Oh hey!!! Hi, how are ya?

[SleeveToBypass2023 2,678]

My weight seems to be holding steady at 180. I was hoping to get to 185 or even 190, but at this point I'm just glad I'm not 170 anymore. I'm a size 8/10 now (and I fluctuate between Medium and Large, depending on the brand). I noticed I don't have a lot of strength anymore, and I need to figure out how to build some muscle. But I have to not really work out, because as soon as I do, I drop weight like crazy. I wanted to try lifting weights again, but I don't have the strength and endurance anymore. And I'm ALWAYS tired these days. I'm on my feet all day at work, so I was told not to really work out if I don't want to lose more weight. So I'm kind of stuck.

But anyway, I'm proud that I dropped so much weight, and I love my new numbers (blood sugar is 93 before eating and 122 after eating, A1c is 5.4, blood pressure alternates anywhere between 102/60 - 106/64, my total cholesterol is 143) but my Iron is still too low and I have to have 3 iron infusions (blah). I've always had an issue with anemia, so this is no real surprise.

[NickelChip 1,332]

I think you're looking very healthy! Glad your numbers are looking good and I hope your energy will start to improve as your body adjusts to maintenance.

Also, I think it's funny how different we all are in size vs weight. I'm an inch taller and 10 lbs lower than you and I am still mostly in a size 14!

Edited October 30, 2024 by NickelChip

[ShoppGirl 5,061]

I agree with @NickelChip that you are looking great. Well I’m glad that you have finally stabilized. I would like to think if you just do strength training that you wouldn’t lose too much since you should be building muscle which weighs more than the fat you would be burning as I’m sure you know. Maybe just some wrist and ankle weights around the house on occasion would help you to build a bit of strength without too much energy drain. I’m sure the low Iron is a huge factor in that, hopefully they can get you on a good regiment if that is a chronic thing. Have they also been monitoring your B-12 levels? That’s another thing that can zap your energy when it is low.

Edited October 31, 2024 by ShoppGirl

[Bypass2Freedom 926]

You are looking absolutely stunning ❤️

[ms.sss 15,748]

19 hours ago, SleeveToBypass2023 said:

I wanted to try lifting weights again, but I don't have the strength and endurance anymore.

maybe try body weight exercises instead? instead of using additional weights? i.e, yoga, Pilates, calisthenics.

you can build muscle mass, but more slowly and less bulk.

[Spinoza 1,467]

Just amazing to read this post. I've been here during all of your stages and am so pleased you have ended up exactly where you want to be 💚

[SleeveToBypass2023 2,678]

On 10/30/2024 at 5:26 PM, NickelChip said:

I think you're looking very healthy! Glad your numbers are looking good and I hope your energy will start to improve as your body adjusts to maintenance.

Also, I think it's funny how different we all are in size vs weight. I'm an inch taller and 10 lbs lower than you and I am still mostly in a size 14!

That's weird!!! I guess maybe it's the way our bodies are built... I also wonder if my metabolism, which was slower than molasses in January, has revved back up...maybe a little too much lol

[SleeveToBypass2023 2,678]

23 hours ago, ShoppGirl said:

I agree with @NickelChip that you are looking great. Well I’m glad that you have finally stabilized. I would like to think if you just do strength training that you wouldn’t lose too much since you should be building muscle which weighs more than the fat you would be burning as I’m sure you know. Maybe just some wrist and ankle weights around the house on occasion would help you to build a bit of strength without too much energy drain. I’m sure the low Iron is a huge factor in that, hopefully they can get you on a good regiment if that is a chronic thing. Have they also been monitoring your B-12 levels? That’s another thing that can zap your energy when it is low.

My B-12 levels are right where they need to be. I have systemic lupus, which has always caused anemia. I actually have wrist and ankle weights, so I'll try wearing them and see how things go. I didn't even think about it, honestly. I'm just nervous about burning more fat and calories before I build any muscle. I haven't mentioned it yet, but besides my butt being flat and flabby now, I literally have almost no muscle there. When I sit on anything, I have to be careful because I'm literally sitting on bone. Actual bone, and it hurts. So I have to do this carefully.

[SleeveToBypass2023 2,678]

17 hours ago, Bypass2Freedom said:

You are looking absolutely stunning ❤️

Awww, thank you, dear. ❤️

[SleeveToBypass2023 2,678]

8 hours ago, ms.sss said:

maybe try body weight exercises instead? instead of using additional weights? i.e, yoga, Pilates, calisthenics.

you can build muscle mass, but more slowly and less bulk.

I'm really going to have to look into that, I think. I need to build muscle slowly without losing too much fat or burning too many calories.

[SleeveToBypass2023 2,678]

5 hours ago, Spinoza said:

Just amazing to read this post. I've been here during all of your stages and am so pleased you have ended up exactly where you want to be 💚

Awww Thank you!!! It's been a long journey, but now I just have to build some muscle so I can stop sitting on bone when I sit down.

[Tomo 1,196]

Great job! I know you went through some trying times with health issues , I hope you are past all that.

[SleeveToBypass2023 2,678]

7 hours ago, Tomo said:

Great job! I know you went through some trying times with health issues , I hope you are past all that.

I think I am. )knock on wood). I seem to be doing very well, minus all the "need to gain weight" issues. Thanks!!