ms.sss

Honestly i wish I took a Before and After of my Va-jay-jay. Sigh. Opportunity missed!

*raises hand* I cancelled. TWICE. The first time, a few weeks after they set a surgery date, the second time just after I did all my redo labs. I did end up getting the surgery done the at the third attempt which was almost 2 years for my original date of that initial referral. I don’t quite remember what exactly led me to back out those first two times other than I guess I just wasn’t ready. When I finally bit the bullet and went though with it, I sorta wished I didn’t change my mind as I felt I could’ve felt awesome-er sooner. I’m 3 years out now and and completely happy/satisfied with the surgery and the results. Hands down best choice I made regarding my health, weight, mental well-being, confidence, relationships with others, etc, etc, I could go on and on…. Would I have had the same success if I went through with it the first (or second) time? When I wasn’t in a comfortable head space? Who knows. You are ready when YOU say you are ready. Good Luck! ❤️

I created a blog entry with the same content below here, but I feel like no one ever reads BP blogs, so am posting in the forums for good measure. Sorry for the dupes! Also sorry this is so long! ---------------------- It's been 3 years, y’all. I’m a 5’2” female and was 235 lbs & 45 yrs old at the start of the 2 wk liquid diet. Didn’t lose any weight prior. I was on high cholesterol and blood pressure meds, diagnosed with fatty liver, pre-diabetic, peed every 20-30 mins, and snored like a freight train (so said Mr.) Day of sleeve surgery: 223.2 lbs No recovery issues, but I became dumper on sugar (still am). I got off my meds, eliminated liver and diabetic diagnoses within a month. I can hold my pee like a superhero (including not having to go once during a 9 hr flight pre-covid!), and I sleep so silently that Mr. admitted to checking on me during the night in the beginning to check if I was even alive. I ate VERY little during weight loss phase compared to most, but it worked for ME…I didn’t suffer any medical/nutritional issues nor any angst throughout. I tracked everything I ate/drank, weighed myself every morning and took my measurements every Wednesday (I STILL track and weigh daily - its just habit now -, but no longer take my measurements regularly) Reached goal of 127 lbs 7 months after surgery. I had zero stalls. I had a tummy tuck, arm lift and breast lift at 14 months post op. Lowest weight: 109 lbs (this was a month or so after plastics, but quickly gained back to 115-ish) I’ve basically been 115-ish +/- 5 lbs since a couple months into maintenance. Weight this morning: 116.0 lbs even. Happy place is below 120 and/or that my clothes still fit, LOL. These days I exercise semi-regularly, running minimum 5km 2-3 times a week supplemented with the occasional 20-30 min strength training sessions at home (I continue to hate strength training exercises but consider it a necessary evil), and various other for-fun cardio activities. Part of me wanted to get back to higher exercise levels so I can get the “fitter” look I had back then, but I long ago reconciled myself with the fact that I don’t want it THAT badly. Maybe someday I may change my mind, but I’m cool with it for now. I average 1800-2000 cals a day. I drink alcohol and carbonated water on the regular, use straws, chew gum, drink coffee, and eat popcorn, fried foods and carbs. I love desserts. At 3 years out, my restriction is still in effect and could probably eat about 1-1.5 cups of food in volume at one sitting before I need to tap out: some things I can eat more of (salads) than others (dense protein & fluffy bread). I will barf if I eat too much or too fast. I have energy for days, and am more than satisfied with how I look and feel. Life is good. Had my 3 year follow up last week and I continue to be the picture of health, and my surgeon asked again if I wanted to be on a poster. Ummmm, no thanks. Regrets? ABSOLUTELY ZERO. Well, except maybe that I didn’t get a v-shaped tummy tuck incision vs the straight line one that I got. Just means that I can’t wear higher cut bikini bottoms without my scar showing (see the last pic in the collage below). But I mean, really, I’m just nit-picking at this point. This forum has been a constant in my life for the past 3 years, and I’ve made some great connections and some actual REAL friends. Its really nice to engage with others who know what the eff you are talking about, even if its just about food porn and clothes sometimes, lol. Hugs and Congrats to those who made it to the other side with me, and Hugs and Good Luck to those on their way.

