MzB

Sorry, couldn't get photo to load before.  

Well I haven't been on her for so long and it is good to read all of your posts! My surgery date was actually June 7, 2013 I have been out of town but for some reason I really wanted to share a little of my journey.
I started this journey actually 2 years before I had the surgery. It took me that long to make the decision that once I had my surgery I would never turn back to my old eating patterns. Making such a change to your body was something I took very seriously and played the head games for 2 years. You know..........You can do this just eat right, exercise stay with the program! I was at the gym 3 times a week and trying so hard. I managed to lose about 25 pounds then my mother passed away. I kept up the same routine same eating patterns and despite all I gained 10 pounds back and finally said "That's it!" I knew I needed the help and made the decision to have the surgery.
When I started the 2 weeks of liquid diet before surgery I had my answer to my biggest problem. I was a carbaholic that was the biggest insight into who I was and what was controlling me. I knew then and there I could no longer eat useless carbs. They were and are still a drug for me. Have you ever noticed when you eat a good piece of bread, cake, chip etc. it makes you want it more? It calls you from the cabinets and the frig......."I'm in here so close just come and have a few more!" Damn carbs!! I still fight this but know myself so well now I know what trigger foods to avoid and what I can treat myself with on an occasion. I am not anti carbs just the bad ones that pull you in. Avoid them!
I haven't been the best at exercising but I do go twice a week during the school year (I work at a high school) and swim and bike ride during the summer. My goal weight was 160 pounds and I had a secret goal of 150 pounds. I knew I was going to make the 160 because I wasn't changing my body without a good outcome if I could help it. The day of surgery I weighed 293 pounds and today I weigh 149 pounds. I have been able to maintain this weight pretty easily (no boasting) and am amazed and give all the glory to God and my sleeve! When I returned home from my 3 week trip I had only gained 7 pounds and knew it was mostly bloat. By the end of the first week home it was gone and I marveled at how helpful this surgery actually is!
To this day I still do not have hunger pains.........Thank the Lord!!! I know when my body is in need of food because I get an empty feeling or show signs of low blood sugar but that doesn't happen to often. Only if I am really really busy and honestly forget to eat. No eating disorder here.......no worries I still love my food!
My body definitely has wrinkles all over the place and one day when I win the lottery I will have some surgery to fix myself up. The funny thing is when I was on vacation and was carrying some Water weight the wrinkles in some areas were not as bad. This is how I knew it was Water weight. I missed my wrinkles and was happy to get them back because I felt back on track. Proof of being where I was supposed to be. Weird!! I still get a runny nose when I get full and can eat about 8 ounces on a really good day. I eat a high Protein diet with a lot of veggies and fruit. I have become a gluten free organic eater it made the difference for the last 5 pounds. I do love a Crown and diet organic coke or glass of wine. I didn't have a drink for about a year or more after surgery. This is one thing I caution everyone with. I quickly caught myself enjoying a drink in place of carb foods and put a stop to that. I thought well there is little calories and carbs in a Crown and diet coke so I will be okay and I didn't gain weight but drinking should just be kept at a minimum. You could easily fall into a really bad habit. For some reason eggs are still hard for me to eat I can't eat more than 2 on a really good day. What is up with that? Scrambled eggs........Really!!
I take my Vitamins religiously and my blood work has come back great.......very grateful! One of my favorite treats is a cup of coffee with my half of a Premiere Protein Drink and some hazelnut Creamer. It's a great middle of the day treat.
I am still the person I was before surgery but with more confidence, self awareness and energy. I will protect this new person and body with all vigilance. The true answer to this surgery is getting to know the authentic self, recognizing your triggers and fixing them. Be it personal issues or food issues such as mine. Easier said then done I realize this full on. When I was on the liquid diet I put a whole new spin on being a bitch............My family was ready to run away! Every once in awhile I will go to a restaurant that overwhelms me and I tear up and get mad but I do not stray from my eating patterns. I know myself......... I would rather be mad for a few minutes than go down that slippery slope of gradual weight gain from getting addicted to carbs again.
This was pretty long so if you hung in there and read the whole thing........Thank you!! I'm not perfect by a long shot and I'm sure there are some that would criticize. Please don't this is my life and I am feeling pretty darn good about it. I wish each and every one of you the best and brightest of outcomes!!!!

I am struggling this challenge like never before. Maybe it is because I have hit my 1-year surgerversary.
Current weight: 160.2

I am struggling this challenge like never before. Maybe it is because I have hit my 1-year surgerversary.
Current weight: 160.2

I am struggling this challenge like never before. Maybe it is because I have hit my 1-year surgerversary.
Current weight: 160.2

157.8

So here it is....my daughter had this in her room and gave it to me. My highest weight was 297. Pre surgery 267, now 145. I'm 5'8 and it took me a little less than a year. Enjoy! Lol!!! Sorry it's sideways. I'm adding a side by side for comparison.

