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Wow. I haven't been on this forum since it was "Lapbandtalk.com" I've had my lapband since June 2008. Went from 265 to 175 and then gradually gained and settled in at 240 for the last couple of years. In 2010 I had reconstructive surgery to remove my panis (-16 lbs in that surgery alone). My lapband complications include Barrett's esophagus, infections, and finally it has slipped. All Fluid was removed last December. I'm having revision surgery to sleeve next month. A little nervous about it but am resigned to the the fact it has to happen. My skeletal structure cannot bear any weight gain. So this is going to happen. I'm trying to get excited about it and get in the pre-change-in-life mood. So far it's not happening.

Hi Liz I will talk to my friend in California and ask him to join this thread. See if he is experiencing the same problems as you. I need to ask one more question. What is your age? My mom is 85 years old and I take her to see her doctors. She never had bariatric surgery. I have come to learn (from her doctor) that the human body undergoes major physiological changes as we age especially around the age of 85. She only takes about half the dose of medicine to treat her diabetes and high blood pressure than she did a few years ago. It also affects weight gain because she is not absorbing nutrition like she did before. So I was wondering if the conditions you have encountered may be related to aging. Maybe the effects of aging is amplified by the surgery. In looking at the following reference: http://consultgerirn.org/topics/age_related_changes/want_to_know_more/ under the heading Age-Associated Changes in the Oropharyngeal and Gastrointestinal Systems there are two effects of aging identified of interest: * Malabsorption of carbohydrates, Vitamins B12 and D, folic acid, Calcium. * Decreased metabolism of drugs. and then under implications: * Risk of chewing impairment, fluid/electrolyte imbalances, poor nutrition. * Gastric changes: altered drug absorption, increased risk of GERD, maldigestion, NSAID-induced ulcers. This might explain some of your symptoms.

I don’t carb load unless I'm running a half or full marathon. I'm forever carb sensitive and its automatic weight gain. This is my week leading up to my half marathon. I’ve gained five pounds with two more days of carb loading to go. Looking forward to race day on the 18th. Weight loss mode starts the 19th

So it must have been the chocolate although the nurse seems to think it's carbs. I guess I got lazy. I have started keeping my food journal again to keep track of the calories, carbs, protein, and now fats. Whoever said that the lap band was the quick fix was soooo.... wrong. It's still alot of work. The journal helps to make sure not only that I'm eating the right amounts of food but by writing it down it will eventually come 2nd nature for me to chose the right amounts. It's just a constant struggle. Can't hurt to try.:frown:

I had RNY in 2015. I had great results - i started at 254 and had been holding steady at around 128 . I was very pleased where I was. Last fall, I became very ill, not holding anything down. I dropped to 117 and was in and out of hospital and they couldn’t find anything wrong with me. I called my RNY surgeon and asked her to look through my recent test results to see if she could find something other doctors were missing. She said all test looked good, but, suggested i see a digestive disorder specialist who they share a clinic with. I saw the digestive disorder dr and through some test, found that I had a bought with gastroparesis. Finally, a diagnosis and because of diagnosis, they were able to begin treatment. They have some meds that worked and i was, finally, able to start holding food down. As I started holding food down, I started rapidly gaining weight. So, the 10- 12 pounds I lost from being sick was gained back in less than a week. A little startling, but, figure it must’ve been water weight and I’m right back to the weight I started at. But, I continued to gain and gain. In 2 months, I gained atleast 30 pounds. I’m afraid to get on scale to see exactly how much I gained. But, I did stop gaining and have been holding steady for about 2 months. But, I am very unhappy at the weight I’ve gained. I hardly have any clothes that fit me now and I don’t want to buy new ones because I don’t wasn’t to be this weight. So, my question pertains to gastroparesis AFTER RNY. I know Rny is recommended to treat gastroparesis, but, has anyone heard of it after Rny - I never had any symptoms of gastroparesis in my life. Then with the rapid weight gain. Do you think it’s possible that all the vomiting I did, stretched my stomach or the food sitting in my stomach stretched it or some other side affects? I just don’t know what to think. I do know that I can eat a lot more than I had before the gastroparesis. I can’t make an appointment with my surgeon until all this coronavirus stuff passes since this is not life sustaining, at this point. Any feedback would be appreciated. I am afraid I’m falling into depression over this weight gain. I’m very unhappy and embarrassed.

