LisaMergs

At a month out, you're just at the beginning of the journey. By month 3, if you're working the tool, and the tool is working for you, your opinion may very well change. It is ASTOUNDING. To have lost well over a hundred pounds and be almost to goal at 6.5 months out, I'm continually in sheer AWE at the speed, efficiency and efficacy of the procedure. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

@ A powerful post you've written. I understand your fears- though those were never mine. I relished the thoughts of people once again seeing me, not looking past me. I'm no attention hog, but being noticed as someone in the room was certainly appealing. I respectfully disagree with @@PorkChopExpress - in that it IS Not gradual ... Considering most people who are able to lose through diet and exercise alone take two or three times longer so it is more gradual. Losing over 100 pounds in 6 months is HUGE!! Dylan Thomas wrote: Do not go gentle into that good night, Old age should burn and rave at close of day, Rage, rage against the dying of the light..... I have kept this in my head about the WLS and the life where I was, life where I was headed. Fighting for the life I had before WG, and fighting to re-attain it. Knowing that once healthy again, I would not go gently into that good night- I would fight to live, love and experience. If being overweight has been a lifelong experience, your journey can be one of wonder, creator of your new life, discoverer of uncharted waters, master and captain of your own ship, destiny. I never talk about this here, but I sing with a local group. One of my favorite songs to perform has always been Wonder, by Natalie Merchant. It always touched me, but in a different way now...listen to it. Imagine yourself. Here's the YouTube url. Think of yourself as that girl. Never pity the girl you were- certainly mourn her- she will be gone. But, just as importantly, learn from her mistakes, from her triumphs, and then learn how to incorporate her into the new person you will become. Caterpillars need to scoot on a branch, cocoon, before they can fly away as a butterfly. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Congrats to all the new losers! Now go rock this thing!! Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Yeah. That is slow. Are you sleeve or bypass? Best way to up your Protein intake is to add more powder to your shake. For one scoop of a "flavored" powder, I add an additional half scoop of an unflavored, such as unjury. So my shake goes from 24 to 35 g of protein (that's using Water not milk. Milk increases the protein count, as well, but I HATE milky protein drinks!) Add one more shake at 24 g and you're at 59g protein for the day- and around 300 calories give or take. The rest you can get with your meats, dairy, or however you choose. Remember. All Proteins are not created equally. Provided you don't have dietary restrictions, utilize a good whey PROTEIN ISOLATE based powder. Plant based are fine if you're vegan, but they are just not as readily utilized. Consider eggs- two scrambled or poached eggs - that is 14 g of HIGH QUALITY protein and 150 cal. Now you're at 73g of protein for the day. A serving of Greek yogurt like Oikos Triple Zero adds ANOTHER 15g and 120 cal. So now you're at 88g of protein for the day, and 570 cal. See how that works? You can get your protein requirements in and have room for some extra calories from things like almonds (plain!!) or some nut butters. Your veggies too. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

I'm bypass, but heck, surgery is surgery. I was shocked at the order my weight came off. After college, I gained about 22-25 lbs. to a whopping 145. ( spent a lot of money eating out for lunches and dinners post-grad, and likely drinking too much MGD!!) Of course I was mortified! Lol. Three months, cardio and step classes and it was off. It was typical top down loss, with the thighs being last. This time, it was very evenly spread , so no one area lost first or most. I was thrilled the legs went down quickly! Now, I'm left with this "pad" of fat just above the waist and above what would be a butt if I had one left. I have the same amount to get to goal as I did way back after college 22-25 lbs. and I know where every last ounce is sitting. Crunch, plank, lunge. Repeat. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

