jdmama911

Wow, Congratulations My son is my inspiration in a lot of ways as well. Thanks for sharing, and you look great

For me, moderation. That stuff is all over when you have kids and a husband who is thin, but works like a horse, and eats a ton. I think I actually have more junk food in my house now than prior to surgery. Before, we had to leave the house to get junk food. The problem was, I was turning every trip to the gas station, pharmacy etc. into an excuse for junk food! I have lots of high protein snacks, vegetables, and yogurt around for daily snacking. But, if I get an urge for some baked chips, a big crunchy pretzel, a very rare couple pieces of chocolate I have some. The wonderful part about my sleeve...Even with "slider foods", add a little protein and eat it "mindfully" and you wont eat that much (thank you sleevey) As long as Im eating right the rest of the time, I don't feel bad eating it. That is how my relationship with food has changed and I love it.

I haven't been able to workout right after eating since the surgery. My NUT suggested drinking a Protein shake right after when I was first able to workout again. Now that Im a little further out (4.5mos.) I eat a protein bar or a handful of almonds within 15 mins. of working out. It's surprising because I don't hit a wall working out even on an empty stomach. I always had to eat before working out prior to surgery. Oh well, one of life's mysteries huh?

Oh that article describes me to a T. Although, I've been doing really well about binging on things. It hasn't happened in a couple of months! Thanks for posting

Oh yeah, Im down in pant size from a 32/34 (yes 2 sizes above lane Bryant) down to a 24, close to a 22.

I lost about 70lbs. in 3 mos. (very unhealthy way) when I was 19 and got down to 165 and found out I was pregnant. I ballooned up to 245 by the end of my pregnancy...but I don't even count it. It was a different time in my life, and I don't even have a single picture from when I was that weight. Thanks everyone and SuperFatty, Im rooting for ya

My NUT isn't as worried about carbs as a lot of NUTs. She said if I stay in my calorie range and hit my Protein goals, there isn't much else to worry about. She is more about people eating sustainably and teaching how to eat without depriving ourselves. She even gave me suggestions (not just salads) for various restaurants/fast food places.

Congrats R.J.! Im glad to see you so happy...I hope you quickly learn to enjoy working out. Im finding I like WiiU Shape 2013, and yoga (done in the privacy of my living room...no one needs to see me tip over during a one legged downward dog lol) Anyway, I smiled when I read your post, and wish you the best of luck

Height 5'3" Age 32 Pre Op (July 2013): 312 Day of surgery(9/11/13): 297 1/22/14: 230 I have noticed chairs getting roomier. Oh, and bathrooms! People in public (strangers) actually will talk to me now..Im no longer a total outcast from society. I wasn't expecting that so soon, as I haven't been treated well in public in a long time. Not that anyone (other than maybe 2 or 3 TOTAL rude a&$hats) was outright rude to me. But, people will now sit by me on a bench, stand close behind me in a line, strike up a conversation with me in line etc. I didn't realize how my weight had affected so much of my day to day until the last few weeks. Im more of a "normal" weight again I guess..fat yes, but not 300+lbs. fat. I now eat for a reason. A reset button has been pushed, and I feel like a child learning how to eat again. This time it isn't full of fast food, butter, and endless carbs. I don't feel guilty if I have a treat anymore because I don't do it often, or overeat (thank you sleevey). Im enjoying my day to day life again in a lot of ways. I overheard my son (on my birthday a couple weeks ago) tell my mom he was proud of me Im having to face how I ate before, and how I taught my son My son is learning the right way now though, and I've watched his habits begin to change. My habits have completely changed. I now eat a yogurt almost every day for Breakfast. (Pre surgery...I had maybe 3 yogurts in my life). And, it's not that I particularly love the stuff...But Im eating it for real reasons...and those reasons don't include it tastes good (the only reason I are what I ate Pre surgery). (I have always been heavy. I sat around 225 from 7th grade until I was in my early 20's..when I went way up) One of my elderly clients (I've worked for her for 4 years) doesn't recognize me until I get close to her because Im so "thin" now lol I'm actually scared to see what I will look like thin, because I haven't the slightest clue what I really look like (how absurd lol). I have a long journey ahead. I'm struggling with cross addiction. I began smoking a few weeks ago. (I quit about 4 mos. before surgery). I started blowing up at the drop of a hat..It got so bad that I almost lost my job. That day I started smoking, and my temper tantrums stopped. I am however in the process of getting counseling through an addictionologist. I cannot lose my job, so for now I smoke. I will be looking for new employment when I get down another 50lbs. Interviewers will take me more seriously with a good résumé and not being grotesquely fat. Yoga is HARD! But now that I feel so much younger, I can attempt to actually do it without hurting myself. My 12 year old and I chase each other around the house now for more than 10 seconds. I am driving my husband insane by wearing all of his clothes all the time. (But, secretly...he thinks it cute) My husband can't keep his hands off me lol having a good support group is essential to succeeding. My husband and son have been fantastic support for me, and I'm so happy I can pay them back by being happier and more involved (not afraid to go into public...will I fit into the seat at the theater etc...). Cuddling is much more comfy the smaller I get. The sandwich was my dinner tonight. I had the bottom bread toasted, 6 slices of orange bell pepper, 4 oz. ham, 2 tsp. light mayo. I always eat sandwiches without the top now.

