mrsteacher

Thank you for all the feedback! Definitely somethings to think about

I heard the Ninja was a cheaper alternative to the Vitamix.

I'm game!

Wow! You braved a bikini?!?! I'm not sure I could. I can still see scars on my stomach from the surgery. Way to go on the 2 lbs lost. I've been to the Dominican Republic to an all inclusive resort and had a great time. My husband and I would go back for sure as well.

So great to hear from both of you this week!

J - I wouldn't listen to your 13 year old daughter (she is teenager full of righteous indignation and no idea how much weight is a struggle at this point...plus she is hard wired to push your buttons). I would shoot for your goal but perhaps not share your weight with your daughter if it is going to upset her. I am so excited that you are so close to goal at 6 months out! I am losing like a turtle compaired to you. I'm dying to get out of the 190's. I'm sure I will get there but it may take longer then I hoped. Can you post some pictures on your profile?

L - How was your vacation? I think it is great that you have goal clothing. I should get a goal pair of 14 pants (dislike dresses - my thighs still rub together!) and focus on fitting into those. I am holding pretty steady with size 16 right now (I will take that over my size 22W's!). Our Burlington Coat Factory is a huge ole mess! I find it hard to find anything in it. We still haven't hit cold weather here in the south so I'm still in my summer clothes. I am going to have to find some winter clothes soon'ish so I will attempt another look at Burlington.

Haven't been watching my salt intake. Might need to do that. I also need to probably add some more cardio to my workout. Thanks for all the advice!

Oooo a bikini?!?! I don't think I will ever be brave enough for that regardless of the weight loss. I am hoping the water will help budge things along. I would love to be at 50 lbs gone.

Mokee - Thank you for your support!

Thanks. I wish I had taken measurements at the staring point.

You need to post a picture of you in your new clothes!

jn26845 - Wow! You are at 177.6?!?! That is flipping awesome. I can't wait to get to under 200 lbs (seems like it is taking FOREVER). Congratulations.

I have no regrets whatsoever! Glad I had the surgery done.

Leah - Love the crapband comment. I talked to my sister about my procedure and I am hoping that she considers it. She had the "crapband" and it slipped giving her a lot of heartache. I can't believe you are so close to being at the 50 lb mark!!! That is awesome. Keep me posted on how you are doing.

You are at 186???? I am so jealous I can't wait to be under 200 lbs. You are doing awesome! Excercising is always easier said than done (sadly). It helps that I am on my summer break so there is no excuse for me. I think that is what is keeping the pounds coming off.

I tolerate rice but in moderate amounts.

Leah - I've been shopping at Walmart. Try Goodwill too. When my sister was losing weight that is where she shopped to keep expenses down. I'm enjoying buying "tighter" clothes since I spent so many years in baggy clothes.

Lisa - I try to post my menus but realize everyone is different as far as what they can handle. My problems occur when I eat too fast. If I eat slow I do much better.

I think that is my tanning lotion

Thank you! I never experienced a loss of energy like some people have (considering myself lucky). I know some people added protein and solid food earlier to get some of their pep back.

I miss food as well but I am slowly getting over that loss (it is less pronounced as I get use to this new way of eating). Good job on losing the 40 lbs. I will eventually get there - taking it one week at a time!

Our sleeve sister who lost 55 lbs reported that she has only gone down one size with all that weight. She says some areas are taking longer to come off then others.

I am 18W down from 22W. I bought four capris pants at Walmart (Faded Glory brand - $13.88) in size 18 (no W's and in the regular persons part of Walmart) and I am happy to report they fit now without having to do the lunges and squats to stretch them out . I can wear XL in tops ONLY if I have a stomach sucking garment or body shaper underneath (so 1XL really although I bought some seriously cute XL tops at Khols and do wear them with the stomach sucking tank top I got at Walmart).

Good luck with the elliptical and Zumba (which I love but I am seriously bad at it!).

Congrats on the total (and weekly) weight loss. I know I have to start adding exercise in! Our summer break starts this coming week so there is no excuse for not walking in the am or going to join the Y. Hopefully that will pick up the weight loss. I'm getting lots of compliments with my weight loss so far (nobody knows, except my husband, that I had WLS). Hopefully you are to. I am doing the Chobani with granola at lunch. I'm still doing protein shakes for breakfast because they are fast/easy and I can drink it while I am getting dressed. I usually supplement with a Atkins bar around 10 a.m.ish

Welittle1 - I'll look for the pure protein chocolate shake at Walmart (thanks!).

Leah - It is my TOM of the month too (or it will be on Sunday). Hoping my hormones balance by Wednesday's weigh in! I am a little worred about a camping trip I am taking this weekend but I am hoping there are plenty of hiking/walking opportunites to balance the eating out.

Good to know. I actually drank the last Ensure yesterday. I wasn't a huge fan but felt the need to finish what I purchased. Normally I favor Atkins or Slim Fast high protein.

That is super exciting! Congratulations

I don't have a close relationship with my PCP. I only go for my yearly pap exam and that is about it unless I get sick. Most likely I will not go for blood work (had it done last year and insurance only covers it on a yearly basis). I am dreading telling her that I had the surgery only because I don't my file red flagged and having insurance say that any little thing that goes wrong with me is a direct or indirect result of the surgery. Great job on the weight loss! I wonder how Jeanne is doing? I should email her. How much are you down all together at this point?

Thank you!

Grateful05 - I eat probably 4 oz of food at at time which would be 1/2 cup. I don't think it is too much.

I went with Dr. Kelly in Mexico and paid $5,500. I went straight through him and not through any coordinators. I'm happy with my decision and my experience.