M2G

Okay, checking in over here and waiting for the day our lovely Coops tells us that she strutted her stuff at the pool!
I have some wonderful news to share!!!!
I FINALLY AM NO LONGER OBESE(according to the BMI scale!) WOW! I've been waiting over 15 months for that WORD to disappear from my medical profile. WOW.
However, this week was bad workout-wise and I'm wondering if that is partly why I finally slipped below >30 on the chart. My whole family has been sick, started with my oldest (11 yo) DD, she got strep. Then my hubby was sick. Then my youngest DD (9 yo) got strep and I finally went and got tested but it came back neg. So I muddled through the week, (starting feeling ill Mon. night) and today, Sun AM I think I am finally better. So I did not hardly work out at ALL this week, and I can feel it. I plan to get some exercise today, and again on Mon. and hopefully get back up to where I was before falling ill.
So other than being SICK, this was a great week since I finally am no longer medically obese!!! :horn:

Okay, checking in over here and waiting for the day our lovely Coops tells us that she strutted her stuff at the pool!
I have some wonderful news to share!!!!
I FINALLY AM NO LONGER OBESE(according to the BMI scale!) WOW! I've been waiting over 15 months for that WORD to disappear from my medical profile. WOW.
However, this week was bad workout-wise and I'm wondering if that is partly why I finally slipped below >30 on the chart. My whole family has been sick, started with my oldest (11 yo) DD, she got strep. Then my hubby was sick. Then my youngest DD (9 yo) got strep and I finally went and got tested but it came back neg. So I muddled through the week, (starting feeling ill Mon. night) and today, Sun AM I think I am finally better. So I did not hardly work out at ALL this week, and I can feel it. I plan to get some exercise today, and again on Mon. and hopefully get back up to where I was before falling ill.
So other than being SICK, this was a great week since I finally am no longer medically obese!!! :horn:

Just absolutely *love* this! Wonderful advice from a wonderful lady!

Okay, checking in over here and waiting for the day our lovely Coops tells us that she strutted her stuff at the pool!
I have some wonderful news to share!!!!
I FINALLY AM NO LONGER OBESE(according to the BMI scale!) WOW! I've been waiting over 15 months for that WORD to disappear from my medical profile. WOW.
However, this week was bad workout-wise and I'm wondering if that is partly why I finally slipped below >30 on the chart. My whole family has been sick, started with my oldest (11 yo) DD, she got strep. Then my hubby was sick. Then my youngest DD (9 yo) got strep and I finally went and got tested but it came back neg. So I muddled through the week, (starting feeling ill Mon. night) and today, Sun AM I think I am finally better. So I did not hardly work out at ALL this week, and I can feel it. I plan to get some exercise today, and again on Mon. and hopefully get back up to where I was before falling ill.
So other than being SICK, this was a great week since I finally am no longer medically obese!!! :horn:

Okay, checking in over here and waiting for the day our lovely Coops tells us that she strutted her stuff at the pool!
I have some wonderful news to share!!!!
I FINALLY AM NO LONGER OBESE(according to the BMI scale!) WOW! I've been waiting over 15 months for that WORD to disappear from my medical profile. WOW.
However, this week was bad workout-wise and I'm wondering if that is partly why I finally slipped below >30 on the chart. My whole family has been sick, started with my oldest (11 yo) DD, she got strep. Then my hubby was sick. Then my youngest DD (9 yo) got strep and I finally went and got tested but it came back neg. So I muddled through the week, (starting feeling ill Mon. night) and today, Sun AM I think I am finally better. So I did not hardly work out at ALL this week, and I can feel it. I plan to get some exercise today, and again on Mon. and hopefully get back up to where I was before falling ill.
So other than being SICK, this was a great week since I finally am no longer medically obese!!! :horn:

I am with you my friend!!!! SO WITH YOU!
I am much like you in the slow loser boat and the final stretch to goal has at times seemed impossible. And if I am going to go all out and be truthful here it may just be impossible for me. But that WILL NOT discourage me from trying. I will not go down without a fight and I will continue on my journey no matter how long it takes to get to goal.
Here's to 2012...we are on our way!!!

Awwww, S, I'm so sorry to hear this! I am praying for you and hoping that this is just a temporary bump in the road. Hugs to you! Stay positive and come hear anytime you need uplifting...we are all HERE for you! Hugs!

S - OMG you are so beautiful and such an inspiration to everyone here! HAPPY 17 MONTH SURGIVERSARY!!! You are rocking maintenance....yeah baby that is the ultimate goal for everyone!!!

Okay this I didn't want to hear!!! I am still a DD right now, but still have -20lbs to lose. YIKES DIVA!!! Oh well, I wouldn't wish for the fat back and right now they still look pretty good in a bra at least!

