Chicago1962

Yesterday I hit the 92 pounds lost mark. I am so, so thankful. I really can't believe I've done it. Not just the surgery and good eating, but the choosing to really take care of myself. It's been 3.5 months since my surgery. I still have over 100 pounds to go, but I am almost 1/2 way there and I am so excited. On 10/20 I will be walking a 5K at Soldier Field in Chicago. When I think about walking all that way I scare myself. But I will do it. I am committed. I want to be the kind of person who can do a 5K - even if it takes me all day to do it!!!! I think what I've learned the last few months is to just take it one day at a time. To not beat myself up when I blow it a bit. To trust my new tummy and that my body is working for me - wanting to get healthy. I have learned that life goes on - whether I am eating ice-cream or not. That dealing with stress does not necessarily mean overeating. That I can still find foods to crunch and enjoy but that I don't have to eat the whole bag, carton, plate. I am thankful for this chance... this opportunity. And I am committed to helping those who are not able to get the surgery, or who are not ready, to fight the lie that they are no good and that there is no hope. I have been overweight since I was 7 and weighed over 300 pounds for the last 20 years. While I have had a fantastic job, great friends, active lifestyle, and strong faith through it all - I have also hated my body, judged myself relentlessly, and slept through many a party or activity due to exhaustion and embarrassment.. When I think of how terribly I have been to myself - it makes me cry. Hurting myself - hating myself - got me to 398. It was a step of love that had me endure through the surgery hoops, get my surgery, and worked on this food issue the past several month. If you are someone who has literally hated yourself because of your weight (and other things), my prayer is that I can help you and you can help me not be mean to ourselves any longer. I want to care for me - and lead myself in a healthy, active, alive life-style. Please help me in return by sharing with me your pain, victories and journey. Thank you for your friendship and partnership on this adventure!

I was aware as I read your entry, overboard, that you are really focusing on the few weeks of not-so-good eating and even gaining, and totally missing all the work you did, yes YOU DID over the last year. That is our eating disorder talking. It is not the truth. That is the voice that got us here. The black/white thinking. The all/nothing. People who live a healthy lifestyle blow it sometimes - and they let it go and get back on the health path. You can do this. I can do this. It's a lie to think we can't - and we must not let that voice take control!!! I need you to try again - because you are a mentor to me - as are so many of those who had surgery 1, 2, 3+ years ago. You will not gain it all back. You can do this! I do not mean to sound all polly-anna and innocent here - but we must fill our minds with what we CAN do vs. the fear of failure and lies we have believed before that we won't make it. Please don't do that to yourself. Please. Just take care of yourself tomorrow. Then write about it and do the same thing the next day. We are all behind you because YOU ARE US!!!! We must stay connected and push each other in the direction of health and success and LIFE. Big hug!!!! Amy

Cooking help needed! I made my backed mushroom chicken tonight (used healthy mushroom soup), but I did not put the normal fried onion rings on top. The chicken was not too good. I need something less fatty to put on top that has lots of flavor and crunch to replace the fried onions. Ideas?

So sorry to hear about your job loss. People have given you great advice - and it sounds like you already have begun a great connections in the Houston network! Be sure to create a LinkedIn account and get your profile to 100%. Also join some of the groups on LinkedIn that relate to healthcare, hospitals, houston employment, ahima, ama, etc. Also connect with your community college. Their career services office should be free for you and will offer you great support. I have been laid off three times and each time I have actually transitioned to a better job. I know this was a shock, and while you may be happy to get out of that company, it's a shaky, unexpected time for you. Not at all what you planned on. It's so important you get some support right now - and that you use this time to take care of yourself, apply for unemployment, think through what you might like to do next, and have faith that God is good and may just have something BETTER for you right around the corner. Message me directly if I can support you in any way.

I am three months past surgery too - down 88 pounds - but I am able to eat way too much which has me struggling a bit. That said, God is good and I am thrilled with my progress so far! CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!!

GET OUTTA HERE! REALLY? You answered that so quickly, I am guessing you like them too?

I waited 15 years to have WLS. Doctors said I was a great candidate back in my 30's. I wasn't ready. They would tell me over and over again. I wasn't ready. I had friends who had it and they did great. I wasn't ready. My sister had it and did fantastic. I wasn't ready. Then one day I was. I decided I wanted my body to work for me... that I wanted my tummy to be a tool of moderation... that I was willing to risk the surgery (which was so scary to me) and trust that God was in control... He was... He is... I have zero regrets. I still struggle with food. The habit of eating. Loneliness when I am not eating. But I take it one day at a time. I just keep pluggin along - trying to eat Protein - trying to drink Water - trying to walk... Just went to my 3 month check in. Almost at 90 pounds. Doctor is thrilled. I am humble and thankful.

Tall white chocolate mocha with skim milk, no phone, one pump. 4 splendas. Mmmmmm...

I am between 800 to 1200 calories a day. I am loosing about 8 to 10 pounds a month on average. I walk about every other day. Great question.

i say celebrate every single pound you have lost! And this isn't a race! If we start to compare with one another we are doomed - at least I am. I started my journey at 397. I am now at 311. That is my journey - and the surgery was a part of that. YEAH FOR EVERY OUNCE!!!

