ms.sss

...further to this: in my case (i'm 2+ years out), I have this nagging feeling that I spend way too much time on here (that, and Mr. often remarks that I spend way too much time on here 🙄) that the idea of just "moving on" may be in part behind the lack of longer-term vets. The majority of the discussions on here are more catered to newbies or those just entering maintenance (and, as you said those vets that are looking to address issues), and there is only so many number of times one can say "it's normal" before it just loses its lustre. Though I did thoroughly appreciate the thoughts and comments of the few longer-timers when I was first coming up, so I use that as a reason to stick around (that, and I'm totally addicted, lol).

Definitely island beach appropriate....I can imagine it flowing in the breeze. So what are YOU going to wear??

Yep, when I was younger and thinner I had a non-issue neck. Then I gained weight and I suppose any aging/slackening of the skin in that area was camouflaged by the excess fat. Fast forward to after weight loss and my neck was actually the first thing (after an arm lift) that I realllllllyyyyyy wanted to get done. Didn't end up getting it done as it didn't bother me as much after a while, but now I think it looks odd. Its not so very flappy nor droopy (but it is definitely NOT firm), and I have these weird vertical lines of skin that makes it look like I have a giant hole in my neck (see 1st pic below), and it gets more prominent when I'm smiling. Weird. Depending on your age/genes/amount of weight lost, the degree of sag will vary. You won't really know how your neck will fare until you get to your desired weight. Of course there is always face/neck lifts. I've also recently read that botox is injectable into the neck muscles (I didn't know this!) that results in a firming look. Will be asking about this at my consult next week. See second pic below of a before/after pic I lifted from a random site. So there is hope...(I hope!) P.S. I'm 50 this year.

Some suggestions: buy smaller amounts? only buy food that you really want to eat? pre-portion groceries into cute containers and freeze them? (same goes for already made food)? IF you can muster the patience to maybe cook even just once a week, or every two weeks, you can whip up a sh*tload of food, portion and freeze. Then just take out what you need when you need it. Also, regarding bringing measuring cups to restaurants....a long time ago a member posted these she used. These would probably be a little more portable than actual measuring cups.... https://store.bariatricpal.com/products/portionmate-meal-portion-control-rings-nutrition-tool Good Luck! ❤️

@catwoman7 Hey! I have a consultation with a facial plastic surgeon in 2 weeks!!! Its was sort of a what-the-hell appointment-making just to see if i produce interest. I have a derma-fillers consult next week which I am more leaning towards (cuz my history of poor scar healing kinda puts me off on doing any further surgery on my face)...we shall see.

Seriously I would love to have you all over for a meal (and drinks!) if the stars ever align....

Lopping off inches of hair can be quite traumatic, no? This style flatters your face shape and makes you neck look long...plus it puts your fab clavicles on display! P.S. If you tell me your hair is naturally that curly I will cry self-centred tears.

Sharp. Now you are Prince Harry with an edge. 😎

I love friends like these ❤️

Lunch from earlier: Salad. Doesn't it look even MORE delicious cuz its OUTSIDE?!?! So sunny today I had to take it out back to eat. Didn't last long out there (too cold), but still. Ate it all: 238 calories. Dinner: mushrooms, asparagus, a slice of bacon and scallops. Mr. was the chef tonite. It was DELICIOUS. Ate it all again: 282 calories (this includes an espresso martini, not shown)

If you are comfortable with it, I would suggest speaking with the surgeon again. Get the REAL down low about the reasons why it has to be done in 2 surgeries (if at all). The surgeon's decision overrides them all.

Is there a reason they want to do 2 surgeries? can they do both surgeries at once? That would greatly reduce the price....

@Recidivist: Um, are you aging backwards? I remember a post of a pic you posted a while back of you standing in a plaza or sorts (wearing pretty cool socks, if I recall correctly) and you look much younger in this pic than what I remember from that old one. I always thought losing weight made people look older, but I am seeing more and more evidence that this is just not the case all the time. Nice! Also: congrats on your efforts, you look pretty amazing (and happy ❤️)

Was on them for about 5-6 years prior to WLS. I was taken off them within a week after surgery. Even after being taken off them, I was consistently around (80-90/(55-65) for about a year...I have a blood pressure machine at home so I used to check every day. I thought this was low, but my doc never showed any concern 🤷🏽‍♀️ These days I'm usually around (100-110)/(70-80). P.S. as an aside, I was off my cholesterol meds by 1 month post-op too.

Because I love engagements/weddings, AND I love photoshop, AND I have waaaay too much time on my hands it's pretty sad, I just spent the past hour doing this. LOL. My original intention was to photoshop a whole bunch of bridesmaids in the background with a bunch of BP avatars as heads, but I'm kinda tired now, Lolololzzzzzz.... Congrats again!

OOTD: Hair Edition, UPDATE. Bwha-hahahahhahahaha. I fell asleep with my anime buns on last night, and check out this coif when I took them out this AM. 🤣🤣🤣🤣

Soooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo lucky. How far north, exactly? Like Toronto-north??

HOLD. UP. A. SECOND. Think u’d slip that in without nobody noticing??! When did BF become Fiancé ???????? CONGRATULATIONS!!! ❤️

Same. But mine was solely protein drinks, no jello nor popsicles for me.

Im 2+ years out. Still haven’t had any to date. I switched to (rice-less) sashimi, which I had for the first time post-op around 2-3 months...yummmmmm!

OOTD: Hair Edition! A milestone of sorts today...2 years after cutting off my hair into a pixie, my hair is finally long enough to all be put in a bun! Well, two buns...its not quite long enough to put in just one, lol. Buns were my hairstyle of choice when I had long hair, and the bun "donuts" where my fave bun accessory. I realize I look like an anime character, but whatevs, my hair is in a bun(s)!

First, looks like you are almost at goal...congratulations!! Second, the last 20-30 lbs I personally found to be the most annoying in the clothes department because a 5 lbs loss at a lower weight makes a much bigger difference in clothes sizes. I felt pretty sloppy during this stage because I didn't want to invest in more clothes that fit that would really only be usable for a few weeks. With that said though, I am a big proponent of dressing up a little to boost self-confidence...and this usually means properly fitting clothes. And I mean FITTED. I find baggy clothes actually makes one look bigger. The other benefit of fitted clothes is that it holds everything nice and firm. High waisted leggings/jeans, Tops with fitted arms (at least to the elbow), wrap skirts/dresses that you can cinch at the waist, v-necklines. For swimsuits, before plastics, I was IN LOVE with my high waisted bikini bottoms (i still did wear regular ones, but the high waisted ones were more flattering on me). If bikini's aren't your thing, one-peice suits are also really good cuz they hold all the stuff in. If you are comfortable with it, high-cut leg bottoms also give the illusion of longer legs and slimmer hips. Underwire cups pushes the boobs up and together and result it some serious cleavage. And don't forget the magic of high heels. Makes you taller, your calves look more shapely, and pushes out your butt. Lastly, you are probably your own worst critic (we all are). You may not think it, but you probably already look effing fab in others' eyes. ❤️

I got tired of seeing CARPETS of hair all over my bathroom floor (as well as the trail of hairs I left everywhere else) so I cut off my boob-length hair to a bob, and then soon after, into a pixie. It helped alot (when styled) to hide my scalp which was clearly visible. If you are looking for a dye job, my suggestion would be to get it done in a colour as light as possible (or you can stand) so that the contrast of hair colour to scalp is not as obvious. With that said, it DOES grow back for basically everyone...so take heart it's only temporary. I'm 2+ years out and its all back (plus more, i think...).