Checking in with all you lovely ladies over here!!!
So during the holidays I bounced up in early Dec. from my all time low, and then I was able to maintain that higher weight through the holidays (which is still a shock to me considering I had 5 days of without exercise, that NEVER HAPPENS and all the little treats I consumed!)
However, since Jan. 1st, I'm happy to report a -6lb loss. I think the inital buzz has worn off as my scale has been giving me the same number for about 3 days in a row now. I've been doing 800 cals a day, <30g carbs (really between 30-80 but trying to stay closer to 30) and +70g Protein daily. I weigh and measure absolutely everything I'm eating. I saw my surgeon and my NUT last week and they both ok'd the lower cal deal. I was doing about 1000-1400 daily and not getting results, so this is a combination of what I've heard works for others and my surgeon and NUT are both letting me try it. Sort of a "lab rat" if you will. My surgeon wants to see me again in 3 months (which will be my 18 month appt) and pull labs, etc. so that is keeping me on my toes. I can't get lazy now.
I was feeling really blue this week and I'm not sure why. I exercise daily, BUT my treadmill had a issue last weekend and I wasn't able to run at all for a WHOLE week! My hubby fixed it thought and I went for a run this am and already I'm feeling better!! YAY!
Keep on going ladies, our new mantra is NEVER GIVE UP!!!

I am with you my friend!!!! SO WITH YOU!
I am much like you in the slow loser boat and the final stretch to goal has at times seemed impossible. And if I am going to go all out and be truthful here it may just be impossible for me. But that WILL NOT discourage me from trying. I will not go down without a fight and I will continue on my journey no matter how long it takes to get to goal.
Here's to 2012...we are on our way!!!

WOW! *LOVE THIS*!!!

Not silly to Celebrate at ALL! I've been "hovering" on the line (between obese and overweight) for a verrrrrrry long time, lol, so you bet when I am done with the label of "obese" there is gonna be some celebrating!!!!

No I'm not at goal, but really struggling to lose more. I am really going to focus on trying to lose the last 20lbs or so in the next 4-6 months and if I don't accomplish it, then I'm okay where I'm at. It has been frustrating because I've been stalled a lot, but the good news is that I'm learning that maintaining isn't as hard as I thought it was going to be.
Thank you for the compliments!

Well, I wish I had magic words of wisdom for you. But honestly it sounds like you have pinpointed your own demons. Now it's time to start chipping away at them.
Look, I know that feeling of "there is nothing I can do" and that is a slippery slope. Because once you start with the negative talk, along comes the negative self-image, and we start that awful cycle all over again.
Start with one thing at a time. CUT out the extra calories. IF you want a treat, give yourself a 48 hour "chill out" time. Face the fact that you want a treat, but give yourself a time out. If you want a cake or brownie on Mon....make yourself wait until Wed. and make sure that the "treat" is absolutely worth it. Don't go for a treat that isn't out of this world amazing because it just isn't worth the extra calories.
Once you have started to detox from the little extra treats here and there, then start working on the fitness part. I personally think you NEED BOTH. The weights AND the cardio. If you are lacking in one area, then try pumping that area up a little. If you are only doing weights, then pick a day to skip weights and hit the treadmill. I was lacking a bit on the cardio side so 2 months ago I started to run on my treadmill (whereas before I was just fast walking) and while I do NOT enjoy running, I do enjoy the way I feel after running. So that has been my motivation because I like that exercise "high" that I get.
The whole maintenance thing is always the big mystery. Because we have all lost weight and gained it right back. But keep trying to figure out what works for you and most importantly DO NOT GIVE UP. Just take that off the table. Giving up is not an option. Hang in there!

Well, I wish I had magic words of wisdom for you. But honestly it sounds like you have pinpointed your own demons. Now it's time to start chipping away at them.
Look, I know that feeling of "there is nothing I can do" and that is a slippery slope. Because once you start with the negative talk, along comes the negative self-image, and we start that awful cycle all over again.
Start with one thing at a time. CUT out the extra calories. IF you want a treat, give yourself a 48 hour "chill out" time. Face the fact that you want a treat, but give yourself a time out. If you want a cake or brownie on Mon....make yourself wait until Wed. and make sure that the "treat" is absolutely worth it. Don't go for a treat that isn't out of this world amazing because it just isn't worth the extra calories.
Once you have started to detox from the little extra treats here and there, then start working on the fitness part. I personally think you NEED BOTH. The weights AND the cardio. If you are lacking in one area, then try pumping that area up a little. If you are only doing weights, then pick a day to skip weights and hit the treadmill. I was lacking a bit on the cardio side so 2 months ago I started to run on my treadmill (whereas before I was just fast walking) and while I do NOT enjoy running, I do enjoy the way I feel after running. So that has been my motivation because I like that exercise "high" that I get.
The whole maintenance thing is always the big mystery. Because we have all lost weight and gained it right back. But keep trying to figure out what works for you and most importantly DO NOT GIVE UP. Just take that off the table. Giving up is not an option. Hang in there!

