CowgirlJane

@@theantichick you make several good points, but as one of the "vets" I don't really see the in fighting. I suppose I miss alot of the drama...and I guess don't notice this because I don't read posts about straws, soda, and the 3 week stall. It's better that way.
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I have done online dating on and off for a few years. I had a lot of dates and one serious relationship from it. Yes, there are weirdos but my biggest problem was so many boring, inactive guys. I am a high energy, active, articulate, outgoing person and I just kept meeting people that didn't appeal to me. Also, I am early 50s....but still have a strong interest in a physical relationship and that was a problem in that relationship I mentioned.
So, I took about 5-6 months off, and made a list of how I was going to meet compatible men.... I had plans of going to car shows, gun range, etc etc. I also decided I was going to way open my criteria. I could not handle POF, OKCUPID, match etc any longer - just jaded and done with it.
On a whim, I did something crazy and placed a very thoughtful, detailed and blunt ad on Craigslist. I was OVERWHELMED with responses and most of them were thoughtful and good. My ad was flagged in the first 10-12 hours but I still got more responses then I could read. Most of them were like 'thank God, intelligent life does exist".
I met 5 men, had ongoing dates with 2 of them for a month. It was clear early on that I really liked M, but I held off and kept things pretty "light" for that month.
I met his friends, he met mine, but we didn't even kiss until weeks into this. I don't know if it will work out, but we are having a blast together and are at almost 4 months! I see him pretty much daily, he is learning to ride horses, I am learning to golf. His friends are becoming mine, I have hosted a few parties with everyone there. One of my pals is inviting his peeps to her next BBQ ETC. He is by far the best boyfriend I have ever had and we are pretty crazy about each other.
Moral of the story is like everyone said, it takes time and a lot of toad kissing. Also, I think being really blunt and clear is helpful because I attracted just the energy that I wanted. There are a few things about him that would have previously caused me to not pursue things....but I said to myself " dang it, I want a boyfriend this summer so the heck with that!" I am glad I did because he has turned out to be a much better human being than I ever thought.

I will be 5 years post sleeve in December. It is my opinion that you will lose weight due to the quantity restriction, but you will have a hard time maintaining if you continue to eat these slider/junky food as a mainstay. Maintenance is harder than losing....

I will be 5 years post sleeve in December. It is my opinion that you will lose weight due to the quantity restriction, but you will have a hard time maintaining if you continue to eat these slider/junky food as a mainstay. Maintenance is harder than losing....

I get cold too. I don't have AC and am pretty happy in the 80s/90s, an opinion not shared by others!

Our stats are somewhat similiar. I started my pre surgery diet at 308 (lifetime high more in the 350 range) and I got down to about 190 or so in about 8 months. i stalled out and had to really really work it to get to my goal weight of 158. I went low carb and did high intensity exercise... it was a big push to lose those last 35-40# but it is possible! I am rooting for you to make it to your goal too!!!

Thank you all who responded!
Gpmed – I think I am snacking too much too. I need to do better with tracking. Crackers, especially Triscuits, are my downfall. I can eat too many of them and when I’m eating Triscuit’s I’m not eating Protein
Valentina – I think my body might need a shock too. More Protein, more exercise, and less excuses for now! I have a monthly meeting with my NUT tomorrow and I will get some suggestions from him. He was very helpful in breaking my first stall. Thanks for the prayers, I will take them!
Cseidman – Congrats on your loss so far! I too have become a creature of habit and I need to mix things up. Sounds like you are doing well on your journey…I wish you continued success.
Cowgirljane – thanks for the encouragement. I can do low carb, it’s the high intensity exercise that I need to do. I have to find something that works for me.
Janet1000 – Yes you are right, more patience is definitely required J I have a great yoga series on DVD that is supposed to be great for toning that I am going to try. I am also going to try to not go crazy losing this last 23.6lbs!
I really do appreciate everyone’s kind words, encouragement, and strategies for moving forward.
Today I woke up feeling cautiously optimistic! I found my fitbit charger and I’m wearing it again. Today I resolve to: get my Water in, log my food, and make conscious meal choices at the restaurant I am going to tonight with people from work. That’s what I can do to help myself today.

I will be 5 years post sleeve in December. It is my opinion that you will lose weight due to the quantity restriction, but you will have a hard time maintaining if you continue to eat these slider/junky food as a mainstay. Maintenance is harder than losing....