Sure of course. I'm 55 years old and morbidly obese. I've been on diets since age 9. Clearly I've no concept of how to have moderated sustainable relationships where I'm able to contain the hunger/craving beast so that I'm able to maintain a normal weight. Because I've always regained+10-15%. I chalked that up to being a fallible human being. And also know that the body is a beast that loves to maintain its fat cells in full mode and will try to do any kind of shenanigans to refill them, once emptied through diet. So now, the stakes are infinitely higher. I'm about to go rearrange my gut anatomy and cut out a portion of my intestines. I KNOW that my old habits got me to being morbidly obese. So if I think that just the surgery is gonna keep me from returning to morbid obesity--I think I'm not being honest with myself. I don't trust myself with the "old habits." And developing trust with the new habits is what my goal will be about for the future. The big question for me is that if I create these new habits and "new normal", will my body STILL try to sabotage me with weight gain down the road? It's like trying to anticipate future problems and address them while I have the luxury of time to plan and implement--rather than having to react to something in crisis mode. That's why it truly interests me to find out why you guys are successful. It also interests me to find out why some people struggle and face regain. And the hypothetical numbers I pulled out (1000-1200) are just that--they're just a hypothetical amount. I know right now, at 1500 cals per day with 60-80g from protein and 60-70g of carbs, walking on average about 50 mins a day, 4-5 days a week, I'm in maintenance. Presurgery. I'm losing maybe about 1-2lbs per month that can be wiped out by one poorly planned meal. That's an excruciating tight rope. I'd like to know if I need to expect that post-surgery, or if it gets maybe even a little easier to maintain (once we're out of the honeymoon period).

I had RNY on 4/10/17 and I can't tell you what's going on, but I well understand your worry and frustration. I'm looking for a weight loss buddy -- someone to check in with and share with -- are you game? I'll leave it to others to advise you regarding the weight gain. My instincts want to tell you to not to worry. Everyone here seems to think they'll be "the exception," in terms of being able to lose the weight, but everyone seems to lose it. I wish I could be more helpful, but for all I know, I could be in your shoes in another week or so. Bunny

I just had surgery a month ago. I'm not in a relationship currently. I'm 30 years old. I don't have any plans on ever having a child, but if I did... I have a huge concern now given the bypass. My mother gained 100lbs when she was pregnant with me when she was 22 (she ate very healthily, but her hormones went nuts). She is just now losing that weight... 30 years later. I am terrified that would happen to me and destroy any potential weight loss success I've had. Has this happened to anyone that has gotten pregnant? Is this a concern for anyone?

LOL! Sitting in a Dr's waiting room embarrassing my bf laughing out loud at this! My BMI is 67. I have "the perfect cocktail for weight gain so I had better get used to life over 300 lbs" as quoted by my gyno. I said ix-nay with a HELL NO!!! I begain in January and it is now June and I still don't have a date (they didn't see Snickers in the x-rays). I am expectin July but only because I developed severe osteo-arthritis jumping through their hoops!

No, I didn’t have weight gain on HRT but couldn’t shift the weight I had put during peri menopause & early menopause before starting HRT. I remember people used to complain about weight gain on the pill but I would actually lose a couple of kg. We had Cobb & Co in Australia which carried passengers & the mail. Can’t recall a tv program about it except for the odd documentary. There is a Cobb & Co museum in Toowoomba which is close to where I grew up but I’ve never been. Isn’t that the way though. You never go to the places near you but will travel interstate or overseas to see museums & places of historical significance.

