Chicago1962

So sorry to hear about your job loss. People have given you great advice - and it sounds like you already have begun a great connections in the Houston network! Be sure to create a LinkedIn account and get your profile to 100%. Also join some of the groups on LinkedIn that relate to healthcare, hospitals, houston employment, ahima, ama, etc. Also connect with your community college. Their career services office should be free for you and will offer you great support. I have been laid off three times and each time I have actually transitioned to a better job. I know this was a shock, and while you may be happy to get out of that company, it's a shaky, unexpected time for you. Not at all what you planned on. It's so important you get some support right now - and that you use this time to take care of yourself, apply for unemployment, think through what you might like to do next, and have faith that God is good and may just have something BETTER for you right around the corner. Message me directly if I can support you in any way.

I am three months past surgery too - down 88 pounds - but I am able to eat way too much which has me struggling a bit. That said, God is good and I am thrilled with my progress so far! CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!!

GET OUTTA HERE! REALLY? You answered that so quickly, I am guessing you like them too?

Cooking help needed! I made my backed mushroom chicken tonight (used healthy mushroom soup), but I did not put the normal fried onion rings on top. The chicken was not too good. I need something less fatty to put on top that has lots of flavor and crunch to replace the fried onions. Ideas?

I waited 15 years to have WLS. Doctors said I was a great candidate back in my 30's. I wasn't ready. They would tell me over and over again. I wasn't ready. I had friends who had it and they did great. I wasn't ready. My sister had it and did fantastic. I wasn't ready. Then one day I was. I decided I wanted my body to work for me... that I wanted my tummy to be a tool of moderation... that I was willing to risk the surgery (which was so scary to me) and trust that God was in control... He was... He is... I have zero regrets. I still struggle with food. The habit of eating. Loneliness when I am not eating. But I take it one day at a time. I just keep pluggin along - trying to eat Protein - trying to drink Water - trying to walk... Just went to my 3 month check in. Almost at 90 pounds. Doctor is thrilled. I am humble and thankful.

Tall white chocolate mocha with skim milk, no phone, one pump. 4 splendas. Mmmmmm...

I am between 800 to 1200 calories a day. I am loosing about 8 to 10 pounds a month on average. I walk about every other day. Great question.

i say celebrate every single pound you have lost! And this isn't a race! If we start to compare with one another we are doomed - at least I am. I started my journey at 397. I am now at 311. That is my journey - and the surgery was a part of that. YEAH FOR EVERY OUNCE!!!

I will never forget the day I was sure my surgeon had duped me! I thought "What if this is a scam and he really didn't take out 3/4 of my tummy like he promised?" Even now, at 3+ months post-op, when I eat popcorn or watermelon and I see the volume I can consume without pain it scares me. Do I drought that he removed 3/4 of my tummy? No - because I have gotten sick enough now to tell when I have had too much. The volume of food I eat now is probably 25% what I used to, if that much. But the process is so different than what I expected. So, so different. Try to relax and trust in your surgeon and his team. No point in even entertaining the idea that this was a mistake, because sister, your tummy is gone for good! (smile) So take it one day at a time and try to be gentle with yourself. It's a new time in your life. Keep talking about your feelings, and your fears, and TRUST in the decision you made and the journey you are on. YOU CAN DO IT!!!!

I had a drain. No problem at all. It didn't hurt at all. I didn’t enjoy dumping it 2x a day - but if it meant I was getting rid of fluids that were building up in my body, then I could live with it. I have heard of people who had it and people who did not. No worries there. I'm sure whatever your surgeon is suggesting isfine.

You guys are SO encouraging me - and hopefully one another!!! I thougt I hit 100 pounds down three days ago - and then my weight went up 4 pounds. Back and forth. Back and forth. As long as the trajectory is down, I am happy. Watching my body retain Water, do its little ups and downs has been helping me get to know my body better. I avoided scales for so. so long! I had no idea how much I weighed - except when I'd venture into WW once a year when they had free sign-ups. And I'd always be "so surprised" when it was higher than it was the last time! NOT! Denial is not our friend, and so I am determined to keep talkin about my weight, my size, my fears, my food, my excersize, my Protein, etc. I can't do this alone. I don't want to do it alone. Please message or email me if you ever want additional support or ideas or prayer and a mutual kick in the butt!!!!! I am so PROUD OF US!!!!!!!!!

