Shrinking_Violet

This may be silly, but I am loving being able to scratch my entire back! OMG-and yoga? I am so addicted to yoga now! Never in a million years would I have guessed I'd become a yoga person!

Update: 2 months later and 11 more pounds gone. Yep- it was a long stall and as of today I'm down 100 pounds total! Upped both protein and exercise, so I can't say what exactly was the key - except just staying focused on the plan. Onwards!

Hi all, I am 8 months out from RNY and have lost 89 lbs.(starting 263, currently 174, by 5'5"). I've only dropped about 3 lbs in the last two months (no increase in calories or amount of food or carbs). I'm wondering if this is about it from the surgery or if I can expect to continue losing for a bit, albeit much more slowly. I'd love to hear others experiences after the first six months. Did you continue to lose? When did you enter maintenance? Thanks from a long time lurker, first time poster.

I agree with @@Djmohr - distraction, distraction, distraction! Whatever distraction works for you. And most times, Water helps me distinguish whether it is true hunger or head hunger, too. (I have to confess, I sometimes get sick of just water - even with flavorings - but small price to pay!) Another technique I developed in therapy: First, I remind myself "I am not my thoughts" or "I am not my urges" to think about who's in control of my actions. Then, I clench my fists as hard as possible (without cutting into myself with my nails!) and count very, very slowly to 30, or 60, concentrating on steady, deep breathing. It usually works to help re-boot my brain. Sometimes, I have to do this many times a day, other times not so much, but it really does help keep me mindful and focused on my goals. This seems to help whether it is obsessive thoughts or emotional reasons and its something I can do any time, any where.

@WLSResources/ClothingExch: No offense, but I think I have to hate you ... on behalf of myself and most other women in the world. Again, no offense meant!

I make a high Protein 'sorbet' in my Vitamix blender (makes 2-3 servings): Plain or vanilla greek yogurt (1 cup-ish) 1 scoop of unflavored or vanilla protein powder 1/2 - 1 cup frozen fruit (any you like - I use strawberries, peaches, mango, pineapple, etc. 1/8 - 1/4 cup almond milk (or other milk you like) - just enough to get the mixer going smoothly. (If you want a more milkshake like consistency, increase the milk.) Sometimes I add other ingredients, like a pinch of cinnamon in the peach or pineapple/mango, or a splash of lemon in the strawberry, and sometimes I put in a scoop of benefiber. You can also add in some carrot or other veggie, but be careful - they start to overwhelm the taste pretty quickly. Make just before you want it - leftovers will freeze solid (thawing in microwave for 10 sec. and/or reblending for a minute works to make it ice-creamy again.)

I got flirted with this week - twice! (Weird, but nice...)

What's a hair topper? Do you have a link to one? Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App Hi debd80 - a hair topper is like a mini-wig that clips into your natural hair. You can find them on the web (search hair topper) and at stylists who specialize in hair loss issues. I would recommend going to a good stylist, at least for your first one. They can help you with color & style choices, natural vs synthetic, and customize the cut to blend in with your own hair.

I had moderate to high back pain every day starting around 3 months after surgery and lasting about 3 months. My surgeon said it was from my body adjusting to the rapid weight loss. I used a heating pad to help relieve the pain just about constantly (not continuously, of course). I have no back pain now, but I also didn't have back issues before surgery. Hope this helps!

Depends on the size and placement of the tattoo, and where you have the most loose skin.

Mostly fruits and some nuts, though I do have the occasional flatbread wrap. And very rarely I indulge with a few tortilla chips and salsa or low carb spaghetti. But again, rarely, like once or twice a month.

My surgeon told me this pain was normal because of all the muscle they have to cut. Although the pain subsided after a few weeks for me, that spot was still slightly tender even at my six month follow up, for instance when sitting up after lying down. But check with your surgical team if you think it is unusual or gets worse, rather than better!

You might consider a hair topper. I had significant hair loss even before the surgery and have been wearing one for years. No one, not even my sister, has any idea it's not my own hair, and it's much less care than extensions, not to mention easier on fragile post-surgery hair.

I've just recently been able to get both the Water and Protein minimums, in the last 4 or 5 weeks. These are my nutrition stats: Calories 850-1100 - usually closer to the high end protein 70 -90 , usually closer to the low end Carbs 60 - 90 H2O 48 -72 oz Maybe my carbs are still too high?

Thanks for this. I like the way you describe phase 1 as portion control and phase 2 as hunger control. That makes a lot of sense.