Paige Dukes

Thank you all for the reassurance. I wasn't expecting this to all be so hard emotionally. I anticipated missing the old eating habits, but all in all I don't miss my old habits, but I do miss the relative invisibility that came with being so large. People comment quite often on my weight loss and it is beginning to make me uncomfortable. But at the same time, I am incredibly proud of the progress I have made and the hard work I have put in. I think part of the problem is I don't really see much of a difference when I look in the mirror. I can physically feel that I take up less space, but I look at myself and just see 325 lbs. I can recognize I may need some counseling.

I had figured I would gain weight on the NOLA trip because of all of the delicious, rich foods. I was so upset when we had to cut it short, though. I'm out so much money for the hotel. I think I could tolerate it all better if my mouth didn't hurt so bad.

Thanks! It was a frustrating time but I finally did it.

My clothing doesn't feel like it is any looser. I also havent been getting enough water. I haven't taken very good care of myself the past week and a half and I need to get back on track. I admit I do need to start measuring, though.

I did do it! Officially down 51 pounds now. Hard work pays off.

Awesome!

Way to go!

I had a breakout right before surgery. I think the complete overhaul of our diets is part of the issue. I will say though after getting through the flare up I now have the best skin I have ever had in my life. I hope yours clears up soon .

I'm fuller quicker with high protein foods. Definitely satiated earlier and stay fuller longer. It's not a MAJOR difference but it's something. I think my sweet spot may be with one more fill but I am going to give this a couple of months or so before I contact my surgeon again.

I have been considering starting taking b12. I will look into it next time I am grocery shopping.

I still have about 110 or so pounds to lose, but I am finding that I am liking how I look in things much more than I used to after 40 pounds lost. I bought a dress yesterday because I liked how it looked on me and I convinced myself I was worth it. It is definitely hard to justify paying for nice things along the journey because I either beat myself up for being so big or I tell myself "well, in a month or so it wont fit." I spent a good bit of money yesterday on clothes but one reason was because I found a pair of pants that made my butt look awesome, lol.

Welcome to the family!

I'm trying to get used to the idea that this is how it is going to go as I drop weight. I really gotta stop with the salty foods. I just love strong flavor so much .

I've got the hotel booked. Going to New Orleans for Halloween. Staying on Decatur. I think it's a reasonable estimate to say I could lose 11 more pounds in a little over two months.

Thanks, guys!

Your boss is awesome, and YOU are awesome, for being strong and rescuing the little one!

Awesome!

It was definitely difficult when the rest of the family would order the delicious looking fried seafood platter or heavily sweetened mixed drinks, but I stuck to my guns and only ordered grilled or steamed items. I also used it as an excuse to get more active and try activities I wouldn't have before.

It definitely saved me a lot of trouble and frustration, that's for sure.

I made sure to take my meds correctly and monitored my sodium intake and the 4 pounds already came back off. I figured it was just water weight because my ankles were huge after work and it dawned on me I forgot to take my BP meds. I've set up a new routine now to help me remember.

Just a lot of frustration and anger and fear culminated into one big cry fest. Really helped to get it all out, but still can't sleep. just can't shut my brain off.

I think part of my problem may be I am used to working 12 night shifts and when I go to sleep I crash and sleep like a brick. I have been off for 12 days for the surgery and I think my sleep cycle isn't used to the time off.

I think I got a little excited about advancing in the stages and went a little overboard. definite discomfort afterwards.

Woop woop!

The initial part was a casual conversation with the psych doctor. She had a sheet she was asking specific questions off that she was filling in but for the most part it was just me and her talking. After that I had to go into a room and do the test. The funny part is I am a psychiatric nurse and the questions that weren't obvious throw aways, I could tell what they were checking for. Paranoia, mania, depression, delusions, etc. The most subtle questions were the ones looking for symptoms of bipolar mania. regardless, I answered honestly and feel like my eval shouldn't have shown any major issues.

I can't wait! At least I have gotten used to this pre op diet.