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Good Morning Ladies, Up early this morning trying to reset my schedule. This past week was sort of difficult, I did not eat as much as I should. I got my protein in of course, but my calories were low just because I was doing a lot of moving around and have a tendency to forget to eat. I hope you all are enjoying your holiday season! NSV: I went to the skating ring with my family and my mom walking behind me grabbed me at the waist and says "girl, look at this tiny waist" ; > not where it needs to be but hey I will take it. Oh and 2 hours of skating and racing children keeps you sore for days. A great feeling.

Yes....Yes it is! I have been away from home for the holiday and regret not bringing it along.

Hopefulme, I understand what you mean regarding others not understanding what it is like. But I do hope your husband will be supportive of you on this journey, it will mean the world. My husband has never struggled with his weight either, and he knows I have. When I first introduced the idea, it was at the advice of doctor to start talking about surgical options. So that is how I brought it up, coming from the doctor, I said, my doctor thinks its time to start thinking about surgical alternatives. His reply was "babe, just let me know what I need to do". I said nothing now, I was just letting you know about the conversation I had with my doc. But be mindful being supportive may be difficult at first if you are not vocal about your needs. The first meal my hubby saw me eat, he was like "that's all?". I jokingly said, "if you don't want to see that food again, that's all" (referring to vomiting), he laughed and said, "hey let me finish that for you". What's more funny is that I was drinking Soup, and he actually took the bowl downed the rest of it. I said all that to say it will be a change, so just give people a chance to be supportive. And of course we are here for you as well.

Merry Christmas Ladies, I am doing well. I haven't weighed in this week due to being out town with family, I was at 213 last week, so hoping for a continued loss. While I am away, my focus is protein, protein, protein, water, water, water. Fiesty, that's awesome! You too Ritchey, I am excited for the holidays as well. It is my absolute favorite time of year. I take "nature made" B12 tabs, iron tabs, I do a gummy multivitamin, calcium chews (sugar free caramel). The calcium came from costco in a gold and purple bag, can't think of the brand since I only brought enough for the trip. Nature made can be bought just about anywhere, Walgreens, Walmart, etc. When I spoke the doc about vitamins, he stated some docs will recommend against a gummy multi-vitamin, because it does not have the totals you need, however, because I am supplementing with the iron, b12, and calcium, he feels the gummy is adequate. As far as the doritos, its time to find an alternate crunch you like that will not crunch back in the long run. I am sure you have probably thought of this already. I usually will go for carrots or nuts (almonds are pretty easy to pulverize during the chew process). Apples with cheese. Also, there is a healthy version of dorito you can make yourself. I saw it when I was looking up DIY foods a while back, but I sure you can google and it will come up. LOL I have found myself to be most fond of avocado. It taste even better than I remember and it goes down so easily. I have been trying to negotiate with my tummy about what is ok and so far, I have lost a many battle. Which means that in addition to my protein shake in the morning, one meal for the day ends up being a protein bar. But hey, that is 50g I don't have to focus on for the time being.

Well Happy Belated Birthday! I had my break up with food a long time ago, long before this surgery. Someone told me long ago, FOOD is not your friend. Yes, food it always there in good and bad times. But not like a good friend ought to be. It's the one who causes the damn problems in your life just so she can stick around and say I am here for you. A true friend would have your back. FOOD is selfish and all about what it can get out of the relationship with you. It has made you think you need it (emotionally), when really it is the other way around. It has controlled the relationship for so long, now that it is your turn to exercise control, it is strange. Think about it this way, FOOD had been making sure your are the D.U.F.F. (Designated Ugly Fat Friend). And as long as she holds you in that position, people can covet her, look at her (cake, chocolate, pizza, etc.) rather than you. It is time to move out of the shadows of the title she gives you, make your own title, and put her in her place. Use her ass to lift you up (i.e. give you energy) rather than depend on her backstabbing ass to comfort you in the time of need she put you in. Hey I know it is a little harsh, but it worked for me so I thought I would share.

@@retzlpa, I am sorry you have to deal with this kind of invasive speak especially when you are working to improve yourself. I take a different approach to responding, but doing this to myself. If I make the comment, often times people tend to find ways to rebuttal whatever I just said. It may sound just like their comments but coming from me feels way better than coming from them. It lets them know I am aware of the situation, and it is ok with me. I might say things like "better move over, this thing traveling behind me will knock you down" or "big as I am, maybe I should only eat half the egg". I am the one working to improve myself. And for those who can still get a word in, hey say what you need to say. I hoped you added a good laugh after you told that woman she was old and ugly. At least she would know not to mess with you. if she keeps it up, I might even add a "girl, you getting older everyday aren't you?" next time you see her. just kidding that would be mean, but funny as hell and some people need a lesson. But it would hurt to think it, ask her how shes doing and walk away laughing.

