meamo

Wow. Unless I share something with hubby (we've only done that a couple times cuz I feel jipped and I also like the take home box) I'm such a waste of money going out to eat. Here's my list of "wastes": Whats yours?
1. Bunch of lunch (Shakeys Pizza) or Hometown Buffet: At Shakeys I can now eat 1/2 chicken drum, 1/3 pc of pizza and maybe 4 mojos (potatoes). At Hometown Buffet (same thing as a Golden Corral for those on the East Coast) I enjoy 1 bite of about 8 different things. I stuff a napkin full of Cookies in my purse cuz hey, I just paid $11 for about .50cents worth of food! Waste of money. I attempted to use my bariatric card from my dr at Hometown Buffet to get the kids price. Nope. They said no way
2. I used to eat 2 Famous Stars w/cheese and chili cheese fries at Carls Jr. Now I can eat 1/3 of a Famous Star. Chili cheese fries? A waste of money cuz I can't eat more than 2 bites.
3. At Olive Garden I used to eat 2 bowls of Chicken Gnocchi Soup, maybe 4 breadsticks, and a full order of Seafood Alfredo. Now I can eat 1/3 of a bowl of Chicken Gnocchi and 1/2 breadstick. Maybe a few bites of salad. Haven't really tried an entree at Olive Garden. Waste of money.
4. At Red Robin I used to eat a full cheeseburger and a couple orders (bottomless) garlic fries with ranch dressing. Now I order an Avo-Cobbo salad, eat maybe 1/5 of it and have a couple bites of hubbys garlic fries. I take home the rest of the salad and by the next day, I'm sick of it or it's wilted. Waste of money
We've discussed going to Claim Jumpers Sunday champagne brunch but it's $18 and I KNOW that would be a waste of money. While hubby can put away the food, there's no way he can eat $36 worth of food. And the waste in my frig? Wow. I could feed a third world nation when I clean out my frig.
Wow, what a waste!

Hey there everyone!!
I am almost 3 months post op. I will be 3 months on the 23rd (sleeved 9/23/13) I have lost a total of 66lbs so far. I was just wondering what are most of you guys eating at this stage.?I know most people are still doing soft foods but I feel like I eat the same thing everyday. I just wanted to switch it up a little. What are/were your favorite food to eat at this stage? Feel free to leave recipes. Thanks all. I hope you all are filled with holiday cheer!!

I was sleeved on July 11 2013. I am a little over 5 months and I feel great. I thought it was time to post some photos. I know it helped me when I was thinking of getting sleeved. So hope it can help others too. I now have no sleep apnea and my blood pressure is normal. No more aching feet is a plus too.
 

It has been weeks and finally another lb gone. It is so slow because I eat everything now. Those just starting, stay on plan till you reach your goal. I teetered off at about 6 months and now I eat too many carbs. It definetly is showing in my weight loss. After Xmas I am going back on plan again. Just so thankful that my restriction is still there. Still can only eat very small amounts of food at a time. That is really a God send for me. So thankful for this surgery.
I realize now why I was led by God to this surgery. My husband has lung cancer and will be starting radiation and chemo this week. I am able to get around better and do so many things now so I will be able to care for him over the next 3 months. It would have been nearly impossible to take good care of him at my previous weight and health.

I stepped on the scale this morning and saw that magical number that I set for myself in the beginning of this journey. My goal was to get to 230 and that is what popped up this morning. My surgery was on April 3rd of this year. At pre-op I weighed in at 362. So that is 132 pounds gone. And those pounds are gone forever!
At the moment I am still contemplating what to do from here. Part of me a very small part off me wants to say ehh I am good. A larger part of me wants to now change the goal. You see years ago I was at the highest weight I ever saw on the scale which was 418, so my full weight loss total to date is 188. That being said I kinda want to see my total loss be at 200. Seems like a pretty cool number to me. I know I can get 12 more pounds off. I will be deciding over the next few days on what to do I guess.
The journey itself was in no way an easy one. Sure I lost a ton of weight in a short amount of time but you HAVE to work at it. Did I sometimes eat things I shouldn't. Uh yes. But I was able to stack more good days together than bad. I have never felt better than I do today and I know that its only going to get better!

