coops

This might sound a little weird, but I sorta understand balloon poppers... I certainly have read others' stories whereby they have lost 100lb by farting and I wished that I too could fart that hard! Especially as I am a really slow loser and not at goal. But I have NEVER commented on it... instead I take myself away, lick my wounds and tell myself not to be bitter and twisted, to be happy for that person and most importantly remember that I am ME, not them! This isn't a competiton with anyone else except myself. An example: I have a friend (who I love dearly), who when I was losing started a diet. She did everything she could to get smaller than me - she was already smaller by the way! She made a lot of comments about how much smaller she was, constantly telling me what size she was knowing damn well that she was smaller than I; she even gave me maternity trousers saying they would be perfect because my tummy is my 'problem'! Anyway, long story short, she has regained and is now a size or two bigger than me. I am a lot fitter and trimmer than her. She recently told me that she had gained 20-24lb. I made NO comment. I could of, and she would of, but I am the better person. There was a part of me that wanted to say, 'oh, so I am now smaller than you!' *insert smug grin* bu I didn't. I just told her not to worry, and to stop eating sh*t! Some people just focus on themselves and do not consider others... and that is fine because it is their problem not mine. So yea, we have all experienced these people, some we love, some we don't even know... but it's how to respond to it makes the biggeset difference.

This is definately something that I can relate to also. I have had big issues with not realising how well I have done. I am now 20+mths out and only just starting to see my own transformation. I was looking through old pictures of holidays from 3-4 years ago and I really was shocked to 'see' how big I was compared to me today. Clearly I knew at the time that I had a weight problem, but I suppose I had become blinded by it and I think that I was at the stage where I just accepted that I looke horrible no matter what. Now I realise, logically, that I am smaller... the clothes are smaller and I fell much fitter, but there is still a part of me that sees that fat girl from those photos. This is getting better and with more time I know it will improve even more... like wheetsin said, when you spend such a long time being a 'big girl' then it will take time to readjust, not just physically but mentally and emotionally too.

Jared, I agree with the posters who said that ultimately the decision is yours... because it is and it is a huge decision to make and not to be taken lightly. Having 85% of your tummy removed is not an over night thought and I also agree that you should continue to research the procedure, its effects and read all the information you can; here and else where. I am 21mths post op now and personally this is the best thing that I have ever done for myself. I am not at goal yet but that is Ok. Don't get me wrong, I do have more fat left, and I am sure that it will go when it is ready ... but I am getting less stressed about not being a 'goaler' as my overall health and fitness is the best it has been for nearly 20 years. I have NEVER lost more than 7lbs on any given diet or 'life style' change before so to lose 70+lbs is an absolutel miracle for me! My primary reason going into WLS was to get fit and healthy; to be able to exercise and be strong again - I loved exercise when I was in my teens and early 20s but when I started to gain weight, I found it too hard and painful. So, I have acheived that goal regardless of what the scale reads. Now I am here my focus has changed a little, and to my surprise, as I have started to think about 'looking good' again.. didn't think that would happen 2 years ago, but it has and although it is kinda weird, it is good to as I am regaining pride in myself. SO you see, it is not just about weight loss... the process is much more than that. You have to do what is right for you.... you have to think about the pros and cons of this surgery (and others) and make an educated decision as this really is for life. Good luck to you Jared...

Yep, I agree with Lisa, the low weight high rep is a good way forward... I started with this in the very early stages! I don't do them so much now, but I do go to a boxing gym which has definately helped tone my arms and given me extra strength. I think push ups or half push ups are really good for upper arms too.

I defo agree with taking measurements... they are a much more accurate way of seeing how much smaller you are getting. The scale will move again, just keep doing what you are doing and try not to stress too much - I know, easier said than done!

Yep! What they said... You look absolutely stunning - tiny!! And you arms look sooooo firm and good! Congrats on an amazing transformation! I wish i worried about losing too much...lol... this 6mths stall is a bi*tch!! Good luck going into maintance and keep is posted on how you manage maintaing and also your new journey into plastics.

I agree, the hormone element of this is a nightmare... but it will get better, and as you've stated it is just a matter of time. Can you use any make up to make you feel less aware of them?

Hey Loooou, You look amazing! Love the skirt, you look so slight and trim! Good for you my lovely! =]

Congrats on your promotion Fern! Sounds like you have worked hard for it and deserve it! =]

This really does ring true to me. I have a friend in work who I love dearly, she really is a great woman - mid twenties and morbidly obese. I believe that she eats for comfort and has depression issues - she has had a really hard life that has made her the beautiful woman she is. She is constantly going to a slimming club, spending a lot of money to be told that she has 'stayed the same' or 'lost a pound' and to have that 'pat on the back' for not giving up like she is some sort of child. I have walked in her shoes so many times... and cried the same tears as her when the public humiliation was over. There is a part of me that really wants to talk to her about the sleeve... but I just can't. Only two people know in work and that was because I felt I had to tell them.... not a comfortable secret to have. I feel really bad, knowing what I know, and not sharing with her... we have discussed WLS in general and she doesn't seem confident about surgery. I know that sounds like I am being really selfish... I do support her in other ways...