Sorry, missed last week. 157.9 this week.

I can definately relate. I am 17 months out and have never gotten to goal. My loss came to a screeching halt around November. I refuse to think of myself as a failure, I am determined to get to goal, regardless how long it takes.
I recently met w/my bariatric team. They recommended:
1) get over 20 g of Fiber a day (I was only getting about five)
2) make sure 2 days a week I include strength training, ,even if it's only 10-15 minutes, as this will speed up my metabolism.
3) work out 5/6 days a week
4) log my food. Side note, I recently bought a Fitbit and love it. Both work together and help me remain accountable.
5) and of course the old bariatric saying, "Protein first".
Remaining hopeful & wishing you success.

Hi all. I decided to go ahead and make my "membership" official and join the VIP club. ???? So far BP has been fantastic to read and to participate in(the good and the bad). I thought it was time to fully commit! ????While my program has a monthly in person meeting, it never seems to fall on a day I can go so BP has become my default support group.
I have been mostly quiet up to this point but I have been soaking up so much. I am now 5 months since VSG so things are settling down to be more routine. So many of my early questions were answered by reading the responses of the oh so patient veterans on other threads. I can't tell you how much it helped me!
I didn't panic after I didn't lose much immediately post op.
I didn't get upset when I hit the 3 week stall. (A little discouraged, but it helped to know it wasn't just me)
I was prepared for when my hair started to like the floor better than my head. (Not happy, but hopeful since everyone says it will come back!)
I learned about lots of new food options (Halo Top ice cream!) and recommendation on Vitamins.
And most importantly, I feel I am getting to know a group of individuals who on this "project" with me.
Don't get me wrong, I have
lots of support at home and from friends and family, but it isn't the same as talking to others who are in the same boat. At times I will admit to feeling a bit lonely in this journey. Just reading and sometimes responding on BP has helped feel more connected.
So I thought it was time to fully commit to BP and work on starting to give back. ????????

160.7 Ugh... Maybe this is just what my weight will be. I cannot seem to get down into the 150's.

160

160

This challenge will run from 4-4-16 through 5-30-16. This will give us a total on 9 weigh ins. I will do my best to update the spreadsheet every Monday, but because I work full time and have a family I ask that you be patient with me!
This challenge is for everyone. If you are pre op, post op, in maintenance or looking for some accountability this challenge is for you! The rules and link to the spreadsheet are below!
Rules
1. Post your weight on this thread every Monday.
2. If you change your screen name please let me know.
3. If you miss 3 or more weigh ins, I will assume you no longer want to participate and your name will be removed from the spreadsheet.
4. If you miss a weigh in, no problem. Just post it asap.
5. We are all here to support each other, if you post a question anyone can answer.
6. You will know your weight is updated on the spreadsheet once I've liked your post!
The link to the spreadsheet is below! Have fun, and good luck with this challenge!!!
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1-0d_c61wASUV8eCRh5iDUicAVwROtLnl9D6wG1dd9Ao/edit?usp=docslist_api
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1-0d_c61wASUV8eCRh5iDUicAVwROtLnl9D6wG1dd9Ao/edit?usp=docslist_api

I went to the Nicholson Clinic. They were great and I had a great experience. I am 10 months out and doing well. Dr. Nick did my surgery.

161

I went to the Nicholson Clinic. They were great and I had a great experience. I am 10 months out and doing well. Dr. Nick did my surgery.

1: Pay attention to the limited carbs rule. I don't think this was stressed enough before surgery. I don't mean in the liquid/mushee stages, but after that.
2: Remember this is a marathon, you may feel it is a sprint in the first few months, but it is important to pace yourself and keep your eyes up on the long term prize rather than down on the scale.
3: Hair loss will happen for most. Be prepared and don't panic!
4: Stalls are part of the process. As others have said, embraces them and focus on how you look rather than the numbers.
5: listen to your body. Everyone is different. Turns out it is possible to get too much Protein (at least for me). Some people can do 100g/day. Anything over 80 for me and my kidneys get unhappy.

5 hours last week. Sorry I am a day late due to travel.

I am already wondering if I can mix it with strawberry for Strawberry-banana flavor. Yum!

Surgery day 298lbs
Presently 200lbs

CW: 166
GW: 150

Buck up and put your big girl panties on your bum, you beautiful woman!

I did NO formal exercise this past week. And my eating hasn't been great either! Going to try to go to a few bootcamp and yoga classes this week so hopefully I'll get in more exercise!
Youre in my thoughts and prayers Barty!

Hi all, running late to post this week because I am on vacation. Good news is I got in 6.5 hours last week. But have to say staying on track while at the in-laws is hard.