katladee

How many, and how long, are these "stalls" lasting for everyone? I'm on my second one since my surgery in January, and this one is lasting 3 weeks already! I'm exercising and watching my calories, but feeling very frustrated! Arrrrrrgh!

Mine didn't need to approve it, but she did have to clear me for surgery after some bloodwork was done.

@@reree6898 You look wonderful! Congratulations! It is hard work but so worth it!

My thoughts exactly! It's only hair, and I can hide it better than I can hide fat! LOL Plus, it's only temporary. Maybe when it starts growing again it will be thicker than the straight, fine hair I have now! LOL

I just started using Organics Biotin and Collagen shampoo and conditioner. Prior to that I have always used Biolage products, but felt maybe the hair needed some extra vitamins. Not sure if it is a good product or not. I asked my hairdresser but she said she is not familiar with many of the OTC shampoo's and conditioner's. My hair is already shoulder length with layers, but the hairdresser said she notices how thin it is getting, but that it's still healthy!

I'm having the same issue even tho I'very been on Biotin months before I had my surgery. Just started a gummy vitamin for hair, skin, and nails in addition to the Biotin. My surgeon's nurse said it should level out after 6 months, but other people on BP say not till after u maintain goal weight for a year. I hope not cause I may not have any left by then!LOL

@MrsRP Welcome back! And with such happy news! Tell hubby not to fret, it was sooo much easier than either of my c-sections. You have the first suggestion I would make, down pat. Go in with a very positive attitude! I was so excited to be having it done, and just kept telling myself "All I have to do is go to sleep, and when I wake up it will all be behind me". Actually the hardest part about the surgery is the pre-op diets! If you can suffer thru those you will sail thru surgery! Prayers for you as your journey begins on the 18th! Happy Spring!

@@BlueEyes502 How wonderful! Doesn't it feel just fabulous! Keep calm and let the weight fall off! LOL

If I am talking to my Dr's I will use my surgery day weight as a starting point because that is what they use. If I am talking to friends or family I will say "I've lost xx since surgery, but xx total since beginning my journey at the seminar".

@ssflbelle My surgeon took me off Protein shakes now that I am on real food I am supposed to get my Proteins there. He said the shakes/drinks are just rich with calories, but when you are on the liquid diet its the only way to get you protein fast. Your proteins do sound low as other's have commented. Make sure that your proteins are lean ones and watch the sodium as it will make you retain fluids. I would also substitute maybe a hard boiled egg for Breakfast rather than so many hot chocolate drinks. Keep it up, don't get discouraged! It's just your body's way of saying it thinks you are starving to death and is trying to hold on to the weight.

@chavezmommy LOL! I do have SF pudding and popsicles, but the girls selling the Cookies with the pleading faces, and my lack of control, and remembering how goooood they tasted, first thing you know I'm saying "Of course I'll buy a box!". However, this morning my sweetie and I hit Kohls'. I've never been able to shop there, but he told me "your underwear are baggy as heck!". So while at Kohl's, just for shits and giggles, I decided to try on "real" jeans, not the elastic all around waist one's. Sweetie says "what size are we looking for?", "I have no clue" I responded! So I pick up the highest I could find which was a 24W, thinking in my head "you are setting yourself up for a let down", but believe it or not they just fit! Around the waist anyway! My legs have always been thinner than the rest of me, so even at a much smaller size (I used to wear 3x from Catherines), the legs are still baggy so I didn't buy them. I need my waist and a** to catch up to my legs before I'll be rocking some jeans! LOL Thank God for summer, because in shorts I can usually pull it off without too much bagginess. But I came out of the fitting room empty handed but with a huge smile on my face. He said "they didn't fit?". I said "they did but too baggy in the legs, but I'm getting there!" I guess that would be my first NSV! Bra's are next. I am on the last row of hooks and the shoulder adjustment all the way forward, when it used to be all the way to the back! Thanks for your encouragement! It helps during the rough patches! Keep up the good work yourself!

@@Dub Very, very good advice! Heart, you can do this! Nevermind what others tell you, let your own mind and heart follow whatever decision you may choose! WLS is the best thing I ever did for myself, unfortunately I didn't come to realize that I could not lose the weight on my own until I was 57. I missed out on a lot of things in life that I would have loved to have done! Now I'm happier, healthier, and going for the gusto! Just remember, no soda after surgery! The bubbles are really bad for your new tummy, let alone the sugars/artificial sweetners in it. Better to have Water flavored with Crystal Light. Wishing you all the best for your future!

I understand completely! I too, have fallen off the wagon. I did manage to drop one more pound, but have had this terrible craving for sweets. I caved and bought a box of girl scout Cookies, and have been eating 1 or 2 a day! Thank God they are gone, but I have to gain control over my cravings. It's so hard right now for some reason. Everything in life is good so not stress eating. I have been walking the dog (something I could only do for 5 minutes before), and getting on my Gazelle. I bought a bicycle and am anxious for the weather to break so I can ride. I think I'm just boredom eating sweets maybe. Like you I have trouble getting in my needed fluids. Congrat's on the weight loss! Isn't it a great feeling to be lighter and knowing summer is just around the corner!

