Essence46

Thank you for the kind words everyone. I appreciate it. I am going to get it together.

Well.... I haven't been on in a while because I have been sort of depressed lately. Had three big events (I planned) to take place over the last three weeks so I have been crazy planning, organizing, etc. Then I got sick with the flu last week and it whipped me out for about 5 days. I just started back feeling like myself this week. I started back working out this week too. Thank goodness. With all that going on, along with my cousin/sister having major surgery to remove a tumor attached to her heart and liver, I haven't been in the best head space. Oh.. and the scale has not been moving! Ugh! Anywho... I took this pic morning. I just stared at it. My neck and face look so skinny. I just stared and then I smiled

I had my year and a half appointment the other day. It went so so to me. Even with all of the working out and running I do, I am still 30 pounds from goal. I should have been there by now, a long time ago actually. *sigh*. Doc said I "look good and healthy" but I need to get to my goal. He said it will come but I just need to work harder at it. *Sigh again*. I am not getting enough liquid Protein and Water so I am going to work on that. I went about and got two cases of shakes. I also need to work on eating a little better too. I don't eat much. I just need to eat a little better. I am trying not to be discouraged because I really do work hard. I have made up my mind to be at goal by my next appointment which is May 19th. Say a prayer for me.

A good male friend of mine said something to me when I was complaining about all of the male attention I have been getting since the weight loss. I told him that I was still the same person. The person they didn't think was good enough then. Why did they think the weight loss made me so much more attractive now. He said that it may not be just the weight loss drawing attention but the presence of self-confidence that I have now and clearly lacked before. His statement made me pause and think for a minute.

The first thing that came to my mind after reading the question was Myself. That response makes me both happy and sad. Other things I have learned to love are being able to shop in the regular sizes (even though I still go to the big sizes first. SMH), crossing my legs (a very big deal for me), undressing in front of others (gym) without being completely embarrassed, run, being able to wear a pear of bathing suit and leggings and look decent in them.

Nike Free Training Shoe

This sounds like it may be fun. I am going to try it. Thanks for sharing.

16 months out and I can eat pretty much anything I want without getting sick. I am not depriving myself of anything but I am pretty good about my food choices these days. If it is something I really want, I will eat it. The good thing is a bite or two usually does the trick and satisfies the craving. I am just the opposite of most people. I don't track or weight my food. It just stresses me out too much. I am at the point now where I can pretty much eye ball how much I can eat.

Awesome!!

Unfortunately, people treat me a lot differently. I am treated much better now. It's a sad reality for me.

@AvaFern "But every day I can get on my scales I have quantifiable proof that I'm not worthless anymore " This bought tears to my eyes. It really did. It took me losing weight to feel I was valuable. I am so mad, angry at myself for not loving me and thinking I was valuable before. I was amazing then but I was to depressed and ashamed to see it. I regret not loving the old me like I should.

Very normal so don't feel bad. Think of it has saving your life. Think about all of the positive things that can come from it. If you are a praying person, then pray about it and let it go. Please keep us updated. Wishing you the best.

LOL!! Great post! Enjoy the view!!

I take a small bite or two of whatever it is to kill the craving. That usually works for me.

I have always had bowel issues since I was a child. I have tried natural foods, fibers, etc. but nothing really helps me so I take a suppository every day. Also with the suppository, I take a stool softener as well. I usually take something a little stronger once a month for a "good cleaning" out though.

Has your doctor encouraged you to get one?

@@KindaFamiliar What a great response!!

I find myself hungry at lot and it is starting to bother me. Need some advice. I usually workout for an hour 5 to 6 days a week, running 3 or 4 of those days, walking and weight training the other days. I eat but I am hungry a lot. Here is my typical food day. Breakfast (before working out): A banana, Protein bar, yogurt, a piece of Jerky or two boiled eggs. I try to drink a little Water but not enough to fill me up. (Can’t workout on a full tummy. Learned that the hard way. LOL!). When I get to work, I will have a yogurt or smart one egg breakfast sandwich. A little later I will drink water. I usually have a cup of coffee (sometimes two) before noon). Snack: Jerky, applesauce, Protein Bar, plain Peanut Butter or nuts. (Sometimes I forget to eat the snack) Lunch: Tuna or grilled chicken breast on top of some lettuce or a small salad or some leftovers from the night before. Afternoon: Drink more water; a Protein shake, nuts, rice cake or cheese/crackers Drink shake or water on the way home. Dinner: Whatever I cook. Maybe fish or chicken and veggies. Will eat a few roasted potatoes or a few mouthfuls of rice sometimes but I try to stay away from bread and rice as much as possible. Late night snack: Nuts or yogurt or jerky and water I will eat some chips or chocolate covered peanuts every once in a while as a treat but not often. Even with all of the water I drink, I am hungry a lot. I eat everything on a saucer. What doesn’t fit, I don’t eat. A lot of the time, I will eat 3 or 4 ounces of meat and leave the rest to nibble on later. What am I doing wrong? The scale is not moving but I am working out like a mad woman.

15 months out. I take a stool softener every day along with my vitamins. It makes me life so much easier.

If I can do it, you can do it. I just signed up for it. Didn't tell anyone but my hubby. I wouldn't even let him go with me. I needed to do this for me.

I'm so proud of myself.

@Onelife I go to the dr. for a follow-up on Nov. 19th. I am determined to lose at least 10 pounds by then. More if I can.

@@dhrguru Thank you. My NUT wants me to lose 30 more. I would be ok with 20 more though.

15 months only 60 pounds but I feel great. Pic on left day before surgery. Pic on right is from this morning.