NIce one Sharon... what a massive achievement and compliment. So proud and happy for you xx

Linda, my lovely sleeve friend! You know my story... 6mth stall... one inch loss... bouncing around the same numbers week after week! Am I giving up? Mostly NO... sometimes yes! I totally feel for you and understand exactly what you are saying because I feel the same way. I am desperate to get to goal... I don't want to be obese, I don't even want to be overweight which is what my surgeon's goal would put me at... but I am trying to be positive. That being said... Just recently I have decided that the stupid evil scale WILL NOT dictate to me anymore. It will not effect my mood and ir will not make me feel that I am a failure. We have both lost pretty much the same amout... and lets ne honest, regardless of what the scale says, it 'feels' bloody amazing ... don't you agree! While the scale remains stuck, I am focusing on all the good stuff that has happened over the last 20mths and that is a GREAT feeling! You know I am here for you... any time you need to rant and rave... you do it! But don't give up my lovely. You have done such an amazing job... the stall can jog on! You've got muscles and health and beauty inside and out! Remember, slow but sure wins the race, and the scenic route is rather beautiful! x

I have read about these three ladies... yes, it was a play... now let me remember the title... Oh yes, It is Macbeth! Just tell 'em to go stir their cauldron!

I have to echo what has already been said... you look amazing! Happy, fit, healthy, confident and beautiful... look at that smile! WOW! You middle looks flat and toned and as far as the saddle bags... well... all I see is strong legs that got you through the race. That being said, I also understand what you say about seeing the 'bigger you' cos I do that too! Sometimes, and it is just sometimes, I see a smaller, fitter me... but on the whole I don't. And I agree it takes time for us to sort out the head space. When we are used to seeing a certain image of ourselves, it is really hard to comprehend and accept the new one and I believe that this too takes time. I also believe that one day, I will see what everyone else does. Congrats on an amazing transformation to health and fitness... you really do look great!

Firstly, congrats on 80+lbs... and keeping it off for such a long time... that really gives me hope. I am 20mths post op and I am so on the same page as you! I have been the same weight for 6mths now and it is really bugging me... regardless of what I do the stupid scales doesn't move!!! Sorry, I am no help at all... but I will watch this thread to see if there is anything that I haven't tried. If you have a look there is a bootcamp thread to get back on track. Might be worth giving it a go.. it is all about getting back to basics and retraining the way you eat and think about food... have a look?! And good luck =]

It is interesting that you posted this. Over the last two mths I have been having incredible sugar cravings... I have often 'fancied' sugar, but been able to stay away.... the recent cravings are maginified and feels out of control. They absolutely and utterly correspond with my TOM, which I am now having 2 weekly since being on HRT! Sometimes I cave in and eat some choc, sometimes I don't... not rhyme or reason to either!! There just has to be a link as this is a habit that I really had kicked into touch!

Whoa, if I didn't know better I wouldn't believe that it was the same woman! What a difference. Mind, you had a beautiful face before... now, it is still beautiful, just looks a lot younger... sorry if that seems like a back handed compliment, but you know what I mean... I think it is the shock! lol =]

Gettinthinner, I don't think you are either stupid or a rebel! You are just YOU... do what is right for you. I am a re-formed exerciser... I did a lot of exercise when I was in my teens and twenties, then as the weight increased the ability to exercise decreased; it became painful and frustrating as I knew I wasn't able to do what I used to do and at the level I used to do it at. This might sound a lil weird, but one of the reasons that I went for the sleeve was to get light enough to be able to exercise again. Since I was cleared for exercise at 10 weeks post op I have been working on my fitness, and slowly but surely I am getting there. I agree with the other poster who said that the results in the change of the body and gaining muscle keep me going and it is good to 'see' results. That being said, I am currently suffering with a bad back/groin which is stopping me even walking at the moment. It is reoccuring injury that I am waiting to see a physio about... and I have to be honest, I am frustrated that I can't do my exercise at the moment. Good luck with that treadmill... fingers crossed you can at least try it and see how you feel. I too would love to live somewhere are tropical as you, I am afraid that here in sunny UK (Wales) it is not as tropical or hot! I think if I lived near a sea, I would have grown fins by now...lol Good luck to you ... let us know how you get on! =]

When I was using the treadmill on a regular basis, I started with a slow jog and once I could manage 30 mins I started to do the interval thing too. I found it really effective for my fitness and endurance. Defo worth doing. I love the fact that your surgeon is giving you fitness advise. Mine just said, move more and eat less...lol!

Nice one Cludgie... can't fault that for a bonus!! Nice to hear a good thread about the scales...lol x

Hey Dorrie... I got it! LOL! You know my fight to goal weight... and you know that I haven't lost a pound in nearly 6mths but gone into a size UK14 in the last few weeks... yep! Our bodies really are a mystery! I honestly think that your finishing line will be where YOU want it to be... where YOU feel comfortable and where YOU look in the mirror and say 'Wow! Dorrie, you've made it!' If that means you lose another 14lb, so be it. If that means you go into a semi maintance type state and up your exercise, so be it. You get what I am saying here... you will know whe you are done. I agree with the other poster who said that weight is relative to the individual. I know that I am a lot 'heavier' than others who wear the same size as me... but I do have a lot of muscle mass and am getting fitter - back and leg permitting - lol! Let me know what you decide... I'll be cheering you on whatever you do! =] x

Janerose... you talk a lot of sense! Congrats on such an amazing attitude to life and the new you. You sound full of youth and vigor, and that in itself it an achievement!! You will do well because you have such a positive attitude... loved reading your post. Thank you! =]

Yep... what they said! You look great! Ful of confidence and happy! Fab NSV =]

I second what emily said... you sound soooo full of life! But the transformation is fan-bloody-tastic! My God man, you look like another person! Congrats on an amazing journey! =]

meggspeggs, I wish I could help but I am in the same boat! I keep bouncing around the same 2-4lbs since the end of Oct and it is really frustrating. The difference is that I am 19+mths out. When I was at your stage, I remember really slowing and stopping... but it DID start again. I suppose we just have to do what we know is right. Don't give up! I think the hormone thing will have something to do with it, they really are beasts when it comes to our bodies and weight. Have you spoken to your doc/surgeon about the effects of the thyroid removal? You've done an amazing job so far... keep on keeping on!