I will never forget the day I was sure my surgeon had duped me! I thought "What if this is a scam and he really didn't take out 3/4 of my tummy like he promised?" Even now, at 3+ months post-op, when I eat popcorn or watermelon and I see the volume I can consume without pain it scares me. Do I drought that he removed 3/4 of my tummy? No - because I have gotten sick enough now to tell when I have had too much. The volume of food I eat now is probably 25% what I used to, if that much. But the process is so different than what I expected. So, so different. Try to relax and trust in your surgeon and his team. No point in even entertaining the idea that this was a mistake, because sister, your tummy is gone for good! (smile) So take it one day at a time and try to be gentle with yourself. It's a new time in your life. Keep talking about your feelings, and your fears, and TRUST in the decision you made and the journey you are on. YOU CAN DO IT!!!!

I had a drain. No problem at all. It didn't hurt at all. I didn’t enjoy dumping it 2x a day - but if it meant I was getting rid of fluids that were building up in my body, then I could live with it. I have heard of people who had it and people who did not. No worries there. I'm sure whatever your surgeon is suggesting isfine.

You guys are SO encouraging me - and hopefully one another!!! I thougt I hit 100 pounds down three days ago - and then my weight went up 4 pounds. Back and forth. Back and forth. As long as the trajectory is down, I am happy. Watching my body retain Water, do its little ups and downs has been helping me get to know my body better. I avoided scales for so. so long! I had no idea how much I weighed - except when I'd venture into WW once a year when they had free sign-ups. And I'd always be "so surprised" when it was higher than it was the last time! NOT! Denial is not our friend, and so I am determined to keep talkin about my weight, my size, my fears, my food, my excersize, my Protein, etc. I can't do this alone. I don't want to do it alone. Please message or email me if you ever want additional support or ideas or prayer and a mutual kick in the butt!!!!! I am so PROUD OF US!!!!!!!!!

Don't give up! You are doing great!!!!!!! Remember when you don't have as much to lose you will lose it slower. Relax and enjoy the journey. It will happen!!!

I was like that for a while. Didn't last too long. What was strange is that I could not for the life of me read for a month after the surger - which is not like me at all! But that passed to. The surgery was and is so worth it!!!!

Pillows became my friend. Took me about three weeks to be able to sleep in any position I wanted. It's all worth it!

Kathy - I really appreciate your encouragement. Prissy - I have had a stall for a little over three weeks so I am totally with you. I think I just broke through mine yestersay (finally) but it was hard mentally not to see the numbers go down. Just do what you need to and continue to be mindful of every drink and bite. We are learning all new things about eating and caring for ourselves. One of the things we are learning is patience... and endurance... I'm here if you need encouragement. Stay the course! Your body is adjusting! You can do it!!!!

You need to call your doctor! We are all different and no one on line can tell you that is normal or it is not. Please reach out to your surgeon. Even call tonight if you have to. It may be nothing - but we are learning to really care for our bodies so why risk it. Please call and keep us all posted. Hugz.

Lissa - Your message was such an encouragement to me today. Congrats on one year out and 117 pounds gone forever! I have been plataeuing and reading your story helped me remember I have a long journey ahead and there is no need for me to worry about this little pause. In another 9 months I hope to get another 50 pounds off and catch up with you!!! Celebrating your victory today!!!!

Now that I have 2.5 months behind me, I get so excited for others who are about to have the surgery!!! Such a great decision for me and I don't regret it a bit. I am still learning what I can and can't eat. I lost 30 pounds prior to surgery and my doctor was thrilled. The first two weeks I did a shake in the morning, a shake at lunch, and a mcdonalds grilled south west salad for dinner. One week before surgery I gave up everything but the shakes but did eat popsickles which saved the day for me! lol You can do this! Your mind will tell you you can't - but we are all here to tell you YOU CAN!!!!! Keep writing and reaching our for support!!!!!

I am 2.5 months out of surgery and I too got scared when I realized how much popcord I can eat without any issues. I am staying away from it for now...

Ok - what type of stool softener do you all recommend? ((I can NOT believe I am asking this - but I'm among friends...)

My food intake has increased also. There is a very fine line between satisfied and full. When I go to full it is not pleasant. I am trying to learn where the cut off is BEFORE I eat too much. What's amazing about the surgery is that one day you can not eat something and the next day you can. Our bodies are so cool - and they are healing. But I am with you - I don't want to stretch my new tummy. And sometimes it is sore - even after 2.5 months - depending how much and what I eat. Protein hurts the most (meat, chicken). Anyway - you seem to be doing great! Thanks for the post! Amy

I am 49, single, live in the NW burbs of Chicago and looking for a special man (or a group of people) to have fun with, go for walks, laugh, and not eat a lot together! This is a new start on life and a little bit of loving and friendship can't hurt! Hope to hear from you! Amy

Hi Belaire - My first thought as I read your email is "way to go getting through the surgery and moving on to more solid foods"! That in itself if a huge accomplishment and I think the fact you (we) even had the surgery is HUGE!!! My next thought was "get rid of the food!!!" You are the exact same person you were before you had the surgery - just your tummy isn't. Treat it tenderly. Take care of it. Get rid of anything that causes you problems. You said if it's there you eat it - so clean it out and make your home a sanctuary. I used to pig out at home - well everywhere - but now my home is a safe place. I'm sure not perfect, but I am so, so much better. Remember your tummy is still healing - so you absolutely can not abuse it! Well you can - BUT YOU CAN'T because it could have very serious consequences. DO WHATEVER IT TAKES to care for your tummy!!! And keep reaching out for help. You can do it. If I can you can. I believe in you!!!!