NovaL

Today I got on the scale and it said 242. I've officially lost 100 lbs. I feel so good and it seemed like it took forever.
I started this journey at 342 lbs, surgery date 4/8/15 and now 8 months later I'm at 242. I still have 62 lbs till I get to my doctors goal of 180 lbs, but I'm gonna listen to what you all said from my earlier post and stick to the plan...Oh yeah, and today I also got a NSV to share. I went to pump gas this morning on my way to work and this guy pulled up next to me and said, "Hey, Gorgeous!" Wow it has been years since a man has actually noticed me...I didn't know what to say so I just gave an awkward wave and he drove off...I felt so embarrassed but blushing at the same time.
So I got a scale victory and a NSV!!! Woohoo!!!

Yes, I weigh every day and do have mini stalls (4 days at exactly the same weight to the tenth of a pound).
No, I can't eat Ho Ho's and lose weight. Over the holidays, I ate Christmas Cookies on 4 different days and instantly gained 3 pounds. It came off a few days after I went back to my program, but I'm sure I would have stalled if I kept it up.
I have also studied all the posts of people who failed and gained weight down the road. I found no one who claimed it was caused by having a few glasses of wine a week. I even started a thread that was "hot" for a while specifically asking this question and not one single poster reported gaining back weight due to a few low-sugar alcohol drinks a week (some had problems with margaritas, daiquiris, beer, etc, but they were also eating junk food).
Virtually everyone who had failed cited Ho Ho's! Well, not exactly, rather sugar. Regular soft drinks is #1, sweets in general #2, simple carbs #3, and junk food #4 (which I assume means burgers, fries, and milkshakes).
I am not cocky, I am a scientist. It took me 50 years to put on 75 pounds and 80% of those 50 years I was on one diet or another.
I have no doubt that I will fail if I just eat "normally". I also have no use for second hand tales from others who eat perfectly, don't drink alcohol themselves and feel they know it all (kinda feels like the "Church Lady" from SNL).
I have read all the major wls books and most all the posts on this forum and others. I know all the "official rules" and I also know that there is much disagreement among experts throughout the process in terms of food, alcohol, and coffee. I also know that it varies based on your surgery.
That's why I ask for real world experiences.
I love this forum for the first hand accounts of what worked or didn't work FOR YOU!
This thread is about a question for people who drink alcohol. If you don't drink, good for you, but please don't bother jumping in.
Thanks

I'm a little over 7 months out, and 112 pounds down. I've gone down to a lower BMI class, and about 5 pants sizes. I go to the gym 3-5 times a week and work by butt off, literally. I try not to make mistakes, and when I do, I've worked hard to not beat myself up about them. But I've found some of the hardest stuff to not beat myself up about, are the things I have absolutely no control over.

I didn't know that I would be gossiped about by literally EVERYONE at work. I didn't know that they would gossip instead of openly ask me how I lost the weight. I'm apparently super naive.

I didn't know that people would comment about how great I look, and then when someone tells them how I lost the weight, they would immediately change their opinion about how I look.

I didn't know that overweight people would be the LEAST likely to support me. But it was true! Jealousy is pretty common apparently. I made the terrible mistake of telling a coworker about my surgery 3 months out when they commented on how good I look. I then proceeded to get lectured for a half hour about how dangerous it is and what a terrible decision I made.

I didn't know that even after your success is becoming OBVIOUS, people would still feel negative. I just thought once I lost a lot of weight, they woudl come around and see it was a good decision. Sorry everyone, but the answer is no. 7 months out, that horrible coworker still makes horrible comments. Today eyes were rolled and a sarcastic "yeah right" was stated when I said 'yes I go to the gym 3-5x a week'. Apparently I'm lying. And apparently it doesn't matter that I've lost a ton of weight, you should still judge me and consider it a bad decision.

I didn't know that healthy, fit, thin people would actually be VERY supportive of my decision. I guess it makes sense though. They know how important health and fitness is, and they are happy to see someone else striving to better themself. I've actually found a great support system to discuss recipes, Protein shakes, new Snacks and workout ideas! My fiance tells me all the time about some of his friends who ask about my success and comment how great I look when they see pictures. I was terrified for those people to learn about my surgery, and I'm so thankful I finally told them.

I didn't know that I would have trouble seeing my own success. But I do, ALL the time. How does someone NOT see a 100+ pound loss? How is it possible that I look in the mirror and still see the old me sometimes? Maybe I need to get my eyes checked. I never thought that would be possible. But it happens everytime I go to the gym. Doesn't matter what I wear or what I'm doing. I look and don't see the curves, or the thin legs. I don't see that I actually have a shape other than round. I see what I used to be. I feel like a jerk talking about this too. No one wants to hear 'oh I've lost over 100 pounds but I don't see it myself'. It sounds like I'm fishing for compliments, but I'm not! It makes me sad. I know I should be thrilled, I know I should see it, but it's really challenging sometimes.

I didn't know that I would be so ashamed of my loose skin. I hate seeing my own body. I avoid the mirror all the time. I'm so embarrassed. Thank God its winter so I can wear long sleeves. How am I ever going to wear shorts!? Or a swim suit. I feel like people must see the skin and think its gross. I feel like I'm waving a flag to the world, 'Hey! Look at me! I was really overweight'. I don't want to hide my past, but I don't want it to be a neon sign in someones eyes before they get to know me.
I get married this October and my dress is sleeveless. I really don't want to be stressing about my arms, but I already think about it all the time.

