1Day1Life4Now

I am losing weight and I am happy. The weight is not coming off as quickly as I had hoped but it is coming off and I am seeing results that have caught the eye of my co-workers, my friends, and my family. The problem is... when I look in the mirror I see food. My neck looks like a turkey neck to me. My arms are like Jello, I still have a beer belly, ham hock legs and cottage cheese thighs. I exercise for 30 minutes twice a day. At what point does my body quit resembling food and start to look more like defined muscles? I know, I have a lot more to lose so maybe I shouldn't expect visual changes so soon .... but the visual food thing is very powerful and disturbing to me.... and plays games with my mind. The angel on one shoulder is encouraging and tells me I now look great in that suit I haven't worn in 4 years. The angel on the other shoulder tells me I look like what I ate. I can hide from the scale but I can't hide from the mirrors. How do I get out of the visual food funk????

I am losing weight and I am happy. The weight is not coming off as quickly as I had hoped but it is coming off and I am seeing results that have caught the eye of my co-workers, my friends, and my family. The problem is... when I look in the mirror I see food. My neck looks like a turkey neck to me. My arms are like Jello, I still have a beer belly, ham hock legs and cottage cheese thighs. I exercise for 30 minutes twice a day. At what point does my body quit resembling food and start to look more like defined muscles? I know, I have a lot more to lose so maybe I shouldn't expect visual changes so soon .... but the visual food thing is very powerful and disturbing to me.... and plays games with my mind. The angel on one shoulder is encouraging and tells me I now look great in that suit I haven't worn in 4 years. The angel on the other shoulder tells me I look like what I ate. I can hide from the scale but I can't hide from the mirrors. How do I get out of the visual food funk????

Everyone that makes this choice to lose weight and become healthier is already a winner. The good thing it's not really a race, it's a life style and we are only in competition with ourselves. I applaud those that lose quickly as well as those who lose slowly... we're all losing. I do get jealous that men lose faster but it all has to do with muscle mass and how differently our bodies are made. I've not been 100 per cent compliant but I don't drink with meals, I don't use a straw and I don't drink caffeine or carbonated beverages. I have indulged in a little bread and Pasta but for the most part... it's Protein and veggies. I have a whole new set of normals now.

Oh I can relate. I have the worest reflux and heartburn. Drives me insane.

sounds like you just needed to change doctors. It seems like you will be better off in the long run. Good luck to you.

My surgeon said to wait one year for all of those things. I have no urges for anything carbonated since surgery. In fact the thought of carbonated beverages is a real turn off. I dont think that anything is off the table for ever. They do prefer you not use alcohol or sodas due to empty calories and the damages they can do to your stomach.

I went back after a week but I have a desk job and there wasn't any physical labor involved. Two weeks should be plenty if you are able to tolerate your foods and liquids and you aren't too weak. The first two weeks are the most difficult so you should be good to go. Good luck.

I didn't go home till 72 hours later. I don't think I could have handled it any sooner. I was in pain and sick at my stomach plus I had the headache from hell from the anesthesia. I hope you have the option of staying longer should you need it. It's all and individual thing so you can't tell how long you need till the surgery actually happens. Good luck.

I was told to start adding it one week after surgery so you should be good to go. Good luck.

Hi Sasha, so how are you doing since surgery? You are 2 weeks out now? Is it getting a little bit easier? each week is always a bit easier than the week before so take it slow and easy. Stick to the plan as it makes it easier on your stomach. Hope all is going well for you and you are starting to feel good now.

Tammy, I just noticed that today is your surgery date. Congratulations and hope all goes well.

Hello all, I had the sleeve done in Jackson at Baptist Hospital. Dr. Cummins was my surgeon too. I was sleeved Feb. 10th. Today is my 8 week anniversary and I'm doing great. Good luck everybody. If I can offer any support, just give drop me a line. Janet

Going to the gym and getting a little more fit will certainly help with your recovery post-op. That should be motivation enough. Who wants to be in great pain if they don't have to? Good luck.

This gave me a much needed laugh. Too funny.

congratulations. You will be great tomorrow. Even though you didn't hit your weight mark the Dr will do your surgery... don't worry. Hope you have an uneventful surgery and a quick and easy recovery.

I'm 8 weeks out and Im going through my second or third stall. I know its normal but it sure does make me nervous. I was hoping for a steady drop in weight but its definitely start and stop and slow go.

I'm eating all real foods now but still drinking my protein shakes in order to get in my protein. Plus they add fluid and I like the way they taste. I am eating a lot of fish and chicken and I'm ready for something very different. I just don't know what My reflux is pretty bad and even though I am taking protonix, I'm still in pain. Do any of you have that problem? It really limits putting any spices in my food. :-( And we know how us Mississippi girls like spice in our food.

I don't know what kind of cancer you have or had...but either way, go talk to a Bariatric Surgeon and they can advise you on what will and what won't count as a comorbidity and if you will be a good candidate for WLS. We're here to offer all the support you need but most of us are not doctors and can't really offer medical judgments. I feel like you will be offered uplifting advice from a surgeon but you need to go talk to them. Wishing you luck.

LOL, I'm storing some of these comebacks for future reference. Y'all are too good.

ItsAllNew: You are a wonderful daughter to care for your mom as you are. I know she appreciates and loves you more than you could ever imagine. I lost my mom very suddenly and never got to say goodbye, at least you will have that. My mother-in-law was in Hospice and that is where she surrendered her life. She knew she was loved and cared about until the very end and we were able to say our goodbyes to her. Neither scenario is easy... they are both equally painful but I prefer the latter if I had a choice. I understand your dedication to your mom and your lack of appetite but you have to take care of yourself. Others, friends, neighbors, relatives and church folks want to do things to help you but probably don't know how, be honest and let them know it would be good for them to bring you food each day. You know how important it is to take care of yourself so please make an effort so you will be able to be strong for your mom and able to be with her till the end. God bless you and keep you. Sending hugs.

Wow, what's the idea?

it took me about 5 or 6 weeks to drink normally. That sipping was for the birds, I couldn't get all my water in with such little sips. Also, drinking plain water was difficult for me. I had to add SF kool aid or crystal lite or some other flavoring. I could drink vitamin water flavored with stuff too. Plain water has a metallic taste now since surgery. I know, it must be in my head but regardless...I can't drink it plain.

Maybe you're just seeing if for the first time since childhood.

Very impressive. Congratulations.