The Lounge

4,946 topics in this forum

Hi, I am starting the process for weight loss surgery I live in Canada so I'm getting one that's covered under OHIP. I go today for an appointment with the nurse&social worker. I am a little nervous seeing as I hate how people look at me in the medical field. I've gone to the hospital numerous times with diabetes related things & I can honestly tell you - it doesn't feel good to be told "you'd feel better if you'd just lose weight" over & over again. I think I'm in good psychological condition and my parents are 100% behind me. The only thing I'm worried about is the after surgery. I'm an emotional eater. I eat all the time. Not being able to drink pop is an…

Does anyone else feel like this? I am particularly interested in hearing the thoughts of people with 200+ pounds lost or to lose. Over the past few days, I was been feeling extremely down, scared and tearful.I'll be 3 months out on the 21st and I have lost about 26% of my excess weight and I'm slowly started to realise that even if I do make it to the predicted goal, I'll still be fat and miserable. I just feel that I have messed up my life to point where even a successful wls outcome won't help me. And I know it's all my fault and I should be happy with whatever I get but more than anything I just wanna be normal and have a normal body and I know I'll never…

Please take a moment to remember what today is all about.....

Hi there, I'm new to these forums and will be having my surgery (tentatively) on June 23rd. My story is a little different... I'm losing weight in order to be eligible for brain surgery. I'm wondering if there is anyone else in the world like me, because it's kind of lonely over here! I had no luck on the Chiari support boards - maybe one or two of you have similar stories to mine? Thanks! Katrina

Opinion: Tess Holliday. How do you think she will help or hurt perceptions/opinions on size, discrimination, weight, and most of all, WLS? Good or bad or neither?

I'm at work and bored. Anyone out there?

As part of my grieving process, I've found myself cleaning a lot. (Very out of character for me). This weekend I decided to gut my drawers and closets and ran across this forgotten weight loss "program". Positive Subliminal messages hidden in soothing music and nature sounds to help boost your willpower to lose weight. Brought me a welcome chuckle.....

We all have one thing in common. We all are or were fat and we all want to improve our health via weight loss. Maybe it's the band, the sleeve, bypass or a "traditional" weight loss method, but no matter our choices we want to be thinner and healthier. I would guess that most of us have defined ourselves by our body size in the past and some still are in the present. We are so much more than that! Tell me something about YOU that makes you special.

Not weight related so I am posting here. I think I read somewhere (can't find it now) you can't posts links in your posts? But I have seen some people do so. What do I need to do so I can do so too?

If you've had or are considering any kind of weight loss / bariatric surgery, you're welcome to join my group here. I just created it It's very motivational, educational and inspirational with others that are both post & pre-op You're more welcome to share this to let others know also. https://www.facebook.com/groups/allthingsbariatric/

As a bander, I eat some of the oddest foods for Breakfast. This last month, I've had seafood salad, meatballs, and right now a bowl of chili. It doesn't bother me, it just amuses me. What's the weirdest breakfast you've eaten since WLS?

Hi All. I've had several stressful years up until now including juggling 2 full time jobs and a family. I had this surgery in December with a spleen injury complication that really slowed recovery. I'm finding it difficult to motivate myself to get stuff done at work now unless a deadline is approaching big time. I'm not sure if I'm just burnt out, or, if I no longer have the "joy of escape" through food and alcohol that I'm not able to push so hard. Lately life feels shorter and shorter and I'm not having much fun. Maybe since I'm beginning to feel like I'm making (potentially lasting -- finally) progress in my weight issue, my other issues are in sharper foc…

Hello to all. Just wanted to say hi and introduce myself. I recently got sleeved (11 days post op) and came across this app from my Dr. I am 37 with 4 kids and 2 grandkids and I live in southeast Texas...where are all of you from?

Wow, what a difference it makes working out with somebody guiding you. I'm sore, but so happy I decided to do this. Today was my first of thirteen sessions with a personal trainer at the gym I joined. I'm on my way!

