ElyQuint

I guess it's kind of endemic to a religious-morals-based society (not knocking any religions, just saying....) the US was founded on John Henryism (just work really really hard, and if you don't have what you need you aren't working hard enough)... And I think the "personal struggle" is often glorified over the actual results.

Need to bring in some new stuff to make my life more exciting! Gonna start breeding Bengal Cats for a hobby..... How exotic is that?

I think it just hit me - depends on the program you are part of. Mine never expected perfection, but clearly informed me that a certain path was more likely to result in better weight loss and maintenance results. My BMI was over 50 when I started so I took it seriously - like how can I best "work" the sleeve.
I focused on weight loss during that phase... and then have adjusted my thinking a bit for maintenance but i am still terribly conscious of my food and activity choices. does that mean I am on a diet? I think we are all "on a diet" it is just a question of if it is a way of eating that supports your health and weight goals or not. It is a lifestyle, not a temporary thing - but, during the weight loss phase I was focused and fairly diligent.
In maintenance, part of my diet includes certain foods/drinks that were not on the program during weight loss. I follow it "perfectly" in the sense that I live a lifestyle that so far is keeping me good in maintenance.
I am currently in the low 140s; under my personal goal of 158 - starting weight was over 300.
I think people misunderstand what it means to be "perfect"...haha. Perfect is not possible, but in the big picture do you live the lifestyle that is keeping you on track for your goals is really the question.

I think this is extra funny because we see dietitians, not nutritionists... Dietitians have specific certifications...

Nah. I tell you they are longer! No more t-rex arms. Course, now I have t-rex breasts. Lol. I'm great! Hoping the same for you!

Random Thought: Holy shit a small apple and cheese stick really makes me feel full. 5 1/2 ago that wasn't the case!

Er, in American English I think it's fruit cordial!

I understand completely and it is very confusing. You should talk to your doctor but I'll tell you what I found that works for me. I have a schedule I eat Breakfast (usually a shake) no matter how I feel even if I can't drink a lot. Then I drink Water if Water is bothering you try lite gatorade that helped me since I wasn't getting in enought water. Then lunch usually (chicken soup) you will still need to drain it. Afternoons are long so I try another shake, then dinner I try to switch it up and have Tomato Soup. Stick it out, it gets better and remember the goal is to be healthier.

When your hubby walks right passed you at Target and texts you 'where are you'!?? lolol
When a security guard at works stops you in the hallway and says ' hey you lost weight huh you look great! With a huge smile on his face! I felt flattered....

How about when a reg size bath towel fits around your body???

Every day when I get on the scale I simply don't believe it! I swear I weigh myself at least 3 times in a row. I'm just so surprised at the number there. Life is good.
Yes, I weigh every day...stalls and all.

Mine too!

My boobs are deflating.

My random thought:
I am overwhelmed when it comes to shopping. It took me 4 hours and 20 mins to buy a single pair of jeans this morning. Im sure it will happen once i get the hang of it, but i really thought i would enjoy shopping. There are plenty of choices and 'cuts' to choose from. Aargh.

I guess it depends on your individual motivations. My tool will get me through the door but it won't keep me in the room. I did this to help make a healthy lifestyle more accessible and manageable and I want longevity from my tool so I can drive your skinny butt to dialysis twice a week. Now gimmie one (yes, one) of those eggs!

"Free Bird" guy....LOL! I've been known to shout that one out while SOBER! hahaha!

Lala, good luck on your plans for surgery! I agree with you shutting down your friend.....I can visualize that happening. My husband and I do not discuss our surgery with friends, so keeps it simple for us thank God. Having been a part of this group since last year, it has been a lifesaver for me, and personally I never felt judged. Sometimes the judgemental beast in me comes out when I see someone post something like "HELP!!!!!!! I cannot stop throwing up since I ate 3 slices of pizza, has this happened to you????" I have learned to SMH and just go on with my day. I want to be totally supportive to everyone because I feel this is our lifesaver, this group. It is well moderated, and group is witty, caring and kind. Sometimes we just have to let others post answers to certain "help" calls, LOL. Wishing you the best with your surgery and the great people here, that you will be looking to for advice, Linda

Lol maybe you could lick his finger...eeww all of a sudden not so worth it!!!! Good luck! Sending u some happy clappy positive skinny vibes let us know how u go!!!