Its been 3 years, y’all. I’m a 5’2” female and was 235 lbs & 45 yrs old at the start of the 2 wk liquid diet. Didn’t lose any weight prior. I was on high cholesterol and blood pressure meds, diagnosed with fatty liver, pre-diabetic, peed every 20-30 mins, and snored like a freight train (so said Mr.) Day of sleeve surgery: 223.2 lbs No recovery issues, but I became dumper on sugar (still am). I got off my meds, eliminated liver and diabetic diagnoses within a month. I can hold my pee like a superhero (including not having to go once during a 9 hr flight pre-covid!), and I sleep so silently that Mr. admitted to checking on me during the night in the beginning to check if I was even alive. I ate VERY little during weight loss phase compared to most, but it worked for ME…I didn’t suffer any medical/nutritional issues nor any angst throughout. I tracked everything I ate/drank, weighed myself every morning and took my measurements every Wednesday (I STILL track and weigh daily - its just habit now -, but no longer take my measurements regularly) Reached goal of 127 lbs 7 months after surgery. I had zero stalls. I had a tummy tuck, arm lift and breast lift at 14 months post op. Lowest weight: 109 lbs (this was a month or so after plastics, but quickly gained back to 115-ish) I’ve basically been 115-ish +/- 5 lbs since a couple months into maintenance. Weight this morning: 116.0 lbs even. Happy place is below 120 and/or that my clothes still fit, LOL. These days I exercise semi-regularly, running minimum 5km 2-3 times a week supplemented with the occasional 20-30 min strength training sessions at home (I continue to hate strength training exercises but consider it a necessary evil), and various other for-fun cardio activities. Part of me wanted to get back to higher exercise levels so I can get the “fitter” look I had back then, but I long ago reconciled myself with the fact that I don’t want it THAT badly. Maybe someday I may change my mind, but I’m cool with it for now. I average 1800-2000 cals a day. I drink alcohol and carbonated water on the regular, use straws, chew gum, drink coffee, and eat popcorn, fried foods and carbs. I love desserts. At 3 years out, my restriction is still in effect and could probably eat about 1-1.5 cups of food in volume at one sitting before I need to tap out: some things I can eat more of (salads) than others (dense protein & fluffy bread). I will barf if I eat too much or too fast. I have energy for days, and am more than satisfied with how I look and feel. Life is good. Had my 3 year follow up last week and I continue to be the picture of health, and my surgeon asked again if I wanted to be on a poster. Ummmm, no thanks. Regrets? ABSOLUTELY ZERO. Well, except maybe that I didn’t get a v-shaped tummy tuck incision vs the straight line one that I got. Just means that I can’t wear higher cut bikini bottoms without my scar showing (see the last pic in the collage below). But I mean, I’m just nit-picking at this point. This forum has been a constant in my life for the past 3 years, and I’ve made some great connections and some actual REAL friends. Its really nice to engage with others who know what the eff you are talking about, even if its just about food porn and clothes sometimes, lol. Hugs and Congrats to those who made it to the other side with me, and Hugs and Good Luck to those on their way.

LIke @Jaelzion, im a grazer. Its what i've got to do as I am limited as to what i can eat at one sitting...both during weight loss phase AND in maintenance (but more so in maintenance as a need to keep calories up) I'm 3 years post op (and been maintaining my current weight consistently for almost 2.5 years) and this way of eating hasn't (yet) resulted in any unintended weight gain. For ME it doesn't seem to matter how often or what I'm eating...just total calories...so it doesn't matter if eat 2000 cals in 3 meals or if its spread out in 15 small snacks throughout the the day....end result is still the same.

Nice! I love your work!

The further out I get, the more I adopt the attitude of Never Say Never. I have regular crap food in my diet. As I do healthier stuff (i love me some salad). I love food and can thoroughly enjoy eating in my much smaller quantities. Balance and portion control is key for me. I started eating bread again (the regular, non-keto, full-everything kind WiITH butter) about 2-ish years post op…and surprise, surprise, I didn’t implode. Warm, fresh bread is THE BEST (my Mr. is the bread whisperer lol). Now, I won’t eat 5 slices anymore, I’ll likely just have 3-4 bites (as it is very filling for me), but still. Other than excess sugar, I can enjoy a wide range of foods with no ill effects nor unintended weight gain. Im 3 years post op and been maintaining my weight consistently at 115-ish since reaching goal almost 2.5 years ago…non-healthy food choices (with portion control) and all. My most recent labs a couple weeks ago showed once again that i am the picture of health. I do understand that for some folks, some foods are triggers or potential starts of slippery slopes. I guess just know what your boundaries are and strive to stay within them. You may not be perfect, but u can be perfect ENOUGH. Indefinite denial and avoidance, especially if it causes you angst is a meltdown waiting to happen. P.S. For those early in the process, for me it helped to tell myself: “Not right now, but maybe later”; or, “This kinda sucks, but it won’t always be so”. Making peace with the fact that nothing is forever helped with accepting my present circumstance. and who knows? what u really want today may not even be on ur radar tomorrow or next week or next year. And if it is, you can always have it then. Good Luck! ❤️

I went from a ladies size 7.5-8 to 6-6.5 Yeah, i had to buy a whole bunch of new shoes, but i LOVE shoes so…im counting it as a win, LOL.

