Lissa

Cheetos are my top slider. IF I buy them, I buy a "single serving" size and TRY to make them last for a few days. I learned the hard way that I cannot have a bigger bag in the house, because they sit in the pantry and mock me. Nothing else does that but baked cheetos. I guess it could be worse. Before surgery it was any sweet food. 4 months without that craving was wonderful and helped me get to where I can have a few bites of a sweet and I'm fine. I can even throw away a half-eaten candy bar without a twinge of anxiety now! That would have NEVER happened pre-op!

You started at a lower BMI, so you are going to lose slower than other people. But, it's great that you've lost 69 pounds and you can lose that 30 pounds if you just stick to what you know is right, lots of Water, enough Protein and exercise! I can't wait until you post that picture saying "I got to goal!"

I guess I am six months post op, shy 1 day. I just figured it up on my fingers, lol. I have lost half the weight I want to lose, actually, just a little over half. I started at 352 and am at 266.6 today. My doc and I revised my goal last month to 190, so I'm getting close to it. I started in a 24/26 and I'm now in an 18, and dropping sizes rapidly. I just spent a month at the same scale weight, but dropped a couple of sizes during that month. I eat basically what I want, although I do still have to limit my portion sizes because I can't eat a lot at one time. I try to work out every day and usually manage 4-5 days a week. The biggest change for me has been to my energy level! At 45, I keep thinking I should slow down, but I'm almost always up for heading out somewhere to walk or dance or shop or... just LET's GO! I think you'll find that you are in great shape to take the cruise in October and you'll enjoy it more because you'll be fitter, more able to wear cute clothes, and you'll have the energy to enjoy the activities and shore excursions. Good luck!!

Since you are young, you may have better luck than most of us. However, I'm doing what I can to help my batwings. I do light weights and high repetitions of biceps curls, triceps extensions, etc. Peacequeen posted a video yesterday with the proper form for triceps extensions. I had no muscle in my arm before surgery and I'm seeing pretty good results from the routine I'm doing, although I do still have bat wings. But, I'm 45, so I kind of expect to have some sagging skin since I've been heavy since I was 23.

Herbal and green teas tasted like plastic to me early post-op. Now I drink a lot of decaf tea and decaf coffee. I'm allowed to go back to drinking caffeine, but I haven't missed it so far. I have way more Protein powder than I need, especially since I was totally turned off by sweet stuff until about 4 months out. Oh, how I miss that particular aversion! I just started using some of my Protein Powder as an additive to my coffee, thanks to a suggestion from someone here. I like the Premier Protein shakes and the bars they make. I buy both at Sam's Club. Low sodium chicken broth was my drink of choice instead of protein shakes during the clear liquid stages. I also became lactose intolerant after surgery, so keep that in mind when choosing a base for your powdered protein shakes. good luck!

Be careful what you wish for, ladies. I started at 352 and I'm 5'8. It seemed to take forever for the first size in pants to come off. Then, I stalled and during that stall I walked right out of my work pants. I was "stuck" in that size for another 40 pounds, then I lost another size. But, in the last month, I've lost THREE pants sizes, despite the scale not moving. I have literally watched my body shape shift in the last month and now NOTHING fits right. Someone on here posted that it takes longer to lose sizes when we are plus size than it will once we are out of the plus sizes. I am truly thanking God for the box of size 18's I received yesterday because I know I'll be in them and then out of them in no time at all. Look for a post from me in a couple of weeks, offering to pass them on to someone else!

Good luck today, BrandyMarie!! We've got your spot on the bench all warm and toasty!

LOL, Faddisc! No private conversation here, just sharing work out tips and experiences. I'm sure Gman's wife and my hubby would be upset if they thought anything untoward were going on! My friend that I went to the strip club with is into competitive pole dancing as a hobby, if that makes any sense... nothing hinky about it. She keeps sending me You Tube links to the competitions, so we decided to go see it in person.

Welcome to the loser's bench! So glad that you are doing well and that you like your doctor!

I didn't have a lung problem, but was warned that fever was not a good sign. Look for PeaceQueen, MeMeMe, and Jasleeve's posts about their complications. Also, Tiffykins had problems very early post-op, so there may be older posts from her. I believe that everyone I named had leaks, but there is another poster SandyD? who had additional complications including an abcess, I think. Hopefully yours is just a problem unrelated to a leak, although no problem is ever good. Good luck and please keep us updated.

Felicity, Talk to your surgeon frankly about your fears. It's his or her job to help you with this issue. Just remember that no surgeon wants a death on his or her record and they will do everything they can to bring you through the surgery safely. As a matter of fact, most surgeons won't operate if they don't believe you'll make it through without major complications. You have major advantages, too. Lower BMI, youth, and a loving family. Those things make it much more likely that you will fight to survive even if something does happen. Besides, EVERY one of us has gone through the same thought process and come out of surgery alive. This is a very low risk surgery compared to the ones you will face later if you remain obese. My aunt has had 25 separate surgical procedures because of her weight and complications of obesity. I decided I'd rather have ONE surgery than 25. Good luck!!

Sorry. I don't know anything about this issue. I just wanted to wish you good luck in dealing with it!

I agree. Fever this soon after surgery is NOT a good sign.

Yay, Marla!!! I'm SO thrilled for you! I can't wait (or weight) to slide over on the loser's bench for all of you!! I also can't weight until you start posting your victories!! If you need support or encouragement, especially about the filter, feel free to PM me!

Hubba Hubba, Gman! Check out those biceps! What Hans and Franz face? Yeah, I got the reference! I agree that your exercise routine is probably going to be pretty different from mine, since I'm aiming to NOT have those biceps that look so good on guys! I want the strength, but without the ripped look. I went with a friend to a strip club recently and I was truly impressed with the muscles those girls have while still looking soft and feminine. THAT's the look I want when all is said and done. Yes, I know I'll never look like a stripper, but I don't want to look like I could arm wrestle the "Ahnold" either!

Amen, Vance!! This is one awesome family!!

Kim, Have you been to another bariatric doctor for a consultation? Perhaps a GI series is in order to see exactly what is going on inside? I'm sorry you had such a horrible time. It sounds like your doctor and hospital suck. Just my opinion, of course!

Well, you know what they say, if you're got it, flaunt it! Enjoy the wiggle, it won't last long!

By day 37, I too was allowed to be on soft regular food. I still adore rotisserie chicken. Something about the roasting process makes it easier to chew and swallow. If you're really worried, you can always puree it while you're working to transition to other solid foods. Sometimes canned meats are easier to handle on the soft food stages. Before you know it, you'll be eating regular food again, just in tiny amounts!

Thanks, Peacequeen!!

Non Scale Victory!

Glad to hear that you're feeling better about it all, BrandyMarie!! Good luck tomorrow!!

I've dyed mine during my falling out phase. I don't notice a significantly larger amount of hair falling out, but I would rather have blond hair falling out of my head than gray hair.

Good luck on your consult!! Here is hoping that the band didn't do too much damage for you to be revised!