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I DO KNOW WHAT IS AWESOME! We all are, we came from deprecation, being all but invisible to run-of-the-mill people, from NO Hope into a bright beautiful FUTURE. And if you and I still have a distance to make our Goals, why we can and will. And each pound / KG we lose, each,inch/ cm we decrease in our size, it is gone forever and we move ahead. And I know I have made so many friends sharing this journey on Bariatric Pal, and when my heart wanted to give up, when I was uncertain it was worth the effort, they were only a posting away, many had gone through this trial, and there might have been a little trick to get through and move on. So today is only the prelude to better things Yesterday is good, it was only the PAST Tomorrow has not dawned, it is the FUTURE Today is now, A wonderful Bright shining Day with promise, a True Gift📦 That's why they call it the 🎁 PRESENT! Much 💘 Love to All. Merry Christmas🎅 And Every Good Wish for a Happy Prosperous 2019.😝❤😝

I started out weighing almost exactly where you started, and we seem to have lost the same amount. i'm also 5'4". I've had a few people ask me how much I've lost total, but I never tell them because I don't want them getting suspicious about how I lost it. Most people don't lose 80 pounds on their own. I've never had anyone tell me to stop losing, and I've maintained for the past 6 months. I think my inherited thicker legs must be the reason no one tells me to stop losing. They're a family heirloom (not one I cherish). I wear a size 8 pants and a medium top. Since losing the weight, my skin has tightened up considerably on my arms, butt, and under my chin. I feel I look normal and healthy now, not too skinny, so maybe that's why no one is alarmed I've lost 80 pounds. I don't look underweight, just normal. However, I do plan on losing another 10-15 before my tummy tuck this summer.

Surgery on the 20 th, home on the 22nd and reallypainful doing everything , drinking, moving , etc until the 24 th when I woke up fresh as a daisy . Did a fair bit of walking every day , that really helped gas and chest pain. But sneezed last night and it was excruciating!!! Owwww! Feel like I will try to extend walks now and get to 30 min continuously - hope to spin in a week to 10 days . Using liquid Tylenol to sleep at night

There is a local pool here, but it's a bit on the expensive side, sadly. (It's around 4.50 per trip in euros or 80/mo. for 10 trips!) We do go sometimes, but not a lot admittedly. I absolutely love swimming, but I'd have to see if maybe there is some cheaper option (or maybe even another pool somewhere with a better price.) As for fencing, that sounds awesome! My hubby is actually heavily into HEMA, so I aim to get involved with that once I'm able to stand for more than five minutes. XD Right now I can do some practice poses with the sparring swords we purchased, but I can't do more than maybe five minutes before tiring out.

Christmas Eve: spare ribs, mince pies, gin, formerly egg nog Christmas: coffee, Chinese food, gingerbread cookies Boxing Day: leftovers of everything No sex, sadly. Will have to be 2019 resolution.

Hey everyone. I am 6 weeks post op. I did great the first month losing 28 pounds. But I am not losing any weight and I’m scared and frustrated. I’m at 32lbs and have not moved. I even think I gained 2 pounds. I have only been drinking protein shakes for the most part. Some times I eat eggs when I can stand it. But protein shakes seem to be the only thing I can handle. Especially since back at work. I haven’t gone to the gym yet but I’m on my feet at work for 10 or more hours and I walk on my 30 min lunch break and have been doing exercise videos a couple days. Do I need to exercise more ? What am I doing wrong. 😩

Happy Holidays everyone. Just wanted you all to know I did end up losing 7 pounds after 14 days of hellish torture LOL. My doctor said my liver shrank a little but not a lot. He said it will continue to shrink as I lose weight. I was on 19 medications and he said that can sometimes have an effect on the shrinking... so now we know. Surgery went well and other than feeling like I did 100 situps I wouldn't really know I had surgery. No real after effects. I threw up once in the hospital when I took too many of my 19 meds at once but other than that no other issues. I'm back to drinking normally with no problem. Still no food yet, I have 8 more days to go to get to puree but I get milk and yogurt on Wed and I'm really looking forward to it. I think it will settle okay but will do small amounts at first. Thanks, everyone for being so nice and supportive! Love this group!

Premier Protein's situation isn't comparable. PP had 26.8 and 28.3 grams of protein vs. the 30 grams advertised. In the lawsuit against Genepro claimed they had only 10 grams when they advertised 30, and Genepro didn't dispute that claim.

I agree O&D, just smile and lie, not like they'll be able to tell a 10 lb difference! Families are funny. At Thanksgiving a cousin's wife who I hadn't seen in 6 months, walks in the door and says "You ....................... cut your hair!" Lol, yeah, that's the big difference in my appearance ! (I mean she obviously knew it wasn't my hair but was thought I might be offended if she mentioned my weight loss, I guess). I have an aunt whom I told early on, when my losses started showing. She just keeps asking how much I have lost. I've shared that with only a small group of people, and don't intend on telling her. I just keep dodging the question, but she's not deterred, she keeps asking me and my mom as well.

