PrettyLilButterfly

I never really took a lunch, have always eaten at my desk. So that stays the same.
At home, I cook for the kids, then go on a cleaning frenzy. My laundry baskets are ALWAYS empty, my house is spotless. I've rearranged almost every room/closet.
I decided just today I need to clean out my desk at work. It's filled with Snacks (mostly healthy), but I just don't touch them. I'm looking at my desk now..and I have 1/2 a sandwhich I took 2 bites out of, half a Protein Bar I nibbled on and a few grapes. food just doesn't matter. I LOVE IT! I no longer spend all my time wondering what I'm going to eat.
Now I have to figure out what to feed the kids!!

Oh i do love this thread!!
Best would maybe be this weekend. Saw an aunt/uncle of mine I haven't seen in a year. Ran up to them, threw my arms around them to hug me and they both stared. My aunt looks at my uncle and says "who's that".. haha.. Once I reminded them I'm their NEICE, she repeated over and over "OMG I didn't recoginze you, you look so beatiful".
Worst thing I got was "wow, you look sick. Your face is all pale. You look like a cancer patient" (let me tell you, I was LIVID!!!!!!!!).
Another bad one was when I took the kids to meet their dad for the weekend and he tells me "Hey i'm selling weight loss Protein shakes, did you want some".. umm.. hey jack@ss..i've lost 80 lbs..I dont need to buy your product!
of course I love all the "hey skinny mini " and "hey skinny B!t..." or "hey sexy mama". I actually was called a milf the other day...(giggle). ME? What? aww shucks..

I felt it was for the best. Granted, my insurance required I see the dietician once a month for the 6 months. In all honestly, this HELPED! I had 6 months to prepare for my new life. She gave me a goal each month to help me get used to the new way of eating. First month was to cut out sodas, OH GOD!! In all honestly, I don't think I would've been as successful had I not been required to wait the 6 months.
or have you already done everything else required by the clinic for the surgery?

Indecision - im sure you do but probably don't realize it!
I've noticed it, guys never said much before, now they flat out hit on me. Pisses my partner off.. haha.. And SHE notices women checking me out more. I don't. I really don't pay attention. I'm focused on learning to hold my head up high and smile at everyone because damn it, I AM BEAUTIFUL and will not hide head down anymore.

Day 246 post surgery. Emotions are running on an all time high. Due to health care exchange, will be laid off anytime between now and March. Need to get a jump on looking for work, but bored of the insurance world. Need new challenges. Kids are doing ok. Love how proud they are of me now. How excited they are to see their mom happy. Though...happy in what ways?
My partner of 6 1/2 years is having issues recently with my weight loss. I was down from 239 to 171 last year. Band quit, I moved on. Had surgery in December. (during surgery had hernia repair, that night fell in hospital, tore spleen, almost died). Now I'm down to 139. It seemed so fast. I'm not complaining. I love it. But everyday I get different comments from her to "eat more", "gain weight" "your legs look like chopsticks" "you look pale" "you look sick". Really? Ok I get she has chosen not to have a surgery and lose much needed weight (her current weight is about 265). I love her as she is...but shouldn't she love ME as I AM? Don't think I care anymore. I don't regret anything I've done up to this point in my life.
Biggest issue is how I feel about ME. It's funny how much you can hate your body when you're over weight. I spent each week trying to find something to love about my plus sized body. Ways to find myself attractive. And a few months before my band sugery (sept 2011), I had fallen in love with me. Everything about me. Then during a physical, I find out I'm prediabetic. Oh hell no! There is no way in hell I am living with diabetes. That is when I found out my employer was offering WLS. Didn't think, didn't blink, just signed up. The journey has been...fun? I struggled with the band, no doubt. Grew increasingly tired of dealing with vomitting & getting 'stuck'. Was so thankful for the sleeve. I have been 100% happy physically since.
Now, I look at my body (with clothes/girdle on, thank you jesus for girdles!) and OMG. I'm tiny. I'm a size 8!!!! WHAT? Is this for real? Granted it took until last month to realize I AM HEALTHY. Before, I still saw me as 239. Now I see me..the new me.. No wait, the me i should've been 20 years ago. Then I take the clothes off...WHOA. YIKES. Eww. Can't stand it. Not as much skin as i expected , more so on my arms. Tummy is ok. Inner thighs, eh..saggy. Oh well. Hey look, i DO have ribs! Umm where did my booty go? i've lost my boot! damn. I liked my booty before. Now it no longer exists. Ok..fine, thank god for Booty Panties.
Wait, where are my boobs? When I place my hands where they USED to be, I feel bone. Go down further Dawnie..oh there they are. who moved them? and they fit in my hands now? wow. DD to C. (well B 1/2). That's ok. Bras are cheaper now. Hmm...why don't my shoes fit. My feet weren't fat...but my size 8's are huge. Wow a size 7 now.. OK i can do that. But now I have to buy new shoes (shock! not something I want to do, I loved my current shoes). Let's keep it simple, just buy Tom's in a few colors. Done.
My face is so different. Where are those infamous chubby cheeks? so gone. And what is this under my chin...what am i, a turkey? YIKES. That's fine, just smile alot. Keep your head straight so no one sees that turkey chin!
It's almost as if I need to find the beauty again. The beauty I had just found, she's gone. She's been replaced. Though, I look in the mirror and can't believe I was ever 100 lbs bigge. It's as if I truly was this thin person trapped inside of a large shell of a person. OMG I ATE ME!
So here begins yet another journey in my life. Not a bad one, no. But a journey nonetheless. It's ok. I'm strong, I love me, my kids/partner love me, I have great friends. I'm ok.

