Trace Lynne

I have to admit, when I had surgery I tried to "temper" my dreams with reality -- telling myself I might be about to get to 160 or maybe even down to 150, but no lower. I didn't want to be disappointed. Now, I'm sitting here at 135 with a BMI of about 23 and wondering how that happened! I'm enjoying the smaller, cuter clothes and exercising like crazy. I feel like my body is finally on my side again!
But, like many of you, too, I'm looking forward to some beach weather! Not sure how the excess, wrinkly skin will be in a swimsuit, but I'm gonna rock one anyway!

I love this!!!
My dream is to be on the hunt field (fox hunting) riding my horse, laughing, as we canter and jump in the crisp fall air. My goal is to be back in the saddle by June.
LET'S DO THIS!!!!!
Jennifer

What's your daydream?
Mine is walking on the beach next summer, in shorts, for miles. Big old floppy hat, Jackie O sunglasses, sassy butt, and my trusty dog at my side. Cruising Chicago's Lake Shore Drive on a Saturday from Hyde Park to Sheridan Road and back with the sunroof open and the windows down.

Jam out with your clam out girl. I have learned that if someone can't accept me at my worst then they sure as hell don't deserve me at my best!!
Your confidence comes with time and self appreciation and love.

I have been quiet about the procedure with family and friends, only a handful of people have been told. Some probably suspect at this point, but haven't come out and asked me. Others have asked. If someone asks me, I will not deny that I had the procedure, however I do not want to over-emphasize the role that the procedure has made. I mean, I have been working out like a fiend, and I have not been quiet about exercising or the progress I am making. I am working my butt off to hit my goals. I mean, I lost over 40 lbs in the three months prior to surgery, thanks to going to the gym 3 times a week and working out with a personal trainer.
Sure, I've kept quiet about the procedure, but its the results that people are commenting on. I mean, my sister continues to make comments about how she needs to get back into shape, but then says something like not having the time I have because she is a single mom.
I have been keeping more to myself with this, because I really want to focus on working out and not involved with other people's drama. I do like the positive feedback, though. What I really love are the people I didn't think were paying much attention start telling me that I've been inspiring them to work out and try to get healthier. I feel amazing with those comments.

Walking down 5 flights of stairs:
I don't have to hold on to the rails to support/steady myself I can face forward, instead of sideways, I can pick up the pace and don't get winded I can walk down in successive steps, instead of stepping right foot down a step, then left foot on to the same step... this is the ritual I picked up after my knee surgery, since my knee didn't bend well after surgery.

There are people I've dreaded running into over the last 20 years... my high school classmates, a former roommate, and my exes.
I still have a ways to go before I feel comfortable to appear at my 20 year class reunion... however, I still have three years before I'm at that point... And once I hit my goal, boy-o, I will want to go. Yessirree!
it will be interesting to see the exes and how they respond...
but also, my former roommate and I departed on not-so-good terms... and one thing he made sure to do on his way out is torment me about my weight, because he knew it was my biggest weakness. (It was bad enough that it gave me nightmares and the thought of running into him gave me panic attacks for a couple years afterwards.) I'm not saying I would want to see him again, however, I'm confident enough in myself now that if I were ever to bump into him, I wouldn't respond the way I would've before.

I hope to do this at my 1-year follow up with my surgeon!

I was originally asked what I thought my ideal weight/goal would be when I started the process at the weight management center. I said I would like to get down to 130-140 lbs. However, as part of my intake/tests, they did a full-body composition test, which gives body weight by bones, organs, fat, muscle.
When the results came in, the doc said that I seem to have fairly dense bones, which explains how I managed to avoid breaking bones over the years despite several falls which should've broken something, I guess. But based on the body scan and my height, my ideal weight range is 150-170 lbs. He said anything below that would be muscle loss and/or too low bmi.
I remember that discussion really well, because it took me back to my experience as a larger teen, I was chastised by my PE teacher who took to publicly shaming in class because her expectation was that I should weigh 130 lbs, but I was about 160 lbs at the time. All that time and torment, and I was right where my body wanted me to be.
I would like to get down to 150 lbs, if that is within the healthy range my doc wants me to be in. However, its not really about the number. If I'm fit, able to do the things I want/need to do, and I'm health, the number doesn't matter to me as much. Except, I would REALLY like to get back down below 200 lbs... only about 60 lbs to go on that.

There are people I've dreaded running into over the last 20 years... my high school classmates, a former roommate, and my exes.
I still have a ways to go before I feel comfortable to appear at my 20 year class reunion... however, I still have three years before I'm at that point... And once I hit my goal, boy-o, I will want to go. Yessirree!
it will be interesting to see the exes and how they respond...
but also, my former roommate and I departed on not-so-good terms... and one thing he made sure to do on his way out is torment me about my weight, because he knew it was my biggest weakness. (It was bad enough that it gave me nightmares and the thought of running into him gave me panic attacks for a couple years afterwards.) I'm not saying I would want to see him again, however, I'm confident enough in myself now that if I were ever to bump into him, I wouldn't respond the way I would've before.

