LilMissDiva Irene

Fabulous news!! Congrats to all of you and welcome to the losers bench! First lesson learned - everyone's journey will not be quite like anyone else's.

Yes and YES!!

Yes I know for a fact I get treated differently now. Men are a lot more kind to me as I've noticed, they always let me on or off the elevator or through doors ahead of them - and sometimes act a little more kind. I know it's because I'm a lot thinner now, I won't pretend it's not. It happens all over, in places where no one knew me before. I've also not changed my demeanor since losing weight. I've always been cheerful, even when I was larger. If anything I was MORE cheerful then! How do I not hold resentment? Because I know that is their problem not mine. I wouldn't benefit being negative over a situation I can't control. I can only control how I respond, and I choose to respond in no way. I simply say thank you, smile and move on.

^^^ THIS!!! The only way you are a failure is if you have given up, and gained all your weight back or more. Have you done that? Be happy for your accomplishments.

My average came out to about 10-12 Lbs lost per month over the span of my weight loss phase. It worked for me!

I'll tell you what, the cheapest therapy for me is plugging in my MP3 player with all my favorite inspirational songs - with fast beats. I turn that on, go outside and enjoy the sunshine and get lost in my own little world and thoughts. I work out so many issues this way. Not only that, walking is the best workout anyone can do. Walk as fast as you can, with endurance and push and stay hydrated. You will find this helps a lot with the scale. It's ok to be sad sometimes, to miss people. It's ok to to struggle. It's OK TO realize we are human. All of these things, fighting through it and working them out make us stronger every single day. Keep fighting.

Prayers going out to you!! Do what you have to do, and in agreement with Patrick and Pookeyism - Seek a new Dr, second opinions and if you have to seek legal advice. No, feeling that sick every time you take a bite is not normal. (((hugs)))

Hi there, well I'm in California... but I'm always willing to lend an ear if you need it.

Okay it's on! I will log everything at My fitness Pal! No I don't. No beef and no pork either. I find these tend to make me hold onto fluids, however if anyone doesn't have this same effect and want to skew the rules to fit their needs, by all means! Everyone is different.

Of course I don't mind Breast augmentation is considered a fast and standard procedure. It is done unde general anesthesia and surgery time was about 45 minutes I believe. Anyway it's just basic health, EKG and blood tests. My contouring was local anesthetic but honestly its really tough recovery. I felt sick physically but was able to overcome it in a few days.

Very well said LadyIvy! I can't say this enough, and yes I lost fast in comparison to some, but not nearly as fast as some others. Sure it got to me sometimes, but I always did my best to stay positive and remember that as long as I'm doing the right thing, the weight had no choice but to take an exit! Keep up the excellent work for you AND your Hubby and son.

Keep staying strong! All the results, no matter when they are achieved will be worth it!

Hey lady! Here's what I would look for as far as a total body lift (actually IS what I've considered): ~FACS Only... IMO... When it comes to something like skin removal, I will only choose the very best. I don't care about the cost, and if that means I have to wait a little longer to save up and have it done, that's what I will do! ~Who does the Surgeon majority patients come from? Is he/she extremely proficient with skin removal of bariatric or extreme weight loss patients? ~Judge by the Befores and Afters. If they provide a lot you will usually find they do an excellent job. They have many positive photos to share. ~Once you narrow the Surgeons down, ask if you can get in touch with a former client. Ask them a lot of questions. on demeanor and technique. It depends what you prefer. I always prefer surgeons with moderate to good beside manner. Things I'm not sure you've thought of: ~Little things such as working out and staying well hydrated will help a lot with skin. It is best to wait up to 2 years post GOAL WEIGHT before attempting skin removal. Giving our skin as much time as possible to retract will ultimately help with the results. ~I will be using Dr. Katzen out of Los Angeles California. He is known all across the United States as one of the premier skin removal post extreme weight loss surgeons at this time. I believe there is one out of Texas which is much closer to you, though I can't think of his name at the moment. ~All the very best to you! You're doing fabulous, and you've been through a lot and for that I offer you big (((hugs)))!!! You deserve the very best!

