JeffA70

Boy, I tell you, it is scaring me a little bit! Not that I can't get there...I think I can...but the stabilization after that. I can feel old habits coming back. They're easier to squash, but they are there.

Thank you! I do too...but it sure feels surreal.

We're all guaranteed to fail because we're human. Sounds to me like you're doing fine overall.

I'm interested in this as well, particularly the strength exercises. I have never been an exercise person other than walking, but have gotten going on my wife's long neglected elliptical for the last year and can bang out 30 minutes fairly consistently now, which I know is not much in the grand scheme of things, but huge for me. I literally couldn't do five minutes the first time I used it in early 2012. Have signed up for my first 5k this fall and start Couch-to-5k this summer. So, I'm feeling OK with cardiovascular. But I'd like more definition in my chest, under my man boobs, which are sadly mostly loose skin right now. The elliptical has helped a bit there, though. However, I'd love some suggestions for at-home chest exercises.

Sashimi was my first meal out postoperative. I waited until I was cleared for all solids. Went down just fine and was delish. Have had it since as well; all good. I have not tried more than a few incidental pieces of rice yet. Somewhat craving a real spicy salmon roll but have not worked up the courage to try something with rice yet.

If you don't mind me asking, what's the biggest challenge that far out? I'm only four months out...kind a big, scary wide-open 40+ years ahead. Do people still consider you a "big guy?" I would argue that you haven't lost all that much weight. You've rocked it, it appears. But why do you think you haven't hit goal? Not trying to pry; just wondering.

Yes, I think height is a big part of it. Believe me, even when you're tall, that's the code too.

Not being a 'big guy' was on my mind from the moment I started this process, yes. I totally get what you're saying. I'm 6-6, and as you can see on the ticker, I peaked out at 362 (before and after shots in my profile). There was no "I'm just big-boned" about it...I was a big guy, and for a long time that was really how I identified myself, how others saw me, etc. I actually took a sense of pride in "Big Dog" shirts, etc. Men are supposed to be strong, tough, etc., right? It was part of my identity as much as being of a particular political persuasion, drinking my coffee black, the type of beer I drank, the meat I ate, and the kind of cars I drive. IT'S. WHO. YOU. ARE. Now that I'm at (actually, below this AM...woot) my goals, 128 down, let me tell you, brother, you'll get past it. I'm still tall, so that hasn't changed, but let me tell you that I'm feeling like a stud right now, and the Big Guy is the old me. There was nothing wrong with him, other than the horrific health costs it carried, but that ain't me any more. So it'll take some getting used to. But, at least if you're like me, you'll get used to fitting in pants you haven't worn in 20 year, you'll get used to not panting for breath climbing a hill, you'll get used to finding Mr. Happy is longer, harder and ready for more, and you'll get used to people saying every day how great you look, believe me. The adjustment has not been as difficult as I thought. Now, for my wife...well, it's been an adjustment. I'm not the same person physically she married. Hell, I'm less than I was when we started DATING in 1991. So, it's been an adjustment. Some good, some bad. Bottom line is, dude, we big guys are great, but not if we're dead. Take care of your body; it's the only one you get. Best of luck to you in your journey. Rock it hard, man.

Thanks so much, all of you. We're in this together!

The end of the beginning of this amazing journey happened this morning, as I hit my goal weight of 235. It's been on my bucket list for so long that it just didn't seem possible. Well, I did it, thanks in part to the support of all of you on this board. So, my dietician has pointed out that my BMI is still in the "overweight" category, and will be until I get to 215. I'm 6-foot-6...the notion of getting to 215 is just foreign to me. I genuinely don't think I want to get that low. So, we spoke yesterday and I decided I'm going to shoot for 225 now, and use that as my stabilization point. Thoughts on that from the peanut gallery here? I'm doing 900-1,000 calories a day now. She recommends moving up to 1,200 calories a day for stabilization once I'm at 225, and then eventually 1,500. Because I can't comfortably eat more than 4 oz at a meal right now, I think I'm going to bump it up with switching out my low-fat cheese stick at snack with some real Peanut Butter, as I'm getting plenty of Protein otherwise. Just amazing that I'm here. Almost cried when I got on the scale this AM. Like a dream. But the journey continues. The only easy day was yesterday, as they say. But time for a new profile pic, and a new video update on the blog.

Guess who's at goal? (thumbs in) THIS GUY! 235 lbs. Amazing. It's been on my bucket list for so long that it just never seemed possible. This is like my 19- or 20-year old weight. Pre-dating my wife. Pre-college graduation. Just amazing. Now, to decide...go a little lower or stabilize? Dietician is recommending going 10 lbs. more, as I'm technically still "overweight" by BMI chart, and my clothing goal is a size 38 pants, which I'm noooooot quite into yet. So, I think I'll aim for 225 and then stabilize from there.

That's great...congrats! And hell yes, I do get it!!!! All is well here. Just 3 lbs. from my goal of 235, and then I have to decide whether to keep going, or try to find that magical maintenance level.

Rock it! Good luck in the hunt. I am waiting for a phone call from a possible employer. Just bought two new suits too... Hoping to put them to use soon.

I know I say this a lot, but... ROCK STAR!!! So proud of you... What a great accomplishment. Doesn't matter if you walked, jogged, ran, etc. You still did a 5k!!!

Rock it, dude. You're doing fine. I can't believe how different everyone's post-surgery diet is, but just keep doing what the doc wants you to do.

Yay, us! Doing fine over here. 10 lbs. to goal. Eating more or less whatever. Only two foods I've had bad responses to were untoasted bread and apple peel. Head hunger is back, sadly, but seems easier to defeat most of the time. Again, most of the time. Not really ever HUNGRY, per se. Weird feeling. Exercising more than ever. Feeling good, sleeping good, etc. Bought a new suit over the weekend for the first time since losing the weight. It's crazy how nothing fits!!!!! I'll have to make a new video at my blog and show off! Rock on, rock stars.

Think I'm just going to let them gel. Thanks, all!

Congrats!!!

I bought some at Trader Joes yesterday. So, just put them in a yogurt, or along those lines?

I have such a mental issue with throwing away food, in particular meat. We've had a hard time adjusting to cooking the right size portions for our family, and have thrown away more since January than probably all of last year combined.

What do they taste like? And where do people find the best ones, or good ones?

I'm 6'6". At my highest, I was a size 56. That was 1999. When I walked into my doc's for the first time in December 2011, I was a 52. Today, 42s are feeling a little loose. My own goal is to get into 38s, which is what I wore in college. I'm really hoping to not go below that.

My doc's support group is 3/4 or more female. I much prefer online forums and groups for exactly that reason. So, welcome, Recycled. There's a big leather couch over there, magical calorie-free and safe-for-sleever beer or Red Bull in the fridge, the arm-wrestling and poker tables are over there, and a place to work on transmissions out back (it's next to the shooting range). We got your back, brother.

10 lbs. a month since January? Yeah, my opinion is that you are a rock star. Congrats!!!!