I had a super easy recovery and losing weight has been pretty easy . . however, just having surgery doesn't "FIX" you. YOU and only you are still in control of what you eat. This impacts how quickly...

That is awesome! You've lost a whole person (okay, so a young person). And, how's this for a visual . . . 368 sticks of butter have melted off your body.

Get rid of your larger clothing! It will...

You're going to get a lot of different answers to this one. The no carbs for 6 months is your doctors way of keeping you on a stricter diet so you can have the most success during the biggest result...

The mental changes are an ongoing battle. An every day battle. But first, you have not failed. Failing means that there's a start and and end. A set process. This doesn't work that way. So, you...

Oh yeah, I've had several surgeries and I always freak out before. There was one time I was ready to walk out! Then the nurse came by and gave me happy juice. You'll be very anxious before they get...

oh yes, cravings! I'm in the lucky group that has very reduced hunger. And, in the initial weeks after surgery I wasn't hungry, had no head hunger or appetite.

But, cravings are another story....

Yes on the followup - it also allows you the opportunity to discuss potential issues and ask questions. Lucky to have it!

Mints/gum -not sure why gum would be a no longer term. I know initially...

That's wonderful! It's shocking the more you lose the faster you'll drop those sizes too. And, things re-arrange! It's pretty cool!

FANTASTIC! I think the hardest part of this journey is enabling our eyesight and brains to catch up to our new bodies. You look wonderful!

Did I ever used to cram that much on my fork/spoon? Having been a lap band patient I was trained for years to take teensy tiny bites. Or else. And even then there was frequently an "or else."

Then...

You're pretty much on track! As to timing, think of a bite as a teaspoon -- not a heaping tsp, but seriously, a tiny teaspoon. Chew lots then pause a bit before the next bite.

I was told that a...

No, you're not crazy. Leaks can happen for any reason, but are rare. Sorry your son is dealing with this but sounds like he's on the path to recovery. Your retirement will be so much healthier and...

AWESOME! It's amazing how life as a "normal size" person is compared to being obese. People treat you better, you feel better, etc.

The biggest thing I've learned so far (nearly 1 year out) is...

Acid is often mistaken for hunger. Weird, but true. My post-op prescriptions included an acid inhibitor for the first 2 weeks so I didn't have that issue. Have since though developed horrible acid...

Same here. At that same time the thought of that much protein was a dream! My ability to drink protein shakes totally changed after surgery and the first one made me gag. It took time to build up to...

That's awesome! And, good for you for taking enough time off. I'm always surprised at how quickly people resume pretty intense activity. This is major surgery and it takes more time than you realize...

Definitely call. Could be anything from a torn stitch as mentioned above to even gas pains (yes, still!)

Early on it's way too filling - you'll eat that and wont' be able to get in protein and the nutrients your body needs. I would occasionally have half a slice of toast. Probably around month 4 or 5...

I too would go with your docs numbers. I used to think that 170 would be ideal for me. Well, I'm that now and it certainly isn't ideal! I could never previously fathom what 155 would look like but...

I too use the myfitnesspal . . when I also write things down. Bit of a warning though (shared in a positive way!) The bad habits you bring into this will stay with you afterwards! The surgery...

I use a complete barbaric chewable but must admit I'm bad with vitamins especially as my diet now is more rounded. Around month 4 I noticed a lot of hair loss. Despite no scientific evidence that...

What a fun thread. The ker-plop is fascinating to me! I get a pressure feeling. I went from band to sleeve so had been well trained to take very small bites, chew lots and eat slow. I still do that...

I'm right there with you! and see the same scale boinging as Leanng. However, I know much of mine is poor diet. Sigh. I'm going back to basics of journaling everything I eat. I know by not writing it...

Welcome, from a former St. Charles Parish neighbor!

Yes, had that too. Get thee some gatorade and don't go for the sugar free "diet" stuff. I found that with food being so restricted I wasn't getting the salt & sugars (e.g. electrolytes) needed to...