Orchids&Dragons

I tried on this sweatshirt that was uncomfortably snug last Christmas. My, how times have changed. It goes to Goodwill next week!

I'm cooking prime rib tonight with mashed potatoes and gravy. Sorry, no Yorkshire pudding, I've never had it. Tomorrow evening is family Christmas at my brother's house. Pulled pork sandwiches. We're bringing stuffed jalapenos and candied pecans. The twins spent this afternoon prepping the chilis. No way will I stay up late enough for midnight Mass. I may go to mass at 6pm tonight while the roast is in the oven or maybe tomorrow morning. Merry Christmas, and/or Happy Holidays, all!

I know, right?!

Yeah, that haircut is reallllly flattering! Who knew that the right cut could make you look 100 pounds lighter?

Best wishes!

Very positive outlook. However, feel free to get me a glass of tap water. I have an unrefined palate! 😂

Wishing you an uneventful surgery and a speedy recovery! Welcome to the forums!

No wonder they were blown away! You look fantastic, congrats!

It is totally normal to mourn the loss of your current relationship with food. It's been a support and a friend, of sorts. Just remember, it's the bad friend that got you in all sorts of trouble. Just realize, you're not giving up these foods forever, although hopefully, you are giving up the quantities you currently enjoy. Eventually, you'll be able to order your favorite meals at restaurants again. But now, you'll have leftovers to enjoy for 3-4 more meals. (It makes the cost of eating out a lot more reasonable!) For the hair loss, start taking your vitamins now. You can also add biotin and l-lysine supplements to help support hair growth. Do not wait until the hair loss starts as I did. By then it's too late. The first week or two after surgery are hard for most of us. This surgery is a big deal. However, your chances of surgical complications are far less than the chance you'll develop complications due to obesity. Don't focus too much on the next few months. It's tough, but you can get through it. Think about what you want for yourself 2 years from now, 10 years from now . . . The overwhelming percentage of people on these threads think the temporary pain/struggles were well worth it to get a better life in the long run. Think about how much of your current life is passing you by because you're too big to participate in it. I wish you well and hope you'll continue to ask your questions and vent when necessary. We've all been there.

Shea is right. With your issues you should really work with a pro. You certainly don't want to do any damage and make it even harder to exercise. However, to get started you can google "chair exercises" on youtube. You'd be amazed at how fast you can break a sweat sitting down and these are much easier on your joints until you get some of the weight off. As always, get the ok from your doc first. Wishing you well!

You know, I think you're right about not recognizing a healthy bmi. Our entire society is skewed in the plus direction. I am on the borderline of normal but not there yet and clearly my weight concerns people. Your comment about the front desk secretary reminded me of when I was pregnant with my twins. An enormous pregnant belly is just too tempting a target for some folks. They just had to come up and touch like I was some kind of Budda statue! Nice that the support group nurse could give you advice on appearing less "skeletal". That had to make your day! I'm glad to hear that people eventually accepted the new you! I'm looking forward to that, especially since I'll see a ton of family tomorrow that haven't seen me in a year and I know the awkward comments will be flying! Thanks for your insight!

It has aged me considerably. The first place I lost was my cheeks (both face and butt!) I'd never realized how much rounded cheeks mattered. But I think some of that will even out once I hit maintenance and hopefully, some of the remaining fat redistributes. If I'd stopped once my face got too thin, I'd have had to quit about 70 pounds ago. An extra 5-10 pounds won't make a difference to my face at this point. Happily, most of the loose skin under my chin has tightened up 😁 I thought that area was going to be super bad.

I'm sure they're not trying to be rude. They're usually in the process of congratulating me on my progress. They just don't understand how negative the statement is. That's why I'll just let it go and then do my own thing.

I like several of the Kay's variety (which are carried in the pharmacy section of my local grocery) and the Quest sour cream & onion that I get online. Both are high protein, not terribly high calories.

Thank you!

I would have thought that was a good thing. No?

If you had a co-worker who suddenly dropped 50 lbs. wouldn't you wonder? In the absence of any facts, it's human nature to speculate. You'll just have to ignore it.

This is definitely a decision to discuss with your surgeon, but assume a minimum of 6 weeks.

No advice, but have an awesome trip!!!

Did anyone see Venus this morning? It was shining soooo brightly. Just gorgeous! I was taking a walk before sunrise and I was shocked at how brilliant it was. Didn't recognize it as Venus because it was so bright. Had to google it.

I agree. I thought it was pretty good, relatively speaking. It is more expensive, though.

Look toward the southeast. I was out around 6:30

That might work!

It's gonna be hard to find one that likes New York winter weather!

Average male 5'7"! They sure don't live around me. Texas must grow 'em big!