Hello everyone. I'm looking forward to hearing what you all have to say about sleeve surgery. From those that are considering it and those that have experienced it. I've spoken to a facilitator over the phone and email and hope to meet her mom who lives near me as she has had the surgery as well and is a facilitator too. She's also close in age to me (I'm 54) and I thought that meeting her face-to-face may help me make a decision. I'm in Canada and the hospital is in Mexico - it has a Canadian connection (I think owned by a Canadian woman) and meets very high standards. Although it's in Mexico I don't feel worried about the level of care, or the abilities of the doctors and staff. I've asked a lot of questions of the facilitator - to the point where I think I've asked more questions, or taken more of her time than she wishes to give. That did turn me off a little - it was only two phone calls and a couple of emails. I guess they have their limit as per how much they get paid? As the hospital is in Mexico I don't get to meet the surgeon to discuss things and that's a worry for me. I'm relying on facilitators with no medical background, just the fact they've been through it and have had some training. My biggest worry: REGRET. This is a permanent procedure. I read something where somebody commented - "why would anybody want to remove a perfectly healthy, functioning body part?!" I get this - it's what makes this whole thing a bit on the bizarre side to me. And what if I just cannot STAND the changes? What if I feel nothing but sorrow and regret and horror at what I've done to myself? There's no going back - this thought haunts me in the time that I've been considering this as an option to weight loss. I don't see myself as somebody that is super obsessed with food. Not once have I ever gotten up in the middle of the night to eat something - not one time. I don't overeat. I choose the wrong foods a lot of the time and I love chocolate. My servings at dinner are likely too big, but I've never just eaten non-stop. Don't eat a bag of Cookies, nothing like that. I noted that I was putting on weight at 9 years old. I distinctly remember the moment I was aware of this. I've battled weight gain for much of my life. The thinnest I've ever been was when I was eating around 1200 calories a day, and working out (literally!) 2-3 hours PER DAY. Yup. I was super fit and looked good. This of course, was before I had 3 children. I'm a Weight Watchers "joiner" as my friend and I refer to ourselves. Never a WW grad, always a joiner. I did Weight Loss Clinic in my early 20's and lost weight. Up and down, up and down. Always weighing more with each subsequent weight gain. I'm sure what I've said here is pretty close to what each of you have experienced. How do I deal with this fear of regret? I can't seem to move past it. I hear what my facilitator says - she doesn't know anybody that has regretted it. She says she has many, many relatives and friends that have done this surgery and they all feel happy about their decision. But I'm also speaking to somebody who WORKS for the hospital and from my point of view, is trying to bring clients in for the money (cost is $13,600 just for me, no companion). A bit cost prohibitive for us, and I haven't mentioned a thing to my husband - he won't have a clue how I feel as he's never had a weight issue in his life - but he'll sure feel reluctant about the money spent! We all have our stories about our rock bottom. In fact, I have many rock bottom stories - each one, at the time, I'm thinking it's the worst thing that's happened to me. The most embarrassing, the most demeaning, the most sad I've felt. I don't see these rock bottom occurrences stopping because I'm not losing any weight. I've dieted my way all the way up to this weight (I'm guessing my weight is around 250 lbs.) and in the last few years I've given up on dieting. I'll just end up losing it once again and then gaining it all back +more, so why try? Why keep doing that? My biggest worries are: 1) Regret - what if I regret my decision? 2) Age - is 54 too old to do this? 3) Post-op diet - along with the pre-op 800 cal. a day diet (wow!), I'm worried about the weeks of liquid diet. I have to work, how will I do it if I'm starving? (my job can be intense and I have to be on the ball all the time). 4) I have chronic migraines and see a Neurologist. Will the weight loss alleviate/lessen migraines, or make them worse? 5) Will I ever actually enjoy food again? Or be able to? We have a favourite restaurant - would hate if I can never again enjoy that sort of outing 6) No caffeine, no alcohol! OMG - that's harsh! I love wine and would miss that. But think it's 6 months off of it? Caffeine. Due to migraines I'm not supposed to have it at all, but I now just have a tea in the morning so guess I could do that. I do love my tea and wine though :-) I so appreciate any comments, good or bad, that you can offer me. I do want to be truly happy in my own skin. I can't picture myself on the plane, in Mexico (never been there), and in the hospital going through with this. It just doesn't seem like a reality. And I really am fearful of the entire thing. My income is very important to my family and I still have a young child (almost 11) to care for. What if I don't recover? What if I can't work and cause my family to suffer due to me wanting to look good (okay, and hopefully ward off diabetes and other weight-related issues). Ugh… I'm a mess! LOL Tracy

