lsereno

Wait a minute... is this a picture of you?

At first I thought you were fishing for compliments, but by the time I finished reading your post I looked at your profile. When I saw this picture, I realized you didn't have the slack-jaw coupled with a sloping forehead and knuckle dragging posture indicative of the typical mouth-breathing social media addicts that can only find approval from strangers telling them how pretty they are.
From a man that has nothing to gain from a compliment given to a young lady, let me reassure you that you are attractive. Very attractive. I believe the in the vernacular of today it would be safe to classify you as hottie. I would have called you a babe 20 years ago!
I think y@@VSGAnn2014 nailed it when she said you may be experiencing dysmorphia. The face and body you see in the mirror is not what you expect and it "feels" wrong, perhaps even alien. And what we perceive to be wrong or different is usually interpret to be a negative. You just keep doing what you are doing, because whatever that is; it is working!

@@gettinMeBack,
You've got some great advice. Here are a few more tips to help on your journey.,
Don't just give something up. Replace it. Want to stop snacking at night? Start a new routine instead. For me, I like to apply a flavored lip gloss, rub in some scented hand lotion, and drink a cup of Sleepy Time Tea, sweetened with Splenda.
You can't hate yourself thin. Think of what you would tell your best friend in this situation. That's what you tell yourself. Repeat. Repeat.
Instead of dwelling on why X food is bad for you, dwell on why you like Y food and how great it makes you feel. I recently read a study that says focusing on why you like good foods is better for weight loss than focusing on why you shouldn't eat unhealthy foods.
Consider eating a diet high in pro-biotics and pre-biotics for a few weeks. I really think for many of us, weight issues are related to gut bacteria. Lynda

@@gettinMeBack,
You've got some great advice. Here are a few more tips to help on your journey.,
Don't just give something up. Replace it. Want to stop snacking at night? Start a new routine instead. For me, I like to apply a flavored lip gloss, rub in some scented hand lotion, and drink a cup of Sleepy Time Tea, sweetened with Splenda.
You can't hate yourself thin. Think of what you would tell your best friend in this situation. That's what you tell yourself. Repeat. Repeat.
Instead of dwelling on why X food is bad for you, dwell on why you like Y food and how great it makes you feel. I recently read a study that says focusing on why you like good foods is better for weight loss than focusing on why you shouldn't eat unhealthy foods.
Consider eating a diet high in pro-biotics and pre-biotics for a few weeks. I really think for many of us, weight issues are related to gut bacteria. Lynda

Lsereno, good to "see" you again, Old Friend! I think we are pretty close in WSL timeframe. I, too, have had to get on the losing bandwagon again. We can and are doing it! Amazing to me that most of us here are 4-10 years out and have been successful in keeping the majority of weight loss gone!!!! [emoji23]

So far I'm liking WW. I attend the in-person meetings and go to a WW center so there are more to chose from. I kept going to different ones till I found a leader I liked. The program is now more protein-centric. I really like WW, it just couldn't help me lose the entire amount I had to lose. I'm hoping since it's 20 lbs. this time, it will work for me. I'm down 5 lbs. Hoping to get to lifetime and have it as an in-person support group for free.

Hi all,
I haven't posted in awhile. I'll be 5 years out from VSG in May.
I miss: The ladies in the plus size department in Macy's Valley Fair. Shopping in the regular departments can be a nightmare!
I love: Buying tons of things at Marshalls, Walmart, and Target. So easy to get a cute sweatshirt, tank, or tee.
I miss: Margaritas, Milk and most milk products, and Flour Tortillas. Other than those foods, I can eat small amounts of about everything else.
I love: Not being the biggest person everywhere I go. Fitting into seats and not worrying about it. Walking down aisles in the store even when someone else is already in them. Feeling healthy, strong, and in control of what I eat.
Lynda

I had Dr. Hahn. Love him!! Coming up on my 5 year anniversary on Mau 16. Sent from my iPad using the BariatricPal App

I gained 16 lbs. from the IV fluids. I have only met one other person who gained more. I think they gained 17. At least you are protected from dehydration for a few days.
Lynda

Thank you! I probably won't be posting every day for a little while because the app isn't working well on my ipad and I'm super busy with volunteer work for the next few weeks. Maybe we can have a weight loss challenge here in the vets forum. I don't want to participate in one with newly sleeved who are bummed they are only losing 5 lbs per week!

