liannatx

Puree doesn't have to be liquefied....Just soft and the consistency of mashed potatoes Refried Beans and top with grated cheese and/or sour cream and salsa. Ricotta cheese topped with a little Spagetti sauce. Egg salad. chicken Salad. Tuna salad. I was allowed soft scrambled eggs. Cottage cheese. ETC..

Retinols DO work, and literally any dermatologist will back this. They take time to see results, but help build/strengthen the collagen foundation under the skin. Nothing will erase all issues, but an OTC Retinol will help. Hyaluronic Acids also help plump the skin by helping it retain moisture. ROC makes good otc products with retinol, and Estee Lauder makes a great Advanced Night Repair that is heavy in Hyalourin Acid... but pricey. Cerave night cream is affordable, it makes my face break out, but is AMAZING on making my hands look supple and smooth. If it didn't make me have hives on my face I would cake it on my face, lol.

Great tummy! Your hard work really has paid off.

I found this comment confusing as well. As a former lapbander, I find my diet completely different with the sleeve. Steak, chicken, shrimp, and solid meats are my main sources of Protein now... and the same things that used to make me Barf with the LapBand. @Mom26 As for nutrition goals, I don't lose well if I consume many carbs. I tend to eat meat/veggie combinations like fajitas with bell pepper, shishkabobs, steak w asparagus, chicken and broccoli, Tilapia w zucchini, etc... So I basically go for solid meats and very low carb vegetables. It actually makes shopping and meal prep very easy. Load the fridge/freezer with fresh and frozen meats and veggies, and mix and match for a meal.

I also like the Syntrax Nectars in the fruit flavors, and mixed with just Water and iced. I prefer them leaps and bounds over all the chocolate/vanilla options out there .

Super incredible! What a great accomplishment.

192 lbs. for 11/16

I made a list of everything I hated about being so fat. If I ever lose motivation, it is a great reminder of why I wanted this.

I have seen quite a few! If you look under a poster's username it will sometimes have their location... if they have it filled out : ) I am in West Texas.

Happy Belated Birthday! I know it was a great year for you, may this next one be even better!

It is all the IV fluids and swelling from the surgery, totally normal! I came home heavier by several lbs... like 6 or 8 lbs heavier! I don't really remember now, but do know that it dropped off a little each day and by the end of the first week I was several lbs lower than surgery weight.

We cook supper 5-6 nights a week. It is usually easy stuff... grill some steaks and asparagus, throw some Tilipia in a skillet and heat up some broccoli, fajitas and bell peppers on the grill, etc... I like that when we cook supper it leaves me an instant lunch for the next day, I measure my portion of leftovers into Rubbermaid containers and stick in the fridge. Tonite I made a simple casserole with ground beef and cabbage, which will also be lunch tomorrow. I like to make the sausage and egg muffins and keep in the freezer for a fuss free Breakfast.

@LoseItKacy I know exactly what you mean. They have always been one of my body parts that I loved, thin or fat. But they are surely shrinking along with everthing else. As I am losing they tend to droop more as they get smaller too... there isn't as much fat filling them out, lol. Mine tend to stay proportionate to my build, no matter what weight, for the most part... I am just worried about the amount of droop I will end up with.

Next time ask for diet sprite in a martini glass with an olive or twist... the bartender will be happy to comply and no one will question it.

I love your referrals to physical fitness. For weight loss, I have always heard that occurs 90% from the kitchen. Don't only rely on your love for the gym... which I know you wont, you are so committed! You have done amazing to date, keep on keeping on.

Yes! Extra Peppermint! Not a vet though.... not yet!

@Elode I will have something done to them eventually. I know the bigger they are they harder they fall.

@songsmith I know! I think in 7th grade I was 5'3 and wore a 32DD. I probably weighed 100 lbs soaking wet. My mother was curvy too and took me to my 1st Bra Fitting!

@ssflbelle I had that shape that when young is very thin and curvy, when overweight it all goes to the boobs and butt. You will most likely keep the same shape you had.

Mine was only 7 days. I did Protein drinks and all liquids but for one meal... that was protein and veggie only. No, I didn't cheat.

Turkey! I am making the Cauliflower mock baked potato Casserole as a side dish to take. I love cranberry with turkey so that is a given! But my Mom makes it homemade... and it is wonderful.

Thank you so much for sharing a great positive perspective from surgery to date!

Have you tried Syntrax Nectars? They come in fruity Jolly Rancher-like flavors that mix great with Water! Put them with ice in a tumbler with a straw... it makes a world of difference from the chocolate/vanilla stuff. They are great number wise too: 90 cal 0 g carb 0 g sugar 23 g Protein

There is so much about this post that I love! This IS a gift, I am glad to see someone 4+ years out doing so well.