which doubles as a protein and a liquid). During or after a workout drink a sugarfree gatorade, Powerade or even water if you're feeling it (this is where I maximize my fluid intake). Have an 8oz diluted fruit juice with lots of ice after one of your meals Enjoy a mid day sugar free popsicle or 2 Keep a cup of ice chips nearby Have a sugar free Jello as an evening snack Have a little "me time" and treat yourself to a cup of tea Never leave the house without your drink (water bottle, G2, Crystal light) and during car rides, shopping trips, visiting family, commuting to work-- Turn up the music and sip sip sip. Don't feel like you have to get up to 64 oz TODAY. Continue with the 20oz and find at least 4 other times during the day to sneak in your ounces here and there. YOU CAN DO THIS!!!! Continue to work your way up til your reach your goal. Good Luck!!!!

@@Suziesue1706, Sorry to hear about your liquid intake struggles. I know the feeling. My NUT suggested at least a 40oz intake for the first 4 weeks and to gradually increase by 8 oz per week from there. Fluid intake includes Clear liquids only. Refer to your clear liquid guidelines but just to name a few-- WATER,sugar free Jello, popsicles, Gatorade or PowerAde (sugarfree), diluted fruit juices such as apple, white grape, cranberry, Tea, Broths like chicken, beef, bone broth which has the highest protein content. The Protein shakes and such count toward protein intake NOT fluid intake except in the case of certain drinks like protein waters, and Fruit Drinks which are designed to help bariatric patients meet protein goals. Otherwise, according to my NUT those are not factored in terms of fluid consumption. Everyones guidelines are different and it may count in your case. The whole point is that you don't just have to rely on WATER to meet your goals fluid goals. Some people are able to do a gallon 2 weeks out, some people are barely able to get through a bottle 6 weeks out. Think outside the box. If you for example eat your meals three times a day at 9am -1pm- and 5pm, then within 30 minutes AFTER those meals you should be taking in some form of liquid. The little 8 oz bottle waters worked well for me because it was little. So mentally it did not look like much and I was able to get them down in about 10 minutes or less. You have to be diligent. It won't just happen- you have to make a conscious effort and damn near force yourself to do it. Sometimes when I leave the house and go to the store for instance. I tell myself, you cannot get out of this car until you finish this water. So if I have to sit there for an extra 8 minutes 10 minutes or whatever I do it but it works. I prefer to drink water. Not everyone does, soooo kudos for getting the 20 oz in that's a start! See tips below: Maybe try to drink 8 oz within 30 min of waking. Then plan to have at least one meal that is liquid based like a bone broth (which doubles as a protein and a liquid). During or after a workout drink a sugarfree gatorade, Powerade or even water if you're feeling it (this is where I maximize my fluid intake). Have an 8oz diluted fruit juice with lots of ice after one of your meals Enjoy a mid day sugar free popsicle or 2 Keep a cup of ice chips nearby Have a sugar free Jello as an evening snack Have a little "me time" and treat yourself to a cup of tea Never leave the house without your drink (water bottle, G2, Crystal light) and during car rides, shopping trips, visiting family, commuting to work-- Turn up the music and sip sip sip. Don't feel like you have to get up to 64 oz TODAY. Continue with the 20oz and find at least 4 other times during the day to sneak in your ounces here and there. YOU CAN DO THIS. Continue to work your way up til your reach your goal. If you're still struggling you will have to call your surgeons office to inform them and they make have to arrange to give you IV fluids to prevent kidney injury. Good Luck!!!!

Sorry about your Protein issues everyone has given great advice. I was not advised to hit protein goals so soon but to work up toward them. However it was recommended for me to get at least 40g for the first month. I know what you mean about the premier. I love them but they sometimes make me a little nauseated. Typically you can take a little break and come back to them and you can begin to tolerate them again. Perfect time to explore other options. I've gotten a little sick of them but Id purchased 4 cases so I felt obligated to finish them. I found that mixing in a frozen banana with the chocolate ones are amazing. Thicker, and very tasty. I've also tried frozen peaches, and strawberries with the vanilla and strawberry flavors respectively. You may have to find a way to incorporate greek yogurt three times a day, and try breaking your Protein shakes up into 4oz servings. Maybe you can tolerate them better that way. Also if you like spinach, kale and fruit smoothies, you could make smoothies with greek yogurt and add a scoop of protein for an added boost. I was doing this at post op week 3. If all else fails talk to your NUT. I imagine as your diet advances, so will your protein intake.

That's all you should be eating right now anyways. I'm not sure what your surgeon recommended but I had to do liquids for 2 weeks started purees week 3 but when I felt things were a little uncomfortable I scaled back. It's normal advance diet as tolerated the stages are a guideline. If you feel more comfortable eating puddings and Soups then stick with that for a while and introduce puree consistency foods one day at a time. I'm @5weeks today and in the soft food phase but the majority of my foods are still liquids and purees mostly. It's what I feel most comfortable eating right now. I work on getting my Protein and Fluid needs met, then I find I don't have room for much else. If I do I make sure it has a purpose. For example if I have a greek yogurt in the morning then that's my Breakfast. 15g of protein yay. I'll sip Water over the next 2-3 hours until my next meal to work on getting my fluids in then maybe for lunch I'll have soup or a kale and fruit smoothie I add greek yogurt and a scoop of Protein powder or I make it with a premier shake for a min of 30g of protein. Then back to sipping 30 min later over the next 2-3 hours then dinner might be pureed tuna, or turkey chili if I can handle it. 1/4 cup or 2oz serving over a min of 30 min or else I feel sick. Then back to sipping. If I still have protein to get in, ill have a Protein Shake or yogurt to get it in. Then I'm done for the day. I try to have my last meal no later than 8pm. So don't sweat it. Stay with where you are comfortable, introduce foods slowly, and don't advance just because you can wait til you're ready. It can't hurt.

