Luvin_Life125

I never thought it would happen this quick! 2 weeks ago exactly I was sitting in the Doctors office waiting for my final visit and to have my insurance go through. Today I got the BEST call from Kelly at the office saying I was approved and to be ready for surgery in less then 2 weeks! April 23rd is the surgery date and I am nervous and excited all at the same time! I will go in for my pre surgery appointment this Thursday and have a 5 day clear liquid diet to begin this coming weekend.
I have a one night stay in the hospital so I will be out Friday sometime. I am a single mom and my 3 year old daughter was asked to be a flower girl in a wedding that is April 25th....how much pain do you think I will be in or am i crazy to even think I will be attending this wedding 2 days after surgery??? I also have to have her at the rehearsal on friday night the day after my surgery...am i crazy??I had a c-section and know how painful it is, but I also know I was up and walking the day I had it.

I am able to wear my wedding ring again. I haven't been able to wear it for about 3 years.

I'm reading these NSVs and I'm like yep I've experienced that one and that one and I've enjoyed everyone I have had.... But as I was reading I realized its 930 pm and I'm still dressed and I have been dressed all day in my bra and everything . This is a NSV because before losing 146 lbs I could not stand to be dressed. If I was at home I was in my lounge clothes and no bra. Wearing a bra was the devil... Uncomfortable and I hated it so to be dressed all day when I haven't even left the house is a huge NSV for me!!!!!

@@rdy4chng
The only person that has to be happy with your results is you.
We all have stressful lives. Its all a choice of what you want out of this and if you are willing and ready to put the hard work in. Making changes of how you handle stress is a good place to start. Instead of stress/emotional eating choose an activity to replace that behavior. You mentioned you have never worked out. Maybe its time to try it. Its an excellent way to release stress. Walking and advancing to what ever activity works for you.
Wishing you the best,
Jenn

I have found that "easiest" way to make sure I will exercise consistently is to get up at 4:15 am and go walk and/or run. I have to be out of my house by 6 to get to work. On weekends I go first thing when I wake up to keep the habit consistent. It was kind of tough at first, but now it's just the way it is. It was too easy to find excuses after work between cooking/shopping, work, and everything else, so this works way better. I also have a 45 minute commute, and it does suck to spend that much time in the car each day, I can't even imagine a 2 hour commute.

Wow! A doctor replying on a weekend, let alone a Sunday! I AM impressed! And I'm so glad for you that he did, and about what he said. Sounds like you're on your way, and hopefully no more troubles for you! Here's a hint I use: Cottage cheese (1/2 cup) for my evening snack. Lots of Protein, and no "problems"! All the best to you....

Shortly after surgery I must have passed gas while asleep and got more than I bargained for and had to throw away my underwear. Never trust a fart!!! Maybe that is what is happening to you?!?!?

Ouch! Hang in there. You have to kiss a lot of frogs before you find a prince. I can't imagine how tough dating is and would be. I give you a lot of credit for broaching the subject and handling the less than stellar responses with grace.

So all is going well with the eating. I love that I'm eating less and losing *clap* *clap*. But now 7 weeks out, I need an alcoholic beverage. I have one of the most conservative programs and they advise no drinking EVER again. Well that's not going to happen. I meet with my dietitian next week and we need to set a realistic goal. I'm at the bar right now with friend as they sip on their wine and I just can't watch them weekend after weekend. If I'm allowed one glass of alcohol a weekend that would be amazing! Of course I would choose wisely and log the calories etc.
Sorry I needed to rant as I sip my Water in the bar.

I'm an apple shape and no amount of weight loss will change that. Even when I weighed 122 lbs, it was my waist that was a problem. Buying pants that fit at waist and not baggy at hips has been a problem for me at every weight from 122 lbs. to 250 lbs. Hips, thighs - not a problem. Stomach - big problem. Body shape, to a large degree, is genetic.

I was so concerned when I read this, cause I rely so heavily on genepro for my protein. I ran across this on a body building blog, seemed to answer things for me...
Genepro - highest rated protein on the planet
LARGEbagFrontWEB.jpgHey there guys. I am the Doctor/Genetic Bio-Scientist that invented Genepro and am the owner of Musclegen Research. Serving size is 1 Tablespoon = 30g of protein.. Here is a little about the product and the difference between Genepro and any other protein on the market. We are working with bodybuilding.com to carry Genepro as well as out other products..
What makes Genepro so unique is that we are able to reduce the protein molecule to half the size of normal protein through a process called Electrophoresis. This is a reverse electrical polarity method of extracting pure protein. In essence we take protein molecules that, for reference, are the size of a baseball. We push these baseball sized protein molecules through a Polyacrylamide gel (the gel stays below 87 degrees F) and introduce electricity through the gel. This process removes hydrogen ions, allergens and any fillers or binders so we are able to then bind the protein with a strand of six amino acids called a Hexapeptide which stabilizes the molecular structure. This hexapeptide increases shelf life of the protein as well as balancing the bitter taste that is present with the protein after electrophoresis and actually gives the protein a slightly sweet undertone. The protein is pushed through a filtration system and into a centrifuge which results in a pure protein molecule that is now the size of a golf ball (for reference). You may not be able to fit 30 baseballs into a shoe box but you can fit 30 golf balls. Thus giving us the ability to get 30grams of protein in a 1TBS serving size. This process also changes the caloritic count as well to 3.2 calories per gram of protein. The process as well at the hexapeptide are patent pending and have never been used before in nutrition (it's a genetic process that is used primarily in forensic science). The other interesting fact is that most protein supplements digest in the lower GI and whey is absorbed at only 31% so if you're "taking" 30g of whey, your body is only taking in 9g. Genepro is digested in the upper GI which eliminates gluten, lactose and bowel sensitivity and absorbs at a rate of 94% which makes it 3 times more effective than any other protein on the planet (medical or open market). Flavorless and odorless and can be mixed instantly in any food or beverage (hot or cold) without changing the taste or consistency. Truly the most complex and advanced protein on the planet. Each 1pound container comes with 3 empty, re-useable travel pouches that make it super convenient to use anytime, anywhere and in anything

