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When the weight was coming off faster, I had some sagging in my face and my chin/neck looked sort of shrunken with wrinkly waddles. Now, the weight loss has slowed and my body has done what I call "redistribution". At certain angles, I can still see some of the wrinkly waddles in my chin/neck area, but for the most part, it's sort of evened out. As I'm staring 50 in the face, I'm pleasantly surprised at my skin. For most of my life, people have complimented me on it, even when I was super-sized. I guess I was genetically blessed in that department, plus I've always taken care of my skin. I can see the aging, sun-spots and such. But I really don't have too many wrinkles, although I do have some persistent dark circles under my eyes that I'm very self-conscious of. For me, my flappy arms are my biggest point of shame and I will probably look into having them taken care of in the future.

I have the benefit of having two pre-op diets to reflect upon. The first time around I toughed it out on sheer determination. I thought that I was doing well, but about halfway through I started dreaming of mashed potatoes and spaghetti! The 2nd time was more than 10 years later and really, for the most part, I was back to square one. The difference was that my new surgeon didn't have me on liquids only. I had a protein shake for breakfast and lunch with a "sensible" meal in the evening. Enduring this was MUCH easier, but I had a bad case of carb withdrawal after about 3 days. I had the worst headache that was constant for about 3 or 4 days and NOTHING helped it. I had brain fog, fatigue, irritability. I'll take the dreaming of mashed potatoes and spaghetti any day after that! Hang in there! It's a temporary situation and this will pass. For me, I just kept my eye on the prize. That was inspiration enough to help me stay on track and push forward.

You don't even look close to 50. Amazing!! HW = 360 SW = 292 GW = 220 reached 3/7/18 CW = 210 @ 6'5" 150 pounds lost! [emoji106]

I look younger than before. The excess weight really aged me

Could be. If it's strong enough to be concerning, you might want to phone the surgeon's office to ask. I had gas pains for what felt like forever, but it was probably more like 2 weeks. Felt kind of like hunger but painful.

Thank you all for sharing. I’m sort of in a whirlwind of emotions at the moment. My surgery is coming up on September 30th and I’ve done a lot of “head work” to prepare. I’ve finally acknowledged exactly what my issues are so now it’s time for the action to follow.

don't expect to drop 30+ lbs the first month. The average bariatric patient is NOT a "My 600 lb Life" subject. The vast majority of us are starting at a much lower BMI than those folks. There are a few of us "normal" weight loss patients who drop that much, but they're the exception. Most of us lose in the 15-25 lb range that first month. If you lose 15 or 16 or 18 lbs that first month, you are NOT failing!

Thanks for all the replies, I'm seriously soaking in each bit of good advice. I realize I'm lower BMI (and senior age) and so my loss may be slower. I'm coming to think I may be eating too much. It's been easy for me to ingest 4-5 oz because I've had NO issues with drinking or eating. Never felt nauseous, or gotten a belly ache, cramp, nothing. Feel little to no restriction. And so I've basically been acting like I'm on a strict diet by restricting my input and calories seeming without aide from my 'tool'. Should I be measuring ounces/weight or volume as in 1/2 cup? How much volume would you suggest for near 2 months out? I do protein first, been mostly only eating protein. I've been on my treadmill at 'brisk walk' speed for a few minutes multiple times a day (being a senior with heart disease I feel that's my limit). I also just try to dance around and get sweaty housecleaning and generally be more active than usual. My concern is that I'm not losing during this 'honeymoon' stage and I don't want to be stalled at the same weight for another minute (it's going on three weeks!). I've been averaging 600-800 calories a day, is that too much this early? Also I get in 60+ gram protein & low carb. Thanks again for all the thoughtful replies. I plan to measure lower amounts today, I'm thinking 1/2 cup of chicken or salmon per meal? I've always been a big water drinker but will try to get even more in today. Gonna buy some sugar free ice pops for a late night snack (which is when I often have a bit more chicken).

if you're closely following your plan, then it's just a stall. It'll eventually break. If you're not closely following your plan, then do that. Weigh/measure and log everything you eat. also, you started out at a low BMI for a WLS patient. You are definitely not going to lose at the rate that someone starting at 300+ lbs typically does.

you really need to be committed to the eating plan - both before surgery and until you reach maintenance. Otherwise, you might not reach your goals. Forgive yourself for this, but get back on the program and stick to it...