I am sure Tiffykins will weigh in here (pun intended) as she just has a baby last week! She really wrestled with the weight gain too. Don't worry! Trust your body and DON'T diet! 15-25 pounds is not enough- trust your doctor and go with his/her guidelines. CONGRATULATIONS!

Have you ever had a sleep study? I just completed my second night of testing where I got to wear the CPAP machine to help me breathe. I didn't get but 5 hours of sleep(in a lab with wires attached to me everywhere and a hose attached to my face for the first time) but the quality of sleep was great. Today was the first day in years that I did not have to take a short 30 minute nap about 4:00. I get my machine for home next week, and while I dread wearing it, I hope that it will give me the improved quality of life while I am awake to be worthwhile. I have felt fatigue for years, even with 8 hours of sleep every night. What I didn't know was that I was waking up between 300 and 350 times a night and never got a full nights sleep. I don't know if this is your case, but sleep deprivation is going to cause fatigue, irritability, weight gain, hormone imbalance, heart disease, and more. I am not an expert, just on my second day of learning about it, but my experience today is making me a little more hopeful. Bill

4 days post op. And yes grumbling is loud.. scared the crap out of my dog. Chest pains aka gas pains I'm managing with gas x strips. Haven't experienced weight gain. Actually weight loss I'm down 9 pounds as of this morning. But since I've only been on liquids since Monday I'm not surprised. Hopes are every day will be alittle bit better. It really is hard right now. But keep trying to tell myself in the end it will be sooo worth it. Especially helps talking to those going through the same thing.

You have to like what you're doing at least somewhat. I mean, I have stopped kidding myself that I will EVER go to the gym and lift weights. Its just not going to happen. But I do love running. What I love about running: - you can set goals. Distances, times, fun runs, small goals (5K) big goals (half marathons). You can measure your improvement, you can do it in different places. And it was just a goal of mine. I never ever get over the kick of being able to say "I am a runner". To me, it was the ultimate of what losing weight is all about. And on that note - its about focussing and enjoying the outcome, perhaps even more so than the process. I plan to do a hard interval run on my treadmill tonight. I dont really "want to" per se, but I know I will and once I get going I will feel awesome about what I am doing and when I am finished I will feel GREAT. And I have accepted that its what I have to do to have the body I want. I look around the workplace, there's a few of us women between 40 and 55 and nobody is really obese but everyone has softened into middle age, and has big tummies and large breasts and thighs that want covering. They all sit at lunch in the staffroom with healthy lunches, salads, fruit and yogurt, rice cakes and avocado. Nobody eats crap. nobody brings chocolate for Snacks, nobody drinks soft drinks. I am the only one who is not fat and looks fit. I have a lapband and I'd say I eat more during the day than half of these people. The difference is my running. I wont ever stop! I've been through early menopause at the age of 43 thanks to chemoradiation and I have none of that typical round the middle weight gain and accelerated body aging. Bone density tests have shown excellent results (they were worried about me what with being only 43 and so thin) - that's thanks to running. I got through it with minimal pain - thanks to running. Anybody that doesnt exercise will live a substandard life as they age, its that simple. It keeps you young. Thin is only a small part it.

