August Surgery buddies

[ShoppGirl 4,864]

My cousin hosts an annual cookie day and it’s this weekend. I decided a few months ago that I wasn’t going to go all day and make Cookies. I am just going to pop by and say hello but that was enough for this year. It’s all about baking and that’s not my thing anyways but it’s for the kids so in terms of food there is nothing I can eat and there will be drinking too. There will probably be about 15 kinds of cookies (a few dozen of each) plus the sugar cookies the kids decorate all just sitting out on big tables and the whole house always smells so good. I know they are going to tell me to have a cookie and to take some home with me. Wish me luck not giving into temptation. Anyone else have a particular event that they are nervous about this season??

Edited December 15 by ShoppGirl

[Justarwaxx 211]

On 12/15/2024 at 4:07 PM, ShoppGirl said:

My cousin hosts an annual cookie day and it’s this weekend. I decided a few months ago that I wasn’t going to go all day and make Cookies. I am just going to pop by and say hello but that was enough for this year. It’s all about baking and that’s not my thing anyways but it’s for the kids so in terms of food there is nothing I can eat and there will be drinking too. There will probably be about 15 kinds of Cookies (a few dozen of each) plus the sugar cookies the kids decorate all just sitting out on big tables and the whole house always smells so good. I know they are going to tell me to have a cookie and to take some home with me. Wish me luck not giving into temptation. Anyone else have a particular event that they are nervous about this season??

Yikes but good luck! I really think that if you want to have some then make sure you're aware of the quantity. Like make sure you choose one option and have 1 cookie or like half or 2 options.. we really must build some kind of system so we can sustain it FOREVER. R we never going to have cookies? I've been indulging very small portions of things I want and trying to be mindful about it. That i will try that cake but only half a spoon. Or whatever it is.. so do what works for you! As long as you're not isolating yourself...

Otherwise, how r u doing? Health wise? food after thanksgiving and ur walks?

I don't have any events coming up so I'm all clear till my bday i guess 2nd Feb.. I do have an app on 23rd with my surgeon office and I am nervous about what he says about my weight loss l, last time he said he expected more so I hope he's ok with my loss. I can't handle disappointment and more anxiety..

Also keep writing on this group so we don't lost track of what needs to be done. We are in this together ❤️

[ShoppGirl 4,864]

3 hours ago, Justarwaxx said:

Yikes but good luck! I really think that if you want to have some then make sure you're aware of the quantity. Like make sure you choose one option and have 1 cookie or like half or 2 options.. we really must build some kind of system so we can sustain it FOREVER. R we never going to have Cookies? I've been indulging very small portions of things I want and trying to be mindful about it. That i will try that cake but only half a spoon. Or whatever it is.. so do what works for you! As long as you're not isolating yourself...

Otherwise, how r u doing? Health wise? food after thanksgiving and ur walks?

I don't have any events coming up so I'm all clear till my bday i guess 2nd Feb.. I do have an app on 23rd with my surgeon office and I am nervous about what he says about my weight loss l, last time he said he expected more so I hope he's ok with my loss. I can't handle disappointment and more anxiety..

Also keep writing on this group so we don't lost track of what needs to be done. We are in this together ❤️

I wouldn’t even listen to that surgeon if you feel good and you’re still losing and you’re doing your activity honestly he’s just putting you in as if you’re a statistic. I really hate it when doctors do that. It’s like either. They think you’re lying about what you’re eating or they just assume that one thing works for everyone at the exact same rate.

i’m doing OK I posted in another thread that I do have some medical stuff going on. I was recently diagnosed with breast cancer so I have been juggling my weight loss and fitness along with a whole lot of doctors appointments and scans and chemo. Surprisingly I think that it is my yoga and my walking that have kept me sane. I did stop doing my cardio class because they told me that the chemotherapy is extremely dehydrating and it was important to not get myself to warm like to avoid being out in the sun for a long time or anything like that and as I already mentioned on here before I sweat quite a bit When I work out.

I am fighting the urge to have carbs since Thanksgiving, but part of that I believe is the steroids I get with my chemo. They told me it wouldn’t be an issue because I would be nauseous anyways and I wouldn’t be able to eat much but I haven’t been nauseous one day so far knock on wood. The chemotherapy actually seems to have increased my metabolism to wear, even though I am eating little things off plan and exercising a bit less I am still losing weight.