1 1/2 years out and 135 pounds down and yes I feel MUCH different! I still don't recognize myself when I walk past a mirror and I'm still amazed when I put on a pair of 10 jeans and they fit!!! (I started at a size 26?) I never even knew I could feel this way because I have been big my entire life. I wish I had done this years ago!
I do hang out and associate with most of the same people but some people have chosen to remove themselves from my circle and I think a lot of that is because of jealousy, insecurity??? I'm not really sure but a lot of people do treat you different and it doesn't always feel good.
I do look at obese people different and I would be lying if I said I didn't. It is not with disdain or superiority though, it is with compassion and sincere concern. I know how I felt and I want to tell them they don't have to feel that way any more but I don't, because I know I would not have been receptive either. I sometimes get teary eyed just watching people as they struggle to walk or to do anything that should be easier!
I do eat healthy because I choose to and I feel like this is my second chance at life! I do not look down on anyone who chooses otherwise though because we all have choices and I use to make the unhealthy ones myself. I also know I ate for a lot of reasons, none of which were to live!! I ate from all kinds of emotions and sometimes we just can't control that!!
I am much different than I was: I exercise, I love my life, I hike, I can sit in a booth and cross my legs, I am happier, I am even more outgoing, and I LOVE TO SHOP FOR CLOTHES!!! I will never be the skinny b you were talking about because I truly think I even love more because I now love myself!!

2.5 years out, 119 pounds lost and I finally feel like me again. A different person? Not sure but I know I'm the person I had been wanting to be for a long time.
No, I honestly do not discriminate against big people. I remember where I came from and I remember how I felt and I don't plan to forget it. I do look at big people and feel bad because I remember how I felt. I feel compassion for them. I've been in their shoes.
I don't eat only healthy but I do eat healthy a lot of the time. I don't look down on those who don't. They will change their life when they are ready. I don't let how other people eat bother me. I choose not to let it bother me. Instead, I am thankful that I was given this chance in life and that I can't eat like that anymore.
Some things that are different are the usual things you hear...I'm happier, more confident. I can do more, I feel like I am living life now instead of sitting on the side line.
Now, I can say these things as someone who is far out from surgery. Right after surgery, my emotions were going crazy and I'm sure I felt a lot of different things. It takes quite a while to settle into a "normal" life and figure things out.

