Beni

Besides the usual string of "Hypothetical Horrors" (boy I had a long list of those), the absolute worst thing that happened, was a nausea incident. This happened 4 months after surgery. We went out to dinner to my favorite restaurant and after careful consideration, I decided an appetizer lamb quesadilla would be great. I could pick the lamb and some cheese and leave the tortilla. Well, lucky me, I hit the jackpot with the jalapeños. It was delicious but spicy. It caused a stomach reaction that can only be qualified as epic nausea. It required many trips to the bathroom. Fortunately, the bathroom was not a stall and I had relative privacy. My nausea was so violent nothing helped. It lasted over an hour. My friends were very concerned and nobody even knew I had surgery. I would return to the table drink a little Water and run back to the bathroom, countless times. At some point, I decided I had to go home, I just had to make it through the front door. If I could only make it to the front door without losing my Cookies it would be so good. I worked on mind over matter to achieve that goal. On the way home we had to stop by the side of the road and get sick twice more and it's only a 5 minute ride. A video of my runs to the bathroom while holding a napkin over my mouth would have made U-tube history and some of those were mad sprints too. I must have made 20 plus trips to the restroom. OMG, can you imagine! I was so sick I couldn't even leave because I was going to get sick before I got to the front door.
I never went back to that restaurant, my memory of that event is still overwhelming. No more Lamb quesadillas for me and jalapeños are not my favorite either.

BEST COMPLEMENT EVER
I was at my doctor's office last week and ran into my doctor and he did not recognize me. That's what 108 lbs loss will do to you. I knew him well. We had 3 appointments before surgery and a web seminar face to face and I went to all of the support group meetings and saw him there twice. In other words, it's not like he didn't know me. I was sitting in the waiting room and as he walked by me, he thought I was someone waiting for a patient, he honestly didn't recognize me at all. Isn't that the most fantastic complement. My own doctor!
I also had a handyman whom I knew well. he had been to my house several times (maybe 10 times in the past 5 years), he too didn't know who I was. I ran into him at a friend's house and he was clueless as to who I was.
My neighbor 3 houses down also didn't recognize me, the principal at my son's school. the list goes on an on. If I changed my name, I could be someone else, lol.

@@Shadow427
That's freaking unbelievable. He had RNY as well. What are the chances! What a wonderful surprise. I am sooo glad you had a fun time. Live is here for the living and for so long we did not live. That's the honest truth. I survived but I did not "LIVE." Now I feel there is nothing I can't do. That power is something I had forgotten I even had, isn't that the saddest thing. Being Morbid Obese sucked the life out of me both physically and emotionally. I was like the lobster placed in the pot of cold Water. All was good, I was feeling a little cozy as the water warmed up, but I was okay. I was complacent to my predicament. I hardy even realized if I didn't jump out of that pot I was going to boil to death. That's what obesity does to you. It saps your life away. Isn't that the truth?

On the negative side, because there must be another side to every story. I am now without a tush. The silver lining is I now can fit in most pant styles without worrying about my posterior. However, I must say once in a while I look and wonder where it went. In high school, I had by far the biggest butt of all my close friends. If they could see me now!

Hello Gladiators as we come upon our anniversary: less then one Month away from OCTOBER, I can't help but ponder on where we were and where we are. Just today, I realized I can run up the stairs. In fact, I ran up the stairs more then 10 times this morning. Laundry day, lol. Just to give you an idea, I used to bring down with me everything I needed for the day. If I was going out, my makeup would be done before coffee and I would bring down the clothes I would wear later. In other words, I avoided going back upstairs at all costs. My poor children carried all the stuff up and down. There used to be a pile at each end looking for carriers. Now, I do all my own carrying, thank you very much. Not once did my legs hurt either. I want to shout from the mountain top, THIS IS THE BEST THING I EVER DID. Wow, I am overwhelmed with pride for all of us. We are awesome beyond measure. We were before but now we can actually enjoy our lives without feeling all coupled up in a less then efficient body. Imagine being picked for an advanced group in any sport one year ago, or getting anyone to say you look amazing. Running up the stairs is my very own version of heaven. I shall savor the moment and linger on the notion that I can do something now I thought I could not ever do.

Besides the usual string of "Hypothetical Horrors" (boy I had a long list of those), the absolute worst thing that happened, was a nausea incident. This happened 4 months after surgery. We went out to dinner to my favorite restaurant and after careful consideration, I decided an appetizer lamb quesadilla would be great. I could pick the lamb and some cheese and leave the tortilla. Well, lucky me, I hit the jackpot with the jalapeños. It was delicious but spicy. It caused a stomach reaction that can only be qualified as epic nausea. It required many trips to the bathroom. Fortunately, the bathroom was not a stall and I had relative privacy. My nausea was so violent nothing helped. It lasted over an hour. My friends were very concerned and nobody even knew I had surgery. I would return to the table drink a little Water and run back to the bathroom, countless times. At some point, I decided I had to go home, I just had to make it through the front door. If I could only make it to the front door without losing my Cookies it would be so good. I worked on mind over matter to achieve that goal. On the way home we had to stop by the side of the road and get sick twice more and it's only a 5 minute ride. A video of my runs to the bathroom while holding a napkin over my mouth would have made U-tube history and some of those were mad sprints too. I must have made 20 plus trips to the restroom. OMG, can you imagine! I was so sick I couldn't even leave because I was going to get sick before I got to the front door.
I never went back to that restaurant, my memory of that event is still overwhelming. No more Lamb quesadillas for me and jalapeños are not my favorite either.