My Progress:
Pic 1: Starting Weight: 367 lbs 5/24/2014
dinner May 2014" />
Pic 2: Current Weight: 262 lbs 1/5/2014

Surgery Date: 8/28/2014

I was originally asked what I thought my ideal weight/goal would be when I started the process at the weight management center. I said I would like to get down to 130-140 lbs. However, as part of my intake/tests, they did a full-body composition test, which gives body weight by bones, organs, fat, muscle.
When the results came in, the doc said that I seem to have fairly dense bones, which explains how I managed to avoid breaking bones over the years despite several falls which should've broken something, I guess. But based on the body scan and my height, my ideal weight range is 150-170 lbs. He said anything below that would be muscle loss and/or too low bmi.
I remember that discussion really well, because it took me back to my experience as a larger teen, I was chastised by my PE teacher who took to publicly shaming in class because her expectation was that I should weigh 130 lbs, but I was about 160 lbs at the time. All that time and torment, and I was right where my body wanted me to be.
I would like to get down to 150 lbs, if that is within the healthy range my doc wants me to be in. However, its not really about the number. If I'm fit, able to do the things I want/need to do, and I'm health, the number doesn't matter to me as much. Except, I would REALLY like to get back down below 200 lbs... only about 60 lbs to go on that.

Walking down 5 flights of stairs:
I don't have to hold on to the rails to support/steady myself I can face forward, instead of sideways, I can pick up the pace and don't get winded I can walk down in successive steps, instead of stepping right foot down a step, then left foot on to the same step... this is the ritual I picked up after my knee surgery, since my knee didn't bend well after surgery.

Walking down 5 flights of stairs:
I don't have to hold on to the rails to support/steady myself I can face forward, instead of sideways, I can pick up the pace and don't get winded I can walk down in successive steps, instead of stepping right foot down a step, then left foot on to the same step... this is the ritual I picked up after my knee surgery, since my knee didn't bend well after surgery.

1) I was mistaken for my younger (smaller) sister at a recent family gathering...
2) I was not recognized by some extended family
3) I went to an off-site meeting for work recently, the receptionist at the organization did not recognize me, despite having worked with her a few times last summer for some event scheduling.
4) Getting double-takes from coworkers as they start noticing the difference.
5) I've been posting comparison photos of me when this first started last spring with new photos each month. I get SO MANY comments about the difference... and many, many people have told me how much I am inspiring them because of all of the changes I've succeeded in making in my life.
6) My grandmother has stopped ragging on me about my "weight issue"... but has started in on asking when I'm going to find a nice, young man to settle down with.

Walking down 5 flights of stairs:
I don't have to hold on to the rails to support/steady myself I can face forward, instead of sideways, I can pick up the pace and don't get winded I can walk down in successive steps, instead of stepping right foot down a step, then left foot on to the same step... this is the ritual I picked up after my knee surgery, since my knee didn't bend well after surgery.

There are people I've dreaded running into over the last 20 years... my high school classmates, a former roommate, and my exes.
I still have a ways to go before I feel comfortable to appear at my 20 year class reunion... however, I still have three years before I'm at that point... And once I hit my goal, boy-o, I will want to go. Yessirree!
it will be interesting to see the exes and how they respond...
but also, my former roommate and I departed on not-so-good terms... and one thing he made sure to do on his way out is torment me about my weight, because he knew it was my biggest weakness. (It was bad enough that it gave me nightmares and the thought of running into him gave me panic attacks for a couple years afterwards.) I'm not saying I would want to see him again, however, I'm confident enough in myself now that if I were ever to bump into him, I wouldn't respond the way I would've before.

I hope to do this at my 1-year follow up with my surgeon!

My Progress:
Pic 1: Starting Weight: 367 lbs 5/24/2014
dinner May 2014" />
Pic 2: Current Weight: 262 lbs 1/5/2014

Surgery Date: 8/28/2014

My regular shows include:
The Daily Show Real Time with Bill Maher NCIS NCIS: LA Revenge Once Upon A Time Madam Secretary Walking Dead Game of Thrones Newsroom (which just ended) Biggest Loser Amazing Race I record these on my DVR and watch them when when I get a chance. A typical Sunday morning is playing catch up with the TV I've missed because I tend to be busy during the week.
My roommate and I are also watching through Breaking Bad. We just started season 4.
I really wish I had more data on my phone so that I could watch some of this TV when I'm over at the YMCA working out.

Ah, yes. That thought has been forming in my head for some time. One day I came to the realization that anyone I meet now will only know me as a slender person. They have no idea that I used to be a "big" guy and are therefore free of any preconceived notions (or prejudices) that go along with that. I've noticed that many people who lose a substantial amount of weight look backwards at who they used to be. Some even look in the mirror and see a fat person disguised in a thin costume. To my mind, that's counterproductive thinking that can make it easier to slip back into the eating habits of their former selves. So... If I try to see myself as new acquaintances see me, then I can accept that I am a normal-sized person – with healthy eating habits! Then I'm more likely to make the choices from the "new" person's perspective, and less likely to be waiting for the time when I can eat all those foods I've been avoiding. The new me either won't be tempted to eat sugars and starches, or will be able to eat them in very limited quantities. That's my plan, anyway. It's all part of my deep belief that we have a limited amount of time after surgery to get our heads in the right place for the future. If we don't, we are at risk of slipping backwards and having to re-start our program at some point. And I'm working very hard to try and avoid that! Does that make sense?

