What a great post!  It's exactly what I needed to hear today... I'm down 75 lbs, but haven't been following my eating to the letter (carbs sneaking in, etc.), not getting enough protein, NOT exercising.  My Vit D is low too, but laziness is the main culprit! 

Thank you for the reminder that even though some days are tough, I can do this.  And will.

Hmm.  I'm taking it post-op (XR - the time release) and my doctor just doubled my scrip.  I'm wondering now (I go back in for a checkup with him to see how I'm doing on that dose next month) if I should ask him about switching to the tablet.  I get so confused on what we can take and can't!  I do feel like I'm doing much better on this dose though...

I continued seeing the psychologist who did my evaluation throughout my 6 month supervised diet.  It was the best thing I ever did - I mentioned to her in the evaluation I thought it would be best to have counseling in conjunction with my diet since much of my eating issues were emotional, and we went from there.  I lost 24 lbs. before surgery and my surgeon was extremely pleased with it.  Having lost about 69 lbs. all together now, I can tell you it is worth every second. 

Remember how excited you were when you got all the information.  Now you need to get past the fear and emotions that are subconsciously causing you to hold on to the weight.  If therapy isn't an option for you, there are so many support groups out there that can help.  I also recommend getting a copy of The Beck Diet Solution by Judith S Beck.  I think reaching out for help now shows how much you DO want to succeed - so get the help you need so you can start living the life you have been wanting!

I too itched from the pain meds.  Once they took me off the pain pump, they gave me Benadryl and I felt much better.  I got my pain prescription filled "just in case" but never used it - I had Tylenol on hand but never needed it.  I did stick to the Benadryl for a couple days and the itching decreased and finally went away.  The itching was actually the 'worst' part of my surgery, so I really couldn't complain!  However, as an allergy sufferer, I know how bad it can be, so you may want to look into switching your pain meds (if you are still taking them) or ask your Dr. for a prescription allergy med or medicated lotion.  This time of year probably isn't helping you either...

You are really rockin' the WLS!  (And I am salivating over those shoes!)

I absolutely loved your post(s) and hope that you'll pop in a little more often to dispense your wisdom!  As you can see, it hit home with a lot of people today.  Congratulations on sharing your success with everyone, and reminding everyone that our life is what we make it.

Wow!  I'm so excited for you!  You've lost a whole person... and how fun to be able to shop in the little mama section! 

Michelle,
Please hang in there.  You are doing the right thing by reaching out.  I think the protein is the hardest, but it's the most important thing for you to do at this point (as well as keeping hydrated).  I tried every sample around, including the nectars - and they just weren't going down for me.  Finally, I tried the Costco ready-to-drink protein (30g per drink) and finally feel like I can get some protein in.  I felt guilty about spending more for ready-to-drink, but my husband was like FIND SOMETHING YOU CAN DRINK!  :-)

Just keep trying until you can find something you can tolerate, and go back to the beginning if necessary - liquids/purees, until you feel you can handle more.  I had to take a step back after 2 weeks on purees, and felt so much better.  You really need to nourish your body - for both your kids AND for you.  

Hugs, Susan

The first week after I got home I felt hungry all the time!  (Not REAL hunger, but I wanted something to EAT so bad!  And being a former chocoholic, I was suprised that I wanted real food - salads, chicken wraps, etc.)  I watched the food network, every fast food commercial that came on, and read the WETEO post avidly.  It was like food porn!

After about 3-4 days of it, it went away and now I'm happily enjoying not feeling hungry ever! 

Andrea, so after the malabsorption resolves itself, do we still need to take all the extra supplements?  Or would we be back to the "normal" level of just needing a good multi-vitamin w/iron? 

Congratulations, Connie!  I laughed when I saw your posting title!  You are right, some people might be horrified - but they just don't get it.  

What a thoughtful (and timely) post.  Congratulations on your continued success!

I'm a week out, so take it for what it's worth...

The surgery was great, no pain to speak of, lots of moral support from friends & family... but I had no idea I would think of food so much!  I am not hungry, and am following the liquid diet religiously, BUT:  I had never been on a liquid diet before, so I had no idea what people meant when they were talking about how much they missed chewing!  Honestly, I know even when I hit pureed I will feel better, but I've found myself watching the food channel just to look at the food... and not even wanting anything sweet (my usual issue) but CRUNCHY.  Salads especially.  I know this will pass, and if this is the worst thing that happens.... but WOW.