Ok. So where to start.
I have been reading this forum for a year or so but have never posted. Weird how I can be so computer shy, but not so much in real life! Everyone who contributes is stellar in my book and I have appreciated all of your stories and experiences from afar, so thanks.
I had lap band surgery in May of 2008 and it was a nightmare from the beginning. We've all read the terrible stories, mine not really any different. Couldn't keep Water down sometimes, stuck all the time, etc. Where my story does seem to differ is where my surgeon is concerned. My surgeon, John Dietrick in Tampa has terrible bedside manner, I knew this going into it, but was confident in his skill set. He was adamant that the band was not to blame, it was me, end of story. "The band doesn't fail, people fail", whatever! I became immune to his personality and just conceded to that fact he is how he is.
In June 2011 I had the lap and out finally. Hallelujah!!! I started researching Vsg in the beginning of 2011 to see if I could get both procedures done at the same time. Surgeon wouldn't do that which I was fine with. I just researched my brains out on if I really wanted to go through another procedure. What if it felt like the lapband!?! Gasp! And it's irreversible! Needless to say, I did a lot of soul searching and research which I'm glad I did. Would not change the procedure for the world! I love it!!!!
Fast forward to October 28th 2013 when I finally had my VSG done with Dr. Dietrick. I stayed with him because he knew my history and I figured I could just try to push through the personality, try and make him laugh for god sakes, blah blah. So it's been about 6 weeks and I am down 27 lbs! Listen, I compare myself to others that are losing quicker, but man! I doing pretty damn well I think!! I think I only lost 27lbs the whole 5 years with lap-band! I'm happy and in a good place, and know that it's just a matter of time for where I want my weight to be. I have for the first time in my life, changed my frame of mind about why I did this. It's not temporary, it's here to stay and I embrace it!
I'm rambling, sorry. The whole reason for the post was because I just came from dr. Dietricks office and am shaking I'm so angry, and confused.
I had my 6 week check up today, and instead of being encouraged, I got downright scolded! I told him that i religiously track everything in MFP 700-800 calories a day, 70-80 Protein, carbs under 45 ish. He flat out said that the app is lying or I am, because there is no way that I only lost that much with that caloric intake. Plus I ride stationary cycle everyday 20-30minutes.
He said, actually said these words, they actually 100% came out of his mouth, "maybe you're drinking TOO MUCH water!?!?" wtf?
After 6 years I just lost my shiz on him. I said you've been doing this to me for years and I'm done. isn't every body different In which it loses its weight? My muscle building? My water retention? Stalls? Etc etc, all the things WE already know, yet he doesn't?! He didn't know what a stall was! He said "all bodies are the same, you must be putting your calories in wrong, because you are the only one in the world that will only lose 1.5 lbs a week on 700 calories".....Oh my lord! I just started crying to where I couldn't even speak, got my stuff and bolted. Isn't my surgeon supposed to be encouraging? Ayayayay.
So the million dollar question is after all my rambling, does anyone have any experience in the Tampa Bay Area with a good bariatric surgeon? Is this guy nuts, or am I emotional? I won't let this sidetrack me in the least. I guess I just needed to let it out to people who would understand. My husband, bless him. After he hung up with me crying he called the surgeons office and asked if he should go down there,hahah. Silly.
Thanks for listening!

Just got my approval letter in the mail. Just waiting to hear from my dr. to set up a date. can't wait to get this going!

HW: 436
WDS: 379 (3-11-13)
TODAY: 194!!!
TOTAL WEIGHT LOSS: 242 POUNDS!!!

My surgery was 11/14/13 - 4 weeks ago tomorrow...Here's an update on what's going on with me.
The Protein Shakes are really getting to me. I’m so sick of them!!!!! I know it’s time to start changing it up – I have to the break the vanilla, strawberry and chocolate barrier. This week I found a sample pack of Health Wise Soups that I forgot I purchased before surgery. Jackpot!!!!! The Cream of chicken was so good – it has a little less Protein (15 grams vs. 20 with a shake), but that 5 grams of protein was worth my sanity that night. I have also had the chocolate mixed with warm 1% milk and some sugar-free peppermint Syrup. That was a nice treat on a cold, snowy night reading my book. This morning, I mixed a chocolate with a cup of Decaf coffee, a splash of 1% milk and some sugar-free salted caramel syrup – Caramel Mocha, anyone? Yum! I also have some products on order – hot chocolate (high protein), oatmeal (high protein/low carb) and some Click decaf coffee. I need to get out of this rut – getting your protein in is so important and it’s difficult to get that last shake in, mainly because I just don’t want it.
I haven’t stepped on the scale in a week – tomorrow is weigh in day and I’m a little scared. I feel really good physically – I still get tired easily, but for the most part, I feel good. I’ve been exercising at the gym walking at least 2 miles per day and usually 2.5 miles or more. Yesterday I did a personal best of 60 minutes and 3 miles (thanks to the hubs for saying he had a few more minutes of his workout left, so I ended up going a whole hour!). I’m more worried about the mental aspect of weighing and not getting the result I’m looking for. I feel like I’m getting smaller – I didn’t feel like that late-last week or early-this week, but I do now. I don’t know if that is Water retention or me just being psycho…
I am still in the same jeans I wore pre-op, which is a little depressing. I think I was in denial about how tight those jeans really were pre-surgery! Plus they are made out of that stretchy jean-like material, so about 10 minutes after you put them on they will stretch to your bulk – a great characteristic if your fat and lumpy. They certainly aren’t tight now and they are a little loose in the waist. I will probably need to get new ones in a couple of weeks. I can’t wear my 2X Old Navy yoga pants any more – they literally fall off me. I am keeping one pair as a reminder of how big I really got. I should burn the rest of them.
Tomorrow I move to a “soft foods” diet. I have been on puree foods the past two weeks, but I’ll be honest, I didn’t puree a lot. I let my chompers do the pureeing for me. My surgeon and my local doctor are polar opposites when it comes to food. My surgeon said, “Introduce foods as soon as you can and no need to puree if you have teeth and saliva.” You could almost hear my local doctor gasp when I told her that – she is much more conservative and I think if she thought she wouldn’t have a mutiny on her hands, she would make patients wait a year before trying Greek yogurt. So, I’ve been doing a hybrid mainly for my sanity. I chew, chew, chew and chew some more. The Eat Slower app is also a helper – it slows you down and helps remind you to chew your food. I purchased the Carb Balance Tortilla shells – the whole-wheat fajita size has 3 net carbs. I have had dreams about those shells! I want a taco (small, baby taco) and a pizza with the shell as the crust. Mmmmm…can’t wait.

