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I finally bit the bullet and bought some new clothes today. I was quite apprehensive as I genuinely didn't know what size I would be, so I had my boyfriend with me who doubles up as my stylist 😂 I went into New Look - which I wouldn't have even dreamt of doing pre-surgery - and just asked him to pick some things for me. He picked 3 coats (I currently have none that fit me, and it is getting cold here in the UK!), a skirt, and a cropped jumper. I was trying to insist that I would need a size UK 18-20 (which is a US 14-16 I think?), but he was adamant that I needed a UK 12-14 (US 8-10?)...I tried them on in the sizes he suggested, and they FIT. I genuinely didn't believe it, like I don't think I have been this size since 2017/18...my brain can't actually see it or even compute with it. Before surgery I was a UK 22, more of a 24 in most things if I am honest. Just can't believe it yet. Does anyone else get like this?! But I am riding a high today, I feel good, and I am still in shock 😂

5’3” here! Loving life on the short side however

yea maintenance takes A LOT of getting used to since nearly all of us have never been in this position before - or haven't in years. I was always gaining weight or trying to lose weight the whole time I was obese. if you are maintaining on your current level of calories, then stick with that until it's no longer working - and then adjust up or down as needed. Calorie levels change if your activity levels change, or as you get older, or whatever. What I did for a long time was set an "oh crap" weight (for example, 160 lbs) and once I reached that, it was all hands on deck until I was safely back in my safe zone again. So something like that might work for you, too. But yes, maintenance is definitely hard to get used to!

8 days to go and I've officially hit the Dr's pre-op goal of 111.1 kg. (OK technically, I'm at 111.3, but I'm counting it anyway). 😄 I've worked hard and I deserve to be petty about 200grams!

It’s lovely to read about how much you’re enjoying trying out different exercise and activities!

As of yesterday, I was back under 200 pounds, so that was an exciting milestone! I have been tracking my food, walking each day, doing a long hike on the weekends, and the weight has been coming off at the expected pace. I am averaging about 1300 calories a day in consumption and my watch says I am averaging about 2300 calories a day of burn, which works out to an average calorie deficit of 1000 per day and I am right on that target of losing 2 pounds per week. I am really pleased that my metabolism seems normal and that my restriction still prevents me from eating too much in a single sitting. I had a long chat with my husband about how "dieting" is so different this time around from when I had lost weight pre-surgery. This is my first time really trying to lose weight since my surgery and it is definitely much easier than it used to be.

Reminds me of this gif!

My boys (Finn on the left, Guinness on the right) love all the long walks they get to take. And are particularly fond of cleaning up mom’s leftovers since I don’t usually finish the food on my plate :)

I don't think my cat is impressed with my new lifestyle as he sits in front of the oven expecting to be served food however I don't think I have used my oven more than twice in the year since my op, now it is air fryer or slow cooker if cooking. Guess he misses his oven cooked chicken 😂 I know he missed me (his servant) while I was in hospital for so many months with my post-op complications as he has been so affectionate and chatty since I was finally released last November. For weeks I felt he would go into panic mode if I grimaced and had a bit of pain but I presume he was just afraid I would not be home to serve him!

Definitely do check with your surgeon just to be on the safe side, but I have definitely experienced this quite a lot post-surgery! For me, it is because of the constipation - sometimes I get little tears and this results in bright red blood in the loo! Keep an eye on the colour of the blood, and if it is actually IN your stools, or just in the water.