keldolbeth

Hello, my name is Kelly. I live just south of Dayton but had my surgery in Cincinnati. I am interested in starting a support group in either city or somewhere in between, depending on interest. Weight loss info- I had VSG is June 2012 by Dr. Trace Curry. I have lost 100 pounds since then. I lost 65 before surgery. I have been stuck in the 250s for several months now and I am getting frustrated. I am trying to accept myself as a 16/18, which is much improved from a 28/30, but I still want to lose more weight. Most of the WLS patients in my life are not the best role models for the lifestyle and therefore not where I want to seek support (but could benefit from a group like this). The other handful I know or have met at support groups are all from the the same doctor. I am curious to meet people with different viewpoints and expectations, such as: various surgeries, level of success, length of time post-op, different doctors/dieticians. General info about me- I recently turned 30. It was a huge milestone for me and I had hoped to be at my goal weight by then but, as I said above, I'm stuck!!! I still felt super sexy at my birthday party! I am single, although losing the weight has definitely helped my love (and sex life). I am a teacher so I have many evenings free. Summer vacation is coming up and hopefully we could have a meeting before or during that time. Being a teacher, I am very organized, detail-oriented, professional and friendly. I love planning events and meeting new people, although I do not consider myself outgoing. That is why I would like to be a CO-leader and hopefully find someone else in the area who would like to help plan these events with me. Some thoughts about a local chapter- I imagine the first meeting being something rather informal (like a Panera) to hopefully meet people from this site (and bring friends) who would be interested in attending or planning meetings and events. We could even come up with a committee if we have enough interest. I would like to get others invited through word of mouth, Dr/dietician offices, Facebook, meetup.com, etc. A few ideas for acitivites would be meet n greets, "speed dating"- for friends or a singles event, walks at local parks, bike rentals at Riverscape/Winton Woods/etc, zumba classes or zumbathons (I have a good friend who is an instructor), recipe swaps or potlucks, professional speakers, social/family outings and more! I am open to any ideas! I am not sure what the next step is or what Alex has in mind but feel free to respond or contact me privately if you are interested or have questions.

If you are on Facebook there is a collection of groups for plus-size clothing resale. It is called FatToo. Here is the link: https://www.facebook.com/groups/276863985732449/ It is a closed group which means you have to ask to be a member and none of your friends can see your activity on there. Once on there I recommend checking out the "about" section because there are certain rules for buying and selling and also a host of other related groups. ForFatSake is sizes 14-20, FatToo (link above) is 20-26 but tends to be a bit of everything, FatTooGrand is 28 and up. There are also accessory and lingerie groups. I was a member for a while before I became active because I was too lazy to figure out how to do it BUT, let me tell you, it has been awesome!!! It is very easy! And I've made over $1,000 in a month!!! I've spent a lot of it too buying clothes from other women in the groups. I have found tons of awesome used clothes for great prices that I wear all the time. It's a great community. I have several regular "customers" because I had such a large wardrobe I'm still clearing things out. I had been meaning to post this in here for a while. I highly recommend checking out these groups! Apparently there are others on FB but none as active. If you have any questions about buying or selling on there, feel free to ask!

I was on orthocyclen for 4 years until February. I was sleeved 2 years ago. I have lost 165 pounds but would like to lose 50 more. I have only lost 5 pounds in the last 6 months. A year ago my period started coming early, first a day or two then a few days until it was coming a week early every month and I was basically having 3 weeks cycles. In January I had spotting or bleeding for 3 weeks. I finally went to the OBGYN. She said breakthrough bleeding is common after being on the same pill for a few years. She did not attribute it to anything to do with the PCOS or weight loss. She switched me to orthotricylcen for two months and I was still irregular. Then I was on lutera for a month. I had so many horrible side effects associated with my emotional and mental health. I did not have time to get back into the DR before a new pack would start so I decided to go off birth control this month. I could not handle another month feeling the way I did. I am going back to the DR tomorrow but I would like to have an idea of what pill I want to be on now because I don't want to keep doing trial and error month after month. This has already been going on long enough. I tried to do some research online but I am not finding anything conclusive about the right pill for women with PCOS. Btw, I originally went to the OBGYN for an IUD but she discouraged me because she said since there is no estrogen in either kind (copper or mirena) it would not do anything for my PCOS symptoms such as acne, facial hair, etc. Has anyone had a GOOD experience with a specific pill after some trial and error? I really really want to feel like myself again. This has been so frustrating!