They assigned me an oncology dietitian who told me that she does not want me to lose more than I was losing before the chemo, which is about 2 to 3 pounds a week. At first I dropped like 6 pounds and we were pretty worried but I honestly think it was just Water weight or something.

anyways, it’s been a challenge as I’m sure it has been for everyone to juggle whatever life events. Everyone else is dealing with, but I’m getting through it. My habits of packing food like turkey, Jerky and cheese sticks and Protein Shakes or yogurt smoothies, and taking with me and freezing things have been my lifesavers. I don’t always exactly want to eat that and I’m giving myself a little bit of grace right now because of my circumstance but trying not to be too forgiving at the same time.

I am actually doing my walk right now because I was out of town for a doctors appointment today and then I went and did a wig fitting because I’ve lost my hair for most of it anyways and I literally just walked in the door and ate my salad that I picked up on the way home for my dinner. I’ve got to get this done and get to bed early because I have yoga first thing in the morning.

I am honestly just so thankful that I started this weight loss journey when I did and that my nutrition and fitness are in such a better place because I really truly feel like that is helping me already and it will continue to help me get through all of this

anyways, I really hope everyone else is doing OK as well. It’s a crazy roller coaster for sure but we’ve got this!!

[Justarwaxx 211]

11 hours ago, ShoppGirl said:

I wouldn’t even listen to that surgeon if you feel good and you’re still losing and you’re doing your activity honestly he’s just putting you in as if you’re a statistic. I really hate it when doctors do that. It’s like either. They think you’re lying about what you’re eating or they just assume that one thing works for everyone at the exact same rate. 

i’m doing OK I posted in another thread that I do have some medical stuff going on. I was recently diagnosed with breast cancer so I have been juggling my weight loss and fitness along with a whole lot of doctors appointments and scans and chemo. Surprisingly I think that it is my yoga and my walking that have kept me sane. I did stop doing my cardio class because they told me that the chemotherapy is extremely dehydrating and it was important to not get myself to warm like to avoid being out in the sun for a long time or anything like that and as I already mentioned on here before I sweat quite a bit When I work out.

I am fighting the urge to have carbs since Thanksgiving, but part of that I believe is the steroids I get with my chemo. They told me it wouldn’t be an issue because I would be nauseous anyways and I wouldn’t be able to eat much but I haven’t been nauseous one day so far knock on wood. The chemotherapy actually seems to have increased my metabolism to wear, even though I am eating little things off plan and exercising a bit less I am still losing weight.

They assigned me an oncology dietitian who told me that she does not want me to lose more than I was losing before the chemo, which is about 2 to 3 pounds a week. At first I dropped like 6 pounds and we were pretty worried but I honestly think it was just Water weight or something.

anyways, it’s been a challenge as I’m sure it has been for everyone to juggle whatever life events. Everyone else is dealing with, but I’m getting through it. My habits of packing food like turkey, Jerky and cheese sticks and Protein Shakes or yogurt smoothies, and taking with me and freezing things have been my lifesavers. I don’t always exactly want to eat that and I’m giving myself a little bit of grace right now because of my circumstance but trying not to be too forgiving at the same time.

I am actually doing my walk right now because I was out of town for a doctors appointment today and then I went and did a wig fitting because I’ve lost my hair for most of it anyways and I literally just walked in the door and ate my salad that I picked up on the way home for my dinner. I’ve got to get this done and get to bed early because I have yoga first thing in the morning.

I am honestly just so thankful that I started this weight loss journey when I did and that my nutrition and fitness are in such a better place because I really truly feel like that is helping me already and it will continue to help me get through all of this

anyways, I really hope everyone else is doing OK as well. It’s a crazy roller coaster for sure but we’ve got this!!

Thank you so much for sharing this with us. I’ve honestly been wondering what was going on, but I didn’t want to impose or pry. I’m truly sorry you’re going through this, but I’m so proud of your strength and mindset. It’s inspiring how you’re balancing everything—your walks, yoga, and still staying on track despite such a tough situation.

You’re absolutely right—starting this weight loss journey and having those strong habits in place is helping you fight this with such resilience. I can already tell that 2025 is going to be your year of health—beating both cancer and obesity. Don’t let this bring you down because you’re already showing how tough and determined you are.

Keep holding on to that grace you’re giving yourself while staying mindful, and remember that you’re not alone in this. We’re all cheering for you and walking alongside you in spirit. Sending you so much love and strength. ❤️

[Chatterboxdea 161]

Sorry I have been MIA guys! I was out of town for a long weekend for a friend's 40th birthday celebration this past weekend and work was crazy before that, trying to prepare to be out.

