Amanda131

That is awesome! Congrats! You have a right to be thrilled and I loved reading all of it. Your husband seems like a wonderfully supportive partner in your journey. Kudos to him too!

I went through the same thing. Even now, I joke with my husband during really good meals that, "This is going to be one of those meals where I wish I could eat more." But, now it's more funny than frustrating. Hang in there! Amanda

Fern- That's awesome! As you know, I just signed up for my first 1/2 too and am at 20 minutes of running as well. That makes us twinkies! I have to admit that mine won't be nearly as cool as yours- just the Sugarland Marathon here in Texas. I'm running January 29th. When is your big day? Are you planning to train with a group or on your own? I am training with a USA Fit group but I have a GREAT Gradual plan from Runner's world in PDF format if you'd be interested in that. It takes you from zero to half-marathon in 18 weeks. I am so EXCITED for you! Do you find yourself doubting your abilitiy to run and then amazed at what your body can do after each workout? That's where I am. You're gonna kill this! Amanda

Sweet! When is yours? We can keep each other motivated!

I've been wearing compression shorts (like spandex bike shorts) since about 4 weeks post op. It gives a much smoother silhouette and I feel that skin is snapping make a little better (that could all be in my head though). I bought them from walmart for like 8 bucks. I also wear compression leggings (reebok) when I run to reduce trauma on the loose skin. I think that makes a big difference.

I am right there with you. My started coming out at 2.5 months and hasn't let up. It's a little freaky. The only good thing is that those who are close to me and wouldn't lie about such things, say it isn't noticable. This may sound funny, but I try really hard not to worry about it since they say stress can add to hairloss. I don't want to be my own worst enemy! Amanda

OMG- me too! It's driving me insane. I run my little heart out and the scale laughs at me. My mantra has been, "Muscle weighs more than fat, Muscle weighs more than fat." If I didn't have these gorgeous quads starting to pop up, I think I'd seriously lose it over the scale. Amanda

Rock on GreenEyedMamma! Congrats on your huge success and I LOVE your sassy new 'do!

Juzmenjee- I also could eat the same amount around 5-6 weeks out. My doctor used a 34 bougie which is considered a normal size, but I am pretty tall. He seems to think that's why I eat a little more that the average sleever. I do not feel that my slightly bigger tummy has impeded any weightloss though. Good luck! Amanda

July 1st marked four months since I threw caution to the wind and joined this adventure. And, man, am I glad I did. I've lost 70 lbs. but the more amazing part is all that I've found. There was a confidence and self-assurance lurking under all the fat that was dying to come out! It's led me to apply for and get a crazy promotion, start running and most importantly, begin asserting myself in my private life. I've always been the one to "take one for the team". Not so much anymore. Amazing things that have happened in the last four months: 1. I've gone from a 24 to a 16. 2. Got an amazing new job- I attribute this completely to the post surgery confidence. 3. I wrapped a normal size towel all the way around my body. 4. My wedding ring is now too BIG. 5. I took a picture with friends and I was actually the skinny girl in the pic! 6. I started running- I can now run 1.5 miles without stopping. This is HUGE for me! 7. I can now shop at all "normal size" stores. 8. I'm social again! I want to talk to people and have them talk to me. 9. I don't spend my entire life obsessing about food anymore!!! I have attempted to attach pics- hope it's successful.

I warned Hubs that he would be on his own preparing meals for himself and the munchkin during the 1st two weeks. We went shopping and bought them a bunch of frozen ready-to-go meals since he's not that great of a cook. At two weeks I could eat soft foods so I found it a lot easier to be around food in general. I took kitchen duty back and would eat a little of what they were having if it worked for my food requirements. If not, I made my own meals of eggs, etc. Since 6 weeks out I pretty much always eat some variation of what they're having, i.e. On spaghetti night I'll eat the meaty marinara but skip the pasta. Good luck!

I second the love for Brummell & Brown!

I'm in Texas, but we are looking different products. That is the hot latte; I drink the iced.