Lol.. Congrats, Laura. You've done a wonderful job and you're inspiration to us all

Called me a success today!!
I'm not at my goal but I guess I made some kind of goal for him because he said I'm good, that I look great to him!
my blood work is awesome (Well except that damn iron) I'm a success in his eyes
I know it's kindly corny, but it felt good.
I wanted a certain number going in there today and I didn't hit it and I have been down a bit about it..
It's a stupid number as was pointed out to me (thanks m2g) this morning and I'm going to take the victory lap for now and just keep trying to Work on myself.
Shameless selfie

I shot up heroine.. I did it safely in moderation and I'm good, no issues....
Just because we can and some do, whether their doctor approves it or not.
I stand by my comment to wait and read your instructions or talk to the doctor.

Six months out, down 65.5 pounds and feeling great!! The sleeve is the best decision I've ever made for myself

December 18th in the house!!! Only required two do Clear Liquids pre surgery with an option to do more days. I may do 7 or 10. Scared out my mind!!!! Hoping to inspire my overweight hubby to do it too, but he is NOT amused!

It's the best decision I've ever made. The hardest thing is not being able to drink when you eat, but would it have been a deal breaker.... Hell No !!! I love my sleeve !!!

Hello Everyone!! Today makes a week since I had my Revision surgery from lap band to VSG! When I started my weight loss surgery I weighed 250 lbs. The day of my revision I weighed 208.6 lbs. Today one week after surgery I weigh 199.0 lbs!! That means I lost 9.6 lbs on the first week and made it to Onederland!!!! Yay!! I go to see the surgeon Tomorrow and really hope he could take out this drain. I feel so restricted with it!! Anyway, hope everyone has a great week! Stay safe & be healthy
Cris

Taking all my supplements on time. Drinking 48 oz or more of liquid per day. Walking 4miles a day with an avg pace of 18 per mile.
Working out for 1 hour a day.
Eating 3 meals and 3 Snacks everyday without skipping.
Taking in 80 to 100 grams of Protein everyday.
Getting 6-8 hours of sleep everyday.
Add more ideas lets get of motivation on!

I'm a nurse and have been swimming in my scrubs for months now but they had a unifOrm sale at work today so I went Crazy! I bought a size medium pants and tops! I can't believe how small I've gotten! Its been so long since I bought a medium I can't even remember it! My hw was 289 size 24 cw 177

My husband's work has had a Christmas party every year for the last 10 years or so, and I have always been jealous of the wives who could wear the pretty holiday clothes. I'd put on the best thing I had and hide in the corner, not willing to spend the money on something that I knew wouldn't live up to the other outfits. But this year I had the time of my life shopping with my friends and picking out THE DRESS! I'm not at goal yet, but just being able to dress with confidence was amazing!  

