Essence46

You really don't owe anyone an explanation about anything so do what is comfortable for you. I was very open and honest with my boss about everything. She was very supportive which helped me not stress so much about work. At first, I didn't tell anyone (other than my boss and a close co-worker) anything but I later began to open up about it and told some people. For those I do tell, I use my story as a testimony. Someone asked me if I was "sick" and was that why I was losing weight. I was shocked they asked this. I told them I was sick but was losing weight so I would no longer be sick. One thing I have realized is that people aren't dumb. If you drop a lot of weight in a short period of time, they know something is going on. They just don't say anything. However, there will be some people that will ask. What you tell them is entirely up to you. You don't owe them any explainations.

I am not a big soda drinker but I have a few sips here and there to kill the craving. I haven't had any problems with it. I don't think it is something I would do often anyway.

My mom didn't approve and convinced my sister not to go thru the surgery a week before her surgery date. (Her insurance would have covered all of the expenses). Now years later, my sister is much heavier, sicker and more depressed than ever. On top of that, she is now working for a company that won't cover it. She deeply regrets changing her mind. Last year, my mom didn't approve of me having surgery either but I still did it and it was one of the best decisions of my life. I told her I was sorry she didn't approve but I was SAVING MY LIFE and that was my priority. Good luck to you. I know it's hard. *hugs*

Wow!! Congrats!

I am a slow loser too and I am very, very frustrated. *sigh*

I hate my scale too and I am convinced it hates me as well. *sigh*

That sucks. It really does. You have to do what is best for you. My PC doctor was totally against it. She felt I could do it on my own because I did it before. It took 2 years plus a knee blow out/surgery and a few serious health issues with medications blowing me up for her to agree to the surgery and refer me. Today, she likes the way my numbers look and says I look healthy and happy.

I was sleeved in June. Today I have had a banana, a cup of coffee, a protein bar, a cheese stick, half a grill cheese sandwich and some mini-pretzels with peanut butter. Also, about 32 oz of water. For dinner, I will have a small chicken tigh and some cabbage. I eat everything on a small saucer. Not sure of the size though. I realize when I work out, I have to eat more. It varies a little every day but not much. I eat a lot of boiled eggs, peanut butter and drink a lot of shakes too.

Oh my goodness!! Everyone should just do what works for them. What works for some may not work for others. I had dinner around 6 pm which was about 4 ounces of cabbage. I know I haven't eaten enough food/calories today. My body tells me when I haven't eaten enough. I am sitting here now eating two deviled eggs because I am hungry and will be up until at least 1 am. I don't think an after dinner snack will kill you as long as you don't do it every day and you are eating something healthy. Again do what is best for you.

Popcorn is one of the foods I am afraid to try.

@@laurenella82 How is everything going with Dr. Ricford and his staff?

@@JamieLogical Thank you. Before the surgery, I would never ever wear leggings. Didn't even own a pair. LOL!

How is everyone doing? Are you able to eat whatever you want? Are you working out? Are you struggling with anything? Would love to hear from you all. I feel great. Better than I have in many, many years. Even with working out 5 days a week, my weight loss has slowed down a lot. I know it's because I am not eating enough. I am working on eating more, at least every 2 hours and drinking more Water. For many years, I kept telling myself to stop eating so much; you aren't hungry so why are you eating. Now... I have to tell myself to eat. Eat more. Eat more. My diet is pretty good even though I do cheat some days. By cheating I may eat two miniature candy bars or a handful of chips or something like that. I eat pretty much whatever I want but I try to make good choices most of the time. I eat a lot of Protein and veggies. My weight fluctuates 2 to 4 pounds depending on how much water I drink. I can’t seem to get to 199! I will get down to 202 and then go back and forth from 202 to 205!! Ugh! I have 30 pounds to go to my goal weight. Some days I stress thinking I will never get there. That this is it. All of the weight I am going to lose then I get frustrated and discouraged. Other days I don’t worry about the number. I just keep doing what I am doing and focusing on feeling good. Ugh!

There are some days where I am starving. I am eating Protein bars, drinking Protein shakes, eating Jerky, eggs, etc and my stomach is like "I'm hungry. I don't want any #### eggs! I want food!!! LOL!

I am 5'10 also. My NUT set my goal weight at 170. I set it at 175 but will not be upset about 170. Right now, I just need the scale to move.

LOL!! I feel ya!!

It gets better. Trust me. It does. Hang in there. *hugs*

The first pic was taken the day before my surgery. The last pic was taken a few weeks ago.

Surprisingly, I was calm thru the whole process. I prayed and prayed and prayed about my decision. It took two years before my doctor agreed to let me have it so it was a long time coming. I didn't read any bad stories on purpose. I only thought and focused on the positive. I was saving my life and that is how I approached it. The night before I prayed again and woke up surgery morning with even more calmness in my spirit. No nervousness at all. My foot hit the floor that morning excited and ready for my new beginning. Good luck to you.

Vent: I am starving. This morning I did 45 minutes cardio and some weights. Today I had two bananas, a yogurt, a extra small container of Soup and litle bit of salad for lunch and a Protein shake. I will probably have some cabbage and a chicken leg for dinner (fits on a tea cup saucer). I am thinking it's a lot of calories but it doesn't seem like it when I see it on paper.

Since further out. I would say since I started working out every day and was able to eat pretty much anything without getting sick. I need to take in more calories. I am just afraid to. I don't even know if that makes sense. @@Elode

That heffa!! I am glad you didn't give her too much energy. I heard a lot of crazy, negative comments that pissed me off. A few of them even came from other WLS patients at support group or NUT meetings who thought I "wasn't big enough" for surgery. You have to develop a thick skin to handle this that's for sure.