I hit the 100 lbs down mark yesterday March 30, 2014! I am so happy & excited about it. My surgery date was July 18, 2013 & I weighed 321 lbs when I began my journey & recently found out the day of surgery I was 314 lbs but the day I came home from the hospital I was 321 lbs again so that is what I go by. Yesterday I weighed in at 221 LBS!!!
I had been praying that I would hit my biggest goal by my birthday & I made it a week early! My birthday is next sunday & i will be 34!!! This is the most awesome birthday gift I could ever give to myself!
I feel so much better in all areas of my life. I am healthier & down to a weight I have not seen since I was about 16 yrs old.
This weight loss journey not only changed my weight but my life! I have started going back to school to get my GED & then hoping to start a nursing program or something in the medical field after I accomplish my GED! I am more social & go out of my way to speak to people now as well! I have become more outgoing like I used to be when I was younger!
I have been struggling some mentally & emotionally. I have began to feel like a stranger is looking back at me in the mirror & have been told I am in a way grieving my "fatter" self. I know that it will pass & I have called & made an appointment with a therapist who specializes in the weight loss journey, so I know I will be ok & it will take time just as this whole journey does!
A friend of mine just passed away last week from cancer & her support motto was always one day at a time, one foot in front of the other & she would always say that to me as well when I began my weight loss journey & so I will continue to follow her advice & keep moving forward one step at a time!!!
In the pictures below I was 8 mths & 1 wk po & weighed 228 lbs so I have lost another 7 lbs since last tuesday which makes my total 100 LBS!

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What's the busy all about? Sounds like something other than you is becoming your top priority. You don't have time for that. Life is short and you have wasted too much of it already. It doesn't sound like you are having any fun. What's the point of being 15 pounds from goal if you are too busy to do the things you always wanted to do?

Don't rush into plastic surgery - you'll be surprised how things firm up over time. My skin tightened and I kept thinking I must be gaining weight and filling back out, but a quick check of the scales dismissed that. The human body is an amazing thing - constantly changing and adapting to the things we do to it over time! Do you have a regular sexual partner? How old are you? All these things will affect your body and mind.
Well done with the weight loss and stop obsessing about your changing body! Give it (and yourself) a break!

What's the busy all about? Sounds like something other than you is becoming your top priority. You don't have time for that. Life is short and you have wasted too much of it already. It doesn't sound like you are having any fun. What's the point of being 15 pounds from goal if you are too busy to do the things you always wanted to do?

Bandmom, nobody really adequately describes head hunger. When I had to drop coffee, alcohol and food it suddenly struck me that I was an emotional wreck over wrought with unaddressed anxiety. There was a lot of crying, a lot of agnst, a lot of resistance and I had nothing left to comfort it with, in fact I was pretty much stuck in my anger for lack of relief. I obsessed about food, dreamt about jamie oliver and even bought chefs knives. Five months or so out and food still doesn't provide the satiety or sedation that it used too. I have to use yoga, journalling, art & meditation. Daily. Had I known, I would have broken up with food long before surgery, so I could concentrate on healing without the pangs of withdrawal to contend with.

1. I wish I had broken up with food before surgery so that I didn't have to add it to the first month's difficult adjustments. Emotional basket case and food will NOT comfort.
2. I wish I knew that the 1st month would be a physical and mental challenge. I was tired, stupid and emotional. I had previously believed I was the special snowflake who would recover like a rock star. I am not a special snowflake.
3. I wish I knew that planning was ludicrous. My stomach is no longer a familiar beast. The shakes I liked would be gross on the flip side and my guts relentlessly reject my insistence that it behave as I expect it to.
4. Post first week Constipation nearly killed me. I was entirely unprepared for this.
That said, best decision I ever made.

I know my peers will get this:
http://thescrambledalchemist.blog.com/2014/04/12/shame-success/