Candygyrl

Great Job!!! Congratulations. You look awesome. I just hit my 50lb mark last week and I'm telling you I can see the difference!!!!!!!! You are that girl!!! Believe it.

I have since surgery starting at about 6 weeks (I know baaaaaad-- shame on me) I had a few cocktails socially. I usually only have 1 on average of about twice a month. I'm 3 months post op. I did have to explain to my husband although I know we enjoy an occasional drink or glass of wine together I really need not to. I explained how this will impact my weight loss with empty calories and I'd just prefer not to have a drink but don't let me stop you. I guess that wasn't fun to him-- he didn't want to drink alone even though I might order a Water with lemon or diluted cranberry juice. So instead of hanging out at our favorite Jazz club every Tuesday night or meeting up at Fridays for a mid day cocktail-- we try to do other things. Like today We'll go to the Gym. We got tickets for a musical on Friday. So I'm trying to introduce other things. HOWEVER--- let's get back to your question.... So over the weekend we were out celebrating my friends 30th birthday and I bought patron shots for everyone. I figured I'd have ONE-- hell I hadn't had a drink in over a month. I'd done well with the previous drinks. No issues. No overly drunkenness. So we clank glasses and take the shot. Within about 45 seconds I immediately feel like things are just about to get bad quickly. My stomach starts BURNING like crazy. Then I started to feel very woozy and I started to feel flush and nauseated. I started thinking about DUMPING and got just a little anxious. I grabbed my hubby and told him I was F****** up! Like we might need to leave F****** up. He grabbed me some water told me to calm down... deep breaths and drink. I began sipping and the burning subsided. I found a tolerable level of F****** up and proceeded to have a blast!!! #1 because I realized I wasn't going to die, I wasn't dumping, I gained control-- did not drink anything else but felt like I had 3 shots in me. That was my first experience like that since surgery and lemme tell you I won't be doing that again anytime soon. I'll stick with an occasional red moscato. Sipped very slowly... I may revisit this shot thing 1 year from now and only on special occasions like on the white sands in Jamaica LOL!

@@LMSWNYC Sorry I can't offer much in terms of an answer. I have PCOS, was prescribed Metformin a few years ago but it made me feel so bad I could only take it for a few weeks at a time. Eventually I stopped taking it and just dealt with not having a period. I had surgery 7/1, got my first cycle in over a year 8/20, then again on 9/22. I honestly thought it would continue to be irregular but I got 2 in a row around the same time. I am not taking Metformin or anything else other than Vitamins. I noticed last month I was craving food like crazy I don't even know what-- I just wanted to eat. I thought my sleeve was stretching or something because I have not been hungry since surgery. I was just eating or snacking on something every hour! I tried to make sure it was all the right foods but there was 1 or 2 times that I slipped and ate some Cheetos or grabbed more than a few tootsie roll fruit chews at Planet Fitness. (Why do they have them there anyways?) My weight loss slowed down to like 0.8 lbs or 1 lbs a week for 2 weeks and then I got my period. I was so used to not having one for so long-- so I forgot what PMS feels like! So now I'm being especially mindful of the upcoming week in terms of weight fluctuations, belly bloating, mild cramping, food cravings. I will increase my workouts over the next 2 weeks to help combat PMS symptoms. CONGRATS on your weight loss so far. 70 lbs in 7 months is quite impressive and nothing to sneeze at!!!!!! That's an average of 10 lbs a month so great job!!! hang in there-- I think once your body gets to a weight that it likes-- it will finally begin to regulate. For some reason my magic number was around 215. I even noticed years before anytime my weight started going up into the 220's my periods would go absent. When I would drop a few lbs and head back into the 210's-215's range it would kick back on just like a thermostat. Theres a magic number that's right for your body and when you get there your cycles may start becoming more regular. Good luck and keep up the great work!!!!!!!!

Duh wear ankle weights-- Try again. LOL!