I was allowed iceberg lettuce when I progressed from soft foods at 6 weeks. Im now at 4 mos. out and I eat lots of raw veggies. Although I find I can eat a better "salad" if I stick with one veggie at a time. My salad will be 1/4-1/3c. Green peppers, cheese, a couple croutons and my dressing. But I switch my veggie out everyday. One day carrots, one cabbage, one cauliflower, etc. I started adding in raw veggies around 8 weeks. I have taken it slow and carefully and haven't had a single problem. My salad is an afternoon staple in my diet now

Tuna, egg salad, eggs and refried beans were my go to proteins at that stage.

Stalls will happen. Sometimes longer than others. With your intake/workout, it is impossible to not lose weight. Don't worry your body is just catching up to your previous loss. It will start dropping again. Just try to notice other things going along with your weight loss. You are for sure losing inches! Maybe lock up the scale for a week or 2?

I take a LOT of selfie pics, document on here and a little with my friends on FB.

I had a doctor tell me to weigh every morning, so that's what I do...I do admit it that stalls probably aren't as frustrating if you don't weigh every day though. I think it took 10 days to start seeing my weight go down after surgery though. Congrats on your surgery!

I can't wait until this summer. My son and I have always played catch, but that's about all I could handle. This summer...I'll be running around chasing him, playing tag, helping him run routes for football, motivate him to train for football by running with him, and just being free to do as I please. No more 300lb. mom to be embarrassed about. I also really want to go to the indoor trampoline park. I've always been afraid my fat a** would tear through the trampoline. This summer...trampoline dodge ball IT'S ON! Laser tag..yeah buddy, it's going to be a fun summer

I was also told no soup again ever...Same with cereal. However, Chili is ok. I asked my NUT what that was all about. She couldn't really give me an answer.

Yeah, I used to love cooking...Now most nights at my house are DIY, or something simple. I just don't enjoy cooking the way I used to. And I only did one day of baking this year at Christmas, instead of baking practically everyday from Thanksgiving to Christmas. I don't miss the kitchen or that life either

Back pain yes!! Also I have days where it hurts to sit down. Like...there isn't as much padding, and the pressure hits my tailbone instead? It's weird lol But then a few days later...it's gone and I can sit fine again lol

The Good: I have lost 65lbs. since surgery (4mos. out) Im struggling to get my calories in 1/2 the time (which is a GREAT problem to have) I FORGET to eat lol Im watching my 11 year old son learn and beginning to follow my footsteps as far as food choices (So proud of him) My sex drive is almost too much for my husband lol I can't tolerate much fried food (I ate a lifetimes worth before, so Im happy about this lol) I eat a yogurt for Breakfast most days and Im not hungry forever afterward I actually am not afraid to think about being thin. I KNOW Im going to make it this time The BAD CONSTIPATION!! Lots of change (I've always been a fan of sameness) in my life Not knowing how to deal with stress now. I used to deal with stress by eating and smoking. I gave both of those up..What happened? I starting acting like a psychotic maniac and FLIPPING OUT on people for very little things. I think I almost put my job on the line a couple times. I started smoking again a couple weeks ago because I can't lose my job right now. I didn't lie to my husband (first time I was straightforward with him about my smoking). I think Im going to need some counseling. I haven't faced my stress without a detrimental coping mechanism in...maybe my entire life THE UGLY The inside of my thighs That's it. I love my sleeve for everything it is