The guidelines provided to me by my surgical team indicate to expect on average 20-40 lbs by 6 weeks post op. it's another range at 3 months 6 and 12 I'm only focused on where I am currently which is 5 weeks tomorrow. No loss pre op surg date 7/1. 15lbs week 1, stall week 2 and 3 and then a 5lb drop followed by another 6 lbs a few days later. I imagine I'll slow down for the next 2 weeks or so and then it'll pick back up again. You're doing fine. Everybody has a different journey. Everybody will lose differently. So just stick to the plan abd We'll all get to the finish line together.

I'm getting the low end of my Protein goals in it was recommended for me to get between 60-80g and try to get in at least 40 oz of fluids a day. I was finding it difficult to do with just Water alone, however adding a popsicle here and there, bone broth etc is helping me to increase my Fluid intake. I will eventually get up to 64oz but for now its a struggle to get in the 40. Its already 5 pm and I'm still working on my 20oz water bottle. 5 more sips to go... Then refill... I have my daughters Softball game to sit through and its HOT today. I'm sure I'll finish it before its over.

Everyones journey is different. My NUT made it quite clear to me CLEAR LIQUIDS count toward Fluid goals. Refer to your clear liquid guidelines for more options because it doesn't have to all be Water. There are a variety of ways to get your fluid needs met. Bone broth (counts toward liquids and protein), sugarfree Jello, Popsicles, diluted fruit juices like apple juice and cranberry juice, coffee no cream, tea, Gatorade/powerade zero, water with crystal light or other low cal/sugar free flavorings. Protein shakes like premier I was told count toward protein goals not liquid. But the protein juices count toward fluid and protein goals so there are ways to get creative and make them both count. Be sure to discuss it with your NUT to clarify what they consider as fluids that count toward your fluid goals.

OMG thank you guys for your words of support. This thing has been weighing heavy on my heart for the last 2 years. There's not a day that passes that I don't think of him, but as time goes on I think of him far less. @@Christinamo7 I agree. I went into counseling for severe depression for about 4 months. She helped me to let go and identify why I landed here to begin with. She gave me the tools to recover my self esteem and improve myself, my thinking and my responses so that I could be a better partner to and for my husband. @@sharonintx you couldn't have said it better... coming out the other end of this-- it took me a year to finally say if I had the choice to do it all over again. I would NOT!!!! I had deluded myself into thinking if I had done this differently or said this or wore that then maybe this, and maybe that... NO. It was not worth it AT ALL. It wasn't worth the pain it caused my husband-- he took it so hard he acted very irrational and told our children and anyone who would listen. The energy it took to lie and deceive, the mental anquish, the constant fighting, the embarrassment, the pain, It just wasn't worth it. @Higher--Thanks but my heart tells me otherwise and I'm at peace with that. @@OKCPirate You're absolutely right! I was seduced... I made it more than what really was because I was trying to have the things I was missing in my marriage fulfilled through him. @@CowgirlJane I have deleted all contact and will highly reconsider posting "After" pics to my friends FB page in the hopes that he see's it. WHO cares-- I'm happy, he was a kid, there was never any future with us. He deserves to have fun and share his time and life with someone who is available for HIM whom he can build a life with. That doesn't mean my marriage is perfect, because it's far from it. I'm working on the issues I have now before the weight loss so that I'm prepared when the changes come about because lets face it they will come and I don't want to be another statistic.

I'll be 5 weeks post op tomorrow. It was embedded in me from the beginning that eating and drinking at the same time would no longer be possible. I couldn't imagine that. However post surgery-- I was hard pressed to get anything in so it becomes a conscious effort. I've been working hard to under eat my sleeve and not waiting until I feel uncomfortable to stop. I will prepare a very small amount of fluids like ice water, diluted apple juice, or cranberry juice and after my meal I will take 2-3 sips of something for my own personal satisfaction and sense of normalcy. It doesn't bother me a bit. Again this only works if you have learned to under eat the sleeve otherwise I could see you getting too full and feeling uncomfortable. For example I will not eat more than 1/4 cup of soup, chilli, cream of wheat, I can probably tolerate 1/3 cup now but I won't push it. I save the extra space for those 2-3 sips that I like to take with my meals. I may take 1 sip in the middle of my meal and 2 after-- just to wet my whistle lol! I also drink from a straw with no problems, and I drink soda on avg of 1-2 times a week. NOW let me clarify, I don't drink a whole 12 oz can. I don't even drink 4 oz. I may have 2-3 sips just to give me the taste. I have no desire to drink an entire can of soda or whatever but it's nice to get a little taste once in a blue moon. It doesn't make me feel like I'm deprived and I still feel in control. I haven't had any this week, and I probably won't.

So I went to cedar point last year and I was about 235, I'm 5 "4". So they have a tester seat before you get in line. I can get on most of the rides except if they have a lap belt because these hips and butt don't lie. I was turned away from one ride. My kids were like happened?? So I said I'm too fat. The last time I was in the 200's and could get on all the rides comfortably I was probably between 202-210. Some of those lap belts were the difference between 1-2 inches. I dodged going to the park in years before and we usually would go every year. So last year we had been long overdue. We're going again before the kids go back to school (like end of August) and I'm hoping to be in the low 2 teens (wishful thinking) but It would be such a NSV for me!!!!

Ok I was just reviewing your stats and you have 35 lbs until goal?? You were sleeved in June?? Girl...... BYE! I predict... you will be at goal by Christmas!!! Good LUCK!!! That is amazing.