Chelenka

I have family members not talking to me and I don't know if they are jealous or they don't have to. My mom passed away a year ago April and last year, the first xmas without her my sisters couldn't work out a time to get together. We bought a townhouse in Florida in Feb and sold our house and moved to a condo in MI the end of Oct. Have a brother that is cognitively impaired that I'm trying to get family together and one doesn't return my phone calls, texts, or emails. My husband and counselor say it is not my problem but I have always been the caretaker as I'm the oldest of 6. Trying to do away with that but old habits are hard to break, including eating when I am stressed. Now I'm losing weight and below where I want to be which can be bad, too!! Thanks for letting me vent. Holidays can be hard too in so many ways!!

Thanks for y'all (mostly) supportive comments!! lol
I'm really committed to losing the last bit I want as I'm hoping to one day compete. Trying to grow those muscles!!! (But losing fat at the same time)
It's quite a challenge, but I'm loving the results thus far.


Good luck all you vets!!! Hope everyone is doing well!!!!

Thanks to all who have expressed such loving concern for my Mom and me. Wanted to post an update here. My Mom has been responding well to the Chemo so far. She has had 4 treatments and after the 6th they will do a scan to see if it is having the desired affect. I am very relieved and thankful that her suffering has been alleviated and she has been able to return to some of her previous activities although not everything. I have been taking a lot of yoga classes which feels like a life saver to me at this time. I need to get some aerobic exercise too and I like to walk or bike outdoors but the weather has been too cold for me these past two weeks. Guess I'm gettin old! LOL! I belong to a Planet Fitness but I don't like it there. It's a tallness issue. I like to use the elliptical machine but the ones they have aren't comfortable for me. I like to hold onto the part of the handlebar that monitors your heart rate occasionally as I have a target heart rate I'm going for. I have to lean forward on their machines to grasp the handle bars and it bothers my back. Seems like a small issue for such a cheap gym membership ($10 a month) but the reality is, if I don't like it I won't use it. I have managed to drop a couple of lbs but it's going very slow. That's OK as long as it goes! Hope everyone is doing OK. Hugs to all!

Thank you all for the kindness. RJ -- i think a plastic surgeon is probably looking at you and thinking in a technical way about how they can do the job. The thing is, as CGJ says, to not take this personally. That would be very difficult since it's your body and you've been through so much. I'm in awe of your courage! I don't think I could get myself to undergo plastic surgery even if I had the money. But I'm a big surgery phobe. Not sure how I got myself to have the VSG! LOL!
I think stress triggers me to want to eat. I find exercises helps, especially walking and yoga. I'm loving yoga which I feel like is saving my life in a way. Only thing is I think it's built up my upper back and shoulders which is changing how my clothes fit.
I find it ironic how I stress over a few lbs now. I also feel so fat! What's up with that? While technically I am still overweight I'm a shadow of my former shadow, as one friend told me. I catch myself being very negative about certain aspects of my body rather than grateful for my wellbeing and my transformation. My body has carried me for 55 years and that is a beautiful thing!
Lots of love and light to all you beautiful ladies. We'll keep it together, together!

I too have never been able to reach my goal weight, sigh ..... I've been within 5 lbs but then gained back 5 and have been fighting to maintain with many ups and downs ever since. It seems to be the way it is for many of us. I think it's difficult on multiple levels. First we lose like crazy and then it suddenly seems to come to a screeching halt. The honeymoon is over!! At least we have a fighting chance now. But none of us are used to success with weight loss so we're hyper critical of ourselves for not attaining a goal that may be unrealistic for our bodies. I also struggle with so much anxiety about regaining my weight and stress over it which only makes me want to eat more! Lastly, our body and our body image may not be in agreement. I still feel so damn fat! WTF?????

Thanks to all who have expressed such loving concern for my Mom and me. Wanted to post an update here. My Mom has been responding well to the Chemo so far. She has had 4 treatments and after the 6th they will do a scan to see if it is having the desired affect. I am very relieved and thankful that her suffering has been alleviated and she has been able to return to some of her previous activities although not everything. I have been taking a lot of yoga classes which feels like a life saver to me at this time. I need to get some aerobic exercise too and I like to walk or bike outdoors but the weather has been too cold for me these past two weeks. Guess I'm gettin old! LOL! I belong to a Planet Fitness but I don't like it there. It's a tallness issue. I like to use the elliptical machine but the ones they have aren't comfortable for me. I like to hold onto the part of the handlebar that monitors your heart rate occasionally as I have a target heart rate I'm going for. I have to lean forward on their machines to grasp the handle bars and it bothers my back. Seems like a small issue for such a cheap gym membership ($10 a month) but the reality is, if I don't like it I won't use it. I have managed to drop a couple of lbs but it's going very slow. That's OK as long as it goes! Hope everyone is doing OK. Hugs to all!

