craigcu

I'm 2 years out maintaining for a year and 1/2 now. I jumped back into my social life after losing about half my weight. Probably too early in hindsight. As I approached a healthy BMI, I attracted more attention, (not always the kind I wanted), but looking back, my accomplishment was always present in the front of my mind then. I thought about it a lot. Every time I passed a window or mirror I was astounded by the reflection I saw. I worried about when I would tell a potential boyfriend and how. Was in a 10 month relationship that recently ended and recently jumped back in the pool.
It's different now. I'm not complacent. I still work out 5 days per week, weigh several time per week, eat small meals, (like I have a choice), :-) but I think about all of that A LOT less than I used to. I've met the "fat shamer", but they are few and are between and never get a second date. I'm choosier about who I'll go out with now. I'm looking for someone who is ACTIVE, because I need that influence in my life, but not someone who's more in love with his pecs\abs\whatever that he will be with me!
Where I used to obsess over my progress and maintaining it, I just don't so much anymore. Where I used to obsess about telling a potential partner I'd had bariatric surgery and why I eat so little, I don't anymore because all of that feels really normal to me now. I'm just more relaxed about it all which I think comes with time.

I'm signed up to run the 1/2 marathon. I'm also running the LA rock and roll 1/2 on Sunday and my medical team is not pleased with me. Those plans may change, but as of today, I'll be there

Congrats, @@craigcu , on doing the 5K.
I walk that far (and more), but haven't yet participated in a 5K event.

I'm doing the remix--5k and half marathon in Vegas. Did a half two weeks ago. Doing Ragnar Napa right now and Ragnar trail AZ in two weeks!

Yep, part of the emergency kit.... unfortunately... sigh..

Damn, I was really hoping "this" would clear up when closer to goal.. Gotta be a probiotic fix for this poppy pants issue. Walking my kids to school in the AM has been, err.. problematic>>>>

Thanks. I ended up just changing my profile pic since I could not get the upload working. My profile pick is before and after head shot of 4 months post op.

Awesome job!!

Awesome job!!

Thanks. I ended up just changing my profile pic since I could not get the upload working. My profile pick is before and after head shot of 4 months post op.

Thanks. I ended up just changing my profile pic since I could not get the upload working. My profile pick is before and after head shot of 4 months post op.

Get a decent bike if you can. I'm riding a huffy because I wasn't sure I would actually stick to riding. I already had this bike from years ago when I rode regularly. I figured I'd get a tune up and then see how much riding I end up doing before I invest in a good bike. I plan to upgrade before I hit the trails again.

@@mirv550 - DO NOT get anything with shock absorbors at your size, esp. in the seat. Part of it depends on where you live and where you ride. If you are are on relatively flat streets, basic one speed road bike (heavy steel frame) is fine to start. Get used to start. Don't get a cheap huffy, you will strip out the chain gears (I have twice). As you move up (by going down) figure what you like to do and then invest.
If you do mountain biking, you will want a front shock to keep your front tire in contact with the ground (more negative experience in that comment too).
Road bikes, it just depends on how much you want to spend. Look at carbon frames when you are ready to drop some money. It just absorbs the little shocks of life so well.

Never thought I would do this, but, what the hell! Coming in at a whooping 345 pounds before weight loss surgery to today at 215.

I'm on my 7th day post op so it's going to be a while before I get any new progress pics.
I did have a 120 lb loss on my last weight loss push a few years back. There are pics of that in my profile.
Sadly....I let a surgery and some developing ailments to be excuses to being active and gained most of it back.
I'm grateful that the sleeve surgery was a success and I'm on the mend. My ailments will all be "healable" and I'll be feeling much younger by my next birthday in 11 months.
Hugely grateful.

