Joe P

I've been having coffee pretty frequently with no problems. Originally I went with decaf but now I'm back to Costco breakfast blend regular. I would add I only drink 12 oz a day. Congratulations to Recidivist,Dubchild,Sheribear and Marine. You guys are doing great! ( hope I didn't miss anyone with the big weight losses)

I have noticed that I am having no problems eating anything I want too. One of my favorites has always been a Chick-fil-A salad and I was afraid to try it knowing that it could be a problem. Monday I ordered one and had no problem eating 1/2 of it, usually I would have eaten the whole thing. I am looking forward to more salads and fresh veggies. Although I am semi retired I still work three days a week in construction and there is absolutely no way I could survive on less than 1000 calories, my stamina is still not good and I find myself sitting down to rest frequently. All of us in this forum has already had their surgery but to others "looking in" my suggestion is to keep it to yourself and your spouse/partner. It's no ones business and if one knows soon 20 will know. We may not like it but people are judgmental and we made a decision that will prolong and improve our lives. The people I needed to socialize with I told that the NUT I was seeing was helping me with food choices since I was having private issues and was trying to eat more sensibly, pretty much no carb etc. BTW we have all noticed how our doctors programs have been different, mine had no requirement to see a NUT.

Dubchild I'm 3 1/2 weeks post surgery, lost 19 lbs. I have a group of friends who we get together once or so a month for a few beers, wings, watch the game and generally BS. As you can see from the various posts doctors orders vary widely. From reading posts from other threads it is apparent that many men are able to have a occasional drink. I would check with your surgeon and explain the situation. My plans are to try a lite beer in a few months, I'm more concerned about the carbonation rather than the alcohol content as most of the light beers have minimal alcohol content. With the wings peel off the skin and enjoy one or two, with both moderation is key. Until a few months pass I would simply say to the guys that you have been on a doctor ordered diet and no booze right now. Make use there is some non carb drink to enjoy. People aren't going to count how many wings or drinks you are having. Rest assured the best is yet to come, don't miss the good times- just make a plan. Congratulations on your success! Curiously I believe that you, Marine, and I are the only men in the feb group.

We all share in sadness with you about this tragic event. If anyone is looking for a way to help the New York Times has a article in today's paper. I believe if you type in your browser "how to help the victims of the Christchurch shootings" in will bring up the article.

Sheribear, thank you for all your posts. You are clearly our February leader. sallie, your surgery here in the states will go smoothly. We all had apprehension prior but all of us feel like the weight of the world has been lifted when we arrived in the recovery room. Having surgery in Las Vegas is a major population area where I am sure there are many surgeries done. For example I live in a tiny state with a hospital but not major medical facilities. Keep us posted! Also hi io brooklynkay, glad things are going well.

Interesting how we all have different results. My surgery was 2/26 and I am able to eat some food but obviously in a limited amount. For breakfast I usually have a microwaved poached egg or oatmeal. Lunch is usually a hard boiled egg and yogurt or cottage cheese. Dinner can be any of the above, my neighbor knew I was dieting ( I told no one) and dropped off a lean cuisine chicken fried rice which I at may be ate 1/2. I get a clear signal when enough is enough. I have been using fair life milk to supplement proteins and add it to make sugar free pudding. Note you need to use the fairlife milk, not the protein fairlife which I believe contains no milk and will not work with the pudding. I had lost 17 pounds at the two week point my only problem is lack of energy but I hope that will improve in the next few weeks.

I also cannot stomach the protein drinks, obviously everyone has their taste buds. The fairlife milk is fabulous with a great amount of protein. I use the chocolate flavor with sugar free chocolate pudding and it is fabulous. Tonight I will try the regular fairlife with vanilla sugar free pudding. Brooklynkay are you doing ok, been thinking about you.

I'll be two weeks out of surgery Wednesday. No problems getting fluids and the diet. However like others I am exhausted most of the time. I've gone to placing a few lawn chairs around the yard so I have a place to sit if I need to. I have been walking the dog about may be half a mile each day but exhausted when I return home. Actually let me correct that, the dog drags me for the walk!

Sky guy, I am the cook in our home too. Several times I caught myself ready to sample something I was cooking and thinking how good that would taste. There are just two of us and while not healthy we did stock up on several stoffers type frozen dinners so my cooking would be minimal. The biggest problem I have had is our neighbor. She loves to cook and have us over for dinner. I decided from the beginning that the surgery was my private decision, a few days prior to starting the liquid pre op stage I explained to her that for the next month we would not be available for dinners that I was starting a very intense diet. Her answer was that no problem she would cook healthy diet dishes. To make it crystal clear I further added (nicely) that there would be absolutely no changes to my plans. She accepted that but still calls and suggests dinner saying she's going to cook shrimp etc and they are ok for dieting. My other food/friends issue is that every weekend we play cards, rumicube, or movies than eat. Big problem, so far we have made excuses and not attended. Playing that one by ear, don't know the path forward on that problem but I am doing well and determined to continue successfully.

Brooklyn, glad you are feeling better. Once you get to the comforts of home recovery will be better. Still on clear liquids and not getting as much fluids in as the surgeon requested. When I have sipped too much I get a dose of pain. I started walking my lab yesterday and boy was she happy! I bought some trimino water to try to up the protein and tomorrow I can go back to some protein shakes. I have noticed room temp water goes down better. Please post when you get home and keep up the good work!

A little more follow up. I was released this morning at ten, had a pretty good night in the hospital and would have slept better but my room mate was very sick and coughing all evening. He did not have anything gastric, just a sick person. Right now I feel OK and need to have some broth and juice. Just no energy. Lastly I have taken no pain medicine, all in all I am happy. Brooklynkay I,m happy for you too We made it

Ok, operation complete. I was suppose to be at 10 but they didn't start until 1. I am currently in my hospital room and feel surprisingly well. No fluids until 6 am. Hope your doing good also Brooklyn!

Brooklynkay best of luck to us both, keep us posted as soon as you feel well enough to.

My turn is next, 10:00! As soon as I can I'll let you know how things are going. I was suppose to be this morning but was postponed until tomorrow. Boy that Wendy's chili sounds real good right now.

Hi Brooklyn Kay, I am sharing the same surgery date as you. I haven't posted much but I am glad everyone is so helpful. Marine glad things are going better for you and I have been following all my February friends. I guess I'm the senior here at 69 years but I have found everyone's kindness in sharing all the downs and ups has been so helpful and I know what to possibly expect. Guess I'm the tall guy too, 6-5 and roughly 313. Hopeful to go down to 230. Wish me luck.

I start the liquid diet on Tuesday a week prior to the surgery. I will be at about 315, I am hoping for 220. I have read about Robert Irvines protein powder, appears all the reviews have been excellent has anyone tried it? Still have not decided on what protein powder to use. BTW I am 6-5. Thank you

I am 69 and having my surgery on feb 26th, quite nervous about the whole thing but I find the support here most helpful. I am a young 69 and finally decided to have the surgery after battling weight loss for some 50 years. I hope all goes well. I have decided not to share with my friends that I am having the surgery. Wish me well.