I don't judge nor fault you for not wanting to wait. I started the process in December of 2015, I met the BMI requirement, but I didn't have any co-morbidities aside from possible undiagnosed sleep apnea (my bf would tell me about certain things that led me and my PCP to believe this). So they referred me to a sleep center to do the test. It took two months for the referral and appointment to get situated. It was scheduled for February. Then something came up that caused them to have to re-schedule, and it was another month out. Right before a trip I had had planned for months prior. I got fed up with it and just cancelled and started looking into Mexico. I went with Dr. Illan, and I have absolutely no regrets about doing so. His team is fantastic, he's so nice and caring. I also just loved that he was partnered with BP themselves, and Alex being a long standing person in the Bariatric community backing him as well just spoke volumes in my eyes. So I said to hell with proving the sleep apnea. Because even after that, then I had to do the 6 month weigh ins, psych eval, etc. etc. My weight gain was a culmination of my PCOS, bad eating habits, and severe depression from the PCOS. I could lose 30-40lbs, but I couldn't keep it off or get under that. I got fed up and booked with Dr. Illan the moment I got back from my trip. Now I'm 9 months post-op, 48lbs away from goal, and life is fantastic. Some don't have the means to take the self-pay option, and technically I didn't either (I took out money against my car, and my bf of 9 years took money from stocks he had and paid a portion of it too). But I'll say, it was the best $4400 I ever spent, and I wish I had done it sooner. To think that if I hadn't I would just NOW be getting my surgery? The thought makes me cringe and so happy that my impatience did me a favor for once. I did get lucky, my PCP had 2 other patients who'd gone to Mexico to get the VSG and had done great, and so that even eased my mind. She wasn't a stranger to it, and that was even better. She's been very supportive. If yours won't get on board, I'd definitely think about changing to a new one.

Froufrou - this where I am now .18 months post sleeve and my appetite is back and I am gaining weight .It started with stress when my sister became very ill , and now I am considering asking for Wegovy as I don't want it to climb further .I've done a lot of reading about the sleeve ,and it's pretty common for weight gain to occur between 12 months -18 months .I'll see what my doctor says ,I am hoping it will help me .

Okay, so I've overshot my final goal, and my wife is upset that I'm getting "too skinny". Now what? I'm still losing, slowly, but I really need to stop, and maybe even put 2-3 pounds back on. I guess I need to get out of ketosis. My doc suggested adding back carbs that you'd eat cooked with a meal (brown rice, sweet potatoes, whole wheat Pasta, etc. And I'm guessing quinoa, barley and oatmeal would probably be okay, too. Can any of you vets who have successfully transitioned to maintenance advise about how you did it? What can we do to stop the weight loss – and what shouldn't we do – in order to prevent weight gain? Thanks in advance!!!

