LindsayT

4 minutes ago, NeonRaven8919 said:

I'm about 4 weeks post op so I don't have a lot of smaller clothes. I'm trying to go as long as I can without buy new clothes because I don't know what size I will settle at. But I really like these jeans because they are skinny cargo jeans. I might just buy these in 2 different sizes just in case.

I also find leggings not being tight annoying. My problem has always been that I'm too short for standard leggings so I would need a size 22 leggings but they would be too long. Now they are baggy and too long. But I've always been able to wear legging a size smaller than jeans or trousers because of the stretch.

I get that. I just bought for the next size down as I shrunk out of the current size. I went from an US size 18 to a very comfortable zero. Never, never, ever did I think I'd reach a size zero. I found buying used clothes as I was losing was a more affordable way of not looking frumpy in clothing that was too big- buying new is so expensive.

4 minutes ago, NeonRaven8919 said:

My Skinny Jeans aren't "skinny" anymore! More like baggy jeans now!

Yep. I can usually wash/dry them and they're good to go for a few washes. The one for me is leggings. I cannot find them to fit tightly around my legs like they should and I'm in an extra small. I seriously never, in a million years, thought I'd have that problem...lol. Maybe I should check the juniors section 😳😂

1 hour ago, BabySpoons said:

I can't count the number of times I attempted to work out while morbidly obese and ended up with chaffed thighs and numerous work out pants with holes worn into them. I can walk for miles now without all that. In fact, sometimes I will do my daily walk in a pair of jeans. That was unheard of in the past for me.

It's a very good feeling. 😊

I used to be able to hold my phone between my thighs for whatever reason... tying my hair up. Now I can't, like at all. It's funny to me. I have literally never had a thigh gap in my entire life.

36 minutes ago, ms.sss said:

for funsies, here are a couple of pics that i googled what body fat % typically looks like on women (these pics show big diffs as to what 12% looks like, but i'd go with the less "ripped" one (the 1st slide) for realism purposes, ha.

my last scan indicated i was at 18-20%. in real life i look pretty much between the 15-20% pics in the first slide, but more like the 20-22% pic in the second slide (if not just a little bit fatter actually...)

so if you look like any of the first pics of either slide, your scan was probably right.

2 hours ago, Lilia_90 said:

Sorry to ask this,

have your periods been regular?

No worries.i haven't had a period since 2018, so I can't use that as a guide. I've been to nutrition and my bariatric team. Nutrition gave me calorie and macro goals and I'll repeat a body composition the end of October. What's funny is I haven't changed how I eat, just tracking, and I've meet or exceeded the goals given. They also did blood work and everything checks out fine. At this point, the only thing I can think of are the times my activity level has been higher. However, I compensate for that by eating more calories. I'm very in tune with my body and adjust my eating as needed. I guess the key factor is calorie input/output. Also, my bariatric team seems to think the body composition was inaccurate. We'll see what the end of October brings.

2 minutes ago, SpartanMaker said:

I don't know if this is your issue or not, but one thing I've seen from others in a similar situation is that they still eat like fat people trying to diet. If that's you, you need to completely change your mindset. Your job at this point is to GAIN weight, so dietary fat and carbs are your friends. A key change would be to look for and eat more calorie dense foods like rice, potatoes, Peanut Butter, full fat dairy, etc. If you eat meat, look for fatty meat, not lean cuts. Calories are your friends right now.

Just my .02.

I do. That's the problem. I do need to be careful with fatty meats because they make me nauseous. And carbs fill me up too quick so I end up eating that meal in rounds. I literally just got done eating a biscuit with butter and honey. Part of my Breakfast is about 14oz of full fat fairlife milk with my morning supplements and then oatmeal after or a half a bagel with Peanut Butter. I promise, I eat...a lot.

34 minutes ago, ms.sss said:

first, you dont mention that you are having any ill effects, but to be on the safe side, and to alleviate any angst, i'd suggest going to see ur doc.

second, are you getting these measurements from a DEXA scan (the one where you lie down and they pass an xray type machine around you); or a bioelectrical impedance device (like those that u stand on or hold onto) or skin calipers? (the first is the most reliable & accurate , the latter two, not so much)

third: my yearly DEXA scans never matched my at home body fat measurement scale on the same day. a couple times my at home showed more, but the other 4 times showed less ON THE SAME DAY....so i always take the results from at home with a grain of salt (many times over the years, it reported that i was less than 5%...and thats just not true...ever! lol)

fourth: my last DEXA scan last year was around 18-20%, if i recall correctly , and my doc was not concerned...i felt fine so i wasn't concerned either.