@Justarwaxx I hope everything went well with your surgeon. I feel like I have been losing weight slower than most too so I get your pain and feeling of unrealistic expectations put on you. Just remember that your still losing and your journey is exactly that... YOURS and it's yours alone.

@ShoppGirl I'm so sorry to hear about your struggles with cancer; I hope the treatments are working and going well! We appreciate you letting us in and sharing your story. It's great that that you are mostly feeling okay. I'm sure it has to be hard balancing managing your health in multiple ways at the same time. I'm glad we have this community to help support you!

I went a little overboard with eating this weekend because there was so much food and alcohol; I think I did okay at meals but there was a lot of snacking. I am used to having my husband with me when I go out, because he is willing to split everything thing with me, though I had one friend that would do it sometimes. I didn't gain weight, but I also didn't lose any weight. I am trying to be super good today to help me get back on track and back in my normal eating routine.

[ShoppGirl 4,864]

10 hours ago, Chatterboxdea said:

Sorry I have been MIA guys! I was out of town for a long weekend for a friend's 40th birthday celebration this past weekend and work was crazy before that, trying to prepare to be out.

@Justarwaxx I hope everything went well with your surgeon. I feel like I have been losing weight slower than most too so I get your pain and feeling of unrealistic expectations put on you. Just remember that your still losing and your journey is exactly that... YOURS and it's yours alone.

@ShoppGirl I'm so sorry to hear about your struggles with cancer; I hope the treatments are working and going well! We appreciate you letting us in and sharing your story. It's great that that you are mostly feeling okay. I'm sure it has to be hard balancing managing your health in multiple ways at the same time. I'm glad we have this community to help support you!

I went a little overboard with eating this weekend because there was so much food and alcohol; I think I did okay at meals but there was a lot of snacking. I am used to having my husband with me when I go out, because he is willing to split everything thing with me, though I had one friend that would do it sometimes. I didn't gain weight, but I also didn't lose any weight. I am trying to be super good today to help me get back on track and back in my normal eating routine.

Eating while out of the house is the absolute hardest for me. I literally have to go through all the things in my head to tell myself it’s okay to waste. It’s not my fault that some people are struggling to get food and I am not going to change it by eating more myself. And it’s not wasting money by doing what’s better for my health which is to only eat my one portion. It’s so sad that these things have been drilled into my head from a small child that some other kids don’t have food to fill their bellies at night so I have to clear my plate or it’s just wasteful to order something and not finish it, etc. I have to convince myself just about every time that it’s okay to be wasteful because it’s not really wasteful if we are enjoying ourselves without overindulging. That’s just us living our best lives. Now if I can find someone to split with or take it home and freeze it or something I will but if not, I’m not going to choose to go without or to eat it all out of guilt anymore. I really hope you enjoyed your friend’s birthday celebration. Your making me want to do a weekend away for mine this year. Mines not a big one or anything but I guess every year should be a special one. I did convince my husband the other day to go away for Christmas next year so hopefully I will get to see snow!! He never wants to go anywhere so that will be a lot of fun I think. Something to look forward to. I’m not sure whether I will still be in radiation treatments at that point or not so it may have to be a less active trip but if I physically can I really want to go snow tubing at least and snow boarding if I’m really feeling good. Last year for my birthday my friend got me a gift card for a store that is a ways away from us and we still haven’t had a chance to go. I think I’m gonna suggest that we actually make time to go and make a weekend out of it.

Edited Wednesday at 03:35 AM by ShoppGirl

[AndreaJD 82]

Hi, everyone, I apologize for being MIA. No excuse except an overwhelming job.

I popped in to check on all of you and I am BLOWN AWAY by the weight loss! You guys are doing great, including you @Justarwaxx. If your doctor isn't pleased, maybe you can use it as a "push-against", a thing that you use to motivate you in times when it's hard. Like, "I don't want to exercise, but I'm going to do it because [bleep] you, Dr. Smith." Or maybe that's just me. I think you're doing great.

@ShoppGirl, dang, I'm so sorry you're having to deal with a major health issue at the same time as you're working toward beating obesity (and slaying it, girl!)! You are absolutely right; steroids are notorious for making people eat everything in sight and gain a ton. You're not imagining that. When you're fighting that, please know that I'm on your shoulder cheering you on. I could not agree more with @Chatterboxdea - you WILL get through this successfully. 2025 is your year of health! All the good vibes to you.