<img src="http://photosaws.sparkpeople.com/guid/f2dd958b-aea4-454a-8e98-8022ee8aa772.jpg"><img src="http://photosaws.sparkpeople.com/guid/e14677e2-32ad-474e-8d91-dd8a9a26ad3b.jpg"><img src="http://photosaws.sparkpeople.com/guid/ca3600c5-e91b-48f6-b798-785cfc770103.jpg">

Today is my 1 year surgiversary, HWE =423# , Started Surgery journey @ 360# , 6mth post 271#, today 240# .So that is 183# total loss 120# surgical loss. My dream goal is still another 65# away but I could stop now and be happy with my health.

One of these days we are going to have a frank conversation about the idea of monogamy. It is a universal failure. What percentage of people do you know have only had 1 partner for life? Nearly everyone is a serial polygamous when you think about it. The idea that one person will always be sexually, intellectually compatible with you your entire life is mathematically improbable. The only options are:
1) Get divorced and give up half your stuff and break up all your relationships
2) Quietly cheat, hope you don't get caught and live a double life.
3) Live in quiet desperation, deprivation and misery.
I think there is another option, which requires a serious change in people's views of sex and relationships. We need to really start to ask ourselves where this idea came from. How much of it was designed to control women. Who are the sex experts we have been listening to anyway? (Most, like Dr. Kellogg [who was a closeted homosexual, but his ideas still out there] were really screwed up people). Its a serious conversation that needs to be had.

I had a slice of pizza last night, ate the toppings and part of the crust. Just have to not make it a habit.

@@lauraellen80 I think it depends on the person. I am just 2.5 weeks out. However I was on Senna Lax 8.6mg tabs 4 a day for years prior to surgery. I get constipated very easily. Constipation causes me massive pain. Right now is an exploratory time, I am trying to figure out what works in what doses and how often. Thus far I have had two states, either plugged up, or the exact opposite. I am trying to find that middle ground. Adding to all this is the fact that I still have Isopure left and MY BODY HATES IT, but damnit, I spent $50 and no matter how my ass feels about it, I am going to drink every gram of it. I'm cheap what can I say?

This morning, after my morning coffee, I felt it coming on and knew I had to run to the bathroom....
Yeah, I didn't make it. Luckily, I work from home, so the only people who saw and smelled my poopy pants were my 3 Basset Hounds.
You are and continue to be an inspiration to me. Like you, I wouldn't change a darn thing. Except my poopy pants.

@LipstickLady This post made my day. Poop Toots. Never trust a fart. OMG I was laughing so hard on the way home reading it. No, I do not find the subject funny, in fact I suffer from it, that's why I have to laugh at it, because it is SO true!

I get it. And like you I'm absolutely loving where I am at the moment. Keep on enjoying life!

Sounds like you have it a lot more rough than I do. Nothing makes me sick and I'm pretty regular. I don't drink with meals because that's the rule. Not sure what would happened if I tried. I know that if I try to drink too soon AFTER a meal, I feel way overfull and uncomfortable. I also have to take omeprazole twice a day or I have terrible acid reflux.
But I'm right there with you on all the benefits. Seems like my journey may have been a little *easier* than yours, but certainly not *easy*.
Oh, I do have too many pokey bones now! I hate my pelvic bones! The are always digging into my forearms whenever I try to use a laptop or play on my tablet. My collar bones and the vertebrae in the back of my neck poke out and hurt to itch. And my upper ribs show when I'm not wearing a bra. Yuck!

it is funny, last evening we had a transformation recognition night atthe hospital where i had my surgery. The funniest part is the stories about all those things mentioned here. We came up with the thought that we could be millionaires if we just developed an easily portable, discreet, butt pillow/cushion that is also heated and easily carried aboard airplanes buses etc. The weight loss butt pillow.
We also discussed how home depot sells heated battery powered sweatshirts, and how i own several pairs of fingerless gloves that I use at work and in my home when working or being on the computer etc. But the real point, was even the surgeons who spoke reiterated many times how this is not the easy way out, or cheating or the like. Also, how we are in this for the long haul and every day is the next step in our journey.

Here you go...