I totally understand where you are coming from. No I was not hungry either but like you said-- I somewhat mourned the act of eating like a normal person . For me it did not last long. Came and went. I could barely get the food I was supposed to eat down let alone what they were eating. However my husband like yours did on a few occasions stop for fast food. I didn't want it though... I gorged on that crap all pre op and I was beyond sick of it but I felt bad for him and the kids eating it because I know its garbage. I asked him not to feed it to my kids and gave him alternative places to go for fast food like Panera bread, subway or boston market. He agreed and honored my request and we are all now eating healthier. My 12 year old daughter has lost almost 15 lbs since my surgery and its a testament to leading by example. She now see's that she can do it and we're hoping for and working toward a total of 50lbs lost by the end of the school year or at least by my surgiversary. I'm hoping to be able to take her on a trip to Celebrate our success!!!! This post made me very happy for your daughter!! In retrospect, my biggest parenting regret is not modeling better eating behavior. My kids self regulate well and are at very healthy weights, but they still make plenty of bad choices. I struggle with this daily as I try to model and discuss food choices without making them feel bad about themselves. My 19yo has been trying to make better choices, but he really knows little about nutrition - I feel very responsible for that. And he's now off at college trying to fend for himself. My 12 yo has always been more health conscious, and is more knowledgeable about nutrition as a result. She tends to gravitate to fruits/veggies as Snacks, which is awesome. Overall she eats pretty healthy, but she does love sugar - lemonade, Cookies and ice cream mostly. But good for you and your family. Those healthier alternatives still offer a lot of delicious options! I have a 15 yr old son who is naturally health conscious- he lifts weights and plays football and basketball. He burns calories like kleenex in fire. My daughter she just likes the good stuff but doesnt want to burn it off. I feel very responsible for her weight but I decided to empower her to take action. Your kids are watching you even when you don't think they are... I could tell her what to do, scold her for not doing it but If I'm not doing it who am I to talk? The moment i took action for my own health she began to want to eat what I ate. She began eating off of small plates and so forth. As I learn more about how we fuel our bodies I pass it on to my kids because they will have to stand on their own one day. I too am inspired by many here every day... I am glad I could shine some light on you today--keep on truckin!! Isn't it crazy??? I tested the waters a few times but reality kicked in and it was not fun. Decided to stick with the program and eventually that voice in my head settled down. Once my hubby took notice of me and my daughter especially-- he was blown away. He wants in! (for now at least) Hopefully your hubby will follow suit. It sure makes life a little easier when everyones on board.

I bought a few and although low cal--- very fake sweet to me. I like the jamaica blood orange sparkling when I miss soda but it's still meh I'd rather not drink something that could cause a stall because my body thinks its getting sugar or cause me to crave sugar. Water for me-- glad it works for yall.

Surgery Date: July 1, 2016 HW: 256 SW: 252 CW: 201 Goal: 135-140 3 months post op-- 52 lbs lost Age will be 35 10/25 Ht 5ft 4 in

A very special thanks to @@goplay94123 for putting together such a wonderful challenge to motivate us all!!!! Thanks to the ladies @@beyondgrief and @@rydersmama for taking over the challenge. I know it's probably a lot of work and it is so appreciated!!!! You guys ROCK! Goal Weight (by end of Challenge) 189 lbs (aiming to be out of the 190's) Current Weight: 201.8 Today's Date: 10/3/16

I totally understand where you are coming from. No I was not hungry either but like you said-- I somewhat mourned the act of eating like a normal person . For me it did not last long. Came and went. I could barely get the food I was supposed to eat down let alone what they were eating. However my husband like yours did on a few occasions stop for fast food. I didn't want it though... I gorged on that crap all pre op and I was beyond sick of it but I felt bad for him and the kids eating it because I know its garbage. I asked him not to feed it to my kids and gave him alternative places to go for fast food like Panera bread, subway or boston market. He agreed and honored my request and we are all now eating healthier. My 12 year old daughter has lost almost 15 lbs since my surgery and its a testament to leading by example. She now see's that she can do it and we're hoping for and working toward a total of 50lbs lost by the end of the school year or at least by my surgiversary. I'm hoping to be able to take her on a trip to Celebrate our success!!!!