I actually had heard so many great things about the show Sons of Anarchy so I started watching it from the first season. It is a great show! A bit violent but great characters and lots of action. Right now that would be my favorite show.
I also love the Walking Dead
And I too cannot wait for Saul! I miss breaking bad and am hoping they do as good a job on Saul.

It amazes me that so many get their panties in a wad when they post their opinion on a public discussion board and someone else disagrees or posts a counter opinion.

Seriously! It's OK. In most cases, that counter opinion is just that -- opinion. While I do take issue with those who take themselves very seriously and post their opinion as fact, I am happy to say they are few and far between.

We, for the most part, have different surgeons, different NUTs, different metabolisms, different builds, different backgrounds, different thought processes, different psychosis... (JOKING! Kind of.)
There are very few doctors or therapists here. There are NO experts on YOU here, with the exception of yourself. No one is qualified to give you *absolute do or die* advice. No one is in a position to tell you that you are !!!WRONG!!! or that everyone else is.

Relax. Breathe. Discuss. Share. Vent. Listen. Learn.

We all have our hot buttons, we are human. We all have topics we are passionate about. Debate is fun! It's healthy. It's how we learn and grow. It's a positive form of interaction until someone takes it personally. (I'm guilty at times -- I know it!) As long as it's respectful, there is no name calling involved, and there are no personal attacks, there is nothing wrong with it.

I'll tell you a few things about me that are "wrong" and I don't give a rat's patoot if you want to tell me so:
I drink soda. GASP! Even worse, I drink it through a straw! I would never tell anyone else to do the same. That's between you and your doctor.
I graze all day. My sleeve is small, my restriction is fierce. I graze to keep myself from getting too hungry, eating too fast and then vomiting it all back up.
I eat while I work, when I drive, when I watch TV. I find that when I do this, I get distracted and I eat slower. Weird, I know.
I weigh myself 2-4 times a day. First thing in the morning (usually fully dressed in my PJs as I get up at a ridiculously early time of day to get my kids out of the door.) I weigh myself buck naked after kissing them goodbye when it's time to get myself dressed. I weigh myself before and after a poo (giggle) because I have a middle school boy sense of humor. I weigh myself at night, again buck nekky, just before I get in the shower. I call it my step aerobics. It works for me. I don't get frustrated or upset. I never have, even at my fattest.
I eat real chocolate every day. Just a few Hershey Kisses or a Dove Promise (dark!). It quiets the sweet tooth I didn't have pre-op and keeps me from thinking about sweets all day. It's better to feed the beast a nibble and shut it up. FOR ME.
I eat full fat everything except the things I don't.

I am choosing not to be a WLS advocate. I don't care HOW people think I am losing weight, I don't care who supports me. I don't tell my business to everyone and it's not up to me to save the world from obesity one fatty at a time. I'm not embarrassed, ashamed or a liar.



Your personal experience, your advice from your NUT/surgeon/NP may differ completely. You may be of the opinion that I will be the size of a small whale in 5 year's time. You may think that I am failing myself and my surgery. You may think I am a hypocrite. It's OK.

You do you, I'll do me. We can talk and share and be opinionated together, even when our opinions don't match.

This is a public DISCUSSION board. It's ok to discuss, it's ok to be opinionated. Just expect the same in return.

There are people I've dreaded running into over the last 20 years... my high school classmates, a former roommate, and my exes.
I still have a ways to go before I feel comfortable to appear at my 20 year class reunion... however, I still have three years before I'm at that point... And once I hit my goal, boy-o, I will want to go. Yessirree!
it will be interesting to see the exes and how they respond...
but also, my former roommate and I departed on not-so-good terms... and one thing he made sure to do on his way out is torment me about my weight, because he knew it was my biggest weakness. (It was bad enough that it gave me nightmares and the thought of running into him gave me panic attacks for a couple years afterwards.) I'm not saying I would want to see him again, however, I'm confident enough in myself now that if I were ever to bump into him, I wouldn't respond the way I would've before.

There are people I've dreaded running into over the last 20 years... my high school classmates, a former roommate, and my exes.
I still have a ways to go before I feel comfortable to appear at my 20 year class reunion... however, I still have three years before I'm at that point... And once I hit my goal, boy-o, I will want to go. Yessirree!
it will be interesting to see the exes and how they respond...
but also, my former roommate and I departed on not-so-good terms... and one thing he made sure to do on his way out is torment me about my weight, because he knew it was my biggest weakness. (It was bad enough that it gave me nightmares and the thought of running into him gave me panic attacks for a couple years afterwards.) I'm not saying I would want to see him again, however, I'm confident enough in myself now that if I were ever to bump into him, I wouldn't respond the way I would've before.