I have an appointment already this week. My body composition is done via bodpod at my bariatric clinic. So the accuracy is pretty spot on. At 12%, it's very concerning.

I'm almost a year and a half since my RNY (November). I've lost about 135 give or take (I bounce between 125-130lbs). I haven't lost any fat free body mass since month 3, and have actually gained 5lbs of fat free mass since May. At my 1 year, in May, my body composition said I was at 18.1% body fat which is on the low end of "lean" I did another one last week because I was feeling off (tired, muscle cramps, brittle nails, headaches) My body fat percentage was at 12.3% which translated into roughly 16 pounds of my overall weight (130 at the time of the test) being fat. Anything under 15% is "at risk". I eat, what seems like all day long, I get my calories, Protein, healthy fats, Fiber. I take all my supplements. All my blood work I've had this year for random things and specifically for post surgery, has been normal. Nothing, other than feeling off, pointed to this. I do have an appointment with nutrition and my bariatric team this week. But wanted to see if anyone has gone through this, heard of this... Anything? My initial thought is how my body is absorbing nutrients, but again, my labs have been normal.

A couple hiking adventures. I would have NEVER been able to do this prior to surgery. Having WLS saved my life.

Great job everyone!

6 minutes ago, NickelChip said:

I've been enjoying the Yasso frozen yogurt bars now that the weather is warm. 100 calories and 5g Protein, with a reasonable amount of sugar for a dessert. The coffee chocolate chip is my favorite.

And I am going to try those fancy brownie yogurts! I remember seeing them and thinking they seemed too indulgent for Breakfast, but I didn't even think about having one for dessert!

Oh, ya! They are so good. I've had a yogurt bar, but I think they were refrigerated

5 hours ago, AmberFL said:

Ooooo that does look good! I am interested in that brownie yogurt- yummy!! I have found this Protein Bar called Fulfil OH. MY. GOSH! 150-160 CAL 5g fat, 15g carbs, 15g of Protein and 1g of sugar. They make a few of flavors. I put it in the fridge or freezer and its literally such a dessert it feels like I am cheating lol

More Yumminess (probably way more than you want lol)

"dessert/sweet treats"

-100cal bag of Emerald Nuts and a Ghirardelli dark chocolate square

-Chomps make these taco flavored beef sticks 100cal, 7g fat, 0g carbs, 10g Protein that are really good

- Quest makes Frosted Cookies either chocolate or birthday cake 90cal 7g fat 1g sugar 5g protein

-Fage 0% Greek yogurt, w/ slivered almonds, fresh fruit and honey drizzle

-Carb Smart Mini Bars 50cal

-Echo Earth Cocao Bliss (this is very very good and filled with nutrients) [https://earthechofoods.com/products/cacao-bliss-pouch]: 1scoop, with 4-8oz unsweetened vanilla almond milk topped with fat free whipped cream

Meals:

-Iced Coffee: Caffe Latte Premier Protein with Decaf cold brew

-Egg cups: 2C of liquid egg white, spinach, plum tomatoes, pepper, top each with Sargento thin sliced cheese and 1 piece of turkey bacon

-Just Bare Bites chicken tossed in 0cal Franks wing sauce

-Cilantro Enchilada Crockpot chicken: chicken breast, sliced onion, half a can of enchilada sauce then its cooked, shred it up and then add the cilantro I put it on top of cauliflower rice

- Turkey Taco Salads- turkey, corn, black Beans, tomatoes, reduced fat cheese with spinach

-Spaghetti with turkey or very lean ground beef and low sugar or sodium sauce, instead of Pasta, I use Pasta Zero, its in the tofu section

Okay Im done lol! These just are my top that I have made and liked and are in my loop of food.

