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Hello everybody, my name is Nicole. I had surgery on 2-24-14. My doctor uses out patient hospital services so I got to come home @ 10pm. This is most definitely one of the most important choices I've ever made. And I don't mind sounding quite selfish because in fact I did it all for ME! My stats: 5'6 S/W 272 C/W 254 G/W 140ish I lost 12lbs in the 2 week preop diet, which was basically the Atkins diet, I was only aloud 40 grams of carbs a day, and had to achieve at least grams of Protein a day. I cut out all caffeine, alcohol and carbonated bevs when I started even though I didn't have, I just made it a lot easier now that I really can't have that stuff. I'm so excited to finally start this journey. I have been heavy ALL my life. Even looking back at childhood pictures showed me over weight, not just big boned, as some like to say lol. I love this forum, it's helped me so much. Thank you to everybody :-)

I am 15, almost 16 months out, and still losing an average of about 5-7 pounds per month. Here are my answers: Can you eat a whole apple? Maybe if it were a really small apple, I buy pre packaged apple slices with Peanut Butter, usually 1/3 to 1/2 an apple per package. It doesn't fill me up to FULL, but I don't like to feel FULL anymore, it's not a satisfying feeling anymore like it was before the sleeve. Can you eat rice and Pasta without discomfort? Yup. I had Gnocci for dinner tonight. Usually it has to have a lot of sauce mixed with it, plain white rice or pasta with no sauce doesn't go good, but as long as there is anough moisture mixed in, it goes good. Do you ever have the occasional glass of wine with dinner? Not 'with dinner', I don't drink during meals, it's uncomfortable and fills me up too fast and makes me full for less amount of time. But yes, I do drink wine before and after meals, but I can't drink 1/4 as much as before the surgery. Alcohol affects me a lot faster now, so usually 1 full glass and I'm already drunk. How have your close relationships been effected by your weight loss? Family wise, everyone is super supportive and great, friend wise, it's a mixed bag, some people have blown me off, you do get the weird jealous people that come out of the woodwork. Some people are more supportive. Very few people in my life know I did this though. I've definately become more outgoing as I'm more confident so I've made a lot more friends in the past year than I have in awhile. Are you able to quickly drink a glass of Water on a hot day or after a workout? Yes, but not as fast. I do a no-no and LOVE straws. I still drink from a straw and never really quit even immediately after surgery. I have drank too much too fast before and caused myself some pain, but live and learn! If you were an emotional eater, what behavior have you replaced the emotional eating with? I'm a stress eater, and I've replaced it with walking away. I've really gotten a better handle on ways to deal with stress before it gets to that level, but I will still sometimes grab an ice cream or other junk snack slider and have an emotional pity party, but not nearly as much as before. Do you have any sadness associated with the inablilty to eat a large portion of something incredibly delicious? Nope. If it's something amazing I will wait until I digest and then eat more, or I will wrap it up and take it for later, but typically if you eat until you're full then wait to digest and go back for more the appeal isn't there as much as it was to begin with.

1. Nope but I bring up a lot of fruits in general 2. nope don’t eat it anyway but have tried here and there with rice and no. 3. don’t like wine so no again lol but I do go out here and there and have a alcoholic drink or 5 yes 4. in general all are fine only 1 slightly snidey person but that more on her and her body image not me. 5. No I don’t drink Water at all but gulping hurts so I personally don’t, no 6. No I wasn;t so no replacement behaviour 7. Nah I will eat a small bit of that something delicious and be just fine. Chirstmas dinner this year was my only hmm just for christmas dinner I wanted it back lol

I am 14 months out. Yes I can eat a whole apple. I can eat Pasta without problems but choose not to most of the time. Rice still doesn't feel good. I can drink wine, champagne and beer even but the alcohol does affect me quicker. I can drink Water fast without problem. I don't have any sadness because and will even sit with other people while they eat, but this probably varies greatly depending on your personality.

