LynRN

So yesterday was my 11th anniversary. I have lost about 65 lbs since surgery and nearly 90 lbs since my highest weight. So my husband brings in a Victoria's Secret bag and I'm thinking to myself, that had better be body spray because that's the only thing that I can wear from Victoria's Secret. But no, he bought several pair of "cheeky" panties. Mind you, I have been shopping for undies at Lane Bryant for nearly all of my adult life but my cute LB panties have become Granny panties. So my husband decided to take matters into his own hands and buy me some new ones. But from VS? I would never dream of buying anything from VS. so, I reluctantly try them on. Drum roll... They fit! And my butt actually looked good in them. Score one for me... And my Hubby.

So, here'a my story. My highest recorded weight in 2012 was 276 lbs at 5'2. my BMI was over 50. Went to WW and lost 27lbs down to 249. Bounced around between 249-262 all the way up to pre-op diet. I was sleeved on 11/25/13 at 253. Weight loss has been slow from the beginning. I started grad school in January which has been stressful enough but then I lost my mother unexpectedly to a heart attack on April 1st. I didn't really start exercising until 3 months out and just when I got into a routine, my mom passed. Since then, I have only lost about 15-17 lbs. Granted, I have been stressed and grieving and maybe not eating the best. On top of it, this is the hardest semester of my graduate program (nurse practitioner) and I am so overwhelmed. I have, however, been pretty consistent with exercise for the last month or two and I seem to be losing even more slowly. I am currently 188, which is still over 50lbs away from a normal BMI. I have a fitbit and at a minimum I try to get my 10000 steps in by walking. But most days, I do a combo of Zumba, 30 day shred, C25K, and walking. I also try to eat between 800-1000 calories. Some days I am more successful than others at staying in that range. I am meeting with a wellness coach on Monday because I want to begin a heavy lifting program called Stronglifts 5x5. I know you guys don't know me, but I appreciate any advice or wisdom that you can share. I am so overwhelmed with life. Losing a mother, a weight loss journey, full-time grad school, caring for two little boys, working a job, supporting my husband who is also a full-time student, financial strain... anyone of these things is stressful on its own, but the combination is almost unbearable. This is a support group, right?

Do you all ever have days when you feel like you can eat more than you should be able to. I have noticed that when I am stressed or TOM is visiting, I want to eat a lot more than usual. It seems that the restriction is there, I'm just hungry more often and the hunger is stronger. Is is just me? Is this normal? Help!

Here is a sample of how I get my Protein in without a shake. This day is a little light on the calories (I normally try to get 800-1000). Each meal is about 5 oz in volume ( 6 months out). I apologize that I couldn't get a screen shot of the entire day in one pic, but you should be able to see each meal.

I started C25K yesterday, and it went okay but there's def room for improvement. It felt good to be able to run, though. I tried the program about 60-65 lbs ago and my shins hurt and cramped so bad. I thought I had shin splints, but apparently it was the weight. No pain at all with running yesterday, a little thigh soreness today, though. I did Zumba today and walked about 5 miles with the husband and kids. Feels good. I absolutely love walking, especially on scenic walking trails. It doesn't feel like exercise because I can lose track of time and just enjoy my surroundings. Anyway, congrats on your success as well.

Sorry, pressed send prematurely. Anyway, she has been good to me, but I hated the fact that if I was going to an event, I knew there was a real possibility that me and the other chubby girls might be able to pass as a singing group because we are all wearing the same 2 or 3 outfits. Granted, I know there are other options for plus size ladies, but LB was my safety net. I recently bought a couple of pieces there, but I am just about sized out of the store.I am pleased to report that I just bought a bunch of outfits from OLd Navy and Macy's in size 16 and XL. Not bad from 24-26 and 3XL. All my bigger stuff is in bags ready to give away. Feels good. But it feels weird not to have to shop in one or two stores (Torrid was my other fave), but I am rediscovering my style since I have options. So so long, old friend. I may miss ya a little, but I WON'T be back!

Okay, so I know some of you ladies will feel me on this. As much as I have loved Lane Bryant for the past decade, I am very happy to be saying "Sayonara" forever to her. She has been good to me,

So happy for you. Congrats!

I am 6 months out and my weight loss has slowed. How many carbs and calories are u all eating? If anyone is willing to share a sample daily meal plan, that would be appreciated. Thanks.

Anyone out there?

How many calories and how much volume (in ounces) were/are you eating at 6 months? I will be 6 months out on the 25th and am currently eating about 5 ounces at a time and 800-1000 calories a day. I'm down about 66lbs from preop and 57 lbs from surgery. Wish it were more but I kind of fell off the last six weeks after a personal tragedy. Still lost 11 lbs, though. Anyway, I'm working to get back on track now. Also, how many carbs are you eating? Any feedback would be helpful. Thanks.

Okay, so today I tried Brussels Sprouts for the very first time, I know that's a shame (I'm 32). And guess what, I love them. I don't know why they get such a bad rep. I sautéed them with red onions in butter flavored cooking spray (olive oil would probably be better) and seasoned them with granulated chicken bouillon and fresh garlic. Not bad at all. They will be going into the repertoire.

Maybe it would be worth calling. Are you supposed to be taking Omeprazole now?

Did they fall out of the top or bottom?

Will, are you still taking a PPI like Prilosec, Prevacid, or Protonix? I'm nearly five months out my PA told me that the hunger that I'm feeling could possibly be gastritis and she increased me to twice daily dosing. May be worth checking with your doc about it.