mduffield

Had to share my weekend happiness. 9mo post op - sitting 5lbs under surgeons goal. Enjoyed celebrating 6yrs of marriage with my husband and just feeling normal sized and pretty! It's a very new feeling - couldn't be happier with my Vsg journey and my choice to walk this path. So incredibly proud of everyone here, doing the hard work to gain personal success! Keep it up!

@@Aprilhoffman78 - AMAZING!! Good for you! I'm hovering around the 157lb mark. My personal goal is 145 and I'll work away at it until I get there! I'm feeling fantastic and looking decent so I'm content and happy. It'll feel very strange one day to NOT need to lose any weight! @@Veronica Page - I so admire your transparency and courage to be REAL. Don't give up! We are all cheering for you! You can do it and you've come so far!

Are you adding color or taking it out?

I dye mine a few shades darker than my natural. I wouldn't recommend any foiling or stripping color at ALL during the hair loss phase. Heard horror stories! I cut mine short and keep it dark. It's def falling out but I can mask it decently.

@@Veronica Page - I've been considerably more hungry the past two weeks. I'm also able to eat more in each sitting. I work out often, count calories and watch the scale. So far I'm maintaining and hoping its just my body demanding more since I'm burning a lot in the gym. No doubt I've hit a new phase and the restriction is def less.

Looks like my tummy...80lbs gone and its a sad situation. Been running a ton the last three months and its toning up, underneath the loose skin. Thanks for sharing!

Sleeved on 1/9. 5ft7 Started at 240, currently I'm 163.

. I have iced americanos with some half and half all the time. Yummy! I haven't done anything blended yet. Feel like it's all sugary and full of air... Your poor skin!! I have the normal sagging and aging that comes with loss but not the peeling. I would def ask your dr about that!

Hey everybody!! We should all be hitting our six month mark this month! Let's all try to update with stats!? HW 240 DOS 220 ( January 9th.) Current 164 Goal 150 Waiting for my surgeon to call me later today so I can update him on my progress. Keep up the good work people!!

Congrats on your surgery and so glad your having a good recovery!! All this work abd effort will pay off! I agree to stick to the plan. However, don't be afraid to ask your surgeon questions if something doesn't seem to work for you. Everyone varies, there is no method that works for every person. Just keep yourself willing to trust the process! I'm just shy of 6mo post op and within 5lbs of goal. I followed the rules and have made adjustments with my Drs approval. This surgery has changed my whole life!

@@downsizingdiva - I agree with the above. Eat something new! Eat more? I've been training hard and eating same amounts but more often and it kicked my last stall in the butt. Stalls are normal but frustrating when we are in one! Keep your eyes on the goal and let your body catch up

5lbs to surgeons goal!! 2wks will be 6mo post op! Pushing to hit goal by then. We shall see ???? @@Aprilhoffman78 - you look amazing!!! Incredible job!

I haven't had any rash but if your concerned about a deficiency, i'd highly recommend you have labs done and check vitamin levels. Always good to know where your at! I have way more peace of mind after doing mine last month.

@@Veronica Page - great point to bring up and I'm happy to share what I'm eating as far as starches and carbs. I've had rice, ( sushi? YUM!) potatoes, bread ( once or twice.) and pasta. Here's the 411 - eat protein first. I only ever get 2 maybe 3 bites ( of carb.) and I'm full. I always stop at that point! I've found that protein sits better in my tummy with a bite of carb. I've lost consistently and I now do a liquid day once a week. My loss is slowed for sure, but I'm nearing the finish line. It's so important we find a healthy lifestyle that's actually reality and not some crazy diet that we will ultimately fail at. I also work out a lot most days ( my rest days I avoid carbs.) It's how I keep myself in check. My health is great and I have energy for all my running ???? Good job throwing out the scale! Don't let it mess with your head!

Hi everyone - so glad for those of you who checked in. Stalls are common at our stage, try NOT to let it get you down. I've been stuck at the same weight for two weeks and finally lost a lb over the weekend. I've been running almost daily ( 2miles or so.) and took a bad spill Sunday evening. Banged myself up good and def hurt my ego. Haha! I still went hiking with hubby yesterday. 5 miles up a mountain. I did terrific and was so proud of myself. The view at the top was worth every drop of sweat! Keep in mind LIFESTYLE. Stay active, eat healthy and love yourself. Hope you all had a great long weekend!

I have a loooong ways to go and a FAIR share of scary saggy skin! That being said I've been very diligent the past 6wks at the gym and it has helped! I also use a skin firming lotion. Aveeno brand.

@ Veronica Page - your always so sweet and encouraging! I'm proud of YOU and every person on here, who is working hard, for the goal of better health and life. We all have our own pace but it's still victory in the end! On a side note - I can't only get about 45 ish grams of protein in a day but my labs showed perfection on my protein levels. I was so worried but it's funny how different everyone's body can be. My dr is happy for me to keep doing what I'm doing!

I do a running program every other day and do yoga/walking on my off days. Hubby got me a Fitbit for Mother's Day so I can't wait to use it when it arrives tomorrow!!

Just for you @@Veronica Page! Starting weight 240 Surgery day 220 Today 173!! Saw my dr yesterday and need to adjust my iron and B12 but she was thrilled with my overall amazing health and weight loss. This journey has so many high and lows but it's worth every step!

I use the pre made choc premier shakes. They are 30g protein and only 160 calories. The chocolate flavor tastes the best to me. I'm 27, just shy of 4mo post op and down 63lbs! Only 17 to goal. This journey is worth every step!

I'm 15 weeks post op and down 62lbs ( 20 during 2wk pre op.) feeling great!

Surgery didn't interrupt my hormones at all. The first one post op was a bear though! I can sympathize... They will get better!

I started coffee about one month post op. Always with milk and only decaf. I haven't touched caffeine since dec ( pre op.) it's never bothered me but I only have one cup a day, and some days none.

You can certainly switch to a low sodium broth or better yet, make your own!? Too much salt will make you retain fluid anyways. Try drinking some electrolytes as well. That worked for me! And lots and lots of warm herbal tea ( my bff first month post surgery!)

@@Veronica Page - thanks for giving us all a good reminder! I do keep up with the thread but struggle to have time to post things, etc. life does move on. As you stated, I HOPE everyone here has a support system in place. Its so vital to this journey. I started running this week! RUNNING!!!!? It's a whole new world almost 60lbs lighter, lemme tell ya. I feel amazing! Had my 3 month post op with my surgeon on Thursday and he's thrilled with my results so far. One reminder ( if your not tracking already...) is your body fat percentage! It's important to see that number going down. True indicator of fat loss instead of muscle, bone, etc. I'll don't have one single regret for making this change in my life. My weight was my Everest and I'm in control and climbing to the top! It's the most powerful feeling I've ever experienced. I'm still ME but so much more confidant, healthy and happy. Cheers to us all. We are doing the hard yards now, but it's paying off. Anyone interested in posting weekly weigh ins? We could start Monday? More accountability, just remember everyone has their own journey and pace. Encouragement is the best motivator. Enjoy a great weekend everybody!