I'm only at month 9, but if you'll allow me to put in, I can answer to my experiences. Just in the last month I can eat a whole apple -- although I like small gala apples. However, prior to a month ago I could only eat a portion of a small apple. I have had a bite or two of rice and Pasta here and there, and have not ever eaten enough to feel discomfort. I don't think it would bother me unless I ate a bunch. That's why I stay the hell away from rice and pasta! LOL I do have wine before dinner occasionally, and sometimes I've had other alcohol. I just don't have beer or champagne, because the bubbles are definitely uncomfortable. I don't have wine (or any liquid) with dinner, or for 30 minutes afterwards. I am able to drink Water quite comfortably -- usually. I've always been a big water drinker, and when I'm thirsty I like to take several big sips. I would say after I was pretty much healed (couple of months) I could, on most days, drink water like I always have. Some days, inexplicably, big gulps are uncomfortable. Who knows why. So I always 'test it out' before I down several sips at once. Not really an emotional eater.... And no sadness really about not being able to eat large portions. Maybe more like frustration sometimes. And it's not that I can't eat a large portion. I've learned to eat "gourmet style" -- you know, small amounts of really good food. I find that no matter how delicious something is, when I'm full, I'm full. The frustration I think is just that it is SO DIFFERENT to the relationship I used to have with food. I just have to get used to getting satisfaction from eating quality food and not from the quantity. It's such a change and takes some getting used to. But ya know, before surgery I knew I would be changing my relationship with food, and that's what I absolutely 100% WANTED -- was to not enjoy so much damn food! LOL. The frustration is also in the cooking....I spend a lot of time to prepare a nice meal for my husband and myself, and then I just seem to get full so quickly. It seems like a waste of time to have spent time preparing the meal if I'm going to be done so fast.

I will be 3 years out in May... Can you eat a whole apple? Probably. I usually eat about 3/4 of an apple and I am comfortable. If I tried to eat it first thing in the morning I could probably only eat a couple of slices because my sleeve is tight in the mornings. Can you eat rice and Pasta without discomfort? Just a little. A few bites of rice or pasta is all I can eat, it still fills me up really quickly. I try to eat Protein first most of the time and then I don't have a lot of room for rice and pasta. Do you ever have the occasional glass of wine with dinner? No, but that's because I don't ever drink alcohol. I didn't drink before my sleeve either so it's not a sleeve thing. How have your close relationships been effected by your weight loss? Only positively for me, thankfully. I have wonderful family and friends and they have all been supportive of me in this journey. Are you able to quickly drink a glass of Water on a hot day or after a workout? Not as quickly as I could before surgery but much quicker than I could right after surgery. I drink a lot of water every day, at least 128 ounces so I'm drinking all the time. If you were an emotional eater, what behavior have you replaced the emotional eating with? Probably exercise and shopping. My emotional eating still rears it's ugly head sometimes. I think it's something I will have to deal with for life. For the most part I can keep it at bay and I have worked hard to learn to do other things instead of eating to deal with my emotions, but I am not perfect. Do you have any sadness associated with the inablilty to eat a large portion of something incredibly delicious? Not anymore. I did at first. I can eat just about anything now and I am used to eating small portions so it's not something that I really think about anymore. The key is to learn how to eat and control your eating/emotions in the first year. After a year or two (for some, much sooner) usually your ability to eat all the slider foods comes back and you can actually fit quite a bit of sliders in your sleeve. Learning to eat protein first, then veggies and small amounts of carbs is key. Eat clean and healthy and change your lifestyle.

so much of this entire Journey is interdependent on many aspects of our lives..... The very co-morbidities that made a complex and fragile daily life have served to motivate me. One of the inescapable issues many of We of the Tribe of the Morbidly Obese face, are such as diabetes and the very cascade of related such as high blood pressure, eye disease and kidney function, amoung others. Without boring anyone, the factors that make sweets and the close relative of alcohol, so devestating to various body systems, require understanding and control every day. My own "6-pack and a loaf of bread" snack routine symbolized the direction my rational mind didn't want to go, yet the Bad Habits and Belly Beasts were effectively taking over my entire life style. I was given the choice between kidney function and eyesight, vs a 400# lifestyle and a beer. Lap Band saved my Life nearly 10 years ago. The bit of daily discipline it takes to remain on the Path to Life is a joy.

