MINI-Me

It may just be a blip ... see my post (I am 18 months out tomorrow) http://www.verticalsleevetalk.com/topic/21259-madder-than-a-wet-hen/page__pid__184932#entry184932 Congratulations on how well you have done and continue to do!

So, I went on a cruise at the end of May. I totally enjoyed it and didn't really watch what I was eating. Came back and was 128.8 pounds. 0.8 pounds above my "allowed bounce amounts". No big deal - I actually expected worse from all the indulging I allowed myself. Back to normal life & the "world would be good again". The following week was TOM and spiked up to 131.6. Wasn't worried since I am a daily weigher and often see a spike like that when TOM is here. In mid-June, bounced around between 126 and 128.8. Not really worried, but wondered why I was going above 128. Well ... now it is July 14th. I've been bouncing around 128 to 129.8. Last night I was trying on some shorts for a weekend get-away. some of them felt tight. WTH???? Today, the scale showed 130.0. I am freaking out ... mad ... and really confused. What could be causing this? I'm not doing anything different. I keep thinking maybe I'm retaining Water and the heat could be causing some bloating. But, I'm really concerned. Is my honeymoon over? Am I going to be able to maintain the size 4 body at 126 - 128 like I'd hoped? I have a whole new wardrobe - I've invested a lot of money and I really like the way I look in them. Last night, I felt like a big cow. (Naturally, I know I'm not, but that's what I saw in the mirror and I'm afraid of seeing the "old" me again.) Anyone have any advice? I'm not sure what to do or if I should do anything at all?

Thanks Coops! You are getting there!!!!

Thanks guys ... encouragement is always needed - even 1.5 years out!

I have hypothyroidism and it did not impact my weightloss (this time)! You will need to be careful and have your levels checked frequently. My thyroid has not stabolized and my medication needs keep going up and down at 1.5 years out. I waws getting tested every 3 months, but now we are doing every month. I'm having night sweats not related to hormones (confirmed through testing) & my doctor believes that my fluxuating thyroid levels are the culprit. I go in 2 weeks to be tested again - hope we find the "sweet spot" this time.

Yeah! I haven't really changed anything (just writing stuff down, but feel like I am eating the same). I am back down to 127 as of this morning. Yahoo!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! (Remind me of this post IF/WHEN I start freaking out again!!!!! )

This weekend, my family went to Winthrop, WA - it is set up as an Old West Town. We decided to do the old antique pictures. We've done these every 3 or 4 years since the boys were young. Normally, I have to wear some old dowdy thing to either fit me or not show all my rolls. And, the strings in the back never tied very well - left my butt hanging out the back. This year, I wore a Saloon Girl Bustiere and fishnet stocking with high heels. And get this ... the strings wouldn't tie again. But, not because I was so fat. The strings couldn't get the outfit tight enough. They had to use clamps in the back to keep it on me. It was amazing! I just grinned the whole time. I planted my butt up on the bar, grabbed my fake bottle of Jack Daniels and whooped it up for the camera. WHAT A BLAST!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Thanks all!!!

So glad to hear you are doing well!!!

Welcome! Glad to hear that things are going so well. Let us know if you have any questions.

Good!

I can't add any more than others that it WILL GET BETTER! That first 6 weeks you really wonder what you've done to yourself. But, I have to add some humor. Please don't increase your urine intake. That is gross & I'm sure it won't add a lot of value to your digestive needs.

I'm sitting here crying with and for you. That is so awesome. I was a chubby bride (155 lbs) so my dress is too big now. You look beautiful and your smile says it all. CONGRATULATIONS ON A JOB WELL DONE!

I tend to agree ... However, I would never want someone to go against their doctor's instructions based on my opinions.

I experienced the same kind of pain about a month out. I was told it was the nerves "waking up" and that all was fine. It took about a week, but it did finally go away. Sorry to hear that you are going through the same thing.

Thanks for the update. Keep us posted.

Please come back with details about what you find out ... very interesting. How long have you had your sleeve?

Same for me. Lots of foods were introduced slowly ... raw veggies and popcorn, but nothing "forbidden" since goal.

My tatoots are on my lower back (aka "tramp stamp") and my foot. I've lost weight in both places - had NO idea that I had fat on my feet. Both look just as good. Not sure how the thigh would have looked though since I've lost A LOT there!

Sorry ... I refuse to diet one more day of my life. I will eat healthy and follow my plan of protein first, but NO MORE DIETING. I have dieted all my life and still ended up obese. I'm tracking what I am eating and looking for triggers, but the diet mindset has ended. I'm eating to live, not living to eat.

Thanks Coops ... That was a much needed hug!

Yes - I keep watch on what I eat. Honestly nothing has changed since I started maintenance in January.

I think you summed up a lot of what many of us have thought. This is so much more than a surgery and a way of eating. There is a definite emotional and pyschological piece to all of this. Congratulations on your success to this point. You have done so well. Good luck with your continued journey!

It's definitely not a "must have", but I really enjoy mine. Quick and easy for a smoothie. I put in low carb yogurt, frozen berries, a scoop of Protein powder, a splash of SF Syrup, and a bit of milk/water for just the right consistency. YUMMY!!!! I also use it for things like onions and green peppers. I love the taste of both, but don't like "biting into a big piece". I throw them into meatloaf (made with pork rinds instead of bread) and it gives it a lot of flavor. If you have a costco, try looking there - they often have them cheaper or same price with more accessories. I got mine at Kohls for about $35 when they were having a sale (which seems to be weekly with them).

Yahoo! Your new life starts tomorrow. Very excited for you!