B.Annie

How much have you lost since surgery? HW: 328 (02/22/17) SW: TBD CW: 288 Pounds disowned to date: 40

TMI for those sensitive to racy topics... [emoji6] Still preop but so far my favorite NSV happened yesterday while being intimate with my husband. My stomach wasn't squishing him in one position and I was able to be way more flexible in another. Also, there was air/space between "us" that has never been there in recent years. A non racy NSV that I realized yesterday was that I was able to do 10 minutes of stairclimber workout without needing a break or being winded. It was so crazy amazing that I did it again at the end of my weight training!! HW: 328 (02/22/17) SW: TBD CW: 288 Pounds disowned to date: 40

Must have been the day. I, too, started with a protein shake and ended with a cup and a half of moscato, ice cream, a taco and a mini quesadilla. I had popcorn as a snack earlier as well. Awesome. [emoji19] I have no excuse. I did get 18 cups of water in and had a sensible lunch. I shouldn't have felt like I wanted any of that junk. HW: 328 (02/22/17) SW: TBD CW: 288 Pounds disowned to date: 40

40 pounds down (preop) and I found face wrinkles. Not too upset about it.... except I still have another 140 to lose so I can't wait to see how many more wrinkles pop up [emoji15]. Oh the joys of fatty filler. HW: 328 (02/22/17) SW: TBD CW: 288 Pounds disowned to date: 40

I'm actually nervous about this. There's a chance I might be 2-4 weeks post op when I go on a weekend marriage retreat. One of the nights is a date night where my husband always takes me to a very fancy 6-course restaurant. I'm not sure how to approach this. He's looking forward to it so much but I know at best I'll only be able to have a few bites HW: 328 (02/22/17) SW: TBD CW: 288 Pounds disowned to date: 40

Haven't had surgery yet but have already been asked if that's what I'm planning to do. My response in a curious tone was: are YOU? And that worked so well that I think I'm going to use that for after surgery as well. If someone asks if I had WLS, I will look confused and say "have you?" I feel like it's an odd question to ask and I can't imagine a scenario where it's appropriate to ask (when the person hasn't told anyone nor brought it up). So I will turn the table so they can hear the question from another perspective. Might sound bad and I'm ok with that. This is the one thing I will keep to myself and I am not obligated to answer anyone's curiosity. If we ask the question back politely, sincerely, and curiously, it's not defensive nor inappropriate. HW: 328 (02/22/17) SW: TBD CW: 288 Pounds disowned to date: 40

Today is a crucial day for my preop timeline. The last two pieces of the puzzle are hopefully going to be in place today so my surgeon can submit for insurance authorization. I am having my last weigh in at my PCP and my final appointment at my sleep center to pick up my clearance. Upon submission for insurance auth, I also get to choose my surgery date, which they told me could be as early as late May! To top it ALL off, I finally fit back into my spanx!!! The last time I tried to get them on, I pulled a muscle in my neck. Today I got them on without a struggle and feel like I can finally breathe. The support of my flabby belly is much needed. HW: 328 (02/22/17) SW: TBD CW: 288 Pounds disowned to date: 40

That is one concern I have with that show. The last time I watched it (years ago), they never showed any updates or progress pics. They never explained that they are expected to take a full year to come down to their goal weight or 100 pounds depending on their starting weight etc. I think leaving those crucial pieces of information out does a disservice to both the general public AND to those considering surgery. Everyone seems to think it's a miracle surgery instead of a tool to aid you in your life choices. HW: 328 (02/22/17) SW: TBD CW: 288 Pounds disowned to date: 40

Preop dr monitored diet. I've trashed 40 pounds in 3 months and then this past month has been one long issue. I know it's a stall and I know it's only the first one - preop none the less. It doesn't stop the frustration. I went on vacation and stalled due to lack of exercise and not the best diet choices (not the worst, just not as strict as normal). Came back and went on a week long protein drink diet just to break the stall. It did break a bit and then, my period hit in such an odd way. A week and a half of another stall and now I'm just sad. I'm 2 pounds up this morning from the last time I weighed myself. This too shall pass. For now I'm just frustrated, slightly defeated, and worried I'll disappoint my PCP. Just wanted to vent. I know I just need to focus on staying on track and getting back in the gym more than 2-3 times a week. I just feel like I'm working so diligently for such minor results. Typical stall emotions. HW: 328 (02/22/17) SW: TBD CW: 288 Pounds disowned to date: 40

