Chancie

First off- I've got to congratulate you on your great weight loss!! You're doing wonderful! Second... I can kinda relate to the 100 "plus" gotta lose.... it's a BIG number....and apparently it's playing more on your head than your body- 'cause 65 pounds is nothing to sneeze at- it's a big # too! And you have successfully lost that amount in a short time. I am 9 months out- and I am still in shock at times when I tell People how much I lost- 154 pounds! It can be done!!! Back when I first started this journey= I never really got depressed- just hard to imagine what I would look or feel like , knowing I had so much weight to lose. I feel WONDERFUL! And you are probably are already feeling good, able to move better, walk a little faster, smile when you see your clothes getting bigger on you..... Look at all the accomplishments you have made in 11 weeks! Make another set of "mini" goals...Keep a journal- note things that make you happy! You are doing sooo good- don't sweat the small stuff!

I never had any problems with PMS.... actually- never knew when I would have a period. Then when I was about 4 months out.... I started craving chocolate.. My cycle became regular... I've had a period every month since then. I talked with my surgen about this, and he said I am getting back to "normal"- Because of my obesity- I wouldn't have one for MONTHS! He told me the only thing to worry about is if I was bleeding excessivly- I thought I was in menopause- And I never had cravings before!! I like the fact that I am getting "normal" but sure wouldn't mind if my "friend" would leave!!!

It's a decision only YOU can make... regardless of what others say, be it good or bad... You have to decide what is right for you. I told one friend from work- and the week prior- I told my oldest son- only because I needed a ride home LOL! I went thru this alone- so I hope you do have someone who is supportive- will make it much weasier on you. Good Luck to you!!

WOOOOO HOOOO!!! CONGRATULATIONS!!! I understand all too much about the clothes addiction! I use to hate to shop.... now........ ILOVE it!!!

Oh Ruby- I'm sorry your husband got deployed right here at the holidays. Please keep us updated and I will definitly watch What not to Wear when you're on it!! :huh0:) Big hugs your way!!

Hi there Daisy!! So sorry I hadn't been around ans not seeing this post. I;m glad the surgery went uneventful and that you're home. I never had an issues- but had to do emergancey surgery on me too for my gall bladder. The sneezing and coughing is awful! Kept a pillow on my stomach and held it tight when it happened! Glad you're home! Take care and sending speedy recovery wishes your way!!

Thnak you Carolyn for explaining tha to me!! I kinda read "between the lines" and thought thats what it was- but nothing in this small town of mine like that.... so I wanted to be sure! Thanks again!

I just thought I would start a thread where I can be more accountable since it's gettting harder for me each week. Weight: 200.2 Sooooo close yet so far away from ONEderland! Just to give you an idea as to where I was... here are some stats: Starting weight 354 a Loss off 154 pounds!! I also measured from the day I went tomy first consulatation: Jan.12th 2009 Nov. 23,2009 Neck 19.5 /14.5/ -5 wrist 8.5/ 6.5 / -2 Forearm 12.5 /9.5 -3 Upperarm 16.5/ 12/ -4.5 Bust 55 /42 / -13 Ribcage 52 /38/ -14 Waist 59/ 40/ -19 Hips 64 /45/ -19 Thighs 52 /37 / -15 Upper Thigh 30/ 22/ -8 Calf 19.5 /14/ -4.5 ankle 10.75/ 9.5/ -1.25 Thats a total of 108.25 inches lost in 9 months!! I really LOVE my sleeve!! I am so much more healthier- and it's such a great feeling!! Now for ONEderland!! My next journey!:huh0:

Jenn- Please don't be so hard on yourself! You have a long road ahead of you and it will have some bumps along the way. But you will make it! concentrate on staying hydrated! Don't put so much focus on the 70 grams of Protein. I had such a hard time too- lots of vomiting, nausea- but it does get better! The hair loss is probably stress right now-but it's never too early to start a preventative treatment- walmart sells a generic brand of minoxidill- that you use on your hair twice daily- it really helped me, plus I take hair, nails and skin Vitamins from them too, along with my other vitamins. Breath- relax- and sip-sip-sip! Keep getting plenty of fluids in.

my answer is a bit different from the others.... I was never a chocolate lover... I was a volume eater. but not sweets, meat and tators or anything fried. I'm 9 months out, and I have stayed away from all the things that I knew were my "problems", so when I tried chocolate for the first time about 6-7 months out, I didn;t think it would be a problem..........BUT IT IS! I wish I had never had the first piece. Now especially when pre menstrual.. I want cholate, and its a slider food, so I don't get that full feeling.. no effect at all. So I have to work at staying away from the cholate.

I'm lost, not sure what you all are talking about. Could someone explain?:huh0:

Hi Tiff- I hope you have a wonderful time!! Be careful driving and will see you when you get back! Thanks for being here for all of us, I know this year has to be extra special having your husband home to celebrate the holidays with you! Have a safe trip and a great Thanksgiving!

Hi Cajun! Congratulations on an accomplishment that alot of people take for granted! I Don't ever think I will be "normal":lol0:but I love "fooling" people that I am!