Nope, I got this one right. I drink them too much to not have it down. Here's the link. I snipped the pertinent info and attached as a jpeg if you don't want to scroll through all of it. I think you may have seen the nonfat or sugarfree version rather than Nonfat AND Sugarfree. http://nutrition.mcdonalds.com/nutritionexchange/nutritionfacts.pdf

Hi Deca- The technical definition of a stall is no weight loss or inches loss for two weeks. Since you are losing weight, you are not technically "stalled". And, 1.5 pounds isn't anything to scoff at either- that equals 6 pounds a month. However, I know that we go into this surgery with hopes and plans for greater loss. Have far out are you from surgery? The further from surgery, the harder it becomes to lose. Menstrual cycles, excercise, lack of sleep and stress can affect the scale, too. Also, at 186 with only 46 to go it's going to get more difficult to lose. The less you have to lose, the harder it is too lose. And, finally, you've lost 36 pounds. You're body may just need a chance to rebalance. You mentioned some changes in exercise and carb consumption. I would suggest changing back and seeing how that affects the scale. Other than that, relax and trust that time, this tool and your diligence will take the pounds off. Much easier said than done. Good luck! Amanda

Hi CoffeeTX- Congrats on your successes! One thing I've learned on this journey is that everyone's an expert- or least they think they are because their friend's cousin's niece did this, and you know... Ha! Once I realized that people usually share because they truly care it made listening to their opinions easier (no matter how ill-informed they are). My generaly reaction is to smile and respond, "Thank you, but my doctor and I are comfortable with my current choices. I appreciate your concern." There really isn't much left for them to say at that point. Then, change the subject and move on. Add, once you've them shut down with the above phrase a couple of time *most* will cease with the "advice". Good luck to you and keep moving! You're on the right track. Amanda

I am ADDICTED to the McD's Sugar Free, Non-Fat Iced Vanilla Latte. The medium has 50 calories, 0 fat, 5 grams of protein, and 14 carbs. It satisfies any desire for coffee, sweets and caffeine in one relatively guilt-free package.

Hi Escape- I think returning early so that you have the option of a couple of 1/2 days is a great idea. I am not sure how long you have been off. I took 5 days off before returning to my job as a highschool administrator. I was able to dictate my schedule so I made the first few days mostly office work. I was able to work full 8 hour days the first two days but I took a 1/2 day on Wednesday for the first two weeks. Having that middle of the week half-day to rest and recover was a huge lifesaver for me. I would also suggest evening naps when you get home for the first couple of weeks (if you can manage it). That 30-45 minutes of rest really helped me as well. I was very tired from weeks 1-4 as my body adjusted to the extreme change in calories. As for what to have at work with you, I had plenty of G2, Protein shakes, cup of Soups (tomato and cream of chicken) and greek yogurt. The cup of soups and yogurt worked really well at disguising that I had weight-loss surgery since those are common things co-workers had for Snacks and drinks. As you get into mushies, I also had 100 calorie cheese packets, etc. Best of luck to you! Amanda

I'm pretty much a 800-1000 calorie a day gal and have been since about 9 weeks out. Probably once a week I even hit 1200. I think you're losing at an excellent rate!

Wow, Gang. I can't thank you enough for all of your postive comments. It's funny. I know I am in smaller clothes and that the scale reads 70 lbs. less, etc. But, when I look at these two pics I still don't see a big difference. I actually posted these because my BFF mentioned she saw them side-by-side on Facebook and couldn't get over the difference. I couldn't see it as much, but I've known her for 15 years and trust her judgement. I guess this is one of those cases where it takes the mind a little while to catch up. All of your comments really helped me to see that. Thanks for that! Amanda

I wouldn't delete for bashing the choice to have surgery, but I would've probably deleted for not respecting my intelligence enough to know that I did my homework and chose the absolute best option for myself. THAT would have annoyed the hell outta me.

Oh, I needed this! I've just started running and it's like the scale pushed pause. I seriously think I may print those pics and post by my scale to remind myself the while I may not be losing, I'm "polishing up" the exterior!

Girl, you didn't wear pink, you ROCKED it! Seriously, you look absolutely wonderful, confident and STRONG. I'm so happy for you! Amanda

Wow, Warrior! The pictures really say it all. You've accomplished something amazing- CONGRATULATIONS!

I've read somewhere, I'm sorry- I can't remember where!- that depression can slightly worsen in the early stages with dramatic weight loss. It had something to do with all the hormones released due to the fast weight loss and coming to terms with the lifestyle change. This might be something to look into and possibly discuss with your mental health professional. As for me, I don't feel depressed at all but I've noticed a heightened sense of anxiety at times. I've battled depression a few times so I am constantly vigilant. Best of luck to you!