Kate rules

I can totally relate to this topic. I've had issues with body image since I was in my early teens. In retrospect, I was not fat at all but I let some mean people bully me into believing I was not pretty or healthy. Today, at 31 years old, I still struggle with this. I just gave away all of my size 12, 14, 16 and 18 pants and suits. Even after 72 pounds of weight loss I cannot picture myself as thin or pretty or desireable. I actually have worked on this in therapy. I can accept that the scale will reflect a lower number and that my pants (when I get the courage, time and money to go shopping) will be MUCH smaller, but when I look in the mirror I still all my flaws standing out before I can admire the body I've worked so hard to get healthy. A pretty interesting example of this is when a good friend of mine bought me a dress (she does these things) in a size 6. I looked at her as if she had three heads and told her that there is no way I will ever fit into a size 6. She told me to put in on. It zipped up and actually looked really good! I never would have grabbed a size 6 off of the rack because I don't believe I am that small. And yes, people at work have told me to stop losing weight and I tell them that in my eyes, I am still overweight and have more to lose.

I took off a week after I initially planned only 5 days off. I did limited duty for 6 weeks because I have a physically demanding job.

I had diabetes (type 2) and it has completely resolved. Last hemoglobin A1C was 5.0 at one year post op. my triglycerides were cut by 2/3 and overall cholesterol normal for first time in years. I saw improvement after 30 pounds and stopped glucophage soon after surgery.

I had trouble too. I used the "shotgun" approach so I cannot be sure what worked for me. I started seeing a shrink, went on Prozac, started using my fitness pal, reduced stress and got a band buddy to keep me accountable. I also saw my doctor and continued to get fills. I was eating too much. I was continuing to use food as a bandaid for my stress and anxiety. So I hope something in this post helps you.

I have a weight goal but if I get to the size/shape I want then I will stop. At 135 I am a size 8, sometimes a 6 depending on brand or fit. I think a small 6 is my goal. I'm keeping an open mind though.

I got stuck on Water one week after surgery. Think stoma got irritated. I get stuck if I eat a piece of meat that is too tough (sirloin) or if I eat pretty much anything before 11 am. Bread is tough too. My advice is to chew carefully and select tender cuts of meat. Otherwise you may puke up stuff and that can lead to slipped band.

I drink up until meal arrives but nothing after that for at least 30 minutes or I will puke. Kind of like a shock collar. If you do it a few times you figure out it just is not pleasant. At least that is how it works for me.

I was 30, had type 2 diabetes, fatty liver disease and doctor wanted to start me on heart medicine as a precaution. It was only 70 pounds but it has made all the difference in my health.

I shed like you would not believe. It is insane how much hair I lose every day. I'm lucky to have a ton of hair so I have a lot to spare. I have noticed that I lose more hair when I am restrictin calories more. Since I'm down to last few pounds to go I am hoping that once I switch into maintenance phase at 1700-1800 calories per day it will stop altogether.

I will go anywhere but it does get old paying for food you won't eat. I generally avoid buffets now but I would go for a family function. My strategy is tell waiter you had stomach surgery and can eat less than a cup of food. If he isn't ok with discounting the meal to a kids price then just enjoy what you eat and don't go back there. Or take some home to feed you for a few days. Mostly, I handle this well by sharing meal with my daughter who eats about the same amount I do. Saves money and just ask for second plate.

Had hernia repair as well. Hated life for a few days after surgery. Combination of gas pain and all the other stuff. Got some kind of hydrocodone with acetemetaphin (sp?). Had to have it bumper up to a higher dosage that pharmacy had to order because sublingual tablet not avail in stock.

I didn't have any problems when I flew 5 months post op. probably had 5.5 in band at the time. I may have felt a little tighter in the air but once on the ground I was fine. Was grateful for band on cruise! Hubby gained 4 pounds and I lost weight!

33.17% and still shrinking, sorry forgot the percentage sign! Congrats everyone!

33.17 and still shrinking!