Each morning, I start my day with a Protein shake, and when I want to mix it up, I have a bar. There is nothing like knowing you already have 30g protein in the bag. Gives me time to focus on the other 35-40g. Also, I do much better with liquid, since my belly only holds so much. In all honesty, the shake is more like a pre-breakfast, since I have it between 6 and 630 (start it). By 10, I usually have some form of egg white and something to add to it.

This is a great idea juno5. If your are having your procedure prior to Christmas, I don't think keeping a lid on it is going to be an issue. At thanksgiving I was not enticed by the food whatsoever, and if you are bold enough to try something, your new belly will let you know right away you have made the hugest mistake. It was great to be around family and friends non the less.

I had my procedure on Friday and was back at work the following Tuesday. I have a job where I do a lot of walking around and that was particularly helping since I needed to be walking anyway. One day at work and there was no remnants of gas pain left whatsoever. It really is up to you. As you do work at home, 1 week may be plenty. However, just be sure you are up and walking as much as you can.

And although a few days late on this...STAY away from the scale during your TOM. It is a time of major fluctuation. Glad you are getting back on track and congrats on your loss thus far.

Immediately! I woke up and shortly thereafter had the thought 'I know it has been at least 24 hours since I ate anything, and yet I am not hungry'.

Shout out to Ritchey, Belize, and Feisty!!! I am just checking in with you gals. Hopefully you are all blissfully bouncing back to yourselves. Have a wonderful holiday season.

I had braids during my procedure as well. I did this so I would not have to worry with my hair post-op. In fact, I am 5 weeks out and still wearing my braids. I wash and refresh if one gets loose.

So in 3 weeks, I have shed nearly 21 inches from my frame with the more than half of this total coming from my bust, hips, waist, and abdomen.

I had mine done in Mexico. It took about an hour I was told but it felt like 30 seconds. I have stairs in my house as well and was able to maneuver them just fine

So by some defect, I am a default Sahara. Of course this had nothing to do with surgery. It was even prior. I knew this going in and expected it to worsen. So what I did was go out and buy a squatty potty...don't laugh. Well I should have gotten more that one cause I can't go anywhere but in my master bath. I have never been so regular even when it is hard it comes out. What's funny is My Ass was not afraid of MOM. I would still be block and have liquid coming from around the blockage...so I threaten with the SquattyPotty. Like don't make me put my feet up.

I am going to go with yes, your body is adjusting. Just make sure you are getting in fluid and protein,and if you aren't walking a lot, you should be. It will pass and your body is still healing

I would ask your gynecologist what it best. I know there are lots of options, I had an IUD in a long time ago which worked fine. It was removed when I had my tubal. The non-latex condom option could work, but clear that with your husband as he may not like the idea of having to wear a condom. Some people have a depovera shot, however, some experience weight gain from it.

I actually had a dream that I lost too much weight last night. It is really weird, but I am far from that at this point and knew it was a dream. I think people have harped enough on the whole what are you eating issue. I do think it is a great idea to plug everything into an app so you can see what it looks like when you add it up. Also, is there any weight lifting or strength training-you may need to add some muscle, or even prevent losing muscle. Protein is your friend and if you are not getting enough with the foods you eat, add shakes back in. Just my thoughts

Is it possible that he has dry sense of humor? Just wondering.

Mo oneal you have to click follow That is awesome Diva

@@bayougirlmrsc, the signs have been there, you are just noticing them more. Sorry for your loss.

If you don't want people to ask about your scars, gosh just tattoo over them. But if you will lay down with someone, you are already opening yourself completely to that person. Not that they will ask, but if they do...just say you had surgery. If you are in the mist of sex and the boy ask further questions of concern...by golly. Consider keeping him. And if he then kisses those scars proving he likes you the way you are scars and all. By all means marry him. Lol. But seriously be honest. Even for a person like me who has not told many people. I say honesty is best.

OMG I completely forgot about the protein bars. Well I cannot have then yet, but I will try to find some I like.

Lianna, thanks for the suggestions. I found that the salad bar is a nice option as well as long as there is protein offered there