I would agree with everyone, it's when YOU feel comfortable in them. I wore my girdles about 2 weeks out. Granted I don't do Spanx. I Love the concept, dont' get me wrong..but umm a small hole at the bottom to attempt to pee out of? no thanks:)
I have found some amazing alternatives at Walmart & Ross where I can wear my own bra and still get the full effects of spanx i'm somewhat addicted to girdles!! Almost have as many as i do shirts! haha..but it boosts confidence and keeps my skin in control!

I would agree with everyone, it's when YOU feel comfortable in them. I wore my girdles about 2 weeks out. Granted I don't do Spanx. I Love the concept, dont' get me wrong..but umm a small hole at the bottom to attempt to pee out of? no thanks:)
I have found some amazing alternatives at Walmart & Ross where I can wear my own bra and still get the full effects of spanx i'm somewhat addicted to girdles!! Almost have as many as i do shirts! haha..but it boosts confidence and keeps my skin in control!

so THATS what those little buggers look like! I've always wanted to know. I had to suffer through my pain when I had gallstones because I was 6 months pregnant, couldn't do a thing. And I wanted to know what the heck was giving me so much grief!
Hope your recovery goes well take it easy.

Thrift stores and clearance racks have become my new best friends! I don't think I've spent over $10 for anything lately! it's so nice to have a smorgashboard of items to choose from! Unlike the plus sized racks (damn you designers!). My biggest shocker was my shoes! I have been a size 8 forever, and just a few months ago, realized I'm now a 7.. That part I didn't like. I'm not much into shoes..so I hate shopping for them (prefer barefeet! )
And I am also curious how consignment shops work. I have a few very nice party dresses that I need to hand off.

For my work ID, im leaving it as is. It's the old me, but on a good day. And I just really don't like taking pictures. And I just don't feel like dishing over $$ to update my pic.
I was THANKFUL my license was up for renewal in May, so I RAAANNNN to the DMV to update it. I have hated having to pull it out. It was a BAD pic. I am so happy and proud of the new me and my new pic! And now the guys at the airport won't stare at it, then at me, then at it again. yes it's me, now let me on my flight!!
I'm not one to hold onto the past. I didnt feel the desire to hold onto anything from my past, the old me included. I never really was that person therefore I do not need a reminder.
My life started on Sept 9th 2011

My confidence is through the roof! I no longer hide in a corner at a meeting. I hold my head up high. I am loving life and loving myself. Everyone has seen the change in me (for the good of course). My personality is as it what (I've always had a great one) however, I do find I am twice as outgoing. I'm not afraid to shake my booty on the dance floor or say something to become center of attention.
It's great. I never thought I'd be who I was meant to be.