I am at the same number all this week, but I expected it. Lost 25 since surgery 1/26, but lost 63 (including the 25) since beginning my process in August 2015 with my seminar. So the body is probably saying "WTH, you've never lost this much before without regaining in the meantime! Where am I to go with this new loss?" I go to unlimited foods on Friday, a month out from surgery. I have tried different things now to see how they settled and so good so far. Made a mini pizza on low carb pizza crust, low carb sauce, 1% shredded mozz, and 5 pepperoni slices. It was good but I could only eat 2 small pieces. Before surgery I could have ate two mini's! LOL I now can make a can of Soup last 3 meals! Grocery shopping has taken on a whole new meaning because my DH has to pick out what he wants for the week, and I usually don't need anything cause I have it at home already! I preplanned very well prior to surgery. Even made my own Soups and puree's from fresh veg's last Fall and froze them. I feel really great! Now able to walk my dog without pain which I love!

I try, but I can't stand when my food gets cold. It makes me gag! So I do think that's why I have a tendency to eat quicker. As far as Soups, tea, or coffee, I bought myself a coffee warmer which has helped, but other meals I have to keep reheating in the microwave. Pain in the butt! If we go out for Breakfast out my egg definately gets cold fast, and I just won't finish it.

@divajenATL@chavezmommy Thank you, thank you Ladies! I thought it was just me because I hadn't read anything else that I could find on BP on this subject. I will get the bubblies when I think maybe I've eaten too fast, too much, or too big of bites, right away, so I stop eating thinking my sleeve is trying to tell me to back off. It will however, still bubble up to two or three hours later, and it makes me wonder too, if it is hungry or just still processing an earlier meal. I'm having difficulty recognizing the signs it is giving me.

Congrat's! The day has finally arrived! This time tomorrow you will be sleeping it off, and getting up to walk the halls! Prayers for a wonderful surgery and speedy recovery! Check back in when you can to let us know how it went!

I spent one night. Was released the afternoon the day after. Hospital stay went well except I wanted to sleep and the nurses came and went all night long! Couldn't wait to get home where I could really relax and sleep undisturbed! Good luck! @@jennah pennycuff Thank you! Wishing you all the best on your journey as well!

Hello! Since you are outpatient you won't need anything to take into the hospital, but I would leave a pillow in your vehicle for the trip home. I put mine between my belly and the seatbelt for added support on the bumpy ride home, and to protect my incisions from the seatbelt rubbing against them. I can't imagine having it outpatient! Wishing you all the best in your surgery and recovery!

I had a mani and pedi done for surgery because my surgeon said it was fine. The anesthesiologist said they have more modern way of watching oxygen levels nowadays. So I went in looking pretty! LOL But check with your surgeon first, and if you see the anesthesiologist during your pre-op testing, as him/her as well.

Had one fixed with mine. We didn't even know I had one till he went in. My recovery went quickly, however, I was told not to lift anything heavy until 3 wks out. If you get the same instructions you may not be able to carry your baby. I didn't have any problems with having both done at the same time. If he hadn't told me I wouldn't even know it was done! Good luck to you!

@ssflbelle Yes, my first bite of egg was heaven on a paper plate! LOL Amazing to hear you are feeling better! I will be on protein drinks forever I think to make sure I get enough protein, since it is the most important for muscle and hair. The more the merrier I guess! LOL I came home from the hospital off my two different insulins, metformin, and both blood pressure medicines. He has me on a drug for 6 mos to prevent gallstones because he said rapid weight loss usually will end up causing them. The most important thing to me is I have had no back pain or hip pain like I used to get if I walked just a little. I have more energy (shoveled the patio twice today!), and I feel sleevetastic! LOL Good luck with the curtains! You talk about the sun in FL, and we just got another 7 in of snow today in PA! LOL I love it tho! It's gorgeous out there, like a postcard!

17 since surgery two weeks ago today, and 55 since I attended my seminar on the surgery on Aug 6th.

@@ssflbelle Dr is not having me watch carbs so much during mushy phase since my intake was about a 1/4 cup. I was also allowed thinned Cream of Wheat. Now I am allowed 1/3 to 1/2 c of soft foods, and last nights dinner never bothered me at all! LOL I graduate to unlimited on 2/26/16, a month out from surgery. He did say only introduce one new food at a time so that if something doesn't agree with me I'll know which food it was. I haven't had any trouble with foods tasting weird. The only thing I can't stand is that dang Flintstone cheweable vitamin! But I choke it down because my body needs it. Then my mouth tastes like it was dragged thru the mud and back, so I have to brush my teeth!

Elode, you are a hot mama! Your husband must feel like he is the luckiest man alive! You rock the leggin's! Your hard work has paid off, don't be ashamed to show it! We love pictures to keep us motivated! Glad you got such great reviews on your new bod! So happy for you!