I agree with this. I thought I might want to be 140 lbs. My body decided I would be 152 lbs. I accept it. It's still better than 230 lbs. Once I accepted 152 I dropped a few more, but mainly, once I accepted it, I started to like my new body and that's made all the difference with respect to happiness.

I haven't read of anyone going thru this with a healing injury and cast. I think you should talk w/ your surgeon and PC doc or orthopedist about it. Is it a walking cast? Can you put any weight on that leg? You need to be able to walk after WLS but just gentle, normal walking, nothing too taxing in the beginning. My main concern for you would be that your body will be in such a state of trauma trying to heal both your ankle and from the surgery. That's a lot to ask of your body. However, I totally understand the insurance deductible aspect and financial concerns and your desire to move forward as planned. I wish you all the best whatever you decide.

I haven't read of anyone going thru this with a healing injury and cast. I think you should talk w/ your surgeon and PC doc or orthopedist about it. Is it a walking cast? Can you put any weight on that leg? You need to be able to walk after WLS but just gentle, normal walking, nothing too taxing in the beginning. My main concern for you would be that your body will be in such a state of trauma trying to heal both your ankle and from the surgery. That's a lot to ask of your body. However, I totally understand the insurance deductible aspect and financial concerns and your desire to move forward as planned. I wish you all the best whatever you decide.

I haven't read of anyone going thru this with a healing injury and cast. I think you should talk w/ your surgeon and PC doc or orthopedist about it. Is it a walking cast? Can you put any weight on that leg? You need to be able to walk after WLS but just gentle, normal walking, nothing too taxing in the beginning. My main concern for you would be that your body will be in such a state of trauma trying to heal both your ankle and from the surgery. That's a lot to ask of your body. However, I totally understand the insurance deductible aspect and financial concerns and your desire to move forward as planned. I wish you all the best whatever you decide.

Everything they said. Plus search the forum for all the info you can and online in general. Do your research not only about the different WLS procedures but also the surgeons in your area. I recommend going with a surgeon who is part of a Bariatric Center of Excellence. Ask the surgeon direct questions about complications their patients have had. This is a big decision and can be such a great life-changing experience. I wish it had been an option when I was 27! I have seen other young men post on the forum who had amazing success with the sleeve and it totally changed their lives! Nonetheless, it takes courage because it is a risk as is any surgery. However, unless you can lose the weight without surgery (most of us have tried and failed at that more times than we can count!) your risk of weight related health problems is also very high. No matter how you decide to move forward I wish you all the best. You are young!

Just follow your program carefully and wait. Put the scale away if it is stressing you out (stress is bad for weight loss!). Patience and time are the only known cures

Please go to the ER! Don't mess around!

Non of you look fat to me! Seriously consider changing your goal and focus on long term health and maintaining. I personally am done with beating myself up over a number. It's true I would like to re - lose about 5# myself but I am ecstatic in this body right now. I give thanks daily for it.

I too have never been able to reach my goal weight, sigh ..... I've been within 5 lbs but then gained back 5 and have been fighting to maintain with many ups and downs ever since. It seems to be the way it is for many of us. I think it's difficult on multiple levels. First we lose like crazy and then it suddenly seems to come to a screeching halt. The honeymoon is over!! At least we have a fighting chance now. But none of us are used to success with weight loss so we're hyper critical of ourselves for not attaining a goal that may be unrealistic for our bodies. I also struggle with so much anxiety about regaining my weight and stress over it which only makes me want to eat more! Lastly, our body and our body image may not be in agreement. I still feel so damn fat! WTF?????

Thank you all for the kindness. RJ -- i think a plastic surgeon is probably looking at you and thinking in a technical way about how they can do the job. The thing is, as CGJ says, to not take this personally. That would be very difficult since it's your body and you've been through so much. I'm in awe of your courage! I don't think I could get myself to undergo plastic surgery even if I had the money. But I'm a big surgery phobe. Not sure how I got myself to have the VSG! LOL!
I think stress triggers me to want to eat. I find exercises helps, especially walking and yoga. I'm loving yoga which I feel like is saving my life in a way. Only thing is I think it's built up my upper back and shoulders which is changing how my clothes fit.
I find it ironic how I stress over a few lbs now. I also feel so fat! What's up with that? While technically I am still overweight I'm a shadow of my former shadow, as one friend told me. I catch myself being very negative about certain aspects of my body rather than grateful for my wellbeing and my transformation. My body has carried me for 55 years and that is a beautiful thing!
Lots of love and light to all you beautiful ladies. We'll keep it together, together!