I weighted 397 when I finally got approved for surgery. I lost 30 pounds pre-op eating two shakes, some lite yogurt, and a McDonald’s southwest grilled chicken salad a day. I had my surgery on 6/12/12. It has now been just over three months and I have lost an additional 56 pounds - so 86 in all. I had various goals that meant a lot to me over the past three months. One was getting under 350. One was getting under 340 which is what I weighed when my mom died 19 years ago. Then it was getting under 320. Now it's getting to 307 which will mean 90 pounds lost. My other goals have revolved around movement. When I started this process I had to illegally park in the visitor parking at work each day. I simply could not walk from the parking lot - and could barely walk from the close-up visitor spots. I now park as far out in the parking lot as possible and even walk around the parameter of the very large parking lot several days per week at lunch. This has been HUGE for me. I cannot really see much difference in my body yet. 311 is still a very heavy body. But I can sit in a booth now. I have moved my car seat up several times. I no longer need my seatbelt extender. I can sit in outdoor plastic chairs with arms. My clothes are falling off me. My rings are too big. My bangle bracelets fit again. And my feet don't hurt nearly as much as they used to. I think I am craving some connections with people who are over 350+ because so many of the stories I read here are about people who weigh so much less. I realize we are all on the same journey - but those of us in the "super morbidly obese" category have a much longer road ahead - and I for one want to walk that road with some of you who know just what I'm facing. I'd like to hear your stories - support you - cry and laugh with you - and seriously do this journey together!!! Amy in Chicago

Don't give up! You are doing great!!!!!!! Remember when you don't have as much to lose you will lose it slower. Relax and enjoy the journey. It will happen!!!

I was like that for a while. Didn't last too long. What was strange is that I could not for the life of me read for a month after the surger - which is not like me at all! But that passed to. The surgery was and is so worth it!!!!

Pillows became my friend. Took me about three weeks to be able to sleep in any position I wanted. It's all worth it!

Kathy - I really appreciate your encouragement. Prissy - I have had a stall for a little over three weeks so I am totally with you. I think I just broke through mine yestersay (finally) but it was hard mentally not to see the numbers go down. Just do what you need to and continue to be mindful of every drink and bite. We are learning all new things about eating and caring for ourselves. One of the things we are learning is patience... and endurance... I'm here if you need encouragement. Stay the course! Your body is adjusting! You can do it!!!!

You need to call your doctor! We are all different and no one on line can tell you that is normal or it is not. Please reach out to your surgeon. Even call tonight if you have to. It may be nothing - but we are learning to really care for our bodies so why risk it. Please call and keep us all posted. Hugz.

Lissa - Your message was such an encouragement to me today. Congrats on one year out and 117 pounds gone forever! I have been plataeuing and reading your story helped me remember I have a long journey ahead and there is no need for me to worry about this little pause. In another 9 months I hope to get another 50 pounds off and catch up with you!!! Celebrating your victory today!!!!

Now that I have 2.5 months behind me, I get so excited for others who are about to have the surgery!!! Such a great decision for me and I don't regret it a bit. I am still learning what I can and can't eat. I lost 30 pounds prior to surgery and my doctor was thrilled. The first two weeks I did a shake in the morning, a shake at lunch, and a mcdonalds grilled south west salad for dinner. One week before surgery I gave up everything but the shakes but did eat popsickles which saved the day for me! lol You can do this! Your mind will tell you you can't - but we are all here to tell you YOU CAN!!!!! Keep writing and reaching our for support!!!!!

I am 2.5 months out of surgery and I too got scared when I realized how much popcord I can eat without any issues. I am staying away from it for now...

Ok - what type of stool softener do you all recommend? ((I can NOT believe I am asking this - but I'm among friends...)

My food intake has increased also. There is a very fine line between satisfied and full. When I go to full it is not pleasant. I am trying to learn where the cut off is BEFORE I eat too much. What's amazing about the surgery is that one day you can not eat something and the next day you can. Our bodies are so cool - and they are healing. But I am with you - I don't want to stretch my new tummy. And sometimes it is sore - even after 2.5 months - depending how much and what I eat. Protein hurts the most (meat, chicken). Anyway - you seem to be doing great! Thanks for the post! Amy

I am 49, single, live in the NW burbs of Chicago and looking for a special man (or a group of people) to have fun with, go for walks, laugh, and not eat a lot together! This is a new start on life and a little bit of loving and friendship can't hurt! Hope to hear from you! Amy

Hi Belaire - My first thought as I read your email is "way to go getting through the surgery and moving on to more solid foods"! That in itself if a huge accomplishment and I think the fact you (we) even had the surgery is HUGE!!! My next thought was "get rid of the food!!!" You are the exact same person you were before you had the surgery - just your tummy isn't. Treat it tenderly. Take care of it. Get rid of anything that causes you problems. You said if it's there you eat it - so clean it out and make your home a sanctuary. I used to pig out at home - well everywhere - but now my home is a safe place. I'm sure not perfect, but I am so, so much better. Remember your tummy is still healing - so you absolutely can not abuse it! Well you can - BUT YOU CAN'T because it could have very serious consequences. DO WHATEVER IT TAKES to care for your tummy!!! And keep reaching out for help. You can do it. If I can you can. I believe in you!!!!

I had my sleeve surgery on June 12. I lost 30 pound pre-op and have lost another 50 post-op. I am thrilled, thankful... and now seem to be stuck. It's been about 2-3 weeks with very little movement weight wise. I have increased my exercise. I still have 100 pounds to go so I sure don't want to stay at this weight. Any tips on helping my body move forward with my weight loss? Thanks!