In case it helps, here's a thing that has happened for me. When I was in my first year of law school, my first husband and I broke up, I was working 3 jobs, and I was in my first years of sobriety. I was so poor that one time I had to decide whether I got to eat or my cats got to (they won). I took in two roommates to help me keep my house: it was a race to see if I could graduate and get a job before I was so behind on my mortgage they took my house. I was so overwhelmed that I had to call my sponsor every night and she would tell me, "OK. You are done for today. You can clock out and not worry about anything until tomorrow." That was as rough as it sounds, but it was also a gift, because it taught me that I can get through whatever I have to. And now, I know that. So when tough times come, I compare them to that time, and I remember that I can get through it. This may be that kind of watershed time in your life, @ShoppGirl, and if it is, I hope you come out of it knowing your own strength and with a sense of peace because you will have proven that you can get through whatever you need to. Things that would have seemed like a big deal become "so what?" moments in comparison.

Me, I'm doing well. I'm relating to all of your experiences. I definitely have to plan for times when I'm out of the house and I know there will be food decisions to make. I look up restaurant menus online to plan what I'll have, and like @Justarwaxx said, I have a bite of that cake or whatever, to have the taste and not feel left out. I have a refillable bottle of Water with me at all times, I take food with me if I am going to need to eat, and I eat on the way to events where I know there will be tempting Snacks. I've become addicted to sugar-free popsicles, which help with my water intake (I struggle to get enough in). Lots of victories, both scale and non-scale. I'm looking forward to traveling this holiday because before surgery I dreaded it because walking that much and dragging suitcases, etc. around was just SO MUCH WORK. Now that I've been exercising and losing weight, I think it will be so much easier. Plus, I want to see how well I can fit in an airplane seat now!

I wish all of you a joyous holiday season, and I'm sending all the love to everyone who is struggling, whatever your struggle may be right now. I love seeing that you're struggling with the same things I am, and I appreciate your sharing so very much for that reason.

[ShoppGirl 4,864]

2 hours ago, AndreaJD said:

Hi, everyone, I apologize for being MIA. No excuse except an overwhelming job.

I popped in to check on all of you and I am BLOWN AWAY by the weight loss! You guys are doing great, including you @Justarwaxx. If your doctor isn't pleased, maybe you can use it as a "push-against", a thing that you use to motivate you in times when it's hard. Like, "I don't want to exercise, but I'm going to do it because [bleep] you, Dr. Smith." Or maybe that's just me. I think you're doing great.

@ShoppGirl, dang, I'm so sorry you're having to deal with a major health issue at the same time as you're working toward beating obesity (and slaying it, girl!)! You are absolutely right; steroids are notorious for making people eat everything in sight and gain a ton. You're not imagining that. When you're fighting that, please know that I'm on your shoulder cheering you on. I could not agree more with @Chatterboxdea - you WILL get through this successfully. 2025 is your year of health! All the good vibes to you.

In case it helps, here's a thing that has happened for me. When I was in my first year of law school, my first husband and I broke up, I was working 3 jobs, and I was in my first years of sobriety. I was so poor that one time I had to decide whether I got to eat or my cats got to (they won). I took in two roommates to help me keep my house: it was a race to see if I could graduate and get a job before I was so behind on my mortgage they took my house. I was so overwhelmed that I had to call my sponsor every night and she would tell me, "OK. You are done for today. You can clock out and not worry about anything until tomorrow." That was as rough as it sounds, but it was also a gift, because it taught me that I can get through whatever I have to. And now, I know that. So when tough times come, I compare them to that time, and I remember that I can get through it. This may be that kind of watershed time in your life, @ShoppGirl, and if it is, I hope you come out of it knowing your own strength and with a sense of peace because you will have proven that you can get through whatever you need to. Things that would have seemed like a big deal become "so what?" moments in comparison.

Me, I'm doing well. I'm relating to all of your experiences. I definitely have to plan for times when I'm out of the house and I know there will be food decisions to make. I look up restaurant menus online to plan what I'll have, and like @Justarwaxx said, I have a bite of that cake or whatever, to have the taste and not feel left out. I have a refillable bottle of Water with me at all times, I take food with me if I am going to need to eat, and I eat on the way to events where I know there will be tempting Snacks. I've become addicted to sugar-free popsicles, which help with my Water intake (I struggle to get enough in). Lots of victories, both scale and non-scale. I'm looking forward to traveling this holiday because before surgery I dreaded it because walking that much and dragging suitcases, etc. around was just SO MUCH WORK. Now that I've been exercising and losing weight, I think it will be so much easier. Plus, I want to see how well I can fit in an airplane seat now!