So I get on the scale this morning .8 ..... .8 away from goal!?! ARRGGGHHHH Here's hoping this is NOT the point I get stuck at for the next 3 weeks LOL. Happy Friday all!

Surgery went well yesterday.....gas pains are like torture but I was just able to have liquids after I passed my leak test. So gas is moving around more. Im still on pain meds still but making it through. I feel like I've lost more weight. I'm sitting on the loser bench!

I can't believe a whole year has gone by already!!!! What a journey!!!!

Well, yesterday I finally bit the proverbial bullet and put on a wig. Guess I should start with a little backstory on this. When I was young I had very thick, curly hair. I could never run a comb through it, it would tangle and knot. In high school I wanted big hair ( child of the 80s here) like everyone else and I had it- BIG! That was the one good thing about having naturally curly/kinky/frizzy hair. Then in my mid 20s life changed. I started having a lot of "female issues" and was eventually diagnosed with PCOS. One of the hallmarks that I experienced was Hair loss. My once thick head of hair became a thinning mass in a matter of months. It was bad, hard to deal with. But it wasn't as bad as it would get. Fast forward about 13 years. At age 38 I became pregnant. When I had my daughter my hair was once again at it's youthful thickness, until the hormones shifted. My hair loss post pregnancy was fairly devastating. I went from mildly thin to pretty darn noticeable. I started using Topik hair fibers at this time. It helped to fill in, make it look thicker. No one noticed and I was satisfied with this fix. Then I started having blood clotting issues ( repeat DVTs/ PEs) and have now been put on blood thinners for life. One of the side effects of warfarin ( For some- not all) is hair loss. Being so blessed by the hair gods as I am ( sarcasm) I was one who started experiencing hair loss. So my now noticeably thin hair started becoming alarmingly thin hair. I suffer from classic male pattern baldness too...All of my hair loss is on the top and sides. The back has thinned over the years, but is still holding up ok. The top and sides??? Well I honestly look like someone who has been on chemotherapy for a while. So...when I decided to have the sleeve done one of the very FIRST things that caught my attention was the probability of some hair loss. Knowing how the odds for that run against my favor, I decided to be proactive and buy a wig. ( actually- two) But being a woman who has at least a small amount of vanity left ( After all - I was 316lbs so how vain can I really be? ) I was embarrassed. Years ago wigs were "cool". Lots of women used them as a choice to change their looks. But that was years ago. Outside of people who wear them for medical purposes, or actors, I don't know of a lot of people who buy and wear wigs. I even bought mine online, with out having the prying eyes of a salesperson seeing me do so. I cannot explain it but it brings me more "shame" and anxiety to wear the wig than telling people I had weight loss surgery! Yet the hair has been falling out more and more without regrowth. ( and will most likely get worse as the lack of Protein issue hits) All the combined effects that have caused my hair loss have created a "perfect storm" and looking very similar to the Crypt Keeper is the result of it. I have been using increasingly more and more of those hair fibers trying to camouflage the loss, to the point I had more Topik on my head than hair!!! Something had to give, and it as time. Time to break out the old hair hat and face one of my biggest fears...And the results? Everyone loves the darn thing!!! I have had so many comments about how good I look it is ridiculous. More people even noticed my weight loss with my new hair than before. Most guys? Well they are clueless and think it is my old hair and I just went to the salon. But everyone who knows thinks it is natural looking, attractive, and a great improvement. So I am thinking I should have slapped the darn thing on a long time ago!! LOL It is still an emotional adjustment. I hope that my old, unstylish and unflattering hair regrows again someday and that I can go back to not wearing this thing. But for now, for this place in my life I am wearing it. And so far the reviews have been positive. Going to try to attach a picture, but I hate "selfies"...