enjoythetime

@@2muchfun nope I don't own a scale. I knew going into this that I would be on that thing and obsessing over every little movement constantly so I felt it best just to throw it away and only weigh in at my Dr., however with that said and with me trying to figure out this whole balancing act I may have to go get one just so I can keep up with what's happening. Thanks I will. Wish me luck!!:-)

Exactly what Betty_S said. Continue to measure and weigh your food, eat ONLY the recommended amount per your surgeon. After you've eaten and your hour is up drink some Water, do something to get your mind off of eating, walking, housework, playing with the kids whatever it takes. Then if you're still hungry eat a high Protein snack, deli meat, cheese, sugar free pudding etc. I know it's hard but you can and will get through it!! Keep your head up because you're doing great!

Hey all! It's been a while since I've been on, so I'm just checking in. I hope everyone is doing well! Since the last time I checked in, about 3 weeks or so now, I've been working on something that has been one of the scariest things for me throughout this journey, letting go. I'm almost 15 months post op and since my last weigh-in about 6 weeks ago I've lost 149lbs. I couldn't be happier with the decision I made to have this surgery! It has changed my life in more ways than I ever could have imaged and all of them for the best! One of the things this small but mighty tool has taught me is that it's in control not me, no matter how hard I fight it, so I need to just let it happen, which for me has been the biggest struggle along this journey but one I know I need to work to over come in order to sustain long-term success. For the last month I've been letting my band do the talking, not the scale, not counting the calories, not measuring etc. Yes, all of things are extremely important especially when starting out and during the weight loss phase so don't ver from that but when you approach maintenance there comes a time when you have to let go, live life and apply what you've learned throughout your journey. I will have to say it hasn't been easy, but slowly I'm getting there. So what do I mean by letting go??? During a year of measuring, weighing, counting etc. I've learned what a portion for me should look like in terms of size and in proper nutrition, so I've stopped all the weighing, measuring and counting and am focusing my effort on making healthy choices, eating when I'm hugry and stopping when I'm satisfied. When I want a treat I eat it and I don't beat myself up over it, I have to constantly keep reminding myself that this is lifestyle change NOT A DIET so there aren't any cheats, it's about finding that balance and learning what you can and can't live without. Last Friday was my birthday so we took a trip to the lake with some friends and yeah I had some treats but that's ok, it's not something I do everyday and by no means is it in the quantity it was before having this surgery so I'm slowly accepting it's all about moderation and balance, this is something I've always known but couldn't accept. Before I would've beat myself up over this for weeks, and stressed that one cookie or a handful of chips or a slice of cheesecake was going to make me gain weight but then I remember all of the posts on here stating the fact that 3,500 calories equals a lb and that it's all about calories out vs. calories in it made me feel better! Tomorrow will be the real test for me, I go to see my doctor and weigh-in, it's been six weeks since I've stepped on a scale so yep even after saying all of this I'm still nervous, BUT I know I'm still being monitored so if I need to tweek some things here and there now is the time to do it. Plus I've gone down a size since my last visit so that tells me something too:-) For the first time in oh forever, I actually posted pics on FB of me in a bathing suite and I wasn't a bit embarrassed so that right there makes this ALL worth it.

Awesomeness! Great Job!

Amazing transformation! So happy for you!

Oh yes, yes, yes, I can relate. If we're having food brought in at work I will have them add a salad for me, if there are donuts, Cookies whatever sweet sugary junk and I'm having a chocalate craving I eat my Protein bar, or some of my skinny cow treats. This year for my birthday we're not doing the big dinner, cake, etc. I decided I wanted to go to the lake with my family and close friends (who know I've had the surgery) so instead of eating myself into a comoa because it's my borthday instead I will Celebrate the fa I'm going to live longer because I'm not having the big food fest, instead we'll be on a boat tubing all weekend. So buring calories instead of bathing in them:-)

I see that smile coming through your post!! You're always so positive and encouraging to others and you deserve all the happiness in the world!!

@@par1959 That was a completely uncalled for statement!! You know what they say about opinions??? They're like a $$ holes and everybody's got one but that doesnt mean you need to be one!!!! In case u missed the memo, this is a SUPPORT forum so if you can't be supportive perhaps you should just move on.

