LisaMergs

Ugh. Stretch marks, wrinkles, saggy skin.... All part and parcel of the weight gain and surgery. Mederma, bio corneum, melaquin, hydroquinone, ammonium lactate.... There are a zillion out there. Stretch marks fade... As do the angry scars from the surgery. But we feel like we need to DO something, so let us do just that. And? As women, so much of this world is tied up in our appearance---think of the sheer volume of makeup products and anti wrinkle creams out there--- and you'll get it. Not saying it is right, but there it is. For me? I'll fight aging tooth and nail, and what ever little benefit I see in 30 years, well, I'll take it. For the saggy tummy skin and boobs---that's what plastics are for. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

You're best bet, by far, is to add a half scoop of unflavored whey Protein isolate to a scoop of flavored whey protein isolate Keep away from protein blends. You don't know what % of what kind of protein you're getting with those. I don't care what anyone here says, based upon MY BODY, MY RESEARCH and MY RESULTS, ones like Premier Protein are not good enough. You'll be getting a crap- ton of protein, yes, but what kind? In what proportions??? Treat your body like a temple... And know what you're feeding it to get the most from your surgery and your tool...give it the best. As for protein shots- most brands are actually made from an indigestible (unusable!!!) form of protein. Adding one scoop of flavored gives you- for instance- 24g, adding 1/2 scoop of unjury unflavored bumps you another 11, to a total of 35g of good protein. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Don't be jealous!!!! Be motivated!!! You, too, can do this! Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Wow, that's almost the exact scenario I had when I switched jobs about a year ago. I was at $550/mo and went to $1250/mo. I will say that my new PPO is absolutely top notch though - my RNY surgery this year cost me a total of $20. I could have gotten essentially the same $550/mo plan I used to have for $1050/mo, but went with the $1250/mo because it was so much better. My surgery alone would have cost me close to $8000 with the $1050/mo plan, so it was worth the extra premiums this year, and frankly, most years. My family spends a lot on medical care. For me, it's better to pay a higher monthly premium and know that I'm fully covered than get a lower monthly premium and end up with a high deductible and a much bigger share of the cost. Don't get me wrong, I was not delighted to pay an extra $8,400 a year, but that came with zero deductible and no cost sharing (other than standard $20 co pays). Must be a Sparty thing. But for us, this ins is actually worse than the PPO BCBS il we had. Higher deductible, out of pocket, no pretax reimbursement on co-pays, tons of crap not covered. Looking into other options now. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

My husband switched jobs over the summer. I always check to see what ins coverage a new company has before he accepts an offer. This time, we were screwed big time. The ins company was fine, a PPO, but the monthly contribution from his paycheck is $1400 a month for a family. And he works for an insurance company!!!! wtf???? His last position, we were paying $550 a month. This one is more than our mortgage. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Heck..I don't even remember it's been so long! That said, I'm sure your doc has done bloodwork. See what your Iron levels look like, or have another blood draw done for this one purpose. They will guide you as you should need to be. Never hurts to take a mulit with iron, especially if you're a woman in childbearing years. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Baby prunes Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

I forgot to post this the other day.. Went shopping with my younger step sister and was trying on clothing... The jeans that I had just bought there a month ago were a bit loose, so I scooped up the same ones in a lower size ...yep. Size 8. Hello. SINGLE DIGIT JEANS!!!!!!!!!! Already wearing smalls in most dresses and tops, but THIS was a big one!!! Could likely go to 6 when these last pounds come off around my waist... 4's after a tummy tuck....Hot damn! NSV on steroids. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Very cool, indeed! You would know, as well... Your journey has been nothing short of stellar. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App Thanks all!! Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

