336Mike

Completely understand. I still struggle with it from time to time at almost 23 months out, but it gets better. When I maintained and finally got over how much smaller the clothes were that I was wearing my focus then went to my belly area that absolutely no one else could see and that loose skin made me look at myself as fat. Go figure. 🤷‍♂️ What helps is reminding myself where I started and how far I've come. Learning to love me and knowing I'm good enough no matter what. I also recently was able to do my TT which has helped immensely. It may be somewhat of a lifelong struggle by creeping up from time to time and when it does I'll continue to know it's not the truth and try to focus on positive things - Like, dang, I can really rock a slim fit suit now or some skinny jeans and a clingy shirt and be super confident!!! Not too mention all the activities I can do now and how much healthier I am!! I think, that's how we overcome it. HW = 360 SW = 292 GW = 220 reached 3/7/18 CW = 210 @ 6'5" 150 pounds lost! [emoji106]

I still hear that periodically and I know it's worse when it comes from someone who you'd expect to support you. Totally sucks!! But focus on you and being healthy...try to let it roll off (easier said than done). The latest for me was someone new in the weight loss support group I go to saying I didn't look like I belonged there and another WLS veteran saying exactly what you were told re: being too skinny. We need too support each other! HW = 360 SW = 292 GW = 220 reached 3/7/18 CW = 210 @ 6'5" 150 pounds lost! [emoji106]

What did I just read?!? 🤦‍♂️🤦‍♂️🤦‍♂️ HW = 360 SW = 292 GW = 220 reached 3/7/18 CW = 210 @ 6'5" 150 pounds lost! [emoji106]

Great job! Looking terrific and I'm sure you're feeling terrific too. You'll hit your goal in no time!! HW = 360 SW = 292 GW = 220 reached 3/7/18 CW = 210 @ 6'5" 150 pounds lost! [emoji106]

Amazing job! You worked hard, stuck with it and out shows. HW = 360 SW = 292 GW = 220 reached 3/7/18 CW = 210 @ 6'5" 150 pounds lost! [emoji106]

@Stella_S Thank you very much!![emoji4] HW = 360 SW = 292 GW = 220 reached 3/7/18 CW = 210 @ 6'5" 150 pounds lost! [emoji106]

@FluffyChix Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!!! [emoji4] HW = 360 SW = 292 GW = 220 reached 3/7/18 CW = 210 @ 6'5" 150 pounds lost! [emoji106]

@pssk Thank you! HW = 360 SW = 292 GW = 220 reached 3/7/18 CW = 210 @ 6'5" 150 pounds lost! [emoji106]

Just got back from my postop! 6 pounds of skin removed which is hard to imagine. I get an "A" from the surgeon on how well I'm doing. I saw my belly button for the first time and he removed the stitches from it. I go back Thursday to have my drains out. I stopped pain meds Saturday and have been talking tylenol as needed. I've been able to go out for little walks, etc. So happy that I had this done!! I can't believe how good it feels to not have the skin there!! [emoji4] HW = 360 SW = 292 GW = 220 reached 3/7/18 CW = 210 @ 6'5" 150 pounds lost! [emoji106]

That's good to know!!! I have 3 drains...I better be patient!! HW = 360 SW = 292 GW = 220 reached 3/7/18 CW = 210 @ 6'5" 150 pounds lost! [emoji106]

@BlueCrush Thanks for asking. Honestly alot better than I anticipated. I've never really been in pain with this, just sore. No issues getting up and about and doing little things for myself as long as I take it easy. Cut way back on pain meds too. Can't believe how good things look so far. I'm super stoked with the results. Hoping my drains come out at Monday's postop. I'm looking forward to being able to snap some pics to share soon. HW = 360 SW = 292 GW = 220 reached 3/7/18 CW = 210 @ 6'5" 150 pounds lost! [emoji106]

Thanks!! HW = 360 SW = 292 GW = 220 reached 3/7/18 CW = 210 @ 6'5" 150 pounds lost! [emoji106]

Thank you!! HW = 360 SW = 292 GW = 220 reached 3/7/18 CW = 210 @ 6'5" 150 pounds lost! [emoji106]

Thank you!! HW = 360 SW = 292 GW = 220 reached 3/7/18 CW = 210 @ 6'5" 150 pounds lost! [emoji106]

7:30 tomorrow morning begins another step of my journey to be healthier and live my best life!!! See ya' loose belly skin, you gotta go just like the 150 lbs!! I'll add postop pics when I can! HW = 360 SW = 292 GW = 220 reached 3/7/18 CW = 210 @ 6'5" 150 pounds lost! [emoji106]

My hike in the mountains Friday... yes, that's the trail! HW = 360 SW = 292 GW = 220 reached 3/7/18 CW = 210 @ 6'5" 150 pounds lost! [emoji106]

@Healthy_life2 Thank you!!! I do smile alot now. I'll be 45 in October so I'll take getting called young any day of the week! What's important is feeling way younger than I am. [emoji6]

I'm in! [emoji106] lol Still have a hard time with knowing how unhealthy I was when I look at this pic!! But so much happier now!!! HW = 360 SW = 292 GW = 220 reached 3/7/18 CW = 210 @ 6'5" 150 pounds lost! [emoji106]

[emoji23][emoji23] too funny! HW = 360 SW = 292 GW = 220 reached 3/7/18 CW = 210 @ 6'5" 150 pounds lost! [emoji106]

You don't even look close to 50. Amazing!! HW = 360 SW = 292 GW = 220 reached 3/7/18 CW = 210 @ 6'5" 150 pounds lost! [emoji106]

Well, that explains it! HW = 360 SW = 292 GW = 220 reached 3/7/18 CW = 210 @ 6'5" 150 pounds lost! [emoji106]

My workout music tastes are all over the place!! Here's from my last bike ride. Lauryn Hill Amy Winehouse Sting Nina Simone Eminem Led Zeppelin RHCP The Black Eyed Peas More Sting Beastie Boys Kid Rock https://youtu.be/6J9ayHYClw8 Andra Day https://youtu.be/lwgr_IMeEgA Living Colour https://youtu.be/7xxgRUyzgs0 HW = 360 SW = 292 GW = 220 reached 3/7/18 CW = 210 @ 6'5" 150 pounds lost! [emoji106]

W-O-W!! I never knew eharmony would kick you back a message saying they couldn't help. [emoji23][emoji23] Never tried them and not sure I would now after seeing that. Maybe you should try POF again since it's been a while. 🤷‍♂️ I met a nurse when I was in the hospital but it didn't work out. That's the extent of my dating life so my advice won't take you very far lol. HW = 360 SW = 292 GW = 220 reached 3/7/18 CW = 210 @ 6'5" 150 pounds lost! [emoji106]

I've experienced many positive changes. I live life now, instead of existing. The are still times I feel "fat" and unhealthy but they is fat from the truth. I'm the healthiest and most active I've ever been. I challenge myself to get out and do things. That was a struggle in the past. I'm somewhat introverted and have some social anxiety but I'm determined not to let it control my new life. It's amazing what we can do, or not do, when we convince ourselves with different thoughts. I still have a hard time meeting women but I'm trying to work on that. Alot of it is my own fears and insecurities. HW = 360 SW = 292 GW = 220 reached 3/7/18 CW = 210 @ 6'5" 150 pounds lost! [emoji106]

I have. It was very weird. It happened on and off for a few months then just stopped. HW = 360 SW = 292 GW = 220 reached 3/7/18 CW = 210 @ 6'5" 150 pounds lost! [emoji106]