So, I'm 8 weeks out from surgery and I've lost 34 since surgery/48 since pre-op/55 total. Nearly 27% of EWL since surgery. Lost 8 points on my BMI and am now "only" obese. Wow! I'm super pleased. Sure, I'm still in a @#$@#$@# size 24 jeans (22 in other slacks), but that'll come. I do miss soups - they used to be my go-to lunch in winter. Now they just fill me up and don't have enough protein. But, other than that, all is well. I was even able to go out to dinner with a friend the other day. Great conversation and we shared shrimp and asparagus tapas. Just enough food, tasted great, and got my protein in. Excited for what 2019 brings. Merry Christmas to all who celebrate. Happy Monday to those that don't.

From about 3 1/2 to 7 weeks I was in a very frustrating stall. Then in 1 week I lost 10 lbs and I continue to lost (but not at 10lbs a week - unfortunately!!). Just keep doing what you are doing and know that this is 100% normal!!

Ok, my diet is First 2 day: clear liquids including sf jello and popsicles and tea Day 2-9 protein drinks, yogurts, cream soups, sf pudding Day 10-16 pureed foods, applesauce consistency Day 17-30 soft mushy foods like ground meat, tuna, cottage cheese, scrambled eggs

you look amazing! I am looking forward to something similar. I have a family reunion in June 2019 and none of my family up north is aware that I had the surgery. The only people I told were my children that are adults that live here in Florida. My parents passed years ago, and all my family, cousins, sisters..etc in CT have no idea. I cant wait for them to be blown away when I show up there next summer.

Wow, so sorry you are dealing with this. I would like to second the popsicle advice. I even started making my own post-op with low sugar juice/water/little bit of crushed fruit/protein powder/Benefiber etc. Had to hide them from the fam though bc everyone was tearing through them! I also made - and still do even at this point actually - protein pops (I call them) - as I only like 1 type of protein shake and was having a hard time even taking that in. I mix Orgain Iced Mocha protein drinks in the blender with chia seeds, a banana, scoop of peanut butter, square of high quality dark chocolate super high in coco powder, little crushed coconut & coconut extract, several scoops of Bariatric Fusion meal replacement powder, Benefiber...I think that's it, lol. I make a huge pitcher - about 80 oz. Then pour it into little 4 oz portion cups I got on Amazon (they are called jello-shot cups, but are basically plastic take-out sauce/dip cups w/lids). I put all the lids on and put them in the freezer. Every morning I take one out when I wake up. By the time I start to feel hungry (45-60 mins) it is softer, like water ice. I just use a spoon and scoop it in! It tastes great, is awesome for me, and because it is not really a solid or liquid, it goes down really easy. Initially I was using popsicle molds and freeze-pop molds, but it was too messy that way. They also have 2 oz cups for early days post-op and also for a quick snack. - You don't have to wait for them to thaw either, just pop it in the microwave for 10 seconds to soften if you don't want to wait. This made it so much easier to get in protein/vitamins/calories the first few months, and now I just look forward to it and still get all those benefits. Sorry so long - just another suggestion - I couldn't drink a lot of water for a long time - actually drinking a lot of anything, even now, makes me feel way too uncomfortable. So, I have sucked on a lot of ice. Ice chips, crushed ice, ice quarter/half moon shapes. Helps get fluids in (albeit slowly) when you just can't take drinking too much. Also helped me with dry mouth from my meds. I use a metal water bottle so it doesn't melt too quickly. Good luck w/everything!

