JanetPRN

I totally agree with all of the above. When I get a compliment, "You look great" my brain hears ..." last year you looked liked poo-poo!"

Life is a journey. If I had read this pre-op, I would have been motivated to write myself a letter to read on my 1 year anniversary. It's amazing how much we change inside and out side over such a short period of time.

Great transformation! So pretty!

I take Biotin capsules 1000 mcg from Walgreen's, and 4 gummy Multivitamins daily, that's it.The bariatric vitamins gagged me so I used them crushed in applesauce for the first 3 or 4 weeks only.

I completely understand the mental punishments we put ourselves through. I am 7 months out, down 70 lbs also, and goal is about 10 or so lbs away. People have commented positively to my weight loss. I am open about the fact I had surgery, but almost choked on my own response yesterday to the question about "how much have you lost?". I really do not want to admit to anyone, let alone myself, that I had let myself get so overweight. I tried to discuss these feelings with my husband who is very supportive, and said I should be proud of my achievement. He doesn't understand it, though. I can not be proud, and I still feel shame on looking at my old pictures. Some day this may resolve, but so far, my mental transformation has not caught up to my physical transformation. We women are strange creatures, I guess. PS: It's good to see you here again.

7 months out and virtually no hair loss at all. Lucky , I guess.

I had it the first month also. My protein drinks seemed to bring it on, especially Muscle Milk Light. I will say the pendulum swung the other way by the end of the fifth week. I'm not sure which was worse!

I'm was always an apple, so I will say apple. Seems I am heads towards hourglass , though. Strange days indeed!

Count me in again. I am starting at 164. This has been a challenging month for me , and the weight loss is definitely slowing down. My goal is 158, which would put me under 160 for the first time in almost 30 years .....this is scary territory for me. Start : 164 Goal: 158 Good luck all! Bea - you are awesome for doing this for us! Many thanks

Very surprised this am! Started at 170 , was 167 the next 3 weeks , today I am 164 on the nose!!! Weighed myself twice to be sure! Goal met

I work in a building with TONS of reflective glass windows. At 7 months , I still do not recognize my own reflection! It freaks me out at times. I am not convinced that I will not stop seeing the fat lady in my home mirror , though. Strange times...

It may not be gas, it can from the way they positioned during surgery, or from moving you off the or table. Try to get someone to massage your neck and shoulder for you a bit. Either way , gas or muscle strain, it should resolve shortly . Feel better!

My body often confuses thirst for hunger. Especially in the first 4/5 months, the few times I felt super hungry were always related to my Fluid status . Sometimes I think I'm having enough to drink , but I'm not. I am not a Water fan, so I drink some coffee now. though it's probably too early post op for you at this point. As a treat , I buy a jug of the flavored diet iced teas like Snapple or Turkey Hill ( the peach , berry or green teas) and microwave a cup of the tea . I know it sounds weird to heat pre sweetened ice tea , but yummmm. It fixes my cravings and my thirst . You are still early on , and have a lot to deal with your husband and all. Find new ways to be special to yourself. Good luck

I use Fit bit flex and MFP. My user name on MFP is j34half.

I'm in the love Quest club, also. They curb my hunger when I'm out and about. Not near real meals . I often eat half a bar only , they are very dense. The more you chew them , the more flavorful they taste. They can also be microwaved for 10 seconds, chocolate cookie dough and cinnamon nun are wonderful warmed up. I never have more than one a day maximum. Beats fast good drive thrus for me.

You have completely reinvented your body, amazing, Ebony! Stunning ..

Looking marvelous at 6 months., sleeve sister.! Get ready to go shopping again; I heard size 10's calling ????

I re-started at around 4 months post-op . No regrets - love my coffee!!!! It definitely helps with my fluid intake and " regularity" ( sorry tmi)

Still 167 - 2 weeks in a row! I've got to get cracking!

Another sleeve person here- I had horrible reflux prior , in fact , the GERD qualified me to have my sleeve surgery . Since surgery 6 months ago, the GERD has improved dramatically. I am still on meds for it, but no longer feel any discomfort at all. This is my experience only but thought I would share.

Monmouth County

I am honest about the WLS, but I kept my decision very quiet until two weeks pre-op, and then only telling my mother and sisters. My hubby was only told 1 month pre-op also. ( I had my date scheduled for 4 months - the wait was my choice). While I haven't made a Facebook announcement, I answer questions about my weight loss honestly. I find it easier to dazzle with facts than be vague and provide gossip ammunition. The upside for me has been the fact that I've been able to have open discussions with others who are considering WLS for themselves or family members who are having it. I consider this my " pay it forward" opportunity. This is truly a personal decision to tell / not tell.

It sounds like people are attracted to YOU, not your "thickness" . Confidence is may be your strongest asset, Keep that energy going!

Bread and pasta ; even though I can technically eat them, I have no desire to do so. Sandwiches are a thing of the past for me . I don't miss them either

This too shall pass... In the future , When someone comments that WLS is the "easy" way out, this what you'll remember. It's not easy , but it is life changing . Like childbirth and labor , the bad memories will fade.