What do you mean your generation! I'm only 10 years younger than you are and I KNOW my life at 60 with the man I love will be every bit as romantic and breathtaking as it will be at 55.... And so on. So, if it is your man...fix him! If it is both of you... Fix both! But listen carefully: don't let these years slide by without love, drive and of course spontaneity!!!! You will be in the ground soon enough- do not miss out!!! And I don't think it is genetic- I think it is CONDITIONED into them. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Word of advice. Don't eat plates. Bad for the teeth. Let them eat plates!!! Then refer them to me to fix their teeth!!!! Cha Ching!!!!! Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Don't listen to her- she understates everything including her bitchiness. But she's lovable none the less. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Howdy and welcome! Firstly- many congratulations and kudos for taking this huge step!!!! You're on the losers bench now!!! Secondly, don't ever compare your loss with anyone else's. This is YOUR journey! Embrace each step, each tiny victory! Thirdly, the surgery works ONLY and if only you work it! Follow your meal plans to the letter. Work yourself up to your Protein and Fluid requirements ( yes, hard the first few weeks). Don't deviate. Don't try to push the limits. Understand that the surgery was simply a tool afforded to you to attain your ultimate goal- health! Finally, the first couple of weeks your body is adjusting to the changes. Allow it to heal completely and get on board with the new tummy you have. Best of luck to you!!! Only YOU can make this happen- and you'll do just fine! Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Lol. Actually one of my fave workout songs!! Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Latest.... Week before surgery This weekend 6.5 mos out, I'm about 20-25 from goal. Still trying to decide. Down 115 ish from surgery Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Ahhhhh. I don't care what any woman says... I'm all about chivalry being alive and well. A man who actually gives a crap enough to keep me guessing, willing to surprise me, is attentive, focused on me, my happiness, relaxation and wants/needs? That man had me at "Hello..." Reciprocity is king here, though. In a relationship, it's paramount to make certain each other feels wanted, loved, needed, and women are no stranger to this concept. It's simply about these two people finding one another. #lifegoal Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Nope. I think they're disgusting, overly sweet and nutritionally not as sound as many other (whey Protein isolate) choices. AND My nutritionist forbids them unless it's a dire emergency. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

The energy??? Just AMAZING!!! You will be pleasantly surprised I'm sure. Took about all of two weeks for it to kick into full gear post op... And I haven't stopped since- now 6.75 months out (and down 125 lbs from HW) Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

You're beautiful inside and out! Well done. Hard work I know!!! Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Goodness folks. These are not stalls. Stalls are considered stalls when the actually LAST three weeks! Give your body the opportunity to heal, get used to its new way of living and digesting, utilizing the fuel you give it- it will. Your job, at this point, is to eat to live, based upon the nutritional regimen your team gave you, and to get up and be active. That's it. That's ALL YOU NEED TO DO. It really IS THAT SIMPLE. Keep off the scale. Seriously. Step away. If you are finding yourself upset, questioning or discouraged- leave it alone. Follow your plan and it will work. When the scale does not move for 3 weeks- you're in a true stall. The rest is simply your body regrouping for changes. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Excellent work on your part, and an inspiration to many here. I hope those who need to read this, do. Congratulations on your hard work and dedication. May you live the long life you've worked so hard to achieve! Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

I can't wait to buy boots that aren't wide calf!Literally coming from doing JUST THAT! And they are SMOKIN' Hot with 4 inch heels all the way to my knees. Looking at a pair now that come over the knee. Beauties by Ralph Lauren.... Mmmmmmmmm. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App I am seriously jealous, I still have quite chunky legs and am short so still struggle to find boots that fit well and you can wear four inch heels - I think you're my new hero Mind you I'd probably be banned from going into our office as I work with a lot of blokes that are desperately easily distracted and apparently I've stopped being invisible... New hero.... Mmmm. Maybe I WILL dress for Halloween. Put a cape on with the new boots? Lol Seriously- I'm as excited as the next gal here. Years of competition gymnastics, cheerleading and volleyball left me with very muscular thighs. Even before weight gain, I had a hard time with fitted knee high boots. The WLS and years of inactivity were key- I had (finally) lost muscle mass in said calves, and with the weight loss they've gone to a "normal" proportion. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

I can't wait to buy boots that aren't wide calf! Literally coming from doing JUST THAT! And they are SMOKIN' Hot with 4 inch heels all the way to my knees. Looking at a pair now that come over the knee. Beauties by Ralph Lauren.... Mmmmmmmmm. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Fried chicken and cheese grits for everyone!!!!!!!! And yeah, it was the CHCKEN, not the fried part, that made you puke. I agree. Wholeheartedly. Truly I do. Carp anyone?? Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

I'm in the Park Ridge area near Edison Park. City is fine Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Try Water instead of milk with your Protein powder. I can not nor could I ever tolerate milk and protein powder. Including RTD. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App