I can tell you an answer, at 70 you will weigh 320, and you looking will start looking for help, you will try to find a program, nearly complete the only one you think will accept you , for many have a 55, 60, 65 year old age cutoff, then for reasons not yours your job and insurance terminate and you resign yourself to trying to lose weight on yourown, and you start trying multiple diets, and it doesn't work, you might lose 5-10 pounds only to regain it all and then some. You drag your fat self to your Primary Care doctor, humble yourself. and ask for some chemical help. You are put on a medication other patients have used with success, you keep a perfect diet journal, and you really are trying hard. At the end of the month you go back to be weighed and re-evaluated. And you have LOST no weight, instead you have GAINED 30 more pounds which you can ill- afford. PCP looks from you to your journal and back again. He does not say so, but you can see disbelief in his eyes. Finally he throwshis hands up, says " I have done what I could, go back to the Bariatric Surgeon." So once again you go back , at 365 pounds, more than you weighed for the first attempt. Since it is now 18 months later, you have to re-fulfill all the previous requirements plus now they add 2 more specialists. But still you go do them in good faith, and the time is approaching to be scheduled a surgery date. And you wait and wait, finally you start calling the office, and each time you are given a new excuse, flimsy as they be. Finally the end of February, when they bled all the monies out of your insurances, they announce they will not perform your surgery. I will not dignify them by stating their reasoning but it was an attack upon my very psychological/ emotional being. The only thing keeping me from binging on good at this point for solace was the fact I was too nauseous and somewhere deep inside remained the one shred of self- respect they had not stomped to death. I cried, I puked, considering suicide but they had convinced me I was such a screw-up I couldn't do THAT right either. A week passed, I looked at my swollen eyes in the mirror, Said " Old Girl, you are better than this- are they going to kill all your hopes?" There were 2 other facilities in this city, all rated Bariatric Centers of Excellence, what would it hurt to explore their programs? So I booked at their seminars, looked up bios on all the surgeons at both places, did the research I should have done before attempting facility #1 where I was assigned someone. This time I would do the picking, I would secure someone wh9 be as close to perfection as I could find. After #1 had told me No One Would Want Me, this new facility welcomed me with open arms, asked how they could Help me to achieve My Dreams instead of being "takers" that regarded me as little more than a meal ticket, these were giving loving individuals who seemed to have my interest at❤and I had the feeling of being home. So I was accepted into their programs and it will be soon time to chose a surgeon , after some minor loose ends of requirements were tied up. And I looked , I prayed, I thought about both of them, and I knew which one I was hoping for but when Jessica one of the pre-coordinators called I was nice and. said " Whichever has the first opening" finally I stated the one I REALLY WANTED, Dr Bradley J Needleman, the chief of Bariatric Medicine and Metabolic Weight Loss at the Ohio State University in Columbus Ohio, who performed my RnY on September 5th 2018, at 72 the oldest patient he had ever had, but in many ways healthier than the run-of-the -mill 72 year old and I will be forever in his debt. In my ❤of❤ he is a miracle worker. And even though facets of my recovery have been and remain difficult, He and his Partner Dr Sabrena Noria have worked to make things better and like me, we will see things through to their conclusion. I wish I had found them sooner, wish I had not had Dr Evil Mc Nasty and his band of misfits in my past, wish I could have had my surgery at a much younger age, you simply heal much slower in your 7th or 8th decade of life, but at least they have given me a chance to live healthier, longer and Praise God thinner than I once was. Don't wait until your BMI surpasses 50 to seek yours, I have lost 110 pounds since High weight but I STILL have about 80 to go, I was carrying around an NFL linebacker on my body, my body was breaking under the weight, I have sacrificed both my knees to science, and replacements,nice as they are, only 85% as good, there are activities my body cannot do again, I was a power forward/basketball center, a baseball/softball catcher, I was so good my boy cousins stopped challenging me to "Horse" their tender egos couldn't stand being trolled. And I was the only person in my neighborhood with a strong enough arm to throw to bases, didn't pitch because I DIDN'T want to, and the windup in Girls Softball was asinine in the first place. So have I given you enough reasons to seek surgery at this Golden Time? Don't let Obesity side-line You like it ended up for me, Go and enjoy fitness in Your Life! Frustr8 out for I have spoke my piece.😝🎄😝🎁and Happy Christmas!

I had the sleeve on 12/10. Any suggestions for full liquid?? I am tired of Creamy Soup!! I am down 23lbs and feel great finally have my energy up but I am so tired of liquids! My post-op visit until the 28th!!

It is totally normal to mourn the loss of your current relationship with food. It's been a support and a friend, of sorts. Just remember, it's the bad friend that got you in all sorts of trouble. Just realize, you're not giving up these foods forever, although hopefully, you are giving up the quantities you currently enjoy. Eventually, you'll be able to order your favorite meals at restaurants again. But now, you'll have leftovers to enjoy for 3-4 more meals. (It makes the cost of eating out a lot more reasonable!) For the hair loss, start taking your vitamins now. You can also add biotin and l-lysine supplements to help support hair growth. Do not wait until the hair loss starts as I did. By then it's too late. The first week or two after surgery are hard for most of us. This surgery is a big deal. However, your chances of surgical complications are far less than the chance you'll develop complications due to obesity. Don't focus too much on the next few months. It's tough, but you can get through it. Think about what you want for yourself 2 years from now, 10 years from now . . . The overwhelming percentage of people on these threads think the temporary pain/struggles were well worth it to get a better life in the long run. Think about how much of your current life is passing you by because you're too big to participate in it. I wish you well and hope you'll continue to ask your questions and vent when necessary. We've all been there.

