slimshadee

My goal weight was 140 to put me at a normal BMI. However, at this weight I am not happy yet. I think the surgery took me as far as it can...the last 25-30 lbs is all me. Really, I just want to be firmer, toned and have a better shape. You can't see too well in the photos, but I do have a hefty ba-donk-a-donk. At 5 foot 2... 115 is a reasonable goal and well within a normal BMI. Exercise is key, so maybe a little higher if I really build serious muscle. Until now, most exercise has been cardio to take style weight off. Am now getting serious about strength and tone. Ugh, just realized that I logged in on my iPad with me old screen name .... Oops

The only watch out is that caffeine thins the lining of the stomach...like NSAIDs and such. Even without acid issues, it is not a good idea to drink too much caffeinated anything. I alternate between decaf and caf. I look at it as I am drinking 1/2 the caffeine that I used to. Actually even less as I no longer drink soda. My doc recommends decaf only and never as a sub for water. Coffee actually dehydrates you...so it is something to think about carefully when considering your new anatomy and the need to keep the stomach ulcer free

This happens to me as well. It's not heartburn, it is actual hunger. Not head hunger, but belly wanting hunger. It is totally TOM related for me. I won't even be thinking about food and the pangs start 15 minutes after I eat. What works for me is really high protein during these times and I let myself graze a bit. 3 Paz of chicken breast over 90 minutes. It really helps me get through it. I probably had hormonal hunger before but just let myself stuff myself!

For me, after 8 months, my restriction changes. Some days I am a bottomless pit and others I can barely eat. I think it has to do with my hormones. The physical restriction is part of it, but I think that there is a mental component as well. I also find the restriction increases throughout the day. I have some personal theories...that a day or two of over indulging stretches things a bit and a day or 2 of back to basic decreases my appetite and increases satiety. For instance over the holidays I ate and ate...by comparison to a year ago, I barely ate but for post sleeve me...I just kept shoving bites in. Now I have been on a mental cleanse, drinking shakes and going back to the basics. I now feel full so much faster and stay satiated for hours. I can't really explain it. But variation for me has become the norm.

I am 5 feet and a slow loser. 40 lbs in 8 months. I do believe it is tougher for us.

1. Comfortably fitting into a coach airline seat! 2. That first pair of "normal" size 12 pants closing comfortably 3. Being called "tiny" 4. Having someone hold the door for me and say "beauty before age" 5. Seeing people that I haven't seen in months and having them gush until I am red in the face HW:226 SW:202 CW: 160

Ok, here goes ... I am 8 months out. SW 226, CW 160 (ha, auto correct replaced CW with cow!) 1) other than walking, I have done zero exercise 2) I drink caffeinated coffee 3-4 days per week 3) I eat all kinds of junk in relatively small quantities Cookies, chips,chocolate, fried foods 4) I was surprised to lose 3 lbs over the holidays 5) I rarely get all my fluids in unless I really concentrate 6) though compliance for me has been tough, this is the best thing I've ever done

I am 7 months out. Between 4-6 months, I lost 1/2 my hair. I have about 2 inches of solid regrowth now...amazing. I don't think that anything will prevent it, but you can help the new hair grow quickly and strong! Protein, biotin and bamboo derived silica. I also use Biosil, it's pricey, but I think it works. It's just very concerted silica. Do not buy horsetail silica...it is lower strength than the bamboo based.

Had same issue after 60 lbs. the real test was to go to the store and try on a smaller size. Yes, I can wear my Xxl tops, but can also fit into a L comfortably.

Can someone post a little more about chia seeds. I bought them at trader joes to help with constipation. I took a spoonful and downed with iced tea. My concern is the calories...70 in 1 tbsp and 5 g fat. Trying to conquer constipation and getting in enough protein, but not sure that these are a win win...

I can't believe that I am posting this. I have had such "issues" of late. At 6 months out...It has only gotten worse. I take fiber, stool softeners, miralac every day. I posted a graphic depiction of a stool impaction that happened to me. So...today I tried a preemptive enema. It was surprisingly easy and not uncomfortable. I decided to try this if I don't poop after 5 days. I would recommend it if your having a hard time. It was not nearly as disgusting as I thought it would be!

Not sure what is so magical about 6 months. It makes sense that you can expect weight loss to slow since you have less to lose...but I don't understand why some would assume it all has to be gone before the clock strikes midnight??

Sure. Biosil is a supplement that I bought on Amazon. From what I can tell...it is mainly silica anyway. I taKe SOLARAY bamboo 300mg. I don't work for Biosil or SOLARAY so please take my reco with a grain of salt and buy whatwever makes you comfortable.

One more thing...don't buy horsetail herb silica. Get the bamboo version as it is more potent!

Biosil is available and a bit pricey...I use it butit am not be for everyone. Alternately, you can google bamboo supplements or go to amazon...there are plenty of generic choices. Let me know how it goes.