heycrystal2052

Good morning, all! When I began my initial research on getting the Sleeve, I read many stories where relationships failed. I swore I "we" wouldn't be one of them, but it happened. Later seeing it was the BEST thing done, other than the surgery. I began to wonder how often that really happens. Who I was when I met my ex, is nothing compared to who I am now. I was dead within and allowed myself to settle for many things and that included a very broken and unhealthy relationship, goodness. We both were very morbidly obese and when I began to desire more for myself and my health, he started to resent and even attempted to sabotage my successes. After my surgery, he "supported" me, but really didn't if that makes sense. Four years, was evaporated over several months. Almost two years later, I'm the happiest I've been in many years. Dating, how have you all adjusted to that (if, you're a single person)? I'm dating a very wonderful man, one who even as post-op supports me 100%. I'm getting the breast lift and reduction soon, and w/ explaining my want and need for it, he's supportive w/out trying to talk me out of doing what he feels is already perfect. How do you all handle going out to eat? Do you all feel an insecurity, that only our community can understand? How does this all work? lol

Where you feel the guilt of messing up, let that be your constant reminder to not repeat those actions. Popcorn is something I didn't eat until I was past my first year ( I didn't think I had the discipline to stop, before that point), and I made sure I received the okay from my Dr. I don't eat regular popcorn, I always get the 100 calorie pack and that is more than enough. Thankfully, I don't really have the "want" for popcorn anymore, so it is never a real issue. I've noticed, just in general, we all have our "must and must nots", so you'll never really get a true answer unless from your Dr. For example, some people believe it's okay to drink sodas while there's a ton, who are against it. Some people are okay with eating Cheez It, I tried that as a snack and gained two pounds, so for me, that's not okay and has never been eaten again. You'll have your moments of messing up, but self discipline will be your vice, trust me, you can beat it! A month after my surgery they built a Carlo's Bakery (Cake Boss) close to me, can you imagine the battle that was going on in my head. I asked my Dr. if I could have a bite of a cupcake, due to the special occasion. His response: " Are you able to walk in and smell everything, without feeling compelled to eat the sweets? If so, sure you can go." Discipline takes time to build and you will get there. Don't beat yourself up, just know there are better things to eat, things that will benefit you more and will not cost moments of shame or guilt. I am now able to visit the shop and eat just a small cookie, and I'm out. Samples, are Heaven!

To be honest, I have no idea. I was never into cucumbers in the past, but now, I can't get enough. I'd think when you're able to eat soft food or maybe solid? I'd think soft.

YES, this is what it is all about! ** Going into it, my only issue was being morbidly obese. I didn't have any health issues then or now.

And they contain 96% water, they will also help w/ your water count for the day. The little things

I agree. Sometimes, when I really need to focus on protein, I'll cut up a chicken breast and have it as my 2 hour snacks. I can't get in 4 ounces, but throughout the day, I can do it. If I'm a little hungry in between, I'll drink water and that takes care of the issue. Sometimes, hunger is simply the body asking for a liquid.

Yes, I agree! When I felt that feeling, I thought the "walking" idea was silly, but I tell you...it made things a lot better. It will get better.

Happy Day, everyone! I was just approved for the breast lift/reduction, has anyone had that done as well? If so, I wanted to get a bit of feedback about the procedure and what your thoughts are after the fact. I'm nervous, but am very excited at the same time. Thank you in advance, be well!

To be honest, at one point I thought I was losing too quickly. Between each appointment, I was losing about 25 pounds per three month, sometimes more. At this point, I have slowed a little, but the inches are still coming off. You do a lot more than I in the gym, I just focus on toning and walking. The arms, girl...they need help. Most insurance companies consider it to be more cosmetic, so I'll pay out of pocket for that if I'm ever desperate enough to get rid of it. What I wanted most, the insurance covered. These breasts need help, thankfully, BCBS agrees. LOL! The rate of loss now, is about 10 pounds a month. Almost two years out and I'm still so very focused, I've gone through too much to give up now. Ya know?!

I'm the same, there are a lot of foods I can no longer tolerate. I'm mainly a chicken and fish/seafood person. I really don't have a taste for beef or pork anymore. I LOVE chili, but a small cup from Jason's Deli can last a whole day. In the morning, I'll have a fruit that's high in water content, that can go towards my water intake. I love to snack on jerky, roasted seaweed, cucumbers w/ a touch of salt and dressing. When I get bored I'll switch it up, but I try to focus on protein and or empty cal foods. Eggs are good as well, but remember, they should not be an every day food.

I'm a year and a half out, I still don't own a scale. I'm afraid I'm going to get addicted, lol. But, this is a great question.