I had surgery on 5/17/13. I had 2 drinks on my birthday, August 2, (cosmos). I got buzzed after 2 sips. You will get buzzed really fast! But what's weird is the buzz goes away really fast. I was a pretty big drinker before surgery. I drank 1-2 a week. In the summer, and the Holiday's maybe even 3 times a week. I enjoy girl time, a glass of wine with dinner, or a beer with the hubby. However after surgery, I've had sort of an aversion to alcohol. I don't know how to explain it. Since August, I've drank maybe once a month, mostly vodka mixed drinks, and had no issues, and have enjoyed them. I think like with anything else, moderation is key! I also stay away from anything bubbly. Sadly no more beer for this girl. Good Luck, and as with everything make sure your doctor clears you to drink!

friends really try not to drink alcohol! I'm not going to lie, I was at a party last night and I wanted so badly to take a cold beer! I better take some flat soda! :/. thank you very much everyone for your answers!

My doctor's concerns with alcohol are potential bleeding ulcers (in addition to many of the other issues mentioned here). They recommend a year before having any which I see is much longer than many other plans. I like cocktails, but will hold out for quite a while. But let me add it's because I've had an ulcer in the past, and my father (who could drink quite a bit, doesn't any longer) developed bleeding ulcers and stomach cancer. It resulted in removal of 75% of his stomach so genetics play a big part in my decisions. And he didn't need to lose any significant amount of weight, but ended up getting very small after this. I figure if you follow you doctor's guidelines and all is well, power to you.

Slider foods are high calorie high fat item which can still be eaten easily and in quantity after surgery. Some examples are as follows: ice cream, milkshakes, chips, candy bars, cookies, alcoholic drinks, fruit juices, etc. I hope that helps

It's not that you won't physically be 'able' to drink alcohol. For some, no problem at all. But, re: alcohol: 1) Is empty calories. Plus the alcohol sugars interfere with weight loss; 2) Surgeons feel that people with obesity (especially if due to food addictions) might substitute one addiction for another. That may develop, even without noticing it; 3) With less stomach, etc., the alcohol can go straight through you, you may not grasp how much you're taking in and can potentially get drunk faster (especially women); 4) As someone else said, it can irritate your stomach--what's left of it. I had wine recently; and 2 weeks ago, I had two sips of a martini. But no more than that. I've yet to have a full regular drink, though the thought of one makes me smile on this Sunday morning. Oh well.

The scale was unforgiving, I put on more this week than I did when I went on my 2 week trip to Mexico/ cruise last April. It has shown me how much easier it is to eat the crap and how volume has increased. The good thing is that the cupboards are bare at home and I won't be bringing any snacks or alcohol in for some time. It went on in a week I just have to work at it and see what I can lose in a week.let battle commence..

I had a alcoholic drink for the first after surgery (Dec 18th) last friday (vodka w/cranberry) it went down fine..but the next morning I woke up itching all over my body...looked in the mirror and noticed I had broke out in hives..never in my life had I experienced that...it went away on its own..then it came back around 1am that night..went to the ER..they gave me benadryl and Pepcid. I told the Dr I had drinks..he said there is no telling if that was the cause...so I don't ..but I will stay away from alcohol for now. I have been taking 1 benadryl capsule before going to bed since.

They say that the alcohol is empty calories, it can stall weight loss and promote weight gain. I am not a drinker anyway, so I will not miss that one bit, lol.

