Three weeks and counting

Hi all, I am now just over three weeks out and am learning how to use this tool but I can not say that the road has been smooth. I have had some problems with food getting stuck. I have had problems getting all of my water in. I am glad I had surgery but have mourned not being able to eat normal. All in all I am plugging along. Tanya T

Keep up the good work Tanya. I'm doing pretty good at getting my fluids in (thanks to sugar free popcicles). I know what you mean about the mourning phase.... I do hope it's just a phase! Jackie

I hear ya, Tanya!! I had my surgery on Oct. 22nd, and I was doing fine with not missing the old junky food I used to eat - then along rolled Halloween! I was staying with my folks, 'cause my mom is a nurse and she could really help take care of me, and they get a lot of trick-or-treaters every year, so the house was loaded with candy. I must confess I did a HUGE no-no. I took a fun size, plain (no almonds) Hershey bar and let it dissolve in my mouth. It was soooo good, but I felt terrible guilt afterward. This is really taking a lot of willpower, and willpower is something I've never been really good at (or I never would've reached 402 lbs!). But when I think about how wonderful I'm already starting to feel, how much MORE wonderful I'm GOING to feel, and finally - when I look at my 16-month-old daughter's sweet face and remind myself that one of the main reasons I had this surgery is so that I would be around to raise her into a beautiful, smart young woman who will make HEALTHY food choices - that usually does the trick with my cravings. I'm down 40 lbs so far, just 4 weeks out, and I'm so thankful for this wonderful tool I've given myself. I'm finally going to get my life back, and it's truly a blessing! Also, if my hubby is ever cooking something or eating something that I know would make me fall off the ol' diet wagon in the past, I simple ask him for a SMALL bite, which I chew and chew and chew until most of it is in my teeth rather than my tummy (*L*) - and surprisingly, that little morsel satisfies my craving to eat the whole thing. Not that I'm recommending anyone DO the same thing. Just telling you what's worked for me. Just remember - you're certainly not alone in how you're feeling. And I don't know about you, but knowing that alone always helps me. Good luck to you, and God Bless! Amy