Hi. I've postponed an exercise program as long as I could. I know that to lose some more and get fit I need to take the next step. And now I want to. I'm a 54 year old female with arthritis in my knees, so jogging won't work. I do enjoy walking but what I'd really like to do is get toned and fit. I know that this loose skin won't go away, but before I consider a TT next year I'd like to strengthen my muscles as much as possible. I've lost 100 pounds and want to lose 50 more. But more than the weight, I want to get muscle definition and tone. I'd be content losing just another 30 if I was fit and lean. Years ago I was able to commit to an exercise routine (…

I created a page to help the family of my brother's girlfriend. She's 19 years old, devastated for her family and country, and unsure of her own future. Please visit and share the page wherever you can (like posting www.gofundme.com/familyqrecovery on social media or hanging up the attached flyer in break rooms). We deeply appreciate your kindness during this time! http://www.gofundme.com/familyqrecovery Sainju Family Page.pdf

Has anyone watched A&E's show Intervention? Tonight's show is about a girl named Amy who suffers from bolemia! Wow. Food can have such a terrible grip on people in so many different ways! Just terrible what she and her family is going through!!!

When I say starting, I mean JUST starting. I've applied to my local community college for a 2 year certificate program and I have an orientation coming up in a few days to give me my next steps. I'm nervous! Scared! Why scared? I tried college right out of high school and I blew it off. I foolishly cared more about having a good time and hanging with the wrong people and never got an education. Now here I am, in my early 40s and I think I want to try again. I was in that super obese category for SO LONG and I'm down 150 pounds from where I was a year ago and still losing so why not try to improve the old job situation? It's been over 20 years since I was in a…

As many of you know, we have a "powder Room" for our chickies. Those rooms are meant to be "safe places" where the boys could discuss their issues (do you really grow an inch with each 10 pounds lost!?!!) and the girls can discuss theirs (oh my gawd, the never ending period). Often times, we've noticed that the boys tiptoe into the girls' room inadvertently and vice versa. Some people get a bit touchy about it and others LOVE the input/ideas/opinions that the opposite gender brings. So here we are! Feel free to discuss any issue you want that's adult related and might not belong in the view of those who are more "delicate" or easily offended. The other forums stil…

Goal after stall or gain? Share your 2nd ???? wind!!! I would like to hear from anyone who reached goal weight after a period of months or years during their WLS process where they stalled out or even gained weight, but then refocused and got to goal. I'm not talking about a four week stall. I'm talking about five/six months or more where you hovered at a still high weight or even gained some back, but then found a way to get back on track and got to goal. I know you're out there! Please share what it was like, what happened, and what it is like for you today.

I'm not quite there yet, but I'm getting down to the lower sizes at Torrid, Avenue, and Lane Bryant. Where did everyone shop for clothes at that in between stage, around size 12? I'm 34, so I need professional work apparel, but also fun age-appropriate stuff for non-work time. I know Maurice's carries a full size range, but honestly I've never shopped at "regular" clothing stores in my entire life. Advise? Thanks!

My husband and I will be going to Reno next month for a long weekend. It's his choice since it's his birthday. Since I don't really like to gamble, I used to enjoy the buffets and the bars in Reno and call it a fun weekend. Now that I don't drink much (since my WLS 11 months ago I've only had one glass of champagne for New Year's), and I eat so carefully, what shall I do there for fun? We will definitely take a drive into the mountains for a hike. But that only takes care of one day. Any suggestions?

I'm a huge make up and skin care junkie. It's a problem, but I absolutely LOVE going to Ulta or Sephora or even CVS and finding great beauty products. Any favorite brands/products? I'm absolutely crazy about Smashbox and Too Faced and Make Up Forever. Share your favorite products/brands here!

Just got my brother's tattoo finished. It's taken almost 3 years, but I've finally reached a point where I can celebrate his life rather than mourn my loss. He was an amazing, talented musician and I still miss him everyday.

I watch news on TV quite often but it's been ages since I've watched TV shows. I'm currently catching up on the following TV series saved on my DVR: Suits Scandal Homeland House Of Lies Boardwalk Empire Loved Games of Thrones and can't wait for season 5 to debut. Looking at getting back to watching some new shows. There's loads I haven't seen. Can't wait for Better Call Saul and Silicon Valley. What's your favorite TV show at the moment?

