Hi there - I can see that you had your procedure a little while ago now. How are things for you post op? Still happy to have had the procedure?
I'm in the research stage - but I've got to do something and at 54 I have tried them all, including controlled starving.

Thank you SO much for the compliment and keep up the good work! You WILL get there!

WOW what a difference in your profile pic

Hi Lou, im worried about you. You seem to have disappeared, i know you are back at work, just want to know you're ok. xxx

I haven't chatted with you in awhile and was wondering how you are doing?? I see that your weight loss has been phenomenal! When do you go back to work?? I have three more weeks off then back to work... Excited and nervous about going back but am unsure how I will get in my exercise and water... I am sure I will figure it out... Take care

Hi Lou - I honestly dont know much about the history of my Warren at all. I do know that it is home to General Motors and Tacom, pretty big corporations that employ the bulk of its residents. The best thing about my Warren is the fact that my parents live here as well. In fact, they live around the block from me So your about a month out from surgery? How are things going for you? Im doing well, down almost 56 pounds at 15 weeks out (tomorrow) and offically half way to my goal weight!! I have had almost no complications until about three weeks or so ago - I started losing hair. And a LOT of it. I know its common and can see that its already started growing back in some places, but this is a complication that is emotionally difficult to deal with. I could have tolerated some barfing (I have not vomited once since leaving the hospital after surgery) or even more pain than I experienced (which was a VERY minimal amount - I didnt use any pain meds after leaving the hospital), but nope, my complication is hair loss. My nails still seem to be in great shape so I am hoping that means my hair wont fall too far behind. Luckily, my younger sister is a stylist, so if it gets too bad - I know I will have some help. Anyway, I just wanted to check in, Im still learning about all the quirks of this site (so far all I really understand is the blogs and forums...). Hope your doing well!!!

I just wanted to say thanks for the encouragement I have been up all night I'm excited and nervous at the same time but I know I will be ok

I'm on day 10 of optifast now, and i dont mind it, i have no idea how you lasted on one shake and 2 boiled eggs for a whole day !! I mixed my optifast up, I got the soups, the bars, the shakes and the dessert. So whatever mood i am in i can have something different. I have say a shake, A bar, and a soup, And somewhere over or during the day the 2 cups of veg, mainly raw, i much on green beans or carrots and celery. After Day 5 I was like, You know I can do this !! But I must say i think its the Veg getting me through. I havent broken it once, and am very proud of myself. Even have sat in subway with my son while he ate his, and wasnt even tempted to go buy myself something. Have been to the pub and had water, instead of alcohol. I think my mind has caught up with the body. I dont feel hungry and my body and head arent craving things i usually would. The only thing that i dont think i will like much, is the fluid/puree/mash stage. I'm learning that i dont mind doing the things i have to, but i like to chew lol ! 5 days left on Opti, at one point i was wishing it away, now im holding on to my munchable vegetables for dear life lol Go Figure ! I hope you are doing well !! And looking forward to the school Holidays !!

Hi Louise,
Thanks for the support, its good to have someone close to home for questions. Im pretty nervous about all of it to be honest. Im most scared of how crap I will feel after the op for the first few weeks so anything you can tell me about the first week in your journey would be great.
Congrats on taking the big step and being brave, I hope you are doing well and making progress.
Donna

So just checking in, how is everything going? Good I hope

Hey hun, I have 1 incision where my drain was that's healing now. I'm sure you had a drain in 1 of your incisions that they took out. Mine actually leaked while I was in the hospital. I think that's what it's there for. To drain out possible infections & stuff. Mine drained a little bit of blood mixed with some fluids. My other incision is in my belly button & has several stitches that need to dissolve. Hopefully soon so I can start trying to prevent scaring. They have that glue over them now & it's getting kinda sticky! Best of luck sweetie!! Stay in touch! xoxoxox

HI louise nice to meet you! How have you been feeling? What does your diet consist of? Are you having any problems with anything!! TELL ME TELL ME hee hee!! Nice to learn and hear about other people's journeys. I hope you are doing well.

Hey there. I had some struggles earlier in the week but now things are working better for me. I am not worried about consuming 2 whole cups of food per day...I am focusing on getting in 90+ gr protein and 100 oz fluid EVERYDAY. I am using whatever products I have been able to find and have been successful with meeting the goal the past few days. I have been very aware of what my body is telling me for rest. I had my first "naps" free day today. I am beyond thankful to have this time without students to get my mind/ body working together, Now I need my eyes to stop telling me I can put more in my body than I can. I have had some bad "back ups" with water and protein shakes.
I teach 5th grade and LOVE their independence and snotty attitudes because they are finally becoming individuals ! My favorite subjects to teach are Math and Science. And you?

Hey there. I am doing much
Better now I was in the hospital 2 days one night. I had a drain that took out the drainage... You are soo right about the beans I was miserable but much better now eating Greek yogurt and cottage cheese and thin mashed potatoes Walking 2.5 miles per day and just a little sore in my tummy when I get up. I hv 5 incisions all pretty small. How are you and what type of things are you eating??

You look great BTW!!