Atkins baking mix has been discontinued! I was so sad when I went to my local health food store last weekend. I used it a lot in recipes I found online, specifically Bariatric Foodie. I've looked on the Atkins website and on Amazon and nothing... does anyone know where I could still get it? I know it's kinda limited the stores that sell it. Or have an unopened bag they'd want to sell?

Thanks! I ordered some, says it's on backorder so hopefully that doesn't mean they are out of it.

Thanks, ItsMe, I meant to add that I do have Carbquik also but I like that Atkins has more protein. I usually keep both around.

As a single woman, this was a big concern of mine even before surgery. It's funny, your mindset is very much like mine... the whole "knowing what you're getting yourself into" before surgery and now my body is a mystery/surprise now. I also was a lights on, anything goes kinda girl. I told many friends that I didn't want to be more self-conscious about my body after surgery than I was before. Well that's exactly what has happened and I still want to lose 50 more pounds. I feel pretty good about myself in clothes (and shapewear) but do not like what I see when I'm naked. Since I was self-pay for VSG, I'm not sure plastics are going to be an option. Luckily, I've only been with one new guy since the skin problem got annoying and he was so consumed with his own body issues I don't think he noticed. lol Most guys I've been with in the last 18 months knew me at my highest weight. Now they don't notice the skin issues (I don't think fwb really care what I look like- lol), they are just happy about how much more we can do in bed! Just curious, does your guy know about the surgery? Mine did not but he knew I had lost a lot of weight. I don't really have any advice for you, just thought I could relate. I guess it's just another change we have to deal with... it can't all be sunshine and roses.

Lane Bryant is the only place I've bought bras (except sports bras) in years! They will fit you for free and they have varying levels of coverage, support and padding depending on what you're looking for. I've gone from a 48DDD to a 40F and can't find anything else as supportive. I have a lot of "side boob" or excess skin under my arms. I have found some there that are full coverage and go high enough under my armpits so I'm not spilling out anywhere. Btw, right they have the semi-annual sale going on that is buy 2 get 2 free but I think it only goes a few more days.

You just have to request to join. The admins will approve you.

Yes, I would go to a running store so they can analyze how you walk and your foot shape. It depends on the width and arch of your foot, if you overpronate or under. It really will be worth it to find some nearly-customized shoes for you.

Check out Bariatric Foodie (google it). It's a WLS cooking blog. She has a recipe index with lots of low carb desserts, some with lots of protein even. I've made a few of hers and they are great! I've also found good ones on Pinterest. And I occasionally have sugar free candy or cookies. I have a sweet tooth too!

I also carry a protein bar in my purse and bring along other items if I know I'm going to be out and unable to eat all day. However, if you do not have anything on hand and do not have a chance to stop anywhere, I would think there are better choices at a concession stand... maybe a hot dog or hamburger? Do it sans bun, it may be higher in calories but it's low carb and has protein. Maybe they have trail mix or sunflower seeds. I'm not one to talk because I do indulge at times but try to go with something that has protein, even if extra carbs and calories are unavoidable. I don't think nachos would be the best option but I know that if I don't plan and wait until I actually feel hungry then I make bad decisions.

I think pretty much everyone here will agree that sex gets SOOOO much better when you start losing. I've been obese my entire life so I didn't realize how much it could change. Just like everyone else mentioned, hormones being released, feeling more confident and open-minded, being more flexible, etc. One thing that hasn't been mentioned, which I have noticed is that I am MUCH more orgasmic now. I used to get off less than 50% of the time through intercourse but now it's about 90%, and many times is happening twice. I know sex is very mental with women and I'm sure that's part of it because I'm less insecure and "in my head" during it. I also think it has to do with less "stuff" being in the way down there. The sensations are more intense and my partner can get deeper and closer to me. I don't feel as much of a squishy barrier now. Trust me, you have A LOT to look forward to in this department! Good luck!

There was a topic about this a week or two ago... it might have been in the powder room. But more than one person said that area was addressed in their tummy tuck or body lift procedures. It concerns me too because even thought my stomach has shrunk a lot you still cannot see my "girl" too well because of the saggy/fat skin down there. However, it only matters when I'm naked because I still have a big enough apron (still losing) that masks it.