I had it a month in a half ago. I haven't drank any alcohol but I was curious why I was told not to drink alcohol for life. Thank u:)

What are the the side effects if I drink alcohol? Why was I told I can't drink alcohol, I know beer has too much gas but what about straight tequila or vodka???

when is your surgery? Your nutritionist will tell you what your surgeons/programs requirements are. Just like you said, oddly enough, everyone is given different instructions depending on their doctor's requirements. For me, I am currently following a 2 week pre op diet. My surgery is 3/4. I am allowed 5 Protein shakes a day, one serving of veggie a day, one serving of fruit a day and one serving of starch a day. I can also have all the Clear liquids I want which include sugar free popsicles, SF Jello, broth, SF liquids etc (I can not have any caffeine, carbonation or alcohol). I thought it was going to be torture but it really hasn't been that bad. I'm sure the next time you meet with your nutritionist he/she will start providing you more and more info regarding this, if not just ask. Good luck on your staring weight loss, you can do this!

. I first went to a seminar in April of 2013 for the lap band. The Practice that hosted the seminar took all of our information and researched my insurance coverage. The called me back in a week or so later and said my insurance would cover it, minus my deductible and 20%. However they had a $1,000 admin fee that had to be paid up front and insurance didn't cover it. As I was saving to pay this my gall bladder quit working and I had to have emergency surgery to have it removed. That is where I met my surgeon. He mentioned after the surgery that he also did bariatric procedures and he only charged $500 for the admin fee. When I went in for my follow up post gall bladder removal, I made an appointment to come back for my 1st presurgical visit. My insurance company required a medical history showing 5 years of obesity, attendance at a presurgical seminar, a 6 month physician monitored diet, a history of all past attempts to lose weight, a psychiatric evaluation, meeting with the nutritionist, full bloodwork up, EKG, EGD, Chest Xray, and speaking to their bariatric nurse. I was pushing to get this all done during 2013 as I had met my out of pocket for the calendar year! I was sleeved on November 19, 2013. My approval came through on Nov. 4th, the Surgeon's office called and said start your liquid diet tomorrow (2 wk pre op liquid/semi-liquid diet is mandatory to assist with shrinking your liver reducing surgical complications). I also have severe sleep apnea, or rather did have, so I also had to be cleared from a pulmonary perspective I just went to my 3 mo post op apt on Wednesday, I have lost 62 lbs since 11/4, I have gone from a 5X to a 20-22. The day of surgery I was in a lot of pain but you start drinking that day, I was up and walking around that night. I was never nauseated, never threw up, I have tolerated everything. I won't lie, I followed what the Dr. told me to eat, when he told me to eat it. I count how much Protein intake I have. I tracked my calories for a while but they were consistently 500-800 so I stopped, now I do it once in a while. I drink Water or crystal light however I can tolerate alcohol although if I drink to much I will have an upset stomach the next day. If I want something I have it but in moderation. I have also learned to like reduced fat and sugar free choices. This is so life changing, it is one of the best decisions I have made in my life!!!! I have never had a single regret!

Two weeks of parades, parties, and fun. Two weeks of ALCOHOL and FOOD shoved in your face at every turn...... But, this year will be different. I won't be partaking in King Cakes, fried chicken, snack foods, and lots of adult beverages.... I will be able to march parade routes 6-7 miles long as a chaperone for my son's high school band (that's a first bc i couldnt do that 100+ pounds ago). And I may be partaking in sugar free Jell-O shots the night I'll be riding in a parade..... If you're coming to New Orleans, remember to yell, "Throw Me Something, Mister!"

Some will some won't it depends entirely on your insurance and surgeon. My surgeon is known for putting people "back on the bench" for 6 months if they gain or test positive for tobacco or alcohol day of surgery. They understand that we have a difficult time losing weight, they love to see te scale trending down no matter if it's .2lbs or 50lbs, or they at least want to see us maintaining (staying the same). They consider us not ready if we gain. That's my particular program though, all are different. I'm guessing if they say it, they mean it.