One thing we all need to remember, the scale does NOT rule our lives. We lose inches as well as pounds. We put too much emphasis on the scale, so do our doctors.
For one of my appointments they were unhappy I hadn't lost in the 4 weeks since my previous appointment. I looked the RN in the eye and said "perhaps I haven't lost pounds, but I dropped a pant size and I can walk long distances without being winded". She smiled and realized there are non scale victories too. We all want the numbers for our books, for their books.. PFFT !! To hell with that i say!
The first time I could tie my shoes withouth being winded, THAT was a victory. Fitting on the rides at 6 flags with my children for the first time EVER, THAT was a victory. Fitting on the seats in the plane, THAT was a victory.
Please don't focus on the scale... look at all the small things going on. I bet your panties are rolling down right now because they're too big! Your belt is at it's last eyelet because it's too big!
Keep up the good work and don't stress. Stress is an enemy in the fight for weight loss!

My favorite NSV :
1) FINALLY riding all the rides at 6 flags with my children
2) Purchasing a pair of Aeropostale jeans online and THEY FIT!(was one of my goals).
3) Doing laundry last week, folded my 13 year old daughters pants...have her come back 5 minutes later "umm mom, these are yours"! WHAT??
4) being able to cross my legs
5) wait, I have ribs, collar bone and hip bones?
6) sitting on the couch with my knees drawn up to my chin (HAHA!!)
VICTORY IS MINE!!

My favorite NSV :
1) FINALLY riding all the rides at 6 flags with my children
2) Purchasing a pair of Aeropostale jeans online and THEY FIT!(was one of my goals).
3) Doing laundry last week, folded my 13 year old daughters pants...have her come back 5 minutes later "umm mom, these are yours"! WHAT??
4) being able to cross my legs
5) wait, I have ribs, collar bone and hip bones?
6) sitting on the couch with my knees drawn up to my chin (HAHA!!)
VICTORY IS MINE!!

Once you heal, the energy is unreal. I scare myself sometimes at how clean my house is! I get home and clean all night. I don't sit down until about 8pm. It's great. And my yard is weed free.. haha..
SO just enjoy this healing time, get in tune with your body....

Indecision - im sure you do but probably don't realize it!
I've noticed it, guys never said much before, now they flat out hit on me. Pisses my partner off.. haha.. And SHE notices women checking me out more. I don't. I really don't pay attention. I'm focused on learning to hold my head up high and smile at everyone because damn it, I AM BEAUTIFUL and will not hide head down anymore.

I'm one month shy of 2 years post surgery. I want to say it "HIT" me just last month. I looked in the mirror and had that "OMG I'm thin" moment. It was beautiful. I will say, most days, I still feel like the fat person in the room. But someone will comment with "hey skinny" as i walk the halls..and i giggle knowing I AM!! I am healthy and happy and loving my life.
And Pasquini, I'm with you as far as the food goes. To me, it just doesnt matter. When asked where I want to eat or what I'm craving.. I just give a blank stare. I don't crave, I don't want. food is what I need to fuel my body, not what I need to make me feel better. Honestly, food is always the furthest thing from my mind. I just nibble now and then because my wittle tummy wants nutrition. I never in my entire life thought I'd feel that way.. NEVER. I'd be eating meal 1 thinking of meal 3. YIKES.
Anyway, congrats to both of you! it's truly a proud moment..Life will never be the same...and for that I am grateful.