@@CarolinaGirl Yes, that is definitely somethig to be loved! You've come so far! Now you're jumping on your Harley with your Honey in your Hot Purple Zezbra sparkle Heels:-) So happy for you! These are for you girl!! that i am able to walk...... oh and that i can ride on my ole mans HD Road King again w/him... once you lose mobility and you get it back, its very eye opening..i love i can merely (walk)

@@CarolinaGirl That sounds like so much fun! Have a great time and enjoy every moment! I'm trying to convence my hubby that we need a Harley! thankful for 430 to come and i can be off work and be done w/this week...... I woke up thankful and excited this morning to find that most of the new clothes I purchased a couple of months ago and have only worn a few times are already too lose....TIME FOR A SHOPPING WEEKEND!!!:-) off to bike night tonight with ole man and a couple glasses of wine......happy happy

Yay! Me too! It has been a loooong week! TGIF

Isn't it GR8t!!!

@@pink dahlia Well you succeeded in your daily goal, you just cracked me up! This is a wonderful quality to have. Life is too short not to have fun, most importantly you have to be able to laugh at yourself:-)

@@nerms I FREAKIN' LOVE THIS!!! Congrats on all of your accomplishments!! With an attitude like this, you're gonna go far girl!!

I'm full of questions this morning, too much tea already:-) The thing I love my most about myself is my hard head. Yep, this hard head of mine is full of determination. I'm determined to be healthy for the rest of my life. I'm determined to keep going even when the road gets bumpy, I'm determined to find the good in ALL situations, because I truly believe everything happens for a reason! HAPPY FRIDAY EVERYONE!!

You're so thoughtful! I'm sure your friend felt such relief and comfort because of your efforts!! Great job!

I woke up thankful and excited this morning to find that most of the new clothes I purchased a couple of months ago and have only worn a few times are already too lose....TIME FOR A SHOPPING WEEKEND!!!:-)

Sounds and looks awesome! Gonna try it out! Thanks for posting1

This is awesome! This is my daughter's FAVORITE song, she's 3 and we sing it at the top of our lungs. A great song choice for inspiration for sure!

@@PrettyThick1 Thanks!!!! Sounds great! Between the two of us we'll figure this out!!! Congratulations to you too!!! I had no idea the end of the journey would be like this...I worried that I wouldn't reach my goal. I guess this isn't a bad problem to have, but I truly don't want to lose anymore weight. More calories is a joke, I barely get 1,000 in now because I simply do not have an appetite. Let's keep each other posted and figure out how we are going to consume more calories. Sigh... Congrats ion hitting, exceeding goal!! I'm right here with you. I hit goal 6 weeks ago and since then have lost another 10lbs. I'm trying to not worry about it and let my body do it's thing but I'm wondering how this thing knows when to level out. My doctor told me to add in some more calories but so far I haven't been able to do that or if so not many to make a difference like 50 more or so a day. I really don't want to get an unfill because I feel I'm right where I need to be as far as restrcition. 3.5cc in a 14cc band. Keep on keepin on, we'll figure this out:-)

Wow! Congrats on your outstanding success and from coming out from behind the scenes! Welcome!

I love these posts because it really makes you stop and evaluate your entire transformation. Pre-op I was postivie and outspoken but I always had that tough exterior wall up, I held back to a certain extent because I didn't want to put myself in the spot light because I knew what people were really thinking. Post-OP I'm still that same positive outspoken person but the walls are down now because I honestly don't care what others think of me because I LOVE ME the ENTIRE ME!! Yep, that's right I love myself, I've never honestly been able to say that before and not because of how I look (that helps) but because I've proved to myself that I have what it takes to get through whatever life brings my way, with alot of help from the Man Upstairs!!! I wake up everyday with a smile on my face, FULL OF ENERGY, ready to take on the world I'm a go getter, take no BS kinda gal who loves herself!

Mine doesn't stick out much so I'm wondering if I received a lower profile port at the time of my surgery? I'm curious about the same thing but either way it's not going to stop me from sporting a bikini (once the TT is done). Just tell people when you're this awesome, you get blessed with a 7 pack:-)

Yes, the hope behind the surgery is that your life will drastically change forever.....for the better! This journey is all about finding out who you are and finding that inner strength that each of us have. It's the best damn thing I've ever done and yes, my life has changed forever and there's no way I'm looking back!

There's no greater motivation to become healthy and stay healthy!!! Best wishes on your journey!