Kathy812

Very happy for you, that was one of my goals too! I went this past summer and loved every minute! I wasn't tired & could have stayed longer. My husband agreed we'd go every year, I love flowers. The nsv's are countless.

I'm surprised they're keeping you in the hospital for four days. If this is correct, then you should be OK by Saturday. I was hospitalized for two days and I did need help on the third day. But by the fourth day, I was able to fend for myself. I just got tired easily. Everyone recovers differently. Good luck!

Wowzie! You have done fantastic! Your skin is even glowing & looks healthy. Congratulations on your success and enjoy those beautiful twins & the Holidays!!!

Happy surgiversary! You look awesome, wish I had your arms. Thanks for sharing your journey with us.

@@Cognorati001, I was always a "normal" size. I didn't gain my weight until I had my daughter & was diagnosed with thyroid disease (which also contributed to my weight gain)-I was 30. I managed to lose weight again but it only last for a couple years. I spent almost 12 years overweight before I decided on the surgery. I thought since I spent half of my life with no weight issues, it would be easy to return back, especially since I'm married. I do struggle with it some days-especially when I get attention from men. I would encourage you to speak to a therapist. Life doesn't miraculously get better with weight loss. It can definitely help. I am over the moon excited & wouldn't change a thing but...... It is a new normal and you have to learn how to live in your new skin. Best wishes.

@@filmgal, My sincere condolences on your loss. Deeply sorry you are going through this. I hope you are surrounded by friends and family during this difficult time. I can only imagine how rough the holiday season can be, concentrate on the "happy" memories of your son. Congrats on being so close to goal. I am STILL struggling with the last 20 urrrgh!

@@pinkbunies, since you're a male, your calorie allotment will probably be different. I'm pretty sure height/weight also plays a factor in how much you're recommended to eat.

I'm 14 months out too. I am told to eat about 1200 calories & if I eat soup/stew I am not to exceed 1-1/2cup. Most of the time, a cup is all I can handle. I eat about 4 ounces of steak, chicken or fish, a few bites of veggies & on occasion, a few bites of carb( which I need to give up until I reach goal) I find that I am hungry more often as the months go on which is a bit scary, so I try to fill up on Protein first. I Hope you're enjoying your trip!

@@Elode, sorry if you've already answered this question but how long do you have to wear the expander? Look at the bright side you don't have to worry about over eating on Christmas :-/ (trying to help)

@@konalisa80, I could have written this post. I am almost 14 months post op. Still not at goal but over thanksgiving I lost a pound & I was so proud of myself that I got a bit too "comfortable". My husband and I always take the week after Thanksgiving off and to my surprise this past Sunday, I got back on the scale and gained 3 pounds! I have never, ever gained that much weight in a week. So needless to say, on Monday I got back on track. This is truly a lifetime commitment & a wake up call for me! Thanks for the reminder, it is so easy to resort back to old habits.

@@Lexuskela I promise I was going to say ( at least half ) of what @@heather5565 said. Promise! You are very curvy & a cutie pie. You are doing fantastic. But it's funny you asked that question. A few weeks ago I had out of town guest and we were taking lots of pictures. I felt really cute & thin (relatively speaking), so I was in most of the shots, then I saw the pictures!!!! Wth? I felt like I should have LOOKED 20 Lbs. lighter then I did. I even said that to my husband. I will say that it motivated me to stop slacking off because I'm determine that One day I will look the way I feel. This I know for sure.

I am a little over one year out and haven't gone to one support group meeting, even though my bariatric team offers it. But it's because time and location isn't convenient. Funny you should ask this question, I intend to go this Thursday for the first time. I have about 20lbs to go to reach my personal goal and I think the added support will help. BP has been my support group, albeit virtual, it has helped me through some challenges. I visit this site almost daily.

I've heard quite a few people mention that they returned from vacation smaller then before they left. That's a win-win in my book (weight loss and adventure). Glad you had a great time.

@@Mom26, I've prayed for you & your family everyday since I've read your post. I believe wholeheartedly in prayers AND positive thoughts.

@@Kindle, I've always enjoyed reading your post-this one is no different. I especially like that you are sharing your experiences from year two. Speaking of which, I am truly sorry for the loss of your best friend. I lost My best friend in 2005. I think about her most days but the pain is no longer as raw and deep. I pray you eventually find peace in the memories of the good times you shared You look fantastic (surgery scars and all). And by the way, you gave great advice for all if us. But especially to the newbies. Thank you

I'm with the minority, I'm losing from the bottom up. I wear a 10 or medium in pants but I could easily wear a size 12 or large on top. Hoping it will eventually even out.

Not a dumb question at all. Early on I was told to do my best to get in all of my protein, water and calories. Believe it or not, eating too few calories can actually cause you to NOT lose weight. Trust me in time you'll WISH you weren't hungry, this stage will pass-at least for most people.

Congratulations! I enjoyed reading your story and the pic 's. Doesn't look like you need plastics at all!

You may be working out too much & possibly eating too few calories. How many calories are you taking in? My stalls last about a month. ( I've had three). I discussed this w/my exercise physiologist and he told me to take one week Off with no workouts. I Lost 2lbs that week! He told me to work out 4-5days a week.

@, yep early on it was a meal for me. But now,over a year out,it's still satisfying but it's a snack, not a meal. I always keep a couple in the fridge.

@@Mom26, I will join the multitude of people who are praying for your son & your entire family. Hit cancer in the face! Fight hard, pray hard. I pray for complete healing. Please take care of yourself.

@@lisaabrumfield, congratulations! You look great. Wishing you continued success.

@@shortsoprano72, I will pray for you. You would think in this day and age more insurers would see the benefits of paying for the surgery(long term). They will definitely save money. I'm sure it's frustrating. Best wishes

@@kris421, I was allowed decaf after one week. Some people drank coffee from day one. But, please don't follow what "we" do. Please follow the instructions from your nutrionist . Hopefully they'll give you the green light.

I was allowed caffeine after one month. I have it everyday with either almond milk and artificial sweetner. A few days a week I do use creamer. No problems whatsoever.