:clap2: Hi Everybody, I got my lap band last Monday, October 2nd. The operation, done by my doctor, Dr. George Fielding, at NYU Medical Center, went very well. I am so pleased. I finally see a bright light at the end of my very dark tunnel. You see, my journey started ten years when I suffered a comminuted fracture of my left ankle in a boating accident. In other words, it was crushed and required five operations to reconstruct it. The first thing my orthopedic surgeon said was, "Lois, you're going to put on a lot of weight because you are going to be in a wheelchair for a long time while we try to save and reconstruct your leg." Always being active, I had no idea how much weight he meant. Oh, I also had a "silent" heart attack the year before and had already been gaining weight because I wasn't feeling well enough to hike as I used to. So in one year I put on at least 40-50 pounds because I wasn't doing the cooking. And it kept on coming on. Then in 8/99 I had a quad bypass. The bypass was scary but a piece of cake. Really. At cardiac rehab six months later I was working out beautifully but slowly kept gaining weight in spite of belonging to Weight Watchers and various other diets. Eventually I was working out with a trainer four times a week getting stronger but not losing weight. Then in 2003 I had an implantable cardiac defibrulator put into me and came out of the hospital with a "goody bag" of nine medications. That was my downfall. I couldn't work out as I did before the implant and it's been a losing battle ever since with the side effects of weight gain from the medications. Then, last April, my orthopedic surgeon recommended the NYU Surgical Weight Loss Program. I went to Dr. Fielding's seminar where he is not only a surgeon but he is also a patient. I was blown away. I immediately called my insurance company, Oxford Freedom Select, and found out they covered the surgery. I did the pre-equisite psychological testing and met with the nutritionist and finally, Dr. Fielding. The surgery, only a week ago, has changed me in so many ways emotionally. I don't feel as I am in a bottomless hole any more. I am not waiting to die. I have been so inactive because of my high blood pressure and do not feel helpless any more. I listened to his great support team and took it easy last week and did not lift anything heavy, just rested. I must tell you that two days after the surgery I woke up feeling like I had done 100 situps at the gym but I took Aleve and soon I was fine. I realize that I have to sip my Water, not gulp. A couple of times I forgot and felt the pressure because I drank too much at one time. I'm learning to listen to my body. I'm on the thin liquid diet and then after the esophagram this coming Friday and doctor's visit I guess I will progress to the next stage, pureed foods. I got the cookbook for recipes for people after weight loss surgery and it is so helpful. I made a great Bengali chicken Soup and pureed it and thinned it out and it is very satisfying. I highly recommend this procedure to everyone facing "surgical intervention" for their weight problems. I started out on the pre-op liquid diet at 282 and went into surgery at 272. I want to get to the weight the doctor's say is right for me, which the psychologist said, would be 190. I don't want to be skinny. Gee whiz, I'm 63 but I want to live another 20 years. God willing. I just want my blood workups to come out healthy. I want to be able to ride a bike and go swimming once again. P.S. You won't believe what just happened in my office. Someone just brought in a plate of lunch from a faculty meeting for me. I threw it in the garbage. I'm not even saving it to take home to my husband after work. Oh well, this won't be last time that will be happening. Get used to it.

Yup, I get plenty of Water, and I take benifiber quite frequenly, nearly everynight, espically now that i'm so darn tight. And I've tired the mixing it up like you suggest Eileen, too, but that didn't work any more than anything else has Good point about the meds Paula. I 've check my meds myself, and weight gain was only an indicator when I was on birth control this summer. I am still gaining and losing those same five pounds.

if that's seriously all you eat then there's something really not adding up, I agree, because your portions would have to be simply enormous to cause weight gain and a weight problem. Do you never eat butter, cheese, any dairy, any other food than that? Is it all no fat/steamed and no carb? is that fish and chicken simply plain, a fillet steamed or grilled? Or are you really eating processed foods of a much wider variety and whilst not obviously overeating or pigging out taking in more than your body uses? To weigh 340, your body would require significant calories to not lose weight and I cant fathom how you could possibly take in that many on such a tiny variety of low fat food. I'd be insisting that it be checked out. Keep a journal for a few weeks perhaps?

Yes! Zoloft is a medication that can cause weight gain. I have been on about all of them and I look them up to make sure that is not a side effect. But Zoloft is the worst! So talk to your doctor. We surely don’t need any thing making it harder!

I too have the same feeling that you do at this time. My surgery was May 2013 and this month is the first month that I tracked a weight gain. I seem to bounce between 150 and 155. Today I am 152. I have tried the tips already mentioned (tracking food and Water, cutting out the "junk" and getting Protein first.) I find that I can get 50-60 gm of protein a day. I manage to take in about 72 oz of water. I have decided that 150-155 is an ok weight for now. I am wearing a size 8 (which is a size I have never worn as an adult) I am staying positive that the last 25 lbs will come off with time if I stay on track. If I stay this weight for a while, my body must need the break from weight loss. I am hoping that my skin will tighten up while I am working off the last few pounds. I do not look at this as a failed surgery because I am 115 lbs lighter than when I had the surgery.

