taralynneRN59

Yep, butt; thighs; arms; belly - oh well, at least clothing (spanx; tight jeans; etc) can shape them!!! At least my boobs are looking bigger!! But, that is because I have silicone implants (bilat mastectomy) and while the excess weight is disappearing, the implants look larger and do not sag!! One consolation!! At 53, I am not trying to look good in skimpy clothing!! But I do wish that I was not getting "batwing" arms - living in Texas, I would like to wear sleevless tops!!

I am a bad blogger!! While I take advantage of everyone's posts - they get me through every day, I do not get on and post myself! 12/10 and down 45 #. Slower than some but am happy with my results. My sister asked me the other day "Don't you miss eating whatever you want, and however much you want?" Well to be honest, yes!! But so does an ex smoker miss cigarettes and an alcoholic miss alcohol. It was my enjoyment of eating and my lack of self control that got me here in the first place (plus the fact that my metabolism has "left the building" so to speak). So regarding the fact that I really do not enjoy eating like I used to - it is totally worth it when I see the results. I am down to a 12 jean (I am sure that if they were the old fashioned "non-stretch" it would be a 14!). Regarding the victories that are not "scale related" - I did my first 3K walk last week. My goal was to finish, but not last!! I did finish and despite the shin splints, I was basically in the middle group of walkers and excited that I actually enjoyed it!! Also, I am off of my diabetic; high cholestrol; and high blood pressure medications! In fact, my blood pressure is usually on the low side now!! Woo Hoo!! I agree that comparing yourselves with others can have an opposite effect of setting yourself up to fail, everyone really sounds like they are doing well (most of the "tickers" are hovering around the 50% area) and I believe that the "December Sleevers" are all winners!!!!

You look great! 3 weeks out also - 22 # down!

You are an inspiration!!!

236 pre op; Surgery 12/10 and down 22 lbs!! :wub: I also seem to stall for a few days then drop some for a few days! Am looking forward to starting to exercise more - but I need to get more protien in which is a challenge since I cannot stand any type or brand of protien powder!! So getting it in with real food at only 1/2 cup at a time is hard! But I am perservering!! I give myself a pat on the back for surviving the holidays at work and families dinners without cheating; and not even really suffering for it!!! Biggest surprise? My BMI is now 35.44 which means In only .5 I would be ineligible for the surgery!!! Looking forward to "Onederland" myself - it has been 20 years!!!!

Okay all!! am finishing up my first pre-op diet day. I now feel I am really part of the "group"!! Here is to the next couple of weeks countdown to the 10th! Blessings and luck to us all!!! Tara

I am the opposite; pre op at this time but dreading trying to drink as I have always been of opinion "water is to take showers in"!! Water has always made me feel bloated and kind of nauseous. Off my Dr. Pepper now, and the only drink I can stand is either iced tea (thank goodness I don't mind the caffiene free and like it plain) or Peach Mango Green Tea Crystal Light! Fluids are going to be my challenge as well as not being able to stand protein drinks so far!

You can use the aria fit bit scale; kind of pricey but works great! Tara

Texas Hill Country!!

LOL!! I told my mom and sister I was going to have the surgery (Dec 10) because it really messed up all of our "holiday routines". But now my sis - who is about the same size I am is trying to prove that she can do it on her own. At work I have heard "if the pre op and post op diet is so strict, why have the surgery? why not do it on your own? so I just let it pass me by! I have not told my kids however, they all live out of state and I do not want to deal with the constant questions and checking up on me!! And plus my oldest daughter (a 35 year old hippy) is in to "totally natural", the hardest part is to remember to only post stuff on this site and not my facebook!!! Good luck with your continued weight loss, and just plan on buying that Victoria's Secret catalog before long!!! Tara

I know, Right? I was told that the caffiene "dehydrates" you! I am making do with hot decaf Tea or Diet Hot Chocolate!! Good Luck! Tara

I am sorry you felt bad! In your mom's defense, maybe she feels like if she is too complimentary, she will be insulting you on how you looked before! My mom is like that also - trying to get a straight and honest opinion is like pulling teeth. Your are right though "Relatives; you can't live with them and you can't throw them under the bus"!!!!! Congratulations on your loss and good luck for the rest!! Tara

Starting mine Monday!! I am at work until Sat morning, and am planning on cleaning out my kitchen cupboards and closet over the weekend. Am keeping only the very basic clothing and have my shopping list for "reward clothing" all made out!! How is that for "positive thinking"? Most of my nerves are from fear of failure - too many years of it I guess. As for the actual surgery - I had a bilateral mastectomy with reconstruction 5 years ago followed by chemotherapy; a hysterectomy; a appendectomy and 2 surgically removed cysts on my legs; plus to pilonidal cyst surgeries! all in the past 10 years - so a lap procedure does not make me nervous as much as trying to get really gross protein shakes down!!!! I work nights - so it is a challenge to keep up with a good eating schedule. Good luck with the pre-op, I hate to start things on the weekend, so Monday is good for me!!!! Tara

For Insurance to pay, I think your BMI has to be 40 - or 35 if you have co-morbidities such as diabetes; high blood pressure; high cholestrol; arthritis; stress fractures etc, or a combination of them. I have a friend that has been turned down with a BMI of 34 even though she is on insulin and major cholesterol / blood pressure medications. I do not know if you are self pay what the guidelines are. I hope I am wrong!! Good Luck

December 10 for my surgery also!! Good luck!!