weho

Sorry that you had such an uncomfortable experience! I am a sono tech and try to warn my patients ahead of time that the exam can get a little uncomfortable and to let me know if I am causing them pain. Scanning in between the ribs gives the doctors better pictures of most organs but I know scanning over them can cause a lot of pain. Hopefully you won't end up with bruises! What were you having it done for? Hope it comes back good for you.

My heart goes out to you. I am in the same boat. I have now become the "health nut" of the family and have began to "subtly" impose my healthy food on my family. But there are many times that they go through the drive thru which means I am on my own. Stay strong but continue to cut your family some slack. This is your journey and it would be nice if they complied with your diet...but reality is they will eat what they want to eat.

Yes, I had a period when I did not lose any weight for about 2 months and pretty much "accepted" that I was done losing weight. But I really started focusing on exercising and was thrilled to see the scale moving again. I was also going through a period of depression and the exercise helped TREMENDOUSLY with that. I know what you mean about getting "cocky". I am very guilty of that at times. When I don't eat right though I feel so sluggish and unhealthy. I'm in a rut right now as a matter of fact. Although I haven't gained weight, I know that I'm not doing my "temple" right. I just bought another diet journal yesterday and am determined to get back on track with journaling and accountibility. I have found that even though I'm at my target weight and my body fat is acceptable, I just feel like trash when I don't eat right. It's all about health at this point. I also just splurged and bought a couple of clean eating books for motivation. Good luck on your journey. It really is a journey!!

I was just prescribed Mobic for ankylosing spondilitis (not sure if I spelled that correctly). I voiced my concern about taking anti inflammatories to the prescribing doctor and she seems to think it is alright since I am over a year and half post surgery. I've taken a couple with no problems, but I still need to call my surgeon to get the official OK. I asked him about Tramadol a while back and he said that was alright. Anyways, good luck to you and hope your pain subsides!

Now that I've lost the weight I try not to take for granted the following things: not being embarrased to go to social events not feeling feeling ashamed to be my son's mom at school functions not being out of breath from rolling over in bed or going to the bathroom at night to not be limping around and having to ice my feet after a long day at work not being miserable from doing simple things like grocery shopping not being uncomfortable sitting on the couch from the back fat rolls (lol) being able to get on the floor with my puppy and taking him for walks I could go on and on. I do try to remind myself of these simple things often so that I don't take for granted how far I've come...don't ever want to go back!!

As others have said, lesson learned and move on. I drank some white wine about 3 weeks out; just a small bit and decided it wasn't worth the calories. But I love wine and drink it regularly now. I just watch the amount and never drink on an empty stomach. I love trying new wines! Wine and cheese are my weakness, but easy does it Good luck to you!

I eat popcorn several times a week. I get the OR reduced fat 100 calorie bags. After popping, I melt some reduced fat cheese over it and it is a great healthy snack. I can eat salads with no problems, although I mostly stick to raw veggies or stir frys to get my produce in. I found the ONE food that I can not tolerate today. Stuffed jalepenos made with pickled peppers. I can eat all foods spicy no problem and have eaten many stuffed jalepenos, but for whatever reason grilled stuffed pickled peppers and I don't get along.

I agree with Dorie, if you are interested in health care maybe use the medical assisting to create a path to a larger area. PLEASE don't get sucked into a non- accredited, super-expensive program. Yes, most community colleges offer a certificate program which would be much more reasonable. I'm not a nurse but would recommend nursing or some other allied health career that might provide you with some longevity. I am a sonographer with an associate's degree from a community college and make a decent living. I started out at $24 an hour back in 2007 and now average between $36-$41 and hour. Tough work though! But so is medical assisting...

Wow, what a transformation! You have done great and look awesome!

Actually Lissa, I am quite impressed with Faeris Sloane! Coolness.

My user name is the same as my sign on name at work. The first two letters of my last name and the first two letters of my first name. This reminds me of a game I played with some coworkers a few years back. What is your stripper name??? That would be your first pet's name + your mother's maiden name. Mine is "CoCo Woodcock". Good Lord!

Pre op sucks; in fact it was the hardest part of the journey for me. I was ready to back out of the surgery because I was convinced that surgery=hunger. For me, post op was much easier. No, you didn't screw up beyond repair. Just hang in there and try to follow your dr's plan. I promise it will be worth all of your hard work! It is much easier on the other side!

Good luck! Saying a prayer for you.

My last meal was before my pre op diet. My pre op diet was a 7 day semi- liquid diet and it sucked. For my last meal I ate a baked potato with brisket and stuffed jalapenos. And beer. Loved every minute of it. Disclaimer: I knew going in that I did not have a "fatty liver" before surgery because I'm a sonographer and know what one looks like. Enjoy your last meal sensibly...don't go crazy. I promise you'll be able to eat most anything you want down the road (although if you're like me it doesn't take much to satisfy the appetite monster). Good luck to you!

You look great! You are an inspiration to so many. Congrats!