Do you need a little motivation to get "Back to Basics" with your eating? Well, come Monday I'm going to practice what I preach and I'm going to kick my own butt with my food! I've been doing ok, but usually about once a month I need to eat really clean for a few days to make my stomach go back down and to flush out any extra fluids I'm holding on to. I'm going to do my Basics Bootcamp. If you'd like to join me or would just like to follow along, you're more than welcome! I'd like a little company!! But... my only request is if you say you're gonna do it... DOOO ITTTT!! I will hold you accountable for sure. If you're not sure what my Basics Bootcamp is, you can read up on it here: http://www.verticalsleevetalk.com/topic/28139-the-basics-boot-camp/ I will be logging all of my routines and foods at My Fitness Pal. It is set to "friends only", you can find me at the link in my signature line.

Wow you are doing phenomenally well! Congrats your weight loss rocks! I do agree with your nutritionist though, do what you can to bump up the calories. Other than that... GREAT JOB!!!

Well... not EXACTLY like that. What I mean is, the more your body is used to working out - the more you have to workout your body to continue to get results. It's about raising your pulse to certain levels with cardio, and the more fit you are the more energy it takes to do that. However, the best way to burn fat is to build muscles. That's what I'm doing now. And again, the more muscles you build, the more you have do to build more. Thanks for the encouragement too!

I do mix up my workouts daily. I rarely do the same workout 2 days in a row unless you consider walking a workout. That's the only one I'll do consecutively. I absolutely do stall or gain weight when I'm working out hard core. If I'm not getting my 7th day of rest I will retain Water like no one's business. However once I take one or two days off from working out my body will lose the weight on the scale and all is right with the world again. Also, the more conditioned you get to working out, the harder it is to get fat loss. Weight is a tricky thing, especially if your body is considered in athletic condition. I'm 5'7, I weigh 169 Lbs and yet my Body Fat is 18%. My BMI is still over in the overweight category. Go figure!?! I really don't have any fat to lose, unless I chose to lose another 5 or 10 Lbs. Which I don't want to, and will choose not to.

I'm sorry I missed this! Well I will continue on with prayer that everything continues to heal. I am glad to see you're doing much better! Continuing to pray for you and your good health. Please check in and let us know how you're doing!

Hi CJinMI Congrats on your success thus far! You are doing an outstanding job at losing the weight! I was also around the same BMI starting as you. I think my BMI is about a 26 now. The good thing about goals is they're never set in stone. You can always make up new ones as you go along! So, all the best as you reach your goal - and for any future ones you might decide to make!

Yes, it was a promotional price. He is an excellent surgeon, FACS and I even know someone who had theirs done by him. It was a no brainer for me!

To LOSE the weight, you will have to GAIN: Strength, Motivation, Determination, A willing mind, An unyielding heart, An unfailing spirit, and constant thankfulness for all the goodness in your life. You must FEED yourself daily with healthy nourishment, water, positive words, love, physical activity and encouragement & being lead in the right direction from your supporters, whoever they are.

Thank you so much I've been through it all! Pain physically, emotionally - but I always come out of every situation stronger than I went in. With God by my side, I will NEVER go wrong. When is your surgery??

Wow well you should be all sleeved up by now! =) Healing prayers sent your way! Please let us know how you're doing, and walk, rest, sip and repeat!

I too love Richard Simmons! I even have him on Facebook, he is so inspirational and always reminding everyone daily to "do the right thing". And Callanetics is another oldie but goodie. :0 I still do some of those workouts as well.

You've already received excellent advice and from very experienced sleevers. Get back to basics. I'm almost 2 years out and this has never failed me. I never have to do liquids unless my stomach feels sick, otherwise I just do Protein first, veggies and fruits second and "good" carbs last. And lots of Water. It will come off, and if possible do some "Calories out" by doing exercise. Log your activities for awhile if you have to. ((((((hugs)))))) It is ALWAYS easier said than done, but we will ALWAYS be here too to offer support and motivation whenever needed. I've fallen off the wagon at times, but I make sure I get back on with the help of my friends.