Jouselle

I'm about 2.5 years post op, and I've had my struggles with gaining weight back too. I've never been big on exercising, it's never worked for me, and I have a thyroid problem that makes me feel too weak to exercise most of the time, even when the doctor says it's on the right levels now. I got down to around 165, but I'm back up to 185 right now. I was even more, but have been back on my old strict diet for the past two weeks, taking a little of the edge off. I tried to start the diet on the week of my period, but that just made me miserable. I call it "the diet" but really it's what I'm supposed to eat all the time, focused on Protein and veggies, and not snacking on carbs. It's so hard sometimes. I just want to be happy and healthy! That's not too much to ask, is it? Why does my mood have to be so dependent on what I eat? Some days I just can't feel happy until I've eaten something sweet, and even sugar-free treats can cause weight-gain! *sigh* I know I can get back down to 165, but it's not going to be easy. And STAYING THERE will be the hardest part. I just want to be happy and healthy too....

I had surgery a year ago, and I'm happy to say I've lost around 75 lbs, which is great. Unfortunately, I have very bad gas now. I fart a lot and it smells very unpleasant. I'm even taking Gas-X everyday now. I've always had gas issues, but why are they so much worse now? Has anyone else experienced this? Should I go to my doctor about it?

I use my hubby's old beard trimmer. I've shaved and it sucks. Never tried waxing. Go au naturale, but it gets too long. And I don't want to go completely without, because I think it looks prepubescent and a little creepy. But there you have it.

I've always had curvy legs, and I think it's hot, so... *shrugs*

Please enjoy these pictures. I hope they will lift your spirits! And there is more than appearance in these victories. My hubby's back and knee pain is reduced greatly. My acid reflux is almost gone. Hubby and I lived through this and regret nothing. It's worth living without pastries. It's worth walking past the Baskin Robbins, and it gets easier. It'll be hard, but stick with it. Everything gets better.

Congratulations! *hugs* You're getting healthier by the day!

Right after my surgery I was having periods every other week! I had to go up to a stronger dose of birth control too. My surgeon didn't warn me about this. She warned me about a bajilion other things, but hormone-crazyness wasn't one of them.

I use Olay moisturizing body wash in the shower, and after I use Aveeno positively ageless firming body lotion. Does it help? I don't know. Does it make me feel better? Yep!

I've been on the pill my entire adult life and it's never caused me to gain weight. You can't just believe what the masses say. Talk to your doctor.

Sex doesn't have to be a strenuous activity. I had to wait for about a month because my husband had the surgery too and was a whiner, but once we were back "on the saddle" things were great. Try when you're ready, if it hurts, stop right away.

Didn't buy anything, my sizes are changing too fast, but it was nice to see me look good in something. Shopping with my mother today made things worse. First she made me put on a bunch of too tight things, saying they'd fit me later. Then she and my sister scoped out the women's clearance racks. I felt left out.

An update to this. My hubby took me to Fredericks of Hollywood to try some things on. It made me feel a little better, because I didn't look too bad. Psychiatrist's being a little troublesome, but I'm making calls.

Don't worry, no sexual abuse here. But my mother and sister and a lot of my aunts are all obese. I've always reached out to other obese girls to be a supportive friend. I feel like I'm betraying all of them.