DeeberLee

I didn't plan a cruise this year because I didn't think I could handle the food temptation. Thanks for the inspiration.

DAY 4: Happiest Childhood Memory- I'm a military brat. My fondest memories are traveling by car on summer vacation all over the country with my sisters and brother. Seeing nothing but corn fields, traveling through Kansas. Seeing the Mojave desert in California. No worries just a carefree kid. Favorite perfume: I think it's called Bon Chic by Max Azria. It's a light not to heavy perfume.

MARCH CHALLENGE DAY 3 Did a yoga DVD this morning that I've had for awhile. The DVD said beginner, I don't know about that!😉 One thing I'm grateful for today: Being able to get up this morning and do these exercises without my knees aching, my back creaking. Able to do different exercises without pain or gasping for air. I'm also continuing to do some of the exercises from the February challenge. Just to keep challenging myself. No junk food: Doing okay so far.

I have a favorite picture taken 2 years ago while on vacation in Chicago. It's a picture with my sisters. I was at my heaviest of 232 lbs.. I'm going back to Chicago this summer 73 lbs. lighter. I'm not dreading having my picture taken this time with my sisters!

March Challenge: Days 1 and 2 First, thanks GreenTealael for the February challenge. It was challenging, but I ended up doing exercises that I hadn't done before. I can do a "burpee" with the best of them!🤣 CW 159. Goal wt. for this challenge is 150. 3 words to describe myself: Hardworking, funny and compassionate 3 things in your ideal morning: Waking up and seeing a sunrise. Quiet time to think and reflect.

DAY 27: One day left in the challenge. I made my goal of losing 7 lbs! That may not seem like a lot, but I'll take it!😊 I had stalled for awhile and I think the different exercises made the difference. Yes, I still look like an uncoordinated chicken doing the jumping jacks. But I can do them!! The burpees continue to be a challenge, however I can do more of them now, then at the beginning of the challenge. I'm really proud of myself for getting out of my comfort zone of just walking for exercise.

The pictures of the woods are beautiful. So peaceful and serene.

There are "what if" moments all through life. I certainly sympathize with you. I made a will out days before my surgery. On the day of surgery I told my surgeon I was having second thoughts. Looking back, yes I was terrified. I have never had a major surgery. However my health was declining and my joints ached all the time. I made the right decision. Take one day at a time. Good luck to you.

100% better! Thanks.

I need to tape your post all over my house! Weight loss has slowed down. I told myself not to worry. Easier said than done! I know that this happens. Even prepared myself for the "stall." Taking deep breaths!!

I do the same thing! I'd rather drink than eat! I don't think I've ever said that in my life!!😂

DAY 24: Only 4 days left in the challenge. SW 167.4- CW 160.8. Just need to lose 1lb and I'll have reached my goal for the challenge.😊 Exercise- I've been trying out some other exercises listed. All I can say is "whew!" No junk food-I can definitely see an improvement. Just need to keep it up when the challenge is over also. A favorite hobby: Has to be reading. I love to read! I keep a paperback in my purse or I've got something loaded on my tablet.

DAY 19: I'm behind a couple of days. Exercise- Up early to get an hour of aerobics and strength training in. No junk food- Need to be careful. Had some chex-mix, that I had way too much of. Threw the bag away. Day 18: Write about someone you need to forgive. I need to forgive myself for allowing negative comments to affect me. Years ago a friend asked me: Why do you keep dieting, it's not working. You should just accept that you're "heavy." Her comment hurt my feelings for months. Looking back, I'm glad she said it. No, I do not have to accept being fat!!! Her comment started me to thinking about WLS. DAY19: A positive memory- being able to put on a pair of jeans at Christmas, that did not have an elastic waist! I zipped and buttoned those jeans right up!👏

March will be my 6 month anniversary of my sleeve. My weight loss has slowed down some, however I've lost 70lbs! I'm not complaining at all! At the beginning of my journey I was comparing myself to everyone else. I wasn't losing fast enough etc. Everyone loses at different rates. My goal is not only to lose the weight, but to keep it off for life. So if it takes me longer to reach my goal weight. I'm fine with it. I'm learning as I go with what works and what doesn't.

I was told to take the liquid Tylenol post surgery. It can be bought over the counter. It does come in an adult strength. I bought the Tylenol in a generic form. The bottle says 500mg per 15ml. I was told to take 30ml every 6- 8 hours as needed. Your dosage could be different than mine. Please ask your surgeon for the right dosage for you. I had no issues with it and it did relieve my pain.

DAY 15 Exercise: Did a short walk this morning. Legs are a little sore from the walk/jog that I did yesterday. One of my goals is to run a 5K. (I'm a secret runner!) No Junk food: So far so good. Someone's always bringing in some sweets on Fridays. Makes today a challenge!

Yes, I have noticed a difference in the way people treat me. Most of it has been positive. There have been some negative people. My sister told me I was losing too much weight. She told me I should stop now, then offered me something to eat! One of my co-workers who've also been thin is acting strangely towards me. Looking at what I'm eating, then offering me a doughnut. I don't understand it. I wouldn't do that to anyone else trying to lose weight. My mother told me its that person's insecurities coming out. I think so too. It took me a long time to get were I'm at. Why can't people be happy for you?

I had a similar issue at work also. I was asked "what did you do and are you sick?" At first I was angry because it isn't anybody's business but my own. If I felt this coworker was truly genuine instead of looking for gossip that's a different matter. I told her this is what getting healthy looks like and changed the subject.

DAY 14 Happy Valentine's Day! No chocolate candy, cookies or cake has passed these lips today! I don't have a favorite poem, howeverI have another favorite quote. "You only live once, but if you do it right, once is enough." Mae West

My pivotal moment was thinking this yo yo dieting has to stop. Every January 1st I was on a new diet. Now that I look back some of the diets were crazy and unsafe. I practically passed out at work on a 500 calorie juice fast. I just got mad and decided I can't keep mistreating my body like this.

My first soft meal was a scrambled egg with a teaspoon of shredded cheese. It took me 30 minutes to eat half of it, but it was delicious!

DAY 12 Starting to get the hang of this! Surprisingly doing pretty well on the "No junk food challenge." Even though temptation is everywhere! Did some different exercises today. Trying to branch out a little. I have a picture of myself with my sisters, that I thought I looked pretty good in. It's amazing how heavy I looked, but I didn't think I was that heavy at that time. If that makes any sense. NSV today. I had flats on that I haven't worn in awhile. Started walking and they flew off my feet!!😂 Who knew, you could lose weight in your feet! LOL

DAY 10 Got up early to get my exercise in. Also gives me alone time to think. Having brunch today with my sister, who thinks I've lost enough weight. This is the thin sister, who "encourages" you to eat. I'm planning ahead on what to eat and say to her. Another quote I'm fond of: "Be yourself. Everyone else is already taken." By Oscar Wilde.

Gabrielle1, these boards are great for advise, venting, saying what's on your mind etc. I've found answers to questions I've had by reading the different forums. There are many people here who've started their journey over 50 years old. Improving your health has no age limit. Welcome and good luck to you.

DAY#9 Continuing with the exercises. I'm owning those burpees! No junk food today. We will not speak of yesterday!! My favorite quote that motivates me: "Always do what you're afraid to do." By Ralph Waldo Emerson. I have this quote posted on my doors at home. This quote inspired me to start my weight loss journey.