It depends on your surgeons recommendations. I suggest you talk it over with them. I was cleared immediately post op for light activity such as walking, biking, elliptical, light dumbells 1-3 lbs and so forth and so on. They encouraged a minimum of 5 days a week for at least 30 min or as tolerated. At 4 weeks post op, I was cleared to resume my regular activity including resistance training, running, zumba etc. I did have a hernia repair. So I took it slowly and gradually worked my way up. One day I was on an ab machine and my stomach began to spasm so I immediately stopped and took that as a sign that my body wasn't quite ready for that. I continued with my cardio, and resistance of other muscle groups-- waited a few more weeks for the abs and tried it again-- perfectly fine. Sounds like you're doing great so far!!! This should be a blast for you-- Look forward to seeing updates from you. Good Luck!!!

@@Taylah.G Well-- something that I feel very comfortable speaking to. I am currently 3 months post op!!! Surgery date was 7/1/16. As mentioned before you will get varied answers because everyone is different, different starting weights, loses differently, eats differently, exercises different. Basically there are so many variables that everyones answer will differ but I imagine that you are asking for a general consensus at about the 3 month mark sooo since I'm there currently-- I'll give you my perspective. I did not have any significant weight loss pre op. It was a personal choice. I do not recommend it obviously if you can lose weight prior to surgery the closer that will put you towards your goal and your chances of hitting your target weight within the first year. Take a few pics pre op and then a few every month to see your progress. I didn't but wish that I had. I have pics of myself pre op. I will likely do one in the next couple days-- that will show some changes that I am so far very happy with. I also keep a weekly log that shows my weight loss trends. Each week is different but I can look back and see progress towards goals and various fluctuations in weight which help me to make necessary tweaks and adjustments. Surgery weight 253.6 Month 1- Adjustment phase. Various highs and lows. Adjusting to a new way of life. A healing stomach, and adjusting to the various food stages figuring out what my new tummy likes how much of it I can eat how slowly to eat and working hard to get in enough Protein and liquids. I was not able to get liquids down quickly so my protein came mostly in the form of shakes and yogurt. I tested the waters a bit and learned my limitations. Reality hit me hard and I realized that I have to do the work. I have to develop a eating and drinking schedule, take my Vitamins, fit in my activity, pack snacks and keep fluids with me anytime I leave the house. Lots of fatigue, concern for dehydration. I received 2 Vitamin B12 injections. Week 1 -14.2lbs, Week 2 -1lb, Week 3 -3.3 lbs, Week 4 -6.8 lbs Total 25.3 lost Month 2- Getting into the swing- Adjustments are setting in as you prepare to be on regular foods again at 6 weeks. By now I was hitting or very close to hitting my Fluid and protein goals most days of the week. It took a lot of effort on my part. It wasn't a passive effort either! Lots of focus, determination and planning. Implementing tools such as setting timers and reminders to eat and drink. Keeping my fridge stocked with items that I could eat and measuring out the food that I eat-- all very important. Walking and biking was about as much as I could do activity wise. But my energy levels were climbing past the levels I was at pre op! I was starting to create a plan to step my activity levels up and decided to gradually increase my workout days by 1 every 2 weeks until I hit 4-5 days a week 1 hour. Week 5- 1.8lbs Week 6 -6.4lbs Week 7- 3.2 lbs Week 8- 1.5lbs Total 12.9 lbs lost Month 3- Full throttle. I've worked out most of my kinks the only issue is staying consistent. I'm working out regularly on average of 4 days a week. I no longer feel like a post op newbie--My energy levels are steady climbing, I'm feeling stronger my endurance is picking up and I'm looking great. People at work are asking wow you've lost weight haven't you? You look great! People who haven't seen me in a while instantly notice the difference. I finally feel like its all starting to set in and I'm making progress. I put some clothes in the layaway (smaller sizes) and fit into size 12's for the first time in more than 7 years. Pre op I was in 16's and 18's or 2x. I can now fit into 12's and wear Large tops. My shoe size went from a 10 to a 9. Week 9- 6.7lbs , Week 10 -0.8 lbs, Week 11 -2lbs Week 12 -2 lbs Total Week 13-5.4 lbs (5 weeks in September) Total 16.9 lbs Current weight 201.8 Expecting to enter ONEDERLAND this weeks end. Good Luck to YOU!!!!!!

