joankrie

@@AmyLynn, inwas so worried about hair loss. Im taking an extra folic acid, and it has strengthen my nails which I have always had brittle nails. Now they're strong and longer. I use a protein conditioner about x4 week to maintain my hair. I bought this product from Visible Changes. I dont know if you have this salon by you, but I know you can buy it online at their website.

@@smiley! Congratulations! That really is a milestone to no longer be obese!!! You go girl! Keep it up!

@tacycakes.. LOL! I did the exact same thing regarding my BIPAP. I havent used it either. I feel better when I wake up. Although, I have a Sleep appt in Jan 2015, im going to ask them to recheck for sleep apnea. Cross your fingers that our sleep apnea is gone!!

@auri, thanks for the chart! Thats a great guideline. Im glad we're losing at a steady snd reasonable manner. I didn't want to lose too fast. Sounds like you're on target!! Good job!! I can't wait to squeeeezzze into a 10 and feel healthy and look good. That's my goal. I want my curves. What's your goal.

@Superbariactricbabe, I get it!! I just don't think some people use common sense at times. My husband put alot of candy in my Christmas stocking. I was shocked. He didn't do it with mal intent. He just didn't think. Do you think your Dad was in the frame if mind?

@auri, congratulations!! What a great victory!!! If you dont mind me asking.. at the time of your surgery what was your size? Im in a snug 18. At the time if my surg, I had stretched out my 24's, so in reality, I think I was a 24-26. Boy oh boy, is that hard to swallow. But, it feels good to be able to say it without judgement in this forum. My goal was to be at 249 on Christmas. After my second bowel movement on Christmas morning, i reached 249.8 lbs! That was good enough for me! 72lbs down and Only 89 to go! I love to read our groups stories, i feel inspired by everyone! I love my family dearly, and they are a tremendous support system, BUT they just don't get it at times. Question to the group.. when you see people you haven't seen.in a while, do they comment on your weight loss? My experience.. not one person. I have.yo show them a pic of the old me, so they can see the difference. Also,can anyone tell me how to download a pic on this forum, ao I can share the difference??

@misstv, what a fantastic idea to sell clothes on ebay!!! Thankyou! I dont mind making a few extra bucks on the 24's!!

I havent ventured outside OUR group, and im pretty sure I won't! I think negativity comes from low self esteem and an angry heart. I feel OUR group is shares a common goal.. health and feeling better about ourselves. Isnt that why we decided to have WLS??

@@Beni, I agree with you..we ha an incredibly supportive and interactive group. I have not joined any other bariatric pal groups. Simply because I find the information shared here helps me figure out where I am in this process, and mostlu, its so nice to read other peoples experiences, and know that I am not alone! @dc520, my heart aches for you! How r u coping? Is there anythine we can do for you?

@misstv, It feels like ive been cooking for days. My family had a Pre-Christmas celebration on Sunday I cooked turkey bacon ans swiss cheese quiche, italian breakfast casserole, cinnamon rolls, and served coffee and Mimosa. Tonight I made 2 pans of lasagne and anothet pasta casserole. Its a wonderful feeling that I can cook from the heart for my family, and I am not struggling wanting these yummy things. I taste tested, and truly it was enough for me. Im grateful for these small victories! My goal was to be 249 by Christmas. I weighted at 251 today! Im feeling good about meeting a goal. Fingers crossed! How is everyone else doing? Is anyone feeling overwhelmed with the holidays foods??

@Beni..what a great recipe! I'm going tomake it this week!!

@@Beni, I too have suffered from constipation. It sucks!! I used colace/abt 4 a day with average results. Miralax was a joke.. what works for me pre/post surgery are fish oil pills and chia/flaxseed powder. I put that in my soups, eggs, ground turkey, etc itd tasteless, and will most probably give you outstanding results! And not to mention the health benefits.

@@wildGoose, I suffered from constipation as well. Now, I have no problem. I use flaxseed powder on my foods. It works quickly.it's good for heart tissue. Check it out and see if that'll solve your dilemma!

Hey Group, as far as sugar.. I have tried a spoonful if frosting, and felt i was turning green! Obviously, I ate too many sugar grams. I would think, if you ate a small quantity.. you should be ok. However,we are all made differently. I was at a stall last week, so I increased protein and my activity level, and I lost 3 lbs this week. Interestingly enough, I visited with 2 friends on 2 different occasions, and they did not notice my weight loss. Ugh! Im down 69lbs from the beginning of this process! I guess when one has 160lbs to lose, 69 isnt a big difference! I felt disappointed, but not deflated! It just inspires me to carry on with my journey!

@amylynn.. the sassiness looks fantastic on you! Keep it up!

@@misstvb, thats happened to me (not the flu), but see a few xtra pounds! Its so discouraging. But, know tomorrow is a new day, with an opportunity to do better! I've only lost 5lbs this month, so im more active, and trying to eat more protein to jump start the weight loss. All will be well!

@auri, how exciting to be able to fit in a large!! Can't wait for that milestone for myself! Keep up the outstanding work! The curves look amazing!

@@amylynns, the ring is stunning!I'm going to share this story with my husband, and MAYBE he'll get the hint! Sometimes he's on the short and slow bus!!

Continued.. and trying new healthy foods! Ive never been very good a setting goals for myself.. so wish me luck!

You guys share such real inspiring stories! I cant wait to see my finger size decrease. I never could put on a ring in the store. Sadly, I creeped into a size. 24/26 @321. Now at 254, size 20. I have clothes in my closet I wouldn't give up, simply for the day id return to to lower sizes. I have no clothes under the size 18. So I asked family if they were going to buy me clothes, it'd be only XL Im ready to leave the1X, and start shopping in the "normal" size. My goal is to reach 249 by Christmas. Thays my gift to myself! I'm trying to trick "the stall" by exercising more

Well said@@Beni

@@Beni and Smiley.. when I grocery shop, I find myself looking at turkeys, bags of potatoes, etc to visualize the weight loss I have done. It helps keep myself on track. You are sooooo right.. we were so miserable! It baffles me that I normalized myself to that quality of life! I appreciate this support group and how people are honest in what his or her experiences. Keep it real, it helps keep things in perspective!

@Superbariactricbabe, I sip during meals and after as well. I don't know ifnits bad or how it can affect weight loss. I will have to ask my MD. It really has been the hardest transition for me.

@freelyme.. well said! Powerful words of encouragement!

@auriP.. I completely understand what you're saying. I feel I'm not losing the way i want to. But, however for me, im not weighing things.. I do walk at least 5500 steps a day, im most comfortable with soft foods. I know i would lose more if I journaled, and being more cognitive. I do eat healthy. My surgery was 10.6.14, and my pre surgery weight was 292, and im 254 now.