It is indeed your new birthday. I had surgery almost a year ago and I plan a celebration. I have lost 110 lbs and have reached my goal. It's fantastic but the amazing thing is how good I feel. I feel like I reset the clock 20 years because I feel the kind of energy I had back then.
The first 4 months were a little difficult managing food and drink but after that I have been great. Only once in a blue moon I get sick because I tend to eat too fast and don't chew enough, my bad. I have to be careful not to eat too much desert too but my taste buds have changed. Now my idea of a wonderful dessert is Greek 100 yogurt with a handful of blueberries mixed in.

Yep, been there done that. Isn't it horrible but then that's how you learn to take it slow and chew well.

I use almost only fresh foods. The exception are Greek yogurt, the occasional Protein bar for a snack mid afternoon when I have to run out the door. An occasional can of chick peas and a very occasional Diet Snapple with Peach. Everything else is fresh and the best I can find. Even the tea I drink is loose leaf and comes in a can from Sri Lanka.
After surgery. I did look at what I ate before surgery with fresh eyes and the picture of health did not come to mind.
We have to make the changes that can best fuel our bodies. Given our reduced absorption it is of the outmost importance to be smart about what we eat.

Hello Gladiators as we come upon our anniversary: less then one Month away from OCTOBER, I can't help but ponder on where we were and where we are. Just today, I realized I can run up the stairs. In fact, I ran up the stairs more then 10 times this morning. Laundry day, lol. Just to give you an idea, I used to bring down with me everything I needed for the day. If I was going out, my makeup would be done before coffee and I would bring down the clothes I would wear later. In other words, I avoided going back upstairs at all costs. My poor children carried all the stuff up and down. There used to be a pile at each end looking for carriers. Now, I do all my own carrying, thank you very much. Not once did my legs hurt either. I want to shout from the mountain top, THIS IS THE BEST THING I EVER DID. Wow, I am overwhelmed with pride for all of us. We are awesome beyond measure. We were before but now we can actually enjoy our lives without feeling all coupled up in a less then efficient body. Imagine being picked for an advanced group in any sport one year ago, or getting anyone to say you look amazing. Running up the stairs is my very own version of heaven. I shall savor the moment and linger on the notion that I can do something now I thought I could not ever do.

OK.... True confessions. A few weeks ago I told you I "had a date".... Well, the "date" asked me to go to Block Island for the Labor Day weekend.... Well, I went. And had a fabulous time. And I did tons of hiking and biking and other "fun" things that I couldn't have possibly done a year ago. And, it was a pleasant surprise to find out my "date" had gastric bypass three years ago... It was awesome to share stories.

@@Luna222,
I too have been hitting many stalls along the way. I had surgery in April. I'm currently on a stall. About two weeks now. I am 'not telling you what to do, but suggesting' and also not sure if you've already done this or not...
-Change- up your routine... If your currently taking in (x) amount of calories up it slightly or decrease depending on what your caloric intake is for the day. Increase your Protein by 20-30g for a few days... Yes, I know this is not easy... Believe me... Some days I struggle with taking in enough alone to add more protein... But you, WE can do it! Add in an extra chicken breast, cpl extra slices of cheese, Protein Bar while watching to make sure you don't go overboard on calories and carbs. Also changing up your exercise regimen if you walk daily, bring it to a speed walk cpl minutes, walk, speed walk some more, and change your routine up with weights.
This all usually helps me when I'm stuck. I wish you luck and hope this is helpful.

Hey guys thanks for the compliments, aside from a lil ok a lot of malnutrition this has been the best thing to ever happen to me, i love you all and im very proud of all of us, i cant believe we make a whole year soon! Geez. I love the pictures and those of you who still are losing remember a win is a win! Even if you havent made goal always think of how we were a mere 11 months ago!

Hi everyone! I've been trying to read up to catch up, but I think I've been MIA for too long lol. Hope you are all doing well! I'm still stuck :-\ 199. I really don't get it. I think my body is just done with it, because it's been since March now. I have done everything the doc said, logged my food, cut the carbs, barely any sugar, I work out. Who knows. Sitting here right now, with strep throat, getting my Iron infusion. Hoping something will give soon!

a year ago there was no way I would have taken a body pump class and 2 yoga classes in 1 week!! I was lucky if I would have walked at all.

Well my tush fell to my thighs! Lol! I'm stuck at 165 but have to be honest, haven't been being perfect everyday. And honestly if it wasn't for my big belly (where I'm sure the 25 more I need to lose is) I'm satisfied at being a size 12ish. Don't need to be a tiny hiny.