So far I'm liking WW. I attend the in-person meetings and go to a WW center so there are more to chose from. I kept going to different ones till I found a leader I liked. The program is now more protein-centric. I really like WW, it just couldn't help me lose the entire amount I had to lose. I'm hoping since it's 20 lbs. this time, it will work for me. I'm down 5 lbs. Hoping to get to lifetime and have it as an in-person support group for free.

Thank you! I probably won't be posting every day for a little while because the app isn't working well on my ipad and I'm super busy with volunteer work for the next few weeks. Maybe we can have a weight loss challenge here in the vets forum. I don't want to participate in one with newly sleeved who are bummed they are only losing 5 lbs per week!

So far I'm liking WW. I attend the in-person meetings and go to a WW center so there are more to chose from. I kept going to different ones till I found a leader I liked. The program is now more protein-centric. I really like WW, it just couldn't help me lose the entire amount I had to lose. I'm hoping since it's 20 lbs. this time, it will work for me. I'm down 5 lbs. Hoping to get to lifetime and have it as an in-person support group for free.

I'm back after being away for more than a year. I missed the whole vets group is gone mess because apparently it was removed and returned while I was gone. Glad I missed that flap!
My weight has continued to creep (have gone from 10 pds over goal to 20 pds over goal) and I have decided that is it. My focus is to return here and rededicate myself to goal weight.
Oh, and I joined Weight Watchers. For the first time ever, I think I can get to lifetime goal with them. If so, it's free as long as I'm in weight range. So excited about that!
Because I'm terrified to go back. If I gain 10 lbs per year, in ten years.....
Love to see familiar faces here.
Lynda

I'm really glad you're back too! I missed your posts!
I hope you use a computer and not a phone to post. People are having trouble with the app. It's so much easier on a PC or laptop to see all the forums.
There are several threads about all of us working on regain. One is weight gained since sleeved. I'm working on taking 10 lbs off again but it is really hard.
I hope to see you posting every day!

I'm back after being away for more than a year. I missed the whole vets group is gone mess because apparently it was removed and returned while I was gone. Glad I missed that flap!
My weight has continued to creep (have gone from 10 pds over goal to 20 pds over goal) and I have decided that is it. My focus is to return here and rededicate myself to goal weight.
Oh, and I joined Weight Watchers. For the first time ever, I think I can get to lifetime goal with them. If so, it's free as long as I'm in weight range. So excited about that!
Because I'm terrified to go back. If I gain 10 lbs per year, in ten years.....
Love to see familiar faces here.
Lynda

Congrats and Happy Birthday! Here's to the next 62 years!
Lynda

I'm back after being away for more than a year. I missed the whole vets group is gone mess because apparently it was removed and returned while I was gone. Glad I missed that flap!
My weight has continued to creep (have gone from 10 pds over goal to 20 pds over goal) and I have decided that is it. My focus is to return here and rededicate myself to goal weight.
Oh, and I joined Weight Watchers. For the first time ever, I think I can get to lifetime goal with them. If so, it's free as long as I'm in weight range. So excited about that!
Because I'm terrified to go back. If I gain 10 lbs per year, in ten years.....
Love to see familiar faces here.
Lynda

Hi all,
I haven't posted in awhile. I'll be 5 years out from VSG in May.
I miss: The ladies in the plus size department in Macy's Valley Fair. Shopping in the regular departments can be a nightmare!
I love: Buying tons of things at Marshalls, Walmart, and Target. So easy to get a cute sweatshirt, tank, or tee.
I miss: Margaritas, Milk and most milk products, and Flour Tortillas. Other than those foods, I can eat small amounts of about everything else.
I love: Not being the biggest person everywhere I go. Fitting into seats and not worrying about it. Walking down aisles in the store even when someone else is already in them. Feeling healthy, strong, and in control of what I eat.
Lynda

I had my last period right about the time I had surgery. I haven't noticed a direct correlation because I vary widely on Snacks and exercise, so it's hard for me to say what causes a gain or loss, other than those two factors for me.
Lynda