You're my new bestie! Thanks for all the recommendations. I do get tired of the same things. A favorite of mine I forgot to mention is, Dannon Greek Light and Fit Cherry with almonds (light or no salt) and chia seeds. I eat this a lot for lunch when I'm busy. Tonight I busted out an oldie - ants on a log: Celery with Peanut Butter and raisins 😋 Usually one stalk with something else is enough for a yummy snack.

I LOVE these cottage cheese cups (they come in other flavors). A bit high on sugar, but I haven't had any issues with it making me sick since my RNY.

Also, Dannon Light and Fit makes a yogurt brownie sundae that is epic. It's basically vanilla yogurt with these crunchy chocolate bits you can dump in for about 110 calories and 10g Protein. I'm not sure the sugar content right off. They definitely help the dessert cravings.

I just wanted to share the yummy things I have found the last few months.

I'm down 132 lbs since May 2023, which puts me a 130 lbs and about a size 2, sometimes a zero. I'm still struggling to stop losing despite the extra calories; though, I have only lost 10lbs since the end of February. I'm holding right now between 130-135. My original goal was 140. And no, I haven't had any plastic surgery and yes, I could use a tuck here and there, and definitely some new boobs (those are completely gone... pancakes with nipples)

Anyone have any yummy food ideas?

On 5/15/2024 at 8:56 AM, AmberFL said:

Look fantastic!!! I love that suit!! Where did she get it?

Thank you!

Amazon!

I can't even ... I am literally half the woman I used to be...262lbs-131lbs in a year. My goal was 140, but I kept loosing despite the increase in calories. I know a bounce back is coming and appreciate the cushion. My body composition test showed I went from 50% body fat to 18% with no new loss of fat free body mass since month 3. When they showed the pounds of fat vs fat free mass, I only had 24lbs of fat, which is good because some fat is healthy.
I'm thrilled with the results. My first bikini in who knows how long (my daughter bought it for me for Mother's Day). I seriously do not recognize myself and I love being healthy.
*Don't mind my red face. I started micro needling.  

As we approach our ONE YEAR anniversaries, how's it going? I surpassed my goal by 8 lbs for a total of 130 lbs lost! That number BLOWS my mind. I had my body composition test on Monday and they were very happy with the results. I haven't lost any fat free body mass since month 3, meaning I haven't lost any muscle in 9 months. I also am sitting at 18% body fat, which is insane. When I started I had 50% body fat. This has been such an amazing experience, and as I've said so many times, I'd do it again in a heartbeat.

I'm so excited to hear about everyone's progress.

On 2/10/2024 at 2:03 PM, NickelChip said:

You are looking absolutely amazing! So healthy and happy! I can't even imagine what it must feel like to go from a size 18 to a size 4. Lordy, I haven't seen 145 lbs since I was 17. Congratulations! If you don't mind my being nosy (because I am close to your same starting weight and height, and probably age too), how is your loose skin situation? Have you posted your before photos on here somewhere?

Thank you! Loose skin is so different for everyone. For me, it's there, but manageable. If I were to elect for surgery, I'd do my arms and breasts. The boobs... Gone. Gone. Gone. But everywhere has been touched in some way with loose skin in various degrees. My husband has been so incredibly supportive and don't mind it .. or so he says. It easily hides under clothes and if I need a bit extra support, I wear a tummy control body suit. Here's a couple other pictures. I'm on the right in the light grey dress. The green tank top pictures are from January 1 and I've lost more since then. I hope this helps ease some anxieties concerning surgery. But keep in mind loose skin varies greatly between people. And the amount you loose varies greatly based on how closely you follow your program. Wishing you all the best!

Being kind to myself. All the physical things like fitting in seats, standing, clothes... All FANTASTIC! It is such a wonderful feeling to be able to do all the things that were challenging before. But being kind to myself. Remembering all my body has been through when I was at my heaviest, how I got there, my decision to change my like, and the journey to where I am now. What a story!

I look in the mirror now and see a woman who got her life back and I owe it to her be kind. Does she like the saggy skin and no boobs? No, but they tell a story of overcoming and personal redemption. I'm kind to her on bad days when all she wants is chips and brownies. I'm kind to her when she gains a couple pounds. And I Celebrate with her when she loses those couple pounds and gets back on track. My weirdest non scale victory is to love the woman staring back at me despite everything else.

