WhoozisAnyway

I'm lactose intolerant, so I use SpiruTein brand mixed with soy milk and sugar free Torani Syrup. Currently I'm using a Cookies and cream SpiruTein with a splash of SF caramel. vitacost has the best prices on SpiruTein that I've found.
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Hey everyone, I found a old picture today and wanted to show the progress I have made so far. The first picture is from 4 years ago (I dont know how much I weighed in it) and the second is from this past Saturday. My highest weight was 360lbs, day of surgery I was 338lbs and I am currently 237lbs, I have been in ANOTHER stall which seems like FOREVER but I hope I will be able to get down to my goal weight.

Gas in the left shoulder is from the residual (leftover) gas they used to blow up your tummy to perform the procedure laparoscopically. The surgical team tries to let as much of it out as possible prior to closing your incisions but a small amount will remain. It naturally gravitates into your upper left diaphragm, which in turn radiates the pain into your left shoulder area. Some will be absorbed over a period of about a week, but the best thing to do is to walk it off. Not only are you causing your lungs & diaphragm to expand, you are also preventing the #1 threat--blood clots. Walk as much and as often as you can tolerate & you will recover faster.

Spent several hours at the mall today. I haven't done that in 5-6 years. Today I went to "normal" stores, bought clearance shorts and capris in a size 14R (down from 22/24W 6 mos. ago), shoes 1 size smaller than 6 mos. ago, and two shirts in a size SMALL (down from 1-2X). The size small is an outlier 'cause I've got some big hooters, but I'll take it! I can't remember the last time I didn't have to shop in the "big lady" section. Still can't believe this is all real.
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Your body really does readjust a lot the farther out from surgery you get and the longer you live at goal. I had a pancake butt at one year post op but it seems to have filled out a bit in the last year, even though I've lost more weight. It's not like it used to be, and I'd consider the injections if I have enough adipose fat to do them, I guess.
So work on getting the weight off and really, maintain that goal for at least six months before doing anything. You'll be surprised how much your body bounces back. My entire body has a different shape now than I had a year ago.
Good luck,
~Cheri

That's awesome! It's fun huh?

OH, added NSV, I'm now off my thyroid meds on doc's orders! Now the only prescription med I'm on is for reflux. Went off blood pressure meds right after surgery.
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Spent several hours at the mall today. I haven't done that in 5-6 years. Today I went to "normal" stores, bought clearance shorts and capris in a size 14R (down from 22/24W 6 mos. ago), shoes 1 size smaller than 6 mos. ago, and two shirts in a size SMALL (down from 1-2X). The size small is an outlier 'cause I've got some big hooters, but I'll take it! I can't remember the last time I didn't have to shop in the "big lady" section. Still can't believe this is all real.
Sent from my iPad using VST

Spent several hours at the mall today. I haven't done that in 5-6 years. Today I went to "normal" stores, bought clearance shorts and capris in a size 14R (down from 22/24W 6 mos. ago), shoes 1 size smaller than 6 mos. ago, and two shirts in a size SMALL (down from 1-2X). The size small is an outlier 'cause I've got some big hooters, but I'll take it! I can't remember the last time I didn't have to shop in the "big lady" section. Still can't believe this is all real.
Sent from my iPad using VST

Spent several hours at the mall today. I haven't done that in 5-6 years. Today I went to "normal" stores, bought clearance shorts and capris in a size 14R (down from 22/24W 6 mos. ago), shoes 1 size smaller than 6 mos. ago, and two shirts in a size SMALL (down from 1-2X). The size small is an outlier 'cause I've got some big hooters, but I'll take it! I can't remember the last time I didn't have to shop in the "big lady" section. Still can't believe this is all real.
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Okay, this may not be a big NSV, but it was to me. I have never worn less than a size 22 or 24 in LB jeans, even when I lost weight on my own. But, today I stopped in LB to buy some Spanx and said let me try on some jeans. My surgery was 2 weeks ago today and I could wear a size 20 jeans! Woohoo! I don't know how much I've lost because I decided not to weigh until I go to the doctor on Wed., but I'm pretty happy with that little victory! Yay me...

I'm not even 5 months post op, but last week I ate an entire slice of pizza (granted, this was "designer pizza" about half the size of a Dominos or Papa Johns slice and without the crust) and freaked myself out. I can count on one hand the number of times I've had a bread product since surgery, but it was enough to scare me away from unhealthy foods again. With a dense Protein like steak I can still only eat 1.5-2 oz at a time, but simple carbs like bread, crackers or pizza dough go down much easier. Lesson learned.
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Yes, I am eating and drinking more. It's easier to drink now and I have an appetite. I can eat small portions more often. I don't believe that my stomach is stretched. I think that I have head hunger and I mistake thirst for hunger. So I'm working on it. I'm in maintenance now and loving it.

I can't wait to not have a rash under my boobs (or find food in my bra when I take it off)
I can't wait to stop accidentally bleaching the belly line of my shirts when I clean the kitchen counters
Ahh, not holding my breath to put on a shoe.
To not have little kids tell me I must be a good cook because I'm fat (actually happened)
TMI but to not fear crushing my hubby during 'adult activities'
And this is a big one for me: to NOT make fun of myself before someone else can.

I can't wait to not be ignored, like I don't exist

I hope you will read what I'm going to say, and understand that it comes from a place of love, caring, and concern (and based entirely on my impression of the comments you posted)... You have more going on, psychologically, than not losing weight "fast enough". My suggestion would be to reach out to your surgical program, and ask to speak with their therapist. If they don't have one on-staff (I'm making an assumption, based on my own experience, that they would), finding a therapist to help with your ingrained self-esteem issues might be helpful. You need to rediscover all the reasons for which you are worthy of being loved....especially by yourself. Self-love will give you the strength to face the rest of the world without feeling the need to concern yourself with the thoughts of others (even including your mother). So many of us have been taught to hate ourselves...because we were too "fat," or because of some other reason (most often imposed by those around us). The process of losing weight, and becoming healthier, ends up being about so much more than just "losing weight"!! In the end, the amount of weight you've already lost is wonderful...truly!! Don't allow those niggling voices get the better of you....don't allow them to derail the progress you've made! I wish you nothing but success, and peace of mind! Laura

Still only halfway to goal, but I'm really getting excited now.
First photo was 274, second is 213. Surgery was 4/9.
 

Thank you for posting! We have almost identical stats, you gave me a glimpse of the future. You look beautiful.

Beautiful! I just had my surgery 5 days ago and hope to look like George Clooney in 6-8 months!

Still only halfway to goal, but I'm really getting excited now.
First photo was 274, second is 213. Surgery was 4/9.
 

Still only halfway to goal, but I'm really getting excited now.
First photo was 274, second is 213. Surgery was 4/9.
 

Still only halfway to goal, but I'm really getting excited now.
First photo was 274, second is 213. Surgery was 4/9.
 

How you doing!!! Looking marvelous if I may say so!
Joe