I believe the purpose of the forum is to also educate not only support. This product is making claims that are simply impossible. Criticisms of the product is not criticizing the users of product.

Thanks everyone for chiming in - and I'm sorry I've been absent....Work has been RIDICULOUS this week.
Well, I decided to put on by big-girl panties, a give these darn Vitamins a try. I got out a knife, and just cut off a little piece of each one. Not as bad as I anticipated.
I think I'm going to try the Strawberry-Lemonade Multi (2 x day) and the Cerry Tart Calcium (3 x day). We'll see how it goes.
I know the Vitamins are important...but I've never been "good" at taking them, so I'm going to have to really commit to it, and just consider them "medication", and NOT OPTIONAL.
Again, thanks everyone for the support - it's good to know I'm not the only one out there with Vita-phobia!

It's SLEEVELESS. Oh. My. God. Me, in a sleeveless dress? Well, yes! I put this under Fitness & Exercise, because, lol, this is the most motivation I've had in months for getting down to the basement and working out on the BowFlex. Here's to it.

I used to never do yoga because I felt like it was a waste. I mean if I am going to invest 45 min - an hour I need to sweat and burn calories. But now that I am 45 I do it at least once or twice a week. It really helps balance all the high intensity and high impact with stretching and balance. I really enjoy it now. It makes me feel so much better. I still haven't bought into to the meditation and relaxation part.
Good luck-
LA

I can relate (I guess we ALL can!!!), today I went to the Harley-Davidson dealership just to see what was new in motorclothes. I tried on this jacket in the sale section, it was a 2x. Last summer there would be no way it would fit, it would've been too small. Today I could wrap the darn thing AROUND me!!!!! The salesgirl couldn't figure out why I was laughing to the point of tears! Normally I would have loved finding a pink leather jacket in my size, today I was laughing because there WEREN'T any in MY size, a large! NSV of a different sort!

I'VE WORN 24 FOR LITERALLY YEARS. I WENT SHOPPING TODAY BECAUSE MY JEANS ETC ARE FALLING OFF. I GOT 18 PANTS. I COULD HAVE DONE 16 BUT THEY DIDN'T HAVE ANY AND I WAS LEAVING THERE WITH SOME PANTS! ANYWAY I SEE NOW WHAT PEOPLE ARE TALKING ABOUT HOW WEIRD IT IS TO LOOK FOR SMALLER SIZES AND ITS FUNNY THERE WERE MORE SIZE 24S IN THE STORE TODAY THAN I HAVE EVER SEEN BEFORE WHEN NOW I NEED 16/18. IT WAS FUNNY BECAUSE IT WAS ALL MOSTLY THE BIGGER SIZES. BUT MAYBE BEFORE LONG I CAN SHOP IN JUST MISSES INSTEAD OF PLUS TOO. BUT ANYWAY, ALMOST EVERYONE I HAVE RUN INTO IN THE LAST TWO WEEKS IS COMMENTING OR ASKING ABOUT MY WEIGHT LOSS. I REALLY TRY TO SHRUG IT OFF BUT IT IS SO FUNNY TO ME BECAUSE OTHER THAN MY CLOTHES BEING LOOSE I DON'T SEE IT YET, AT ALL. BUT I KNOW IT'S HAPPENING. I DON'T LIKE ATTENTION SO THIS IS THE PART I WAS SKIDDISH ABOUT IS WHEN PEOPLE START NOTICING. BUT I GUESS THAT MEANS IT'S WORKING!

Thanks for the reminders. Today I threw out the remainder of a sandwich that cost me almost $9.00, and it was hard to do, as I had only had a third of it. But I knew it was going to be gross later on, I knew I not only shouldn't but COULDN"T eat any more of it, knew ahead of time it was going to come to this, but it still hurts - the pocket-book as well as the mind-set of normally finishing a meal (clean-your-plate mentality). It's gonna take me awhile to get this through my head! I need a new Psyche!!!