For guys, 34 is great.... For gals, I'll take the 8 !!!! Lol Great work on your part!! Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Soooooo. Damn. True. Thanks!!! Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Wow!!! I hear people talk about such , but have not given it much thought til I saw this post. Now I need to jet off somewhere just to see!!! Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Steak. Ground beef. Pork loin roast. Sometimes hard cooked eggs. Soft boiled are fine though. Miss steak. Sooooooook much. None work. Yet. 7 mos po RNY. chicken definitely dark meat is fine. White is iffy. Did I mention I miss steak???? Anything else, if I can't tolerate it, pretty much don't care. Just the steak. Did I mention that!!???? Lmao Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Very normal. You really haven't had food lately have you?! Don't get crazy with the stool softeners yet. Between the anesthesia slowing your bowels and your (lack) of food, not much happening to get it to move. If you find yourself uncomfortable, constipated pain, take a softener, like Surfac or Miralax. Peri -colace and colace are often recommended by surgeons, too. They should have given you PO info about this.. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

A lot has to do with economics... What can you afford to do?! I found I skipped sizes..like I went from 18-12 boom. Not much in between. I managed to live in the 18's for a while, but since exercise was my main focus, I did spend money on yoga pants and jogging pants that fit regularly. I also purchased some really cute skirts -not cheap- with fabric that had some stretch-- and would go down with me. It was certainly worth it to have 4 or 5 skirts to wear that were pretty, flattering, and fit well. I'm not a second hand clothing shopper, but others are and have done well. I would suggest purchasing some cute tops you can pair with a couple pairs of different pants, and don't be afraid to try a size or two lower than you think fits. How you shed weight now may be different than in the past. For me, weight gain was always in my legs when I was younger if I put on 10 pounds or so and always the last to go. This time, it was really pretty evenly spread, but the legs went faster. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Excellent work and progress!! Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Chicago now, but moving down to your area in the next year!! Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Getting kind of anxious here... Been working out and running like a ninja for months, with no end game in sight other than attaining health. I'm 20 lbs from goal, and today is my 7 month mark from surgery. A while ago I decided to sign up for a 5k/15k run here in Chicago called the Hot Chocolate Run. Couple gal pals will be joining me. Thing is, I'm freaking out. Seriously nervous, especially when I realized yesterday that it was only 7 days away. I am not looking to "win". Just to finish. And I think I can do it. Originally, I signed up for the 5, but then changed to the 15. I mean, why not go for the whole kit and caboodle??? Just needed to put this out there. Like mojo-juju stuff. Get rid of the scared feelings, hoping to replace them with confidence and determination. To tell the world and the cosmos that I WILL do it. Thanks for the space to do so. And if 8 days from now no one hears from me, I've either been trampled by the masses or collapsed and died on the run. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

THAT is an amazing target to shoot for!!!! I'm feeling better about it... Many thanks to you and the others who've posted. Wow...to be an inspiration ...seriously, who would have thunk that 7 months ago???!!! I'm certainly going to update you all!!! Planning on dragging my smaller arse across that finish line one way or another- On my own feet, my hands an knees, a gurney or a body bag! Good luck to you as well!!! Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

You've done very well, indeed. Kudos @@Dub The rest, as they say, is a proverbial "cake walk" lol (Heaven Forbid!!!) You've been an inspiration to many with your great attitude and determination, myself included. Keep wearing those shades!!! Your future is now long and bright☀️☀️☀️ !!! Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Nope. I've bought it and eaten it. Couple of teaspoons per serving was all. Couldn't finish the pint for two reasons: My tummy does not like cold/frozen My kids devoured it before I could try again But- it does have low sugar and increased proton. Not a bad choice for a treat. I waited until WELL into my full food general diet to try it though. Flavor was good. Just don't mistake Ben and Jerry for Halo...lol Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

???? Right here. Watching the game ... Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Protein goals- met and surpassed daily. Weight loss- on flipping track as well- 7 mos out, 15-20 lbs from goal Vitamins? You betcha hair loss? Like a MOFO Grateful I had too much to begin with. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Wonderful job! Success!!!! Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App