Ok...let's see what I can do here...first and formost you have to do this for YOU. The benefits are 10 fold! I still take a sip, occasionally, when I eat...but for the most part, I'm okay with waiting... you should find (like most of us did) that it's not that bad, once you get used to it. Eliminating carbonated beverages from my life is probably one of the healthiest things I did as well. My husband has lost weight as well, and basically he just stopped drinking that junk. I never was big into alcohol, so that was no biggie for me...a bunch of wasted calories and carbs... and I'm past the age were I want to be "wasted" in any way! LOL YES you feel full and satisfied! Truly you do... Head hunger is when you think you are hunger but really aren't, and with any change in your "diet", you have to work thru it... I found a hot beverage helps at times like that, since you have to take slow sips to get thru it...but it's not a horrible thing... I still have days where that happens...but I know what NOT to eat and I follow the program Loose skin depends on a lot of things, your age, your body, etc... mine isn't all that "loose", but I would like it tighter...exercise of ANY kind helps...water is best for your body as it is very very low impact and very easy on your joints...who cares what others think...go to a Water aerobics class...and they can watch the "incredible shrinking woman"! The pills depend on the kind you take as well....I had to grind mine down for a short time...a small price to pay for the long term results. And stairs...well...it's surgery...so in the beginning they will not be your friend, and you may end up camping out on the couch or recliner for a few days... but the stairs will, eventually, be a very good thing... you can walk up and down them every day for a few minutes to get your cardio in... All in all...I am not one iota sorry I am taking this journey...it's the best thing I ever did for ME!

WLS date 12/5/13 Pre surgery weight 235 Current weight 185 Down 4 sizes in my clothes All has been going well and I'm down 50 lbs. Only issue is eating out and remember to eat slow with little liquids, if not I get that sick feeling. Starting to ramp up exercise and hired a trainer for 3 months, really enjoy everything I want but no junk, no soda, no red meat and alcohol. I really don't have the desire to have the things I'm not eating anymore. It's great to finally feel comfortable in my own skin (proud of the lady in the mirror) and feel more confident. I have a wonderful support system my husband had bypass 7 yrs ago and my 2 sisters had WLS within the past 3 yrs. feeling positive:)

I'm tired, really tired and pretty weak. On the other hand, I'm soooooooooo glad to be on this pre-op because it's helping me so much in gaining control. Yesterday it dawned on me that the Unjury Chicken Soup wasn't discussed in any of the handouts I have. I checked with the dietician and she says it's off limits during this phase, so yesterday, it was just Slim Time for me. I tried the chocolate during lunch and used the chocolate and put in a fair amount of peppermint extract. Made me imagine that I was eating Girl Scout Thin Mints. Any trick will work for me. Other than being tired I feel fine, hungry at times but I just continue to swamp myself with water. I'm glad that I drank a lot of water before I started this (it's maybe the ONE good thing I've done for a long long time), otherwise I'd struggle to get it all in. Along with surgery, I'm also spending time with a therapist who specializes in obesity and family issues. I've long been convinced that my eating difficulties are related to 'stuffing' emotional issues. I can see now how I had few outlets for my emotions and that translated into me eating to sooth myself. I have to learn new behaviours. I'm glad I'm doing therapy at the same time. I think my odds of relapsing will be lessened if I could just get a handle on why I do what I do (binge eating, overeating, etc.) and how to stop doing what I've always done. It's not to say that I think I wouldn't relapse - god that scares me SO much. My parents were alcoholic and they never relapsed but they talked about how easy it is, and I equate this to something like alcoholism - an addiction. Once I start with the carbohydrates and the sweet stuff I am lost and reigning myself in is very very difficult. I'm blessed that I can have this surgery and for now, I'm grateful for the pre-op diet.