I thought the same as you, I thought hey would tell me to lose a bit more weight before submitting to the insurance. Since I'm close to my goal, I'm sure that was factored in. Such adventures! lol

I did feel a sense of shame, my shame was directed towards myself. I was ashamed I was slowly depriving my body of what it could be at its best potential, shame on me. I actually had a moment where I saw a very overweight child and I broke into tears , I felt horribly for that child. I was that child, I was that teenager, I was that adult. I felt shame for many things, but at the end of the day, you'll find your strength and will be very proud of the decision you made. You will teach, inspire, and be the rock someone will need, someone who wants to achieve a better way of living. Things will be okay!

I remember I would have crying spurts, because it would take two hours just to eat a Oikos. I was on the phone w/ my surgeon every other day, because I kept worrying about the time it took to sip sip sip and nibble nibble nibble. How much of your stomach did the Dr. take, I had 85% removed.

I was very happy when the process started, I didn't hide my plans or the surgery. Prior to the surgery, I read many things where people held back a little, I didn't want that. Amazingly, I was supported at work and w/in my family and friends. However, I was in a relationship for almost four years and that sizzled quickly, due to the lack of support and actually, I felt he began to resent the fact I wanted to get my health in order. I felt he purposely wanted to see me fail so I'd continue to be the same miserable fat girl, low self-esteemed girl, and the girl who didn't gives two craps about her personal outlook. Boy, bye! Along w/ the surgery, that was the best thing that ever could had happened. On my FB, I post many steps w/in my journey along w/ pictures. You'd be amazed at how many people you'll inspire!! Never be ashamed of your journey, be free!

YES!!! 8 pounds away from being in the 100's, that's what I'm talking about! Good for you, I'm happy to be able to witness your accomplishments, congrats! I fell in love w/ Aquatics, due to WHAT WAS my size, I ran from bathing suits and water. Not anymore and not this girl! 2.71 miles w/ walking, that's very good. I love the treadmill, but I'd rather walk the neighborhood or at a park, it makes it a bit more enjoyable and you can meet like-minded individuals when it comes to our health. Sure, you can do that at the gym, but walking around your neighborhood, you may meet a new walk/riding buddy.

Happy Wednesday! I am scheduled for 08/31/2017, but that will be changed to 09/2017. We're having a really important training and I can't miss that, but that'll end up working out for the best. I'm super excited and of course, I'll be more than happy to keep you updated. So many changes, but for once, I welcome them all.

Depending on your policy, it could differ. W/ the lift, I didn't have any issues w/ the chafing, rashes, etc. Some policies will require those things to be a must. I'm a 40DDD, so they're very heavy and hurt my back, thankfully that was enough to get my approval. If you're having any issues due to the weight lost (only focus on that), make sure they're well documented and share that w/ your plastic surgeon. Now, I did have some discoloration under the breasts, I was later told, that was a sign of continuous skin irritation (so, maybe I did have those issues). The Panni, we knew they were would deny, but we tried any way. In my case, the denial did not warrant a P2P. Not to be too graphic, you must hang lower than your lady part and I just don't have enough loose skin to justify the surgery. They need to see you've had NUMEROUS amounts of skin irritations for them to even blink an eye w/ thought of the reviewing. If that is a problem, make sure you get prescribed (must fill through the pharmacy, we need to see you had claims for it and for how long) creams or whatever else you use to treat it. If you buy something OTC, again, make sure it is documented w/ your surgeon so it is recorded in your medical chart. Make sure you're within or at goal and have been there for several months. Now, depending on your policy, this could differ a bit, but this is the gist of it.

When I tried a carbonated water, I had that same issue. I was miserable until it resolved itself and that was done w/ Gas X, I'll never do that again.

Wow, ACA covered that procedure? Way to go, I'm so happy for you. The ACA, as of right now, will be around for two more years.

Aww gads, did my innocent comment upset you? Lol.

It looks very delicious, but the carb and sugar count is a bit too high for me. I'm sure there is something like it, that'll fit w/in my "safe zone". Thank you so much for sharing!

I'm w/ Jess, my employer is the same when it comes to the strict guidelines for the pannus. I knew going in they were going to deny my PA, but it was still worth the try. The skin in that area is minimal, nothing a little girdle can't handle. The breast lift and reduction, we (BCBS) just approved that and will be covering the costs. Out of pocket, I'll only be paying $500.00.

I'm so very proud of you, how wonderful you must feel. I was just approved for the surgery and I can't wait, this is the final surgery that surrounds my weight loss. Keep up the great work, you're look great!

By chance, do you have the nutrition table for this smoothie? Also, I'm not a fan of coffee, can that be replaced w/ something else?