I have a success story that turned failure because of a mindset like you describe. I started my pre op process feb 22 this year. I stuck to a very low carb, high protein, low sugar diet (even keeping natural sugars and carbs to a minimum). As of early April, I lost 40 pounds and was hoping for another 20 lost before I have surgery. Now for the failure. The rest of the month of April, I went on vacation and had a very odd period. All of which I used as a reason why I didn't ("couldn't") do to the gym and slack on my diet. I kept telling myself that I wasn't doing TOO bad and that I'd get back on track "when _____". I stalled big time. This morning I got on the scale and was 5 pounds up. 5 .... pounds .... I'm sure you can understand how defeated and disappointed I feel. And it's all my fault. I am large because of my excuses and lack of mental strength. Now look what I've done this time. I proved to myself that I'm still a professional at sabotaging myself. For no reason whatsoever except that food tastes good. Ugh Don't be me. And stop being you. Be better. HW: 328 (02/22/17) SW: TBD CW: 288 Pounds disowned to date: 40

My office said that, by law, they have 14 days to make a decision. No more. HW: 328 (02/22/17) SW: TBD CW: 288 Pounds disowned to date: 40

Interesting question after such a description. So you've had surgery (what type?) 9 months ago, lost roughly 155 pounds during that time(what was your low weight?), eat twice a day (do you exercise?) and then have a bag of chips every night for the past 4-5 months. Your question is "is that a bad habit". In your opinion, besides yourself, is there anyone out there who could give reasons why this is a good habit? Or at least reasons why it's not a bad habit? Let me ask a bit more and please keep in mind these are genuine questions, I'm just trying to get inside your head/situation: was your low weight 319 or have you gained? Does the bag of chips make you feel good about yourself? Do you wake up in the morning proud? Would you eat that bag of chips in front of your surgeon or PCP or NUT? Eating a few meals and then a bag of chips must be over a normal calorie, carb, fat limit. Even if you don't eat much at all during the two meals you do eat, having a bag of chips can't possibly be low in calories or healthy. It's not just "not healthy". It's actively being unhealthy. For what reasons? HW: 328 (02/22/17) SW: TBD CW: 288 Pounds disowned to date: 40

Thanks everyone. It's weird to say, but I look forward to negative consequences when I mess up. I believe it will help me stay on track while I try to perfect this slow eating thing. HW: 328 (02/22/17) SW: TBD CW: 288 Pounds disowned to date: 40

I haven't heard that all women of CB age need to be on BC prior and post surgery - I'm not on birth control, am 32, and was never told I needed to be. I've completed all preop requirements and will call today to discuss submitting docs to insurance and scheduling surgery. I would hope I would have been told by now about needing to be on BC! Maybe it's just a norm for most but not all. HW: 328 (02/22/17) SW: TBD CW: 288 Pounds disowned to date: 40

Another Female here. This is a touchy subject so I will try to speak scientifically. Generally speaking, The depth of the vaginal cavity lengthens depending on the amount of arousal the woman feels. Bottoming out is neither uncommon nor due to penis length (usually). It's simply indicative of the females low arousal at that moment. It's amazing, we (women) can do a lot to boost the males ego...Unfortunately, our body can give away our secrets if you know what to look for. Honestly, sorry. I personally love it when my husband bottoms out so for me, I'd rather not be super aroused right away. Since a lot of women feel differently than I, Hopefully this helps in some way. HW: 328 (02/22/17) SW: TBD CW: 288 Pounds disowned to date: 40

Well, you did it. You opened up the religion vs non religion can of worms. Lol Lord almighty give us strength. [emoji849]Jesus, I just accidentally prayed for us all... [emoji44] Oh God, why do we speak of religion even in normal sarcastic remarks!!![emoji31] [emoji12] I am actually a Christian and I'm very secure in my relationship with God. Oh! And I believe in science - most of it. Awesome, now can we all settle down with our proclamations of beliefs because nothing good can come from this thread being taken further than what the author intended to do (vent). HW: 328 (02/22/17) SW: TBD CW: 288 Pounds disowned to date: 40

