stacechase

My surgery is on August 19th, and I have fine hair as it is...so I just had it all cut off yesterday, and I'm rocking it! (See profile pic!) I'm ready for this! Game on, LOL!

I am on Day 4 out of 10 of my all-liquid pre-op diet, and have not cheated once, thought about it, or will. This may sound harsh, but if you can't follow pre-op instructions, how can you expect yourself to adhere to the lifestyle changes you have to make for the rest of your life? What my doctor says goes, no questions asked, and I know I'm setting myself up for success. Plus, every day I succeed on this diet by not cheating, it gives me the confidence I'll need for post-surgery challenges.

Welcome! You'll find a lot of great information & support on this site. So glad your recovery is becoming easier!

You look fantastic!! Awesome job!

I think that happens to many people! It happened to me. Then, the strangest thing happened...about 3 weeks ago (and my surgery is scheduled for August 19, by the way), I randomly decided to watch this food documentary that looked interesting on Netflix called "Hungry for Change." It was the first time ever that I felt like something really clicked about the changes I had to make. About how my body deserved so much more than what I was giving it, both nutritionally and in lack of activity. I put on my walking shoes right away and haven't looked back since, working out every day and eating right. (Well, I'm currently on my liquid diet, but when I was chewing, I was eating responsibly! HA!) I guess my advice is that you realize that everything post-surgery will be easier if you start developing healthy habits now. You've made the decision for surgery because you care about yourself and your health...don't wait until you HAVE the surgery to show your body some thanks and start treating it better now. You're worth it!

So many! I love Disney, and they have some amazing half marathons that I really want to participate in. There's one run that is 10 miles and is villain themed, and you run at night! I'd also just love to ride around on a cruiser bike and enjoy biking around town to run errands. And I've always wanted to take up boxing! Can't wait to start.

You look great!! Congrats on your success! I have a sneaking suspicion with how much I have to lose, I will eventually need plastics, and this is really informative. Thanks!

Hahaha, yay! Glad to hear it!

I work for Google as a Writer/Editor. Currently working on Google's new version of maps where you can see which restaurants & attractions are around you to choose where to go!

LOL, pureed is the part that sounds the worst to me too! I am currently on Day 2 of my liquid diet, and sure, I'm hungry, but it's nothing I can't handle. However...the thought of purees is so gross, haha...I REFUSE TO DRINK CHICKEN! Haha!

You should try Poshmark! It's an app that basically allows you to make a virtual closet and people and browse and buy. It's pretty cool!

You look amazing! You may notice the loose skin, but I promise you it doesn't translate in photos. Great job!!!

Well, I haven't had my surgery yet (8/19) but I really like my doctor so far, Dr. Marc Zare in San Jose, CA, and I believe a few other people on this site have used him as well! He operates out of Good Samaritan Hospital in San Jose and El Camino Hopsital in Mountain View.

Chippendale's called...the bow tie you ordered came in. Great job!!! You look fantastic.

The other day my THERAPIST (of all people) fed me the most hated non-compliment a fat woman could ever hear: "You have such a pretty face." Coupled with the gem, "You'll be so attractive when you lose weight," I let her know right then and there to NEVER say that to an overweight person again. Good Lord. Anyway, I feel you, Heyher! Some people just don't know how to say things tactfully although they mean well. Funny how weight loss also brings with it some frustrating social scenarios!

Treadmills can be a little tedious sometimes! Walking outside at a nice park or in your neighborhood can be much more fun, especially if you have a friend with you! I've been pleasantly surprised with how many friends of mine jump at the chance to go on walks with me when I suggest I'm going on one. Maybe see if any of your friends want to set up weekly walk dates? Something about being in the fresh air is really rewarding too...and definitely a better smell than the gym! Besides that, I am not the biggest fan of exercise too, but you know what? I've been doing the Jillian Michaels 30-Day Shred workout DVD every morning before work. I have made it a part of my routine...get up, do the workout, shower, make a shake, head out the door...it's just a part of my life now! Plus it's only 20 minutes and I am DRIPPING sweat when I'm done...damn that Jillian Michaels! She gets results but I hate her at the same time! And I always feel great when I'm done exercising...proud of myself for doing something good for my body and my health. Keep at it and try different things, don't give up! Exercise isn't an option anymore...it's a requirement. Good luck!

Interesting! It makes sense about the small amount of nutrients post-op. I have no doubt that I will experience hair loss due to surgery at some point, and I'm cool with that. Just found it weird that there seems to be new growth right now, and I feel like it has to do with all of the protein!

So, the oddest thing is happening lately...I'm noticing lots of new hair "sprouts" along my hairline! I have super fine hair and I know that when the inevitable 3-month hair loss hits after surgery, I'll likely have to rock the short hair, which is no problem. However, for the past week and a half or so, I have been going cray with lots of Protein and noticed that my nails have grown incredibly fast and I'm getting some new fuzzy little hair chutes, LOL! Just wondering if anyone else has experienced this? I guess I never realized how protein-deficient my diet was! This gives me hope that even though I will likely have hair loss from the surgery, maybe in the long run, now that I have to consume 60-80 gms of protein a day, that my hair will eventually be thicker than it is now!

Thank so much, lady! I know, I'm VERY lucky! My Annual Pass absolutely pays for itself since I go so often. Avoiding all of the yummy treats was hard...especially since everything SMELLS so good and it wafts everywhere, haha...but I'm proud that I was able to do it! I started my liquid diet this morning and it's nice to go into it with that increased confidence.

Wow!! You look younger AND so happy -- almost glowing! Congrats and great job!

Wowza! What a story and kudos on your perseverance! Wishing you the best on your much-deserved surgery.