anl1990

I am glad to hear you finally got some relief, that is seriously one of the worst feelings and I am sorry you had to endure it. I know others mentioned it, but definitely keep some stool softener on hand, it works wonders. Same with laxatives if your bowels are being stubborn. Once you can implement a little bit of juice as well into your diet, I think between those three things you should be A-Okay. Best of luck, hope it doesn't happen to you again!

Don't be embarrassed! Correct me if I am wrong, but I think I had read the younger you are, the higher the success rate. There is nothing to be ashamed of, you are simply creating a healthier life for yourself. I was 28 when I had mine this past December, and I don't feel ashamed because of my age at all. Best of luck in your journey.

Worrying is normal - this is a big step you are taking in life. Once you get through the actual procedure, I think it will only go up from there. I have faith in you! Just read up, make sure you fully know what you are getting yourself into, and as far as the diet goes it isn't necessarily forever. Yes, the goal of all of this is to get you to eat significantly smaller portions, and you should want to keep self control as far as what you eat goes, but eventually you can eat almost anything you want again. Bets of luck! You will do great! xo

Definitely MyFitnessPal - I not only love it for the tracking, but it has a great community on there like there is on here. I would highly recommend it. <3

I know exactly how you feel - to this day, I still have regrets/doubts. What helps me personally is focusing on the victories. I think once I myself can start to see the changes, it will help even more, but acknowledging the good things which have happened since surgery definitely seems to help. Keep strong - it will get better!

I would be lying if I said I have not had bad food since surgery. I try really hard to keep what I eat healthy, and I am still losing, but every now and then the urges get the better of me. I at least keep my portions small, so to me that is a plus. I am not condoning my actions by any means, but the way I see it at least I am not where I was at the start of this journey.

This is awesome, congratulations!! For me, it was realizing I am down 2-3 sizes from when I started this journey. It was so surreal having to return an article of clothing to get a smaller size. Yay for NSVs!!

I tell people. The way I see it, it has become a part of me, and who I am. I don't really care who knows, but I can understand why someone would want to keep it to themselves.

This is such a great reminder. I still struggle with remembering this, though. Food is still way too important to me. One day at a time, that's all you can do.

I know how you feel - I struggle with urges as well. I do my best to make sure not to have unhealthy options available - as cliché as it is, 'out of sight, out of mind'. I also do my best to distract myself. It will get easier, just stay strong!

SO THAT IS WHAT HAPPENED TO THEM I knew something was up! Please tell me them coming back in March is accurate, though - I live for Cookies & Cream! It hurt my heart when I no longer had access to them.

I can completely relate! There are certain noises which drive me up the wall - like applause, or sometimes the sound of a keyboard. It either makes me feel uncomfortable, or can even at times make me angry. Brains are weird, man..lol

Yeah, plain water has been a bit tougher for me. The same can be said for my husband. We both have flavor packets we add to it, and that helps us tremendously with getting in our liquids. I think (correct me if I am wrong) it just happens for some patients? I also think it perhaps passes eventually. But yeah - try the flavors! They can actually be very nice.

Hm, interesting. Have you personally tried it? Simply curious. I have nothing against wanting to try it, that is just what I personally had read on it, so I never really gave it another thought. I am all for anything helping with that hunger pang, as long as it is healthy/not harmful.

For me, baby steps is what helped me get to where I needed to be. Don't start out too extreme if that does not work for you, it will only set you up for failure. Ease into things. I have faith you can do it.

I have the same problem! Not just with pills - certain foods, too. It's not exactly ideal, but usually if I give a deep cough I can get it to come back up, and when I try the second time it's fine. I'm sorry you are enduring that, it's no fun. I hope it gets better for you.

From what I personally have read, apple cider vinegar does not help with curbing appetite/weight loss. I considered it myself, but have read it does nothing, and it does not exactly taste the best so I would say don't bother. Don't be too hard on yourself! Weight gain, I feel, is inevitable. It is going to happen. Just think - compared to what you have lost, 15 lbs is a quite small number. You have obviously done it before - I know you can do it again. Just don't get discouraged, you are stronger than you are giving yourself credit for.

I would not say I necessarily announce it, but I don't hide it either. If the situation calls for it, I will inform someone of it, but I don't go out of my way to tell people. So I guess I am a bit indifferent about others knowing? Sorry if I am not much help. lol

Read up on things! It helps being able to anticipate things. Coming to a place like this before is a great start. As far as the surgery went, it was honestly not as bad as I had anticipated. There was some obvious soreness, but it was a lot more tolerable than I had expected, and keeping down fluids was much easier than I thought it would be while in the hospital. My husband had issues with gas pain when he had his, I personally did not. (Honestly, his recovery has been a little bit harder than mine, but I think it might be because they had to repair a hernia for him. I'm not fully sure if that impacts anything?) Listen to you body, it will let you know when someone does not agree with it, or if it has had enough. I personally struggle at times to listen to myself, and I end up paying for it. It truly is not has bad of an experience as you would think, just make sure you are keeping a strong willpower. After a while, when you start to feel fine, you might want to go back to old habits (I personally struggle with this), but just remind yourself you did this for a reason. You are going to do great!

I have not used that particular brand, BUT, my surgeon did prescribe me phentermine (sp?), and I found that helped tremendously. I understand not wanting to go to a pill, but if it works, it works. I support whichever way you go. :)

I personally do not mind telling people my weight loss, simply because the positive reactions help motivate me. The way she reacted, though, was quite uncalled for. It sounds like you did not say it in any way which would have came off as upset or rude. Just because someone is offering praise des not mean they are entitled to every little detail they desire. Good for you for standing your ground - only tell those you want to!

Hi everyone, I am right around six weeks out, and my scale tells me I am down about 22 lbs - I started out at 252, and am now down to 230. My problem is, I am so unhappy with this, I feel like it is not very good progress at all. Am I being too hard on myself, or should I be losing more weight? Any advice is much appreciated!

I have been trying to just focus on the positives, but comments get to me easily. You know? I am so proud of him and how far he has come already, and I guess I don't feel it is mutual. Oh well lol I am digressing.

I will definitely keep this in mind. Thanks again for your advice - it is much appreciated!

As others have said, it is very normal! Is it frustrating? I am sure, but at least you are still losing! 6 lbs is still 6 lbs. Celebrate even the small victories, and don't give up! I think you are still doing great.