scarlet333

You are so right. The problem is I literally can't find before pictures of myself. The few that I have I have strategically placed other people in front of me blocking everything but a sliver of my face. I made it a whole art form to avoid taking pictures of myself. I see some people here who actually took pictures of themselves literally right before surgery. I wish I had thought of that. I guess I was so preoccupied with the surgery it didn't even occur to me.

Current weight - 145.2. Down around 1.4 pounds. I'll take it and am thrilled. I haven't seen this weight is so long. Each ounce is a complete struggle but nothing good comes too easy. Good Luck everyone. Keep up the good work.

It is an interesting assumption. I have watched five colleagues/staff go through weight loss surgery over the past two years. A couple told people and three didn't. There was more gossip and speculation and rumour about those who did not share than those who were open books on the topic. The ones who said "I have had surgery" were overwhelmingly given support, encouragement, and there was no gossip or rumour. Instead people would say "OMG have you seen M? She looks AMAZING!" Where as those who said nothing were subject to a whole lot of "she must have had surgery, do you think?" "No one could do that without help" "who does she think she is kidding pretending she is losing all that weight with high Protein and exercise, do we look stupid." And variations on that general theme. It is food for thought. I do think that those who think they won't be talked about by staying private are perhaps prone to wishful thinking. I may well be wrong, but my experiences differ in the extreme. It is an interesting assumption. I have watched five colleagues/staff go through weight loss surgery over the past two years. A couple told people and three didn't. There was more gossip and speculation and rumour about those who did not share than those who were open books on the topic. The ones who said "I have had surgery" were overwhelmingly given support, encouragement, and there was no gossip or rumour. Instead people would say "OMG have you seen M? She looks AMAZING!" Where as those who said nothing were subject to a whole lot of "she must have had surgery, do you think?" "No one could do that without help" "who does she think sheis is kidding pretending she is losing all that weight with high protein and exercise, do we look stupid." And variations on that general theme. It is food for thought. I do think that those who think they won't be talked about by staying private are perhaps prone to wishful thinking. I may well be wrong, but my experiences differ in the extreme. My experience has been different. Very few people even noticed I was loosing weight until I hit about 50 pounds lost (or at least no one said anything to me). I think if I had made a big announcement about it people would have been looking and noticing everything eaten and been asking me constantly "so how much have you lost so far". At least for me this would have been very disturbing. I also do not know anyone else either at work or personal life who has had this surgery. This indicates that everyones experience is different and they should do what works best for them.

Very interesting and I think the part about calorie or energy expenditure is useful for you for maintenance. One thing though if you are happy with the way you feel and look and are in good health don't get too hung up on the numbers. Its really about your health and how you feel in your clothes.

I thought long and hard on this and decided to only tell my husband. My close friends see and know I have changed my eating style (mainly protein) and workout like an banshee (do banshees workout?). This is the reason for my weight loss. I am a pretty private person and I know that I can be judgemental about others and just felt I didn't need to provide more rumor for the mill to discuss. Once you are on solid foods it is not obvious to anyone that you are eating any differently then anyone else so you do not have to constantly explain to others about what you are eating. I am proud of what I have accomplished and just as proud if I accomplished this weight loss without surgery. I just don't wish to be discussed either behind my back or to my face and the less said the less chance this will happen.

I totally agree.. I know your heart is in the right place and I totally appreciate that but it is a challenge after all and the only way to be successful at any challenge is to at least show up. If people can't remember to show up, then, I'm sorry but it's just not that important to them. Well said Seela!!

I live very near the beach and every summer I would take my kids to the beach several times a week. I would usually plant myself in a chair in my bathing suit (which could also be a full length dress it covered so much) and almost not move at all until it was time to leave for fear of drawing attention to myself. Well this summer I am looking forward to having a normal bathing suit that shows off some skin and not be embarassed to walk around and possibly draw a little attention.

That is great. You keep it up. The eliptical is also gentle on the joints.

I'm sure 11 months ago when you had surgery you wouldn't have imagined that in less than a year you would running half marathons. And overcoming all the medical issues you have. I keep waiting to catch the "love of running" bug that others have. While I am running most of the time I am thinking of how much time left. When I am done I must admit I feel pretty proud and cocky that I did it. I am hoping that when the weather gets a little warmer, above freezing I may like it a little better.

I did both but twice as much cardio as strength training. Two days of running or eliptical followed by 1 day of strength training. I wouldn't worry about building up too much muscle if you are using handweights or tension bands. More like toning than bulking up. This worked out well for me so far. The other thing I do is I change whatever strength training I am doing every 2 months or so.

Definitely morning weight and no more than once or twice a week.

Wow deedadumble you are impressive to me to be able to even contemplate running a half marathon. Did you start running by using the c25k app? If so how long did it take you to be able to run 15K? Today I did week 7 day 2 which is the 25 minute straight run and after a week break (due to a major snow storm) it was tough to me. Don't see myself running for much more than the 30 minutes.

Bea, you do so much already and are giving so much of your personal time to do these challenges you shouldn't have to spend even more time reminding us to report in. Each of us should have enough personal responsibility to weigh in and report without you having to remind us. If that is too much for us then thats on us. Thanks again Bea for all you do.

You are doing so well and with no exercise! I can sympathize with the slow down but just imagine loosing anything during the holidays is a huge success. Keep up the good work and great attitude.

It is so funny how body types are so different. I too am 5'2" CBT and am about 5 pounds heavier than you but I am nowhere near a size 4 jeans! I can't even imagine that size. My size 10 jeans are very comfortable and may be able to squeeze into an 8. With my Italian hips and booty can't imagine I would ever be a 4.

Linda, Thanks so much for the recipe. Sounds delicious and something different. Will definitely try it.

I make and love crustless Quiche, and love it warm or cold. I make it in a glass pieplate and it is several days of meals or snack. Used to take it to work for lunch. It is an easy go idea, but refrigerate. Could you share the Quiche recipe?

There is a Jillian Michaels DVD called "No More Trouble Zones" that does target all of these specific areas. I have it and like it very much. Having said that I don't think it will help with hanging skin but will definitely firm up the muscles in these areas. Good Luck.

I used to work for Jenny Craig and since our salaries were supplemented with commission on food sales this was our favorite few weeks out of the year.

Oops crossed responses with you Fluff.

Just googled this and it looks like cocktail sauce without the horseradish.

Funny about the wedding ring. I just said the same thing to my husband. I actually have to keep my hand clenched when I leave the house for fear of it slipping off. I keep meaning to go to the jewelers and see if they can add those little balls to the inside to size it smaller. As far as buying cloths. Its nice to buy a few things at each size as you loose so you always feel and look good in your clothes. You don't have to spend alot just a couple of pants from Target or Kohls and a few tops.

Congratulations on your success and determination. Don't let yourself feel like you are alone at the gym. Instead with our busy lives of taking care of others, our jobs, our homes etc.... I like to think of exercise time as my time where I can clear my mind of problems and just think of me. I actually look forward to this quiet introspection time. My kids know not to bother me at that time unless the house is on fire. keep up the good work and you will really enjoy that cruise.

coffee is fine with my doc too. So my splurge are the sugar free creamer with exotic flavors. My current favorite is pumpkin spice. I measure out 2 tablespoons. Occasionally have a second cup later in the day. Another splurge is a tablespoon of Peanut Butter. Not everyday but yum (but so high in calories). I've thought of a third splurge - 1 or 2 times per week I have the Quaker low sugar instant oatmeal. Tastes decadent.

Concise and informative article. Agree with most that I don't often eat "breakfast before say 10:30 am and interesting points about fasting and Protein. Thanks for sharing.