Stacy_wls

This morning was 213.6 -- not quite goal, but I had been stalled all week, so I am happy!

I'm at 215.7 today. I haven't been here for 10+ years.

I know I am still early for planning plastics, but I am just trying to plan and understand what I need to save. I was wondering if anyone had recommendations on Surgeons in the Chicago area that specialize in Plastics after major weight loss. I would really like to get a LBL, Breast Lift and Thigh Lift all in one surgery if possible. Two recoveries will be very tough for me. I need to travel for work, so I'd rather be able to take the time off to recover just once. Thank you for any recommendations!

I am saving a ton of money! My grocery bill has gone up, but that is because I almost never cooked at home before. I ate out or got take out probably 90% of the time. Now I only really go out when it is work or social (prefer to have people over). I am making 1-2 meals per week and portioning it out. Usually I make it into 3 different packages and free 2. This way each week I have a good variety -- I pull a couple things from the freezer and add to it as well. So each week I am really just buying the makings for 1-2 meals and some cheese / yogurt / veggies. I did not watch my budget super closely, but my monthly credit card bill is significantly lower due to the lack of take out. Another bonus - my son is eating better b/c he is not eating fast food anymore.

I love the little bowls. I use them all the time. It really helps me not over serve myself (and as a result stuff myself). I have moved all of my full size bowls and plates to the way back of my cupboards. I had friends over last weekend, and served lunch on my salad plates. Haha - it's good for everyone I think.

I'm almost at 3 months (3/12) and currently at about 800 / day w/ <50 g of carbs. I met with my nutritionist and she told me I should up my carbs and calories a bit. I exercise a lot, so that might be part of it. Most days I am burning an extra 600 calories. I am hesitant to up my calories also, so plan on doing it very slowly. I have been doing ~850 for the past couple of days (except yesterday b/c I got sick). I'm thinking every month or 10 lbs or so I will up my calories by about 50. I want to lose 40-50 more lbs, so every 10 lbs would get me just over 1000 / day which would be a good way to transition into maintenance (I think).

I did spinning this morning. Biked 19.3 miles!

Whoops I realized last week I posted 234. I meant 224 (it's hard to believe sometimes I still think I am higher). Today is 220.4. ( lots of twos and lots of fours

220.4

Quest bars do taste great and have great nutritional stats - HOWEVER - they are a slider for me. I can eat on (160 - 190 calories) and not be full. I use these for when I am traveling and need Protein, but I worry they are a slippery slope for me b/c they taste so good! I will use these when I need some chocolate, so I stay away from a low protein / Fiber candy bar.

CW: 234. In the middle of a stall. Boo.

I have a bit of salad sometime. Make sure you eat the protein first because salad can fill you up quickly.

Somethings that I found super tasty and good early on were: greek yogurt turkey chili eggs w/ cheese coffee Protein shakes slow cooker meats - you can cook them w/ your favorite flavors (asian, buffalo sauce yum!) Good luck! Therapy and OA have been super helpful for me in getting to the food addiction aspect of it. The sleeve will only help with how much can fit, but not with what we put in it. I would consider looking for some additional support. OA is great b/c everyone is facing similar challenges. Good Luck!

I was concerned about this, but I kept forgetting to ask my surgeon. On the day or surgery, I was speaking w/ the resident who would be assisting and she said he typically used a 60. I was a bit freaked out - and told her that seemed way to big to me. That I wanted something smaller. I reiterated to my surgeon when he came in that I really wanted something tight. They said they would look at my anatomy when they were in there and make a safe decision. He ended up using a 34. Since I am so tall, I am able to eat more than other people because my sleeve is pretty long - I think this is why they were ok going with a smaller bougie. Even though I can eat a bit more (1/2 - 3/4 cup depending on the food), I am very happy with the size of it. I feel like I can almost be normal -- I have to eat out with work colleagues and clients and it would be very akward if I could only have a bit or two rather than just a small portion like i have now.

I started shortly after surgery. I didn't put much pressure on myself - just go and do something. It had benefits beyond weight loss -- it makes you feel good! It makes your heart healthier. It stops you from wanting to eat b/c you are busy! I also noticed such significant growth in my ability early on - b/c as the weight dropped off walking and running became so much easier. At my support group this past week, I asked my NUT what some of the characteristics of people are who have had long term success. Her one main response was people that incorporated exercise into their daily life.

Thank you guys! I am really focusing on protein. Getting 70 - 90+ grams / day. Maybe on my harder workout days I will sneak in a quest bar. Those go down really easy. I am satisfied at the end of my meals (and don't want to eat more b/c I really don't want the stuffed fealing), it is just a couple hours later I get hungry.

Hi everyone! I am wondering what my calories should be at. I am 2.5 months out, 5'10, and very active. I have been spinning about 2X / week, running & lifting 2X / week, doing yoga 1-2X / week and playing hockey 1-2X/ week. Lately I have been eating ~750 calories / day and have been feeling ok. Just the last couple of days my energy has really dropped. (maybe I am getting sick). I asked my nutritionist how many calories I should have and she wont give me a number. She just wants me to eat to satisfaction. I do get hungry between meals and am ready for my next scheduled snack / meal, but want to avoid grazing. Does anyone have any input / advice? Thanks!

Good morning! CW: 226.9 Gw: 210 (this is aggressive!)

Wonderful. I am in. I often have to fly out for work on Sundays. If so, I might weigh in a day early, rather than having to wait until Friday to weigh in. Thank you for setting this up!

Mine was 16,000 out of pocket. I was going to go to Mexico, but my parents were too nervous, so they helped me with the difference in cost. It was really nice not to have to Tavel right after surgery and to have the follow up care here.

229.5! Woohoo surpassed my goal!

I am down about 45 lbs. I had surgery on the 12th. Don't stress about the numbers, just your behaviors. Just because you can eat more doesn't mean you need to. I know I eat less when I portion it out correctly. I try not to get the full feeling - it's better to eat a little less than that and just be satisfied. I am staying away from carbs for the most part except veggies and a little fruit. Most meals are 2-3 oz of Protein and a quarter cup of veggies. Check out myfitnesspal diary if you like. Your progress is good - you can't control the number, just your behavior.

Thank you guys! I just went to the gym and feel great. The scale is just a number, but feeling great is the real goal right. (I'm still kind of addicted to the scale, but am trying to get away from it.

Hi everyone! I just started back at work. My work generally required me to travel 4 days a week and typically work very long hours. This makes eating right and exercising more of a challenge. Yesterday as I was on my way back home, I was feeling great. My project is interesting and going great! I worked out everyday - found a yoga and spinning studio that I could drop in at. I ate well - with one not so fantastic, but not horrible meal out with the client and supplier. So I was just feeling like I had this - I could do it. This morning when I weight myself, I was up 1.2 lbs. It is so frustrating! The weight loss had already been slowing down, so I was hoping for a good drop. Could this be Water retention from the airline travel? I know this is normal and if I keep doing everything I should then things will move. But ahh! It is a mind f*!k. I hope everyone has a great Friday. thanks for listening.

Today: 236.2 first stall . I am hoping I am retaining water because I was flying yesterday. It's a bummer because before my rip I had hit my goal of 235. Hard to do most everything right and come home to a gain.