nsquared

Good for you!

I have never watched the how, but last night, I watched My 600lbs life on TLC. They were telling the story of a woman named Melissa who started at 651lbs. For 7 years cameras followed as she had gastric bypass and subsequent surgeries to remove excess skin. She eventually got down to about 150lbs, gained a bit back and eventually had a baby. I think she's in the 180 lbs range now but boy has she been through the ringer. It really makes me grateful for my own life and that I have been able to course correct.

Cute hair style. Good for you. I've gone shopping crazy! I have put my wallet in storage. It's been working overtime.

I loved Pasta and fries pre-surgery. Those were my big go-to foods. I have not eaten either since Feb 4th and I don't really miss them. My diet is very clean now and I choose not to eat breads, pasta, rice, potatoes or fried food. That may change once I get to goal but I honestly don't miss them. I may add brown rice at some point. Bread, the one time I tried it, did not agree with me at all so that is out. Every now and again, I do eat a chocolate chip cookie tho! Maybe once a quarter.

Oddly enough I was asymptomatic and had no reflux before surgery. They found the hernia during the endoscopy but it had never bothered me previously. Just like before, I have no reflux now either. They do remove the fundus, which is the part of the stomach that creates most of the hunger hormone, ghrelin. I don't have much hunger anymore.

Funny isn't it!? I have a slice of lemon merengue pie in my fridge right now. My mom bought pies 2 weekends ago and I took a slice. In the middle of last week, I had a teaspoonful of yummy goodness and put it back in the fridge. I totally forgot all about it until about an hour ago when I had a small teaspoonful and put it back in its plastic container. Funny what snacking looks like these days.

Our stats are fairly similar. I am female, 5'7" and started at 274lbs. My pre-op diet was 1 week and called for one meal (dinner) and two Protein shakes per day. I had no problem with the pre-op diet and did not cheat. I did cheat a little the week before the diet started. Not horribly but I ate pizza one day and a Five Guys burger with fries another day. I started exercising (elliptical & walking) once I had a surgery date to get my body used to it again. That was about 3 weeks pre-op. I didn't go nuts, just a 1/2 hour per day at that time. I did not have a sleep study so I can't speak to that, perhaps others can. Many people have food funerals pre-op. I did not and I really don't have an opinion on whether it is a good idea. Maybe others can share their experience. I did have some issues with hydration post-op. Not enough to be hospitalized but my doc was on me every time I saw him post-op. Probably about 4 weeks post-op, I was able to get in all my Water. I just couldn't drink enough before then and the SF popsicles got tiresome for me...too sweet. I've been od'ing on water since 4 weeks post-op. My surgery and recovery were pretty uneventful and I had never had surgery before. I got a hiatal hernia repaired and the sleeve done in the same procedure. It has been a good experienced for me and as long as your surgery goes well and you follow your post-op program there is no reason to think you won't fly through like a champ. Quick tip, once you're cleared to begin exercise, do it! You will want to take full advantage of your honeymoon period (approx 6 - 8 months post-op) and exercise does help. Plus, building the habit early can only be a good thing. You are creating a lifestyle after all.

I love when Feb 2013 sleever's start chatting again! Congratulations erp! Great work. It has been quite the journey for us hasn't it? Hard to believe so much change in the course of a few months.

Looks about right. I am 8.5 months out and I could not finish your "before" plate either.

Lovely friend, you've got.

Gorgeous! Congratulations.

There truly is something to be said for taking a break. It is the reason we (many of us) get vacation time at work. It is the reason elite athletes and body builders have an off season. It the reason kids get breaks in school. We sometimes need to check out of the focus. I work out incredibly hard 6 days a week and take Saturdays off. Every now and then, my body only wants to do 5 days in a week and I let it. That means I watch what I eat a bit more carefully that day and hit it harder when I get back to the gym, but I listen to my body. Sometimes it is mental, sometimes it is physical and sometimes we just need a break. IMO, up to a week off should be ok and it can be helpful to re-charge and restart. Don't beat yourself up over it. You are so close. Strap up your mojo and get back to it this week.

I drink coffee daily, not a gallon but at least a cup, often two per day. Every surgeon and program is different but mine placed no restrictions on coffee once I was 8 weeks post op.

Congratulations! Great work. It's a "onederful" feeling.

You look great. Awesome work!

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Look at you! Great job!

It shrunk right along with the rest of me. I had a badonkadonk before, so I am tightening up now. It's coming along nicely.

I am 41 and I have a wrinkly butt. Everything else came back beautifully, arms, legs, abs....My hope is strength training will help my bottom a bit but it will likely not get rid of it completely. On the plus side, it is a pretty hot ass in jeans!

Assuming you don't have kidney disease, drink tons of water to reduce retained water. It is counter-intuitive, but true.

One day at a time. Hang in there.

This going to sound quaint, but as long as you are following your program, the scale while move in the right direction. That said, if you aren't already, drink as much water as you can stand...I mean like, so much the sight of another clear liquid will make you scream or feel like you are drowning. Yes, that much. It is that important to the whole weight / fat loss process and get as much rest as you can. Follow your program and everything will be fine.

I wear a small to x-small in tops and a 4 in pants. I am a 2 to 4 in dresses and skirts. Hope that helps.

I thick this is common. I am 8 months out and don't really feel hungry until 2pm most days.

What a striking couple! You are gorgeous and that husband of yours is just yummy (no disrespect intended). Congratulations to you both.