*susan*

Hi Nicky, and welcome to the forums! Congratulations on your decision to make a healthy change to your life. Like PdxMan said, once you are back on solids, food is going to be a big focus of your life. Not so much in that you constantly crave things and are stressing about what you can or cannot have, but because you are only able to hold such a small amount of food at a time, that you will want to make sure what you are eating is healthy and provides your body with nutrients you need. I recommend keeping track of your food, at least for a while. My Fitness Pal is a great site for that. You won't be obsessed about it, just embrace it, enjoy the journey of learning to like new healthier foods and how what you eat affects your body and the way you feel.

In terms of pain, I can honestly say I really never experienced any. Now, in terms of generally feeling blah, low energy, etc., it was about eight weeks for me. But a huge part of that was my own fault because I was not getting in enough fluids and ended up in the hospital severely dehydrated and on IV fluids three times, along with severe UTI's.

Yay, congratulations! I bet you are feeling fabulous too, about time for some progress pictures!

I took Prilosec and had no problems whatsoever getting it down.

Happy Camper, I know you can change your Avatar via the app, and when you are posting in threads on the app, you can also post pictures. I don't believe you can add pictures to your profile via the app though. I am going to let Alex and Ken know about the app problems you guys are having and see if they have any suggestions.

That is really going to depend upon you. Once they are eating full foods again, many people are able to get in their protein without shakes. Some like to continue with the shakes, regardless. I am over two years out and start every day off with my own cinna-banana shake because it is healthy, gives me lots of protein and I feel filled with energy after drinking it.

Yay, that is awesome! I love playing with new gadgets, have fun with it!!

Loving MFP, it is helping me get back on track! My id is in my siggy below.

Here is the recipe for the Cinna-Banana Shake: 1 banana 1 scoop vanilla Protein powder 1/4 cup greek plain yogurt 1/2 cup almond milk 1/4 tsp cinnamon 2-4 ice cubes Blend, pour and enjoy!

Goodness, i don't know what to say except WOW and beautiful! Sent from my iPad using VST

You won't necessarily have to drink them forever, as long as you are able to get your Proteins in without them. As for me, well I am three years out and start every day with a Protein shake. I have a cinna-banana Protein Shake I make myself that I love for Breakfast. It is low in calories, high in protein and starts my day off on a good, healthy note and leaves me full of energy. Sent from my iPad using VST

Wow, you are melting away! Congratulations! Sent from my iPad using VST

I love Pinterst and follow Skinny Taste as well. I also have lots of yummy, healthy recipes on my boards as well. Sent from my iPad using VST

Hmmm, I do most of my posting from my iPad and haven't had any problems. Please let us know if you continue to experience problems, and specifically, what the problems are. Sent from my iPad using VST

A robe, because you will be walking the halls. I also recommend taking your own pillow, a heating pad and sweat pants. Sent from my iPad using VST

Wow, that is awesome, and I am sure that is just one of many NSV's yet to come! Sent from my iPad using VST

Welcome to the group and the forums, Chad! We are happy to have you join us! Sent from my iPad using VST

I love the Crystal Light lemonade flavor. But, I cannot stand a whole packet of it at once. I usually do half a packet for 24oz of Water, anymore than that is just overkill to me. Sent from my iPad using VST

Are you making sure that you are getting enough Water? It is so vitally important that you stay properly hydrated. I had a horrible time getting in enough water. I just couldn't force myself to drink it. I ended up lethargic, nauseous and in the hospital three times on IV fluids as a result, oh, and I also got horrible UTI's as well. As far as exercise goes, other than walking, my doctor didn't even approve me to begin exercising until I was six weeks out.

KikiCC, congrats on getting sleeved. You are going to love your 40's, they are the best decade of my life thus far!

Yay, I am so happy you got your date, it won't be long now. My pre-op diet started two weeks before my surgery, and my surgeon's staff emailed it to me the week prior to starting it.

Oh goodness, you are killing me! I am pms'ing and would kill for something sweet right now. Unfortunately, or fortunately, there is nothing sweet in the house. Sent from my iPad using VST

That is wonderful. It is funny how things that used to be our favorites now actually turn our stomachs. Now, I actually sometimes crave healthy foods, lol. Sent from my iPad using VST

My evil foods are Tom's puffed cheeses, white cheddar popcorn and Peanut Butter fudge sundaes, totally irresistible! Sent from my iPad using VST

Did you get your date? Sent from my iPad using VST