Orchids&Dragons

Good to see you, Matt! Congrats on getting solidly under 200! So sorry about all the back issues, although it doesn't sound like it's cutting into your dance time! Hope you feel better soon. Too bad about the jerk at work, we miss you!

I'm so sorry. What a rude thing to ask anyone! I'm sure some of this will even out once you're maintaining. Work on those bridges, girl! Great for butt and belly! I'm looking forward to doing them again once doc clears me to exercise again.

We want to share and celebrate your success! Shine ON! It's not bragging, as GT says, it's your journey and we're happy to share it with you!

@sillykitty To stop the weight loss, have you considered setting snack alarms and having something easy (packet of nuts, Atkins snack, etc) to up your protein/calories without adding any extra work/effort to your day?

Thank you!

Which brand of powder do you use for baking?

Man, you're killing me with your creativity! Everything I try to cook with protein powders comes out totally dry and nasty! These look amazing!

I only had pain right under the sternum if I ate anything with even a minimum amount of fat. Most people also get nausea and vomiting, but I just had pain. At first, I thought it was gas because I had upped the volume of cruciferous veggies in my diet, but the pain was too high in my abdomen for that.

You may just not be quite ready for regular foods yet. Back up a bit to where your system could handle the soft foods and never add more than one new food at a time, and only about a tablespoon-full at once. Your insides can take up to 4 months to fully heal, and right now, they call the shots. The time-line is only guidance, you need to actually progress through stages when your tummy is ready. Just be patient!

I'm curious - for the others who just hit the one year mark - how many have had to get their gallbladder out? I had to part company with mine the day after my 1-year surgiversary. I think the stats said about 25%, but I'm curious to hear from real people.

Hey, Dawn! Congrats on the 85-pound loss. I'll bet you drop the other 15 this year! You've done so well considering you weren't really heavy to begin with!

In all that huge pile of permissions/acknowledgments/etc. that we sign before surgery, there should be one form, typed in huge block letters, that says "please sign below to indicate that you have been told that your scale is a b***h!" Then that page should be framed and hung above the scale. You are losing fat. You have to be. You're not eating enough to keep a good-sized gerbil happy. However, on the grand platform of hormones, swelling, fluid retention, and just plain contrariness, the scale isn't showing it right now. If you haven't already, please take your measurements! There is hardly ever a time where you don't lose either pounds or inches! Having a second source of confirmation helps to keep you from getting discouraged. ((hugs))

That's fascinating!

Is it exercise if I sweat while I watch the video? 😮

Thank you, Sophie!

Can't wait to try! Thank you!

Don't forget excessive whining! But, thank you. That's kind of you.

Why are we always our own worst critics? I mean, crap, aren't there enough mean people in the world, we gotta let one live in our head, too? You will rock it like a hurricane, girl!

Post-gallbladder surgery report - Surgery was last Wed. Turned out my gallbladder had fused itself to my colon and the stone was trying to work its way through into the colon. Doc said it was a gawd-awful, infected mess in there. Had my 1-week follow-up today. Best news: Drain is out! Other news: I'm cleared to go back to work next Wednesday barring any further complications. The surgeon thought it was one massive gallstone, but he got the pathology back today and it was 2 large stones, 3.0 cm and 3.7 cm that were kind of stuck together. Anyway, my weight has dropped down to 147.4, but not in a good way. Right now, I look like death-warmed-over. Hopefully, another week of recuperation and I won't look like a desiccated mummy. I still have a lot of fluid/swelling in my belly so I don't know, for sure, how much weight I've actually lost but I think it all came off my face. On the upside, I think I've now successfully navigated all the standard complications that can come with WLS, so it should be smooth sailing from here on out! Anchors away!

Two years ago, could you imagine worrying about swimsuit season?

@FluffyChix You are so analytical - it amazes me!

Congrats! I don't think any of us truly appreciated the difference one year could make!

Congratulations! Onederland is a magical place to be and you look great!

It is tough to get out of recliners, but there is some technique to it. Get your heels as far back as you possibly can and lean as far forward as possible before you try to rise.

I am so sorry for your losses, Kathy. Praying for strength and solace for you and your family. ((hugs))