Essence46

Do you still take Vitamins? If so, what kind? I am looking for one vitamins that has everything I need included. Thank you. Angie

@higher I see photos of myself and I am like "Wow! I look so different". But it's something about that mirror that only sees the size 20. I need to work on this. I really do.

Today, I am wearing a size 12 dress. Soooo much better than the size 20 I was wearing 2 years ago. However, when I look in the mirror, all I see is that size 20 girl. Will this ever change?

It was easy and simple. They just want to make sure you understand the process and how if affects your life going forward. I can honestly say I thought it was a waste of time at first but now I can see how it is necessary. Even today two years out, I am wearing a size 12 dress but I still see the size 20 when I look in the mirror. *sigh*

I was scared of sagging skin too especially my arms. As soon as I got clearance from the doctor, I started doing arm weight training. It has really helped. Good luck.

Yep. It sucks. My machine was set at 16. Now it is at 12. It has been set there for over a year so I am sure it is too strong. I guess I should make an appointment to get re-evaluated especially since I am going to start using it again. We both have to trust God to work this out for us. I have attached my before and after pic. The after pic was taken on Tuesday for my 48th birthday. I am still a good ways from my goal weight two years out but I will get there.

@@Suga Renique Reborn You look great. Hopefully, you can get off your machine soon. My sleep apnea has gotten a lot better since the surgery but I still have it. I hope once I get the scale moving again, I can eventually get off it too. Good luck to you.

Many of you know my struggles with the CPAP machine. We are not friends at all! I swear that machine is possessed and hates me. LOL! After getting frustrated with it time and time ago over the last two years, never being able to stand it more than an hour or two at a time, I put it up and refused to use it. Last night, I decided to pull it out, dust it off and give it another try. (I haven't tried to use it in months). I made it thru the night with it for the first time ever. It wasn't pretty though. LOL! I got up about 4 times to readjust it, find my chin strap, blow my nose, etc. I didn’t get much rest at all but I woke it with it on my face. My hubby was even shocked! This is a small victory for me since I have struggled with this machine from day one. Cried like a baby when they tried to make me use it in the hospital the night after my surgery. My hubby told them to take it away and leave me alone. In my defense, I had never used one before and didn't think that night was the night to try using it. I am going to try it again tonight and see how it goes. Wish me luck.

OMG! Reading some of your stories makes me thankful and blessed. I didn't really have any complications. The first few days there was an issue with my blood pressure being sky high then dropping too low. After a couple of days and 3 different medications, we were finally able to control it. Eventually was taken off all meds. Yay!! Didn't really have any pain. Just horrible constipation. Good luck to you.

"How we perceive things most of the time is not reality. Learning to not "be so hard on ourselves is hard. Learning to see myself how others see me is also hard. I need to take a deep breath and realize it's not as bad as it may seem and keep going. " This is so true. I need to print it out and tape it to my computer. I hope things get better for you and your hubby. I am glad you are doing well with your weight loss journey.

I really struggled with my breathing at first. I tried breathing inhaling through my nose and exhaling from my mouth but that didn't work well for me. I found inhaling then taking 3 or 4 steps then exhaling for a couple of steps then inhaling again works better for me. I am still sort of new at this running thing so I am still figuring things out. Good luck.

Awesome!! You look great

God is good! That is great news! The more you lose, the healthier you will become.. the better you will feel.

*waving* Hi everyone. It has been a while since I have been on here. How is everyone? How is life been treating you? I hope things are going well for you all. I have been doing ok. I injured my good knee about 4 months ago running which has really affected my running and workout. I had surgery on that knee about a month ago to repair my torn meniscus. Recovery has not been going to well but it's my own fault. I started working out and doing too much to fast. *sigh* Needless to say, the half marathon I was supposed to run next month will not be happening at least until next year some time. I am really bummed by this. Really bummed. I have gained about 8 pounds over the last several months. I swear I almost had a panic attack about this a few times. I go back to the doctor in three weeks. Hopefully, I will be cleared to start working out like I used to. I am determined to get back on track with this.

@@JamieLogical I am sorry to hear that Jamie. I hope things get better for you soon. Good thing you are still able to train for your marathon. I am supposed to be running a half marathon in Philly in Sept. but I am not sure I will be able to . I tore my meniscus a few months ago and I am having surgery to repair it on Tuesday. Recovery is 6 to 8 weeks. I don't think I will have enough time to prepare after my recovery. I am so bummed by this. I really am. I had just gotten to a point where I was comfortable running and doing well. Good luck to you though.

Hi everyone. It has been a while since I have been here. I just wanted to check in and see how everyone is doing. So... how are you?

Welcome!!!! Good luck. Please keep us posted on your journey.

Are you getting enough rest? Are you working out too much? That is what happened to me. I was just going to hard for so long and then my body just got tired. Maybe you need to take a few days off and rest your body.

Sorry to hear that. I hope and pray it gets better.

Yay!! That is awesome!!!

I was almost afraid to read it because I thought the article was going to say I would be dead by tomorrow. LOL!.

It only took a few days for my doctor to put the package together for the insurance company. I got approval from the insurance company two days after they got the package. I don't know if it was because I was such a good candidate for the surgery or not. Good luck.

Wishing you the best.

I just had 1/4 of a Pepsi on some ice. I swear I have died and gone to heaven. I poured the 4th in the cup and threw the rest away immediately. It satisfied my urge. In the last 22 months, I may have had three sodas in all. Before surgery, I thought giving up Pepsi would take me over the edge and kill me. A small treat to myself that I completely enjoyed.

Hey proudgrammy, my favorite person. I am definitely going to get these 4 pounds off and hopefully another 25!! I have been eating pretty good. I started logging my food this week and realized I haven't been eating another calories. Not coming close actually. I sort of figured that was the problem. I am going to regroup and work on eating more small meals. I am going good with the Water and liquid Protein intake. I will do better. @@Essence46 no way bud you've always been in first place with me hey stranger, nice to see you again get those 4 lbs off your mind (and body too!!) easier said then done - eyes ahead!!! i agree that you might be eating too few calories combination of advice given by OP is great your doing everything right with your weight training, exercising how about food??? come on, tell me the truth no one else is looking!!!! are you writing food, water, exercise in MFP don't be sneaky, gotta write EVERYTHING down! i'll be watching you get out the ol' measuring tape from the closet you know measurements sometimes go down at times when weight doesn't don't give up on you i have faith in you silly head see you around the water cooler i'm buying!!!! good luck kathy