tomi71

I think that's the great thing about WLS; tastes changes. I have had b-day cake, candy, cookies but one polite nibble and that was more than enough. It just doesn't taste right and I don't crave any of it. Chalk one more thing up to eating well/right. .....& exercise. As I type this my hubby is laughing at me because he never thought he'd see the day these things would come out of my mouth.

In terms of things in which you imbibed. I miss wine. I went to happy hour, had Blue Sapphire and Tonic and got 3 tiny sips in. Felt like I drank acid and the tonic was flat. Pretty sure it was the gin. Also miss class craft beer. Oh well, fitting into my pants makes up for it. Lol What drinks/foods do you miss?

I miss that too and it's a habit I am still struggling with everyday. I stay hydrated so it's a bad habit.

I can dig it. I was a Dt. Pepsi addict.

I fit that same description...negative thinker. I know that contributes to my anxiety also. I, too, have been to several countries that have profound poverty and it definitely makes you much more appreciative of the life you have but then I get depressed because those poor folks are suffering..especially the little kids. I HATE seeing that mess. Vicious cycle, that depression is. I didn't get professional help for my depression until I was in my early 30s and I wish I hadn't waited so long. But I also didn't know I was dealing with depression and severe anxiety and PTSD and other stuff. I just thought I was nuts and so did everyone else. THere's a podcast I listened to religiously called The Anxiety Guru. The host, Paul Dooley, is a licensed counselor in San Diego, CA. He's really good and the best part is that he knows first hand what this all feels like as he suffered from sever anxiety and depression. Check him out. He makes sense of things and helps me deal between doctor appointments.

You are definitely not alone! But it sure can feel that way sometimes, right? UGH I have to take a Xanax every morning because my anxiety is at its worse. Even on Christmas morning. It makes no sense. It is getting better the more I go to counseling and I am also growing very, very, very tired of feeling this way. I also think my antidepressant has been a huge help. Hang in there. We all know it can go up and down. Like, right now, as I type this, I feel pretty even keeled. This morning when I got up, not so much. A few nights ago, I felt like a complete lunatic. LOL I was hoping that exercising at eating right would obliterate these struggles but no such luck. I just have to accept that this is part of my make up and that I will probably need to take meds to keep the anxiety and depression demon at bay. That's okay with me. How are you doing? Hoping your are feeling better.

How are you doing Julie? Hope your new year is a happy one!

I need to get back into MA. I used to practice and it really whips a gal into shape!

I saw my NUT and surgeon today. First I saw the NUT then the surgeon. My NUT took down my information about the past 3 months, etc., chit-chatted with me about hair loss, vitamins, eating plant-based foods and healthy proteins, yadayadayada. Then she weighed me on the magic scale and congratulated me on being in onderland. But even better, we came up with a goal weight! My fat-free body weight is 109lbs and so based on that composition, she said 140-145 would be very appropriate especially if I continue to do strength training and muscle building exercises. I should have a very nice frame. Of course, I need to also stay on the cardio to build my lung capacity and strengthen the heart. I was so excited and relieved because I was originally aiming for 125 and so many said that would be too small for me. I am 5'3" and small-boned so I guess I'd be skeletal, a look for which I was NOT aiming and to get to 125, I need to lose 70 more pounds and with my tool, it sounds very doable, I did feel overwhelmed. My only problem is the amount of calories she recommended. The max amount is 1400. Minimum 1200. I can barely get in 1,000. She said to munch all day, which is what I do, so that I don't have to worry about cause painful stomach issues and I am constantly fueling myself with good whole foods. Combined with exercise, over time, I will be able to get in more....just be mindful and keep it very healthy. What are some tips and tricks that worked? I'd love to hear ideas. We've fixed my meals so that there is a good amount of plant-based foods and lean protein. The plant-based foods will go faster than the proteins so I still eat my protein first then the plant-based foods. She also said focus on berries, mangos, etc. Those items are really going to make my protein shakes even better. Thanks!

When you get compliments about your legs and how toned they look!

First, you should be thrilled Ms. Lady because you are FIERCE! You started off a beauty and upgraded even more! ????Thanks for the input. We do have similar stats and build. I think my hips are bigger but we look similar in build. I love cheese too, almost any kind. It is so satisfying. I don't worry much about the fats either especially the plant-based. I also can't deal with apples, sadly. I do like yogurt and smoothies but I try not to drink my calories. What type of exercise do you do?