Another latecomer here, only just read this post and it is great to get to know everyone a bit better. Flesh them out (no pun intended). Can't find anything offensive but then I am pretty hard to offend. My 2 cents worth below:
I hate mangoes and reality TV. I love animals and some people. My hero is Jane Goodall who worked with chimpanzies in the wild for decades. I am an armchair animal's rights activist and work in an animal shelter as a volunteer 3 days a week. I have 7 cats and 2 dogs and I will name my next cat Lipstick Lady in honour of this thread.
Like KF I am an Aussie but don't blame me for him, I live in another state, one that plays good rugby (wait for KF to scream, lol). Sang with Jimmy Barnes - respect. I would love to sing but I make the dog over the road howl when I do. I was a detective for 27 years and there is not much I haven't seen and I ate and drank to cope with it. Have a law/management degree. I love to surf but am too old for boards now, so I kayak. Love to go where nobody is but then I get afraid of crocs so turn around, fast ...
Live a pretty boring life now and like it that way. Go to India every year for a spiritual recharge. Love to read, watch live theatre. Yawn, I am putting myself to sleep. Keep this thread going!

I have two awesome sons who I admire and.love deeply.
I am genuinely friends with my EX
I have amazing friends who love me flaws and all!
My 2 lil dogs keep me so happy!
I ride horses like a madwoman - love it!
I can talk to anyone, anywhere about anything. ..comes in handy!
I have a great career!
I am half my former size...maintaining for years now. A dream come true!
I am madly in love with a wonderful man; his primary flaw is an addiction to FOX news and Trump-o-mania, but hey, nobody's perfect.
My number one brag ; I live a happy life now and people who know me have told me it inspires them to strive for the same!
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using the BariatricPal App

Thank you for saving her.
Life is so wonderful, I wish everyone could feel that way.

@@jintycb I have no idea what you are sayin'... but I think I agree!
@@kmorri Don't apologize for posting this, and I appreciate your recent observations. My main point isn't that we are perfect because we have more "years" but rather - can't we give each other the benefit of the doubt? Like the person who reemed me for posting about dating on the singles forum. Ya, I get that you can't tell what forum you are in from your phone, but rather than lecturing, how about assuming that I am NOT an idiot until proven otherwise?
I totally get how emotional this whole "life changing" business is, and I do genuinely try to cut people some slack, let stuff roll off, I just ask for a little of that in return toward us "vets". There is a reason you see few people more than a year or two out - get sick of being lambasted. I am just trying to make it to my 5 years (band to sleeve revision) in December of this year.
The reason I hang out here is that a few people on this very forum influenced me to have the surgery that saved my life, helped me lose half my body weight, which led to the wonderful life i have now. I hope that I can have that impact on just one person. Also, I still need support too!

In principle, i have wanted a tat for decades. I still don't have one because i have yet to find something that I want permanently stamped on my body. some tats are very cool, but alot of them aren't that great - it is hard to find a wonderful artist.
Anyway, at this point, I am staying tat free!

I have two awesome sons who I admire and.love deeply.
I am genuinely friends with my EX
I have amazing friends who love me flaws and all!
My 2 lil dogs keep me so happy!
I ride horses like a madwoman - love it!
I can talk to anyone, anywhere about anything. ..comes in handy!
I have a great career!
I am half my former size...maintaining for years now. A dream come true!
I am madly in love with a wonderful man; his primary flaw is an addiction to FOX news and Trump-o-mania, but hey, nobody's perfect.
My number one brag ; I live a happy life now and people who know me have told me it inspires them to strive for the same!
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using the BariatricPal App

Most of the replies are from peeps like me, who did NOT have DS. My understanding this is an issue with DS related to what you are eating. Talk to your NUT, veteran DSers to get ideas. If you don't know any veteran DS patients, message me because I do.
Poo pourri really helps mask odor from #2 but doesn't address gas. Still suggest it!