My surgeon is big on plastic surgery...I'm not sold...yet.
It is worth thinking about, but I haven't gotten any farther than that yet. My surgeon says to him having WLS and not finishing the job with plastics is like driving around an awesome car with no paint. He said I was "too pretty" not to finish the job...lol, bet he tells all the ladies that!
I definitely want to wait for at least one year at goal before considering anything...my mind still tricks me and thinks that I'm as fat as I used to be once in a while...need time to adjust to the mental shift.

I absolutely *loved* your video!!! Congrats on -100 being gone, SUCH an accomplishment! Way to go!!!
And I'm your newest blog follower...I added your blog to my list of "blogs I read" and look forward to watching your progress!

I don't know that people "treat" me different, but I know I feel different. Whoever said making the outside match the inside hit the nail on the head. I have the same happy personality I always did (never have trouble talking to people, I'm a bit of chatty Cathy...even with strangers I will strike up conversation, etc.)
But now I feel like people get to see ME. The real me...no more second guessing, "do they think I'm fat, lazy, unmotivated, etc." all that stuff that we KNOW isn't true about obese people yet we know people are thinking it. So I probably smile more, my step is lighter, I noticed the same thing too about people not scooting their chairs in when I squeeze behind them, etc.
I've also been fortunate enough to not lose friends, but I'm a happily married woman so it's not like I need buddies to go out who would need me to be the "fat" friend so they could look better. I'm sure if I was in my 20's and going "out" that would probably be the case. Sadly.
My hubby is sleeved as well, so we both get to be on the journey to health together, and it has been a VERY good thing that we both got sleeved!

I'm not sure how to handle your dilemna as everyone DOES heal differently (quicker, slower, easy, tough, etc.) but I know I proabably felt close to normal about 10 days post-op.
Just wanted to chime in and say congrats to your hubby for wanting to do this also. My hubby and I are both sleeved and it ranks right up there with graduating college, getting married and starting our family...one of the BEST things we have ever done for ourselves!!!

I don't know that people "treat" me different, but I know I feel different. Whoever said making the outside match the inside hit the nail on the head. I have the same happy personality I always did (never have trouble talking to people, I'm a bit of chatty Cathy...even with strangers I will strike up conversation, etc.)
But now I feel like people get to see ME. The real me...no more second guessing, "do they think I'm fat, lazy, unmotivated, etc." all that stuff that we KNOW isn't true about obese people yet we know people are thinking it. So I probably smile more, my step is lighter, I noticed the same thing too about people not scooting their chairs in when I squeeze behind them, etc.
I've also been fortunate enough to not lose friends, but I'm a happily married woman so it's not like I need buddies to go out who would need me to be the "fat" friend so they could look better. I'm sure if I was in my 20's and going "out" that would probably be the case. Sadly.
My hubby is sleeved as well, so we both get to be on the journey to health together, and it has been a VERY good thing that we both got sleeved!

I totally agree with Lissa...Eggface is awesome!!!
I recycle stuff. Any type of meat (steak, hamburger, fish, etc.) can become my eggbites (simple eggface recipe, take 5 eggs, saute up any leftover meats/veggies, toss in some cheese and bake @350 for 30mins. Makes 24 mini muffins...they resemble crustless quiche.)
Shredded taco chicken becomes chicken tortilla Soup the next day. We take left over meat and put it on a tortilla with some Tomato sauce and make tortilla pizzas (eggface does this too, but that isn't where we got the idea.) Left over baked salmon becomes salmon cakes (mix egg beaters, salmon, and coat with bread crumbs and lightly fry in olive oil.) Even our left over steamed veggies get a light coating of Italian dressing and overnight in the fridge they become almost like a pastaless Pasta salad.< /p>
It takes time to learn how to recycle...but I was getting bored eating the same meal day after day. So my advice is to just start experimenting and you will find a way to recycle your leftovers into a whole new delicious meal!

O M G!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Well after some very long and serious stalls I am finally feeling much more hopeful about reaching goal in 2012.I had an extrordinary amount of patience to get through the stalls. I stalled in months 8&9, lost a bit in month 10, then stalled in months 11, 12 and half way through 13. Then I finally started losing again and now I know I can do this!!!!
I changed my ticker to show 8lbs that I had lost at some point during the 6 months of "hoop jumping" that I did for my insurace to cover my surgery and that has boosted my mental game quite a bit. Before I always wanted my ticker to show just my loss since the surgery, but after adding those 8lbs to my ticker it bumped me that much closer to the -100 mark and it did a world of good for my head.
And I am really looking forward someday to having a different relationship with the scale. It truly does have a lot of power over me (hard to admit the truth) but I am hoping someday down in maintenance land that I have a very different relationship with the scale. I'll be watching our own Little Miss Diva carefully to see how she does...lol. We have lots of pioneers on this message board who have "been there, done that" but most of them do not stick around during maintenance, so we have little guidance in that arena. Thank God for the ones who DO stick around!!!

YAY!!!!!!!!!! *LOVE* this! Sooooo happy for you!
:woot: