I agree. This forum is my Go To for help and advice also.  I wouldn't change the surgery. Just wish i had prepared more :) 

Willpower, yes!! I had no idea how hard it would be BUT stepping on the scale and seeing the numbers go down and my wedding ring getting loose. That is keeping me on track!!! So worth it!!

Just about everyone reading this has gone to Mexico for surgery or is thinking about it. One negative about booking a surgery like is and paying yourself is skipping the pre-op appointments. It's also a positive too. lol We don't get to meet with a nutritionist or counselor required by the surgeon or insurance. No one told me about head hunger, portions, chewing, not drinking when eating. Yes, Dr. Garcia's office was amazing and you get sent home with a lot of information, what vitamins to take but we are missing that counseling and nutritionist. 

I thought I would share my experience with HEAD HUNGER. What is it? It's when you want food but you aren't actually hungry. We are addicted to food. We love it, crave it and dream of it. It's our addiction. Unfortunately we can't just walk away from it. We still need it, every day. Right after surgery when my stomach was still VERY swollen, a few sips on water or broth filled me up. About a week after (5 days or so...) I was missing REAL FOOD. I added in protein shakes (I recommend muscle milk light, premier protein and just to have around natural coconu****er) This was good for a few days but the head hunger started again and strong. I gave in and had some very soft 'dirty rice'. It took me a few hours but I ate it. I felt like crap. I was scared I ruined my new stomach, I felt guilty. And for what? Eating some soft rice? It's how I ate it.... Every day I have to decide, am I hungry or is it head hunger. My stomach wasn't ruined but slowing eating food for 2 hours while watching TV is not an option anymore! That's what got me fat and I am not repeating these horrible habits. Did I listen to my stomach when I had enough? Nope. I just waiting a little bit and took another bit. Wrong. Eat, get full and then take your plate away and be done!

A week after surgery and lasting for a few weeks you could feel hunger pains. I am told this will go away for good. I assumed I wouldn't have these actual hunger pains so when I felt them I quickly did research and realized it's normal. I'm dealing with my head hunger pretty well. I only eat one real meal a day right now and that's dinner. Breakfast is a protein shake, lunch is a yogurt or a few bites of cottage cheese. I drink water or coconu****er throughout the day and dinner is a VERY SMALL portion of over cooked veggies and protein (some kind of meat****ep it simple. Right now, that is working for me. Once I am full I stop eating for the night. I will sip on water 30 minutes after eating and I really try to hydrate at night. Sips every 10-15 minutes. Only water at night. No need for empty calories.

I am meeting so many wonderful people thru here and I am so happy for the support (it's both ways!). I post about my journey a lot on my facebook, if you want to keep in touch or have questions and want to chat, add me! Jennifer Ihrer Whitlow :)

Thank you so much!! :) 

Thank you so much for sharing! I am going to the same facility/doctor in June and I am super nervous and excited. I have sent you a friend request of Facebook and would love to keep in touch.