well I'm only 3 months post op but all the changes so far have been great! Like you I was a couch defender! I am much more active, I feel more energetic. I look much better in clothes therefore feeling much better about myself. I am more eager to go places. I hung out with a friend this weekend for her bday and had a ball! people in general are much more friendly I guess I never noticed that they were not friendly in the past but its just moreso. Good luck to you!!!!

SO everyone as I'm sure you know by now is different. Not sure where you are in your journey but sounds like you are a pre op lower BMI. If I were you I would start working on strengthening and toning exercises now. Resistance bands, light dumbells, push ups, planks etc all pre op. I'm not having issues with saggy skin just yet BUT I'm sure I will. I am 13 weeks post op today annnnnnd I workout on average of 4 days a week. I do strengthening and toning during every workout coupled with about 30 min cardio. Now that my abs are stronger I do at least 300 crunches each workout, 30 min cardio and I work on 2 other areas like legs and butt, or arms and back. I'm a pear so I carry mostly in my hips and thighs but finally started gaining in my arms when the fat had nowhere else to go. There will be saggy skin in my thighs but I think my arms and belly will be ok. I'm in the low 200's and my stomach is almost flat. There's a little pooch but I think once I get to goal I can live with any remaining skin there. My arms appear to be toning, I've increased my weights during exercise but not sure that I will be able to tone them enough not to end up with "wings" but I won't worry about it. Now my thighs-- that's another issue. When I lift one leg up to put on lotion, my inner thigh has some drooping that resembles those you tube videos of saggy skin. Like you I'm willing to get cosmetic surgery on 1 or 2 areas my plan is for breast lift and a repair of my worse area (thighs or arms or belly). How long after surgery were you allowed to start working out? workout as much as you want PRE OP. Post op I was cleared for basic exercise like walking or biking. at 4 weeks I was cleared to resume a regular workout regimen as tolerated meaning-- pace yourself.

So I havent found the "perfect moisturizer" yet But currently I use whatever the situation calls for. I use Bag o' Balm for my feet. I pumice them in the shower and use the balm to keep them moisturized. For my body while im still damp I use Bio Oil and just massage it in all over. I also have a body scrub by Bliss that I use once a week. I switch up moisturizers for my face but I love Aveeno positively radiant most days. I also love Clinique daily moisturizer-- cant think of the name but its yellow. If my skin is really dry-- I use Eucerin cream. I still use bath and body works UltraShea body cream/lotion. Cucumber melon is my fav. Glad they brought it back.

That's a tough one. But I respect your decision. I have told my very close family whom I share birthdays holidays and all special life events with but not the family on my dad's side. Im just not as close with them. I only have a select few friends. 3 of them know-- there is one who was my ride or die and she has recently come back into my life but I probably will not tell her we are just not close anymore but we are in contact. The next time she sees me I will probably be smaller than her and she wont be able to understand how!!! Anyways, its a personal choice and I understand your reasons for not telling this friend. She seems like a bit of a hater and a little too opinionated. You will need to hit her with the whole I need to lose weight bit. Start your workouts, eating healthy, smaller portions when you are around her and eventually get to the point where if you guys go out--offer to share a meal, tell her you are cutting out your drinking as your friend she will need time to adjust to the changes or it could cause a bit of a strain.

@@staceface Yes chile if I were you... I would start slow. I'm sure you have some time before you get on the table but it will be here before you know it. So ease into it. Do a 10 minute arm workout with 3 lb weights. do a few squats, leg lifts. If you're feeling motivated after a couple days step it up you can use resistance bands I keep one at my desk and while I'm on a call, I'll do about 20 here and there. A little goes a long way. You are a little smaller but depending on where you carry your weight saggy skin in places but maybe not too bad. Remember post op to get your Protein in so that you don't lose any muscle tone. Keep at it and don't give up. You'll have a year to lose but if you can get a head start on it now. The longer you take to lose it, the more time your body will have to adjust. Oh and be sure to be good to your skin. Water Water Water and find a good moisturizer. Good Luck!