Hello Gladiators as we come upon our anniversary: less then one Month away from OCTOBER, I can't help but ponder on where we were and where we are. Just today, I realized I can run up the stairs. In fact, I ran up the stairs more then 10 times this morning. Laundry day, lol. Just to give you an idea, I used to bring down with me everything I needed for the day. If I was going out, my makeup would be done before coffee and I would bring down the clothes I would wear later. In other words, I avoided going back upstairs at all costs. My poor children carried all the stuff up and down. There used to be a pile at each end looking for carriers. Now, I do all my own carrying, thank you very much. Not once did my legs hurt either. I want to shout from the mountain top, THIS IS THE BEST THING I EVER DID. Wow, I am overwhelmed with pride for all of us. We are awesome beyond measure. We were before but now we can actually enjoy our lives without feeling all coupled up in a less then efficient body. Imagine being picked for an advanced group in any sport one year ago, or getting anyone to say you look amazing. Running up the stairs is my very own version of heaven. I shall savor the moment and linger on the notion that I can do something now I thought I could not ever do.

Hello Gladiators as we come upon our anniversary: less then one Month away from OCTOBER, I can't help but ponder on where we were and where we are. Just today, I realized I can run up the stairs. In fact, I ran up the stairs more then 10 times this morning. Laundry day, lol. Just to give you an idea, I used to bring down with me everything I needed for the day. If I was going out, my makeup would be done before coffee and I would bring down the clothes I would wear later. In other words, I avoided going back upstairs at all costs. My poor children carried all the stuff up and down. There used to be a pile at each end looking for carriers. Now, I do all my own carrying, thank you very much. Not once did my legs hurt either. I want to shout from the mountain top, THIS IS THE BEST THING I EVER DID. Wow, I am overwhelmed with pride for all of us. We are awesome beyond measure. We were before but now we can actually enjoy our lives without feeling all coupled up in a less then efficient body. Imagine being picked for an advanced group in any sport one year ago, or getting anyone to say you look amazing. Running up the stairs is my very own version of heaven. I shall savor the moment and linger on the notion that I can do something now I thought I could not ever do.

Eating at restaurants is absolutely fun. It was not one month after surgery but one year later I am happy to say, I can always find a good choice anywhere I go. The portions are usually too big but hello, lunch for the next day is already done.
There are lots of healthy options, There always were, it's just that I was so hungry I would inhale anything. Now I have self-control. If this is how the rest of the world (the non-morbid obese portion) feels about food, now I see, I would have never had a chance. Lion sized hunger won every time. Now, I actually have enough time to think about what I should or would like to eat.
Life after surgery is good!

Eating at restaurants is absolutely fun. It was not one month after surgery but one year later I am happy to say, I can always find a good choice anywhere I go. The portions are usually too big but hello, lunch for the next day is already done.
There are lots of healthy options, There always were, it's just that I was so hungry I would inhale anything. Now I have self-control. If this is how the rest of the world (the non-morbid obese portion) feels about food, now I see, I would have never had a chance. Lion sized hunger won every time. Now, I actually have enough time to think about what I should or would like to eat.
Life after surgery is good!

Yes I understand my legs felt like cement blocks when I started. I now look forward to running it makes me feel so good. People are not recognizing me. I say hi do you know who I am. They say no mam I dont. Lol Then they are like no way and are proud of me. We are all awesome!

Oh my goodness! I just looked at the web view and there are 36,123 views to our Oct 2014 group! Has everyone gone back and read the first few pages of posts? Amazing.

@@LisaCO you actually look like the granddaughter of the before picture. "That other woman" as my daughter commented! She thought you were two different people until I told her that's your 'before'. And Bronx... Wow! Just wow!
Wow, I'm so impressed with all of you guys' losses! I have been so stalled at 160 until two days ago. I am now at 158. Sooooo glad the scale is moving! Weird thing is, I didn't do anything different. Maybe your body just has to catch up and adjust itself over and over. I have 25 more to lose and then on to a neck and face lift! I have so much extra skin. Probably a combination of being heavy for so long and the skin stretching and then aging on top of it. I am 49 1/2 and my skin just doesn't have the elasticity it once did. Oh well,, better loose skin than skin filled with fat. I am so happy that I did this. My mobility is so much better. I actually used to fall a lot while walking because my legs were so weak and I haven't even thought about it until now but I haven't fallen probably for a year now. Little victories!
By the way, Beni, I don't think I could have gotten through the year without your positivity and getting so much information on this surgery from your posts. My doctor just kind of did the surgery and let me go, and you guys have really been my PA/ nurses. Thank you everyone!!

Gladiators we are all looking amazing!! stats are also wonderful I have been busy just moved back to WA couple months ago life is great!!! My official goal weight is 120lbs 17 more to go! Read posts often keep up the good work!

Go LisaCo! We are all cheering for you.
I think I told you I have been playing a sport called Pickleball...a hybrid of tennis, racquet ball, badminton. Tons of fun.
About 30 people show up to play. They divide the group into beginners and advanced groups. Tonight the advanced group needed one more player and THEY PICKED ME! And, I played great!