Before VSG, I always had very irritable bowels with frequent diarrhea. Post- VSG, like many others, I dealt with constipation and infrequent bowel movements. The last few months I was getting to a more regular schedule, maybe every other day. So, for the last probably 4 weeks, I have been experiencing a lot more diarrhea. My eating habits have not really changed. I did eat kinda poorly over spring break last week but this started before. Previously, my loose stools were always related to something I ate and happened immediately after eating. Now they seem to be happening in the morning, sometimes before I eat anything. It has been the kind where I have to rush to the bathroom and spend 20 minutes in there. It only happens once or twice a day and later in the day I am fine. I had my 9 month post-op appointment last week and the CNP didn't really have any ideas as to why this could be happening. I did have my gallbladder out 2 months ago but she said it could be my body getting back to its "normal" habits. This was not good news. I don't know what it is that's causing this but I don't like it! I guess I'm just wondering if anyone has had similar experiences. At 9 months to 1 year out and more, do you still have problems with constipation? Or have your bowels returned to their pre-op "normal"?

Gosh, this is hard! There have been so many! I would have to say all of the instances that make me realize I no longer stand out as the FAT girl and that my life is so much less limited now. For example, I am a HUGE Cincinnati Reds fan and finally got to go to Opening Day this year. (It's pretty much a holiday in Cincy.) I was able to walk around all day and sit in a stadium seat comfortably. I used to have to be the one to buy my own tickets so I made sure they were on the end or next to an empty seat so I wouldn't make anyone else feel uncomfortable. One time, I literally took a cab from the stadium the 6 or 7 blocks to the parking garage. I claimed I didn't know how to get there but that wasn't really it. Another example: going out with my girlfriends a few weeks ago. There were 5 of us in the car and I wasn't singled out as having to sit in the front seat. I was able to sit in the back with two other girls AND they made me get in the middle! lol Oh, and, making my crush do a double take when he saw me after 10 months. He didn't even recognize me at first! Now if I could just see him again so I can flirt with him! I know you said one but I am so horrible at the best/favorite thing!

I always was gassy before (due to IBS) but now it's even worse! And before, a lot of times it was just air but now, 9 times out of 10, it reeks! It's embarrassing. I used to be able to do it in my corner at work and get away with it but now it stinks up the whole room. I was 3 months post-op when I started dating my last boyfriend and I tried so hard to hide it but I don't think I was very good at it. We'd go to bed at night and he always wanted to spoon. I'm sure he noticed me tensing my entire body (to try to hold it in). Now that I'm single again, it's one of my biggest worries about finding someone new. That's ridiculous! I've brought it up at my last two follow-up appointments and the CNP didn't seem too concerned or offer any advice.

Pureed meatball with a dab of spaghetti sauce. I don't remember much from the first few weeks but I remember that!

This, along with my "apron," has not shrunk as much proportionally to the rest of my body. I do notice it feels thinner and the bone is closer to the surface but now since the skin has become deflated I feel like it falls over and hides my vag. My lower stomach has shrunk but not shrunk up. Again, it's just like the same amount of skin but not as filled so that hides my girl parts too. I was so looking forward to seeing her again but she's still pretty much hidden when I stand. I have quite a bit more to lose and I'm not sure if plastics are realistic since I was self-pay for VSG. I know muscle tone helps with saggy skin but I'm not sure if there are many exercises you can do for that part of your body! Someone wanna ask their trainer?! lol

You know, it's funny, I actually kinda like shopping less now! Of course, it's exciting to continue to go down sizes but before I knew exactly where to shop and what to buy. Now I have to try on multiple sizes of everything. I am able to shop at a lot more stores now that I am down to an 18/20 (from a 28). However, I find that part of it overwhelming because there are too many options. I am an indecisive person and I don't know where exactly to shop when I am kind of "in the middle." I am still sticking with plus size stores, which is fine because I am comfortable with them but I need to seek out new brands and see what fits my body. But I am also still losing so I try not to go crazy. I can't buy the things I want because I try not to spend more than $15-20 on an item of clothing right now. It actually makes getting dressed harder. It takes me so long to figure out what I want to wear now and half the time it doesn't fit or showcases my saggy skin too much. No, I'm not getting depressed about it... the NSVs are making it worth it no matter what, it's just an interesting observation.

My coworker makes these. They look so good. I haven't tried it yet but plan on it. I posted a recipe on here about a month ago for cordon bleu portabellas. Those were good!

Cereal for me. And chips.

http://www.adventuressheart.com/2010/08/labour-day.html I can't remember if I made these with ground beef or turkey. On MFP, they are 93 calories, 10g Protein, 3 carbs, 4g fat per meatball... and they are LARGE. I think I ate two with some marinara over top. They were very good!