StayingStrong

Hi Everyone!! Haven't logged on for awhile. Just popped in to see how my April 2014 buddies are and WOW!! Even those of you who are posting how slow your loss is are showing incredible numbers!! BRAVO!!. Lets keep it up. I feel like the the long term is going to be my biggest challenge. I am down 97 pounds. Size 22 to a 14. Still got a ways to go but I am looking and feeling great. Have started some pretty intense work out sessions with a trainer and am getting so strong. Weight loss is SOOOO SLOW for me right now. I have to fight for every pound, but we are fighters right?!! Wishing you all the best, healthiest happiest continuation of your journey!!

@Sherson I am almost 5 months out from surgery and AM having acid reflux. The Prilosec did not work for me so now I am taking Dexilant twice a day and that seems to control it (as long as I remember to take it 2x EVERYday). However my insurance won't cover it and it is VERY expensive, $300. per month I am seeing my doctor in a month so I'll see what his thoughts are ... Keep us posted.

Holy smoke that is incredible!! And you look incredible. IMPRESSIVE! Congrats.

Good luck Adam!! It's really normal to second guess yourself and have fears etc... I think most of us went through that. I had my VSG surgery less then 4 months ago and I am down almost 70lbs (just average says my surgeon ) and I am SO SO thrilled. Its still going to be damn hard to keep off forever even with the surgery but wow! If you could get this under control in your 20's really amazing. Sending best wishes and prayers your way. Its going to be great!!

You look amazing!! Gorgeous =)

@@JCP yes!! I mostly strive for 70 grams. But when I am traveling, not paying attention etc.. it lags. I always feel best if I get my 64 ounces of water, protein & vitamins. Its hard for me as it takes a lot of focus. Some days I still feel tired but mostly I am energized and feel strong. I am 3.5 months out and have lost 60lbs. I have another 60 to go and I really want to make it happen so I am tightening up my eating and exercising and trying to be really really good! Good luck! And do still talk to your Doctor about everything.

I have been traveling and started eating bread. I noticed that my weight loss stopped. My surgeon/nutritionalist say that refined carbs like the bread in the sandwich are the last things I should be putting in my mouth. First protein, then veggies and fruits, then complex carbohydrates if I am still hungry/have room. I honestly never have room for them but do squeeze them in sometimes. I also have NOT had any sparkling water/ or sodas since surgery - I thought it wasn't allowed? Hmnn.

I feel the same. Fragile and weak. Normally if I am not getting my Protein so I am back on making sure that I get at least 60 grams daily.

I would suggest getting out the eating guide that you were hopefully given when you had surgery and start really paying attention. Eating the amounts suggested, food types, make sure you are getting your Water and Protein etc... ALSO call the nutritionalist at the surgeon's office and either make an appointment or talk to him/her on the phone. As you know its a hard journey but we all must be honest with ourselves about what we are putting into our bodies and how much exercise we are getting. I truly wish you the best!!

Great job!! You look gorgeous!!

Jill that sounds so so frustrating. I am so sorry you've gone through all that and not gotten the results. Can the doctor explain to you why? Seems like a new surgeon and a new surgery will make 3 times a charm come true for you! Wishing you all the best!

I am almost 9 weeks out. Doing well. I'm done 48 pounds. Past couple weeks started struggling with Acid. In general feeling really good. Workout most days. Strength training and cardio, noticing a consistent increase in strength and fitness. It is not effortless but it is doable. To the newbie above who is having surgery July 14. Its so normal to be scared and "freaked out". I sure was!! I would do it again in a heartbeat. The first few weeks its a huge adjustment. But I didn't have much pain, for me it was more just working out what to drink and when and etc... Good luck to everyone, Stay Strong!!

My surgeons office told me to mix my pills with a spoon full of sugar free cool whip. Doesn't completely cover the taste but is the best option I have tried so far.

Cowgirljane, WOW!! You look so so amazing. Congratulations on your new hotty self. Thank you also for being so cool and brave and sharing your pics with us. Beautiful!

@Dexter118, Being nervous is SO normal. I was terrified. Seriously. I had my surgery on April 21st and overall its gone really well. There have been ups and downs and hard days and good days BUT I would do it again in a heartbeat. I have lost 47 lbs in 9 weeks (my surgeon says this is "just average" ) But for the first time every I know (most days) that I am going to lose all of my excess weight. If your surgeon is confident in doing the surgery you will be fine!! Sending prayers and good wishes, hang in there!! The doubts and fear are normal.

WOW!! Incredible success. Okay so I am a little jealous I had surgery on April 21st and have lost 47lbs. Feeling great but WHOA you've lost 70+ pounds?!! I wanna lose more. What are your daily meals like? How much are you working out? So inspiring!

I just had my 8 week doctors appointment (surgery 4/21) My doctor told me I can eat just about anything but take it slowly, small bites, and chew well. He also told me I should be eating about 600 calories daily Nutritionalist told me 600-800. OY thats not very much.

Hey April 21 buddies!! Thinking of you all and hope each and everyone of you is doing well. It's been a journey!! I'm on soft foods and mostly its going well. I have had to travel a bit and eating out mostly always makes me sick. Ugh. But almost everything I make ate home is fine. My only issue is that my red blood count is still really low. It was pre-surgery and I am on double the recommended Iron and still no luck =( See my surgeon in a couple days so I'll see what he says. Wishing you continued success and good health!! SW: 298 CW: 256 GW 176

You are so beautiful!! Congratulations =)

@, thats so great!! I've started going too. At the moment I can't really mess this up as I am early on the journey and cannot eat much BUT It is food addiction that got me here and as my stomach expands and I am able to eat more I want to make sure I have my head straight!! Thanks for posting!!

SO GREAT!! Thanks for the update!

Hi April 21sters! Hope you are all doing well! I am down 29 lbs. Had a 8 day stall that ended 4 days ago. For exercise I am mostly walking with a little weights as I had hiatal hernia and still not supposed to lift over 15 lbs. There's for sure been some challenges but over all doing great. So happy I am on this journey. Wishing you all your dreams come true!!

@@Magician44 Such great news!! So happy for you.

I have to do everything Laxative, softners, Fiber and suppository. UGH good luck

I am 3.5 weeks into the journey and its harder then I thought it would be. Its not an easy way out. BUT I am SO thrilled that I have done. Honestly I don't think there is any other way I was going to really lose all this weight and keep it off for the rest of my life. I know believe I can and will do it!!