MrsSugarbabe

Many years ago, when I was playing racquetball a couple times a week, I played a couple games with another club member (essentially a stranger) who took me to task about my negative self-talk. As I began to really listen to myself, I was able to eventually stop berating myself. It is a process, and it does take work and time. It's one of the best things I've ever done for myself, and the best thing he could have done for me (besides helping to improve my game because he was so much better at racquetball than I was).

I love eggs!! Boiled, scrambled, fried. I typically eat one for Breakfast each on Saturday and Sunday and the occasional boiled egg during the week. It's amazing how filling one egg can be now. Size-wise it is the perfect meal.

What is YOUR definition for a "full meal?" For me, the definition of a "full meal" changed after surgery....in a big way. Now, 10 months post-op, my meal size (NOT serving size) is somewhere between 1/2 cup to 3/4 cup TOTAL depending on the meal. My dinners typically include about 2-3 oz. of Protein and a couple bites of veggies. Breakfast and lunch vary in foods, but still fall in the amounts mentioned above.

@@BLERDgirl - Love this!!! "Weight loss starts in the kitchen not the gym." @@FrankiesGirl - Love your 3-legged stool analogy! @@Giselle426 - Don't give up!! Keep working your program and doing everything your surgeon and NUT have recommended. And the hardest thing of all (at least for me) - be patient with the weight loss. Slow and steady is the way to go. Just stay the course!

You definitely are not alone!! I've been in a holding pattern for about 4 months now. Still working plan, exercising, and drinking as much Water as I can. I guess I'll be like some others who will have to fight tooth and nail to lose the last 40+ lbs.

Check out this website - http://www.diabeticconnect.com/diabetic-recipes/slow-cooker There is bound to be something for everyone here. As with most crock pot recipes, you should be able to adapt most to fewer servings if you're only cooking for 2, like I am. I have a small crock pot that is the perfect size for my husband and me, but I also have a 5 quart crock pot for the bigger meals like pot roast, etc.

@@Elode - http://www.bariatricpal.com/user/228739-baileybariatrics/ Yes, she is an RD.

I didn't start buying "new" clothes until a couple of my co-worker friends started telling me, "Lisa, it's time to go shopping" which was after I'd lost about 45-55 lbs. It takes about 15-20 lbs. for me to lose a size. I did buy 2 pairs of new slacks, but bought several tops at a consignment shop a friend had told me about instead of buying everything new; especially since I didn't expect to be in my newer size for a long time. Based on my previous experience with losing a lot of weight, my top sizes tend not to change a whole lot, but my slack sizes do because of my hips. Go consignment shopping, or buy slightly used clothing instead of spending a lot of money on brand new clothes. Now it's time for me to really start cleaning out my closet and drawers.

For several weeks now, I've been trying a variety of the Quest bar flavors. I had not paid much attention to the ingredients label until I read this post. My most recent order of bars does have the soluble corn fiber, but I can't say I've noticed any difference digestively That being said, because I read the ingredients label today, I see that these bars also have Stevia in them, and not just sucralose. I've never had any problems with sucralose and am a fan, but have had problems in the past when using Stevia as a sweetener. Could it be that for some people it's the Stevia that's causing the problems? Just wondering out loud.

Excellent post! Thank you for the reminders and encouragement!!! My current stall has lasted about 4 months so I'm just riding the wave and doing what I know I should be doing.

I concur with @CanyonBaby. Stomach acid can mimic/feel like hunger. Try drinking some Water or even about 2-4 ounces of fruit juice which may be just enough natural sugar to stave off what you're feeling. Although don't make juice a habit because it's way too easy to drink too many calories. Head hunger is real and can be a true beast. Occupy your mind with other things besides food and eating. I, too, am struggling with the beast now and am working diligently to get it tamed....again. It resurfaced with a vengeance about 6 months out for me. Hang in there and keep checking in with BP for some great information and support. You are not alone!! There are several BP posters who offer the best, and trustworthy, information and great encouragement and support. It's helpful to learn from their experiences, but always follow the plan prescribed by your surgeon and NUT, first and foremost.

Thank you, Lord, for the answered prayers and strength for Jenifer and Dave!!! Continue to be with them every moment of every day, giving them strength for this journey and your peace that passes all understanding. You know everything they need as they plan and prepare for Dave's surgery. As we continue to pray without ceasing for this couple.......

In short, rheumatologist recommended Celebrex (COX2 inhibitor) for my arthritis pain if my surgeon okays it along with some topical gel Voltaren for smaller joints. I had also requested a short-term dosing course of prednisone (high to low doses over a period of 2 weeks) to get me past the worst of the pain, but my surgeon said no NSAIDs or steroids due to increased risk of ulcer. However, he said if I did take the prednisone then to be certain to take my Prevacid daily. I will be studying on this to decide how I'm going to proceed. No problem with using the Voltaren.

Because I'm not able to go back on my arthritis medicine now that I've had VSG, I'm seeing my rheumatologist tomorrow to talk about what I can take to help with chronic pain due to arthritis and other conditions. One thing we'll be talking about is the Medrol Dosepak (prednisone) which I've had a few times in years past and which helped give me pain relief for 4-6 months. It sounds like that's what you're on. My nighttime pain medication gets me through the night, but my daytime pain level has not improved. Good luck to us both!

My 62 lbs. loss has not helped with my lower back and referred hip pain, but it has helped with knee pain. I'm a work in progress on managing the back pain since I cannot go back to my old, familiar, worked really well arthritis medicine. Seeing my rheumatologist tomorrow.

Congratulations on your success!!! Sounds like you're doing very well and will continue to do well. Enjoy your healthy new You and your healthy new Life!!!

@@VSGAnn2014 - Thank you for sharing your questions to and answers from your PA. It is very encouraging and will be very helpful in multiple ways. I appreciate your forthrightness and wisdom of your posts. My daily jaunts on BP always provide me with a lot of information to ponder. Your posts are some that I always look forward to. Thank you for being an inspiring VSGer

How timely this topic is!! I've been dealing with the MUNCHIES off and on for about a week now. What a struggle at times! Still logging every bite and still exercising, trying to stay the proper course. Trying (and usually succeeding) to make the best choices for when I do give in to the munchies.

I sooooo appreciate you all!!! And all the information you put out here. There's always so much great information on this site and I look to many of you for your tidbits of wisdom, advice, slap up side the head, whatever's needed on various topic posts. Of course, my first source for information will always be my surgeon/ NUT/exercise guru's office, but you all add so much more - LIFE EXPERIENCE - from which we all can learn something. THANK YOU!!! for being YOU!

This morning I made a peach shake with a 1/2 cup of fresh peaches, 8 oz. skim milk and 1/2 serving vanilla unjury and 1/2 serving of unflavored Unjury. It was delicious! I used the Monroe variety of freestone peach. So far it's the best tasting peach I think I've ever eaten!

Congratulations! Thank you for sharing your inspiring story and photos. You look awesome!!

Awesome NSVs, @@Elode!! Congratulations!! I know you're enjoying the rewards of all your hard work and perseverance! You're a great inspiration!