When was the last time you were on a roller coaster? If you’re like me, it’s been a while. In fact, the last time I was on a roller coaster I was 310 lbs and could barely fit into the seat. The restraint almost didn't go around my tummy. I was squeezed in like Cinderella’s step-sister’s foot must have tried to squeeze into that tiny shoe. Yep. I was Drizella’s foot and the coaster seat was the glass slipper. I’m sure it was a comical, if not sad and pathetic site, for those around me. It was embarrassing to me, to say the very least. But I laughed it off and went on, as I tended to do. That roller coaster was a wild ride. It had huge climbs, steep drops, loop-de-loops, sharp turns, and at one point it feels like you’re lying on your side. Honestly, it’s a wonder I stayed in the coaster even with the restraint!! The end of the ride was abrupt - it felt like my insides were coming out of my mouth when it stopped short back at the beginning of the track. When it was over, I felt accomplished, in a way. I’d survived that coaster ride, wild and uncomfortable as it was. Many people don’t realize that life before, during, and after weight loss surgery becomes a roller-coaster ride of it’s own. It has the huge climbs of elation and joy and excitement, the steep drops into anxiety and depression, and the loop-de-loops, sharp turns, and lying on your side moments of uncertainty, worry, and fear. Here are some of the emotional dealings that will occur before, during, and after surgery that you might not know. 1. Pre-Surgery Elation. This happens when you are finally approved for surgery. It’s going to be a reality! You are going to get a brand new lease on life! The period of life where you are having to go through diet after diet is finally coming to an end! You might tell everyone you know or you might decide to keep your secret to yourself. Regardless, you are excited and ready to go! 2. Pre-Surgery Blues. This is when you realize that you are going to have to say good-bye to one of your best friends ... Food. You come to the realization that there are some favorites that you are just not going to be able to eat anymore. Depression sets in slightly, and you might even go on a food bender - similar to what an addict might do. At this point you might even question your decision to go through surgery. 3. Day of Surgery. You’re going to be going through a myriad of emotions during this time. You’ll feel excitement, anxiety, apprehension, and impatience all at the same time. You’ll be worried because, after all, it is a major surgery you’re about to go through. But at the same time, you’ll be excited at what’s about to happen. When you wake up from anesthesia, you might be scared, especially if you’re having a rough transition out of anesthesia. You might be a little confused, wondering where you are. When your body settles down a bit and you remember where you are and what just happened, you might feel a little concerned. "Did everything go okay?" "Is this going to work?" "Did I just make the biggest mistake in my life?" On the other hand, you might wake up beautifully, singing the praises of your surgeon and his/her team, excited to begin your new life. These feelings and emotions will likely cycle throughout the day as you’re getting used to the idea of what just happened and your body relaxes and comes out of shock from surgery. 4. Going Home. When you’re finally released to go home, you’ll either be excited or scared. Thoughts might rush your brain like “will I be able to do this on my own?” and anxiety might set in again. You might, again, question your decision to undergo surgery, especially once the monotony of the liquid diet phases set in. The first few days might be easy, and the next might be excruciating. You’ll be in some discomfort because of incisions and if the surgeon inflated your abdomen with gas prior to surgery (commonly done in laparoscopic surgeries), and this might heighten your doubts and anxieties. You might begin to worry about issues such as leaks, slippage, or staples coming loose. 5.The first few months. You will be going through a mourning period at some point, and for some that occurs during the first few months after surgery. You no longer are able to lean on food for emotional support, so you might feel sad. You might even go through a type of “withdraw” from food, similar to what an addict might be going through their first few days in rehab. You’ll be able to eat more some days than others, and that will lead you to worry if your surgery is working or if there’s something wrong. Some days you’ll be jealous of watching everyone around you eat foods that you once loved. Others, you’ll be glad you can’t/don’t eat those things anymore. By the time you've finished all of your phases and are on to real food, you’ll be relieved and excited, and likely worried and anxious as well. Whereas before, you were relying on liquids for sustenance, now you’re on your own and have to rely on figuring your food choices out for yourself. 