I'm one month shy of 2 years post surgery. I want to say it "HIT" me just last month. I looked in the mirror and had that "OMG I'm thin" moment. It was beautiful. I will say, most days, I still feel like the fat person in the room. But someone will comment with "hey skinny" as i walk the halls..and i giggle knowing I AM!! I am healthy and happy and loving my life.
And Pasquini, I'm with you as far as the food goes. To me, it just doesnt matter. When asked where I want to eat or what I'm craving.. I just give a blank stare. I don't crave, I don't want. food is what I need to fuel my body, not what I need to make me feel better. Honestly, food is always the furthest thing from my mind. I just nibble now and then because my wittle tummy wants nutrition. I never in my entire life thought I'd feel that way.. NEVER. I'd be eating meal 1 thinking of meal 3. YIKES.
Anyway, congrats to both of you! it's truly a proud moment..Life will never be the same...and for that I am grateful.

It's so funny to read this... it reminds me of the moment I had with my mom last week. All my life I've been 20+ lbs over weight. And every month she'd bring me a new pill, a new shake..something to help me lose weight. She was always on me "you're too pretty to be overweight" "you need to lose weight, i'm worried".
I was at her house last week..and SHOCK.. guess what? the comment of the day was "you're getting too thin, you look too old, don't lose anymore"..
ummm??? I'm only 139 (I'm 5'3, just barely hit 'healthy' for my size by 1 lb).
I can imagine what a shock it was for you to hear that from this person. It's funny to hear comments, who they come from and the times they choose to say them. I just giggle.
At the end of the day, Im proud of me..period. I'm healthy and that's all that matters.
And you are happy with yourself and where YOU want to be

You're stomach is new to you, don't stress over 'fitting' the shakes in. You're healing right now. It'll come in time.
As for the Vitamins, they sell spray vitamins. You just spray under your tongue. Perhaps try that for a few weeks? There's also gummy vitamins.< /p>

Ask your doctor if you can have low sodium egg drop Soup. It's still broth-like if you remove the egg. You really have to think outside the box when you're on liquids/purees.
Just take it one day at a time. And for the love of god, do NOT watch cooking shows for the first month! HAHA.. that's killer right there!!
Good luck sweetie! and remember, you're on a great path to a healthy life!!

It's so funny to read this... it reminds me of the moment I had with my mom last week. All my life I've been 20+ lbs over weight. And every month she'd bring me a new pill, a new shake..something to help me lose weight. She was always on me "you're too pretty to be overweight" "you need to lose weight, i'm worried".
I was at her house last week..and SHOCK.. guess what? the comment of the day was "you're getting too thin, you look too old, don't lose anymore"..
ummm??? I'm only 139 (I'm 5'3, just barely hit 'healthy' for my size by 1 lb).
I can imagine what a shock it was for you to hear that from this person. It's funny to hear comments, who they come from and the times they choose to say them. I just giggle.
At the end of the day, Im proud of me..period. I'm healthy and that's all that matters.
And you are happy with yourself and where YOU want to be

It's so funny to read this... it reminds me of the moment I had with my mom last week. All my life I've been 20+ lbs over weight. And every month she'd bring me a new pill, a new shake..something to help me lose weight. She was always on me "you're too pretty to be overweight" "you need to lose weight, i'm worried".
I was at her house last week..and SHOCK.. guess what? the comment of the day was "you're getting too thin, you look too old, don't lose anymore"..
ummm??? I'm only 139 (I'm 5'3, just barely hit 'healthy' for my size by 1 lb).
I can imagine what a shock it was for you to hear that from this person. It's funny to hear comments, who they come from and the times they choose to say them. I just giggle.
At the end of the day, Im proud of me..period. I'm healthy and that's all that matters.
And you are happy with yourself and where YOU want to be

Indecision - im sure you do but probably don't realize it!
I've noticed it, guys never said much before, now they flat out hit on me. Pisses my partner off.. haha.. And SHE notices women checking me out more. I don't. I really don't pay attention. I'm focused on learning to hold my head up high and smile at everyone because damn it, I AM BEAUTIFUL and will not hide head down anymore.

Indecision - im sure you do but probably don't realize it!
I've noticed it, guys never said much before, now they flat out hit on me. Pisses my partner off.. haha.. And SHE notices women checking me out more. I don't. I really don't pay attention. I'm focused on learning to hold my head up high and smile at everyone because damn it, I AM BEAUTIFUL and will not hide head down anymore.