I am only 1/2 way to my goal, but I've gotten this in the past few weeks "Oh you look so good, I really need to start losing weight or you're going to pass me soon." I mean, I've heard it probably 5 times in the past 2 weeks. I seriously want to rip their throats out when I hear that. My sister has even lost 35lbs. since she saw me at Thanksgiving (Plexus). (I got within 25 lbs. of her, and that hasn't happened since we were kids..she was always the thin one.) For now, Im giving my friends a by. But, if I notice more catty behavior as the weight comes off, I may have to cut ties. I hope your friend just slipped up, but that is insane to me she said that to you when she is that much smaller than you. And to call you an Amazon? Wow. To make the comment she thinks you'll end up in the hospital again? Wow.

Lol! I just got done having a chicken salad for dinner...and when I saw your post, I thought about it...it's definitely the first time I've had a salad for dinner..just salad.. It used to be salad was a Pre cursor to dinner. Or worse, it was a Pre cursor to an appetizer, dinner, and a dessert. My oh my! Although I have found that I find it more beneficial if I just eat one veggie cut up for my salad. Lettuce is just a filler lol

I was told at 3 mos. I could reintroduce those things in my diet. I have had spaghetti twice. Both times, it sat very well. That being said, both times I only had about 10 noodles. The rest was the sauce. (I make a very nutritious vegetabley sauce with extra lean ground beef). Those 10 noodles did well, and I will stick to that portion as much as I can. Oh bread...Im with Lipstick Lady on this one...loved bread...just loved it. Now, most days I don't even eat it. Yes, fresh out of surgery I craved it. Now though, I just don't have room for it. On Christmas I literally forgot about my sleeve for a moment...ate a piece of in toasted bread and instantly got slimed. It was awful. It's not something I'll be trying anytime soon. Now well toasted bread (the light 35calorie a slice kind)...I can split a piece in half and make a sandwich and be ok. Tortillas have been hit and miss for me, and it's been a while since I had one. Rice, didn't do well the first time I tried it. I ate it again not too long ago, and did fine. I only ate a few bites though. Im not of the opinion that grains should be cut from our diet (nor is my NUT), but the amount I eat now would have been a laughable amount Pre surgery. I think these be to severely limited. Unfortunately, I think bread, pasta, rice can be a trigger food. Im a lucky one, and haven't found that to be the case with myself

Lol, I thought I was the only one who got a little off track. I did great until I made my grandmas snowball Cookies. Those things are evil lol Anyway, I gained 2.5lbs. over the holidays, and have since taken double that off. I too am in love with my sleeve (and my new more powerful "good angel").

Almost 4 mos. out for me, and last week I noticed I can take in more than normal as well. I think my husband was shocked when we went to Taco Bell and I got a crunchy taco and a pintos n cheese and I ate all the taco and most of the Beans. You are right, I feel like my body needs the fuel as well. I think during the holidays I allowed myself to eat more crap than I should have...but once I stuck my mind to going back to clean eating, I've been fine. So fine, that the husband came home with doughnuts for Breakfast on my birthday (over the weekend) that I actually passed them up and had my usual yogurt for breakfast. I think we are getting close to how much we will always be able to eat, and now is when the real work will kick in. Question about your pizza...are you able to eat regular crust? I haven't tolerated it well..The only way I can eat it is if I have thin crust.

I had LOTS of nausea the first couple months after surgery. I started wondering if I would ever feel normal again. Now at almost 120 days out, most days I feel good. I still have days here and there where I don't feel like eating, but for the most part the nausea is all gone. One thing my PA told me...If you have some drainage (from your sinuses) overnight it will be sitting in your little sleevey in the morning. My PA suggested I start those mornings off with something hot to drink (tea, coffee). It will help melt/push through any drainage. It had helped me tremendously. I used to love drinking ice cold Water first thing in the morning...Now I have a nice hot cup of tea Best of luck!