I wish all of you a joyous holiday season, and I'm sending all the love to everyone who is struggling, whatever your struggle may be right now. I love seeing that you're struggling with the same things I am, and I appreciate your sharing so very much for that reason.

I am so sorry to hear you had to go through that. But your right, it was a perfect example of something life changing that you got through and you got through it sober. That’s amazing!! I am just hoping to get through this and figure out a way to help make some changes to the process. Dealing with all these insurance hurdles and the administrative red tape with all of these doctors offices is just way harder than it needs to be. I struggle with anxiety and I told a lady today that I am more anxious about getting the appointments scheduled and getting the staff to do my insurance authorizations or fax my records to other places than I am that I have cancer. I said I don’t know but that seems pretty backwards to me, doesn’t it you? I think I got her attention with that statement. But, I have been able to manage my anxiety pretty well without much medication which is a huge win for me. My exercise helps a great deal with my anxiety day to day. It doesn’t take it away entirely but it brings it to a more manageable level. Yoga is really good for it too so I got started with that new habit just in time.

Have you tried the tropical variety of the sugar free popsicles? I absolutely love the pineapple ones. They are so much better to me than the old school flavors. I actually forgot that I have them in the freezer. I need to get back to eating them when the sweet tooth hits.

I have a non scale victory. Well I guess it is a scale victory but it’s about more than just the scale. The support group that I belong to for cancer had a therapy program where you get to work with horses and they have a weight limit. It’s technically 180 but I told them I was a tad over and they said I should still be okay to do it. They make us do a whole medical packet and get it signed by our doctor so I won’t know for sure for a while but at least it wasn’t an automatic no like it would have been four months ago

i hope you have a fabulous holiday and enjoy your trip. I bet that seat will be extra spacious for you. I haven’t flown since my loss but my best friend travels a lot for work and she has recently lost a bunch of weight and she mentioned how it keeps getting easier and easier for her. Not just to fit in the seat but the trip itself takes less out of her than it used to.

Edited Thursday at 12:50 AM by ShoppGirl

[Chatterboxdea 161]

On 12/17/2024 at 9:20 PM, ShoppGirl said:

Eating while out of the house is the absolute hardest for me. I literally have to go through all the things in my head to tell myself it’s okay to waste. It’s not my fault that some people are struggling to get food and I am not going to change it by eating more myself. And it’s not wasting money by doing what’s better for my health which is to only eat my one portion. It’s so sad that these things have been drilled into my head from a small child that some other kids don’t have food to fill their bellies at night so I have to clear my plate or it’s just wasteful to order something and not finish it, etc. I have to convince myself just about every time that it’s okay to be wasteful because it’s not really wasteful if we are enjoying ourselves without overindulging. That’s just us living our best lives. Now if I can find someone to split with or take it home and freeze it or something I will but if not, I’m not going to choose to go without or to eat it all out of guilt anymore. I really hope you enjoyed your friend’s birthday celebration. Your making me want to do a weekend away for mine this year. Mines not a big one or anything but I guess every year should be a special one. I did convince my husband the other day to go away for Christmas next year so hopefully I will get to see snow!! He never wants to go anywhere so that will be a lot of fun I think. Something to look forward to. I’m not sure whether I will still be in radiation treatments at that point or not so it may have to be a less active trip but if I physically can I really want to go snow tubing at least and snow boarding if I’m really feeling good. Last year for my birthday my friend got me a gift card for a store that is a ways away from us and we still haven’t had a chance to go. I think I’m gonna suggest that we actually make time to go and make a weekend out of it.

We went snow tubing on our trip this past weekend and I highly recommend it! It was so fun!!!

[ShoppGirl 4,864]

6 hours ago, Chatterboxdea said:

We went snow tubing on our trip this past weekend and I highly recommend it! It was so fun!!!

Ooh I'm jealous. I really hope it snows when we go. I have never seen snow for Christmas. I lived in North Carolina for college but the south part and it snowed once like an inch. I really want to see a white Christmas.

Edited Friday at 01:25 AM by ShoppGirl

[Chatterboxdea 161]

17 hours ago, ShoppGirl said:

Ooh I'm jealous. I really hope it snows when we go. I have never seen snow for Christmas. I lived in North Carolina for college but the south part and it snowed once like an inch. I really want to see a white Christmas.

Well go to Breckenridge, CO. It snowed every morning we were there!