TakeCareGirl

You are inspiring! Congratulations!

You are gorgeous! Congratulations!

Congratulations!!!!!

You look fabulous! Congratulations!

Congratulations!

You are looking great!

Went to the Big Island for a week about 2 years ago. It was lovely, we saw every part of the island, the volcanoes, hilo, the southermost point (very buggy, bring bug spray!) the beaches of course. We stayed throughout at the Hilton Waikeloa (sp?) it was a timeshare resort and it was lovely. Very central to make day trips throughout the island. Would love to go back and also see Kauai. I ended up parasailing, I'm guessing I was at a weight a little higher than I was now. I wasn't planning on it at all, just went on the boat to watch our friend do it, and I kind of got talked into it. I'm glad I did it - I knew I was under the weight limit but still praying the lines would hold me. Glad I did it, it was one of the few times in my life that I didn't let my size hold me back. I plan to do many more things like that in the future.. Would love to do it again sometime and a much lighter weight!

After 50+ pounds, mine are definitely getting smaller but that's okay with me. It's been so long since I've been even an average size but I think I was a C in high school when I was active. Now I'm a DDD, but that's going down.

Sounds delicious!

Congratulations!

Congratulations!

I think there are people who have had various WLS types that have an all or nothing approach and they feel the need to restrict themselves in order to be successful. That is what works for them. But you are not them, and if you make up your mind to eat just a little bit of the foods you like, you can be successful. You have to find something that works for you so you can be successful. That being said, this stage is only temporary, yes you can eat real food, just not a lot of it. I had the same stage of mourning food, and I think about it sometimes, how I used to just overdo it. It was comforting in the moment, but long term it wasn't. I just remind myself of that. You can do it - stay strong!

Happy Thanksgiving friends!

Congratulations!

Congratulations!

It's a great feeling I'm sure! Congrats!

Despite my weight fluctuations, I've basically been wearing the same size 26 dress pants for work, for years. They have been getting way too baggy to the point where people have been telling me to get new pants! Went to get a couple pairs today, and I fit comfortably in a size 22! I was feeling a bit of sticker shock and realize I'm going to need to begin shopping consignment stores during this weight loss journey. Size 22 and going down!

I made this in the crockpot this evening and it was a hit with me and my six year old! The house smelled SO good when we got home. I used 20 ounces of chicken breast instead of the drumsticks/thighs in the recipe, and used 1 cup of matchstick carrots instead of the regular carrots sliced (on hand). Served without the rice of course. I estimate this makes about 8 servings at just under 3 ounces a serving. Using MFP to calculate, per serving 117 calories, 9 carbs, 1 gram fat and 17 grams of Protein. Though I love carrots, glad I didn't add more, I didn't realize they had as many carbs as they did - the carbs in the recipe come mostly from the brown sugar and the carrots. Overall a hit in our family! Soy-Ginger Chicken ★★★★★ Prep Time: 30 minutes | Cook Time: 6 hours 30 minutes | Servings: Serves 4 | Difficulty: Easy 1/3 cup soy sauce 2 tablespoons dark-brown sugar 5 garlic cloves, thinly sliced 2/3 cup fresh cilantro, chopped, plus sprigs for garnish 1 piece fresh ginger (about 2 inches long), peeled and cut into thin strips 5 scallions, thinly sliced on the diagonal (1 cup packed) 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar 1 teaspoon ground coriander 1/2 teaspoon ground pepper 4 chicken drumsticks and 4 thighs (about 2 1/2 pounds total), skin removed 2 medium carrots, thinly sliced crosswise 1 tablespoon cornstarch 1. In a 5- to 6-quart slow cooker, stir together soy sauce, sugar, garlic, cilantro, ginger, 1/2 cup scallions, vinegar, coriander, and pepper. Add chicken and carrots; toss to coat. Cover, and cook on low until chicken is tender, about 6 hours. Using a large spoon, skim off and discard any fat from surface of cooking liquid. 2. In a 2-cup glass measuring cup, whisk cornstarch with 1 tablespoon Water. Ladle 1 cup cooking liquid into measuring cup; whisk to combine. Pour into a small saucepan, and bring to a boil; cook until thickened, about 1 minute. With slow cooker turned off, stir in cornstarch mixture. Serve chicken with white rice, and garnish with cilantro sprigs and remaining 1/2 cup scallions. Source: http://www.marthastewart.com/340993/soy-ginger-chicken?backto=true

I think you look fabulous! Congratulations!

Bless your heart, you are not alone, you have the people on this board, and you came to the right place. There will always be doubters. You've worked 7 months to get here as you said, and you can't let them stop you, if you know in your heart you are right. And you are right - it is NOT easy. Just taking it one day at a time. Hugs and hang in there!

Way to go, congrats - you look fabulous!

LOL! I did that to myself on liquids too, I looked at my food blogs and Pinterest, it's like food p0rn!

I also had the wonderful Dr. Jones through the Park Nicollet program, surgery at Methodist on September 25. In my pre-op apppointment Dr Jones gave me some parenting advice that was also aimed at ensuring I take care of myself. I will never forget it. Everyone on the staff is wonderful - I especially like Candace one of the bariatric nurses. Overall, I had a great experience, short recovery and everything is going well! Good luck!