6. The losing phase. From the moment you leave the hospital until you reach your goal you are considered to be in the losing phase of surgery. For the purposes of this article, we’re going to call the losing phase the time period from month 3 (about the time you transition into full solids) to the point where you reach your goal. There will be many frustrations, joys, and concerns in the months ahead. Some days you’ll forget everything you were taught about nutrition and make yourself sick on something you shouldn't have eaten. Other days you’ll be 100% on track. You’ll have moments of pride and joy, and moments of shame and weakness. You’ll revel in finding out you can eat something as simple as asparagus and despair over not being able to eat rice pilaf. You’ll finally reach your “groove” point sometime during month four or five, and things begin to go well. You’ll reach a stall or two (or five ...) and wonder if you’re doing something wrong or if you've messed up your new tummy. You’ll marvel over losing 10 lbs in one week. You’ll wonder why you only lost 2 lbs the next week. When your loss starts to slow down, you’ll worry that you’re not exercising enough, that you’re eating too much or too little, or worry that your surgery is beginning to fail. You’ll relax more when you are consistently losing, even if it has gone down to 1-2 lbs a week. 7. The maintenance phase. When you reach your goal weight, you will have reached what is called “maintenance”. This is the final stage that you will likely be in for the rest of your life. Here, you will change your diet slightly in order to not lose or gain any more weight. You will get frustrated a time or two - especially the first time you gain a few pounds. You will marvel at what you've lost, but are concerned with the way your body looks now. You will have loose skin, which may cause body image issues. If you’re single, you might notice more possible suitors paying more attention to you. You might fall from one addiction (food) into another (sex). You might also be tempted into other addictive substances or habits such as alcohol, cigarettes, shopping, or pornography. Alternatively, you may look back at your loss, as meaningful and inspirational. You might revel in the way your life has changed and be happier than you have ever been and be ready to branch out and help others succeed in their bariatric surgery journeys. Tips on Riding the Roller Coaster Knowing that these emotions are possible doesn't mean they will happen for everyone, and doesn't mean you can’t get through them. The following tips will help you stay on the road to success and prevent you from falling off the wagon and into an abyss of self-doubt and depression: 1. Support. This is the number one most important thing for WLS patients. Even more important than food is support. Support can be found at home, through friends and family, in a hospital or surgery center support group, or even online forums such as Bariatric Pal. 2. Stick to the plan. As tempting as it might be to veer off and eat something you’re not supposed to, stick with your doctor or nutritionist’s eating plan as closely as possible. This will ensure that you continue to lose steadily, decrease the length and amount of stalls you’ll experience, and will speed up the healing process. 3. Vitamins. It sounds very cliche, but remember to take your vitamins! Focus on Iron and B Complex vitamins especially.A vitamin deficiency can result in depression, physical weakness, and poor sleep habits. 4. Speaking of sleep ... Make sure you’re getting plenty of it! At least 8 hours a day for an adult! Lack of sleep can lead to fatigue, weight gain, and (you guessed it!) depression! 5. Remember that “this too shall pass” ... These stages of emotional turmoil certainly won’t last forever. You’ll get over them as quickly as they overcame you. And keep in mind that each stage after surgery only lasts a short time in the grand scheme of things. Most eating phases last, at most, a month. After which you’re on to the next phase. 6. Keep a plan handy. Know that you will likely feel some unpleasant emotions or feelings and plan for them. Know what you’re going to do when you get upset, depressed, feel head hunger, or even feel physical pain from surgery. Have a list of friends to call at the drop of a hat, have a bottle of water ready to sip on at all times, or have your doctor’s phone number on speed dial. Know that these feelings will likely happen at some point in time, and be ready to deal with them when they do. 7. Remember that everything you’re going through is completely normal and OKAY. It’s important and helpful to know that everyone goes through a stall at some point. Everyone has pain during the first couple of weeks after surgery. Everyone eats something they shouldn't at some point. Whatever it is you’re going through - someone else has likely gone through it! 8. Finally, DON’T GIVE UP! Remember that this is a journey. As the old saying goes, “It’s a marathon, not a sprint.” There will be ups and downs on this wild roller-coaster ride. There will be twists and turns and loop-de-loops and there will be many moments when you feel like you’re laying over on your side. But, in the end, it will all be worth it. Your health, your life, and YOU ARE WORTH IT!!