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Thanks for the encouragement. Need it some times...like now lol. :-)

The brand is "cooked perfect". These are Italian Style Gluten Free. I found them at my super market (Stop & Shop). I didn't have to hunt them down at Whole Foods. They probably would have cost double, lol. They're really yummy!

Here's what I had for supper tonight. Almost ate it all They are frozen gluten free meatballs (1 serving), 2 tbls of Rao's, 1 tsp of grated Parmesan cheese, plus steamed broccoli. After... I always use the dessert plate and dessert fork.

Yes. I continue to lose a little bit in inches. Haven't dropped a size since, but instead of just fitting in a 12, I notice things getting looser.

@@Lauriep I'm in my second stall since surgery. My first one came about 10 days post op, but broke in less than two weeks. Now, like you, I'm in a looong stall. Last weight loss was 11/19. Like you I keep examining everything I'm doing or not doing. Wish I had an answer other than - stick to your plan, and if you're "cheating" be honest with yourself, change the behavior, forgive yourself and move on. But I think that's really all we can do. There are so many vets on here that have been through many such stalls, and they're successful. Guess we just need some more patience Here's hoping yours breaks soon!!

@@Buttercupbrown I took this from the web: The area of the lower abdomen at the level of the bikini line is the mons pubis If you Google/search "mons lift", you'll get a good idea

@@hdd55146 You and I have very similar stats (height, starting & goal). Guess we share the same FB curse, lol. My husband has all ready said that if I want plastics later on, he'll find a way. (what a good guy) I didn't go in to this journey worrying about loose skin. I would much rather be healthy and deflated, than obese and diabetic, etc. But when I try on different things, my FB taunts me. Perhaps my new nemesis will help me stay on my program diligently. A daily reminder of sorts. You're a week out from surgery - how are you feeling? I hope everything went with out a hitch!

That's what I was thinking. I suppose I'll pursue that after I've reached goal. I have no idea if my insurance covers a pannulectomy. It would help if it did.

Hi @@jacileggs - I was referring to having a fat lower belly. From the naval down to my bikini line. I think the area you mentioned = mons. That area on me has improved a bit. Hoping for more improvement of course With lipo, wouldn't you end up with loose skin? Just wondering.... I know I've read of people getting a tummy tuck and mons lift at the same time. I've always carried a good portion of my weight around my hips. Now my butt and thighs are disappearing, but the low belly in front is taking it's sweet time.

So when does the "front butt" go away? I've got 30 lbs to go to get to my goal and I swear half of that is my front butt... It really makes fitting clothes/undies difficult. A thong? Forget about it. Just curious if there are others battling the same problem, or those who had this problem did it eventually go w/o plastics?

You'll be OK But I would suggest that if you're feeling a little anxious ask for your "cocktail" once the IV is in. Don't let them guess if you need it. I was fine...OK...so I did contemplate changing my mind, I think everyone does. But once it was time to go to the OR, and my husband said "I love you", I could feel myself getting emotional. The anesthesiologist popped over to my IV and gave me something. I relaxed immediately. I don't know why I didn't get something earlier. I guess they thought I was calm, cool, and collected, ha!

I'm happy to say that my hair loss is slowing way down. Just noticed this in the past few days. I don't have the hamster sized fur ball in the shower when it would come out by the hand full. There's a little, but pretty close to normal. When I comb my hair afterward, and put in "stuff" I get a little loose hair on my hands. Again, not the hand full as before. I think at 4.5 months I've turned the corner. I just want those going through it now to realize that it will stop :-) A lot of stress has been lifted, even though I knew I shouldn't have been stressing about it.

Hi Yes. I've been stuck for a while but there's still changes (lost inches). It started (stopped?) at three months. I don't particularly focus on calories. Just my Protein goal. But I am usually around 800 cal a day, 80 grams of protein, and 40 carbs. Hard to know what will kick start the weight loss again. If you search the site about the three week stall, there are plenty of suggestions. Just keep the faith and stick to your plan. It will break. :-)

I get the decaf mocha Click. Mmm. Have it most mornings with some ground flax. I have Chike on hand to have when I splurge on caffeine or want a change. It's good too. I've occasionally used decaf chilled coffee instead of Water to give it more coffeeness ( is that a word ? Lol).

Mine started the week before Thanksgiving. On the up side, here I am after Christmas and my weight is the SAME. Ha! Those 5 (or more) pounds added over the holidays did not happen. When I put on the belt I usually wear this morning, it was comfortably a notch tighter. Should take my measurements again...

Merry Christmas!

Mine are just normal sized capsules. Maybe there's another they could use if they're hard to get down?

I used to get migraines. I was on daily meds to prevent them. (I'd still get a doozy when Flo showed up.) But I've been off it since surgery. I do get some headaches. Usually ibuprofen takes them down. I have taken a pain pill twice hoping it would be gone in the morning, and that worked. I prefer this approach over being on topiramate. I do drink decaf coffee & tea and sometimes have Chike coffee Protein powder. So I do get some caffeine, but very little. I barely get 64oz of my Water in. Some days it 6 cups and not 8. So I've wondered if I need more when this happens. Since the dr used to think my migraines were hormonal, I'm guessing that the hormones we are dumping could also be causing them.

I'm wondering if I'm the only one in a "funk" at this point. Haven't dropped a pound in 4+ weeks. (Well...I have lost...up 2 down 2 a dozen times LOL) There are moments I have tinges of regret when I realize I got this far in WW in the past. Is this it? I should also point out that if this happened to me any other time I'd say screw it and open a bag of chips. That's not happening ! My "logical" brain kicks in and says to keep with the program. This stall will break. I've had more nsv's than I can recount. I try to focus on them, not the scale. I'm also dealing with a bone spur in my hip. Going to PT. But wouldn't be surprised if I'll need surgery on it. I really don't want another surgery. Grr. It's holding me back. I'm so happy for everyone's success. Hoping I can start posting more news about weight loss soon! Later losers! :-)

That's been my experience. I'm on 300mg 2 x day of ursodiol (sp?) I'll be on this for the first 6 months to prevent gall stones.

I agree with RJ. You're still recovering and healing. That takes energy. Don't fight what your body needs (rest). If a month or so from know you're in the same boat, just take a hard look at what you're eating. If I have something with too many carbs, I want a nap!

@@CowgirlJane I know this is off topic - sorry - but whenever I see your pics, I really miss my horse!!!

I'm told decaf is OK as long as it does't bother my reflux/acid. So I'm sparing with it. I do take two meds to control acid. Are you on a PPI - do you have any acid issues? I certainly understand why NUT's are conservative towards coffee. Who wants an ulcer?

I agree, it's about what makes money. We see it every day. I will resist getting out the soap box, lol. As far as "skinny" goes, I don't think I'll ever be in that category. I was 145 when I got married (long time ago) and I felt so fat. Now I'd be happy there. I had an appt. with my primary this week. He's of course very happy with my weight loss. He asked how much more do you want to lose (like I should be done, lol). I told him my goal was 138. He was shocked...felt that was too low for me. I explained that it was smack in the middle of a normal BMI. I can't win! Friends and colleagues sometimes call me "skinny". One recently asked if I had some rolls of quarters in my pockets so I don't blow away. I know he meant well..but really. It's true that not only is this a big change for us, but folks really are used to us being so big, that not-as-big = skinny. I don't want to be chasing a number on the scale. I want to feel good and be healthy. Ignore society.

We lose in steps, that's what I'm told any way I'm in my second "pause". Not a lb. lost since 11/19. Nearly a month. I agree, it's really aggravating. BUT I have faith that it will drop soon since I keep with my plan. I'm sure you'll get through it