3 minutes ago, Penguin733 said:

I only drink Water, body armor, and ensure Protein Shakes, so no not really drinking a lot of calories.

I've been having pretzel crackers with cheese and eating a lot cheese but just unlucky in it adding any weight...

If all else fails, maybe speak with a bariatric nutritionist for some advice. They'd be able to give you tailored suggestions. Good luck!

I ended up going to my GI doc and he gave me a prescription to help me go. I have to use this in addition to Miralax. Constipation has been a HUGE issue. The prescription works really well for me.

If OTC medicine doesn't work, maybe a chat with your primary doc, surgeon, or a GI doctor would benefit you.

Also, make sure you're eating enough fiber and drinking lots of hydrating fluids.

9 minutes ago, Penguin733 said:

I've been unable to do rice (which is a shame since in my culture 90% of our food is rice based) and maybe because I ate too fast before but sandwiches have been a bit tough but I'll try again. Haven't tried Pasta since the surgery.

And I'm trying with the Protein through bars and shakes; haven't tried making porkchops and steaks, although I do luncheon/charcuterie meat, korean short ribs, bbq (as slow cooked/smoked meat has been easy to digest) but I still get full and don't feel like eating more than that for the rest of the day (which again, only eat two meals a day at most).

If I have bread with a meal, it not very big, maybe a half to quarter piece. Rice and Pasta, about a quarter cup. I like brown rice and whole wheat (or Protein pasta) pasta for the extra nutrition.

Are you drinking a lot of calories? Maybe that's contributing to not eating more than 2 meals.

Whatever you eat, just get in your protein goals and Fiber, and make sure to stay at your calorie goal.

1 minute ago, Penguin733 said:

I'm currently having this issue as I'm almost a year (9 months) into it; I was satisfied with my 160 for a couple of weeks ago, but I'm currently at 155 and I'm starting to get worried. I know I haven't been eating more than a meal or two a day which can be the reason, but I'm having a tough time in going beyond two meals. Should I just load up in empty calories and junky Snacks? I'm also trying to go to the gym more regularly so the muscles can gain more pounds.

Don't get back into junk and empty calories... that'll snowball fast. Compensate with healthy fats complex carbs, and the occasional treat. I like to add the occasional bread, Pasta, or rice to a meal if I want more. But that's after I eat my healthy stuff first. If you're going to the gym, maybe more Protein.

Just now, Spinoza said:

And you're not even a year post op! I lost 10lbs in my second year. If you stick to your plan you may lose even more.

2 minutes ago, Spinoza said:

Oh yeah, that is properly weird! I briefly hit that a few months ago. Strange to think of yourself walking around with another yourself on piggyback. WLS is the best. 🤩

Yes! I have ZERO regrets

Thanks everyone. The hunger is not a welcome feeling after almost a year of making myself eat. My one year is May 1 and I'll have a body composition test at that time. I'm curious where I land.

I re-weighed myself this morning in my birthday suit and I was 133. On a crazy note, at 131 I'll have lost half my starting weight... Basically, my current weight lost. 😳

1 hour ago, ms.sss said:

a couple weeks ago i remember your post about your struggle to stop losing...are you still losing while this hunger appeared? perhaps its your body's response to the weight losses...? if thats the case, then perhaps listen to your bod and eat more?

i can imagine that eating more is in itself a struggle...it took me 3-4 months to get over the mental block to actually stop diet mode (and like 2 years to get over the mental block of eating bread/rice/pasta lol)

if im not mistaken you just recently reached goal? (congrats again btw), my suggestion would be to give yourself a bit more time (ie several months) to find your happy spot, it usually takes a while before you get to the autopilot of maintenance...great suggestions above...experiment with (small amounts) of (preferably nutritious) foods and amounts and see what help with the hunger. keep an eye on the scale in tandem to determine any causal relationships with certain foods.

but yeah, i know, "easier said...".

good luck, and it CAN be done! ❤️

I have been losing, but not much. I'm down to 134 this morning after eating a bunch the last few days. I was holding steady between 135-137 for a while. It's hard to get out of the diet mindset,but I also do want to get back into bad habits.

Ugh... The hunger is coming back. What can I do?!!!