My doc gave me 2 weeks of zofran shots for nausea and I think that really helps . I also get tired very quickly and I was in pretty good shape prior, doing 5-6 days of spin and yoga before surgery . My 82 yo mother had more energy than me on a 10 minute walk 4 days after surgery ! I found that I get super tired when not enough liquids and. Frankly I have been maybe on 200 calories a day for a few days so hopefully today I can get in some protein and get more energy .

Wow never heard of a surgeon not doing it because of an enlarged liver ? Thought that liver shrink diet was just BS to get u to stop eating for a week before surgery to get in the groove !😱. As far as recovery and meds, I was on morphine for about 24 hours after surgery , then just had a liquid Tylenol at night before bed to sleep . Getting up from a laying down position hurts for sure and initially rolling to ur side and pushing up hurt too but am coming to say 5 post op and today is definitely better . I expect to be sore for another week to 10 days and will have to be careful lifting for 2 more weeks . Worst part for me is the inability to swallow very much water at one time . Lots of chest pressure when I drink , but I had a hiatal Hernia fix as well so maybe that makes it worse.. still, am adamant I will get liquids and protein down so I don’t dehydrate and don’t lose my hair !

Wow , surgery on dec 19 and ur eating food ? I had it Dec 20 and am still on clear liquids . Finally got some diet jello down yesterday . Today going to try my slim fast and pure protein shakes but I have trouble doing more than 2 oz every 15 min. I too am still very sore in the midsection , but walked 10k steps yesterday and gas/bloating much better . Burning a hole in my parents carpets wandering around the house ! LOL

I understand the rant, *smile* I don't think people know what a healthy BMI looks like. People cant help but notice our weight loss. Yes, Is it rude that people comment on our appearance. WIll it stop them. NO. The rapid weight loss is hard enough for us to deal with. People don't realise the comments can be a mind fu**. I kid you not, My bariatric support group nurse told me I would look less skeletal if I gained 10 pounds (I was at a healthy BMI nowhere near anorexic) The same day my surgeon told me if I lost 10 pounds I would be my ideal weight. Visit with my family Dr. The front desk secretary had not seen me in six months. As I passed her desk, she reached out and wrapped both hands around my thigh and said "your so small" In what world is this appropriate - Awkward moment. Top weight loss comments Don't lose any more weight Do you have cancer? You look gaunt and old you didn't have to work as hard you look great now - (I guess I looked crappy before) Years out, most people just except this is me and are used to my size. They have forgotten how overweight I was. The comments have stopped and life is normal.

I can say the first week I was an emotional mess full of regrets. With that being said, by week 2/3 I was feeling SO much better & my mood swings calmed down. I was sleeved on 11/19, so I’m not completely cleared for all foods yet, but most I can eat & my energy is picking up & I feel like I’m back to feeling “normal” & I was able to get back to work 2 1/2 weeks later. It gets better, hang in there!! It’s frustrating when you don’t feel like yourself!

This OP could have been written by me. I had gastric bypass surgery on December 19, and I'm still in pain. Or severe discomfort. I cant tell if its gas, pain from the manipulation (some larger bruising on my right side) or if this is my new hunger pain. Or a bit of everything all mixed together. Right now it feels like I have a tight giant rubber band around my midsection. I'm trying to walk around the house, but I still feel tired pretty quickly. I keep a water bottle by me at all times, and can only comfortably take in 1/4 cup of food at a time. I know I'm not getting nearly enough protein. It's my current struggle. Well, that and making sure I dont dehydrate. I am however, completely and thoroughly sick of cream soups made with milk and strained. Tomorrow I'm getting some pre made protein shakes just to shake things up. Pun intended. I was having severe buyers remorse yesterday, but I've been talking with some friends who went through it and am trying to keep in mind that 2 weeks will suck, but then it will get better. Ugh!

It has aged me considerably. The first place I lost was my cheeks (both face and butt!) I'd never realized how much rounded cheeks mattered. But I think some of that will even out once I hit maintenance and hopefully, some of the remaining fat redistributes. If I'd stopped once my face got too thin, I'd have had to quit about 70 pounds ago. An extra 5-10 pounds won't make a difference to my face at this point. Happily, most of the loose skin under my chin has tightened up 😁 I thought that area was going to be super bad.

I think that whenever YOU decide you have reached your goal is entirely your business. No one looking over your shoulder when you are on the scale and it is just a number. And, you are right, if you are below your original goal by 5-10 pounds it will not be noticeable to others and really none of their business anyway. I think you will easily lose below your original goal and you will need to decide where you look and feel the best. I hope you are taking periodic pictures to help you decide where you look and feel best and no one (except maybe your husband) should weigh in and give an opinion. I do think as we women get older being too thin does age us and look unattractive but it varies from person to person. The most important thing, in my opinion, is that you feel good about your appearance and are healthy.