Same thing happened to me. I lost alot of upper/inner thigh size, my quads and calves slimmed even more, back fat, arm fat, face fat, and even belly fat all shrank. HIPS? Nope. Actually, they HAVE gotten smaller because I wear a much smaller pants size but they are still the prominent thing on my body. I have found that they are getting more muscular though because of exersice. So there is hope! Don't get discouraged. Remember, everyone is different and our body lets go of things differently. Pretty soon you'll be past this and well on your way to goal!

Yes! That Strawberry Cheesecake is soooooo yummy and satisfying.

I did see that. I went ahead and took the plunge and got a pixie to cut away all the unhealthy hair. So far so good and I am no longer shedding!

195

I had bread about 4 months out and it was flat bread, like a tortilla or a about 4 pretzel chips. I stay away from other bread-like foods because they'll puff up more and cause pain as others have told me. And since being sleeved, I don't crave bread anymore. Probably from the simple carb "detoxed" during the pre-op diet. I find what works is healthy protein first, good carbs like veggies and fruit next then if you want bread make that the last part of your meal. Remember that bread will burn faster than your protein and isn't as satiating. On Pinterest I saw an interesting recipe for high protein cauliflower bread. http://chocolatechillimango.com/2012/12/16/cauliflower-protein-bread/

Wowzers! You started off gorgeous and kept it going! All of you guys did! My inspiration!

I think I look older but everyone tells me otherwise. I have noticed my laugh lines because my chipmunk cheeks aren't as chipmunk-ish any longer. Lol

It is frustrating to see someone get so much help only to throw it away but remember, no matter what, the person has to be willing and able to accept help. Breaking Bad inspired me to get my s*#% together. I saw mannnnny parallels in that show, which, btw, imo is thee best drama series I have ever watched. Lol "Food" is a helluva drug. Addiction is demon. I know for me, if it wasn't food, it would've been something else.

Same here. Depression PLUS insomnia and terrible, terrible anxiety. Admittedly, I take medications because for the time being it is the catalyst that helps me gain control. But at the end of the day I try to keep in mind that when its all said and done is it better to be happy or better to be sad? Once I understood what happy really meant, I choose happy and I find I stress a lot less. I am an agnostic but there is a saying that goes something like, "no weapon forged against thee shall prosper" (Isaiah, I think.) I use that as a mantra when anxiety kicks in. I guess that's CBT? Anyway, the weapons are anxiety and stress and depression so I try to picture myself using a Jedi mind trick to make those weapons benign.

You will be ok. How many times have we been down this road? Plus, it was the Holidays, most everyone I know gains. Life's too short to ruminate over what you are a few weeks ago. So long as you concentrate on the "now" you will be a-ok. One day at a time.

I love those kinds of dresses! I can't wait to get that tiny!

I totally agree with you on that fake food. One hasn't lived until they've had a meal that doesn't consist of processed crap and chemicals. Plus, I find having a veg garden to be such a stress reliever! Even if one doesn't have space for a veg garden it is still possible to grow something to contribute towards eating good, nutrient-dense food.:Here's a list of foods we can buy once regrow in a smaller space and reap its benefits for a long, long time: Celery Lettuce Potatoes (especially sweet potoatoes) Onions of all kinds Garlic Fennels pineapple Ginger Aparagus Artichokes List goes on but most of the above can be regrown in smaller planters on a patio, balcony, sunny side of a house. Just another good habit/hobby to consider for wl and health success.

What your friend said was terribly inconsiderate, especially if it had that "snarky" quality to the comment. I'd have to leave that "friend" alone. Tell them how it made me feel and unless there's a heartfelt apology derived from genuine shock because they didn't realize the comment was so hurtful, I'd definitely be done with that "friendship." You don't need that negativity. On the brightside, we live in a time where most surgery and anesthesia is safe so you are going to be AOK and be much healthier in this new chapter of your life. Congrats and best wishes!

Hi A little late to game Would like to join if still open. CW: 195 GW: by 2/16 would like to be at 187 HW: 265 Day of vgs: 244 Thanks!