Jolie_KeMi

My natural hair was always thick and healthy. I used the weaves for variety, but then it turned into a necessity. The hair loss wasn't bad until about 6months out, then it literally started falling out. I'm glad I lost enough weight to rock this look!

Thank you so much!

The link Pevette provided should take you right to it.

Aww man...the pic didn't load. Can someone tell me how to delete this topic?

So my hair has been falling out to the point where I couldn't wear white shirts anymore. I couldn't even run my fingers through it without several strands coming out. I started depending on clip in extensions and sew-in weaves because my own hair looked so scraggly. Saturday morning I went to my friends' salon and told her to chop it off...All OF IT! It's going to take some getting used to, but I like it.

Yep in the chip aisle. By the regular tortilla chips.

I buy them from Kroger. They are the Kroger brand multigrain black bean chips. Delish!

You look gorgeous Jas!! You should be so proud of yourself. Thank you for being open and honest about you're journey. You inspire us all.

I have a few reasons why I chose the sleeve over the band: 1. I have a friend who got the band Sept 2009. She lost 50lbs & never lost another pound. She even started to gain weight by the time I got sleeved in Oct 2011. If you search the forums you will see a lot of people who are getting their bands removed and considering the sleeve or RnY. 2. The maintenence of the band wasnt for me. I didnt like the idea of getting the injections monthly. 3. I heard that when you lose weight you can feel and/or see the injection port. No thanks! I've heard good things about the band, but the cons outweighed the pros to me.

Peach salsa and black bean chips. I only need to eat 5 and I'm done, instead of eating half the jar.

I bought the Genie Bras from Bed, Bath & Beyond. They're pretty good... 2 for $19.99. I wear them for sleeping, working out, and lounging around the house.

This pain you are feeling will be a memory soon. It's bad, I know & no one around you knows what you are going through. I didn't start to feel "normal" until about 2 weeks PO. Once this passes, you will feel better than you have in years!

My libido is very up and down. Some days it's all I can think about. Other days, I don't even want to be looked at. I feel sorry for my hubby because he is gorgeous and sexy and tries, but sometimes I'm just not there. Ughhh...It's frustrating! Lol. You're not alone.

@IDidIt: I chose 150 because thats what I weighed when I was 18 and sexy fine! LOL! And when I was 27 and miserable I dreamt of those days. @SleeveORama: To be high school skinny again. It's kinda crazy to think about right? @Niahri: I was morbidly obese for years, so I kinda feel like overweight is an accomplishment!

@Kimmy: that bmi chart is brutal! I heard from a few other people that it can be deceiving. @Lisa: Thank you soooo much! I never in my life would think that someone would say those words to me. You've been my inspiration girl! @HappyTeacher: I was thinking about doing this. Getting to goal, staying there for a while, then challenging myself with a new goal. We can do it!

I am 5lbs to my personal goal of 150lbs, but my doctor's GW for me is 135 (which would put me in the "normal" bmi range). I chose 150 as a GW because it was a weight that I thought I would never see again, and that it would take some real hard work and dedication to get there. It has definitely been a tough journey and I am almost there. I am overjoyed!! BUT...in the back of my mind is that darn bmi chart and the word "OVERWEIGHT" still haunting and taunting me. I love being curvy and really can't imagine myself losing another 20lbs...so I have some questions for you all: How did you choose your GW? Do you believe in the almighty BMI Chart? Should our ultimate goal be to get into the normal bmi range or get to our happy weight?

3 weeks after my surgery was Thanksgiving. Imagine my horror!! Lol...but it gets better. You can definitely eat the refried Beans, they are a source of Protein. Add the guac & sour cream for a little flavor. Don't be discouraged. Everyday and every family function will be a struggle, but you just have to be strong mentally. You can do it!!

Looking good girlie!! Congrats!!

I use a vaporizer. It helped with the pain after surgery. When I get munchies I drink a Muscle Milk light or eat a FiberOne bar. There are smart choices for munchies to. Also, having cotton mouth helps me get water in.

I've lost half a shoe size. Which isn't terrible, so I can still fit most of my shoes.

This situation had me so stressed out, that I was up posting at 330am! SMH... Since all of you have replied with your own experiences and support, I feel comfortable with taking a few steps away from this situation and seeing if she comes around. Like I mentioned, the relationship wasn't all bad. I just kinda knew my role as a fat friend and that was fine at the time. Now that I am almost 70lbs lighter and 100% happier I feel like I am on the same level as my friends and some can handle it, some can't. I'm not going back, so if she can't handle it, she can get lost like the weight! I have gotten closer with some of my other friends who have surprised me with their love & support. I thank God for them (and my family of course). You all have helped me get to a better place with this. Thank you so, so much!

What the hell?! There are horrible people in this world.

Congratulations Cam!! I can't wait until my surgiversary. I'm going to celebrate it like a second birthday.

That was a good video. She hit some interesting points. Thanks for posting MrzSongbird.

Thank you everyone. This is truly helping me. I honestly feel like I've tried to explain why I chose to get the VST, benefits, risks, the whole shebang to her, but I'm through with that. I have other friends in my circle who I have gotten closer with since surgery because I have seen and felt their love and support. I haven't explained to her how her comments have made me feel though, because I feel like that is pointless. She knows what she's doing when she says those things. I'm not giving her the satisfaction of knowing that she's affecting me!! I'm just gonna keep my head up, and sashay away. If she comes around, great! If not, I can't worry about it. I need to worry about getting all my Water in!! Lol. Thanks again guys. You've helped me get to a better place with this. @LittleBits: I'll be subscribing to your YouTube channel. Is it the same user name?