moniram8

ah Michelle, you made me blush...

Hey, read your thread. You're doing fine. No one is able to do what the surgeons want so early in the process. For my liquid phase, I drank two protein drinks with 35g of protein each and four 16oz bottles of water. Liquid will not stretch your pouch out, since it moves though you pretty quick. Schedule your "meals" out and stick to them. I drank water at 8a, 12p, 4p, and 8pm. You should be able to sip a 16oz bottle down in one hour. I just take three quick sips, and put it down. Wait a few minutes, and do it again till the bottle is gone. I drank the protein at 10am and 2pm, same deal, sip, sip, sip, one hour. Once your body becomes tuned to it, it's easy to do. Hydration is really important right now and in the future to prevent side affects, keep your organs functioning properly and keep your skin pliant. I don't think I've ever had less than 80oz in a day, and usually it was more like 100+. And rule number 2, don't be afraid to let your pouch stretch a little bit. You will need a minimum of 4oz to keep up with your protein as you move to the mushy and solid stages. Eat lots of chicken, turkey, and fish/shrimp. Hang in there, you're doing great!

Ah, Michele, I'm so happy for you! I know that losing just the weight that I have so far has really, truly changed my out-look towards people and life in general. I was talking to a co-worker and asking "what's changed"...me or the other people and she stated that she has seen a major difference in how I deal/interact with others, therefore they are responding in kind. Even when you go down to losing in the single digits...your body is still changing dramatically! I'm 17 weeks out and have not yet had the "stall" that so many others have experienced...I know it will happen (but I don't have to like it!)...but until then I continue to enjoy my new life-style! Hope you have the same experience that I've had in the weight loss journey arena!

Cathy

Congrats, Michele!
I have to admit this surgery is amazing, isn't it?! Allows us to be able to accomplish what we need to do AND see results (weight-loss)! Are you just breezing through the so called "hell week"? Each of us are so individual...I for one had NO issues with my hormones going whacko...but others have.

Keep me posted on your progress!

Cathy

Isn't it funny how the good the things we never really think about, taste? I remember eating the jello they gave me post-op and it was like I never had anything so good in my life..lol. This is really an amazing surgery and tool. I really have to force myself to eat now and six months out and still no cravings or desires to pig-out. And now for some reason, I'm on a Kashi cereal eating binge. Fills me up, has good protein and fiber, and low fat. It's like eating twigs and such, but a little Splenda on top and it's bearable. Sounds like you're doing great, bet your kids are proud of you.

Happy Mother's Day wishes to you! Hope it's a great one.

You need to cut back of the caffeine..you're way to energetic! Congrats on the first 11, many more of those coming. My head is getting better, but like an idiot, I keep brushing it by mistake or mindlessly picking at it, and tearing the scab open again. It's getting annoying having everyone stare at my forehead everywhere I go..lol. BTW, love your MySpace signature "I Kicked Ass!".

Hi there Michelle. No I havent gone yet. I wont have surgery until Middle of August. But I cant wait!! I'm getting very excited! How are you doing? Any complaints?? Wish you luck! Keep in touch!

Congrats Michelle, so happy to hear the surgery was a success! You sound like you approached it the way I did. My surgeon was wondering how I could be so nonchalant about it. I'm like, just get it over with already so I can get busy. It will be interesting to hear if you still like coffee, sometimes you have weird changes in taste. Be careful at first though, caffeine does dehydrate you, so make sure you're taking in extra water to cover. As for a pic, well, I couldn't take one now anyway..lol. I went swimming yesterday and ran my head into the cool deck. I have a nice "abrasion" on my forehead. Keep me posted on your progress.