I thought that getting WLS was going to be hard. Turns out, it was pretty easy. I had great insurance and got approval and had surgery six months after starting my process. I thought losing the first 100 pounds was going to be hard. Turns out, with my LapBand, it was pretty easy. My body cooperated with my band and when I ate right, the weight came off. I thought leaving my emotionally abusive husband was going to be hard. Turns out, once I took control of my food and my body and got out of my food coma, leaving him was pretty easy. Logistically tricky, but with reliance on friends and family and a good lawyer, leaving was only temporarily difficult. I thou…

From Beck Daily Diet Solutions - http://www.beckdietsolution.com/daily-diet-solutions/ Daily Diet Solutions April 10, 2015 - Friday Weekend Warm-UpIf you slip up this weekend, get immediately back on track. Doing so means you’ll get to go to bed feeling PROUD of yourself for your ability to recover, instead of MAD at yourself for getting off track. April 9, 2015 - Think Thin ThursdayIt’s hard to keep track of how much you’re eating when you’re taking handfuls from a big bag or a communal bowl. To keep yourself accountable, put whatever serving you intend to eat in your own bowl before you start eating. That way, you’ll be able to enjoy each bite more because you’ll…

This is geared to the persons of Christian faith, be advised! Looking for love in all the wrong places? Been there, done that, and more than once, I'll add! I've been married before, divorced, dated any and all kinds of fellas over a period of years, and, I was living in Las Vegas at the time. Not much luck. Dated a bunch of real losers, and some pretty decent guys, but none that "fit" just right. I was getting on in age, losing my chance at having a family if I didn't "act" soon. So, I had me a chat with the One who made me, and who would be better than He who made the "one" for me? But I had to find him, and I had had no luck up to this point. So I made a list, jus…

"I'm on a glutton-free diet." Yep, that sums it up for me.

It's been over a month since I started a new thing in my day. I started a routine of walking stairs at work. Three times a day I walk down 4 flights and up four flights. That's 24 flights of stairs a day. 504 steps. I do it midmorning, then midday, then midafternoon. I do this five days a week. And now it's really a habit. It's easy. It's my routine. I don't have to think about it anymore. I just do it. So much so that I'm considering adding another set of eight flights because I'm often getting my three sets in before lunch. This is what my new life post WLS is all about. New habits. New patterns. I'm not a gym rat. But I love to walk now. …

I love to watch our collective scale go down. (or up, as you will) I think there should be a prize for the person who hits that mark, a MAJOR AWARD! Queen for a day! Permission to use red cursive fonts and spell however the mood strikes! And lots of exclamation marks!! How do you think our community should Celebrate our 3,000,000th pound lost?

???? These are a few of my favorite (non-food) things ???? Gel manicures Foot massages Leisurely walks on my lunch hour Playing on the floor with my dog A comfortable night's sleep Coloring books for grown-ups Podcasts What are yours?

So I've seen a lot of vloggers on YouTube about WLS, specific surgeries and weight loss in general. Who if anyone do you follow? Who's worth watching from beginning to end? Thoughts?

Funny, serious, sad, happy, inspiring.... just keep it clean. Thanks!

I had my VSG surgery almost 2 years ago and I have not gotten rid of those last pesky 30 pounds, yet. I think I was so happy that I finally got to a normal weight again and I don't have to buy my clothes in the heffer department any more (LOL) that I haven't tried very hard to actually diet. I know what I need to do...I just haven't done it. I need motivation and tips. How much Protein, calories, carbs, etc... would you all suggest for those last few stubborn pounds? And any good protein recipes, too!!! I can eat anything, just need some good protein meals to cook that aren't high in carbs. Any and all suggestions welcome!!! Thanks, Y'all.

I didn't see a topic for books. I love to read and hear about what others are reading. It's also a great distraction! Tell me about what you are currently reading.

A wonderful young man who was well loved in our community died in an accident recently. One of the speakers at his memorial said that one of the last things he said was, "life is for living, not surviving." That really struck me. But I realized while thinking about it that the statement means something different to me today than it would have before I began my quest to recover my health. I still think it means that I should enjoy my pleasures whenever I can, but my definition of pleasure has changed. I seek out non-food pleasures much more than I used to, and really am grateful for them. I love my life even more now, even though I have become very careful when it comes to…

I had a gastric bypass on April 8th. Total weight loss since starting the process.... 120lbs. That's fantastic, even if I do say so myself! Lol. But I'm going bald. I'm losing so much hair! I'm taking the bariatric multivits twice a day, bariatric calcium wafers twice a day, B12 two a day & biotin. I bought $40 Nioxin shampoo & conditioner to help with thinning hair. Protein intake is great, usually 80 + a day. Have any of you found anything to help?

