anwen_ut

I have never done waist training, but I do wear corsets occasionally for historical reenacting and costuming. I can say that a well made corset can be comfortable for a period of time and can even help with posture (especially if you have a bad back). That said, I know I would never be able to keep one on for the amount of time required for waist training. They sure can make you look fabulous for a while though! Especially if you are squishy in the middle (which I definitely am!). But yeah, I guess since I don't do it I really don't have much to add to your specific question. Research and be healthy!

Huge, big, wonderful congratulations to you! That is so fantastic! I just finished my first 5k, so a half marathon is something that I can still only fathom. On my 5k race I did experience the same thing you did with the faster time. Something about the adrenaline in the moment just made me go that bit quicker, I think. I have needed to get motivation back after finishing my race and this definitely did that for me, so thank you so much for sharing!

Oh man, were I that cool to have that much of a back story on my name. Alas, it is just a Welsh name based on my time living there. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anwen. Oh, and also the fact that I currently live in the state of Utah. But now I feel like I am a slacker for not having something with hidden meanings and sooper secret codes!

If you go this route, be sure to let me know! I'd love to cash in on some of those photos! Total deal! It's my million dollar idea for sure this time! So glad I'm not alone in this! My poor, poor razors. I weep for them. I also weep for my wallet when I have to replace them at the rate I currently am. Maybe the razor industry is behind this after all?! <put on tinfoil hat> Did not mean to be mysterious! I didn't realize my gender is not in my profile. Only posting to this section because I am indeed a female.

I'm about a month into my somewhat expected hair loss stage. I think it's slowing. I've been taking Biotin and getting Protein, so have hopes that regrowth will be starting soon. However, I've noticed that my leg hair (and - ahem - other hair) seems to be growing awfully fast these days. While I long for the days of seeing new happy follicles appear on top, my legs seem to have no problem growing luxuriously long and thick locks. The kind that dull even the sharpest of 5-razored implements after only one use. I'm definitely going to be investing in laser hair removal soon, but wanted to see if this is normal? Or is it all in my head? Do I have leg hair dysmorphia?! Second thought is to chase that dream of messing with cryptozoologists by running around forests and letting people take bad photos of me.

Confession: Sometimes (ok, a LOT) I come on this site just to stare at my ticker and feel happy. Still a ways to go, but proud of my little moth. Also - I'm now just "Overweight"!! Just wanted to say thanks for the visual representation of the journey. It helps, even on bad days (stalls, I'm looking at you!)

Yep, I am 4.5 months post op (probably should have led with that!). My goal is 70-80 grams of protein a day and I admit most of the time I can barely squeak in the minimum, if that. The eating "small" without grazing does makes sense to me. Something to think about to! Thanks!

From what I've read my bariatric surgeon has a very different outlook on Protein than most that I've heard about. He only approves Protein drinks as a part of the pre-op diet and advises that protein post-op should come from "real food". He also does not recommend the use of any artificial sweeteners. So far, I've been really on board with both of these tactics. I prefer "real food" and cutting out all sweet stuff for months has really helped me not crave sweets at all. That said, I'm nervous about getting my correct amount of protein in. Another tactic I have been using is to only eat three meals a day, to stop myself from getting into the habit of grazing (also surgeon recommended practice). With what my pouch can handle, there just doesn't seem to be a way to get the needed protein in three sittings without severe food type restrictions. (I have been tracking through MyFitnessPal, and yep... it's pretty hard, if not impossible) I'm very tempted to give Protein shakes a try. I know you should always follow your surgeon's directions, and I do plan to discuss with him, but wanted to talk with people who have been down this road before. Do you think protein drinks helped you? What were the pros and cons of adding or subtracting them from your diet?

I recently have discovered flavored mustard and it has completely changed how I eat cheese sticks. Deli shaved meat, flavored mustard (horseradish or sriracha are my favorite), and cheese all rolled up is yummy and carb free.

I went from not having periods at all for about seven years to suddenly having them. A lot. And either I had forgotten how crummy periods are in general or they really weren't fun ones. (I believe one particularly bad night I spent hours groaning "I used to do this every MONTH?!?) Granted, I am only four months out, so can't speak to how they will stabilize. I had read all about the hormone changes and thought I would be able to handle it all with grace and dignity. After experiencing it, my husband would testify under oath to the exact opposite. Glad he is understanding.

I had my surgery four months and two days ago. I have lost 70 pounds, am training for a 5K and just fit into a size 16 for the first time in.... a long time. This is awesome! I am so glad that I made this lifestyle change. However. HOWEVER. My first real hair loss (we're talking half a brush full just now) has really kicked in. And the stretch marks on my stomach look like they have gone Nuclear. Seriously, I think there is a radioactive tint to them in the dark. I have so many amazing things to be grateful for, and my health is a huge one. Usually I want to focus on that, but had to rant a bit today. P.S. Fear the unstable atoms radiating from my belly!

I'm still new to all of this, so definitely do not have the long-term view that you may be looking for. Since sweetness has always been a weakness of mine, I have cut out all sugar and all artificial sweeteners. It sucked at first, but it has really helped me not crave sweet things as I've moved forward. Of course, the real challenge will be when I am at maintenance and re-introduce limited sugar. Hope I can keep it together then! Again, nothing sweet may not work for everyone, but it has been a godsend for this sweet-tooth.

Chapstick was recommended, and I was glad I had it. I do wish I had brought my own comfy, plush socks since the hospital ones always feel a bit scratchy to me. That could just be me though.

I have to say that does sound a bit odd. I was self-pay as well and my Dr. took my debit card and also offered to take cashier's checks. There could be a legitimate reason, but I'm with you... I'd hate to be carrying around that amount of cash for any amount of time!

I had a 6 and 10 year old. They knew I was having surgery to be "more healthy". For the 6 year old specifically it helped to come up with an arbitrary number for her to know when it was safe to hug me, etc. For me, I told her that each day I would gain 10%. It helped her know when we could snuggle, hug, and eventually jump. (10 days was a good amount for me to get back "100%" - at least for hugs!). It has actually been great to see how supportive they both are. They don't need to know specifics to know you are doing this to help your health. And, from my experience, they can really help with support through recovery and ongoing work! I agree that it may not be something you need to burden your class with, though. As someone who isn't a teacher, I really can't add a lot of insight on that aspect.