From Beck Daily Diet Solutions - http://www.beckdietsolution.com/daily-diet-solutions/
Daily Diet Solutions
April 10, 2015 - Friday Weekend Warm-Up If you slip up this weekend, get immediately back on track. Doing so means you’ll get to go to bed feeling PROUD of yourself for your ability to recover, instead of MAD at yourself for getting off track.
April 9, 2015 - Think Thin Thursday It’s hard to keep track of how much you’re eating when you’re taking handfuls from a big bag or a communal bowl. To keep yourself accountable, put whatever serving you intend to eat in your own bowl before you start eating. That way, you’ll be able to enjoy each bite more because you’ll know exactly how much you’ve had and exactly how much you have left.
April 8, 2015 - Wednesday Sabotage Sabotaging Thought: I’ve blown my diet for the day so I might as well keep eating and get back on track tomorrow.
Response: It’s not as if, at a certain point, the calories stop adding up. If I go on to eat 2,000 more calories, my body will count them. If I go on to eat 4,000 more calories, my body will count those, too. It makes NO SENSE to continue eating off track because the more I eat, the more weight I may gain. Get back on track RIGHT NOW!
April 7, 2015 - Tuesday Reality Check Now that holiday weekend is over, consider throwing away or donating leftover candy and treats. If you think, “But that would be a waste of money,” remind yourself that the money is already gone; eating the treats won’t bring it back. The only thing it will do is knock you off track and make you gain weight. Just get rid of it!
April 6, 2015 - Monday Motivation Did you get off track this weekend? Here’s the good news: It doesn’t matter! No matter what you did or didn’t eat this weekend, it doesn’t mean you can’t have a FANTASTIC day today and go on to have a great eating week.

I never thought I would be thin again. I never thought I would have surpassed my fitness level as a youth. BUT I DID. I HAVE. AND I Will CONTINUE to STRIVE for MORE!!!
I'm so proud of this...I can't wait until I can do it without the wall!

Well, now that I'm down about 60 lbs. it was time to replace my old lingerie with new, more appropriately sized lingerie. The "girls" just were not happy hanging out in the old stuff, so I went shopping yesterday after work and got re-fitted for a new bra. The style I had been wearing for 2-3 years is no longer available so I had to find a new style. It never fails, find a style of something that you love and that is working for you and they always discontinue it sooner or later. Same with make-up, nail polish colors, Bath and Body Works scents. Can you relate?? Anyway, I'm very pleased with my new purchases, and so are the "girls."
Next shopping trip will probably be for more slacks for work. I'm down 2 sizes since surgery, just starting the current size this week.
Need to make a return trip to a consignment shop a friend had told me about. First trip there I found several tops for work for very little money (in comparison to buying brand new).
Did I mention how much I hate clothes shopping???? Always have and probably always will, but at least now I've got more options because I'm entering the area where I don't have to shop the plus size stores or sections of department stores.
Happy shopping, ladies!!!

I don't think so but I know I want to be strong so if it means I will lose at a slower rate, I'll take that swap.

I am right about 3 months post-op (Sleeved 01/16/15) and have been pretty steadily losing. Very slowly, but slowly is more than none- so I will take it!
I am wondering if my workout routine (mainly my strength training) is slowing my loss by building muscle? I've heard that muscle is heavier than fat, is that true?
My stats:
SW: 285
Surgery day: 271
CW: 238.2
Here is my routine- let me know what you think:
1. I go to the gym 3-4 times per week
2. One mile on the treadmill with incline intervals; For .2 miles I get up to 3.4 mph. Then every .05 miles, I increase the incline by 2, up to 8. Then, at 8, every .05 miles I go back down by 2 and work up a good sweat and heart rate. For the last .05 miles of my mile, I cool down. This takes me about 20 minutes max. (I speed walk)
3. Bench Press machine (seated) 3 sets of 10 at 80lbs (I worked up from 40 to 80 over the last few months)
4. Lat Pull Downs 3 sets of 10 at 70 lbs
5. Leg Press machine - 3 sets of 10 at 80-100 lbs (depending on how it feels)
6. Weighted crunch machine - 3 sets of 10 at 80lbs
7. If time allows; rowing machine 3 sets of 10 at 50 lbs
I have been working on my arms as they are quite flabby. My legs are naturally muscular (thanks pre-school soccer!) but I do work on them here and there.
Is my muscle buiding slowing my loss?
Any input appreciated!

This statement only makes me more leery. The product is basically so manipulated it really isn't even Protein anymore. It's just genetically modified molecules that used to be protein. Where are all the anti-GMO advocates on this one? Who's to say the body even recognizes it as protein. Where are the studies that show the pre and post serum levels? Where is the amino acid profile? Does it supply the essential amino acids that our bodies can't synthesize? Again, where are the independent 3rd party studies supporting any of this company's claims? If it's so great, Where is the FDA approval? Until I see answers to these questions, it's still just snake oil.

Lands end is my absolute go to for swim suits. They have suits with underwire and compression to keep the girls where they belong and the jiggles contained. They also aren't trying to show off everything I have and then some. Make sure you check for coupon codes. No sense paying full price if you don't have to!