You are not alone... I am 12 well 13 weeks post op now and it seems the further I get along the less I eat... I think I'm just not as obsessed about eating every 2-3 hours and Protein here there and everywhere. I should be and since I've become a little more lax I feel like I've had a setback... I find it harder to eat. Today I fixed a smoothie. 6 strawberries, 1/4 cup of pineapple, 1/4 cup of blueberry and 2 cup of spinach. 1 tbsp. honey. I use Water for my liquid and it makes about 12-14 oz. That was at 9am I just looked up and it was 3 something and I haven't really eaten anything since. I just grabbed a Protein shake from the work fridge. I keep a few in there for these moments but honestly I haven't really eaten like I should. I bring food to work--- meals and snacks-- and wont touch any of it the whole day. Its annoying... I think because I have to eat so small and so slow-- I lose interest and give up. I fix a small bowl and eat 2 or 3 bites and I'm satisfied. I ate 1/2 a sandwich for the first time yesterday. Corned beef on rye. I hadn't had any bread since surgery but seeing that I'm not eating much these days I went for it. I was only able to eat a little over half of the half. Gave the rest to my hubby. I just have no interest in food. Anyways I know that we must eat for sustenance and give our body the nutrients it needs. So I'm in a eating slump right now-- Loving the restriction but I know I need to be more mindful to EAT and DRINK!!!!

Its none of their business. I told 2 co workers that I trusted. I submitted a claim for STD and that's how my boss was notified. I told my boss I had fibroids and had been putting off having them removed for a while and they have become very uncomfortable. I told her because we're all very tight knit and felt it would be awkward not to say anything. I didn't have to. We're all nurses and know all about HIPAA. I explained to her that I hadn't told anyone. While I was off she went to a couple co workers and asked if they had heard from me. Procedure was fri. Everyone was off Mon for independence day and by Tuesday my supervisor was asking if anyone heard from me after my "procedure". She didn't say what I was having but I was upset because no one really knew-- I told them I was taking time off to spend with the hubby and kids during the summer break and now they were all whispering like she had a procedure? She didn't say anything etc. What do you think she had? I felt like that put too many clouds of suspicion in the air. When I came back, everyone was kind of expecting me to talk about why I was out and I didn't. I let them know I was doing well and all is fine. I didn't explain why I was out nor did I need to. I just wish my boss had kept her damn mouth shut. I was only like 20lbs down when I came back so I don't think they noticed any weight loss. Prior to that I've always been trying to lose weight-- walking, eating healthier, so it's no different. The changes have been happening gradually but I feel like when I lose another 30lbs people may start to put 2 +2 together. ( you know she was off for awhile-- she probably had that bariatric surgery or something) lol. Oh well.

SO everyone as I'm sure you know by now is different. Not sure where you are in your journey but sounds like you are a pre op lower BMI. If I were you I would start working on strengthening and toning exercises now. Resistance bands, light dumbells, push ups, planks etc all pre op. I'm not having issues with saggy skin just yet BUT I'm sure I will. I am 13 weeks post op today annnnnnd I workout on average of 4 days a week. I do strengthening and toning during every workout coupled with about 30 min cardio. Now that my abs are stronger I do at least 300 crunches each workout, 30 min cardio and I work on 2 other areas like legs and butt, or arms and back. I'm a pear so I carry mostly in my hips and thighs but finally started gaining in my arms when the fat had nowhere else to go. There will be saggy skin in my thighs but I think my arms and belly will be ok. I'm in the low 200's and my stomach is almost flat. There's a little pooch but I think once I get to goal I can live with any remaining skin there. My arms appear to be toning, I've increased my weights during exercise but not sure that I will be able to tone them enough not to end up with "wings" but I won't worry about it. Now my thighs-- that's another issue. When I lift one leg up to put on lotion, my inner thigh has some drooping that resembles those you tube videos of saggy skin. Like you I'm willing to get cosmetic surgery on 1 or 2 areas my plan is for breast lift and a repair of my worse area (thighs or arms or belly).