It seems impossible, but I am one year out today...
This process became about so much more than a number on the scale. I have finally am living the life I am meant to live. While I do wish the scale reads a lower number, it's not as important to me as it once was. I am no longer held back because of my weight. I am healthy for the first time in decades. I like myself again.
I lost so many years being unhappy. I became disconnected from friends and family. I allowed my weight to drag me down. I realize that now. I realize that to my friends and family, I was just me. They didn't judge me, they loved me even when I couldn't love myself. My husband loved me at 256 pounds and he loves me now. My son didn't see his fat mom before, he just accepted me as I was. I know this now.
This year has been amazing! It has been full of tears, laughter, mourning and celebration (sometimes all of those things in the same day)!!!! I found out I love hot yoga. If you would have told me a year ago that I would have laughed! I love to hike. I love to go to the gym and work out. I am more outgoing socially than I was a year ago. I got a promotion - I don't think that's directly related to the weight loss, I think it's because I am no longer hiding in the background. I have so much more confidence! I can shop in the Misses section and can shop at Eddie Bauer, one of my favorite stores! I haven't shopped there in 20 years. I can now wear anything in the store, not have to order on line out of the Plus section.
I have learned so much from this forum and the members who are kind enough to post and answer questions. This has been and still is a valuable tool for me to use. I try to help others as they have helped me. So, thank you!

Ladies,
I truly hope you feel better soon RJ. You are an inspiration to me.
Chelenka, I hope your mother is able to fight the cancer and I pray you both have the strength you need.
Those ugly "fat girl" habits which got me to 338 pounds are always right outside the door, doing pushups and fighting for the chance to come back into my life. I know it's going to be a lifelong battle to keep them outside that door.
I wish you all well. You have all been so helpful to me in this journey.
Blessings,
Kathleen

So sorry to hear of your Mom's diagnosis. I'm thinking of you.

I too have never been able to reach my goal weight, sigh ..... I've been within 5 lbs but then gained back 5 and have been fighting to maintain with many ups and downs ever since. It seems to be the way it is for many of us. I think it's difficult on multiple levels. First we lose like crazy and then it suddenly seems to come to a screeching halt. The honeymoon is over!! At least we have a fighting chance now. But none of us are used to success with weight loss so we're hyper critical of ourselves for not attaining a goal that may be unrealistic for our bodies. I also struggle with so much anxiety about regaining my weight and stress over it which only makes me want to eat more! Lastly, our body and our body image may not be in agreement. I still feel so damn fat! WTF?????

I too have never been able to reach my goal weight, sigh ..... I've been within 5 lbs but then gained back 5 and have been fighting to maintain with many ups and downs ever since. It seems to be the way it is for many of us. I think it's difficult on multiple levels. First we lose like crazy and then it suddenly seems to come to a screeching halt. The honeymoon is over!! At least we have a fighting chance now. But none of us are used to success with weight loss so we're hyper critical of ourselves for not attaining a goal that may be unrealistic for our bodies. I also struggle with so much anxiety about regaining my weight and stress over it which only makes me want to eat more! Lastly, our body and our body image may not be in agreement. I still feel so damn fat! WTF?????

Thank you all for the kindness. RJ -- i think a plastic surgeon is probably looking at you and thinking in a technical way about how they can do the job. The thing is, as CGJ says, to not take this personally. That would be very difficult since it's your body and you've been through so much. I'm in awe of your courage! I don't think I could get myself to undergo plastic surgery even if I had the money. But I'm a big surgery phobe. Not sure how I got myself to have the VSG! LOL!
I think stress triggers me to want to eat. I find exercises helps, especially walking and yoga. I'm loving yoga which I feel like is saving my life in a way. Only thing is I think it's built up my upper back and shoulders which is changing how my clothes fit.
I find it ironic how I stress over a few lbs now. I also feel so fat! What's up with that? While technically I am still overweight I'm a shadow of my former shadow, as one friend told me. I catch myself being very negative about certain aspects of my body rather than grateful for my wellbeing and my transformation. My body has carried me for 55 years and that is a beautiful thing!
Lots of love and light to all you beautiful ladies. We'll keep it together, together!

I've read so many posts about sleevers not wishing to tell anyone about their surgery and being offended when they ask. I've been extremely open. Through testing everyone knew every step I was taking. I'm not ashamed. In fact I've inspired many. My Facebook is filled with friends and family who ALL support me. They cheer at my success and beg for more pictures.
It's been a very positive decision. I've never had anyone say anything even remotely unkind. I got 14 inches of hair cut off and I told the hairstylist about my surgery. She completely stopped what she was doing and asked me to tell her about it as she was considering the band or the bypass. She had never heard of the sleeve.
I believe my openness has helped open some doors for several people. Even my 13 yr old nephew was questioning the dynamics of the surgery and how I eat now.
Everyone makes a personal decision to tell/not tell. I just wanted to share how my decision has effected my journey.

Turkey pepperoni with melted mozzarella cheese is one of my favorite Snacks.

I have arthritis in my left knee due to a meniscus repair and an unrepaired torn ACL in my right. I started Water aerobics and it has made the world of difference. It has helped with flexibility and strength in both knees. My ortho feels that as long I keep losing weight and keep active that further surgery may not be necessary.