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Took some progress photos this am and realized that between today's photos and my "starting" photo I've lost 50 lbs exactly! I say "starting" photo because I've actually lost about 70 lbs overall but don't have a pic of myself in my undies at my highest weight. So here I am on January first weighing in at 207 lbs (after already losing 20 lbs), and here I am today, July 8th, at 157 lbs. I had sleeve surgery on March 22nd and have lost 39 lbs since my surgery day weigh-in. Without makeup or my hair done or striking a pose these aren't the most flattering pics but I love them as a straightforward comparison so I'm taking the plunge and sharing them here. No matter what, I'm feeling amazing! Strange how sometimes I look at myself and don't think I look different at all, and other days I barely recognize myself! This is my reminder to you all... TAKE PROGRESS PICS!!!! I know it can be hard to look at a straight on photo of yourself in your underwear, especially at your highest weight, but I promise they will be priceless tools for you to measure your success as time goes on! I only wish I had a pic of myself at my highest to compare to, so I could really see how far I've come!

Thanks for the comprehensive list, James. I drummed up a few more... AKA = also known as; above-the-knee amputation BBF = best buddy forever BKA = better known as; below-the-knee amputation BL = baseline CC = cardiac clearance CHO = carbohydrates CV = cardiovascular EBW = excess body weight FDL = fleur de lis (a type of tummy tuck) FNP = family nurse practitioner GW = goal weight HLD = hyperlipidemia HTN = hypertension IIFYM = if it fits your macros (macronutrients) LBL = lower body lift LW = lowest weight MCD = Medicaid MCR = Medicare MD = doctor of medicine (physician) MGB = mini gastric bypass MO = morbidly obese MVI = multivitamins OA = osteoarthritis OP = original poster, original post PA = physician assistant PS = plastic surgery, plastics Psych = psychotherapist, psychiatrist, psychologist SILS = single incision laporascopic surgery SMO = super morbidly obese UBL = upper body lift UR = "you're" or "you are" VBG = vertical banded gastroplasty YMMV = your mileage may vary

I have three more days of full liquids, unless something bad happens when I see the doctor. I am very tired of them. I've never tolerated meal shakes well. All of the protein I've chosen is supposedly lactose free, but I feel as if I've been drinking milk and my body has never liked that. Also, I really want to drink some water, not sip it. I'm thirsty! So, I'm very excited about puree day and keep telling my husband what I want! Of course a quarter cup two or three times a day will probably feel limited to my hungry brain, but I think my stomach will like it! Like NIkkiWorldJourney, I'm surprised that people are eating solids so soon. I do NOT want to screw this up...for me. This is my last ditch effort. If I don't lose the weight now, I never will. Back when I was 21, I had jaw surgery and was wired shut for about six weeks. I had so survive on Carnation Instant Breakfast Drink. I think that's why I find these shakes so hard to tolerate, but I'll get through it.

thank you so much! and hey, our starting weights/heights are super close! I always love meeting my wls twinsies haha.

❤️❤️ Thank you so much! I was so scared in the beginning and the thoughts after surgery that this wouldn't work for me. I'm glad I kept my head up and worked hard! It's an amazing journey!

Good deal lets stay in touch

I get at least 100 grams of protein a day, and at least 134 oz of fluids a day. Protein and fluids are the most important things to get. And the more active you are, the more protein and fluids you need. As far as calories, it's more about what you're eating, not the number of calories. If you are eating a lot of protein, veggies, good things, you are fueling your body. It doesn't matter how many calories you're eating. I'm almost seven months post op and I still eat between 700 and 800 calories a day. And I'm very active. And still losing weight every week. I tried to eat more calories but it didn't help me at all. I will continue to eat the same amount of calories as long as I'm fueling my body.

I was expected to eat in excess of 80+ grams of protein starting at six weeks post-op. I am more than 2 years out and consume 100+ grams of protein on most days. Protein is the most filling of the three macronutrients (fat and carbs being the other two macros). High protein consumption makes you feel fuller longer, reducing chances you'll overeat junk foods. Also, protein demands the most energy to digest. This is referred to as the thermic effect of food (TEF). Eating 80 grams of protein instead of 80 grams of carbs burns an extra 75 calories a day on average (525 calories a week). This gradually makes a notable difference in your overall calorie expenditure and can prevent regain. Also, protein is vital for preserving muscle tissue, and as you likely know, the more muscle we have, the more calories we burn. Your body eats away at its skeletal muscle if you don't consume enough protein.

The pain is intense whenever I move, not gonna lie. I have ice on my side and crotch right now. And yesterday after surgery I had to go to the ER because of extreme bleeding from my rear incision. Fortunately my doctor met me there, checked everything, and assured me it was normal to have leakage especially in the first few days even though I have drains. It has subsided since then but is not completely done. But I had my binder off for the first time and I cried with joy at the sight of my flat stomach and the fact that I could see my hooha without lifting up a pile of fat or skin. I will take the pain for a lifetime of flat tummy any day! Time for my meds! Sent from my XT1635-01 using BariatricPal mobile app

I made it to onderland [emoji1373][emoji1437]but because I haven't been weighing regularly I don't know when it happened. I am beyond excited. Been over 16 years since I was in onderland. I am so grateful and thankful for this decision to make myself healthy and fit. My relationship with food is so much healthier now. I don't obsess about anything I consume. If I do eat a carb mainly as dessert I don't beat myself because I know I make good food choices 90 percent of the time. I am proud of myself and how far I have come. Just like everyone else I get my fair share of not so favorable days in life but I don't seek comfort from foods or alcohol like old me would have. It is my choice to make me and keep me healthy. Please be kind to you because you are very special and don't give up.