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Thank you for the kind words. No special secrets, just making "better for me" food choices most of the time. I will say that starting to exercise, which I didn't really do in earnest until about 3 months ago has helped my shape along with those "suck you in" yoga pants I have on. :-P

9/2012 Today DOS 2/20/13. Height 5'4" CW 155

Here's my update. Sleeved 2/20 down almost 80 lbs. Before at 250 size 2x Today at 155 size Medium 15 more lbs to lose to get to goal.

Tessies & Evolving- you both look fantastic.

Refried beans sit like a brick and bring on the slimes after just a few bites. Of course, I bought an entire case pre-op. Thought for sure they would get me through purees/mushies.

Some type of stool softener (Dulcolax) or mild laxative (Miralax). You'll thank me later.

I have some body dysmorphia issues too. Everyone says I'm thin but that is not what I see. I see huge sabblebags on my thighs, a spare tire around my middle, and a hanging panni. However when I go try on size medium clothes, it gives me some perspective. So no you are definately not a failure. I also stalk My Body Gallery to help better guage what I look like. I look up other people at my old weight and my new weight, it helps.

How long have you been sleeved and How long have you been "stuck" at 223? Loss does slow down after the first 6-12 months. If you are less than 6 months out, I think you can hit onederland by then no problem. If you are further out it may take a little more doing and either bumping the exercise or focusing on protien could help.

I was nervous about my decision. I even got a bit weepy right before surgery. I worried that somehow the sleeve would not work for me. I worried that someday I may need that other 85% of my stomach! All of that is normal. But here's what happened: My sleeve does work and I've lost almost 80 lbs since then. My blood pressure has dropped from prehypertensive at 120/80 to 107/66. I haven't missed that other 85% a single day so far. I was lucky, I had zero complications. What works is following your doctor's orders both pre and post op. What works is starting to adopt healthy habits like regular exercise. I don't love to exercise but it sure is a lot easier now without all those lbs weighing me down. What works is knowing that you are putting your body through a lot after surgery so stalls might happen, they are normal, and if you stay on track, they will pass. Good luck with your surgery. It's good to go in with both eyes open as bad stuff can happen but most likely, you will be just fine.

What a major B**ch!

Hi all, Just a quick check in from the airport, waiting for my flight. Goal was 159 by 10/31, at 155. Hoping to be 149 by mid Nov.

I'm similar to Bean. 45% protein, 30% fat, and 25% carbs. I generally only pay attention to my protein and carbs. I don't really worry about fat.

I supplement with stuff from Goodwill. Pants are $6-8 a pair. The have uniforms and scrubs there too.

I told my immediate supervisor at the time that I was having hernia surgery (I was diagnosed with a hiatal hernia pre-op). The reason I did not say VSG is because I knew he would blab and he did. My point is I know my workplace as you know yours. Say whatever makes you comfortable and leave it at that.

Check out the vet's forum. Several have had regain and successfully taken it off.

My recovery was easy. I walked a bunch after surgery everyday. Now I'm 7 months out and 20 lbs from goal.

Hit 158 today! Yeah! Setting a new goal of 150 or less by November 12 (my birthday).

I started losing hair at about 3 or 4 months out. I have a ton of hair so it's no big deal. Most people lose some hair but few lose drastic amounts where others notice. You will lose some but it probably will be managable and only noticed by you.

What are you eating to get up to 1500 cals a day? Simple carbs make me hungry but high protein foods keep me full.