I am going to try hormone replacement therapy. I am not in menopause or peri menopause. But I have other issues that can be ameliorated with HRT. If you've taken it / are on it, what has been your experience? Thanks! Here is info http://www.lef.org/Protocols/Female-Reproductive/Female-Hormone-Restoration/Page-07

Consignment shopping has sort of become an obsession of mine lately. I would rather go to the Goodwill Boutique and spend an hour or two searching, but end up with three or four new outfits for what I would spend on one at a department store. Some of the things I've gotten at the Goodwill recently: -A Micheal Kors dress with the tags still on it. Retail was $120, I bought it for $15 -A pair of DL1961 jeans, again, tags still on. Retail was $160, I paid $30 -An Ann Taylor skirt, no tags, but would retail for at least $50, I paid $8 -A pair of Calvin Klein capris, no tags, but in flawless condition. I paid $9 The best part is when these things stop fitting me,…

OMG ! ! ! He's gonna be here in less than 6 hours. He just called from Baltimore, and said half the team was offered to come home tonight instead of having an overnight layover ! ! ! He told them " put me on that plane, I'm ready to see my family." I am officially freaking the hell out. Everything on the list is done with the exception of shaving, and that will be done here in a little bit. I am so elated, and can't believe he will be home so soon. I just can't wait to see him again. Caysen yelled when I told him, and couldn't contain himself. It's practically over. As soon as I am back in his arms, it will all be a distant memory. . . Thank you all…

I caught a staph infection in the hospital when I had back surgery and became septic. I did a round of 2 weeks of IV antibiotics out patient. Then I thought my incision was all healed and the infection was gone so I went out of town.. I ended up having to go to the ER in a strange town because it became infected again as soon as I was off the antibiotics. This time I was put on some really strong antibiotics for 3 weeks that really was hell to take. It caused extreme diarrhea. I was off of them for 5 days and now the infection came back. I'm on another antibiotic now but I really have my doubts that it won't come back when I finish them. I don't know what to do. My s…

Just for fun What's the stupidest bit of weight loss advice you've been given by somebody who 'just doesn't understand'? A few years ago a guy I knew told me I should learn to play chess because it would teach me the mental discipline I needed to lose weight. He was an odd guy. He used the word discipline a lot in conversation - I never wanted to know why! Anyway, I told him chess is the most boring game in creation and I'd rather watch paint dry. (Apologies to any avid chess players out there.)

Since the lounge description says it can be off topic I am wondering if anyone out there is as sad as I am that Leonard Nimoy died today. I discovered Star Trek at 7 yrs of age, it came on CBS right after the news at 11;30 on Friday nights, and My Mom and Dad allowed me to sit up and watch it, and Nimoy's Spock was the character that drew me to the show right away, I am not a Trekkie in the sense that I go to comic con or know the number of episodes, I just loved the show and loved the actor, he will be missed by me, I feel as if I lost a childhood friend who grew up with me. RIP Leonard Nimoy Set phasers to Weep.

Yep, I watched it....without the ability to shovel popcorn in my mouth to stifle my emotions. That was painful. But I sure will think twice before feeling sorry for myself for not losing a measly pound.

I'm awake and don't want to be. I have to be up in 6 hours, but I just can't go to sleep before 1 am and can't sleep late anymore. I tried again this weekend, but I woke up around 7 ish and couldn't go back to sleep. And forget about napping! I can't lie down at all with any food or drink in my tummy. Anyone else's sleep patterns change after surgery?

Does anyone know how I can fix it?

This is a fun topic, kind of to piggy-back off the "you know you lost weight when..." thread I came across the other day. As we are losing weight, are there things you do that are remnants of when you were at your largest weight? For example: I still default to the handicap stall in the restroom I try to park with more space between me and the car next to the driver-side/or in an end spot to make sure the space isn't too small (because I had moments where I couldn't get into my car when someone parked too close to me) I see my smaller clothing and still wonder how that is going to fit me, and am surprised when it does. I am struggling to get used to more fitted clot…

I had to put my English Pointer to sleep last September. Her name was Belle and she was just 1 week shy of her 13th birthday. Even though I have another Pointer, Abraham, its been very sad and lonely without her. I volunteer at the local animal shelter, and have been watching an Australian shepherd mix for the last few weeks. I finally broke down and brought him home for a weekend sleepover. Of course it only took 24 hours to decide to keep him, so everyone, meet Isaac..... (The second collage is Belle...still miss my sweet girl)