Hey now, go easy on the horses

Hey now, go easy on the horses

@@jintycb I have no idea what you are sayin'... but I think I agree!
@@kmorri Don't apologize for posting this, and I appreciate your recent observations. My main point isn't that we are perfect because we have more "years" but rather - can't we give each other the benefit of the doubt? Like the person who reemed me for posting about dating on the singles forum. Ya, I get that you can't tell what forum you are in from your phone, but rather than lecturing, how about assuming that I am NOT an idiot until proven otherwise?
I totally get how emotional this whole "life changing" business is, and I do genuinely try to cut people some slack, let stuff roll off, I just ask for a little of that in return toward us "vets". There is a reason you see few people more than a year or two out - get sick of being lambasted. I am just trying to make it to my 5 years (band to sleeve revision) in December of this year.
The reason I hang out here is that a few people on this very forum influenced me to have the surgery that saved my life, helped me lose half my body weight, which led to the wonderful life i have now. I hope that I can have that impact on just one person. Also, I still need support too!

@@jintycb I have no idea what you are sayin'... but I think I agree!
@@kmorri Don't apologize for posting this, and I appreciate your recent observations. My main point isn't that we are perfect because we have more "years" but rather - can't we give each other the benefit of the doubt? Like the person who reemed me for posting about dating on the singles forum. Ya, I get that you can't tell what forum you are in from your phone, but rather than lecturing, how about assuming that I am NOT an idiot until proven otherwise?
I totally get how emotional this whole "life changing" business is, and I do genuinely try to cut people some slack, let stuff roll off, I just ask for a little of that in return toward us "vets". There is a reason you see few people more than a year or two out - get sick of being lambasted. I am just trying to make it to my 5 years (band to sleeve revision) in December of this year.
The reason I hang out here is that a few people on this very forum influenced me to have the surgery that saved my life, helped me lose half my body weight, which led to the wonderful life i have now. I hope that I can have that impact on just one person. Also, I still need support too!

Hey now, go easy on the horses

@@jintycb I have no idea what you are sayin'... but I think I agree!
@@kmorri Don't apologize for posting this, and I appreciate your recent observations. My main point isn't that we are perfect because we have more "years" but rather - can't we give each other the benefit of the doubt? Like the person who reemed me for posting about dating on the singles forum. Ya, I get that you can't tell what forum you are in from your phone, but rather than lecturing, how about assuming that I am NOT an idiot until proven otherwise?
I totally get how emotional this whole "life changing" business is, and I do genuinely try to cut people some slack, let stuff roll off, I just ask for a little of that in return toward us "vets". There is a reason you see few people more than a year or two out - get sick of being lambasted. I am just trying to make it to my 5 years (band to sleeve revision) in December of this year.
The reason I hang out here is that a few people on this very forum influenced me to have the surgery that saved my life, helped me lose half my body weight, which led to the wonderful life i have now. I hope that I can have that impact on just one person. Also, I still need support too!

@ thank you for your comments - and I had the same perspective when I started out, I WANTED to hear from people who had succeeded, failed and everything in between. I was inspired and informed.
Lets be clear - I have no interest in talking about other people behind their backs. I don't read most of the posts and really am not all that interested in that sort of thing. I am just tired of being constantly chastised as a "vet" and I don't actually understand WHY since I try to be supportive and share my perspectives. Not saying I am perfect, because I am not, but my intention is never to belittle or make people feel bad .... yet it seems that is the interpetation over and over again.
A few months ago I was chastised by someone who is new to the forums for posting a topic about dating musings in either the singles or venus and mars forums (don't recall). Among other things I was told it wasn't helpful to talk about non WLS related things. Well, IT IS TO ME. The way a lot of this reads, the only people who need support are newbies. I can imagine that 5 years later they might think differently. Maintaining massive weight loss and building a new lifestyle isn't exactly easy and I have relied on this forum for many years now for ongoing support in living the life I want and deserve.

My horse is 25 (old) so I am borrowing a young Arab who has quite a bit of pep and is spooky and frankly often an idiot. I am a confident rider, but my friends worried about me taking this little loon on our 3 day riding adventure last weekend.
Kudos to both of us - together we encountered:
- a bear
- elk
- flushed a bunch of pheasants who flew up in a most alarming manner
- many close encounters with mule deer
- save a golden retriever who "messed" with the wrong does. Those mammas had that dog pinned to the ground and we had to rescue him on horse back!
Because my horse was younger and energetic, i did alot of riding off from the group and doing some "faster" riding and then rejoining them. The spooky little horse really did good!
oh, and hanging out with my pals for 3 days was epic all by itself!

Hey now, go easy on the horses

Hey now, go easy on the horses