TBH, I didn’t once reach my nutritionist’s food goals for me until probably 2-3 months AFTER i reached goal. I just did what I could. You’ll find out in the coming weeks/months what works for you. Probably no need to force something that isn’t doable at your stage. But maybe that’s just me. What have your labs been like? Energy levels?

Honestly I don’t remember! But i do know it wasn’t anything special or planned. It was just another day, i think….AND it was also the last day that I didn’t log my food for the past 3 years…which is too bad cuz it would have been interesting to know.

Shoes. 🤤

I walked back then, now i run…which is my hands down fave and go-to form of exercise. also: - yoga (its strength training disguised stretching) - anything dance (just plain fun) - swimming (easy on the joints esp when one is bigger) - stretches and mini body weight exercises when i find myself vegging too long in front of the tv (i’ll do sets of a combination of all/some of the following: dips, chest presses, pushups, squats, crunches, planks) - and sometimes i’ll drag myself down into the basement and do pull downs on the machine and dead hangs or hold ups on the chin up bar (it’s my life long dream to do a pull up from a dead hang…but its just not happening, lol. Some day.) Long story short: find something YOU like to do, there will be a higher chance you will stick with it. Good Luck! ❤️

Ok…i challenge u and anyone else reading this to a donut/soup/hand-pie cook-off! *makes a list of ingredients to shop for tomorrow*

Here’s a question from a different angle: number on the scale aside, are you happy with how you look and feel? Sometimes the quest for that number blurs the view (i’ve been guilty of this as well). Your weight will fluctuate.. that is a given. Being ok while this happens will make life easier and less angst-y. Do the best you can (or as much as you are willing to do), and make peace with the results of this, whatever it may be. i know, i know, easier said. Good Luck! ❤️ P.S. it really doesn’t matter what i think, but in my insignificant opinion, a 120lb weight loss is a phenomenal achievement. Congratulations!! Try to give yourself props instead of stress. It really, truly, isn’t worth it. Yeah, i know, easier said. *hugs*

Hi! I was cleared to do anything/everything by 1 month post op. With that said, I didn’t do anything besides walking until about 3 months post op, when I went nuts trying anything/everything I could. I was an everyday (sometimes 2-3 times a day exerciser for about a year and a half. Am now at 3 years post and i am down to a 2-3 time a week runner min 5k. I also do a bunch or cardio-based fun stuff - next week im going pole dancing! Lol. I never developed into a strength training lover, but I do it a couple times a week just cuz i know it works (but i hate doing it TBH). I do mean to try cross-fitting…maybe it will stick? We’ll see. Your doc will clear you based on your healing. Who knows, maybe you may be cleared earlier than u think. Listen to ur doc (I didn’t listen to mine after plastics and paid the price) Good Luck! ❤️

I had to put in an actual effort to purposely stop it after i reached goal (lost 108 lbs in 7 months). Ended up losing an additional 10+ lbs over the next couple months after that figuring out my maintenance calories. Ive been maintaining +/- 5 lbs of 115 lbs since about 9 mnths post op. I'm 3 years out today, and my weight is within the "healthy" BMI range or my height.

Not as cold as that first year, but still colder than most. I can actually sweat now!

Yes, this the dressing I use practically every day!. I make a whole big batch and put it in a an Evian bottle with a squirt top. #yum

I make my own. But I prefer vinaigrette over cream ones. Here is the recipe of the one I make batches and batches of (I'd drink it, if I could, LOL): INGREDIENTS (Modified from Original) - [ ] 1/2 cup vegetable OR chicken broth (1 tsp bouillon + 1/2 cup water) - [ ] 1.5 cup vinegar (rice OR regular or Datu Puti) - [ ] 4 tablespoons soy sauce (OR Bragg's Liquid Aminos) - [ ] 2 teaspoon sesame oil - [ ] 2 teaspoon stevia - [ ] 2 teaspoon garlic (bottled and minced) - [ ] 1 teaspoon ginger (ground) - [ ] 1/2 teaspoon chilI paste - [ ] 2 limes (juice) 10-15 cals for 2 tbsps (depending on ingredients options chosen above)