Are there any powerhouse gyms in your area. There is an amazing class called body pump. I think you could pay $10 if you're not a member and attend the class. The class is designed for beginners to advanced. Everyone does the same exercises only the weights increase as you are able to tolerate. It will teach you all about strength training and toning. I'd think 1 or 2 classes you could take It back to the Y and implement into your current workout plan.

I don't know about anyone else but me. I struggle to eat this much on ANY given day. I would suggest you talk to your dietician. I do not have the authority to tell you how much you should be eating or how much you should be ABLE to eat. I personally do not eat Protein Bars but I keep a few in the freezer in case of emergency. 1000 calories (although I don't count calories) seems like a high number more like maintenance. I understand you workout so you may burn off a portion of this but the scales prove otherwise. I personally could eat no more than 2 jimmy dean turkey sausage links for bkfst. Drink. Maybe 1 boiled egg 2 hours later. Drink. A Protein shake around lunch time. Drink. cheese and 5 apple slices late afternoon and maybe 2 cups of Spring mix and spinach greens with cucumber, strawberry, light dressing with a 2 oz piece of lean protein cut up very small into the salad. THIS IS ON A GOOD DAY. The only thing I've eaten so far today is a package of apple slices (60cal) a Premier Protein shake (160 cal) and about 24 oz of Water. It's just one of those days-- I'm not hungry, not feeling like eating. I'll have another protein shake around 7, workout at 8 and try to squeeze in another protein before bed but I wouldn't bet on it. That's not the best example of what to do. I'm just trying to share with you what I can handle-- but I'm lucky to get in 500 or 600 calories on any given day and I still exercise about 4 days a week. ! am 12 weeks post op. This might just be a stall but after 3 weeks of no movement I'd be concerned too. You may have to make some adjustments.

I think I overdid it trying to prep for the hospital I mean I didn't have a lot but much more than I needed. If I had to do it all over I'd bring my toiletries/beauty products, Gas x strips Yoga pants and flat irons and of course your phone and/or tablet and chargers. For Home- Bottled waters, Protein shakes ( of your choosing), powders to put in your soups and broths, 2 packages of SF Jello, popsicles and pudding. Cream of wheat, Cream of chicken, cream of mushroom, chicken broth. NO more than 1-2 cans of each. Small storage containers for meals. 1 can will make you at least 10 servings. Your Vitamins and Phillips (in case of constipation). Good Luck

If you're taking your time when eating-- you'll get a "feel" for it. So you don't want to be full. Ever. You want to eat to the point of satisfaction. So try to get used to that feeling. Start paying close attention when you eat. When you can be present in that moment Small bites, chew thoroughly and when you start to feel satisfied even if its after 2-3 bites then that's it. You're done. PUT IT DOWN. This is a habit you want to develop asap. I was eating a piece of baked lemon pepper Cod last night. I weighed a 3 oz portion because I wasn't going to eat anything else but that piece of fish. after taking just a few small bites I started to feel satisfied. I was actually mid chew and decided to stop right there and I had only eaten 1 oz! I put it away and when I started to get a little hungry later that evening I went back to it. Still didn't finish it but I was satisfied. Which again-- is the goal.

Evaluate his reasons for not being so supportive. Validate his assumptions. You know what honey yes! You're probably right-- your mom has inspired me! Just look how great she looks and how much healthier she is. I talked to her about it and she says its the best thing she could've done for herself. I've researched pregnancy and the sleeve and have plans to speak with the Dr. about it. I really wish you could come with me to my appt to ask questions you might have. But once I lose weight it'll be so much easier for me to become pregnant! I want us to have a family one day. I want to be a healthy mom and wife. I'm not sure how your husband will respond but sometimes you have to play into them. Even though you've made up your mind. Good luck to you!