If you prefer Almond Milk, consider using the shelf stable singles to mix with dry Protein powder:
https://silk.com/products/vanilla-almondmilk-singles
There is a product finder there too so you can find a local store. Or maybe order online.
When I drank the powdered Protein, I really preferred it freshly mixed. After sitting, it seemed to me the taste and texture changed.
Also, I really liked mixing GNC's Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard vanilla with a package of Starbucks Decaf coffee. No milk needed.
Another choice for no milk is Unjury's chicken flavor protein. You have to be very careful of the temp though. If the Water is to hot, it's a clumpy mess.
Lynda

Hi all,
I haven't posted in awhile. I'll be 5 years out from VSG in May.
I miss: The ladies in the plus size department in Macy's Valley Fair. Shopping in the regular departments can be a nightmare!
I love: Buying tons of things at Marshalls, Walmart, and Target. So easy to get a cute sweatshirt, tank, or tee.
I miss: Margaritas, Milk and most milk products, and Flour Tortillas. Other than those foods, I can eat small amounts of about everything else.
I love: Not being the biggest person everywhere I go. Fitting into seats and not worrying about it. Walking down aisles in the store even when someone else is already in them. Feeling healthy, strong, and in control of what I eat.
Lynda

I'm back after being away for more than a year. I missed the whole vets group is gone mess because apparently it was removed and returned while I was gone. Glad I missed that flap!
My weight has continued to creep (have gone from 10 pds over goal to 20 pds over goal) and I have decided that is it. My focus is to return here and rededicate myself to goal weight.
Oh, and I joined Weight Watchers. For the first time ever, I think I can get to lifetime goal with them. If so, it's free as long as I'm in weight range. So excited about that!
Because I'm terrified to go back. If I gain 10 lbs per year, in ten years.....
Love to see familiar faces here.
Lynda

Yes! Cowgirljane, you and other WLS veterans are so relevant on BariatricPal! You are wonderful examples of how to make WLS work not just for a few months, but in the long term! You know how to get to goal weight and stay there. You know how to hang in there when things get long and boring, and you’re not seeing the pounds fly off anymore.
And we need to see that it can be done, and how. And you and veterans like you can show and tell us.
That said…I think there are a few things here that you hit on. One is the unfortunate fact that some veterans have lost their empathy for newbies.
Maybe it’s because they forget exactly how hard the journey is. It’s hard to remember every agonizing minute when choosing a surgeon, recovering from surgery, figuring out what you can and should eat, and which pains are worth panicking over. When you’ve been living the WLS lifestyle for years, it’s normal. When you’re just starting it, you don’t know what to expect.
It can also be an attitude of, “If I did it, you can. Don’t make a big deal out of it.”
I think there’s also the problem that veterans can come off as overly harsh, even if they don’t intend to be. It’s easy to think something is obvious when you’ve gone through it, or to just speak quickly when you’re answering something you think is an easy question.
The next problem is that these few (or many) less-than-empathetic veterans can lead to newbies grouping them into a single class: the “mean veterans.” And that’s just sad, because so many veterans, just like you, Cowgirljane, are hanging around in order to pay it forward.
Another problem that I suspect is that some newbies don’t really like the answers they get. For example, “Can I eat pizza post-op?” “No.” “You’re just being mean!” Okay, maybe not quite that obvious, but in some cases, it’s pretty close.
So you and the other veterans who are trying to help are very relevant. I hope you will keep posting your wisdom and keep being supportive to those who need it – there are a lot of members who do, and who appreciate it, too.

Hi all,
I haven't posted in awhile. I'll be 5 years out from VSG in May.
I miss: The ladies in the plus size department in Macy's Valley Fair. Shopping in the regular departments can be a nightmare!
I love: Buying tons of things at Marshalls, Walmart, and Target. So easy to get a cute sweatshirt, tank, or tee.
I miss: Margaritas, Milk and most milk products, and Flour Tortillas. Other than those foods, I can eat small amounts of about everything else.
I love: Not being the biggest person everywhere I go. Fitting into seats and not worrying about it. Walking down aisles in the store even when someone else is already in them. Feeling healthy, strong, and in control of what I eat.
Lynda

I don't look that different to myself, but everyone else is looking bigger :-)
Lynda