Lila21

A lot of people retain water after surgery. Be patient, work your sleeve, and you will do great!!! Don't worry :-))

My tip is protein first! At about the 6 month mark, you'll be able to eat more carbs than you think, and at that point the "protein first" rule becomes very important. Also, expect that you may have stalls or plateaus, and be prepared for things to slow down the closer you get to your goal weight. Finally, my tip is to really enjoy and appreciate the weight you have lost. I am not to my goal yet (with 25 lbs to go), but I fully appreciate how much better I feel, and I take advantage of my far greater health. I think that if I focused on the "25 lbs to go" rather than the 125 lbs lost, I'd feel discouraged right now. As it is, I feel pretty great and I just ran my first half-marathon!

I hear you! I read the posts where people have lost all their weight in what seems like a miracle month, and I still struggle along. I think there are a few people who are so lucky, but I'd say it's still a lot of work for must of us. Honestly, if you just looked at my stats, it looks like I've been pretty successful. I've lost 125 lbs, but I *still* have 25 lbs to go, and the number doesn't show how much work I've put in or the amount of exercise, counting and careful work it has taken to get here. I think it's better not to compare ourselves to others because there's always someone who is losing faster or slower than us. You can do this, the important thing is just not to give up!

awesome! thank you for sharing!!!

Foxbins, do you mind sharing who you went to? I would love those results! Was reading this thread after looking at a picture of my turkey neck!!!

I agree with the other folks who say you guys are looking great! I know your frustration because I am 17 months out and still have about 25 lbs to lose. I continue to lose, just very slowly, and I suggest that as your goal. Don't be discouraged, but do continue with your healthy habits so that you lose a few lbs a month. It will add up eventually!

I think it really depends heavily on genetics, sorry to say! I will probably want some kind of lift or tummy tuck, but I have skin that just doesn't stretch back that well. However, if you have more resilient skin, you might be fine. It might also have to do with how sensitive you are to the extra skin. I think some people wear spanx and get on with their lives, while others feel that it really bothers them. For me, I feel like it might be worth it to get surgery, but I am still on the fence!

I definitely recommend you DO NOT do P90X. I injured my knee doing it, and it took months to heal. It's really a great program for those without knee issues, but I think the plyometrics (which are core to the program) are too much for those with knee problems.

Wow, awesome site! Thanks for sharing!!!

I have really slacked the last couple of months. Life events got in the way, and I got off track. I know that if I focus again, I can start to make progress again! So, I am excited to do this! Let's kick some butt, guys!!! SW: 190 GW: 180 CW: 190

OMG, Tiff, Congratulations!!!! I haven't checked in for a bit, and was soooooo happy to see this!!! Wonderful news!!!!!

Hi Coops! I'm sorry you are dealing with this! For the exercise, do you know about using intervals to up your burn? I'm going to try it and see if it helps, since my weight loss has slowed down a lot, as well. Basically, you go at a normal pace and then you up the intensity for about 1-3 minutes. It should be less intense than a sprint, but it should be challenging. Regarding the ice, I think if you bring an insulated stainless steel thermos, it will keep the ice pretty well for much of the day. I am on a board called "Fly Lady" which is all about organization, but she sells these stainless steel water bottles that people rave about. Might be worth checking out something like this: http://shop.flylady.net/pages/FlyShop_swb16.asp. I read a "testimonial" about this thermos last night, and it made me think of your dilemma. Hope that helps!

4 more lbs. I may actually make this goal! SN..............Starting Wt........Current.......Goal.......Lbs to Goal Lila21.............199..................194................190...............4

I've been sick and not working out, so i've been stalling... I am revising my goal, and fingers crossed that I make it!! SN..............Starting Wt........Current.......Goal.......Lbs to Goal Lila21.............199..................197................190...............7

I watched it, too. I found it actually quite comforting because the procedure I watched seemed fairly simple. I think that's something for each person to decide, and I worried that watching it might freak me out, too, so I'm glad it didn't!!