I didn't know that I had so many triggers that made me want to eat. I don't handle stress well, and I know that about myself. That's not new, I'm working on it. But I didn't realize how much it made me want to eat. I've been able to focus that stress and use it at the gym, and its been really successful. But its a struggle every single day. When I get really upset, I still think about wanting junk food. I don't think that struggle will ever go away.

I didn't know how lucky I was having a great support system. I've always been really independent, and don't like relying on people. This process has shown my how wrong I was to feel that way. I would never have been so successful without my amazing fiance and friends. Having people to talk to has been so important to me. Even if they can't always understand what I'm going through, it makes such a difference getting things off my chest. I look forward to the support group meetings at my Bariatric Center every month. There's something about seeing people in person going through exactly what you are going through that gives such relief. Knowing I'm not alone has been so important to me.

January 12th

Mine was the 13th, going alright so far, getting full quick and that with only Clear Liquids.< /p>

I somewhat agree, Day 2 pain is really bad but I am thankful to the pain killers because they really are easing the pain. Still at the hospital and they're keeping them coming in rotation! Only drinking Water and a bit of apple juice a bit scared to have any soup/broth plus, not feeling hungry at all feel like I can live off water!
Good luck to all upcoming procedures, it goes quickly!

Very inspirational!

I always tell my sister I don't see the difference. I went from 410 to now 236 I totally see it now I needed to do this to see it and I'm happier and most of all healthier I still have a long way to go but for my 1st year I'm so proud of myself <3

Thanks
I'm feeling same day 2 pain is worse but thank god for pain meds

I somewhat agree, Day 2 pain is really bad but I am thankful to the pain killers because they really are easing the pain. Still at the hospital and they're keeping them coming in rotation! Only drinking Water and a bit of apple juice a bit scared to have any soup/broth plus, not feeling hungry at all feel like I can live off water!
Good luck to all upcoming procedures, it goes quickly!

Green Chili cheese Puff Prep time: 15 mins Cook time: 35 mins Total time: 50 mins Serves: Makes nine 3x3 squares A super easy and flavorful cheesy Protein meal that works for Breakfast, lunch, supper, or as a tapas style appetizer to serve with a glass of white wine! Melty cheddar and canned diced mild green chiles provide the winning flavor combination for a make ahead bariatric-friendly meal your entire family will love. Instead of mild green chiles, use diced ham or sauteed onions. Ingredients 8 large eggs ⅓ cup flour 1 teaspoon baking powder ½ teaspoon salt Freshly ground black pepper 1 cup, small curd low fat cottage cheese 8 ounces reduced fat Monterey Jack or Cheddar cheese, shredded 2 tablespoons butter, melted One, 4-ounce can diced green chilies, drained 4 or 5 scallions, thinly sliced Instructions Beat eggs until light and lemon colored - using an electric hand mixer if desired. Add flour, baking powder, salt, a few grinds of black pepper and blend until smooth. Fold in the cottage cheese, cheese, butter and chilies. Pour mixture into 8 x 8 inch glass baking dish that has been sprayed with nonstick vegetable spray. Bake at 325 degrees for 45 to 50 minutes, until edges are slightly puffed and the very center of the puff still jiggles a bit when you move the baking dish. DO NOT OVERBAKE - for a moist cheesy texture, remove from oven when slightly underbaked as the heat will continue to cook it out of the oven. Allow to cool for 10 minutes before cutting into squares and serving with favorite salsa. I made this minus the cottage cheese; added ricotta instead. I plan to take some to work to share and freeze the rest. I also did add ground beef that I seasoned as if I was making tacos. It resemble a crust-less quiche or frittata, super filling and is mostly protein. I ate my small 1/2 cup portion with a little sour cream and a dash of Tabasco. It was really good!

Congrats to both of you! Glad you're doing well.

I am too!

Officially post-op!

Officially post-op guys!

Officially post-op!

One Day to Go! So nervous I don't even feel hungry!

Me too! Tomorrow!

One Day to Go! So nervous I don't even feel hungry!

thanksI'm doing ok, the first 2 days were the worst for pain. The incisions aren't that uncomfortable unless I'm trying to stand up from a sitting position Or bending over and it's only on the left side. The diet is ok, I'm still trying to figure out a drinking schedule, and medicine schedule. Other than that I'm feeling pretty good.

Surgery tomorrow!! Its the big day! Nervous/Excited

My surgery is on the 13th too just realised 3days to go!

I kept mine between my mum, best friend and aunty. None if my siblings are aware and as I'm still pre-op and on my diet I think some have noticed I'm not eating as much as I usually do but it may have gone overlooked. My excuse for future reference if there rare any questions are simply to mention drastic changes and you'll most likely be fine because you have been dieting which is clearly noticeable and those changes make a big difference.

I kept mine between my mum, best friend and aunty. None if my siblings are aware and as I'm still pre-op and on my diet I think some have noticed I'm not eating as much as I usually do but it may have gone overlooked. My excuse for future reference if there rare any questions are simply to mention drastic changes and you'll most likely be fine because you have been dieting which is clearly noticeable and those changes make a big difference.

I kept mine between my mum, best friend and aunty. None if my siblings are aware and as I'm still pre-op and on my diet I think some have noticed I'm not eating as much as I usually do but it may have gone overlooked. My excuse for future reference if there rare any questions are simply to mention drastic changes and you'll most likely be fine because you have been dieting which is clearly noticeable and those changes make a big difference.