Exactly. This is a perfect example of why telling people who ask how we've lost weight that we have changed our eating habits isn't a big deal nor a lie. I've noticed so many people against not telling every detail when someone asks because they feel it's dishonest. They say 'you can't lose that amount of weight on your own and it's deceiving to say otherwise'. Well, so far in 73 days since being referred to my WLS consultation, I've lost 40 pounds on my own. Prior to my third pregnancy, I had lost 70 pounds on my own. It is possible. I'm just older, larger than ever before now, have many more co morbities and simply tired of the battle without having a tool to help. HW: 328 (02/22/17) SW: TBD CW: 288 Pounds disowned to date: 40

Are you struggling with any excess fluids from the hospital? That's my personal concern with surgery. I had an emergency csection a few years ago and had so much water retention that I literally couldn't walk starting the day after through the week at the hospital and first week home (my feet and ankles couldn't bend they were so fluid filled) HW: 328 (02/22/17) SW: TBD CW: 288 Pounds disowned to date: 40

How is saying it's the easiest and cheapest way offensive when you said so yourself that some people don't have WLS insurance so they go to Mexico to be able to afford it? That's exactly what I'm saying, It's the cheapest route! I have no idea why you're trying to make what I said a bad thing when it's only the truth for a lot of people. It's also the easiest route for those who have been refused in the states due to risk factors. Instead of working to become less risky or deciding against the surgery, they go to Mexico. Again, don't try to make that offensive when it's the truth for a lot of people. The first sentence of my original post said I was confused as to why it was an argument. Because it is all rather normal and expected if you have common sense. It's not a battle against those who chose Mexico. It's a statement of common sense FOR those who chose Mexico. Patients aren't unaware of the risks. Which is why I was confused as to why people were arguing about a death/minor companion/etc. HW: 328 (02/22/17) SW: TBD CW: 288 Pounds disowned to date: 40

Omg overalls!!! My husband ADORED how I looked in overalls (when I was 13 to 15 before I got big). He's expressed missing it and wanting me to get another pair, but not only do they not make sizes big enough for me, but I know it will look horrible on my current body shape and would just be a disappointment for him. HW: 328 (02/22/17) SW: TBD CW: 288 Pounds disowned to date: 40

Not wanting to hide from family I haven't seen in awhile! I live states away from most family and every time I see them, I feel the need to pre-warn them before they arrive that I'm fat. I have a very vocal family and they like to mention things I already know. I can't wait to WANT to visit family and not try to hide behind my husband or tables! HW: 328 (02/22/17) SW: TBD CW: 288 Pounds disowned to date: 40

Interesting struggle. I've had friends who were "social smokers" - really only smoked socially because they liked it. I wonder, since you mentioned that's the reason for your struggle, if getting a 0 nicotine vape or ecig would help. It should at least keep you healthier after surgery while still providing the actions one does while smoking. At some point after surgery you might not like smoking so much. Especially if you don't do it for a period of time. For me, I've been a high stress smoker (only smoking under severe stress) and occasional social smoker. I had a month long bout of severe stress last year where I smoked the most in one period of time than I've ever done in my life combined. When the stress went away, I stopped smoking and after 6 months, I had a high stress day and picked up a smoke and immediately got very ill after the second puff. Just thinking about it makes me feel sick. I haven't picked up a cigarette or vape since. Maybe dropping it for a time and changing your life around with surgery will be your change with liking smoking. HW: 328 (02/22/17) SW: TBD CW: 288 Pounds disowned to date: 40

I wonder if it's the same as breastfeeding and caring for a baby after csection? It hurts, you're tired constantly, don't get nearly the help needed, and there's risk of infection and incision popping open if you lift anything. (Happened to me. ) If it's similar, it's doable. Just have to be slow, cautious and smart about all movements. HW: 328 (02/22/17) SW: TBD CW: 292

I'm honestly scared to lose weight in my boobs. Not because I can't afford it size wise - I'm a DDD, but because they're already shaped like saggy watermelons (nipples point to the ground) and the more weight I lose in them, the more they'll look like inflated animal balloons that have been left in a hot car too long. [emoji52] HW: 328 (02/22/17) SW: TBD CW: 292

Thanks! Will do. I went through years of therapy for my underlying reasons why I chose to let my weight go crazy in the first place. I had my psych eval and passed. All of that said, I agree that having mental help through it will be the best idea. I've looked for bariatric support groups for in person support but they don't seem to have those around here. Maybe I'll look for food addict support groups instead. [emoji3] HW: 328 (02/22/17) SW: TBD CW: 292