IcanMakeit

CW: 167. No change again. But since I just got back from a mini vacation, during which I had bacon and sausage, it's my own fault. I know what to do. I just have to do it.

This is a great topic. I love hearing about everyone's success. Congrats to all. I've only lost 35 lbs in the three months since the surgery. But health wise, I've gone a lot further! I'm definitely enjoying the increased strength and vigor. And because I lost a whole bunch before the surgery, my total loss is pretty good. I'm happy with my results so far.

Thanks for the "attagirls". With such stellar support we will all make our short term and long term goals.

As of today I am overweight and I want to dance. I've gone from morbidly obese to obese to overweight in just over 7 months. I'm feeling hopeful now that my surgeon's goal is very attainable and my own personal goal might be as well. Yay me.

167 today. Only 4 lbs to the Labor Day goal. I think I can. I think I can....

This is not a stupid question, but it is a common one. From the other posts I have read, the amount of loose skin you end up with depends on your age, genetics and how long you have been overweight. Exercise may be helpful, but it may not make much of a difference. But since exercise is important, it's totally worth doing.

Current weight: 171. No loss for the second week in a row. That's what I get for getting cocky. A couple of weeks ago, I was all "I got this."

I so needed to hear this right now. Thank you.

I've been riding for almost two months now. At first, it was really tough. I had to get off and push the bike up even small hills. But now, although I'm a lot slower going uphill than down, I no longer have to get off and push. Keep at it. It definitely gets easier the more you do it.

I'm happy for you that it went so well. And as a another parent of adult children, I am high-fiving your parents for being so supportive.

Your body takes a while to adjust after surgery. It is very common to lose little or nothing in the first couple of weeks post surgery, even though your caloric intake is so limited. When this was happening to me, everyone told me to drink more Water. The more water you drink, the more you flush the fluids out of your system.

Today's weight: 171. Well, I had a good run for the previous 4 weeks. I guess I shouldn't complain about not losing this week. (But of course I will.)

I am planning a long road trip with a non-dieting friend over a four-day weekend next month. We'll be staying at a cheap motel with donuts and pastries for "breakfast" and stopping at convenience stores for driving Snacks and soft drinks. I want to be a fun traveling companion, not a Debbie Downer about food. So I'm planning to prepare by buying Quest bars to pack with me, bringing my Protein shakes, and keeping acceptable snack foods and drinks in a cooler. I am just worrying that either I'll let the goodies she's eating bother me or that I'll bother her by not joining in. I'm usually pretty ok with other people eating foods that I can't have, but this will not be just one afternoon. This is four whole days. Other than bringing foods that I can eat and enjoy, what should I do to keep my head in a good place so that I don't get irritated and say something snarky?

I'm not sure I have experienced head hunger. I also feel hungry about two hours after a meal, but I think that's because I get full so fast whenever I eat. The rest of my body doesn't agree with my stomach. I don't snack, so I'm actually hungry more often now than I was when I was dieting pre-surgery. The difference is that it's much easier to stay on program now. Even though I'm hungry, I know I can't really eat much, so I have little enthusiasm for food.

Thanks to all for your great advice. I am probably anticipating a problem that may not materialize. I am not shy about asking for special orders in restaurants, and I'll be bringing along some things I really enjoy. With everyone's reassurance, I can go back to looking forward to my trip.

I read somewhere that there is no such thing as starvation mode and that our bodies do not adjust to maintain on whatever reduced caloric level we maintain. Those studies may convince others, but I'm not persuaded. I have experienced what you describe more than once. Because of that, I was afraid to get the sleeve or a bypass. I thought the initial year of extremely low caloric intake was unwise and would not lead to permanent weight loss. But after researching and reading so many success stories, I realized that even if a super low calorie diet isn't the perfect solution, when you combine it with bariatric surgery, for many people it works for the long term. I think bariatric works because while you have some months with little or no appetite, you can train yourself to make better food choices and make that your new normal. You also realize that you need a lot less food than you previously thought. No solution works if you don't work with it. I believe either surgery can result in good long term weight loss. But for me, the malabsorption of the bypass was a negative, not a positive aspect of the surgery. I am 60 and I thought the effects of possible malnutrition might be drastic at my age.

What an inspiring story. Congratulations on your fantastic weight loss. How wonderful that your father is still here for you and backing you up all the way! It gives me hope that you admit to having made mistakes along the way, but you are still successful over the long term.

Only you know the answer to your question as it pertains to you. For myself, although I also love the taste of good food,I don't miss being tempted to overeat because the food tastes good. I'm still only two months out and no sweets or starches are currently allowed, but I'm looking forward to the future when I hope to enjoy healthy food choices 99% of the time and have a taste of cake on my birthday without the urge to have seconds. There are many on this site who advocate 100% compliance with the program 100% of the time. They say that most people who keep the weight off for the long term adhere to that policy. I don't think that would work for me. I enjoy family celebrations that include fabulous foods. I don't want to be so strict that I don't ever allow myself any indulgences. I just want to be mindful and accountable, not a food nazi. I believe the sleeve will help me achieve that goal.

I live in a small, gossipy town. The phlebotomists and other health care providers are all very friendly and chatty. But I have never encountered one who would overstep that far. It's too bad you were so polite. I would have said something about the unprofessionalism.

Current weight: 172

1356 +69 1,425

I don't have a problem with discussing my surgery with my family or close friends. But I don't want my work colleagues discussing my weight or intimate details of my health. So at work I just said I was having surgery with no other description. I started dieting (and losing a great deal of weight) long before my surgery, so the changes since surgery are not so extreme. If people ask me about my diet and exercise program, I tell them. Once they hear how strict it is, they quickly lose interest. I don't feel like I'm doing a disservice to other obese people by not revealing my surgery to all. I'm not losing weight any faster than I did pre-surgery. (Although it's true that I am counting on the surgery to help me maintain the weight loss by teaching me to eat less overall.)