MINI-Me

Good luck! Here's to an uneventful surgery and quick recovery!

Cool - thanks!

It's hard to believe, but I am looking forward to it, but I need to find the right one. I still have some sagging skin at the top of my thighs and there is no way my jelly-like belly is going to be revealed to the world. Things look pretty good covered up, but not au-naturale! I am on the lookout for some of the cute swim shorts (no more "big woman skirts, thank you very much) and a cute tank top with a built in bra to hold up the little that's left. Anyone know a good place to look?

Fantastic Results!

Weightloss the first few weeks is different for everyone becausee everyone heals differently. Question - how long were you in the hospital? Did you have IV's If so, your body is probably still processing all the extra fluids you recieved, normal Fluid retention due to swelling/recovery, etc. I would wager that you'll see more loss very soon. Good luck with the mushies. Remember to take it slow and easy.

I showed my surgery card & many places gave me the child rates when I was in Vegas last year. When they saw what I ate, the staff kept asking me how I could exist on such small amounts. It was funny!

I think you hit the nail on the head with that statement!

Only 2 weeks. Yahoo!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I told very few people at first. It was very personal to me & I didn't think others needed to know. But, I found as the weight came off, I wanted to shout it from the roof tops. I told close friends and my boss. Everyone was very supportive since they had seen me continually struggle with my weight & enjoyed sharing in my success. That being said ... My family who live on the other side of the country, are still struggling with this a bit. They don't see me everyday & just haven't made the connection that this is a permanent way of life for me now (they are all obese as well). Hopefully time will prove it to them & they will consider this as a possible option for them as well. For co-workers that didn't know me very well, I would just politely smile when they complimented my weight loss. When asked for my "trick", I told them it was the basic formula - small portions and a focus on Protein. That seemed to satisfy and I wasn't lying, just omitting the part about my tool to allow me to eat the small portions and be satisfied.

http://www.glamour.com/health-fitness/2011/02/shocking-body-image-news-97-percent-of-women-will-be-cruel-to-their-bodies-today My thought was wow! So sad ... But then I thought about it. Even with my new thin body, I still do this. Why? I still look at all the "non perfect" areas and want to fix them. Why can't I focus on all the good I've done to my body and my health over the past year & stop fixating on what is still 'wrong".

Come on ... let's all be real. Isn't there a part of all of us that want to be "Skinny Tramps"?

That's awesome Tiff! I know what you mean about NSV's being rare when you are a bit out.

I am soooooooooooooooooooooooo proud of you. Way to go!

Anna, So glad to see your post. You look great! We have really missed you around here. Did I mention ... YOU LOOK AWESOME!!!!!

Welcome to the Land of the Losers!

I had a hard time with a lot of Protein shakes - just couldn't handle the taste & gagged a lot. I finally found 2 that really made a difference for me: http://www.amazon.com/Optimum-Nutrition-Instantized-Protein-Pound/dp/B000GIUQOG/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1298072338&sr=8-1 http://www.unjury.com/reg/chicken_soup_flavored_protein.shtml Both are available in the US from Amazon.com. I mixed the any whey into sf pudding and yogurts for a boost in protein. It's also good in SF Hot cocoa (just don't get the Water too hot or it will clump the protein - YUCk!!!!) I was told to aim for 60+ grams of protein a day. Protein first, then low carb veggies, and starch/fruit if I had room. Usually that meant a spoon of mashed potatoes or something. I think I averaged 600 calories a day for the first few months, then moved to 800 calories, then 1000 calories (around month 5) and stayed around 1200 from month 7 to 10. I'm maintaining on 1500-2000 calories (depending on my activity level for the day). Did your surgeon have guidelines for you? A good on-line tracker is www.myfitnesspal.com. Good luck - ask any questions you have - we'll be glad to help out.

Did your surgeon say why they wanted to change the type of surgery at the last minute? For me, the sleeve was the way to go. No issues with a foreign object and no re-route of my body (plus, RYN "seems" to have a lot of regain due to pouch stretching - but I don't have any statistical analysis, just observations). I'm sure you have lots of questions. Shoot them out to us, we're glad to help!

It does get easier - PROMISE!!!! Right now, if you are awake, you should be sipping. You can do this!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Congratulations on your surgery, your weightloss and your maintenance. I'm sure we'll be bombarding you a lot in the future. My first question - what has been the hardest part (or most surprising part) of maintenance for you?

I agree ... moderation is the key to success. I try to eat like a "normal" person with occaisional treats and a glass of wine or two. (Instead of a huge chunk of cake with a large scoop of icecream, 1/2 a pizza, etc.)

I had a BMI of 32.8 ... but after years of yo-yo dieting, I need I needed a permanent solution. I've read so many horror stories about banders. I know 3 people personally (and about 5 others I've met in support group). NONE have made it to goal. Some have had their bands for years with esphogus issues, heartburn, unable to eat many foods etc. How discouraging. I really don't see how this product is still on the market.

CONGRATULATIONS!

I have an arch of purple/yellow flowers on my lower back. Absolutely love this one! The colors and definition are awesome. I also have a shamrock on my right foot (can you say ouch!) ... I got it one year after my dad passed away. He has Irish ancestery and I love looking at my foot and thinking of my dad. I've thought about doing something for my "new life" ... but not sure what it would be. Hmmmmm...

LOL ... I am very analytical, so I just ha to do the math. There are 52 weeks in a year. Assume a person lives to 85. That equals 4,420 weeks of life. Remove 2 for pre-op - which leaves 4418 weeks. So 2 weeks is 0.0045% of your life. I think you can do it!

You look awesome ... You had a beautiful smile in your "before" picture, but the "new you" is radiating!