Hi everyone!! I just thought I would "check in"...And ty Vegas Angel for letting everyone know I got computer problems. My oldest son is back in town and I asked if I could borrow his lap top, so here I am!!:001_tongue: But am trying to figure this thing out!! LOL Got a question for everyone- I've bought 3 computers- all HP's........ and I have been thinking of getting a MAC... does anyone here use one> I;ve heard good things about MAC's as far as viruses, updates, etc. being a good thing and just having to learn how to use one.... And then I have heard things like they are too expensive, and the softwear you have to get from them etc. Would just like to take my own lil survey here if anyone has a MAC if they like it??? I hope Santa is good to me and can find me something!!:thumbup1: I know I don't want a lap top.......... I like my desk top.... and don't have the funds for both!!! ( would be nice tho! ) Anyway- finnally off work for 2 days but have to work the holiday and the day after etc.. I would like to wish all of you a wonderful Thanksgiving..... I know I have plenty to be thankful for this year..... and one of the things I am thanful for is finding all you wonderful friends here at VST!! Hugs to all!! Chancie

I had one tonight as I was leaving work.... This woman and her husband were walking out the same time I was... and she did a "double take" and said "WOW... where have you been?? I didn't recognize you at first... how much weight have you lost????" I was kinda taken aback... not sure how to answer... ( PLUS I didnt recongnize her) And I said... well... I reallydidn't know you noticed. She said,... I use to see you all the time in the bakery- then you disapeared.... where are you now? I Only knew it was you because of your hair. I work in retail - major chain.... so Yes... your customers know where you work and what you do.. but I was off for knee surgery and my VSG and was also transfer to a different area.... so it still surprises me when people confront me like that. But she was smiling and congratulating me LOL.. it was kinda funny- but I did notice I handeled it a bit diferently ...... And Vegas.... I can relate to the collar bone!!! Just like my new pic I have showing..... sometimes I don't think thats really ME!!!

I did it again today!!!!:cursing: I went to lunch and one of the guys from work was talking about chinese food.. sooo I thought.. ok.... I'll get a "to go" from the buffett.... it all looked soooo good and I did make good choices.... But I couldn't eat anything today! I might have had 4 bites.... I'm far enough out that it shouln't have bothered me like that. I brought it home and will have for lunch and dinner tomorrow... I did manage to have the sweet and sour soup about 6 pm. I'm kinda worried in away, that I'm not eating "right".... I can't explain it... but I'm having a harder time lately "eating" my protein.....

Hi Everyone! I just tried My first spaghetti squash this weekend ( well... my weekend LOL ) and I loved it! I made a Lasgana type dish- and it was really good! Long story short- my computer bit the dust Tuesday- so I hooked up my old one and its awful- and I can't post the recipe- but when I get things sorted out I will. It's not something I would have all the time- but I did like it and I found a few more recipes for it. I also found some of the dremfield at kroger... gonna give it a whirl too!

Geezee.. I hope you all get to feeling bettter soon!! Mz. Hen- you sure have had a time with this.... I hope you get to feeling better soon!!! And I hope I don't get it!!!

I'm so glad to hear everything went well!! And that you're home and safe and your family is watching out for you!! It only gets better from here!! Big Hugs!!!

When I go out to eat, sometimes I forget that I can only eat small portions, and will order like I use to be able to eat. It will sound soooooo wonderful.... and then I see what I have and think OMG... there is no way in the world I can eat that. My son and i went to cracker barrel for breakfast- I son't rember what the name of the order was, but it was 2 eggs, hashbrown casserole ( I use to loveeeee that ) 1 sausage- 1 bacon- 1 piece of ham.... and biscuits and grits. Isn't that INSANE???? I ate 1 egg- 1 piece of bacon and broke down and had 1/2 a biscuit with jelly! Still gotta get my head in the right place at times. And other times when I go out, I do just fine. But every now and then I go back to ordering like that!!! Crazy huh??

All I can say is being OLD(ER) LOL and Skinny is GREAT tooooooo! Not "skinny" yet, but getting there!! I'm down 152 pounds and lovin' it!!! Good luck to all of you newbies! Make it work for you!

Hi renebeau! Thanks for the info! I'm headed out here in a minute, so I think I'll swing by Krogers and look for that spaghetti!! Hope my little store has it. If not I might buy some on line. I also love krogers carb masters Yogurt! I'ts yummy and not many clalories or carbs.

Not long now! I only had to be on liquids for 2 days.. so I'm not the one to help ya here, sorry. But you'll do fine! Thanks Carolyn for the compliment!!

Ya know..... I don't know how I did my surgery without this site or any other........ I went into it kinda blind... Glad I had it.. and glad I'm where I'm at....... but I didn't have a clue.... even tho I researched surgeries for 3 years. The only thing I rember doing was have my vitamins, and my liquids and protein drinks. Didn't have a clue what to expect after surgery-what to take with me to the hospital...... but I made it LOL Good luck to you JSM... and congrats!! Will be thinking of you!!

Hi Tracy- I just got home from work and I bought some spaghetti squash again tonight! It's not going to wast this time... already got plans for my menu tomorrow Thanks to you!!!:thumbup1: I'll let ya know how it turns out!!