Hi everyone! I'm 40yrs old, 5'5" & 235-238#, married w/2 kids. I have been losing & regaining weight since High School, but mostly now it just stays put, unfortunately. I have some health issues, migraine headaches, high blood pressure again due to weight gain, a condition called Pseudotumor Cerebri which causes vision disturbances & migraines & only goes away with weight loss, bad knees, etc. I saw a Bariatric Dr in spring of 2016, but my husband talked me out of the procedure due to the cost, surgery scare tactics & shaming me about regaining the weight again like I've done so many other times after loss. I've been really thinking about the procedure often lately, I'm miserable in my body. My knees are getting really bad, none of my clothes are fitting again, I just got over a severe case of walking pneumonia where I could barely eat for a couple weeks, but I still gained 5-7#!!!! Who does that?? At this point in my life, I would rather be dead than continue gaining weight like this & look & feel miserable forever. But I am only a part time sub teacher, I can't afford the cost of the surgery without my husbands help & insurance. I can't do this alone! My oldest son is only 13, but he lives & breathes what his dad speaks. My parents probably won't agree with this procedure either. What do I do? I'm so confused right now. I know my PCP won't support this, actually I need to find a new Dr anyway. Sent from my iPad using the BariatricPal App

Hi I'm new here. I followed this site pre op and did post once cause I was scared. I had surgery on Monday 28th Oct 2013 and was sent home on The Wednesday. I have to be honest my body does not deal with anaesthetic well and I am allergic to morphine so recovery was a shiet to deal with (only panadol thru IV). I retched until Late Tuesday night and did not have my swallow test till Wednesday. I am grateful to the fantastic nursing staff who looked after me without prejudice rubbed my back and kept me focused. I have a spinal problem and loosing weight will help me, not being able to excersise caused more weight gain along with the bad food choices that comforted my constant back pain which only got worse the heavier I got. I have had great support from my 19 yr old son and my brother. I did regret in the first 3 days doing this but each day has gotten easier, and I am determine to make my life better. I weighed in at 121kg (266lb) and 152cm (5ft). 4 week preop diet I only lost 4 kg. I went in optimistic but worried this would not work for me and some how I would be a failure. Today is day is day five and I weigh 113kg (249lb). Eating is not easy each day I manage a little more (I'm actually not hungry but I do dream about a big chicken and salad sandwich lol). Realistically that is just my head talking and I know this because my stomach says there is no room in here for anything but that tablespoon of soup you just had now get up and walk it off (walking also helps with the reflux along with the reflux pill in the morning). My days are filled with several activities to span out the day and not think about food, a glass of warm water (sipped slowly) to start the day. A walk around the house with my old faithful dog. Take my pills, sip a protein drink another walk around the house. Have a scroll on FB and do a crossword or puzzle while sipping another glass of water. Another walk around the house with doggy (she thinks I'm crazy). Watch 30 mins of TV and have a hydro lite ice block. Another walk around the house. More puzzles (keep the mind active so it does not dwell on misery). Lunch, walk, TV. Catch up with my son and what he has done for the day. Another walk more water. Blah blah blah. The advantages at the moment. I am not spending any money cause I can't go out right now and food purchases are minimal. Saving for the clothes I will have to buy (how exciting). My doggy is getting extra attention. As for friends I have one great friend who has supported me from the start no questions, and the ones that I have lost I figure they were not friends anyway. Be positive, always start the day as a new one, not a roll over of yesterday and don't be afraid to ask for help. My new daily mantra 'if you always do what you have always done, you will always get what you always got'. Change it up. My yard is not big but I try to look at something different in the garden every time I go out there and appreciate being here and knowing that the better my health the more I will see of my son's life. Well done to everyone's daily achievements before we know it we will be enjoying our new bodies, buying off the rack CHEAP clothes and laughing because the meal out was only a starter that cost $8, a seat on the bus or train was easier to sit in. Good luck everyone