UPDATE: Its been a while since i had brussel sprouts, I guess...cuz I was just reminded as I was eating that it is SUPER DUPER filling. I barely made a dent in this salad until I had to tap out (I only ate the sprouts). Mr. plopped those 2 chicken wings in my bowl that was leftover from his lunch cuz I *thought* I wanted to eat them but I was mistaken. Will take a crack at this again later. AFTER PIC:

OMG, i love brussel sprouts too! I didn't always, as a kid i used to sneak them into the garbage, LOL. Your pic triggered a brussel sprout craving in me and naturally I had to cook up a batch! I like mine with bacon though ;). Today's salad (with bonus brussel sprout and bacon pic in the pan cooking...): 485 calories. Am so excited to eat it while I watch a recorded episode of The Voice 😁😋

235 lbs at the start of my 2 week liquid pre-op diet. 127 lbs at goal 7 months later. Am 3 yrs post op now and am 115.8 lbs this morning. P.S. I'm 5'2"

Quiche days are back. The one in the front is a ham, onion & cheese, and the one in the background is mushroom & cheese. Had 1 serving of the mushroom one (i.e, 1/8th of one pie):199 calories....plus a 4 fl oz glass of red wine (+113 calories, not shown)

...and the salad train keeps on going... 294 calories. (romaine, cheddar, apples, pomelo (like a grapefruit), jalapeño, anchovies, turkey & vinaigrette & spices) Am currently about 1/4 through it...

DISCLAIMER: The following is what *I* did based on my own research and trial end error on how things affected *MY* body. I am NOT advocating to NOT listen to your team without educating yourself. With that said: Edited to add: I didn't realize this post would be so long, sorry! My program was to consume pre-defined "portions": each meal was supposed to consist of 25% protein, 25% starch and 50% non-starchy vegetables, and to work my way up to 1200 calories per day total with a min 60-70g protein. They also said to avoid added sugar. The didn't specifically mention to go low fat, but I mean if I followed the guidelines listed above, it would naturally be low-ish fat. Needless to say, I didn't do that. First, I couldn't get that amount of food in, Second, I tried it out, saw a swoosh in weight, and figured that going low-carb was very effective in weight loss for ME. I kept losing weight, so I just kept doing it. Why fix what ain't broke, right? More on this later... So for the majority of my weight loss phase I went ultra-low carb...was averaging less than 20 NET g of carbohydrates per day (i don't count fibre nor sugar alcohols), aimed to reach 60g protein per day, and let the fat fall where it may. My cals were about 300-400 in the first couple months, and by the time I reached goal, I was at about 800 (yes, I know this is on the low end compared to most, but it worked for ME). P.S. I feel the need to add that my nutritionist was made aware of what I was doing. And while she tut-tutted me about it, she didn't overly object. Also, all my labs came back satisfactorily during this period (and still does), and my surgeon was pleased. ***WARNING, MATH TIME...*** Given the total calories I was achieving, I wasn't truly doing KETO proper, as my fat consumption did not reach the levels required for my protein intake. True KETO is 70-80% fat, 10-20% protein & 5-10% carbs. Since I was doing 60g of protein, I would have needed to do ~75g of fat, which would have put me in the 1100 cal range...and I wasn't even coming close to that level. **** So really, I was probably doing more a version of Atkins Phase 1 (ultra-low carb). Now that I'm 3 years out, I am no longer so strict about my macros. I still *kinda* limit carbs, but not really. I eat bread on occasion, and sugar pretty regularly (in small amounts)...but i very rarely eat pasta or rice. I think its just habit now? Looking back, here is my take/opinion on going this route: TRUE Keto is very difficult to achieve in weight loss phase while keeping cals low. There is a relatively big drop in weight in the beginning of each period of going low carb. There is a bunch of science to explain this, you can google it. Going low carb makes a difference in how my face and body looks. While it looks good on my body, cuz you can see more muscle definition, its not so great on my face cuz I look gaunt. I've come to the conclusion that FOR ME, in terms of weight loss/maintenance ONLY, the ingestion of carbs has much, much less impact (if any) than calories consumed. It doesn't seem to matter if 1000 calories is made up 5% carbs or 50% carbs, I'll lose weight on it either way. Good Luck! ❤️