Mrs.RRn

I apologize for my "English" - or lack of... I'm using my phone, and apparently I don't type very well. lol

Ok, here's some funny things I've found myself saying.... "When I was fat..." LOL. I use that mostly to distinguish time. For instance, if someone I talking about a particular food or restaurant that I no longer eat, I'll be like, "yeah, I used to like that when I was fat." ... To an outsider this probably sounds totally ridiculous & a little rude. LOL "No thanks, I don't drink".... So at nearly 2 years out, I still follow the rule of not drinking while eating. The other day I was at a restaurant where the waitress tried pouring me a glass of Water, and I said "No thanks, I don't drink" -- meaning while I eat, but I didn't exactly finish the thought. So she stood there with a strange look on her face. LOL "I paid a lot not to eat this" ... This is a bit of an inside joke with my husband. When someone asks "that's all you're going to eat?" I reply, "I paid a lot not to eat this" -) meaning the cost of surgery. ) What are some funny things you've found yourself saying??? Hope everyone is well!

Thank you! That's very sweet of you! I already work with a personal trainer. The coach I'm looking into hiring works with pro bikini & figure competitors. That's a little more in the direction I want to go.

I had my VSG June 2013. My highest recorded weight was 245 lbs. Height: 4,11" I'm pleased with my progress so far. I've been maintaining my weight for nearly a year now. I've adopted a lifestyle that I never thought I would. I eat clean & I'm in love with the gym. I workout most days of the week- focusing on weight training. Although I've seen myself pack on a nice bit of muscle, I'm not where I want to be. I'm very interested in hiring a coach to help with my diet plan & training routine. I'm a little nervous about that bc I'll have to explain this surgery to him. I know a lot of people in the fitness industry have a very negative view of ppl who've had wls (such a shame). Anyway, I'm just struggling to be the best physical version on myself. Skin? ... Most of that little belly you see below is skin. I just kind of tuck it away. I'm wanting a tummy tuck so bad! I just wish it were out the way! lol. I have to wear compressions when exercising. I'm looking forward to when I don't have to... And maybe I can even see a little muscle definition? (Also some looseness under my arms & inner thighs) If anyone wants to follow on IG (it's mostly gym selfies & food pics), tell me your name so I can follow back! I am MISTY_MARIE87

We need sarcasm! Where are you??

I eat clean 90% of the time & workout most days of the week- I do much more than my surgeon has ever required of me. It's how I live best/feel best.

@@downsizingdiva My highest weight was 245 lbs My weight on my day of surgery was 240 lbs I'm 4' 11"

My starting weight was close to yours. (245 at my highest). I was also 25 when I had the surgery (no children). Some things that may help this skin: -moisturizers (I use lotion every time I jump out the shower) - not having stretch marks (I had them) - hydration (drinking Water = healthy skin cells) - exfoliation (I used Fat Girl Scrub or Fresh Sugar Scrub) - exercise (I am extremely fit and train most days per week) - genetics (blah blah) - youth. - healthy eating (I do eat very well) - and depending on how long you were overweight for, may make a difference in elasticity All that being said, my skin sags-- under my arms, my poor little boobs, between my thighs, and my stomach is terrible. I'm not at all trying to be negative. I just appreciate the truth. Truth is... Most people who are extremely successful will have saggy skin. And of course, you won't know until you are at goal (in my case, after I exceeded my goal.) Currently I'm trying to fill in as much looseness with muscle before my plastics (hopefully towards the end of 2015) Hope this kinda helps.

I LOVE yoga. There are modifications for every pose. Just do what feels good for you. And I can assure you, in a yoga class, everyone is so focused on themselves they have no clue what you or your crackly knees are doing. Lol enjoy!

The Premire shakes saved me... I wouldn't say they were amazing, but they were easy to get down.

But apple juice can cause diarrhea ... especially so soon after surgery. So maybe that has a little to do with healing? I'm sure many of your guidelines are about weight loss... That's kind of the point, right?

It's one of those strange complements that would've been ok from your BFF but no one else. I remember the moment I observed that I could no longer use my belly as an arm rest... I was excited and said it while at work (my coworkers loved it & all laughed), but if someone would've said that to me... I probably would have swung. Lol.

A bikini. This is a bit unrealistic, but one can dream. I want to wear a tight LBD, body con style.

Reading this makes my little tummy hurt. lol

Not nearly as traumatic as what I thought it'd be

Oops. Sorry, didn't realize this was the mens room.

So I had a lot of atrophy when I lost my weight. I was doing basically only cardio. I hated the way I looked (just bones) lol, so I started lifting. It was a strange thing to have to ADD calories when I was so used to limiting them. But it's giving me the desired affect. I'm gaining muscle where once was saggy skin. Slowly but surely. I certainly can't pack on muscle as quickly now... Patience.

It's kind of crazy the different experiences people have... My reflux went away after the sleeve-- my reflux was caused by obesity & a crappy diet. Lol

My insurance doesn't pay for any type of weight loss surgery, so I was a self-pay (about $9800) ... But it doesn't hurt to try! Can you cheat around it? Well, yes. That's why there are overweight people walking around who have had wls or who have lost and gained. It is simply a tool to help control portions. You still have to make healthy choices and put in the work. But if you educate yourself, and stick to the plan, you can do amazing.

Good point about carb intake... I may be taking in too many fruits (I love my grapes). I think I'll try to switch up my Snacks. I don't really do grains, but I'm comfortable with that. And good reminder about Water intake- I tend to slack on water when I'm at work. Thanks!!!

I eat a max of 4 oz

I had surgery as op. I had the surgery around 10am, spent some time in recovery, and left at about 2pm.

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!!!!

I didn't realize how much this varies by surgeon. I had 3.