Amberina

Awesome! So excited for you!

Well I have decided that I am going to extend this all liquids challenge for at least another 5 days. I have had such awesome progress and with my CRAZY schedule (I work five 12-14hr night shifts PLUS I have to work a couple of hours and be 'on call' on my 2 days off AND I am a single mom) it is really easy for me to do all liquids. I am loving this break!! Plus it doesn't hurt that I have gone down another pound!! Woo hoo!!

I made it through trick or treating with my kids and then a 12 hour shift at work without a single piece of candy!! I was surrounded by candy and treats all night but it didn't even phase me... now THAT is an accomplishment for me!!!

I am so happy!!! The scale has not moved for me in over a week and it finally went down a pound and a half!!!! Thank you so much @@Elode for starting this!! Happy Halloween everyone! Time to take the kids trick or treating now:) By the way- I bought 15 bags of candy for my employees and didn't even touch one piece! I have had a big bowl of candy on my desk all month and resisted also!! Woo hoo!! Before wls I would have eaten 90% of that!

So far so good- started the day with my double stuffed protien shake. I have been drinking water constantly all day (and a few vitamin water zeros since they are on my approved list). Feeling pretty good. Depending on my progress I may want to extend this for a while.... We'll see....

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!! I hope you have an amazing day:)

Thank you- this is very interesting and beneficial to know. I will probably switch back to the BA chews. I do like them- it's just the other brand went down so much easier for me. I will also bring this up with my NUT on my next visit. In my paperwork it actually says I can use either citrate or carbonate. With this new info I definitely prefer the citrate. I do produce a ton of acid (I always have- it definitely did not start when I started the carbonate ) so that may be why they have been working for me, however- I absolutely do not want to take something that could in fact cause even MORE acid. No thank you!!

I'm in. I have hit a bit of a stall this week. Need to kick it up a notch to get moving again. I agree- Halloween is the perfect time to do this- no candy temptation!!

Actually my NUT said that the main difference is in the way it is absorbed. Citrate is absorbed better on an empty stomach. She said to just take my carbonate when I am having a meal. She said the rate of absorbtion is very similar. She did say however to take 500 MG more. I take 1500mg a day. That being said, always follow what your NUT suggests for you:)

The absolute BEST calcium citrate I have tried is at Costco. It is sugar free and tastes like brownie batter! So freaking good!! Also- you get 180 chews for 11 bucks!! I was buying Bariatric Advantage for $33 for 90. In comparison the BA chews are very chalky. The Costco taste like freaking candy!! My calcium suppliment has become my daily 'treat' !! The brand is Kirkland Signature.

I am definitely not against you! I feel that this surgery has saved my life. It is an amazing tool. Just make sure you are commited. If you were able to lose on your own then I am sure you have what it takes to be successful with this!! This is a decision that is yours and only yours to make- you are the one that will be living with it. Not your friends or your SO. It would be great if your SO supported you- it would make things easier for sure- but this is your life and your decision!!

If this has been a life long struggle for you then I really do believe that the surgery may be a good tool for you to utilize. At first it will make the calorie restriction quite easy for you. As time goes by it will be possible to get in quite a few calories- you just have to make sure that you really stick with your plan. Like most people on here I was terrified about my health declining at a rapid pace. If you feel the same way, and you have done the research- make an appointment with a surgeon and see what they have to say. Go to a couple of meetings and see what you think. Getting more info and input from others can only help you!

Hi there! First off- welcome to the site:) That is awesome you were able to lose so much weight on your own! I was always able to lose weight and maintain it on my own until about 5 years ago. I had my son at age 35 and it did a number on my body. For the first time, I was not able to lose weight no matter how hard I tried. It all started happening about 2 months after my son's birth. I got the implant birth control. My metabolism flatlined. I struggled for 5 years to lose without success. My health began to rapidly decline. It was time to take action. The reason I am telling you all of this is because I really do believe that the sleeve is an amazing tool- it has worked wonderfully for me (I'm currently a little past 3 months post op). However- I only used it as a last resort when nothing else was working. Believe me- I REALLY tried!! Do you think that you would be a successfull losing on your own? Will you maintain the loss long term? If you think that might be a possibility- then I would definitely hold off on the surgery. However- if you have struggled with your weight, successfully lost and then gained over and over, then the sleeve may be a great option for you. Just remember that it is only a tool- not a magic cure-all. It works wonderfully as long as you have the dedication to make it work! What is it about the surgery that your friends are so concerned about? A lot of times when people are not educated on the subject they can have very skewed views about what this surgery is. Good luck to you on whatever decision you make!!

If it were me I would most definitely change! I want to feel comfortable to ask questions or voice concerns if need be. If the office is not treating you right it is your prerogative to find another doctor.

You look awesome! What a difference!!

Awesome accomplishment!! Way to go!

Thank you everyone!! I am so thankful for all of your encouragement! This site is the most awesome support system ever- I am so lucky to have found such an amazing support group!!

Thank you everyone for all the kind words!! I know that we are not supposed to focus on the numbers- normally I just focus on how much better I feel and the fact that my clothing is getting looser- but I was pretty freaking excited to see that 199 this morning!! @- yes we are just about the same- awesome job on your progress!!! @OKCPirate- yes, you are so right!! I feel that this is one time that the numbers ARE a big deal!! @Dub- thanks!! WOW- You are just out of surgery!! How are you feeling? You have had some amazing success so far!! And again- thanks for all the kind words and encouragement - you are all amazing people!!

I also was a self pay patient. I had my sugery in Nevada. My first appointment was June 10th and my surgery was on July 22nd. I had to get a doctor's referral, bloodwork, an x-ray and psych evaluation. Then I picked out my surgery date.

Las Vegas, NV

@@jenn1 I love that idea too! I will do the number sheet for my office and the vases and stones for home! The more reminders around me the more motivated I am!!

I love that- I'm going to make one too!!!! Thank you!!!

The hardest thing to face is when you've let yourself down. We have all been there. Emotional eating is something I have to battle on a daily basis. Whenever I am bored or upset I feel hungry. I'm not physically hungry, but it I have to stop myself and say, 'I'm not actually hungry- I'm just bored'. Then I go find something else to do. It feels very strange to NOT eat when I feel like that. It's like I don't know what to do with myself.... Don't be to hard on yourself. After surgery you won't physically be able to binge like that. You probably won't even feel like eating for a while (at least that is how I felt). Like you said- it is MUCH better to get it out of your system now, before surgery, as opposed to dealing with the complications of something happening after surgery. That could literally cost you your life (which I am sure you are well aware of). I also wanted to mention that my doctor told me to go out and have a nice last meal two days before my surgery. He said it would relax us a bit before surgery. So i don't think you've really done any damage:)

I also chew gum all the time. I chew sugar free mint gum. It actually settles my stomach. I love it!

You look amazing!! Such an inspiration to me!!