Orchids&Dragons

Good luck! The forums will give you lots of ideas for things to do as you prepare!

Welcome! When is your surgery?

Welcome! This is a very friendly, supportive community. I've learned so much here!

Donate them to the local homeless shelter and thank God you didn't buy 6 boxes. They are craving boosters!

Not just the photo - make sure you have measurements, too. Often, when we hit a stall weight-wise, the measurements keep moving and that is very motivational!

No matter how hard I've worked out, I swear I have never met an endorphin! Might as well be a unicorn that farts rainbows!

You strike me as the least delusional person I know, LOL!

Lol 6 😖 Busted!

You're good. You won't stretch your sleeve with water. You don't start to feel restriction (generally) until you get to soft foods. Believe me, you'll get it.

2 hours isn't bad!

I wish using a straw was the worst of my cheats!

My drink cut-off was 5 am because of the late surgery. I'll bet they let you drink until 8. Give them a call.

About 1 o'clock the next afternoon. I was so thirsty I didn't even complain about drinking the radioactive stuff. Wasn't half bad if your'e thirsty enough! Not everyone has to do the leak test. Depends on your surgeon.

Congrats on getting your surgery date! On the upside, you won't have a long, uncomfortable evening the first night out. By the time you're settled back in your room, it will pretty much be bed time. My surgery was about 1:30 in the afternoon and the long evening (when I couldn't drink anything) was torture.

I'm a sleeve and was told that the calcium carbonate wouldn't be digested enough because of reduced stomach acid. So we were advised to take calcium citrate. I take TUMS occasionally when my GERD is bad (since I have acid a-plenty) but don't count it toward my calcium supplementation, per my doctor.

Can't stay a cheat virgin forever!

It's ok, I texted her the words

If you click on the pic, you should see the writing below it.

First off, congrats on your surgery and the first 26 pounds. That's awesome! For the rest - everyone heals at different rates. You are still very swollen. Many doctors advise their patients not to weigh for the first month because it can be disheartening. So, no, this isn't abnormal, just annoying. Just keep to your plan and it will work.

I'm only 5 months out, but for me, continuing to see a therapist while I'm transitioning is essential. I still have lunch with my best friend nearly every weekend. There's always something on the menu I can order. But, if you really want that scone, order it. Eat 1/4 (You'll be full) and either save the leftovers or walk away knowing that they won't move onto your hips. Just make sure you log the calories. Logging is key. Order the latte without the sugar. Most places have sugar-free options. Or else, just get coffee and bring a vanilla or caramel protein shake to add to it for the "latte" part. You can still enjoy your time with your friends! I promise! Something like Mom's lasagna - just eat the meat sauce & ricotta. Again, you will be full and really, the noodles don't add any flavor! Hope this helps. You can do this!

So you're hosting a "formal" food funeral. I just winged-it!

Kudos to your creativity. It's very elegant! I'm glad this is what you wanted. I was afraid I might come across as critical.

What are the best sugar substitues for 1-adding to cold food 2-adding to beverages 3-cooking/baking There are so many options, I'd like to hear what you've enjoyed (ok, and what you hated, too!) Thanks!

Congratulations!!!!

Very pretty and it looks like you will be the Queen of Documentation! My hat's off to you! Some suggestions: Just for reference, I just went back and looked at my food journal. It isn't unusual for me to have 9-10 food lines per day. This does not include any liquids. If I also needed a line to include liquids that have protein, I'd have about 3-4 more lines. I don't know if you've scanned pages or if this is a template that is adjustable, but I just wanted to let you know.