Tova

Before I had surgery I was afraid to expect too much. I really count my success by every 0 that my weight goes down to. I was a the nutritionist today and a new 0 came up!!! I am officially down 80 pounds. (I got a fill on Monday) In my life I never dreamed of beong ithis low, I am actually pinching myself!!! Set for yourself mini goals. The best thing I did was keep a big box in my bedroom and every time I put on something that looked "frumpy" on me it went into the box. Boy, did I give away alot - quite a few boxes!!! As for exercise, I go to an all women's gym and wear leggings and a short sleeve t-shirt. I need to feel comfortable and be able to move around without restriction. I actually would love to get together with some frum bandsters. Maybe in the summer when I am more flexible we could work something out. Tova

First of all, I think you have to realize that you didnt gain this weight overnight and so you will not loose it overnight. That being said, alot of baby steps added together becomes some very large steps. I believe that a slow steady pace is healthier and more successful long term. I loose weight in spurts. 1/2 a pound or nothing one or two weeks and then 5 pounds the next. The bottom line is a healthy weight loss per month. I used to exercise 5 days a week, but my schedule now does not allow it. I workout twice a week now and meet a trainer once a month - she gives me weights to do until the next time we meet. This is al money well spent!!! It's funny that you mention changing the style of your sheitel, I was thinking about it, even though I love the way mine looks on me now - it looks better than it did before I lost all this weight!!! I am a little conservative and hate change. I guess when you start reaching "senior" ages you fall into a rut and dont want to change what isnt broken!!! At this point wahtever I loose is great, I am very happy the way I am now, but want to loose another 10-20 pounds as a buffer. Yes, I know my hips!!! I am 5-4 and havent weighed this little since being pregnat with my first 19 years ago!!! I have to keep on pinching myself. Keep up the good work - you sound like you are doing great Tova

RDK and abrenner - we seem to have started our weight loss journey at approximately the same point. That being said I had surgery 18 months ago. I have lost around 5 pounds a month, which to me is fantastic and my doctor is thrilled. You seem to be going in the same direction, just remember to add exercise and weight training (I do that twice a week) it helps you firm up as you lose, so you dont look that flabby. I started out in a size 20. It startles me every morning to see myself in a 8/10. Just stay focused and you will soon be there.

I used to drink Myoplex, but found it too thin of a texture. I do my shopping in BJ. My husband is an out of town Rav, so between congregants and family that is always coming my house has revolving doors!! My guests dont say anything to me about my eating habits, and "no news is good news" - I just dont make a fuss and always get up and serve or do alot of talking!!! I dont believe in unfills before Yom Tov or simchas. I discussed it with my doctor after I read an article in a Jewish paper about it and he asked me what I felt and I said that I definitely do not agree with this - I feel that it defeats the purpose of learning new eating styles. I started out with a size 20 and am now an 8/10. It's great shopping in normal stores and looking good in my clothing. Another great thing is being able to share clothing with my sisters and sister in laws Keep up the good work, this is soooo rewarding Tova

yes, I agree it's a co-pay. When at first I got them I didn't know why, but I callthem and usually get through right away. TOVA

As far as Protein drinks - I usually keep Cholov Yisroel, but our Rav said that for this I dont have to keep Cholov Yisroel, so I drink slim-fast chocolate every morning, and sometimes have for a snack Protein Bars. On Shabbos and Yom Tov I drink a shiur of grape juice instead of Challoh, approved by my Rav. This has definitely helped me alot. Besides my husband and children no one knows that I had surgery and I do host alot. They just think that it is one of my "meshugasim"!!! I dont want to think about Pesach - I had a very hard time last year. the hand matzo were impossible to digest - my husband mentioned it recently what should we do this year, but I really dont want to discuss it yet!!! Its great meeting frum people who have the same questions as me - this is the best thing that has happened to me!!! TOVA:thumbup:

I would love to talk to othr Orthodox bandsters. I had surgery over a year ago. by the way, being Orthodox helps woth not eating bread or challoh - DONT WASH - it really helped me over Rosh Hashana and Succos. I used to love Challoh and honey!!! Tova

I am looking forward to seeing you both at the Brigham on the 18th. Tova

I so wanted to come to the support meeting last night, and was looking forward to seeing you all, but my sons are home from school and every second with them is so special. I am looking forward to seeing you all at the meeting in November. Tova:wub:

I go to support meetings at the Brigham, which is the third Tuesday of every month. I am quite religious about it and in the last year and a half have missed twice, due to family obligations. Going to meetings helps me keep focused and the questions and discussions answer alot of my questions. I was told that people who go to meetings have a better success rate. Tova

HI I had a few skirts altered and really wasn't happy the way they layed on me afterwards. I wore them since I didnt want to buy new ones, but I am not sure how much they were worth it when you realize how much good alterations cost. Great for you - that you went down a size!!! Tova:thumbup:

I think that your body goes through a loss spurt and then it plateaus. Have you had a big loss in the last few months? If so then your body is readjusting to itself and if you keep on the program you will soon see a loss. It can definitley be depressing at times, especially when you feel that you are being good!!! I am sure it will soon show Tova:thumbup:

By the time I finished my liquid phase, I thought my jaws forgot how to chew. Just remember this is only temporary!!! It is worth the struggle. It gives you a very good head start. :tongue: Tova

I find that I loose weight in spurts. Otherwise I stay within 3 pounds. With all this I have lost around 5-6 pounds every month since surgery, so no complaining. This past week was hard since we celebrated the Jewish New Year. Alot of company - alot of food. I must say I was really proud of myself - only had one very small episode, otherwise I "nibbled" my portions. Tova

I had surgery right before Tisha B'Av, last summer. That was one of my best fasts ever. Yom Kippur last year was amazing. I think that learning to eat less carbs and more protein was a great factor in helping me fast. Also I now am very diligent in my drinking, which also helped. I am sure that you will be fine and get through the day well. Shana Tova Tova:smile:

It was great meeting both of you last night. Your positive exciting attitude was sooo contagious. I know I wont be able to make it to next month's meeting, but I hope to see you in November. It is so nice to give a face to people I meet on these sites Tova:thumbup:

Hi! I am new to this site, only found out about it tonight at the support meeting, from two nice ladies I met. I had surgery July, 2007 and am down 75 pounds. I feel GREAT!! Best thing I have done in my life. Tova:tongue: