Montana Gal

I notice sagging skin mostly under my arms and inner thighs. I have lost 60lbs so far and have 46 more to go. I would rather have my saggy skin than my 60lbs of fat any day!

The first week was hard, but by about day 6 or 7 I started to feel a little better and was able to start walking everyday. As far as feeling "normal", that took some time. After the first month or so I started to feel like myself again. Hang in there, you are doing great. Your body has been through some trauma and needs to heal and rest. Keep as hydrated as possible, this will help. I have zero regrets except I wish I had done it 10 years ago.....good luck to you!

Bread is my downfall as well, I used to eat two pieces of toast every morning...one with raspberry jelly, the other with honey. I am 7 months out and haven't had any bread since two weeks before surgery. The only reason I don't eat it is I know I will go back to my old habits if I do. I do crave it, esp. bagels and often wonder if I can have just a half of one every now and then but know I can't. I will try it again after I meet goal, or maybe not :-)

Congratulations, you've done amazing and you look beautiful!

Forgiveness

Looks like I am a ISFP, am working on living in the present moment but find myself living in the past most of the time:-) @@LipstickLady, thanks for sharing. ISFP In Summary ...Quiet, friendly, sensitive, and kind. Enjoy the present moment, what's going on around them. Like to have their own space and to work within their own time frame. Loyal and committed to their values and to people who are important to them. Dislike disagreements and conflicts, do not force their opinions or values on others.

Wow, by the looks of your tatoo you are a committed coffee connoisseur!! I was allowed to drink regular coffee again after my two week check up.

I agree with @@KristenLe, surgical skills are the most important! I needed to be reminded of this as well 7 months ago. At my first appointment with my surgeon he was kind, patient and caring. By my next appointment and all the way through to my follow up appointments, his true personality came out. His answers became short and to the point and his time seemed valuable only to him. From that point on my "go to" person in his office was his kind, knowledgeable Bariatric Nurse. I called her for most everything, pre and post op! Keep us posted on the blood work regarding Lupus, it could just be a false positive and needs to be repeated.

I have a big wedding to attend later this afternoon, Italian food and huckleberry wedding cake....oh my:-)

I became addicted to Goodwill this summer and bought a bunch of "goal summer clothes" that are adorable. I can't fit in them yet (size 12/14 pants L/M tee shirts), but they are waiting for me for next summer! As for my clothes from this summer, my family says to burn them. They are so old and worn that no second hand store will want them!

I am so happy for you, congratulations on your two year anniversary...you have done amazing!

Benefiber and Natural Calm daily plus a stool softner has helped a lot.

I would say don't push yourself, take your time and listen to your body. At first the signal for me was in my chest and throat, but as time went by it changed. Now at almost 7 months out I have to be careful and measure my food because the signal isn't always there. It's no longer in my chest, more the upper abdominal area and it's more a tightness. Take it slow, start with less dense food like tuna. Most important is to chew your food really, really well...good luck to you!

If I go by your definition of "new normal", it was a few weeks ago at my 6 month mark.

I had my VSG the same month as you did, mine is coming off slowly as well. Like you, I am in no hurry. My goal is between 150-160 at the one year mark. I know we can do it!

At my two month mark I craved bread as well. I made a small batch of "cloud bread", just google it for the recipe. It's basically eggs and cream cheese in a blender. I baked them then put them in the toaster oven to crisp them up. You can even put them in your waffle Iron. Also, google "The World According to Eggface", she has a lot of bariatric friendly recipes to try at different stages. Hope this helps some, hang in there you will do great!

Target has a bunch of different flavors, even sweet chili:-)

Everyone is so different, I didn't have any issues starting out on full and soft food either. It's a good thing that you can drink fluids, that way you won't get dehydrated. No, it's not possible to stretch out your stomach. Keep up the good work, your doing great!

@@judanna77, looks really good! Where did you find whey crunchies?

No sugar added Outshine brand of popsicles saved me during the clear liquid phase. I still use them at night when I crave something sweet.

Way to go! I am so glad you were able to do this and could participate in almost everything! This is a major NSV for you!

@InnerSurferGirl, me too!

G​oogle "The World According to Eggface," she has lots of Bariatric recipies and advice. Good luck, hope this helps!!

Constipation became a major problem for me after surgery. My PCP helped me develop a daily habit of taking stool softners, Benefiber at night and Natural Calm(avail at most health/natural food stores) in the morning. I am almost 6 months out and my calorie intake varies from week to week. If my weight loss slows down I usually change things up a little and increase my calories and lower my carbs, so anywhere between 800-1000 calories. I try to keep my Water around 80oz. I hope this helps, hang in there and good luck!

I was told by my bariatric team to stick with fruit that has the lowest amount of sugar or a low glycemic index. Those seem to be berries, apples and grapefruit. Their suggestion, like most, is Protein first, veggies second and small amount of fruit if you have room. Since it's cherry season here in Montana I have been eating those, but limiting myself to only a few because before I know it I could eat a whole bag of them. I am almost 6 months out, so my plan could be a little different then yours.