thatch

Whisps and Moon Cheese.

#6. Things that deplete my energy: 1. Sitting too much -- I've got to move around during the day or my energy goes in the crapper 2. Shopping -- Ugh, I hate it. I try to do as much shopping as I can online. 3. Dinner with my mother-in-law. The less said the better.

I love Fage and I can get it in huge tubs from Costco.

Thank you, @gabybab! Congrats to you, too!

I no longer have sleep apnea, and my depression seems to be cured! *fingers crossed*

Wow, today's is a challenge! Here are the 10 things I'll say about myself morning and night: I love that: 1. I'm thoughtful and considerate of other people's needs and feelings 2. I'm a whiz with leftovers 3. I have freakishly strong legs 4. I'm a good listener 5. I put myself through college while working and taking a full course load 6. I'm kind to animals 7. I have a vivid imagination 8. I have the capability to express myself through writing, and sometimes even move other people 9. I'm open minded and tolerant 10. I gave myself the gift of WLS so that I could be the best version of myself, healthier and happier!

I am a writer! Technical writer, but still... Thank you so much!

Oh, I feel this one so hard, @Carrot64. I'm about to buy my first swimsuit since I was 28! But I have realized that life is too short and I'm tired of it passing me by. I am going to spend Labor Day at a fancy beach house and I don't care if I'm still a bit flabby and flat chested. I want to live my life, and not sit on the sidelines like I did for 20 years! Don't let perfect be the enemy of good. I bet you look great and more importantly FEEL great. Get out there and enjoy yourself! *hugs*

What my ideal day looks like: I wake up with ENERGY and not a bit sleepy. A bit before dawn so I can watch the sunrise. It's a beautiful cool day, probably fall. I go for a walk and don't see another soul and there are no cars about. Quiet so I can think. When I return home, I have a delicious breakfast -- a hearty quiche with veggies and cheese. Then I head to the beach for the morning with a good book. I read by the shoreline, taking breaks to swim or just watch the waves. For lunch, I meet some friends and we feast on crab legs and other good seafood. Conversation is lively and interesting. The afternoon is spent taking a boat ride out to a neighboring island, where we watch dolphins play and look for seashells. That night, there's a beach party with dancing. I go to bed tired but happy.

No shower at the hospital, and when I was discharged I put back on the clothes I wore to the hospital. I think I took a shower as soon as I got home, if I recall correctly.

My surgery was very early in the morning, I was maybe my surgeon's second case that day. After arriving at the hospital, I was called back to sign all the paperwork and then waited for the nurse to come get me. The nurse got me set up in a room where I changed into the gown and the little booties you have to wear that prevent blood clots. They started my IV and the anesthesiologist came around to introduce himself (he had actually been my anesthesiologist during my hysterectomy and we had a good laugh about me and my surgeries) and ask some questions that I don't really remember. The surgeon came by and told me what was going to happen and told my husband about how long the surgery would last (I don't remember how long, but it wasn't very long to wait). Then they wheeled me into the operating room and after getting me situated on the operating table, the anesthesiologist told me to start counting down. I lasted maybe another two seconds and was out. When I came to, I was in a lot of pain so they gave me a little extra in the recovery room. Once I was feeling more comfortable they wheeled me into my room. The next few hours are a bit of a blur as I was in and out of sleep, but the nurses were in my room a lot. I had visitors at one point and I was able to sit up and talk to them although the nurse shooed them out after a bit. You'll be given pain meds on a schedule and they'll come in and take your blood pressure periodically and other nurse-y stuff. Sorry to be vague, I just mostly slept. When I wasn't sleeping, I was sipping water and walking around the ward. Very slow walking, but walking! It helped tremendously with the gas pain. During the night they'll continue checking on you about every two hours which is necessary but a little irritating for the sleep. I had some broth and jell-o at some point in the night. It tasted heavenly but I could only manage a few sips. The next morning they brought me a protein shake and I was told I could check out once I had finished it. It seemed to take forever but I got it down. I had no complications and I felt as great as could be expected with holes in me! I went home and went back to sleep. Sorry for the rambly nature of this, but I hope it helps!

I agree with @ms.sss that the confidence boost after surgery plays a huge part. I'm still working toward my goal weight, I've got saggy bits, and my boobs have DISAPPEARED but my husband is more attracted to me than ever. I don't have the hang-ups about my body that I did 80 pounds ago. I'm energetic, which means better sex for both of us. I initiate sex more and I'm not shy about being in weird positions that before I would have thought I was too fat for. XD I'm rooting for you, best of luck on your journey!

I'm so sorry. That is a lot to deal with and try to take care of yourself, too. Sending you internet hugs.

Hi, everybody! I fell off the wagon on the May challenge but I'm back for June. I'm almost 11 months post-op, 165 pounds, 28 BMI and shooting for 140. My goal for June is to reach 160. I'm so excited for June's challenge and the focus on mental health! B-side: I was diagnosed with depression in 2008 and my therapist (and later, also a psychiatrist) became very important to me. I had suicidal ideation at one time and my therapist absolutely helped me get through that. I am an open book, and I have never shied away from talking about my mental health or that I see two! professionals to deal with it. There is still such a stigma (especially in the South, where I live) around seeing a mental health professional. When my father-in-law died, I asked my mother-in-law if she wanted the name of my therapist and she told me, "I'm not weak minded." Well, neither am I. In fact, I'm stronger BECAUSE I see someone who can help me understand the issues I'm facing and grow as a person. I see seeing a mental health professional like utilizing a personal trainer -- sure, you can go it alone, but even just a few sessions with an expert can make all the difference in your journey. I am thrilled to say that my depression is in remission (WLS being a big part of that) and I'm now weaning off my antidepressants. But I'll still continue to see my therapist because there are several issues I want to continue to work on.

My heartburn was tremendous for the first couple of months. Taking a PPI was all that would help me, over-the-counter meds did nothing. On a brighter note, I haven't had heartburn in months -- it just went away one day. Hopefully you will experience the same. Ask about a prescription, and I hope you feel better soon!

OMG, I'm fasting right now and this made me want to lick the screen. That looks SO GOOD.

I don't think I packed half of that stuff, I was asleep and if I wasn't asleep I was walking around the ward (so pajamas are a definite yes!). You're going to do great! Best wishes on a speedy recovery.

You look fantastic!!! Way to go!

I'm listening to The Life Coach School podcast today, the episode is on "Why Change is Hard." Seems appropriate to our journey!

Hmm, reading other responses I think I might be wrong about my doctor saying no to caffeine for a year. But I don't drink coffee so I didn't really pay attention I guess.

I have never really got into meditation (I definitely have a monkey mind) but I have the Headspace app and I'm going to give it a go today. As for the B side question, I was told no caffeine for a year, IIRC. I have had a few sips of Diet Coke here and there but I don't miss it. I do miss sweet tea though, the syrupy kind we Southerners are known for. I let myself have a small sweet tea once a month, it's my treat instead of pastries or chocolate.

#7. Work up a sweat. Boy, did I. I take a strength training class twice a week (at 5 am, no less) and this morning we did hollow holds, pike ups, RDLs, and a whole bunch of other stuff that had me sweating like a fiend. I remember when I used to hate working out... now I crave it (and sweating, too!).

Woot, so excited about today's challenge -- go to bed early! It's a rainy and thundery day here today, so I am looking forward to snuggling in bed with The Goblin Emperor and having an early night.

Thank you! ❤️